Luke Greenly wants to compose music, but he doesn't want to be in a band. His father's a famous punk rocker, and Luke doesn't want the spotlight. He co-hosts a podcast with his twin brother Cullen, and secretly pines for music blogger Vada Carsewell. Cullen broadcasts a song that Luke secretly recorded that was all about his feelings for Vada, only he never said her name. Meanwhile, Vada's pursuing her dreams and aiming for a music career of her own, but every time she runs into Luke at the bar she works at, it's like a symphony starts up just because he's around, and who's this mystery girl he's singing about anyway? Opportunity strikes for both of them when they're paired up for a school assignment, and that's when the sparks between them begin to catch fire.⁣⁣
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This story worked really well for me as two people who love music connect on their shared interest, and really get to know each other as people before their crush turns into something more. This was not an insta-love story, and these characters have a lot going on outside of their interest in each other, which made it all the more interesting when their mutual attraction started to become something more. Both Luke and Vada have complex relationships with their fathers, and both love music in different ways that also complement each other. Erin Hahn has turned the musical references all the way up to eleven here, and throughout the story Luke and Vada send each other songs to listen to that convey their mood and feelings to each other, so music fans, rejoice! This is the novel for you. It's perhaps impossible to avoid comparisons to Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, so if you loved that, it's More Than Maybe safe to say you'll love this.⁣⁣

I so wanted to love this book, it sounded right up my alley…but while I did enjoy it, it fell a bit flat for me. Two kids who are both dealing with their own parental issues, and go to the same school but haven’t had much to do with each other until they’re paired up for a school project and discover they have more than they realized in common. They start texting a lot, and gradually getting to know each other and end up being the support that each of them needed.

While I quite liked Vada, our leading lady, Luke Greenly’s character felt a little one-dimensional to me and I didn’t warm to him like I kept hoping I would. Now, I love audiobooks, love them, and can usually overlook a less-than-perfect accent, but I found P.J. Ochlan’s British accent (he’s American) particularly grating and thought he sounded 50-years-old, rather than like the teenager he was supposed to be. That was extremely offputting. I thought Rachel Jacobs did a great job with Vada though, which made her character come to life and feel approachable and dynamic.

Generally, I found Vada really likable. She was driven and focused and was able to maturely handle a number of situations that no kid should have to deal with. Plus, if you are a music buff then you’ll appreciate all the specific references throughout the book.

What a fun YA read!! More Than Maybe was a sweet story about Vada and Luke. They both share a love of music which ultimately brings them together via a class project. Of course, the class project is a convenient way for these two to learn more about one another and further develop their budding friendship. Vada is a music blogger with big goals for her future. Luke is the son of a previous punk rock star. He is crazy talented, but only wants to write music. He has no interest in performing it, much to the chagrin of his father.

The storyline was really about these two characters and the music venue/bar that they work at. Their growing romance is only a part of the story, not the entire focus. There were also well developed secondary characters that you'd love to be friends with. Ms. Hahn did a great job of creating characters that the reader could really care about and become invested in.

I will say that initially the story moved a little slowly for me, but took off before I got too far into it. There are a ton of music references, which might be off-putting for some. Since that's the hook for this story, I think the music references are necessary to give the full impact of what it meant to these characters. Even if you don't get all the music references, I think you'll still enjoy this book.

My only complaint is the cover. Can we be done with cartoon covers yet? They seem to be all the rage and I'm truly not a fan. This cover did depict the relationship between Vada and Luke and their link to music. Sometimes these covers don't even reflect the story properly. Fortunately, I thought this one did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books and Erin Hahn for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Erin Hahn’s MORE THAN MAYBE was a sincere treat! Come for the adorable slow-burn romance and 90’s music references, stay for the nuanced depiction of father/daughter/son relationships that will have you alllll up in your feelings. I thought I was in for a cute romcom, instead I was crying my eyes out over washed-up rockstars. Who could have guessed?!?!

I really thought that Luke and Vada’s romance was super cute. I really enjoyed that most of the tension in their relationship most derived from the two of them being idiots about each other. As someone who was once a teenager, this felt very authentic to my own experiences.

The true heart of the book, the power of the book, is in how Hahn depicts the various father figures in the book. First is Marcus, Vada’s biological, but incredibly deadbeat dad. I have had many friends that have had a Marcus in their lives. Next is Phil, the Kevin Smith look-a-like club owner who is Vada’s boss and a true father figure in her life. Some of his emotional beats with Vada had me sobbing on my kindle. Charlie, Luke’s father was also interesting – he was incredibly flawed, but still loving. When it mattered, he showed up (which also had me crying on my kindle).

I will say after finishing the book I was desperate to listen to the songs mentioned by Vada and Luke, and I was really glad that Erin had made an extensive playlist with all the songs. Definitely wait until you’ve finished the book to start listening to the playlist – each song has so much more weight when you do! Maybe the next time I listen, I’ll grab a glass of lemonade with maraschino cherries.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Yes, please! More Than Maybe and all Erin Hahn has to offer please!!!! It doesn't matter that I'm a full grown adult with kids almost Vada and Luke's age. This book is heartwarming, swoony, and absolutely wonderful. Almost everyone has had a crush (whether or not it was so bad it debilitated them) so it's super easy to empathize with them. It's a chance to experience what happens when you click with that ONE person and it's a chance to fall in love with love.

Hahn has definitely embraced what I can only assume is a vast knowledge or her inner music nerd for More Than Maybe. While her first novel proved a love for music, it seems Hahn has unearthed her knowledge and given us all some new songs to add to our playlists. Whether you "gel" with the new (or in some cases, old tunes), you will fall for these characters one quirky conversation at a time. I don't just mean Vada and Luke. I'm not so secretly hoping Hahn would give us Cullen's story too because I'm a sucker for HEA and my hopeless romantic soul needs Zach and Cull to be forever. Phil is a keeper as well and would love to see him in the future too. Or maybe...More Than Maybe I need to tell you that this book is everything you want, hope and love about young adult books- regardless of your age.

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn is an wonderful young adult romance, which I enjoyed. Luke Greenly and his twin brother, Cullen, grew up with their famous punk rocker dad. Luke has great talent singing and writing songs, but he does not want to be in the spot light. Vada Carsewell works for her mother's boyfriend Phil, who owns the Loud Lizard. Cullen and Vada have admired each other from a far, and are now getting to know each other. I really liked all the music references in this book. I even found myself looking up the songs lyrics. I love the quirky people and situations in this book, and watching the characters grow. I found this book to be a quick read, and highly recommend it to all YA romance readers, young and old.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.25/5 stars. This was a really sweet YA romance. Loved having music as the background, though I wish I could hear the songs that were written (much like Daisy Jones & The Six).

A cozy, delightful novel! With endearing protagonists, a setting that is warm and lived-in, conflict that can be resolved predictably, and song references to boot!

Strengths: Protagonists that are distinctly drawn, focus on loyalty to family while also maintaining the importance of following one's personal dreams/goals, setting that excels in building a sense of familiarity

Weaknesses: Predictability, degree of cursing (excessive!)

Thank you to NetGalley, publishers, and Erin Hahn for early access to this title! Would recommend!

The publisher kindly invited me to the blog tour and offered me an advanced reader copy via NetGalley. Yet, this review reflects my unbiased opinion.

More Than Maybe is a book that speaks to the soul of the reader and another precious YA contemporary by Erin Hahn. In case you're new to this author, she has also written You'd Be Mine, which is superb and perfect if you love country music like I do. The author is excellent at writing perfectly relatable characters and creating a narrative that could very well be real, and not fiction.

I truly enjoyed reading More Than Maybe. I don't think I've read a book with two main characters that I identify with so much. Luke is an adorable introvert (like me!) who knows what he wants to do but isn't sure how. Vada is the ambitious girl with big dreams and a clear path as to how to get there. She has also had a strained childhood, with a dad being M.I.A. or causing trouble when he's not M.I.A.. Not to overshare, but I was Vada. I also had a Phil-like figure in my life, but damn, Phil is the one in a million stepdad. These two characters were so me that it felt like I was reading a story based on my life. It was a shock, a relief, and a delight at the same time.

I loved the characters. I also loved how the romance wasn't the center of the story. It was about two teenagers finding their way towards their dreams and the future they want to achieve. All the characters are fully fleshed out and well-developed. I do believe relatable characters is the author's specialty, so she definitely didn't disappoint!

There wasn't a thing I disliked about the book. The pacing and plot line were a little too slow for me, and I didn't feel an urgency to resume reading the book. But this was just me.

Other than that, the book is great, and I am really glad that this book will be out in the world. I strongly believe that this story and these characters will touch and resonate with many readers and teenagers.

4 stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

More Than Maybe is ya contemporary that showed up in my life just when I needed one.
I was craving for a story like this, and am so grateful it was in my hands in the exactly right time.

Therefore, because I enjoyed every single page of this book (the bitter and the sweet) I had to rate it so high.

Music (or songs to be particular) plays big role in both Vada's and Luke's life which, as a result, has that it has big role in this story too.
They send music links to each other through the story, and I imagine if a reader goes and listen to them while reading, it makes the reading experience so much richer.

I haven't played all the songs, but some I have.

I have to mention here that one particular song (Anna Begins by Counting Crows) was triggering for me, as it puts me in the dark place, and I couldn't help myself, I had to listen to it again and again.
However, it is important to emphasize that it is purely, 100% personal.

The novel is written in first person, from two perspectives: Vada's and Luke's.
I enjoyed Luke's POV little more, as he was more interesting to me as a character.

This was really good coming of age ya romance, and I would recommend it to ya contemporary lovers out there.

Thanks to Wednesday Books for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

I was so excited to review this book by Hahn because I loved You'd Be Mine last year, and I enjoyed this one just as much. She puts so many music references in this book that I just loved. I think it really adds to the experience, especially if the reader takes the time to look up the lyrics or listen to the songs that are mentioned in the book. 

I also loved Luke and Vada. They each like music and are connected to it in their own ways, yet their friendship is also brought together because of this shared love and passion. There are also complicated family dynamics and problem solving for these characters as they are about to embark on adulthood. There is a great balance in this book between the music, friendships, family relationships, and potential love in this story.

I read Erin Hahn's first book, You'd Be Mine, last year and loved it for the inside view of rising stars in the music industry. More Than Maybe is also set in the music world, but with characters who have already risen, and descended, in fame and influence.

I loved the characters and relationships in this book. I found them so charming, but realistic. This book also had lots of music references that had me jumping on Youtube to look up all the bands mentioned in the story. This was a simply joyous book.

What I Liked:

Characters:
Vada is a girl with so much going on. As a senior in high school, she has been accepted into college, but needs to find a way to pay for it (no wealthy parents here). Her whole life is centered around figuring out what she'll do. Even with after school jobs, and possible scholarships, she's falling short. She really needs her bio-dad to step up and help pay for college. But he's got a new family and doesn't feel it's his responsibility. I can totally relate to the stress and anger she feels. I loved that she never gives up. Her journey moves from anger and helplessness to acceptance and embracing all the positive things (and people) in her life.

Luke's dad has already had a successful music career in England. You can tell his dad really misses the fame and power he had. Luke knows that he has the talent to follow in his dad's footsteps, but wants no part of the notoriety that comes with fame. He would much rather work in the background, composing music, than performing it. I liked that Luke knew what he wanted and would not be persuaded from his own goals.

Parents:
I loved that these were not just stereotypes of parents, but a variety of realistic people. Luke's parents have a longer-term marriage, and his dad is projecting his own aspirations onto his kids. This happens so much! Vada's parents are divorced and now with other partners. Her dad is a total jerk, wanting his daughter's respect, but not helping her out in any way.

But the most wonderful adult in this book was Phil, Vada's boss who is also dating her mom. While he's an anchor for Vada and her mom. he is not there to save them. I thought that showed a great deal of respect for them.

Music:
There is so much wonderful music in this book that I can't possibly list them all. I enjoyed how the characters connected to the music. There is already a playlist on Spotify!

Loved the many, many songs in this story and how they were used as complete texts to send a message. Playlist at the end was great. Followed the trope, but in a good way. Teen romance fans are sure to sa-woon (h/t Sarah Dessen).

Young, hardcore music fans this YA romance is just right for you! The main characters, Luke and Vada alternate narrating the chapters and as the reader, you are constantly rooting for each of them. This book is perfect for when you are in the mood for light-hearted romance. The characters are fun and whimsical but also appeal to teenagers looking into college and serious about their futures. The music trivia is an added bonus and helps the reader understand the characters. The best part of this book is the characters aren’t heavy on the angst; instead they are smart, well behaved but still rebellious teenagers. The characters aren’t stereotypical teenagers or clichés. And Hahn does a good job of giving each one a unique personality and fleshing out each character’s role in the book.

Do like YA romance? How about music, are you a music lover? If you answer yes to either of these questions, you will most likely enjoy this book. If you answer yes to both of these questions, you will probably love this book!

Vada is a Hugh school senior, and she has a plan. She wants to be a journalist that covers music and musicians. She works at her mom’s boyfriend’s bar, The Loud Lizard, where many bands play. She has taken over the bar’s music blog and has quite a following. She’s hoping to go to a prestigious college in CA if she can figure out how to finance it (maybe she can talk her dad into helping). She has also had a crush on Luke for years, but she doesn’t have time for that.

Luke and his twin brother, Cullen, have a popular podcast and they record it at The Loud Lizard. Turns out Luke’s had his eye on Vada for a while too, but has been too shy to do anything about it. And he’s a talented musician that has no interest in performing, much to his former punk rock dad’s dismay. Vada and Luke get paired up on a school project, and this forces them to spend time together.

I loved how awkward, snarky, and, sometimes angsty their communication was! They do a lot of communicating by sharing songs, so if you are a music nerd, you must read this! I am not at all musical, so think I missed out on this aspect of the story, but still enjoyed it! I will continue to read whatever Erin Hahn writes. This was a fun YA romance that made me smile and feel the feels!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

More than Maybe

All the stars


All the stars. I loved this book. I
Immediately fell in love with Veda and Luke. They are adorable and I love how they describe music and know
Every song and lyric. This book has an amazing playlist made from songs they send each other or represent certain moments. I loved everything about it.
Veda wants a to be a music critic. She already does to concerts and reviews bands in her blog. She wants to go to college on the west coast but is having trouble affording it and her father who is barely in her life is refusing to help. Luke is the son of a famous punk rocker. He loves music but not stardom. He wants to write but not perform. He works on a podcast with his brother. They record it at the club Veda works at. Veda and Luke have crushes on each other but don’t really talk to each other. One day they are thrown together at school and the relationship grows from there. I highly recommend this book. It a really heartfelt. It pulls you in like a great sing and keeps you there.

This is the first book that I read by this author and I thought it was a sweet YA romance novel. I loved the main characters and how they had very similar backgrounds. I felt that Luke and Vada complimented each other well! However, I did feel like there was a lot of fillers within the book which made it difficult to read at times.

I'm stuck between rating this a 3 or a 4, so 3.5 I suppose it is!

More Than Maybe was an adorable contemporary romance about two teens (young adults, really) that are brought together by their shared love and passion for music, despite all the problems they face in their day-to-day lives.

On the one hand, there's Vada, an aspiring music journalist who has a solid plan for accomplishing her dreams without the support of her absentee father. On the other hand, there's Luke, who's long since buried his talent for singing and song-writing.

The book mainly focuses on how their relationship grows, stemming from the pair's similar tastes in music. I found this book and it's characters sweet, if a little 2-D. The romance is built well, although the storyline itself is quite predictable at times. There were also many, many pop culture references, not all being music-related either, which I wasn't all that fond of.

Additionally, Cullen, Luke's twin brother, and his relationship with his boyfriend, Zach, was cute, even if it wasn't focused on much. The issues that Luke faced with his father seemed very abruptly solved, in an unrealistic "change of heart" kind of way.

I think my favorite character was Meg, Vada's close friend, due to her blunt way of speaking and effervescent personality.

I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a (relatively) short, casual contemporary romance, and of course, music fans.

What a sweet first love story! I think this is a perfect little summer read with lovely, sweet characters. Vada and Luke do well at transcending the cliches often present in YA love stories and telling us something new.

I loved the POV switching between the two leads, and tying the story together with music references was really smart. I loved that the author allowed the characters to build a genuine loved based on common interests and shared values. It was such a nice change from a lot of other YA I've picked up this year, and I will definitely be suggesting this one to the teens in my life.

Loved this book, can't wait to read more from Erin Hahn. Thanks you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

More than just a good book!

More Than Maybe starts with Luke and Vada as the oblivious kids in high school trying to be themselves. Vada has a five-year plan for her future and working at the Loud Lizard is the start especially when her mom is dating her boss and Luke is happy doing the small podcast with his twin brother that accidently goes viral.

I think this is one of the better teen books that I have read this year about music, family and interfering friends that make you realize that you have fallen in love with the characters

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.