Book Review: Maybe Someday (Maybe #1) by Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday (Maybe #1) by Colleen Hoover
Published: April 18, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Fiction, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary
Quick Thoughts: A heartfelt, emotionally rich story that blends music, love, and tough choices into one unforgettable romance. Colleen Hoover delivers a love triangle that somehow doesn’t feel cliche, with characters so well-developed, you’ll be torn right alongside them.
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:
Perfect for fans of young adult/new adult contemporary romance. Best enjoyed by readers who appreciate emotional depth, messy relationships, and well-crafted character dynamics. Also recommended for music lovers—this novel has an actual soundtrack!
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Sydney is a college student whose life takes a sharp turn when she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her—with her best friend and roommate. She’s been secretly enjoying the music played from a nearby balcony, and when the guitarist, Ridge, reaches out asking her to help write lyrics for his songs, the timing couldn’t be better. He offers her a place to stay—and the chance to create something beautiful together.
The only catch? Ridge has a long-distance girlfriend. As their collaboration grows more intense, so do their feelings for each other. But love isn’t always easy—or convenient. What unfolds is a tender and complicated story about timing, loyalty, and the quiet pull of connection.
FIRST THOUGHTS
This was my first Colleen Hoover book and I did not expect to love it as much as I did. I read it back in July 2018 and it completely swept me up. I wish I had written this review sooner, but honestly, this book has stayed with me for years, and that says something.
MY BOOK REVIEW
What I loved most about Maybe Someday was how much it surprised me. It had all the hallmarks of a typical love triangle, but it never felt like a battle between “good” and “bad.” Both women in Ridge’s life are fleshed out and layered, and instead of rooting against one, I found myself wanting happiness for all of them—even if I definitely had a favorite.
The character development was spot-on. Sydney is easy to connect with, and Ridge is refreshingly different from most romance leads. His character—especially his hearing impairment—is treated with so much respect and nuance. It adds a beautiful layer to the story without ever becoming the sole focus.
One thing that really stood out was how Hoover handled difficult emotions and the complexities of timing. Falling in love at the wrong moment, trying to do the right thing, and living with emotional restraint—it all felt incredibly real. There were no villains here, just people trying to figure it out.
Also, the way music is woven throughout the story made it feel even more immersive. There’s even a soundtrack that you can listen to while reading, which I found added a unique emotional element to the experience.
Maybe Someday reminded me of those college-era romance movies we used to watch that made us believe love could be both complicated and magical. It’s one of those reads that pulls you in, makes you feel, and leaves you thinking about the characters long after the last page. Highly recommend—even if young adult fiction isn’t usually your thing.