YA and music fans, you need to read this book!! This book was such a great story about growing up, first love, music and family. Both Vada and Luke are just so lovable. I didn’t want the book to end and hope there will be stories of the other characters in this book.

This story was adorable! It took me around 100 pages to get into this story but I ended up really loving the characters and the way music was present in the story. Further, I liked the writing style and loved the ending. However, I did not like everything about the story. It contained insta-love, which I'm not a big fan of, and the plot was lacking a bit. (Especially in the first half of the book). Overall, this was a cute and fun read and I'm happy I read it.

4.5 stars

More Than Maybe was so adorkably sweet and cute. I'm pretty sure I got at least a dozen cavities while reading it and there were so many times that I couldn't wipe the dopey grin off my face. I fell in love with all the characters (well, besides Marcus), and it made my music loving heart rejoice.

I don't need to rehash the synopsis because there are plenty of wonderful reviews out there for that. I want to talk about how this book made me feel. I admit that if you aren't familiar with the songs referenced or mentioned in the book, it might be overwhelming. Music obviously plays a huge part in this novel and many times it is how our characters communicate with each other. I thought this added another wonderful layer to the feelings and moments Luke and Vada shared. Their sweet romance was captured so perfectly and Luke couldn't have been more adorable.

There have been many times in my life that a song, or even a single line in a song, has hit me square in the chest. Songs that have burrowed so deep inside me that they are forever tied to moments in my life. Just hearing them brings all the emotions rushing back to me - for better or for worse. That's how More Than Maybe made me feel. It reminded me of all the butterflies and wonder of young love. It reminded me of the uncertainty and fear that comes with making yourself vulnerable. It reminded me of the hope and excitement of possibility.

It's rare for me to enjoy a cast of characters as much as I did in this book. Every single one of them shined and added to the story. Yes, the story centers around Luke and Vada and is told through their POV's, but I loved how all these characters came together to create a family. They push when they need to, but they also steady and support. Meg, Phil, and Zack were particular favorites for me and I'm over the moon that Meg is getting her own book. Erin Hahn's writing was amazing and I loved all the witty banter and hilarious inner monologues. This is my first book by the author, but I can't wait to read more.

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

I haven't loved a YA as much as I love this one in a long time -- I often miss that swoon and anticipation in a lot of YA I've read lately and I am here to tell you that this one has it all! There was no warm up, no waiting in this book for the good parts to being. Instead, there was a lot of longing but in the most swoony and perfect way. More than that, however, the story, the pacing, the characters, the music -- all of it fell in this almost cosmic way. I know I will return to this book and I credit it with reminding me that I do love YA.

More Than Maybe comes out later this month on July 21, 2020, and you can purchase HERE. If you want a YA with all the swoons, you will love this one!

She beams a smile and grabs my hand and tugs me toward her. She does a slow spin under my arm, and my other hand finds her waist, prompting her to turn and draw out with our arms spread between us. She doesn't let go, instead curling into me and fitting. The music in my ears slows, and I slow to match. She doesn't object. Her arms find their way around my neck, and I rock us together. She closes her eyes, and her lashes flutter over the tiniest, most perfect constellation of freckles spread across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

Well.

That's it.

There's absolutely no coming backing from this. Science has shown, once you start noticing constellations in freckles, you're fucked.

This was so adorable and made my heart happy. You're immediately drawn to Luke and Vada and their family dynamics are great. I love the element of music that seems to be a trend in Erin's works, the original songs she includes are fantastic and once again I want an album of them (and the songs that Luke and Vada send back and forth to each other are on point!). When you get the chance definitely pick up this! I can not wait to read more from Erin.

Thank you to Wednesday Books, Erin Hahn and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️
Silent rave? Dance with a bunch of strangers? Hell yeah! I’ve always wanted to do that! Please give me an invite to the next one.
This is definitely a lyric-artist kind of book. A place where you’d have to know your music to completely understand these two.
It is a YA.. with a little bit of romance and a long wait to find out where it goes. I wanted to like it more, but it just didn’t happen this time.

This is a Netgalley ARC, from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

I really struggled to get into this book. In fact, I almost gave up after the 2nd chapter. But I"m glad I kept going, because this book ended up being a delightful read. I liked how Vada was a strong minded female protagonist who, even while she was crushing big time on Luke, and ended up in a relationship with him, she didn't let that get in the way of her dreams. It was fun to see how Vada and Luke's love of music was intertwined in everything they do. While I didn't know every single song that was mentioned, I at least recognized the bands and was able to get a general idea of intent behind why it was included.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.

I really enjoyed reading Erin’s debut novel You’d Be Mine last year so I was thrilled to be contacted by Wednesday books to read and review More Than Maybe. Whilst I’m way pass the YA age I love a good romance story and this book did not disappoint.

I love the promise that a YA romance holds, it sends me straight back to me teenage years and when I first met my husband. There’s the excitement and anticipation of wondering what the other is thinking and agonising over the best reply! Erin Hahn does a fantastic job of capturing that emotion and building the romance tension to the first kiss.

Alternating between Vada and Luke’s POV was refreshing. It was funny seeing where their wires were crossed and getting their personal reaction to all the scenarios. As a musician I have a soft spot for the introvert, quietly romantic teen that was Luke Greenly. He stole my heart within the first few chapters and has kept it ever since, Vada does not know how lucky she is! Luke was definitely my favourite character and the one I identified with the most. I too don’t like to perform, my hands get all shaky and I break out into a sweat which is not ideal for a pianist. How does the saying go? Those who can’t teach, well that is definitely me, except like Luke I can I just choose not to share.

One of the stand out features of Erin’s debut book was the inclusion of lyrics which she has included this time as well. For me this makes the book a little more unique I just wish I could hear the song and watch Vada dance. Music is so emotional but when you add a dance the story comes alive in front of you. For now I will just settle with my own imagination.

As Erin said in the author notes writing a second book is hard but I think it is safe to say she has bested herself and created characters that are even more relatable and lovable. I can not wait to see what you bring to your next book!

“Are you there, God? It’s me, Smitten.”

This might just be one of my favorite reads of 2020. It’s quirky, witty, and vibrant. And I kind of love it. Let me give you the run down.

Remember that time you had a reciprocated crush for 3 years on someone and then you became best friends (or maybe more???)? Neither do I, but this requires a suspension of belief.

More Than Maybe follows Luke and Vada. Luke is the son of a former rock star, and channels his own love of music into composing. He’s shy and feels his passion is private, and feels no desire to perform. Vada also loves music. She works at her mother’s boyfriend’s bar/club, and writes about their live music in her blog. Luke and his twin brother also coincidentally record their podcast at said bar. Vada and Luke pass by each other once a week at the bar, but have major crushes on each other from Vada listening to Luke’s podcast, and him reading her blog.

A class project leads brings them together. The two bond over music and become friends. Just as they start to fall for each other, Luke’s brother releases a recording of Luke singing a love song, and a million hits only starts to complicate things.

The whole book was unique, from the characters, to the storyline, the relationships, the music, just everything.

First, it was so refreshing that this wasn’t one of those stories where they love music and dream of making it big and becoming famous. Both Luke and Vada have no desire to perform publically and see their passions as something private and all their own. It shows that just because you’re good at something and love it, doesn’t mean you have to give that piece of yourself to the masses.

I also loved the relationships in the book. Luke has a great mother-son relationship, but butts heads with his dad on Luke being against performing. Luke also has a twin brother, Cullen. The book shows so well how the two are so different, but also stand by each other, making a realistic sibling dynamic. Cullen is also dating Luke’s best friend, Zack. I really liked how the author showed Luke’s viewpoint on this, sharing his best friend with his brother.

Vada also has a great mother-daughter relationship, but it isn’t given as much attention. I loved her dynamic with her mother’s boyfriend, Phil. He’s her mentor and like a father to her. It’s really heartwarming, especially when you compare it to Vada’s relationship with her father, Marcus. Marcus is a drunk and takes advantage of his daughter—using her to get free drinks, babysit his other kids, get him concert tickets—basically, he’s a slimeball and you’ll hate him.

Vada also has a best friend, Meg. And I don’t know how to feel about Meg. Like personality-wise, she’s okay. She’s a good friend to Vada. I just think it’s weird that they’re eighteen and this girl literally wears fairy wings. Like Halloween costume wings. All the time. And no one acts like it’s weird. Do people actually do this?

I also just kind of love Luke. He doesn’t fall into the love-interest cliché of being the super confident, suave, popular guy. He’s a music nerd! He’s awkward! He’s even shy! Plus, I’m just loving that he has glasses. Why doesn’t anyone wear glasses in books, movies, and TV?

Vada and Luke also made great narrators. They were witty, and their romance was cute. Their back and forth was cute and fun. It reminded me of Tweet Cute in a way.

I loved how music was included in the book. It truly felt like it was a part of their lives and not some added quirk or forced personality trait so I think that was done well. But it bothered me that all the singers and bands in this book are real except for Annie Mathers. I haven’t read any of this author’s other books so I was really confused who Annie Mathers is, and I think that takes away from the story a little.

I do think this could have/ maybe should have been aged up. As a college student, it bothers me that there are so few books about college-aged people. With a few minor adjustments, Vada and Luke could have easily been in college. It also would have made sense for her to work in a bar if she were in college. She is eighteen, but that also felt a little unrealistic.

It seemed like the story dragged a little in the middle, too. It felt like a little too much lead up to the climax of the story.

**Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. This in no way affected my review of the book**

"We want to be moved and changed and knocked over and pieced back together. We want to swoon and taste and cry and scream to the sky, yes, Yes, this."

I experienced all of those emotions and more while reading Erin Hahn's More Than Maybe. And I indeed will be screaming to the sky "yes, this!" I can say with no hyperbole that this very well may be my favorite book of the year. It will be incredibly hard to top it. I loved it wholeheartedly.

More Than Maybe is about Vada Carsewell, a music blogger who works at a local dive bar, and Luke Greenly, a boy who has a podcast with his twin. The two have mutual crushes on each other without the other knowing and are connected by their shared love of music. When the two start to work together on a school project, the feelings intensify and might lead to them becoming "more than a maybe".

First off, I just have to say that the music recommendations from this book were out of this world (I will forgive the Taylor Swift mention because the others very much outweigh her). The fact that The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" was mentioned more than once had me swooning in my chair, as it is one of my favorites and helped me connect with the characters impeccable taste even more. The songs I didn't know I looked up and there wasn't one among the bunch I didn't enjoy. I love books where at least one character is deeply into music, but this felt like it was on another level of good taste. Bravo on the playlist.

I also really enjoyed Vada and Luke as separate characters and as a couple. Vada is shown to be intelligent, competent and strong willed, but also has vulnerability to her. It's nice to see a female lead who can be tough and soft at the same time. I have no doubt Vada could hold her own in any given situation, but she doesn't have to come off as too tough for feelings. I love that rawness about her. Her home situation also closely mirrored mine as a teenager (single mother with an out of the picture, but still kind of around and emotionally negligent/abusive father). So on that personal note, I related to Vada and her relationship with her mother. That felt very real to me. Luke describes himself as a "high-functioning introvert in a houseful of raging extroverts" at one point and that also spoke to my soul. He's very private, but also very funny, caring, and willing to put himself out there for those he loves. The two together had a slow burn romance, which I love. It didn't feel rushed or forced, but natural. More romances like this, please!

The minor characters were also interesting. I liked Luke's twin brother, Cullen, and Vada's best friend, Meg, a lot. They were fun and didn't feel like filler characters like some background characters can. The way family was portrayed in this felt accurate to the way you feel misunderstood as a teen trying to branch out into newfound adulthood without feeling disrespectful to the parents, which I don't often find in YA books. I never felt like the protagonists were unfair in their handling of themselves with their parents. I liked that Hahn never felt like she had to portray the parents as uncaring or inept so that the teen protagonists had something to react to. It was very well done.

Overall, this book was just masterful. It is both humorous and heartbreaking. It will bring you to high highs and leave you sobbing in a puddle on the floor. To borrow Vada's review technique, if this book were a song, it would be an eye-closer the whole way through. You should sprint --not run-- to your local book store to pick up this one. I loved each and every minute of it and know that Luke and Vada will be with me for a long time to come.

This is a standout YA book and I really loved it! Luke is a talented musician who avoids the spotlight after growing up with a famous father. He channels his creative talents into a popular podcast with his twin brother. Vada is a music blogger and dancer who is focused on building a future in music journalism. They each have a secret crush on one another as they form a friendship based on their love of music. One of the aspects of this book that I loved was the song choices sprinkled throughout Vada and Luke’s conversations. Have your music app ready as you read! The love story is written in such a respectful and mature way. Vada and Luke develop such a sweet connection based on mutual respect and support. There are strong storylines around family dynamics that really add to the plot. You will fall in lovee with the positive relationships and your heart will break for the tough ones. The supporting characters are also so well written but never fall into stereotypical teen roles. I was so sad to get to the end of this book! I want more of Vada and Luke’s stories.

Thank you to Erin Hahn, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable and fun, though not without authenticity and heart. While a little mired in teen movie cliches it still resonated beyond all of the things that had been done before. Good for fans of John Hughes and Cameron Crowe movies. I liked how ordinary this was underneath the hipster facade, which didn’t seem to fully work, because cool kids today don’t reasonably idolize Counting Crows. In fact no cool kids ever have. Despite that, I enjoyed this.

Erin Hahn writes excellent contemporary ya, a rare thing these days and her sophomore novel is just as well done as her first, with a great story, well drawn characters, and best of all, a moving, thoughtful plot. Very highly recommended.

How do I describe a love story that makes you all mushy inside? More than Maybe- the air of potential in the title is everything, expectation, and wanting.

I am going to preface; like Luke Greenly, I have a thing for Gingers. I do not dye my hair with fidelity to mask the fact that my red locks do not grow naturally. *sarcasm* I loved everything about this book- the music, the British accents, nerdy awkwardness between the two main characters. It is like an amplified version of who I wish I could be cool enough to be, Vada. This is a sickly cute story that deals with self-confidence, defying expectations, music (did I mention that already?), family issues and expectations. This dual perspective narrative is everything, because I love being able to know what is going on in each of their minds. There have been quite a few dual perspective narratives that I have read recently, and I think this is one of the better written ones.

Vada has always had a plan for her music career: Taking over the music review blog, working for Phil (the owner of the best dive bar Loud Lizard), study under Phil to absorb his amazing taste in music, and lastly, run Liberty Live the big summer live concert event before she goes off to California for college. Luke has always wanted to stay in the background: he has a podcast with his effervescent Twin brother Cullen, he composes music (but hates performing), has a dad who was a famous British Punk rocker in the 90s. Luke is always the first one to read Vada's reviews as soon as they are posted, and Vada (would never admit it to them) listens to Luke and Cullen's podcast every night before bed.

Both are super awkward and have a hard time reading and giving signals. Slowly they become closer friends through a top secret school project. Luke starts working on Loud Lizard to continue getting close to her. This adorable love story is amazing. With some issues that both main characters face there is enough conflict while also showing how love can overcome all of the problems.

Erin Hahn's new novel will be coming out in late July 2020. It will be a fun read for all who are interested. http://kaitlynrcarpenter.weebly.com/blog/more-than-maybe-by-erin-hahn

More Than Maybe is the dream book for all of us readers who adore music. Not just casually. I mean those of us who have weirdly intimate attachments to songs and artists. This book is basically a love letter to music and its magical powers.

Vada loves, lives, and breathes music. Working at her mother's boyfriend's dive bar to help put on live shows, engaging with music via dance, and writing stellar reviews on her music blog are all of the ways she has dedicated herself to the music industry. And she doesn't plan to stop there. With a 5-year plan to begin her career in music journalism, Vada is determined to succeed.

Unfortunately, her plans do not include charming Brit Luke Greenley stealing her heart. But sometimes, the best things are unplanned, as Vada's mother wisely points out.

Luke is quiet, totally charming, and very talented when it comes to writing and singing his own music. Despite being the son of his legend rockstar dad, Luke wants absolutely nothing to do with his father's fame––or his dream for Luke to follow in his footsteps. In fact, Luke hates the idea of performing, large crowds, and all of the stardom and attention that comes with it.

As Luke and Vada connect over their mutual love of music, they both must overcome the things (or people) holding them back. Of course, cuteness, angst, and lots of musical shenanigans ensue.

While you might think Luke and Vada are the stars of this book, I couldn't help but fall in love with all of the secondary characters and the way the family and friend dynamics were shown. Vada's soon-to-be stepdad, Phil, shows Vada unwavering support and is the absolute cutest when fawning over Vada's mom. How could we not love him?

Meg, Vada's best friend, is absolutely adorable! I really wish she had been a little more developed and more present in the story, as she really shined on the sidelines. Cullen and Zack, Luke's brother and best friend who happen to be totally in love, are relationship goals, especially when it comes to baking cupcakes and working together to support Luke.

More Than Maybe is bustling with delightful characters that I would die to see more of. A sequel, perhaps? (A Cullen and Zack sequel would be perfect, honestly.)

Not to play off of the title or anything, but this book really left me wanting more. Not exactly more of the story, although I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I just wanted to feel a little something more than I did. For me, it wasn't one of those books that hit hard emotionally, and I was really craving that. That's absolutely not to say this book doesn't pull at the heartstrings, because it totally does. I just wanted to feel it a little more.

To be fair, I pinned higher, possibly unrealistic, expectations on this book based solely on the fact that this book is set in Michigan (Ann Arbor, specifically) and I dearly miss my home state and all of my people there. There was no way this book could possibly live up to my expectations and deliver the level of emotion and nostalgia I was craving in that regard. I think a visit home is terribly overdue for me. Michigan, here I come!

All in all?

More Than Maybe is totally adorable, fun, and full of music references and romance. It is a delightful and sweet contemporary that gives you a good dose of midwest/Michigan vibes.

This is a cute YA romance with a kind of Eleanor & Park vibe - two high school seniors who slowly fall in love around a shared interest in music. There weren't really any huge points of conflict or surprises, which left me wanting a little more out of the story. I'd say this is well-suited as a YA beach read, but am not sure it will resonate as much with an older crowd.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This ADORABLE YA novel follows two high school seniors: Luke Greenly, son of an ex-punk rock star, a secret composer, and podcast host, and Vada Carsewell, music blogger and local music venue employee.

This was such a fun read for me! As a music lover myself, I loved the song references throughout and will definitely be listening to the playlist at the end of the book :notes: In addition to that, the characters were so passionate, the relationships (between Luke and Vada, Vada and her boss/mom’s boyfriend, Luke and his twin brother) all felt very real, and the development of those relationships from the beginning to the end were beautiful to read.

My one complaint is that I wish we got to experience more of Vada and Luke as a couple. The few chapters we got were swoon-worthy :heart_eyes: and I wish there was more!

This was a sweet love story that absolutely captured my heart. Luke and Vada tugged at my hearstrings like nothing else and I was cheering for them from start to finish. A classic summer beach read.

This book is full of wonderful characters and a sweet story that’s bound to have you cheering for Luke and Vada. Music fans are going to fall in love with all the musical references throughout and you’ll have plenty of new songs to add to your spotify playlists. I loved the LGBTQ+ representation and the kind nature of so many of the characters.

While it’s really important to make sure I read just before I review a book, l also don’t recommend waiting until the day before it’s due to be released either. I am unable to give myself time to ponder the style, the plot or any of those other elements that require some thought before writing a review.

So, just so you know – I just finished More Than Maybe not 30 minutes ago, and I am still aglow with the lovely grand gesture and the perfectly pitched epilogue, and the tremendous bond that is the love between Vada and Luke.

They share the story with alternate chapters. Luke is a British boy, all charm and music nerd, a perfect counterbalance to wannabe music journalist Vada. I loved that they both had secret crushes on each other, which is a bit different to the usual plot where it’s either the boy or the girl who has the long-term crush. Here we see Luke feverishly checking every time Vada posts a new music vlog, and Vada going to sleep listening to Luke’s soothing voice through the podcast he presents with his twin brother, Cullen.

Both have music in their blood – Luke’s father is an ex punk rocker, now mostly retired looking for purpose. Vada’s horrible father used to be the lead singer of a local band. They broke up when drummer Phil quit and Marcus, now insurance salesman, having abandoned Vada’s mother, regularly turns up to Phil’s bar (where Vada works), and tosses around blame and regret while drinking himself to embarrassing levels. He refuses to help Vada financially and still expects her to babysit his new children. I don’t want him to take up any more of the review, actually. He’s basically a nightmare of a character and father.

So while Vada and Luke share secret longings for each other (Cullen and Luke record their show in Phil’s sound booth), neither of them are bold enough to take any steps beyond stumbling small talk. Of course, fate intervenes, by way their class schedule. Vada takes a dance elective, mostly to use the improvisation time to drive out her demons through movement and song. Luke’s composition class is given the opportunity to create a piece for one of the dance class for the end of year final assessment. While Vada dances without knowing Luke is observing, she convinces herself no one will ask to work with her. But there’s no way Luke can pick anyone else!

While in actuality, there is very little collaboration going on between them, it does begin a series of texts, sharing stories and adventures, in which they get to know each other, allowing us to see them as well. This includes the acknowledgement that Luke is not interested in a life of performance, even though he has the voice of an angel, and the song writing ability of a legend and the network opportunity his father Charlie is only too willing to exploit. Luke’s decision to keep all his composition work private means he feels misunderstood by his family, and this is played out when Cullen decides to release a video of Luke singing a song inspired by his love for Vada. It goes viral. He denies there ‘is a girl’, and the aftermath of this decision provides much of the drama of the middle of the book.

Hahn develops characters that seem authentically teen. Cullen and his boyfriend Zack are more than side characters, as is Vada’s best friend Meg, and all the bar workers – lumbersexual Ben, and dread headed Kazi. I also liked that Vada’s mum and her lovely romance with Phil, and LUke and Cullen's parents are very much part of the story. Complicated messy families who still work together to overcome their issues are very much welcome in YA fiction.

Hahn drops in many musical references and although personally, I am aghast at Vada’s aggressive dislike for Stevie Nicks (what the?), most of the bands and songs reflect Vada and Luke’s growing relationship and inform much of the plot. Luke’s own songs are raw and when he lets others in, we see his vulnerabilities and how much he’s prepared to do for Vada.

Thanks to publisher, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for advanced copy. This is a super romantic story with two main characters deserving of the dreams they want to follow. They are usually thoughtful of other people, but yeah, they make mistakes and then try to do better. I have previously reviewed Hahn’s first book, You’d Be Mine, another teen romance involving teen music stars, and I am here for both of them. More than Maybe will be released in the US on June 21. Recommended if you love your fictional boys shy and a little bit broken, your fictional girls feisty and goal oriented, and a range of side characters who try to make our protagonists step up and risk love.
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