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? Synopsis from Goodreads PERSONAL REVIEW Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for sending me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Ahhhh, this book made me so happy! One of my biggest fears when I fall in love with an author (especially an author's first book) is that what they write next won't live up to my expectations. I'm so happy to say that More Than Maybe definitely lived up to my hopes after Hahn's first novel, You'd Be Mine. The characters and concept are so different that readers can't make comparisons between books, which I loved because I could fully commit to enjoying this book. Excellent and Fully Developed Characters Hahn has once again done a great job creating characters with depth and interests that have personal goals, and relationships, outside their relationship with each other. Luke is a beautiful songwriter and singer, but hates performing -- something that his father doesn't understand, or really believe. I loved their interactions and how Luke's relationship with his dad and brother change over the course of the book. Likewise, Vada has some problems with her father, primarily that he's a complete dead-beat who prefers to assume that now that he has a new family, his daughter can fend for herself...until he needs her. Fighting to follow her dreams and go away to school, Vada has to deal with a lot of crap from her dad but also, endless support from Phil and her mom. It was great to read about. So Many Lovely Relationships So I loved Vada and Luke and I'm SO glad we didn't have to wait the entire book for them to go on a date (although I would have liked a few more of these moments between them!), but I also really enjoyed the other relationships in this book. Luke's parents are seriously adorable and personal couple goals for the future (there's a hilarious moment involving shower sex that kills me whenever I read it), while Vada's mom and Phil are just so sweet because we get to watch them come together and Phil fully fill a parental role in Vada's life. And obviously, Cullen and Zack are beyond adorable. I'm so happy Hahn included them as a couple because they are hilarious in the way they are so in love, even while they are filling different roles in Luke's life. Drama Is A Little Light So the "climatic drama" that happens to cause Vada and Luke to get in a fight (no spoilers, but this is obviously to be expected) was a little bit light for me. While I understand why Vada gets upset, it's a little unfair to blame Luke and cut him off so completely for the mistake. I DID appreciate Luke and his father finally having it out, and Cullen coming to fully understand and support Luke, but the Vada/Luke fight didn't seem like a big enough "thing" to me. That said, I still buy it because people are do and say things they regret in the heat of the moment and have to deal with the fallout later, so it's not super out of nowhere. Overall, this was such a fun book! I loved reading about Vada and Luke and can't wait for More Than Maybe to hit bookstore so I can add it to my own bookshelf. I'd recommend this to anyone who loved You'd Be Mine, to fans of Morgan Matson and Jenny Han, or to people just looking for a fun YA romance with well developed characters and a happy ending! After a pushed back release date because of the pandemic, More Than Maybe FINALLY comes out July 21, 2020! Are you excited to read it (because you should be!)? FINAL RATING: 4.5/5
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About MeHi, I'm Alexandra! I love reading (largely YA fiction, but sometimes I'll read "adult" books), playing board games, Nutella, and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix with my husband. Follow Me on Instagram@AllCharactersWanted
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