Vada knows exactly what she wants out of life. Even though she’s still finishing her senior year, she’s got her music review blog that gets quoted by nationally respected sources, she’s working at a dive bar with good concerts, and she’s got her eyes on a music journalism degree and then Rolling Stone magazine. And she has her eye on podcasting skateboarder Luke Greenly, but that’s just a distraction. An adorable distraction, with a British accent. But still, a distraction. And anyway, he barely knows who she is.
Luke and his twin brother are the sons of punk rocker Charlie Greenly of Bad Apples. The boys grew up in pubs across England, and now that they’ve settled in Michigan, the boys have had to find things of their own. They started their podcast, with their “dreamy” English accents, where they talk about life, music, school, and whatever. They record the podcast in the sound booth at a dive bar, the one where Luke’s crush works. But he’s pretty close-mouthed about that, as his last girlfriend recorded their kiss for Instagram, and he’s really a pretty private person.
Luke is hanging out at the bar after a podcast recording session when Vada needs help. She had begged her boss for more responsibility, so he let her close the bar on Sunday nights. But then one of her bartenders needed to bail, and Vada was short-staffed on her first night as manager. Having spent so much time in pubs through his life, Luke offers to jump in and help. Vada makes an executive decision and hires him on the spot. Luke loves having something of his own, no twin, no father, no expectations, and immediately feels at home at the bar. Vada’s first closing night is a success, and she loves how easily Luke has slid into his new role behind the bar.
As Vada and Luke spend more time together, they get to know each other’s tastes, dreams, frustrations, and they truly become friends. They text each other songs from YouTube, discovering that they share a way of seeing the world through music and wanting to share that magic with others. But as life gets more complicated, will their crushes have a chance to deepen into something more, or will life prove itself too difficult for love?
More Than Maybe is a totally adorable music-centric rom com about teenagers in Michigan who are more grown up than some adults I know (and some adults they know). This is just a delightful, charming story that wins you over with great characters, fun dialogue, and zesty music. Author Erin Hahn delivers a complex but winning dance that takes you back to high school, but only mostly for the good parts. If you’re into YA fiction, rom coms, music, or great writing, then you need to check out this book! It’s as inspiring as your favorite playlist and as fun as dancing with your best mates.
Egalleys for More Than Maybe were provided by St. Martin’s Press (Wednesday Books) through NetGalley, with many thanks.
