Book Review: Maybe Not (Maybe #1.5) by Colleen Hoover
Maybe Not (Maybe #1.5) by Colleen Hoover
Published: November 24, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Fiction, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary
Quick Thoughts: A short, satisfying novella that dives deeper into the complicated and often hilarious relationship between Warren and Bridgette. If you enjoyed Maybe Someday, this companion story fills in the gaps and gives readers more of the chemistry they didn’t know they needed.
I purchased this book myself. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating. All views are my own. I remain entirely impartial.
READER INFORMATION:
Best for readers who have already read Maybe Someday. While it can technically be read on its own, it’s much more meaningful with the context from book one. A great pick for anyone who loves character-driven romance, quirky humor, and opposites-attract dynamics.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Warren and Bridgette are two of the more eccentric side characters from Maybe Someday, and in this novella, Colleen Hoover explores their backstory and how their explosive, unconventional relationship began. Bridgette is guarded and fiery. Warren is persistent and patient, with a soft spot for chaos—especially if it comes in the form of a woman who yells at him.
As they clash, flirt, and gradually begin to understand each other, we see a new layer to both of them. This isn’t your typical love story—it’s messier, funnier, and more emotionally raw in all the best ways.
FIRST THOUGHTS
I randomly picked this book up during a sale at the Ellenville Public Library a few years ago. I hadn’t even heard of Colleen Hoover at the time. Once I got home and looked it up on Goodreads, I realized it was actually a companion to Maybe Someday. At first, I was annoyed—but I ended up buying the prequel on Kindle and flying through both. No regrets. I’m so glad I took a chance on this one.
MY BOOK REVIEW
What I loved most about Maybe Not was the way it gave Bridgette and Warren space to breathe. In Maybe Someday, Bridgette came off as harsh, even unnecessary, and I remember wondering why she was even part of the story. But this novella changes everything. We get to see the why behind her behavior and the vulnerability she hides beneath her tough exterior.
Warren, in contrast, brings a lot of light and warmth to the story. His mix of charm and emotional insight balances Bridgette’s fire perfectly. Their dynamic is chaotic in the best way—intense, funny, and surprisingly sweet. It’s one of those “grumpy/sunshine” tropes but with more realism and grit than fluff.
What I appreciated most was how Hoover didn’t try to make their story overly romanticized. She lets it be messy. Bridgette has real trauma, and Warren’s patience feels earned, not forced. Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry electric, and despite the short length, I felt invested in their growth.
The novella also answers a few lingering questions from the first book—like how Warren and Bridgette ended up together, and what their dynamic looked like before Sydney even moved in. It filled in those narrative blanks in such a satisfying way.
If you’re looking for a quick read with emotional punch and a lot of humor, Maybe Not delivers. It’s a great example of how a companion novella can enhance a full-length novel without feeling like an afterthought. Colleen Hoover has a gift for character development—even in under 150 pages.
I’m slowly working my way through her books (though my TBR list is a little out of control right now). If you’ve read more of her work, I’d love to hear what your favorites are!
