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It’s been said that the music that has the most impact on our lives is the music of our late teens and early 20s. It’s the music that defines who we are—the music that we always go back to. And author Erin Hahn’s More Than Maybe creates that life-changing soundtrack for a pair of music-loving teens.
The story gets tangled up in the world of music with a couple of teenagers from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Vada is an aspiring music journalist who works at her mom’s boyfriend’s hole-in-the-wall club and writes a popular music blog. Luke, the shy son of an aging British punk rock legend, does a podcast with his much more outgoing twin brother, Cullen. Though they’ve had secret crushes on each other for years, they’ve barely spoken—until they end up working on a school project together. And when a sweet song that Luke secretly composed is leaked online and everyone hears it, Vada wonders if he actually shares her feelings.
More than just another fluffy teen romance, though, More Than Maybe has a cool rock music edge. It’s not all hearts and flowers and prom dresses; it’s dark corners, spilled drinks, sticky floors, and ringing ears at a dingy club. And that gritty backdrop seems to crank up the volume on an otherwise sweet love story.
The characters are likable—and relatable, too. Vada is strong-willed and determined. She’s got a very solid plan, and she won’t let anything or anyone stand in her way—though she fears that it will mean standing up to her deadbeat dad. Luke, on the other hand, is nowhere near as strong as Vada—or his twin brother. He’s immensely talented, but he has no interest in performing—even though it’s his father’s dream to have his son follow in his rock ‘n’ roll footsteps. Luke has big dreams—and some strong feelings for Vada, too—but he prefers to keep all of that to himself.
The aspiring writer who longs for the spotlight and the composer who prefers to keep his talents to himself make a cute pair. As they build up to those last days of their senior year of high school, they encourage each other’s dreams, support each other’s secrets, and send each other some great songs, too. And despite the ups and downs of their relationship, their story will leave readers with a warm, fuzzy feeling—and a cool new playlist.
If you love music and chick lit, you’re sure to fall in love with this teen romance and its lovable characters. The sweet story and rock soundtrack make it a great summer read.
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