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Maybe Once, Maybe Twice
Filled with the romance and angst that defines the years you come to know yourself, with a shifting timeline covering two decades and ratcheting up the tension, Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is a novel of second chances and finding your own way.
You know that old saying, “if we are still single when we’re 35, we should get married?” Well, Maggie Vine made that vow with two different people, at two very different stages of her life.
And they both showed up.
Maggie Vine’s life is going extra-medium. At 35 she’s pursuing her dreams of being a singer and being a mother—though neither is successfully panning out. So when Garrett Scholl—stifled hedge fund manager by day but electrifying aspiring rock singer by night—comes to her 35th birthday party with the intention to kiss Maggie senseless, it feels like one piece might click into place. Except he’s engaged to someone else, and Maggie knows she won’t fit into the cookie-cutter life he’s building for himself.
Enter Asher Reyes. Her first boyfriend from summer camp, turned into heartthrob actor, he’s lived a successful yet private life ever since he got famous. When a career-changing opportunity is presented to Maggie after her reconnection with Asher, it feels like everything—music, love, family—will fall into place. But her past won’t let her move on without a fight.
You know that old saying, “if we are still single when we’re 35, we should get married?” Well, Maggie Vine made that vow with two different people, at two very different stages of her life.
And they both showed up.
Maggie Vine’s life is going extra-medium. At 35 she’s pursuing her dreams of being a singer and being a mother—though neither is successfully panning out. So when Garrett Scholl—stifled hedge fund manager by day but electrifying aspiring rock singer by night—comes to her 35th birthday party with the intention to kiss Maggie senseless, it feels like one piece might click into place. Except he’s engaged to someone else, and Maggie knows she won’t fit into the cookie-cutter life he’s building for himself.
Enter Asher Reyes. Her first boyfriend from summer camp, turned into heartthrob actor, he’s lived a successful yet private life ever since he got famous. When a career-changing opportunity is presented to Maggie after her reconnection with Asher, it feels like everything—music, love, family—will fall into place. But her past won’t let her move on without a fight.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
1236 people are currently reading
40678 people want to read
About the author
Alison Rose Greenberg
3 books414 followersAlison Rose Greenberg (she/her) is a screenwriter who lives in Atlanta, but is quick to say she was born in New York City. While attending The University of Southern California, Alison took her first screenwriting class and fell head over heels. A journey from screenwriting led to marketing jobs, before coming full-circle back to her first love. Alison speaks fluent rom-com, lives for 90’s WB dramas, cries to Taylor Swift, and is a proud single mom to her two incredible kids and one poorly-trained dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,067 reviews
November 20, 2023
This didn’t work for me. Maybe Once, Maybe Twice juggles Maggie, a singer and our leading lady, and her two old flames. We flash back and forth along the timeline as she explores the two second chance romances in present day and experiences them for the first time in the past.
I’m generally not a fan of alternating timeline books, particularly when it features two unlikeable stock characters (Maggie, our narrator, and Garrett, one of her love interests) and another immersion-breakingly perfect character (the other love interest, Asher). Poor characterization aside, jumping along a timeline makes the plot feel rootless and fleeting.
That was my biggest issue with this novel: There wasn’t much of a plot. Sure, the synopsis sells you on the fact that two old flames come back into Maggie’s life to fulfill a marriage pact they made when they were younger, except that isn’t exactly what actually happens. Asher “shows up” by announcing that he’ll be adapting Maggie’s favorite book on the night of Maggie’s thirty-fifth birthday. Maggie then tracks him down to rebuke him, because she has somehow gotten it in her head that she has ownership over this publicly-available book (which is a whole other issue). Asher then tells her he did it on purpose. The other love interest is Garrett, who shows up on Maggie’s thirty-fifth birthday and kisses her—whilst engaged. So, not exactly “showing up” to fulfill a marriage pact, as per the synopsis.
From there, Maggie teeters back and forth between Garrett (who is engaged—yes, I will keep repeating this because Maggie didn’t seem to care) and Asher, as the chapters in between flash back and forth along the timeline. The synopsis will have you believe that the timeline hopping “ratchets up the tension,” however, since the characters are flat, underdeveloped, and uncompelling, the flashbacks only serve to dump information on the reader regarding how each respective relationship started and failed. This doesn’t “ratchet up tension,” it stunts it in its tracks every time the plot begins to find even a small amount of momentum.
Now for the characters, I’ll start with Maggie. She comes across as a massive self-insert fantasy who has extremely poor ethics. After she chastises Asher for adapting her favorite book (one that is open for public consumption and is probably quite popular if there’s a market for an adaptation, mind you), she convinces Asher to get her an interview for the job writing the soundtrack for the movie. She gets it and her career instantly skyrockets. There is nothing difficult about her journey; everything comes to her effortlessly, even though any fame-reliant career as a singer is rooted not in skill but in luck. And clearly, Maggie has luck in spades since she, unbelievably, has almost no setbacks as she rises to success. After a certain point, it started to feel like a self-insert fantasy, an unconvincing delusion of grandeur.
My other issue with Maggie lies in her questionable ethics. She continually gets physical with a man who is ENGAGED. She kisses him several times, and almost has sex with him in a barn AT HIS ENGAGEMENT PARTY. His fiancée is present! And Maggie has no qualms about it, and never even feels guilty. It’s wild. Meanwhile, she has Asher on the hook and still keeps crawling back to Garrett, who, I will say it again, IS ENGAGED. It’s so wrong and honestly sickened me every time it came up in the novel.
This brings me to Garrett. Not only is he a cheater, but he’s a cheater that continually strings Maggie along (not that she doesn’t have free will), wanting to have his cake and eat it too. There was nothing in him that I could find attractive as an outsider looking in. He’s a cheating, spineless fuckboy. The end.
As for Asher, Greenberg went way too far in the other direction for her second love interest. Asher is perfect. He has no flaws. He’s rich and famous, but he’s also humble, down to earth, and treats Maggie well. He hasn’t lost touch with who he is, despite skyrocketing into the kind of worshipful fame that balloons the male ego to the size of Mount Everest. It’s unrealistic, not just because no man catapulted into that kind of fame stays humble and down to earth, but for the fact that no human lacks flaws, and yet that was how Asher was portrayed.
The final issue I had with this novel was how it ended. I’ll warn you, spoilers are ahead.
Maggie opens the novel finding out that her eggs are rapidly dwindling and she is running out of time to have children the old fashioned way. Yet, Greenberg wants us to believe that Maggie gets into a serious relationship with Asher for several months and not ONCE discusses procreation with him? In the eleventh hour, the twist that is sprung on us—that Asher doesn’t want kids and the two must go their separate ways—feels astoundingly cheap and contrived. I can’t believe for a second that having children didn’t come up for two thirty-somethings in a serious relationship, especially since it weighed so heavily on one of them from the first pages of the novel.
Then, to make matters worse, there is a three-year time skip and the two get back together just because Asher suddenly doesn’t care if he has kids as long as he has Maggie. So in a matter of pages, the two have to separate, and then Greenberg turns back and UNO reverses it. It felt cheap and forced, and did little to assuage my frustrations with the novel; it only exacerbated them.
Finally, the last chapter clinches the story with all of the song lyrics Maggie wrote for the movie (full length, with no melody or sheet music). Note to authors, editors, and whoever else needs to hear this: Song lyrics don't translate well without hearing them sung. There is no flow like the one that comes with poetry; they come across stilted and awkward when you read them on the page or aloud. There was just no point to that final chapter.
Overall, this was a disappointing read and I can’t recommend it. With a morally corrupt main character that is impossible to root for and who gets everything she wants handed to her, she has two love interests who somehow want to be with her—one who is detestable and another who is flat and perfect. The writing is trite and cliched, and the plot was lacking. My initial instinct was to give this two stars, but upon further reflection, I’m downgrading my rating.
Overall Rating: 1 star
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
I’m generally not a fan of alternating timeline books, particularly when it features two unlikeable stock characters (Maggie, our narrator, and Garrett, one of her love interests) and another immersion-breakingly perfect character (the other love interest, Asher). Poor characterization aside, jumping along a timeline makes the plot feel rootless and fleeting.
That was my biggest issue with this novel: There wasn’t much of a plot. Sure, the synopsis sells you on the fact that two old flames come back into Maggie’s life to fulfill a marriage pact they made when they were younger, except that isn’t exactly what actually happens. Asher “shows up” by announcing that he’ll be adapting Maggie’s favorite book on the night of Maggie’s thirty-fifth birthday. Maggie then tracks him down to rebuke him, because she has somehow gotten it in her head that she has ownership over this publicly-available book (which is a whole other issue). Asher then tells her he did it on purpose. The other love interest is Garrett, who shows up on Maggie’s thirty-fifth birthday and kisses her—whilst engaged. So, not exactly “showing up” to fulfill a marriage pact, as per the synopsis.
From there, Maggie teeters back and forth between Garrett (who is engaged—yes, I will keep repeating this because Maggie didn’t seem to care) and Asher, as the chapters in between flash back and forth along the timeline. The synopsis will have you believe that the timeline hopping “ratchets up the tension,” however, since the characters are flat, underdeveloped, and uncompelling, the flashbacks only serve to dump information on the reader regarding how each respective relationship started and failed. This doesn’t “ratchet up tension,” it stunts it in its tracks every time the plot begins to find even a small amount of momentum.
Now for the characters, I’ll start with Maggie. She comes across as a massive self-insert fantasy who has extremely poor ethics. After she chastises Asher for adapting her favorite book (one that is open for public consumption and is probably quite popular if there’s a market for an adaptation, mind you), she convinces Asher to get her an interview for the job writing the soundtrack for the movie. She gets it and her career instantly skyrockets. There is nothing difficult about her journey; everything comes to her effortlessly, even though any fame-reliant career as a singer is rooted not in skill but in luck. And clearly, Maggie has luck in spades since she, unbelievably, has almost no setbacks as she rises to success. After a certain point, it started to feel like a self-insert fantasy, an unconvincing delusion of grandeur.
My other issue with Maggie lies in her questionable ethics. She continually gets physical with a man who is ENGAGED. She kisses him several times, and almost has sex with him in a barn AT HIS ENGAGEMENT PARTY. His fiancée is present! And Maggie has no qualms about it, and never even feels guilty. It’s wild. Meanwhile, she has Asher on the hook and still keeps crawling back to Garrett, who, I will say it again, IS ENGAGED. It’s so wrong and honestly sickened me every time it came up in the novel.
This brings me to Garrett. Not only is he a cheater, but he’s a cheater that continually strings Maggie along (not that she doesn’t have free will), wanting to have his cake and eat it too. There was nothing in him that I could find attractive as an outsider looking in. He’s a cheating, spineless fuckboy. The end.
As for Asher, Greenberg went way too far in the other direction for her second love interest. Asher is perfect. He has no flaws. He’s rich and famous, but he’s also humble, down to earth, and treats Maggie well. He hasn’t lost touch with who he is, despite skyrocketing into the kind of worshipful fame that balloons the male ego to the size of Mount Everest. It’s unrealistic, not just because no man catapulted into that kind of fame stays humble and down to earth, but for the fact that no human lacks flaws, and yet that was how Asher was portrayed.
The final issue I had with this novel was how it ended. I’ll warn you, spoilers are ahead.
Maggie opens the novel finding out that her eggs are rapidly dwindling and she is running out of time to have children the old fashioned way. Yet, Greenberg wants us to believe that Maggie gets into a serious relationship with Asher for several months and not ONCE discusses procreation with him? In the eleventh hour, the twist that is sprung on us—that Asher doesn’t want kids and the two must go their separate ways—feels astoundingly cheap and contrived. I can’t believe for a second that having children didn’t come up for two thirty-somethings in a serious relationship, especially since it weighed so heavily on one of them from the first pages of the novel.
Then, to make matters worse, there is a three-year time skip and the two get back together just because Asher suddenly doesn’t care if he has kids as long as he has Maggie. So in a matter of pages, the two have to separate, and then Greenberg turns back and UNO reverses it. It felt cheap and forced, and did little to assuage my frustrations with the novel; it only exacerbated them.
Finally, the last chapter clinches the story with all of the song lyrics Maggie wrote for the movie (full length, with no melody or sheet music). Note to authors, editors, and whoever else needs to hear this: Song lyrics don't translate well without hearing them sung. There is no flow like the one that comes with poetry; they come across stilted and awkward when you read them on the page or aloud. There was just no point to that final chapter.
Overall, this was a disappointing read and I can’t recommend it. With a morally corrupt main character that is impossible to root for and who gets everything she wants handed to her, she has two love interests who somehow want to be with her—one who is detestable and another who is flat and perfect. The writing is trite and cliched, and the plot was lacking. My initial instinct was to give this two stars, but upon further reflection, I’m downgrading my rating.
Overall Rating: 1 star
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2025
At face value I expected this to be a fluffy romance but it ended up being kind of deep. There were actually three or four points in the story when I thought I had this book all figured out and then the author would add another layer to the narrative that would take me completely by surprise. It is rare that I read a book without reading the description or any reviews, but in this instance, it made for an intriguing experience. There was a big part of me that kept circling back to the idea that “if he wanted to he would,” but the storyline the author crafted did make the events feel believable, frustrating and tragic at times, but believable. This was a refreshing read that went beyond the standard romance tropes. I was initially a little put off by the last “will they won’t they” twist, but the more I think on it, the more I believe it was actually exactly what the story needed. This one is definitely worth the read! I’d recommend going into it as blind as possible if you still have the option.
November 1, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for gifting me this audiobook!
This book was everything and more I needed! I loved every single word.
Even if I’m not a particular fan of love triangles this book was written splendidly and the plot was later out in a way to keep me wanting more.
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is not just a romance book, it’s a story about living your dream, about failing, about loving and pining, about friendship and rejection, about trauma and trying to survive it.
We follow Maggie story in the present and we come to understand it through glimpses of her past.
This book was frustrating, sweet, funny, sad and romantic all in one and I don’t have to words to give it justice.
So my heartfelt advice is for you to go and read it, because it’s worth it.
♥️Tropes:
-love triangle
-second chance
-friends to lovers
-big dreams
-rising musician
-found family and amazing friendship
-woman supporting woman
‼️Trigger warnings:
-infertility
-sexual assault
-suicide
-depression
I would have loved to read a chapter where we could see how they live happily ever after (with the best man being the one she ends up with, luckily -I got worried for a minute there-).
Ps. I loved Summer and all her storyline. How what she wanted destroyed her but was also the best thing. Her story is something that should be normalised more among woman and I loved how the author approached it.
For more bookish content follow me on Instagram @onetoomanybooks.ac
This book was everything and more I needed! I loved every single word.
Even if I’m not a particular fan of love triangles this book was written splendidly and the plot was later out in a way to keep me wanting more.
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is not just a romance book, it’s a story about living your dream, about failing, about loving and pining, about friendship and rejection, about trauma and trying to survive it.
We follow Maggie story in the present and we come to understand it through glimpses of her past.
This book was frustrating, sweet, funny, sad and romantic all in one and I don’t have to words to give it justice.
So my heartfelt advice is for you to go and read it, because it’s worth it.
♥️Tropes:
-love triangle
-second chance
-friends to lovers
-big dreams
-rising musician
-found family and amazing friendship
-woman supporting woman
‼️Trigger warnings:
-infertility
-sexual assault
-suicide
-depression
I would have loved to read a chapter where we could see how they live happily ever after (with the best man being the one she ends up with, luckily -I got worried for a minute there-).
Ps. I loved Summer and all her storyline. How what she wanted destroyed her but was also the best thing. Her story is something that should be normalised more among woman and I loved how the author approached it.
For more bookish content follow me on Instagram @onetoomanybooks.ac
May 24, 2024
“‘Find someone who makes you laugh’ was a line I had always heard. But finding someone who made me see the world in psychedelic colors was equally intoxicating.”
•
Maggie Vine is a 35-year-old singer songwriter, who is still looking for her big break while also trying to navigate what her future looks like in terms of love and family. so when the two great loves of her life both show up because of separate marriage pacts she made with them (at very different times), she’s got some things to figure out.
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is an empowering story of love and loss and life, full of uplifting relationships and heartbreaking disappointments. it’s a story about betting on yourself by going after what you want and not settling for what’s easy or what makes sense to other people. it’s a story about believing in yourself, even when you’re scared.
Alison Rose Greenberg writes top-tier relationships that are impossible not to love. I absolutely adore Maggie’s best friend, Summer, who embodies the type of friendship we all deserve: a friend who will be there for you without you even telling them you need them, and a friend who loves you unconditionally.
when it comes to the boys: whether you’re Team Asher or Team Garrett, it’s undeniable that both of them contribute to Maggie’s journey in seismic ways. at different times, each is her muse, champion, and love. no spoilers, but my favorite guy wins, and it makes me so happy!
but above all, it’s Maggie’s relationship with herself that I value so much. she’s confident and vulnerable and open to what the world has to offer, while also demanding that it give her what she deserves. she doesn’t just let life happen to her; she jumps on the stage and directs the show, even when it’s hard. she lives and loves out loud, and she’s not ashamed to turn up the volume.
Maggie Vine is a supernova of color that will come crashing into your heart full force without apologies. She’s a heroine for the ages, and she’ll make you look at life through a kaleidoscope of hope and joy and vulnerability and messiness that will encourage you to be present, embrace the moments, feel the hurt, and cherish the love. you’ve only got one life, so don’t waste it on things that don’t make your heart dance.
•
read if you like:
♡ a kickass female lead
♡ betting on yourself
♡ synesthesia
♡ Trader Joe’s smashing s’mores (literally my fave)
♡ music (especially 90s/00s. think: fallout boy, blink-182, dmb, deana carter)
♡ great love, bad timing
♡ women supporting women
♡ Jewish representation
♡ running away from engagement parties
♡ rebellious ponies
♡ beautiful goodbyes
♡ hopeless romantics
♡ NYC
♡ friends that are family
♡ big breaks
trigger warnings:
☞ infertility / difficulty conceiving
☞ suicide
☞ loss of loved ones
☞ grief
☞ absentee parenting
☞ fear of abandonment
☞ sexual assault
☞ survivor’s guilt
•
oh, and I would be doing a huge disservice if I didn't mention the magic of music within this story. it will be a riot for people of all ages, but it will be especially enjoyable for children of the 90s and 2000s. The nostalgia will gut punch you, and you’ll be left with a desire to lay on your bed with your five disc CD player circulating through all your mixed CDs.
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
•
Maggie Vine is a 35-year-old singer songwriter, who is still looking for her big break while also trying to navigate what her future looks like in terms of love and family. so when the two great loves of her life both show up because of separate marriage pacts she made with them (at very different times), she’s got some things to figure out.
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is an empowering story of love and loss and life, full of uplifting relationships and heartbreaking disappointments. it’s a story about betting on yourself by going after what you want and not settling for what’s easy or what makes sense to other people. it’s a story about believing in yourself, even when you’re scared.
Alison Rose Greenberg writes top-tier relationships that are impossible not to love. I absolutely adore Maggie’s best friend, Summer, who embodies the type of friendship we all deserve: a friend who will be there for you without you even telling them you need them, and a friend who loves you unconditionally.
when it comes to the boys: whether you’re Team Asher or Team Garrett, it’s undeniable that both of them contribute to Maggie’s journey in seismic ways. at different times, each is her muse, champion, and love. no spoilers, but my favorite guy wins, and it makes me so happy!
but above all, it’s Maggie’s relationship with herself that I value so much. she’s confident and vulnerable and open to what the world has to offer, while also demanding that it give her what she deserves. she doesn’t just let life happen to her; she jumps on the stage and directs the show, even when it’s hard. she lives and loves out loud, and she’s not ashamed to turn up the volume.
Maggie Vine is a supernova of color that will come crashing into your heart full force without apologies. She’s a heroine for the ages, and she’ll make you look at life through a kaleidoscope of hope and joy and vulnerability and messiness that will encourage you to be present, embrace the moments, feel the hurt, and cherish the love. you’ve only got one life, so don’t waste it on things that don’t make your heart dance.
•
read if you like:
♡ a kickass female lead
♡ betting on yourself
♡ synesthesia
♡ Trader Joe’s smashing s’mores (literally my fave)
♡ music (especially 90s/00s. think: fallout boy, blink-182, dmb, deana carter)
♡ great love, bad timing
♡ women supporting women
♡ Jewish representation
♡ running away from engagement parties
♡ rebellious ponies
♡ beautiful goodbyes
♡ hopeless romantics
♡ NYC
♡ friends that are family
♡ big breaks
trigger warnings:
☞ infertility / difficulty conceiving
☞ suicide
☞ loss of loved ones
☞ grief
☞ absentee parenting
☞ fear of abandonment
☞ sexual assault
☞ survivor’s guilt
•
oh, and I would be doing a huge disservice if I didn't mention the magic of music within this story. it will be a riot for people of all ages, but it will be especially enjoyable for children of the 90s and 2000s. The nostalgia will gut punch you, and you’ll be left with a desire to lay on your bed with your five disc CD player circulating through all your mixed CDs.
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
September 30, 2023
2.5 ⭐
The book started out really promising! I was really enjoying the main character. but then at about 40% in it started feeling a bit bland. The dual time lines for the audiobook was hard to tell when they switched so it was hard to keep when and which love interest we were reading about.
as for the romance it fell flat, it wasn't really enough pinning or connection between any of them.
the ending made the entire book feel kinda pointless, I understand the message the book is trying to show but its pitched as a romance book so I would expect it to have more romantic elements in it.
I'm disappointed, the blurb made it sound like a book I would have loved but unfortunately it was a miss for me.
as always thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
The book started out really promising! I was really enjoying the main character. but then at about 40% in it started feeling a bit bland. The dual time lines for the audiobook was hard to tell when they switched so it was hard to keep when and which love interest we were reading about.
as for the romance it fell flat, it wasn't really enough pinning or connection between any of them.
the ending made the entire book feel kinda pointless, I understand the message the book is trying to show but its pitched as a romance book so I would expect it to have more romantic elements in it.
I'm disappointed, the blurb made it sound like a book I would have loved but unfortunately it was a miss for me.
as always thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
December 12, 2023
Y'all, I loved this book so, so much. The hook felt totally unique (a woman makes a marriage pact with two different men that if they're single at 35, they'll get married; she turns 35 and deals with the fallout), the main character felt so unique and well drawn. At times, I wanted to chuck this book out the window because I was so jealous about how smart and funny it is and how it captured a writing style I can only describe as "Taylor Swift-ian". Def one of my top books of the year. READ THIS!
October 11, 2023
From the moment I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read this book. A unique premise about a single mid-30s MC looking to have a child, and who once made a promise to marry at 35 with two separate people, who then come back into her life just as she turns 35? Count me in.
I listened to this on audio and wound up enjoying it. While I usually dislike love triangles, the author handled it in a very honest and realistic way. I did struggle to connect to the characters initially given the shifting timelines between the two relationships, both in the past and the present, but eventually, everything began to click in place and by the time the ending rolled around I felt that emotional pull towards these characters.
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
• mid-30s MC
• love triangles
• messy emotional romances
• multiple shifting timelines
• Hollywood romance
CW: Fertility treatments
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies.
I listened to this on audio and wound up enjoying it. While I usually dislike love triangles, the author handled it in a very honest and realistic way. I did struggle to connect to the characters initially given the shifting timelines between the two relationships, both in the past and the present, but eventually, everything began to click in place and by the time the ending rolled around I felt that emotional pull towards these characters.
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
• mid-30s MC
• love triangles
• messy emotional romances
• multiple shifting timelines
• Hollywood romance
CW: Fertility treatments
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies.
October 25, 2023
Ok, so full disclosure- I tend to be an overrater. I’m working on it, I promise. Most of the books I read end up with either three or four stars from me. I hate to DNF anything, and I very rarely give a single star. But here we are.
I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounds sweet enough: a woman makes a marriage pact with two people - one as a child and one as an adult. The problem, however, is that they both appear back in her life the year she turned 35. With one having a hold over her past and the other offering her a dream of the future, she has to choose which one to let go of. We flash back and forth along the timeline as she explores the two second-chance romances in present day and experiences them for the first time in the past. Unfortunately, the book really falls flat on delivering the promise of growth in these characters, and as a result, the plot is ultimately uncompelling.
Most of the story takes place in Maggie's thirties, but she feels younger than that age. To be honest, she really doesn’t mature at all over the course of the book, so the whole function of alternating timelines really didn’t land. The characters were, in theory, going through several different phases of their lives, but their development felt stagnant. This was even more frustrating because the book offered so many opportunities to show growth - conversations about having children, sexual misconduct in the workplace, mental health and therapy - but failed to capitalize on them.
If I had to play Shag, Marry, Kill with this live triangle:
I’d have to shag Garrett because his one redeeming quality is his sex appeal. I would, however, require a clean STD test from him and use all possible forms of birth control. I couldn’t help but feel badly for his fiancée. I mean, sure, she probably knew what she was getting with him, but still. He’s the idealized trope of a f*ckboy. Full stop.
I’d have to marry Asher and be insanely happy forever and ever, amen, because he is the most impossibly and ultimately unrealistically perfect human being. I spent most of the book trying to tell him that he could do so much better than the main character but for some reason, he just wouldn’t listen.
I’d have to kill Maggie because I found her to be just so infuriating. She constantly expected opportunities and men to appear in her lap with relatively little effort, demonstrated no appreciation when they did (and they somehow always did), and then waffled so much over what to do with them that by the end of the book, I was sure she must be covered with butter and syrup.
If I had attempted to read this book, it would have ended up as a DNF. Its most redeeming quality was the narrator of the audiobook. Overall, this was a disappointing read and I can’t recommend it.
I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounds sweet enough: a woman makes a marriage pact with two people - one as a child and one as an adult. The problem, however, is that they both appear back in her life the year she turned 35. With one having a hold over her past and the other offering her a dream of the future, she has to choose which one to let go of. We flash back and forth along the timeline as she explores the two second-chance romances in present day and experiences them for the first time in the past. Unfortunately, the book really falls flat on delivering the promise of growth in these characters, and as a result, the plot is ultimately uncompelling.
Most of the story takes place in Maggie's thirties, but she feels younger than that age. To be honest, she really doesn’t mature at all over the course of the book, so the whole function of alternating timelines really didn’t land. The characters were, in theory, going through several different phases of their lives, but their development felt stagnant. This was even more frustrating because the book offered so many opportunities to show growth - conversations about having children, sexual misconduct in the workplace, mental health and therapy - but failed to capitalize on them.
If I had to play Shag, Marry, Kill with this live triangle:
I’d have to shag Garrett because his one redeeming quality is his sex appeal. I would, however, require a clean STD test from him and use all possible forms of birth control. I couldn’t help but feel badly for his fiancée. I mean, sure, she probably knew what she was getting with him, but still. He’s the idealized trope of a f*ckboy. Full stop.
I’d have to marry Asher and be insanely happy forever and ever, amen, because he is the most impossibly and ultimately unrealistically perfect human being. I spent most of the book trying to tell him that he could do so much better than the main character but for some reason, he just wouldn’t listen.
I’d have to kill Maggie because I found her to be just so infuriating. She constantly expected opportunities and men to appear in her lap with relatively little effort, demonstrated no appreciation when they did (and they somehow always did), and then waffled so much over what to do with them that by the end of the book, I was sure she must be covered with butter and syrup.
If I had attempted to read this book, it would have ended up as a DNF. Its most redeeming quality was the narrator of the audiobook. Overall, this was a disappointing read and I can’t recommend it.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to the author Alison Rose Greenberg, publishers Kensington Books, and thank you as always to NetGalley, for a digital review copy of MAYBE ONCE, MAYBE TWICE. All views are mine.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Summer is so amazing. Like the *best* best friend. Mostly nameless narrator needs to marry her!
2. This is really such a great concept! Making two deadswitch deals with two different men, both of which come for their due at the same time. In the shape of her story, Bass creates a sort of time travel, which can work very well with love stories. But the shape of this story gets lost in the details, maybe?
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I really feel bombarded with details. The narrator tells me her dad died very early in the book, but doesn't even give me a second sentence to process it before she goes pon to another topic.
2. The narrator doesn't spend long enough periods of time in the present moment. Ever two sentences, the narrator is flitting off into another burst of back story. It's a really exhausting read.
3. This book is just stuffed with auxiliary information. That's probably one of the reasons the book is so long.
4. The time jumps can be really really hard to follow. 5 seconds ago, these two were having sex for the first time. A page later, they're sick of each other and fighting and seeing other people with mutual blessing. I'm like, how did this happen in 2 seconds?
Rating: 🐈⬛🎈🪵 /5 extraneous details
Recommend? Maybe
Finished: Dec 13 '23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⏳️ time travel stories
🧪 STEM romances
👭🏽 great book besties
🐷 fat book!
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Summer is so amazing. Like the *best* best friend. Mostly nameless narrator needs to marry her!
2. This is really such a great concept! Making two deadswitch deals with two different men, both of which come for their due at the same time. In the shape of her story, Bass creates a sort of time travel, which can work very well with love stories. But the shape of this story gets lost in the details, maybe?
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I really feel bombarded with details. The narrator tells me her dad died very early in the book, but doesn't even give me a second sentence to process it before she goes pon to another topic.
2. The narrator doesn't spend long enough periods of time in the present moment. Ever two sentences, the narrator is flitting off into another burst of back story. It's a really exhausting read.
3. This book is just stuffed with auxiliary information. That's probably one of the reasons the book is so long.
4. The time jumps can be really really hard to follow. 5 seconds ago, these two were having sex for the first time. A page later, they're sick of each other and fighting and seeing other people with mutual blessing. I'm like, how did this happen in 2 seconds?
Rating: 🐈⬛🎈🪵 /5 extraneous details
Recommend? Maybe
Finished: Dec 13 '23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⏳️ time travel stories
🧪 STEM romances
👭🏽 great book besties
🐷 fat book!
October 21, 2023
had me crying in public
April 11, 2023
I loved this book. I read it twice in just as many days because of how much I enjoyed it. The story revolves around Maggie and her realization that she is 35 and chasing a couple of dreams that haven't quite panned out. Insert two lost loves, a crazy pony (probably my favorite scene), a chance to live her dream in more way than one, heartbreak + love thirty ways, and we have a book that hits all the moods. You feel like Maggie's best friend, fighting for her and laughing and crying with her. Not to say her actual best friend, Summer, isn't absolutely perfect in terms of comedic relief and letting Maggie know when she's wrong. Summer has her own story that is just as complex and real as Maggie's.
This book is relatable. Not just the overall theme, but the little details. Especially as someone who grew up in NYC the scenery and imagery was spot on. The Trader Joe's and studio apartment were so easy to see and to me, if a writer can immerse me in a location, I'm sold.
Maggie's character development is interesting with the time hopping. It feels like she is looking back and moving forward with different memories. I enjoyed not feeling lost in the time hops, it was written in a way where I wasn't confused as to when it was or what the situation was and how it related to the current storyline.
I also loved that we get a kickass moment of women handling their own issue that other books tend to write with a male (or female) saviour running in to save the day. (Minimal details as I'm not to spoil this scene).
I could sing this books praises all day and will certainly be recommending it to anyone and everyone.
This book is relatable. Not just the overall theme, but the little details. Especially as someone who grew up in NYC the scenery and imagery was spot on. The Trader Joe's and studio apartment were so easy to see and to me, if a writer can immerse me in a location, I'm sold.
Maggie's character development is interesting with the time hopping. It feels like she is looking back and moving forward with different memories. I enjoyed not feeling lost in the time hops, it was written in a way where I wasn't confused as to when it was or what the situation was and how it related to the current storyline.
I also loved that we get a kickass moment of women handling their own issue that other books tend to write with a male (or female) saviour running in to save the day. (Minimal details as I'm not to spoil this scene).
I could sing this books praises all day and will certainly be recommending it to anyone and everyone.
September 21, 2023
I know this book isn't going to be for everyone, but if you appreciate a messy love story with sizzling tension, all-consuming heartbreak, and loads of angst, this is a winner! Absolutely gripping from the start, I loved following Maggie throughout her years of musical aspirations, romantic relationships, and dreams of becoming a mother.
At very different points in her life, Maggie Vine made the same marriage pact with two men. And now at the age of 35, Garrett and Asher are simultaneously back in her life. But who is the right choice? With multiple timelines and flashbacks threaded throughout, you're kept guessing until the very, very end.
I will say, Maggie did not end up with my preferred guy. But a well executed love triangle is my guilty pleasure in the romance genre, and this certainly delivered. It's filled with sadness and trauma, but also laughter and hopefulness—I simply couldn't get enough.
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At very different points in her life, Maggie Vine made the same marriage pact with two men. And now at the age of 35, Garrett and Asher are simultaneously back in her life. But who is the right choice? With multiple timelines and flashbacks threaded throughout, you're kept guessing until the very, very end.
I will say, Maggie did not end up with my preferred guy. But a well executed love triangle is my guilty pleasure in the romance genre, and this certainly delivered. It's filled with sadness and trauma, but also laughter and hopefulness—I simply couldn't get enough.
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2023
While I can admit Maybe Once, Maybe Twice WON'T be for everyone, I enjoyed this crazy ride.
3.5 ★
Not only was their obvious chemistry between Maggie and her two men, her two "backups" that both came calling on her thirty-fifth birthday, their was also a lovely friendship that shined throughout. Different versions of how love manifests itself was on display in this story. And since I'd never read any of Alison Rose Greenberg's work before, I was impressed by the writing. It was both witty and poignant.
Having said that, there was a lot going on. At times, it did feel like certain elements could have been omitted for the better, such as a third act conflict that I could've done without. Due to that inclusion, the ending did feel rushed. Since so much of the plot centered around Maggie choosing between Asher and Garrett, it was disappointing to see that hardly any time was allotted to showing the final couple being together.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Alison Rose Greenberg for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ★
Not only was their obvious chemistry between Maggie and her two men, her two "backups" that both came calling on her thirty-fifth birthday, their was also a lovely friendship that shined throughout. Different versions of how love manifests itself was on display in this story. And since I'd never read any of Alison Rose Greenberg's work before, I was impressed by the writing. It was both witty and poignant.
Having said that, there was a lot going on. At times, it did feel like certain elements could have been omitted for the better, such as a third act conflict that I could've done without. Due to that inclusion, the ending did feel rushed. Since so much of the plot centered around Maggie choosing between Asher and Garrett, it was disappointing to see that hardly any time was allotted to showing the final couple being together.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Alison Rose Greenberg for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
Wow I loved this , Maggie is 35 and made a marriage pact with two men who she loved. Asher & Garrett. Throughout the entire book I was going back and forth on who was better for Maggie & each time I came to a conclusion something threw me for a loop.
My only complaints -
I wish we were able to hear more about Summer + her story. The huge gap in the timeline had me confused at some parts, it was jumping from 17 years old to 20 something to 30 back to 17. I wasn’t a huge fan of this. Also.. the ending ? I don’t know how I feel about that. This book had the romance but also had me feeling… meh? because I felt the ending was so abrupt.
ANDDD the closure Maggie seeks out with one of the characters was so short, especially after they go back and forth talking about their feelings.
Check TW before reading - this book touches on a few heavy topics.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
My only complaints -
I wish we were able to hear more about Summer + her story. The huge gap in the timeline had me confused at some parts, it was jumping from 17 years old to 20 something to 30 back to 17. I wasn’t a huge fan of this. Also.. the ending ? I don’t know how I feel about that. This book had the romance but also had me feeling… meh? because I felt the ending was so abrupt.
ANDDD the closure Maggie seeks out with one of the characters was so short, especially after they go back and forth talking about their feelings.
Check TW before reading - this book touches on a few heavy topics.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 10, 2024
Audiobook Rating: 5/5 🌟
It really pains me to write a mediocre review for Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg and I want to immediately preface this review by saying if you think it sounds good you should DEF read it! I am in a bit of the minority here and I would never want to stop someone from reading something just because it wasn't personally for me. I read and REALLY enjoyed Bad Luck Bridesmaid when it came out, and I couldn't wait to see what Greenberg had in store for me with this one. I loved the little love triangle, and I found it rather funny that Maggie made a marriage pact with 2 different guys. I loved when her bestie called her out for it, because how does this happen?! It was humorous but also (maybe?) understandable.
I loved the audiobook accompaniment for the book, and I thought Katherine Littrell did a really great job as the narrator. She was the perfect person to embody the voice of our Maggie, and she is definitely what kept me listening even when I thought I might set it aside. My biggest issues with this book are as follows. For one, there are a lot of time jumps as we follow along with Maggie's story, and I don't think the storyline needed them all. In fact, sometimes they downright confused me, and I didn't love that they weren't chronological. Second, I could not understand why Maggie thought it was okay to fool around with Garrett even when he was engaged. Literally, no remorse about this or any of her other trysts with him while he had girlfriends. Those kinds of characters really don't sit well with me and made her a quite unlikable character in my mind. Despite these things, I will definitely read this author again, and if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud but also deep romance, you will find it in Maybe Once, Maybe Twice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It really pains me to write a mediocre review for Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg and I want to immediately preface this review by saying if you think it sounds good you should DEF read it! I am in a bit of the minority here and I would never want to stop someone from reading something just because it wasn't personally for me. I read and REALLY enjoyed Bad Luck Bridesmaid when it came out, and I couldn't wait to see what Greenberg had in store for me with this one. I loved the little love triangle, and I found it rather funny that Maggie made a marriage pact with 2 different guys. I loved when her bestie called her out for it, because how does this happen?! It was humorous but also (maybe?) understandable.
I loved the audiobook accompaniment for the book, and I thought Katherine Littrell did a really great job as the narrator. She was the perfect person to embody the voice of our Maggie, and she is definitely what kept me listening even when I thought I might set it aside. My biggest issues with this book are as follows. For one, there are a lot of time jumps as we follow along with Maggie's story, and I don't think the storyline needed them all. In fact, sometimes they downright confused me, and I didn't love that they weren't chronological. Second, I could not understand why Maggie thought it was okay to fool around with Garrett even when he was engaged. Literally, no remorse about this or any of her other trysts with him while he had girlfriends. Those kinds of characters really don't sit well with me and made her a quite unlikable character in my mind. Despite these things, I will definitely read this author again, and if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud but also deep romance, you will find it in Maybe Once, Maybe Twice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 12, 2023
"Maybe Once, Maybe Twice" presents an intriguing concept with mixed execution. While the novel does have its moments of brilliance, it falls short in several key areas, leaving readers with a mixed bag of emotions.
The central premise of the story is undeniably interesting. Greenberg takes a bold step by refusing to provide a clear resolution to the romantic dilemma faced by Maggie. Throughout the narrative, readers are left guessing, uncertain about who the protagonist will ultimately choose. Both romantic options are well-developed, and this ambiguity adds an air of unpredictability to the story.
However, this intriguing concept is marred by execution issues. The story occasionally feels worn out, as if it's treading familiar ground without adding a fresh perspective. The emotional conflicts, while relatable, can become tiresome, especially when the same theme is repeated between different characters.
One of the highlights of the book is the character of Summer, the protagonist's best friend. Her personal conflict and struggles add depth and authenticity to the narrative. It's genuinely heartbreaking to witness the challenges she faces in her life, and the inability to find resolution for her character's storyline leaves a lingering sense of sadness. However, the decision to introduce a similar conflict with Maggie and Asher feels repetitive, diluting the impact of both narratives. The repeated theme of the conflict surrounding children, or the lack thereof, tends to overshadow the narrative. It can come across as an insurmountable obstacle, which, for some readers, might feel a bit too heavy-handed.
The pacing of "Maybe Once, Maybe Twice" is a significant issue. While the book feels overly long, with stretches of the narrative where not much happens. At times, it seems as if the story is dragging on, causing readers to lose engagement. Conversely, the ending appears rushed, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. This imbalance in pacing leaves readers feeling unsatisfied, as if they've invested too much time for too little payoff.
Lastly, the excessive use of Taylor Swift references may prove distracting for some readers. While one reference can be clever and relatable, multiple mentions start to feel forced and even annoying. It's a case of "less is more" that the author could have benefited from.
The emotional depth of certain characters, particularly Summer, is a redeeming feature, but the unresolved conflicts and hurried ending leave readers with a sense of disappointment. While the book has its moments, it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a more polished and balanced narrative.
The central premise of the story is undeniably interesting. Greenberg takes a bold step by refusing to provide a clear resolution to the romantic dilemma faced by Maggie. Throughout the narrative, readers are left guessing, uncertain about who the protagonist will ultimately choose. Both romantic options are well-developed, and this ambiguity adds an air of unpredictability to the story.
However, this intriguing concept is marred by execution issues. The story occasionally feels worn out, as if it's treading familiar ground without adding a fresh perspective. The emotional conflicts, while relatable, can become tiresome, especially when the same theme is repeated between different characters.
One of the highlights of the book is the character of Summer, the protagonist's best friend. Her personal conflict and struggles add depth and authenticity to the narrative. It's genuinely heartbreaking to witness the challenges she faces in her life, and the inability to find resolution for her character's storyline leaves a lingering sense of sadness. However, the decision to introduce a similar conflict with Maggie and Asher feels repetitive, diluting the impact of both narratives. The repeated theme of the conflict surrounding children, or the lack thereof, tends to overshadow the narrative. It can come across as an insurmountable obstacle, which, for some readers, might feel a bit too heavy-handed.
The pacing of "Maybe Once, Maybe Twice" is a significant issue. While the book feels overly long, with stretches of the narrative where not much happens. At times, it seems as if the story is dragging on, causing readers to lose engagement. Conversely, the ending appears rushed, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. This imbalance in pacing leaves readers feeling unsatisfied, as if they've invested too much time for too little payoff.
Lastly, the excessive use of Taylor Swift references may prove distracting for some readers. While one reference can be clever and relatable, multiple mentions start to feel forced and even annoying. It's a case of "less is more" that the author could have benefited from.
The emotional depth of certain characters, particularly Summer, is a redeeming feature, but the unresolved conflicts and hurried ending leave readers with a sense of disappointment. While the book has its moments, it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a more polished and balanced narrative.
December 21, 2024
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice fell into my lap after being highly recommended. Sadly, I think this is a case of it's not you...it's me.
I like the storyline, I like the characters, and I enjoyed all of the pop culture references...but I never felt a connection and it began to draggg the second half.
This book contains so many elements that I love...second chance romance, a love triangle, and past/present timelines. But again...I just had a hard time connecting. I felt like there were too many timelines going on to fully keep up. We had the teen years, twenties, early thirties, mid thirties, flip flopping back and forth and all around the entire book.
Even though this one fell short of my expectations, I appreciate the fact that it felt different and wasn't predictable & we ended on a high note. I'll definitely give this author one more shot. 3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin & NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I like the storyline, I like the characters, and I enjoyed all of the pop culture references...but I never felt a connection and it began to draggg the second half.
This book contains so many elements that I love...second chance romance, a love triangle, and past/present timelines. But again...I just had a hard time connecting. I felt like there were too many timelines going on to fully keep up. We had the teen years, twenties, early thirties, mid thirties, flip flopping back and forth and all around the entire book.
Even though this one fell short of my expectations, I appreciate the fact that it felt different and wasn't predictable & we ended on a high note. I'll definitely give this author one more shot. 3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin & NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 4, 2023
I loved EVERYTHING about this book. I felt like this author and I have the same sense of humor. I laughed out loud so many times reading this. I loved the romance, even though a few times I thought Maggie was going to end up with the wrong guy and that would have really upset me. Thankfully she ended up with the right one in my opinion. I loved the duel timelines so you got a full story of how events played out. I loved the friendship between Maggie and Summer and how it showed that you can make a lifelong friend in the most random times in life. I loved how it showed you can deal with heavy things, and it’s ok to talk about mental health struggles.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I wish this story didn’t have to end.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the digital advance readers copy.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I wish this story didn’t have to end.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the digital advance readers copy.
August 24, 2023
The time jumps in this one were a lot. So many different storylines to keep track of, and repeat experiences. It’s like when we got a realization in current time, then we jump back X amount of years to experience the same sort of thing then. While the characters were decent and likable for the most part, they weren’t strong enough to carry the entire story. This had a lot of surface for me and lacked a lot of things that would make it a deep and meaningful read. Overall an okay book, but nothing astounding.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
April 21, 2023
2.5 stars
The story was a fun contemporary romance, but I found it to be lacking. There wasn’t as much romantic tension as I would have liked. The plot climax felt anticlimactic. It was resolved very quickly and without much conflict or tension.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story was a fun contemporary romance, but I found it to be lacking. There wasn’t as much romantic tension as I would have liked. The plot climax felt anticlimactic. It was resolved very quickly and without much conflict or tension.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
The book was way too long and I found the multiple, alternating timelines distracting and confusing. I also could not stand Maggie, I was honestly hoping she would ended up alone. 3 stars because I somehow finished the book.
December 12, 2023
I want to light this book on fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1.5 stars. the only reason this isn't one star is for good writing and multiple Taylor swift references.
1.5 stars. the only reason this isn't one star is for good writing and multiple Taylor swift references.
October 9, 2023
4 1/2 Stars
This book pulled me in and didn't let go until I read the last word. It was a beautiful love story about a woman who finds herself at a crossroads when she turns thirty-five. Her life is tough enough already and then is further complicated when two of her former boyfriends show up to check in on her with their "if I'm thirty-five and not married..." pact.
I just fell in love with the characters. The main character, Maggie is relatable and someone you wish the best for. Even though her two previous love interests, Garrett and Asher are very different men, they both hold a special place in her heart. It's hard to figure out which one you want to see her end up with. There are positives and negatives about both of them. Overall, I'll say she didn't end up with the one I really thought she belonged with....but hey, I'm not the author of this book. Regardless, it was well done and a story that had me shedding tears at so many different points. Since it was told in multiple time lines, you got the history of how Maggie met and fell in love with each of these men. They truly did each hold a piece of her heart and it broke mine a little to know she'd miss out on something with one of them. I did feel the book was a little rushed with the wrap up at the end. Considering all the build up throughout the story, I expected a little more time for the resolution at the end. For this reason, I kept my rating to 4 1/2 stars.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audiobook was beautifully done with spot on narration. I really enjoyed it and bounced between that and the ebook effortlessly. It enabled me to gobble up this book rapidly as I was hooked from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to each of them and write a review. The opinions contained within are my own.
This book pulled me in and didn't let go until I read the last word. It was a beautiful love story about a woman who finds herself at a crossroads when she turns thirty-five. Her life is tough enough already and then is further complicated when two of her former boyfriends show up to check in on her with their "if I'm thirty-five and not married..." pact.
I just fell in love with the characters. The main character, Maggie is relatable and someone you wish the best for. Even though her two previous love interests, Garrett and Asher are very different men, they both hold a special place in her heart. It's hard to figure out which one you want to see her end up with. There are positives and negatives about both of them. Overall, I'll say she didn't end up with the one I really thought she belonged with....but hey, I'm not the author of this book. Regardless, it was well done and a story that had me shedding tears at so many different points. Since it was told in multiple time lines, you got the history of how Maggie met and fell in love with each of these men. They truly did each hold a piece of her heart and it broke mine a little to know she'd miss out on something with one of them. I did feel the book was a little rushed with the wrap up at the end. Considering all the build up throughout the story, I expected a little more time for the resolution at the end. For this reason, I kept my rating to 4 1/2 stars.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audiobook was beautifully done with spot on narration. I really enjoyed it and bounced between that and the ebook effortlessly. It enabled me to gobble up this book rapidly as I was hooked from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to each of them and write a review. The opinions contained within are my own.
April 17, 2024
I honestly had low expectations for this book going in because the plot seemed kind of ridiculous, but it turns out I LOVED it.
How does a suburban stay-at-home mom relate so deeply to an aspiring singer/songwriter in NYC with two devastatingly handsome men in love with her, you may ask? Well the chapters about her youth reminded me of the BIG feelings that come with young love and young heartbreak. The chapters in her present day deal with universal challenges women may face no matter their circumstances. And it was all tied together with a spot-on soundtrack.
I’m going to need hello sunshine to buy the rights to this immediately and use the same music team from “daisy jones and the six” to bring this book to life asap.
How does a suburban stay-at-home mom relate so deeply to an aspiring singer/songwriter in NYC with two devastatingly handsome men in love with her, you may ask? Well the chapters about her youth reminded me of the BIG feelings that come with young love and young heartbreak. The chapters in her present day deal with universal challenges women may face no matter their circumstances. And it was all tied together with a spot-on soundtrack.
I’m going to need hello sunshine to buy the rights to this immediately and use the same music team from “daisy jones and the six” to bring this book to life asap.
June 17, 2024
Yeah, I'd say this was a decent read overall! Although I wasn't super into the flashbacks, I understood why they were included but ultimately, wasn't necessary. I was way more invested in the future, present storyline.
🎙️second chance romance
🎙️ dual timelines
Ultimately, I'm glad that the book ended the way it did. It just made sense.
BUT I also don't think the focus should have been on her biological ticking womb.. that was a bit frustrating. Especially as it was dropped in the first few pages.
Hmmmmm...as I read this back, am wondering if this is a 2.5 rating instead of 3 but whatever, let's leave it like this.
🎙️second chance romance
🎙️ dual timelines
Ultimately, I'm glad that the book ended the way it did. It just made sense.
BUT I also don't think the focus should have been on her biological ticking womb.. that was a bit frustrating. Especially as it was dropped in the first few pages.
Hmmmmm...as I read this back, am wondering if this is a 2.5 rating instead of 3 but whatever, let's leave it like this.
November 18, 2023
I don’t think I’ve ever hated a book more than I hated this book. The only reason I read it all the way through was for book club, but otherwise I would have stopped reading 3 paragraphs in. It was like reading the diary of an 11 year old girl. Cheesy doesn’t even begin to describe it. Like a hallmark movie on drugs.
November 22, 2023
SHE PICKS HIM? wtf…
August 10, 2023
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice
Alison Rose Greenberg
Coming Oct 3, 2023
St Martins Press
“The world is a giant garbage fire and nostalgia is cheaper than drugs and therapy.”
If you love old movies, songs that bring your right back to a wistful time in life, and love stories that make your heart ache…this book is for you! Filled with songs lyrics from Train, Fall Out Boy, and other 90’s pop rock…this will be a nostalgic millennials wet dream. If you’re old enough to remember a time before Spotify playlists, when you’d make a mix tapes for the boys you had a crush on? This whole book is one big mix tape!!
Told in multiple timeline streams, the story follows the life and loves of a musician named Maggie Vine. A person who feels ALL THE THINGS and when she falls for someone, she falls HARD. It makes for heartache, but it also makes for incredible song lyrics.
“It’s your careers turn to shine…I won’t let some dude take that joy away from you.”
It’s an adult coming of age story, about a woman finding herself, coming to terms with where she is in life (35, not married, no kids….and ovaries about to shrivel). It’s about not giving up on your dreams and chasing after what you want.
“The things that make you feel safe and the things that set your hear on fire aren’t set in stone.”
I loved the pacing of this book, the back and forth between past and present. It almost feels like a dreamscape. I also loved the friendship in this book! We all need a best friend who stops the world for us. There’s so much great representation in this book and big themes, but done in a lovely way.
“Success doesn’t come easily for women who dare to be themselves. It’s a painful road, but if we’re lucky, at the end, we look back and smile, realizing that we’d made ourselves proud.”
Be sure to snag this when it comes out later this year!
TO ORDER: Amazon Link
FOLLOW ME ON IG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook on IG
READ MY BLOG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Blog
BROWSE MY PANGO SHELVES: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Pango Store
Alison Rose Greenberg
Coming Oct 3, 2023
St Martins Press
“The world is a giant garbage fire and nostalgia is cheaper than drugs and therapy.”
If you love old movies, songs that bring your right back to a wistful time in life, and love stories that make your heart ache…this book is for you! Filled with songs lyrics from Train, Fall Out Boy, and other 90’s pop rock…this will be a nostalgic millennials wet dream. If you’re old enough to remember a time before Spotify playlists, when you’d make a mix tapes for the boys you had a crush on? This whole book is one big mix tape!!
Told in multiple timeline streams, the story follows the life and loves of a musician named Maggie Vine. A person who feels ALL THE THINGS and when she falls for someone, she falls HARD. It makes for heartache, but it also makes for incredible song lyrics.
“It’s your careers turn to shine…I won’t let some dude take that joy away from you.”
It’s an adult coming of age story, about a woman finding herself, coming to terms with where she is in life (35, not married, no kids….and ovaries about to shrivel). It’s about not giving up on your dreams and chasing after what you want.
“The things that make you feel safe and the things that set your hear on fire aren’t set in stone.”
I loved the pacing of this book, the back and forth between past and present. It almost feels like a dreamscape. I also loved the friendship in this book! We all need a best friend who stops the world for us. There’s so much great representation in this book and big themes, but done in a lovely way.
“Success doesn’t come easily for women who dare to be themselves. It’s a painful road, but if we’re lucky, at the end, we look back and smile, realizing that we’d made ourselves proud.”
Be sure to snag this when it comes out later this year!
TO ORDER: Amazon Link
FOLLOW ME ON IG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook on IG
READ MY BLOG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Blog
BROWSE MY PANGO SHELVES: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Pango Store
August 21, 2024
This book was NOT for me on multiple levels. The then/ now storytelling (which is a style I enjoy when it's done well) made the plot feel confusing and flat. Rather than moving between two timelines, the story constantly jumped around to different ages of the protagonist. It was hard to follow and I didn't feel invested. I'm also meh about love triangles and can't stand cheating tropes so it was just not my fav all around!!
December 2, 2023
Not sure if it’s a full 5 stars yet, but I haven’t been this engrossed in a book in quite a while. I absolutely loved so many things about this book.
Will give it a bit to think on and will write my full review.
Will give it a bit to think on and will write my full review.
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