Reviews

Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg

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marisfeeley's review

dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Perhaps the only decently done love triangle trope I've read in a while! I appreciate StoryGraph giving trigger warnings for content; it allowed me to actually enjoy the book while bracing for a twist. That said, while I appreciate a #MeToo moment, I felt like the character’s experiences were used as justification for her “missing the window” with one of the MMCs, which I didn’t care for — she shouldn’t be with him because he wasn’t right for her, which felt only half-acknowledged. The book was beautifully written, but the characters also felt a little too perfect, almost Disney-fied. Still made me cry though!

samanthaweigt's review

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3.0

3.5 ⭐️

cupcakekatelyn's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

abbysbookadventure's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

darkblue's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

spow's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s rare that in a love triangle, a reader roots for all the parties, but that’s what happened in my case. Maggie is in love with two different people: Garrett who she has pined for for the last 12 years, and Asher her first love. The reader is introduced to Garrett first and while their relationship is far from perfect (I mean, Garrett is engaged to someone else!), it’s easy for the reader to feel their chemistry and want their love story to find a happy ending. Then we meet Asher, and we learn about their young love story. Asher is presented as such a good guy, it’s hard not to want them to have a happily ever after too. I became just as invested in Asher/Maggie as I was Garrett/Maggie.

This is where I think the author did a phenomenal job in forming the story. I couldn’t decide who I wanted Maggie to be with, and that’s what kept me devouring chapter after chapter. When her decision was made, part of me applauded it and part of me mourned the match that could have been, and I don’t think I’ve felt that way about any other love triangle story I’ve ever read. It’s that rarity in character formation that would have me recommend this book to anyone who would listen.

The ending was a bit rushed and a bit clumsy, especially after all the detail placed in the rest of the storytelling. It felt like it was a contrived twist to add drama where none was needed. At first I thought this would ruin the story for me, but the author fixes this mistake at the last moment. With that said, a few pages of messiness doesn’t take away from how great the rest of the story reads. If you are a fan of romance, you won’t go wrong picking up this book.

**A big thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I truly appreciate the opportunity!**