Title: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.
Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?
In More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.
Review:
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn is a charming young adult romance.
Luke Greenly is the son of a former punk rock sensation. Although he and his twin brother, Cullen, produce a weekly podcast, Luke is shy and does not want to be in the spotlight. Under pressure from his father, Luke gave up writing music years earlier, but he has recently begun to compose again. The song he has recently written is inspired by his long-time secret crush Vada Carsewll. When the two begin working on a school project together, will Luke work up the courage to act on his feelings for her?
Vada is also big into the music scene. She writes a very popular music review blog and she is thrilled by her acceptance to Berkeley. She is frustrated and hurt by her bio-dad’s reluctance to truly invest himself in her life. But luckily for her, Vada’s mom is absolutely wonderful and her boss and mom’s boyfriend, Phil Josephs, is supportive and caring. And despite being tongue-tied in his presence, the absolute highlight of her week is chatting briefly with Luke. Agreeing to collaborate with Luke on a music and dance project, will Vada’s infatuation with Luke turn into a real romance?
Vada and Luke are wonderfully drawn, appealing characters. Vada’s struggle to come to terms with her absentee father is heartbreaking to watch. Equally frustrating is Luke’s inability to convince his father that he truly has no interest in pursuing a singing career. Despite their respective issues with their fathers, Vada and Luke’s friendship is fun and angst-free. Their friendship and love of music are the perfect springboard for their delightful slow burn romance.
More Than Maybe is a fast-paced and engaging young adult romance. The primary and secondary characters are vibrantly developed and likable. The storyline is well-written and unique. The various friendships and romances are realistic and supportive. Music lovers are sure to enjoy this light-hearted, enjoyable young adult romance by Erin Hahn.
