About the Book:
Title: Maybe Once, Maybe Twice
Author: Allison Rose Greenberg
Page Length: 336
Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Synopsis: 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.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.
My Review:
I really like the premise of this story. A woman makes a marriage pact at different points in her life with two very different men – her childhood sweetheart and a friend she’s been in love with for years. When both show up on her 35th birthday, Maggie must face her feelings for both and decide what she wants for her future.
Alternating between past and present timelines, the story recounts how Maggie fell in love with both Asher and Garrett. It also delves into things that happened in her past, both good and traumatic, and how these events affected her life and relationships. A story of love, following your heart, and second chances, the novel also includes some heavier topics, including fertility issues, sexual assault, and loss, so I would recommend checking out the content warnings before starting the read. That being said, I like how Maggie’s journey toward healing included therapy and stressed the importance of mental health.
I’m not usually a big fan of love triangles, but I like how the author developed these relationships. Usually with love triangles, I have a favorite couple, but with this triangle, it was tough to decide which was better suited to Maggie. They are both such dynamic and different men, and they both have a lot to offer. When reading how each relationship started and how it progressed, it’s easy to see why Maggie struggles so much. There’s a lot of chemistry and angst, and you can totally see why Maggie struggles so much with her decision.
In addition to the love stories, there is also a fantastic friendship, and I adored Summer, Maggie’s best friend. The pop culture references were great too. I did think the ending felt rushed and wish it had been fleshed out a bit more, but overall, I enjoyed the pacing, writing style, and time jumps.
Thanks so much to MB Communications and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Lines:
The world is a big garbage fire and nostalgia is cheaper than drugs and therapy.
Tropes:
- marriage pact
- second chance romance
- love triangle
If only I had read this review yesterday before I committed to reading this book. I have been nervous about the love triangle because I usually don’t do those, but I was intrigued by the blurb. I want to say you’ve removed the fear for me, but I think I’m still nervous about that. I also hadn’t read any of the triggers, but I think I’ll be okay. Hopefully I enjoy it at least as much as you did. Great review!
Ooooo, I hope you enjoy it. I’ll keep an eye out for your review.
I am not a big fan of love triangles either, but there are times it works and this sounds like one of those. I love the premise of making a marriage pact with two different people and they both show up. Sounds like a great story to me. Wonderful review, Julie.
Thanks, Carla. It was a good read. there were a few things I didn’t love, but overall I enjoyed it.