Upon reading More than Maybe, the thing that struck me most was how music set this entire story aloft. It was the gust beneath everything--the characters, the plot, the tone, the romance. It goes without saying that it was the main vehicle by which the protagonists, Luke Greenly and Vada Carsewell, were able to bond after being thrown together for a musical showcase at school (her: the dancer; him: the musical composer) and slowly surmount their secret crushes on one another by working together at a dive bar called the Loud Lizard; but more than that, music acted as a funnel in this. A funnel of emotion and memory.

What I mean by that is - through the unfolding of Luke and Vada's "could we become friends? could we become more?" development set to the backdrop of their shared devotion to music - I found myself reflecting on my own brush with first love. The flood of feelings the two of them experienced was all so familiar. As was the rush of songs I heard when I closed my eyes...listening to them play like a recording from some far away place where I'd stuffed them in my mind...

It yanked me back to that time in my own life in half a second.

In other words, it was lovely to be reminded of all those teenage warm and fuzzies I felt once upon a time. I could hear some of them, too! Much in the same way that meaning could be heard in the songs Luke and Vada texted back to one another in conversation, which was beyond cute.

I also liked how Hahn executed the chosen/found family trope in this. Vada's father, Marcus, is a bit of a deadbeat and an alcoholic to boot. (You want to bloody his nose a few times, honestly.) He won't help her to pay for school in California, where she hopes to get her degree in journalism, their relationship fraught with tension that's multiplied over the years; but she finds a mentor/father figure of sorts in her boss/mother's boyfriend, Phil, who is nothing but loving towards her. Always encouraging her to chase after her dreams.

This romance in this was PG pure, though, plain and simple. It was more emotional than physical. However, I liked that because it was more about little things like the press of his palm on her waist as they slow danced, the slide of her hand into his, and the toe-curling thrill of a first kiss. Everything's heightened at that age or when you experience love for the first time so I reveled the "tingly" drawn-outness of each little moment they shared.

Sweet, adorable, and romantic.

What more could a girl want? (You know, except maybe a playlist.)

3.5 stars

Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the ARC!

I have seen this book on quite a few social media platforms and was so excited to receive it, it did not disappoint! It had such a fun storyline and such loveable characters, you get so invested in wanting them to succeed.

This was a super cute and quick read! I loved the romance, I especially loved Meg, and I really loved Vada's relationship with Phil. I grew up with super supportive step-parents and I loved that being represented in a book.

The only things holding me back from giving this a full five stars were the amount of pop-culture references and the kind of snobbish attitude that the main characters had towards music that wasn't exactly their taste.

“Everything at this moment is so lovely I want to preserve it”
This precisely describes my feeling right now after finish reading a book this lovely.

I was swooning over Hahn's debut book "You'd Be Mine", but "More than maybe" simply blew my mind. Seldom have a brilliant debut been surpassed like this!

I fell in love with this story and every character in it.

"More than maybe" is not just a slow burn Love story about first love, it's also a declaration of the love of music. A bit nerdy maybe, but it was such a freaking AMAZING read.

Erin Hahn has a way with words that is stunning - Some of it is pure poetry. Like her description of Vada's first kiss: “Like butterfly wings or a brush of feathers against sensitive skin”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review this title and join the blog tour!

I loved You'd Be Mine so I knew this one wouldn't be any different. As I expected, I sacrificed sleep to finish this book in less than two nights. I am a diagnosed insomniac and take prescription medication and it seriously didn't even work when reading this book. Erin Hahn beat out my Lunesta and Trazadone cocktail. Kudos.

This book follows Luke, the son of a punk rocker who runs a podcast with his twin brother in the sound booth of a club run by Phil, Vada's mom's boyfriend. A class project brings them together and they discover their long-time crushes on each other are reciprocated in the most heartwarming and mostly uncomplicated kind of way.

The characters:

Vada is music obsessed (with good taste mind you) and loves dance. She aspires to study music journalism and runs her boss's music blog. The dynamics of her family are a little messy with her dad being estranged and kind of a d%$k, but her mom is supportive and Phil is the step-dad that we all asked for (those with d^%k dad, might I add). her best friend, Meg, is also super supportive of Vada and I want her to have a book of her own!

Luke was okay, a little on the bland side at times and I didn't quite understand his need to hide his talents. I wanted him to be successful and famous, but the more I thought about it, the more I saw myself in his character. Although he was not my favorite male romantic lead, he did have the qualities that kept him afloat.

The romance was almost actualized and did not have as much tension as I hoped. But it didn't stop the cuteness overload when these two finally got together.

All in all, I will be a lifelong fan of Erin Hahn is she keeps overriding my sleeping pills this way.

Oh, and can we have a playlist Erin, please??? I'd love to listen to all the songs these two texted to each other as well as everything else.

I devoured this sweet romance in an afternoon. The premise of the story did not disappoint. I loved everything about Vada and Luke's story, and I loved the dual narration. Both of these characters care so much for one another, but they have no clue. Erin Hahn did a fabulous job with the musical references. I found myself looking up the lyrics to the songs I didn't know, and the lyrics fit perfectly with the plot. Readers will also fall in love with Phil, Vada's mom, Zack and Cullen too. Great book, and I can't wait to read and recommend other titles by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 3.5/5 STARS

MORE THAN MAYBE is a YA romance filled with tons of amazing music references. Vada blogs about music while Luke has a famous podcast with his brother and is secretly also a songwriter. In their text messages, they exchange popular songs to convey how they're feeling, which I thought was super creative and added a cool extra layer to this novel. The supporting characters are also really lovely. Phil, Vada's father figure, is so supportive, and Luke's brother Cullen and his boyfriend Zack were adorable together (I would definitely read a spin-off about them). Vada and Luke's relationship was fun to read about in both POV's. It had a hint of insta-love, but was enjoyable nonetheless. I liked reading about how much they loved music and dance. Erin Hahn really encapsulated that feeling of listening to a beautiful song and being moved by the music.

A sincere thanks to St Martin's Press for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram

More than Maybe is a sweet musical romance that not only introduced me to new artists, but more importantly to Luke and Vada. These two are a modern day Cory and Topanga or even Harry and Sally. More than Maybe is a delightful read. It’s a breath of fresh air. Erin Hahn has solidified herself with her second book to become an auto buy author for me.

I'm so disappointed! Ugh! This book started off a little rocky for me.. It starts with Luke who is British. We get that right in the first lines. Then we get a "shite" ""arse" "bugger" and "bloody" in the first few pages.. Lots of Briticisms right off. Like I got it. He is British. It was a little off-putting.

I was unsure about Luke's brother's name. Cullen? Like Edward Cullen? Usually parents of twins use names that go along similar lines. 2 traditional names or 2 unique names. Seemed odd.

After that the story started picking up for me. I liked Luke and Vada. I liked that they both were crushing on each other. I liked the bar they worked at. Everything was working for me. I was looking up this author's other book, I was going to be a fan. I could not put down this book.

Then things kinda fell apart. Luke and Vada weren't getting together and the reason why didn't seem like enough. They both thought the other one just saw them as a friend? No one wanted to make a move even though they'd had feelings for each other for ages?

My other really big issue with the story was the songs. So many songs. Some of them I knew, some of them I didn't. So reading the tests of them sending songs back and forth took me out of the story, I ended up skimming some of those parts. I could have looked them up, but that takes me out of the story. I want to be lost in the story, not having to pause to do research.

The other thing that started creeping into my brain was that this was a lot like "Anna and the French Kiss." A story I LOVE. Anna liked movies, and wanted to be a movie reviewer, had her own blog, etc. This seemed like the same, but with music. They both fell for a guy with a British accent. I started noticing similarities.

Things continued on for a while with no real progression between the pair. Then the song comes out. Up until this point, Luke's family has been amazing. A sharp contrast to Vada's. dad issues, etc. Would his twin brother do that to him? Would his dad keep harping on him. I wasn't super buying it.

The Jesus part seemed thrown in. Like it was important to the author to have some sort of Jesus part but it didn't seem to have any impact on the story?

Also not sure why Vada's dad getting arrested happened. Vada didn't seem to feel any particular way about it and there was no resolution afterwards. Did he some apologize? Did he show up for her at some point? Did she realize she was going to have to cut him out of her life? She didn't seem to have any type of feelings about it other than having some affection for Phil, which she already had.

There is a wedding that happens off camera. Seemed strange to skip that. Luke and Vada have their first kiss and someone posts it on Instagram. Luke is worried about it because he cares about his privacy and is glad that Vada isn't tagged because at this point he cares about her privacy too.

Next, the confrontation with Luke at his house with the weird investors that then cause Vada's band to pull out of the show. I thought this was all strange. I really didn't believe Luke's dad would do that to his son. Seemed strange.

So then the band pulls out and it's all Luke's fault. eh. And Vada blames him and she stops talking to him. Sorry, I wasn't buying this. It didn't seem like this was his fault, or enough to make her be so angry at him. She didn't reach out to the band, or anything. She'd rather just not talk to Luke and then send him shitty songs.

So Luke decides to play at the show. Okay. That's great. The part I didn't buy here was that they were keeping it from Vada. Her phone broke and everyone is sending her on errands and apparently she doesn't talk to anyone or see any advertisements or go on the internet on a computer or any other device? Also she is at work and there are no preparations going on there or signs or anything that would give it away? Okay.

Then Luke poured out his feelings for Vada on stage. He declares his love and names Vada as the girl in his song. Apparently no one is Instagramming that or he no longer cares about his own or even Vada's privacy? She jumps on stage and they kiss. Again, this is for public consumption now?

Meh, I was sad. I didn't like the last half of this book :( Started out so good.

This novel had very salty language and was hard to get into. At least than 10% in, the number of course words and tuck was enough to say not forgoing to read. I appreciate the galley but won't be reading due to language and content.

This book was super cute, and I loved the relationship between the two main characters. I've always had a strong relationship with the music I listen to, so I definitely understood the characters' need for good music.

I decided to give this a four star review instead of a five star review simply because I thought some of the music references may be too heavy. At times, the main characters can be a bit of music snobs, to the point where it's almost off-putting. (It would have been very off-putting for me if they weren't name dropping some of my favorite artists like AJR and Amy Shark.) Vada, for some reason, has a vendetta against Stevie Nicks that made me roll my eyes every time it was mentioned. (Is not liking Stevie Nicks supposed to be edgy?)

A lot of the characters cutesy conversations rely heavily on the knowledge of the songs they send to each other, which could easily confuse and frustrate a reader who has to stop and Google lyrics constantly to understand why a character is freaking out about what was said to them.

That said, since music is the point of the book, it may work for readers since they may know what they're getting themselves into.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I’ll just come out and say it, I was a bit disappointed in this book.

Not at all in the writing, I still loved it as much as in YOU’D BE MINE, mostly my disappointment comes from me not connection with the story.

I was missing a deeper connection between the characters, more dialogues, more time together. Some areas, especially when it came to the music, just went over my head. I’m the worst when it comes to music. I’ll admit it right now, from not being able to carry a tune, to not remembering lyrics. I’m the WORST!! So most of the music related stuff, the YouTube references etc didn’t relate to me at all. BUT that just means I was the wrong audience for the book.

I adored the backstory, in regards to both, Luke and Vada. They were actually pretty similar when it came down to it and complimented each other in a genuine way.

Also the supporting characters, Luke’s family, his brother Cullen and best friend Zack, Vada’s family, and especially Phil, made this novel full of likable and interesting characters. There was no limit to how wonderful they all played off each other. It was fun to see them interact with each other, and the many different dynamics that were part of each group.

I did feel that the story didn’t flow as easy as her debut novel. Some paragraphs actually felt like fillers, and weren’t needed in the overall storyline and didn’t add something new to the plot.

But besides all that, I love the author’s writing. And the way she describes things so authentic and with such an eye to detail. Scenes became so easy to picture. All in all just the way I like it.

So, overall, I believe this novel will be a hit with many YA readers and music lovers. It just wasn’t the right one for me.

This was a super cute high school love story full of popular music reference and tons of songs! I really liked it because the main characters, Veda and Luke were a little different than the average angst-y high school senior romance saga players. British raised Luke is twin to openly gay Cullen who is in a long-term relationship with Luke's bestie Zack. Luke is the quieter of the two and loves music. Their dad is a once well-known English punk rock star who has now retired to doing not too much else... Veda is an aspiring music critic/blogger who works at a club where Luke and his bro tape their weekly podcast plus they know each other casually from school. Veda has her own problem with her absent loser alcoholic father and trying to fund her future college career on the west coast. When Luke volunteers to write a song for Veda's senior showcase dance piece, they begin to spend more time together and discover a deeper love of the same music. Luke eventually gets hired at the club Veda works at and it takes some time any many, many antics before they two of them finally realize and tell each other that they like each other more than just friends. I love the many music and popular references throughout the story. Just adorable! Thanks to NG for the ARC!!

*Jumping to my feet, clapping hysterically and shouting “ENCORE! ENCORE!”* This piece of gem was vibrant, and not just with music. It really needs a standing ovation.
I fell in love with the characters, the story, the swoon feeling, the music. One of the best YA I've read. My 2020 favorite so far—and even though it's still early and I've only read like15 others, I'm sure Vada and Luke and their music nerdiness will stay with me a lot while.
BRAVO!

Another limbo read and I need immediate help! I’m moving back and forth between 3 and 4 stars! My head starts spinning to take the fair decision.

I loved the writing style, smart musical knowledge and intellectual references, I loved supporting characters and it was fast, easy, mostly sweet reading but I’m reading “You’d Be Mine” at the same time and that really confused the hell of me (By the way: there was nothing wrong about the book)

I could give this one four solid stars even though I couldn’t connect with the protagonists and their insta romance. But “You’d be mine” was so sweet, swoony, emotional book and comparison part failed me a little. So I guess, I’m unfortunately stuck with my 3.25 stars and I’m feeling pretty bad about it. Especially after taking a quick look at the lovely cover and sighed for two minutes ( I think I held my breath too long from the look of my purplish face! My husband already start to apply hemlich maneuver to me and I spitted out half bottle of Chardonnay, damn it! Why didn’t he let me choke in peace?)

Here are the things I loved so much about the book:

Vada is not my favorite kind of heroine but I have to admit I loved to read her parts of narration more than Luke. And I also loved Vada’s family parts ( I actually loved Phil and Vada’s mom’s romance parts more reliable and entertaining. I root for them even though they’re supporting characters of the book and I wish they have their own sequel at some parts)

Of course it’s so obvious to visualize my vindictive mind hated passionately from Vada’s father ( yes, my ascendant Scorpio takes over control and keeps on typing the letters)

But let’s turn back to the part why I became tough grader and lower my brownie points about this book. Well, my main reason is only one word: LUKE! Sorry pal, the hero I dreamed to resonate cannot be found at this moment. I didn’t find anything interesting about him. Only great things he is a British boy with charming accent. ( I think the author emphasized his charm more than ten times at the book. I found him a little artificial, spoiled, acting like the life dealt him the worst hand and he’s whining about his supportive family and insists that they never understand him. Look at this lovely drama king!

Romance parts of the book a little haphazard and I craved for more tension, angst, some obstacles, nonsense drama scenes. Maybe I have distorted opinions and I don’t get used to read easy HEAs.

Overall: Of course I loved to read more books of Erin Hahn. I’m already working on “You’d mine” with a big smile on my face and butterflies twisting in my stomach. This story was okay, too but I think I was expected more. I don’t love it too much but I also don’t have any negative opinions, either.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this ARC COPY in exchange my honest reviews.

Music just might be the most important part of Vada’s life. She has a music blog, she works for Phil who owns a music club and she dreams of working for Rolling Stone.

Music is incredible important to Luke too but he has to keep it a bit of a secret. Luke’s dad was a famous musician, he’s retired from music now but he’d love to see his sons follow in his footsteps. Luke loves to write lyrics and he plays his keyboard alone. He’s an introvert and he does not want a life in the public eye. He doesn’t even want his dad to know about his talents.

Vada and Luke have both had a crush on each other for their entire high school years. They ate seniors now and they’ve barely ever talked.
Luke and his brother Cullen rent space from Phil to record their podcast.
So, Vada knows Luke from his podcast and Luke knows her from her music blog.

Music is an important connection between the two. They actually get to know each other in person when they decide to work together for an artistic school project.

This book has its own soundtrack.
I mean this almost literally.
Songs are so important to this story that I found myself writing down a list of them. I’m going to make a YouTube playlist as a soundtrack to this book.
If you don’t make a list as you’re reading, most of the songs are mentioned again at the very end.

I loved how important music was to the story.
I liked Luke and Vada as characters and their connection to each other.
I liked Phil as the non-biological father that Vada deserved.
I even liked all the sideline characters.
I also respected that they didn’t show anyone over the age of twenty as uncool or mean. Sometimes that happens in a book with young leads. It doesn’t happen here. The only adult that truly sucks is Vada’s dad but she has Phil to make up for him.

I got to read an early copy of this book from NetGalley. Thanks!

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's press for a copy of this book.

This was such a cute, heartfelt book. I loved Vada and Luke, and all the music references with the videos and lyrics. I feel like with all that incorporated, and how important music was to them, it helped tell the story more deeply and made you feel emotions related to the songs.
This was my first time reading this author, and I like the writing, it was well written and flowed nicely.

Five Stars!

What a story!

I loved the characters.
I loved the side characters
I loved the storyline.
I loved the way these characters had a slow burn adorable romance.
I loved watching the videos and feeling every word of a sing for a scene in the book.
I loved every single thing about this story.

A young adult story that will have you sucked in from the first few pages. Once you starting meeting the characters, you will fall, you will fall in love with each and every one.

Luke and Vada learn what it means to find their soulmate. And what a emotional journey!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

There is a song for everything. If you are a lover of music and young adult romance then this is the perfect book for you. Vada and Luke’s story is so intelligently told. The reference to music videos had me constantly searching YouTube just so I could listen to the words and feel exactly what Vada and Luke were feeling. This is a must read!

Super cute, lovely little book with real and approachable characters, with fun connections with music. This book is about chasing after what you want and being yourself and following your own path despite others expectations. All the character felt real and fully fleshed out. Oh and Luke’s song lyrics were great!

I would maybe have even thought 4 stars but the trouble with writing books about music - what if your reader detests some of those epic (?) songs? Well. I did. And worse it’s Vada SONG - her anthem if you will - and that pretty much alienated me because I don’t like that band even a little bit. Hahaha. So. That’s where you lost me.

But, overall a cute little book that was enjoyable with some nice themes and messages, fun characters and a feel good but with real issues and growth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.