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?
As a self-described “music snob” who goes to far too many concerts, I couldn’t pass up a romance between a music blogger and a reluctant musician – especially when a good portion of it takes place at a small dive bar/venue.
Luke and Vada’s romance was adorable, progressing from mutual crushes to friendship to something more. I loved how they communicated through songs and lyrics, and these references could be understood even if you weren’t familiar with the bands. The grand romantic gesture was predictable but still sweet, and I found myself wanting an adorable British boy to write songs about me.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a focus there was on family. I loved Phil and Vada’s relationship: it was so nice to see a stepfather-figure that was a positive influence and mentor, and this was especially visible with the contrast between Phil and Vada’s dad.
Overall, More Than Maybe was a very cute read. I can’t wait to read more from Erin Hahn!
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