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Maybe
Letting go is hard. Admitting you need each other is harder.
Emily Portman loves her job. A writer for Breakout! Magazine, she shadows and showcases up-and-coming bands. When her next assignment takes her to Austin, Texas, she can’t wait to add the city to her map of places she’s visited. Places she’s left without looking back. Her plan is to keep moving on, and the last thing she needs is a man holding her back. She’s not going down that road again.
Tyler Macy is stuck in a rut. Despite his exceptional talent as a musician, he has chosen to take a back seat with his music and let others grab the limelight. Wounded and mistrustful, he doesn’t appreciate his friends’ efforts to bring him back to center stage. Emily comes onto the scene and sees his full potential, but he fights to stay in the shadows, shutting her out before she can add to the scars another woman gave him.
For Tyler to find his music again, he needs to accept the help that Emily and their friends offer. When he discovers that his muse lies underneath Emily’s skin, it is still not enough to keep her from walking away. Neither will admit what they really want until it is too late.
Emily is once again thrown in Tyler’s path when she is assigned to join them on tour. Despite the pain in his past, Tyler sees that she is worth it, even if she’s stolen both his heart and peace of mind. In order for them to be together, they both must discover whether the music and their passion are enough to overcome the obstacles that separate them.
Maybe finding love is worth the risk.
Emily Portman loves her job. A writer for Breakout! Magazine, she shadows and showcases up-and-coming bands. When her next assignment takes her to Austin, Texas, she can’t wait to add the city to her map of places she’s visited. Places she’s left without looking back. Her plan is to keep moving on, and the last thing she needs is a man holding her back. She’s not going down that road again.
Tyler Macy is stuck in a rut. Despite his exceptional talent as a musician, he has chosen to take a back seat with his music and let others grab the limelight. Wounded and mistrustful, he doesn’t appreciate his friends’ efforts to bring him back to center stage. Emily comes onto the scene and sees his full potential, but he fights to stay in the shadows, shutting her out before she can add to the scars another woman gave him.
For Tyler to find his music again, he needs to accept the help that Emily and their friends offer. When he discovers that his muse lies underneath Emily’s skin, it is still not enough to keep her from walking away. Neither will admit what they really want until it is too late.
Emily is once again thrown in Tyler’s path when she is assigned to join them on tour. Despite the pain in his past, Tyler sees that she is worth it, even if she’s stolen both his heart and peace of mind. In order for them to be together, they both must discover whether the music and their passion are enough to overcome the obstacles that separate them.
Maybe finding love is worth the risk.
229 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 1, 2014
2.75 ~ 3 Stars
”The body knows when music means something. When it’s pure and worthy.”
I must have read way too many rock star books because this felt very unoriginal to me. The premise of the story is of our pretty talent scout/journalist who falls hard for the tormented hot musician. In this book, the characters names are Emily Portman and Tyler Mace.
In 2009 this story may have been something fresh and original, in 2014 it's just another story following a popular trend. Perhaps if I would have read this story when it was originally written I would have felt differently, but unfortunately that just isn't the case.
Tyler has been burned in his past and so when he feels a strong connection to Emily he fights it with everything he has. We are privy to entries from his private journal that in this author’s previous book were very entertaining but in this story felt odd. I would have been happy with his pov chapters instead.
Tyler sucks on lollipops and writes music on Emily’s body because she has inspired the drummer to writing and taking the microphone once again.
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This story seemed to have a lot of elements found in the Sinner series by Olivia Cunning, and while this story may have come first, it didn't for me. Again, this is a risk you take when publishing older stories.
Tyler is panicked by his feelings for Emily and pushes her away. Emily takes a position working elsewhere while wondering what on earth Tyler’s ex had done to mess him up so much.
’I can’t… need you. I can’t keep you here because I don’t want to have to need someone again.”
The two do stay in contact and then a blogging position opens where Emily will tour with the band and you guessed it they pass all the obstacles that had held them back and find their hea.
”I’m going to be here when you figure it out.”
“When you figure out that the music isn’t in me – it’s in you.”
Overall, I struggled and dragged my way through this story.
Whichever came first the chicken or the egg it wasn't an original story for me but it’s a short read that surprisingly has a lot of steam and nice enough story that readers will find it enjoyable.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
”The body knows when music means something. When it’s pure and worthy.”
I must have read way too many rock star books because this felt very unoriginal to me. The premise of the story is of our pretty talent scout/journalist who falls hard for the tormented hot musician. In this book, the characters names are Emily Portman and Tyler Mace.
In 2009 this story may have been something fresh and original, in 2014 it's just another story following a popular trend. Perhaps if I would have read this story when it was originally written I would have felt differently, but unfortunately that just isn't the case.
Tyler has been burned in his past and so when he feels a strong connection to Emily he fights it with everything he has. We are privy to entries from his private journal that in this author’s previous book were very entertaining but in this story felt odd. I would have been happy with his pov chapters instead.
Tyler sucks on lollipops and writes music on Emily’s body because she has inspired the drummer to writing and taking the microphone once again.
[image error]
This story seemed to have a lot of elements found in the Sinner series by Olivia Cunning, and while this story may have come first, it didn't for me. Again, this is a risk you take when publishing older stories.
Tyler is panicked by his feelings for Emily and pushes her away. Emily takes a position working elsewhere while wondering what on earth Tyler’s ex had done to mess him up so much.
’I can’t… need you. I can’t keep you here because I don’t want to have to need someone again.”
The two do stay in contact and then a blogging position opens where Emily will tour with the band and you guessed it they pass all the obstacles that had held them back and find their hea.
”I’m going to be here when you figure it out.”
“When you figure out that the music isn’t in me – it’s in you.”
Overall, I struggled and dragged my way through this story.
Whichever came first the chicken or the egg it wasn't an original story for me but it’s a short read that surprisingly has a lot of steam and nice enough story that readers will find it enjoyable.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 2, 2016
“I just wrote the prettiest song being inside of you. I don’t regret it for a second.”
Emily has a pretty amazing job. Arriving in Austin to watch a local band perform, write their story and hopefully watch their rise to fame is just the starting point. The former ballerina turned music expert isn’t one to fall prey to the lifestyle of rock n’ roll. She’s not a groupie that is going to go weak in the knees for the rock star, she’s professional and a little cold and cynical.
Moving into the apartment the magazine set her up in, the cute maintenance man Tyler catches her eye, briefly. She has no idea that the man keeping her awake at night with his constant drumming is just one of three of the band Growl at the Badger that she’s there to work with.
Tyler Macy is a musical genius. But when his heart was broken he gave up the spotlight for a place behind a drum set. When Emily arrives, the noise that is constantly strumming through his head settles into a rhythm, a hypnotic beat – and suddenly all that noise becomes notes.
He can hear the music fighting to break free when he touches her, kisses her – she inspires him. As they fall into an easy routine those early days in Austin – everything changes as they go their separate ways. She’s escaping the way he makes her feel and he’s on the rise to something much bigger.
But after a year passes, her job brings them back together. The music he feels beneath her skin didn’t fade with time nor has the attraction they both feel. As the band begins their small tour, Emily tags along to write about their rise to fame. Night after night she listens to the songs that their nights together inspired and little by little she falls more in love with the man. But her life has always been traveling from one town to the next, never settling down. She thought she gave up the dream of having more years ago when her heart was broken but knowing Tyler has sparked a new dream. For Tyler, learning to trust again – giving it to someone after the pain of his past could devastate him. But the calm that comes from just touching her – the music that he hears when he watches her – it might just be worth the risk.
I am a music junkie. One of those people that can hear a song and instantly be reminded of a time in my life – transported back to a moment in time. When I struggle to find a name for an emotion I know that I’ll find the perfect song that can explain it. This was not simply a story that involved a rock star finding fame and the woes that follow in the wake of touring, groupies and the stresses of going from playing in a small club to an arena. There is no overly done story lines of women in tight clothing throwing themselves at the feet of the band. There is no angst in insecurities of the characters. It’s about the purity of the love story that is the focus while the tour – the band is just part of the story. I relate to music. I relate to the way it can affect you and with Maybe, the music (and the love for it) is just as much of a character of this story as Tyler & Emily are.
I can’t quite explain what it was about this story. There was something special in the structure that the author used. The stolen private moments of Tyler – a few sentences that said so much more. He was simply flawless as character. I adored Emily, which is rare. It wasn’t that she was this overly strong heroine – but she was human and realistic. The low drama of the outside world was perfect – the story was about these two. Their love – the music and everything else was just scenery. Getting to know Tyler through Emily’s eyes mesmerized me. I felt like I was being drawn into their world with each word.
Maybe is an instant favorite. A touching love story that I felt in my bones – one that wasn’t forced upon me but just happened the further I got into the story. I fell in love alongside these characters through the course of the story and I am looking forward to diving into the authors other books, if this is any indication as to what to I expect I know I’ll be getting one helluva story each and every time.
Emily has a pretty amazing job. Arriving in Austin to watch a local band perform, write their story and hopefully watch their rise to fame is just the starting point. The former ballerina turned music expert isn’t one to fall prey to the lifestyle of rock n’ roll. She’s not a groupie that is going to go weak in the knees for the rock star, she’s professional and a little cold and cynical.
Moving into the apartment the magazine set her up in, the cute maintenance man Tyler catches her eye, briefly. She has no idea that the man keeping her awake at night with his constant drumming is just one of three of the band Growl at the Badger that she’s there to work with.
Tyler Macy is a musical genius. But when his heart was broken he gave up the spotlight for a place behind a drum set. When Emily arrives, the noise that is constantly strumming through his head settles into a rhythm, a hypnotic beat – and suddenly all that noise becomes notes.
He can hear the music fighting to break free when he touches her, kisses her – she inspires him. As they fall into an easy routine those early days in Austin – everything changes as they go their separate ways. She’s escaping the way he makes her feel and he’s on the rise to something much bigger.
But after a year passes, her job brings them back together. The music he feels beneath her skin didn’t fade with time nor has the attraction they both feel. As the band begins their small tour, Emily tags along to write about their rise to fame. Night after night she listens to the songs that their nights together inspired and little by little she falls more in love with the man. But her life has always been traveling from one town to the next, never settling down. She thought she gave up the dream of having more years ago when her heart was broken but knowing Tyler has sparked a new dream. For Tyler, learning to trust again – giving it to someone after the pain of his past could devastate him. But the calm that comes from just touching her – the music that he hears when he watches her – it might just be worth the risk.
I am a music junkie. One of those people that can hear a song and instantly be reminded of a time in my life – transported back to a moment in time. When I struggle to find a name for an emotion I know that I’ll find the perfect song that can explain it. This was not simply a story that involved a rock star finding fame and the woes that follow in the wake of touring, groupies and the stresses of going from playing in a small club to an arena. There is no overly done story lines of women in tight clothing throwing themselves at the feet of the band. There is no angst in insecurities of the characters. It’s about the purity of the love story that is the focus while the tour – the band is just part of the story. I relate to music. I relate to the way it can affect you and with Maybe, the music (and the love for it) is just as much of a character of this story as Tyler & Emily are.
I can’t quite explain what it was about this story. There was something special in the structure that the author used. The stolen private moments of Tyler – a few sentences that said so much more. He was simply flawless as character. I adored Emily, which is rare. It wasn’t that she was this overly strong heroine – but she was human and realistic. The low drama of the outside world was perfect – the story was about these two. Their love – the music and everything else was just scenery. Getting to know Tyler through Emily’s eyes mesmerized me. I felt like I was being drawn into their world with each word.
Maybe is an instant favorite. A touching love story that I felt in my bones – one that wasn’t forced upon me but just happened the further I got into the story. I fell in love alongside these characters through the course of the story and I am looking forward to diving into the authors other books, if this is any indication as to what to I expect I know I’ll be getting one helluva story each and every time.
December 5, 2014
"It's always for you."
Emily Portman loves her job. As a writer for a magazine she is constantly traveling and gets to scout new musical talent. Her latest assignment has her heading to Austin, where she meets Tyler Macy.
Tyler has felt uninspired after going through a difficult relationship. He has stepped out of the spotlight, despite his immense talent.
I can't get the notes out. They're stuck. I try my hardest, but nothing happens, even when my fingers bleed and the calluses have calluses.
With the support of Emily and his band mates, Tyler finds his way back to the music. He finds his muse. While spending time with Emily, he begins to write again.
He has wrote a song for me. On me.
Unfortunately these two are too afraid to admit their feelings, so Emily walks away. But when she find herself thrown back into Tyler's world, these two are given a second chance. Will they let go of the past and trust each other enough to embrace a future together?
Maybe is a sweet NA story with romance and a surprising amount of steam. While some of the drama seemed unnecessary, the the storyline wasn't particularly unique, I still found myself pulling for Tyler and Emily throughout their story.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Emily Portman loves her job. As a writer for a magazine she is constantly traveling and gets to scout new musical talent. Her latest assignment has her heading to Austin, where she meets Tyler Macy.
Tyler has felt uninspired after going through a difficult relationship. He has stepped out of the spotlight, despite his immense talent.
I can't get the notes out. They're stuck. I try my hardest, but nothing happens, even when my fingers bleed and the calluses have calluses.
With the support of Emily and his band mates, Tyler finds his way back to the music. He finds his muse. While spending time with Emily, he begins to write again.
He has wrote a song for me. On me.
Unfortunately these two are too afraid to admit their feelings, so Emily walks away. But when she find herself thrown back into Tyler's world, these two are given a second chance. Will they let go of the past and trust each other enough to embrace a future together?
Maybe is a sweet NA story with romance and a surprising amount of steam. While some of the drama seemed unnecessary, the the storyline wasn't particularly unique, I still found myself pulling for Tyler and Emily throughout their story.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 2, 2014
****4 Love & Lyrics Stars****
(Arc Kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley)
When I learned that Amber L. Johnson, the writer of Puddle Jumping, one of my top favorite books ever, was writing another novel , my heart almost jumped out of my body with glee and anticipation. This author has a real talent for crafting romantic stories that feel so real and are completely heart melting and Maybe was simply incredible. This book was completely different from her last , I loved that she showed us another side of her writing with this book. The characters and the story, this time around are more mature, and a lot more sensual and if you are a music lover like me, this book is definitely for you...
Emily Portman's dream was to be a prima ballerina and marry her longtime boyfriend to live happily ever after, but when she hurts her knee, both dreams were destroyed, leaving her heartbroken. Six years later she has a cool job in a music magazine, where she gets to follow music bands and travel all over the country, enough distances to prevent her putting roots down anywhere again, keeping her busy and her heart safe from disappointments. A new assignment has her in Austin Texas and her first experience in town is the beautiful and enigmatic guy who is in charge of the renovations in her building. Turns out Tyler Macy is not only the renovations guy but the drummer in the band that she is suppose to be writing her article about. The attraction is immediate between them but both Emily and Tyler have been burned in the past by love and are now hiding from it. Tyler hides behind his drum set and Emily is always running away. One night the inevitable happens and music and fierce passion is what will bring them together . After a beautiful and extremely erotic night, both back off because they are scare of what they are feeling and a year will go by before they meet again. When Emily learns that she is suppose to go on tour with Tyler's band and blog about their activities, she's uncertain of what will happen between her and the boy who hears music notes in the rhythm of her heart, and writes it with such passion on her skin. Tyler is also scare but he's missed his muse, are they ready to face the music or will they allow their insecurities to forever keep them apart?
Music and passion is what this book is all about, so many things happen and just when you think the story is going in one direction twists and turns change the course of the plot making it completely unpredictable and highly enjoyable. Maybe is a very unique story, and I very much would recommend to everyone.
My Maybe Music playlist:
*Best I ever Had by Vertical Horizon
*High and Dry by Radiohead
*Friends by Ed Sheeran
*Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
*Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware
(Arc Kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley)
When I learned that Amber L. Johnson, the writer of Puddle Jumping, one of my top favorite books ever, was writing another novel , my heart almost jumped out of my body with glee and anticipation. This author has a real talent for crafting romantic stories that feel so real and are completely heart melting and Maybe was simply incredible. This book was completely different from her last , I loved that she showed us another side of her writing with this book. The characters and the story, this time around are more mature, and a lot more sensual and if you are a music lover like me, this book is definitely for you...
Emily Portman's dream was to be a prima ballerina and marry her longtime boyfriend to live happily ever after, but when she hurts her knee, both dreams were destroyed, leaving her heartbroken. Six years later she has a cool job in a music magazine, where she gets to follow music bands and travel all over the country, enough distances to prevent her putting roots down anywhere again, keeping her busy and her heart safe from disappointments. A new assignment has her in Austin Texas and her first experience in town is the beautiful and enigmatic guy who is in charge of the renovations in her building. Turns out Tyler Macy is not only the renovations guy but the drummer in the band that she is suppose to be writing her article about. The attraction is immediate between them but both Emily and Tyler have been burned in the past by love and are now hiding from it. Tyler hides behind his drum set and Emily is always running away. One night the inevitable happens and music and fierce passion is what will bring them together . After a beautiful and extremely erotic night, both back off because they are scare of what they are feeling and a year will go by before they meet again. When Emily learns that she is suppose to go on tour with Tyler's band and blog about their activities, she's uncertain of what will happen between her and the boy who hears music notes in the rhythm of her heart, and writes it with such passion on her skin. Tyler is also scare but he's missed his muse, are they ready to face the music or will they allow their insecurities to forever keep them apart?
Music and passion is what this book is all about, so many things happen and just when you think the story is going in one direction twists and turns change the course of the plot making it completely unpredictable and highly enjoyable. Maybe is a very unique story, and I very much would recommend to everyone.
My Maybe Music playlist:
*Best I ever Had by Vertical Horizon
*High and Dry by Radiohead
*Friends by Ed Sheeran
*Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
*Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 17, 2015Dnf @ 40%
Not what I expected from the author of Puddle Jumping! I kept wondering is it the same author who created the magic of Colton and Lily? because the MC's here are hollow and one dimensional and their insta-hate or whatever happened in the beginning was not convincing. The story itself lacks dept and everything is happening so fast without any character development.
I hate it when I have struggle reading even if it is written by the author I adore!
ARC kindly provided by the publishers, via Netgalley
Not what I expected from the author of Puddle Jumping! I kept wondering is it the same author who created the magic of Colton and Lily? because the MC's here are hollow and one dimensional and their insta-hate or whatever happened in the beginning was not convincing. The story itself lacks dept and everything is happening so fast without any character development.
I hate it when I have struggle reading even if it is written by the author I adore!
ARC kindly provided by the publishers, via Netgalley
December 2, 2014
First, let me start with this. I wanted to be many things when I was growing up. Doctor, laywer, chef. When I was a preteen/teenager the one thing that was a constant was my subscription to Rolling Stone. I was always so envious of the writers. Being able to hang out with my favorite bands, seeing the behind the scenes stuff. That job didn't seem like work to me. It seemed like a fantastic adventure.
That's why when I read the summary of Maybe way back in 2009 I had to read it. A writer finds herself emmersed in the world of a sexy musician. Sign me up!
Without adding any spoilers here's my basic breakdown of Maybe.
Emily wants to have that breakout moment in her career. Tyler just wants a break from it all. And the struggle for them is figuring out a way to have everything they didn't realize they wanted. This story makes me look at Sharpie markers, cherry suckers, and ballet slippers in a completely different way.
The first time I read this story I thought it was perfection. And the many times, in many forms of edit since, it's only gotten better. What I got was so much more than I had anticipated. I was let into private moments, pulled from real life expirences, scenes written about true feelings. I felt so much love and heartache with each twist in the plot. This story made me an emotional mess. And that is the very best feeling when finishing a story. The only things in life worth so much emotion are the things we should hold the closest. This is a story that I will forever hold close.
That's why when I read the summary of Maybe way back in 2009 I had to read it. A writer finds herself emmersed in the world of a sexy musician. Sign me up!
Without adding any spoilers here's my basic breakdown of Maybe.
Emily wants to have that breakout moment in her career. Tyler just wants a break from it all. And the struggle for them is figuring out a way to have everything they didn't realize they wanted. This story makes me look at Sharpie markers, cherry suckers, and ballet slippers in a completely different way.
The first time I read this story I thought it was perfection. And the many times, in many forms of edit since, it's only gotten better. What I got was so much more than I had anticipated. I was let into private moments, pulled from real life expirences, scenes written about true feelings. I felt so much love and heartache with each twist in the plot. This story made me an emotional mess. And that is the very best feeling when finishing a story. The only things in life worth so much emotion are the things we should hold the closest. This is a story that I will forever hold close.
March 4, 2015
If you love hot rock star romances, you're going to love this. Emily Portman is a writer for a music magazine who's sent to Austin to cover an up-and-coming band about to be showcased at South by Southwest. She makes it her business never to get involved with the talent - until she meets Tyler Macy.
Tyler is swoony, and the way he writes music just made me sigh. I was so glad this story was free of the overdone angst of so many others in this genre. It's lovely - Amber has done it again! Highly recommended.
Tyler is swoony, and the way he writes music just made me sigh. I was so glad this story was free of the overdone angst of so many others in this genre. It's lovely - Amber has done it again! Highly recommended.
November 25, 2014
Hands down the best book Amber has written so far! I literally read it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down.
I laughed, I screamed, and I loved. Emily and Tyler's story felt like a REAL LIFE romance with REAL LIFE curve balls.
Can't wait to share with all my friends and family in February, and I can't wait to see what is next from Amber!
I laughed, I screamed, and I loved. Emily and Tyler's story felt like a REAL LIFE romance with REAL LIFE curve balls.
Can't wait to share with all my friends and family in February, and I can't wait to see what is next from Amber!
November 21, 2014
Emily and Tyler's story is a little different. But just as real as any other romance story - with a little musical twist. Emily Portman works for a magazine and is sent to do a story on Tyler Macy's band.
When she meets him - so many things go wrong! She is unaware they have already met. She sprays him with mace since she has mistaken him for a mugger. She is extremely attracted to him and fights it all the way.
Tyler has a lot of issues of his own. He runs the band, writes the music, plans the show to the greatest of detail.... but he plays the drums and prefers to be in the back of the limelight.
Once Tyler and Emily lock lips - it is on! The muse is back and he can write.... he hears the music with each touch of her skin. He even puts secret love notes on her body where she cannot see them. Emily, in turn is afraid to rock the boat. She fears becoming a groupie and knowing too much about the band.
Her job takes her all over but when she is assigned to Tyler's band for a 2nd time - it is a chance to really evaluate how they mean to one another and hold on for real this time.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com for review purposes.
When she meets him - so many things go wrong! She is unaware they have already met. She sprays him with mace since she has mistaken him for a mugger. She is extremely attracted to him and fights it all the way.
Tyler has a lot of issues of his own. He runs the band, writes the music, plans the show to the greatest of detail.... but he plays the drums and prefers to be in the back of the limelight.
Once Tyler and Emily lock lips - it is on! The muse is back and he can write.... he hears the music with each touch of her skin. He even puts secret love notes on her body where she cannot see them. Emily, in turn is afraid to rock the boat. She fears becoming a groupie and knowing too much about the band.
Her job takes her all over but when she is assigned to Tyler's band for a 2nd time - it is a chance to really evaluate how they mean to one another and hold on for real this time.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com for review purposes.
December 19, 2014
Review to follow.
December 10, 2014
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Title:Maybe
Series:No
Author:Amber L. Johnson
Release date: February 12, 2015
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
"Do you want to be my muse, Emily Portman?"
This is my first read by Amber L. Johnson. I never did read Puddle Jumping, the novella that came out this summer that gained so much popularity. I had heard an overwhelming amount of positive reviews for her work, so when I saw this new release, I thought it would be the perfect book for me to introduce myself to this author. Musician books are one of my favorite sub-genres in romance and I've read quite a few of them. while Maybe didn't have a whole lot to offer that I haven't already read in the past, the evocative writing of the music scene and the hero in particular really won me over and impressed me. It was light on the angst and very sweet but also had some surprisingly decent steamy scenes.
When Emily, a writer for Breakout! Magazine is sent to meet Tyler's band and do a piece on him, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Tyler was your typical brooding and smoldering eyed, talented musician who had quite the aura of mystery surrounding him. And he also lived right above her and liked to keep her awake during the night with his incessant drum playing. Let's just say she wasn't exactly charmed by him. But she's nothing if not professional and she's more than happy to do her part in bringing him into the spotlight.
She can't help but be impressed by his huge talent, but working with up and coming artists has left her a little cynical about stardom and the people surrounding musicians. She'd rather poke out her eye than become a groupie or a band member's girlfriend. To her consternation, however, this mutual attraction that they seem to have isn't fading no matter how much she tries to ignore it.
He doesn't disappoint, and this attraction, this thing I'm not supposed to feel, overcomes me. Even though it shouldn't be this, it's all I want.
Tyler and Emily have this constant sizzling sexual tension that was right there under the surface of all their interactions.
In the beginning, I had Tyler pegged as more of a beta hero. Sweet, yet troubled and a little bit damaged. And then he'd let his dirty mouth come out to play and I figured he's nicely balanced out somewhere in the middle. I loved this guy so much. He wasn't your typical cliché manwhore musician. He wasn't rude and nasty because of some overly dramatic past. He was just a good guy who got burned badly by someone and now he's just trying to move on from that hurt and find the courage to let someone else in. But with Emily only staying temporarily, it seems she would be the last person who he should trust his heart with again. What happens when she leaves and takes his song writing inspiration right along with her?
Eventually, the inevitable happens, and she has to head back on the road when her job is done. The uncertainty of how they would be reunited, and their angst in needing each other but not wanting to was so poignant. I really felt their distress and hunger for each other. Would they find a way to make the impossible possible? Would chasing happiness with Tyler mean giving up her career and carefree lifestyle on the road that she'd enjoyed for so long?
I really enjoyed this book. not only was the hero sensitive yet sexy, he was unfailingly committed to her even during their long separation. That's a huge selling point for me considering he's a rising rock star who has women throwing himself at him. And Emily was a no-nonsense heroine who was intelligent and had a lot to admire. She had morals and held strong to them despite her boss pushing her to do questionable things.
This book was about opening yourself up to new possibilities and taking a chance on love. It was one of those books that didn't annoy me at any point and I felt that both the main characters were likable. I would definitely read more from this author in the future. She has a voice in romance that I won't mind tuning into. If you're in the mood for a book that's light on the drama and angst but high on emotions, this may be the one for you.
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Title:Maybe
Series:No
Author:Amber L. Johnson
Release date: February 12, 2015
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
"Do you want to be my muse, Emily Portman?"
This is my first read by Amber L. Johnson. I never did read Puddle Jumping, the novella that came out this summer that gained so much popularity. I had heard an overwhelming amount of positive reviews for her work, so when I saw this new release, I thought it would be the perfect book for me to introduce myself to this author. Musician books are one of my favorite sub-genres in romance and I've read quite a few of them. while Maybe didn't have a whole lot to offer that I haven't already read in the past, the evocative writing of the music scene and the hero in particular really won me over and impressed me. It was light on the angst and very sweet but also had some surprisingly decent steamy scenes.
When Emily, a writer for Breakout! Magazine is sent to meet Tyler's band and do a piece on him, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Tyler was your typical brooding and smoldering eyed, talented musician who had quite the aura of mystery surrounding him. And he also lived right above her and liked to keep her awake during the night with his incessant drum playing. Let's just say she wasn't exactly charmed by him. But she's nothing if not professional and she's more than happy to do her part in bringing him into the spotlight.
She can't help but be impressed by his huge talent, but working with up and coming artists has left her a little cynical about stardom and the people surrounding musicians. She'd rather poke out her eye than become a groupie or a band member's girlfriend. To her consternation, however, this mutual attraction that they seem to have isn't fading no matter how much she tries to ignore it.
He doesn't disappoint, and this attraction, this thing I'm not supposed to feel, overcomes me. Even though it shouldn't be this, it's all I want.
Tyler and Emily have this constant sizzling sexual tension that was right there under the surface of all their interactions.
In the beginning, I had Tyler pegged as more of a beta hero. Sweet, yet troubled and a little bit damaged. And then he'd let his dirty mouth come out to play and I figured he's nicely balanced out somewhere in the middle. I loved this guy so much. He wasn't your typical cliché manwhore musician. He wasn't rude and nasty because of some overly dramatic past. He was just a good guy who got burned badly by someone and now he's just trying to move on from that hurt and find the courage to let someone else in. But with Emily only staying temporarily, it seems she would be the last person who he should trust his heart with again. What happens when she leaves and takes his song writing inspiration right along with her?
Eventually, the inevitable happens, and she has to head back on the road when her job is done. The uncertainty of how they would be reunited, and their angst in needing each other but not wanting to was so poignant. I really felt their distress and hunger for each other. Would they find a way to make the impossible possible? Would chasing happiness with Tyler mean giving up her career and carefree lifestyle on the road that she'd enjoyed for so long?
I really enjoyed this book. not only was the hero sensitive yet sexy, he was unfailingly committed to her even during their long separation. That's a huge selling point for me considering he's a rising rock star who has women throwing himself at him. And Emily was a no-nonsense heroine who was intelligent and had a lot to admire. She had morals and held strong to them despite her boss pushing her to do questionable things.
This book was about opening yourself up to new possibilities and taking a chance on love. It was one of those books that didn't annoy me at any point and I felt that both the main characters were likable. I would definitely read more from this author in the future. She has a voice in romance that I won't mind tuning into. If you're in the mood for a book that's light on the drama and angst but high on emotions, this may be the one for you.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
December 2, 2014
Once again Ms Johnson writes a book that I could not put down!!! Got it finished in less than 24 hours (just like all her other books!) I very much enjoyed this book. Were there times I wanted to toss my kindle across the room? You better believe it! But that only means that I am in love with these characters that Amber shared with us. Five full stars!!!
December 1, 2014
I was provided an ARC of Maybe to read and review. A brief summary of the story is Emily Portman is a talent scout for a magazine, following up and coming bands and reporting on them through her articles. Tyler Macy is the drummer for a band called "Growl at the Badger". We meet them as Emily is coming into Austin, her new home for the next 5 weeks and Tyler is the person who has the keys to the apartment she will stay in.
What follows is a roller coaster of emotion, we travel with the band and become a part of the developing relationship between Em and Mace. Having both been burned in the past, they are reluctant to begin a new relationship, but are drawn to each other until they can't deny it any longer.
The first couple of chapters, for me, were slow, but once the story got going, I could not stop reading. I came to care about each and every character in the book.
It is rare that a book touches me to the point of tears, but in the last few chapters, my eyes filled a few times, not from sadness, but because the writing made me feel the love between them. (I might have been a little sad...the story was coming to an end!)
What I loved most about this book was the way Amber brought the reader into the scene, you weren't just reading words, you were on the bus with them, sitting at the table or laying in the bunk. When she brought us backstage, you were watching the band and rocking out with them. The physical interactions between the two main characters were hot, not overdone and you could feel their emotion throughout.
Maybe was a worthy read, it came to it's natural conclusion, but I could have read 10 more chapters and been happy!
The book will publish February 2015, put it on your to read list, you won't be sorry.
What follows is a roller coaster of emotion, we travel with the band and become a part of the developing relationship between Em and Mace. Having both been burned in the past, they are reluctant to begin a new relationship, but are drawn to each other until they can't deny it any longer.
The first couple of chapters, for me, were slow, but once the story got going, I could not stop reading. I came to care about each and every character in the book.
It is rare that a book touches me to the point of tears, but in the last few chapters, my eyes filled a few times, not from sadness, but because the writing made me feel the love between them. (I might have been a little sad...the story was coming to an end!)
What I loved most about this book was the way Amber brought the reader into the scene, you weren't just reading words, you were on the bus with them, sitting at the table or laying in the bunk. When she brought us backstage, you were watching the band and rocking out with them. The physical interactions between the two main characters were hot, not overdone and you could feel their emotion throughout.
Maybe was a worthy read, it came to it's natural conclusion, but I could have read 10 more chapters and been happy!
The book will publish February 2015, put it on your to read list, you won't be sorry.
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1388500902i/22427047._UY200_CR8,0,200,200_.jpg)
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
December 30, 2014DNF
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 12, 2015
NOW AVAILABLE
Romance and Rock N Roll... what's not to love?
I'm a sucker for a good rockstar romance and that is exactly what this is; an excellent story about a rockstar who learns that he is still capable of falling in love.
One of the things I love most about this story is Tyler. He is a very atypical rockstar. He isn't a womanizer, though he has had his share of women. He isn't afraid of commitment, he just isn't looking for it right now. He doesn't have to be the center of attention. As a matter of fact, even though he used to do lead vocals and writes all the songs for the band, he has taken a step back to play the drums while someone else take the lead.
Emily is also a great character. She is strong and successful and knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn't want. What she wants is to discover the next big name in music entertainment. She wants to catch the attention of the bigwigs of the magazine she works for. She wants to keep her heart hidden away behind the walls she has built around it. What Emily definitely does not want is Tyler Macy.
Emily and Tyler have a very rough start, but eventually their attraction wins out and they have some very explosive times together. Emily sparks Tyler's creativity in a way that hasn't happened in longer than he cares to admit. Her body sings to him. She is his muse.
Tyler challenges Emily in ways she never imagined. He chips away at the wall around her heart, terrifying her and making her feel more alive than she has in way too long. Until it's time for her to move on to the next story.
Amber Johnson poured her entire heart out over the pages of this story. You can get a glimpse of her beautiful soul as you read about Tyler and Emily's tumultuous love affair. I love it. Every. Single. Word.
Romance and Rock N Roll... what's not to love?
I'm a sucker for a good rockstar romance and that is exactly what this is; an excellent story about a rockstar who learns that he is still capable of falling in love.
One of the things I love most about this story is Tyler. He is a very atypical rockstar. He isn't a womanizer, though he has had his share of women. He isn't afraid of commitment, he just isn't looking for it right now. He doesn't have to be the center of attention. As a matter of fact, even though he used to do lead vocals and writes all the songs for the band, he has taken a step back to play the drums while someone else take the lead.
Emily is also a great character. She is strong and successful and knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn't want. What she wants is to discover the next big name in music entertainment. She wants to catch the attention of the bigwigs of the magazine she works for. She wants to keep her heart hidden away behind the walls she has built around it. What Emily definitely does not want is Tyler Macy.
Emily and Tyler have a very rough start, but eventually their attraction wins out and they have some very explosive times together. Emily sparks Tyler's creativity in a way that hasn't happened in longer than he cares to admit. Her body sings to him. She is his muse.
Tyler challenges Emily in ways she never imagined. He chips away at the wall around her heart, terrifying her and making her feel more alive than she has in way too long. Until it's time for her to move on to the next story.
Amber Johnson poured her entire heart out over the pages of this story. You can get a glimpse of her beautiful soul as you read about Tyler and Emily's tumultuous love affair. I love it. Every. Single. Word.
February 7, 2015
#MyReview #BookReview #NewBook #MusicRomance #MustRead
Another 5 star book! I loved this story from beginning to end. Amber did not disappoint. I don't know that I even have the words to express how much I loved this story but I'll give it a shot. The way the story is told pulls you in and makes you feel like you are apart of the journey that Emily and Tyler take. I love when an author makes you feel like you're the characters best friend. I may just go and reread it again just so I can have Emily & Tyler in my life for just a little longer.
“This is everything I never knew I wanted. It’s everything I never knew I needed.”
Excerpt From: Amber L. Johnson. “Maybe by Amber L. Johnson ARC.” The Writer's Coffee Shop. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
The love that Emily and Tyler have for each other is that special love that everyone wishes for. From the beginning when Emily made a smart remark to Tyler about the drums being played in the middle of the night while she is sleeping; not knowing it was him, to the end when they are laying in bed with a happy ending. Everything happened perfectly
Another 5 star book! I loved this story from beginning to end. Amber did not disappoint. I don't know that I even have the words to express how much I loved this story but I'll give it a shot. The way the story is told pulls you in and makes you feel like you are apart of the journey that Emily and Tyler take. I love when an author makes you feel like you're the characters best friend. I may just go and reread it again just so I can have Emily & Tyler in my life for just a little longer.
“This is everything I never knew I wanted. It’s everything I never knew I needed.”
Excerpt From: Amber L. Johnson. “Maybe by Amber L. Johnson ARC.” The Writer's Coffee Shop. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
The love that Emily and Tyler have for each other is that special love that everyone wishes for. From the beginning when Emily made a smart remark to Tyler about the drums being played in the middle of the night while she is sleeping; not knowing it was him, to the end when they are laying in bed with a happy ending. Everything happened perfectly
February 9, 2015
I was given an ARC for an honest review
5 kisses and I would give a million more right now if I could.
Hands down my best read of 2015 so far.
Just so we're clear I legit have tears running down my face. I literally about 2 minutes ago finished Maybe and OMG wow. The feels for this book are off the charts.
Music is a subject that hits close to my heart because like Emily Portman and Amber herself I support my local music scene and am out at a local show when possible.
Tyler Mace. Man of a million words. My favorite thing about him... Blow pops! I am a blow pop fanatic myself and I can tell you that any given time if you are near me and ask for gum, it will be given to you in mini blow pop form.
Oh Review, I'm supposed to be writing that right?
Emily Portman, Not your average every day woman in her mid-twenties. She wants to feel in life, and she does so through music. It wasn't her first choice but she made the best of it. She strikes me as a timid but not overly shy person. There were multiple times in Maybe where I felt as if I were living in Emily's life. She pulled at my heart strings multiple times in this book because I can see a strong resemblance to a person I have come to love and adore over the last two years.... Strength... Motivation and Courage. Emily packs a whole lot of all 3 of those things.
Tyler Mace, He came off to me as an arrogant man when we were first introduced to him. He is a man who has a past and does anything and everything he can to keep his walls up. He broke my heart multiple times in this story and maybe nor for the reasons you are thinking.
I was hooked from the word go. I have had many people tell me that in the past and I never believed them until I became a reviewer here at Sassy Moms Say:Read Romance. Maybe is one of those books where you say oh another chapter and then bed... Yeah Right! I said that multiple times and here I sit at 3:15 am writing a review. I cannot give you words of this story in Maybe, doing so would feel like I would give too much of the plot away. All I can day is Maybe, is a one of a kind story with truth to some of the events that happen. I won't go into that because I respect personal/professional boundaries. I LOVED THIS BOOK. POINT BLANK PERIOD. If you want to know why I love Maybe so much, click one of the many buy links and buy it!
A few passages/quotes I found along the way in Maybe that I absolutely love!
1. "Say you missed me." He speaks against my lips, his tongue slipping out to touch mine lightly. "Tell me you thought about me."
2. My therapist says confessions are good for the soul. I think he's full of s**t.
3. Being this close just to refrain from touching her is making me want more. and I didn't think that was possible.
I need to write.
I need to write on her.
4. I am terrified.
I am ecstatic.
These old feelings lie just beneath the surface, and I push them down until I'm sure they've been buried. But in this case, the doubts and fears are crawling up my spine and lodging in my throat.
I am not afraid of failure. I'm afraid I won't fall just because she's here.
If those passages/ quotes and my review have you wondering why you haven't read it yet, then my only question to you is... What are you waiting for.? :) …
I LOVE the cover of this book. Shout out to Amber and her editing staff who worked so hard to make Maybe not only a dream but a reality.
Amber, this is you bb. I love Maybe and I cannot be more proud to say that I support you in whatever endeavors you choose! I cannot wait for your next release. :)
5 kisses and I would give a million more right now if I could.
Hands down my best read of 2015 so far.
Just so we're clear I legit have tears running down my face. I literally about 2 minutes ago finished Maybe and OMG wow. The feels for this book are off the charts.
Music is a subject that hits close to my heart because like Emily Portman and Amber herself I support my local music scene and am out at a local show when possible.
Tyler Mace. Man of a million words. My favorite thing about him... Blow pops! I am a blow pop fanatic myself and I can tell you that any given time if you are near me and ask for gum, it will be given to you in mini blow pop form.
Oh Review, I'm supposed to be writing that right?
Emily Portman, Not your average every day woman in her mid-twenties. She wants to feel in life, and she does so through music. It wasn't her first choice but she made the best of it. She strikes me as a timid but not overly shy person. There were multiple times in Maybe where I felt as if I were living in Emily's life. She pulled at my heart strings multiple times in this book because I can see a strong resemblance to a person I have come to love and adore over the last two years.... Strength... Motivation and Courage. Emily packs a whole lot of all 3 of those things.
Tyler Mace, He came off to me as an arrogant man when we were first introduced to him. He is a man who has a past and does anything and everything he can to keep his walls up. He broke my heart multiple times in this story and maybe nor for the reasons you are thinking.
I was hooked from the word go. I have had many people tell me that in the past and I never believed them until I became a reviewer here at Sassy Moms Say:Read Romance. Maybe is one of those books where you say oh another chapter and then bed... Yeah Right! I said that multiple times and here I sit at 3:15 am writing a review. I cannot give you words of this story in Maybe, doing so would feel like I would give too much of the plot away. All I can day is Maybe, is a one of a kind story with truth to some of the events that happen. I won't go into that because I respect personal/professional boundaries. I LOVED THIS BOOK. POINT BLANK PERIOD. If you want to know why I love Maybe so much, click one of the many buy links and buy it!
A few passages/quotes I found along the way in Maybe that I absolutely love!
1. "Say you missed me." He speaks against my lips, his tongue slipping out to touch mine lightly. "Tell me you thought about me."
2. My therapist says confessions are good for the soul. I think he's full of s**t.
3. Being this close just to refrain from touching her is making me want more. and I didn't think that was possible.
I need to write.
I need to write on her.
4. I am terrified.
I am ecstatic.
These old feelings lie just beneath the surface, and I push them down until I'm sure they've been buried. But in this case, the doubts and fears are crawling up my spine and lodging in my throat.
I am not afraid of failure. I'm afraid I won't fall just because she's here.
If those passages/ quotes and my review have you wondering why you haven't read it yet, then my only question to you is... What are you waiting for.? :) …
I LOVE the cover of this book. Shout out to Amber and her editing staff who worked so hard to make Maybe not only a dream but a reality.
Amber, this is you bb. I love Maybe and I cannot be more proud to say that I support you in whatever endeavors you choose! I cannot wait for your next release. :)
February 12, 2015
***********ARC received by Netgalley***********
Genre: Rock Star Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person. Hero had very brief romanised journal excerpts. Stand alone.
Broken Ballet dancer turned Music Journalist, Emily, has been moving from place to place, following bands on their rise to fame. Never staying, never getting involved. When she meets the broken and uninspired drummer Tyler, she feels herself wanting to do both.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maybe was very much a case of too much too soon. More so on Tyler's part as he instantly names Emily his muse & she helps him sleep. The foundation for their relationship made it pretty unconvincing, as did their reason not for being together. Their encounters discussed a little of their pained pasts, it was as if they didn't really get to know one another. The romance didn't blossom.
The sex, um... felt like it was; 'he did this, then I did that, then he did that then, then I did that too.' You know? Not good for me.
Then there was the time gap, we saw them together again, but this time it was okay for them to be together as long as they kept it hush-hush. Err.... The band drama I didn't care for either. It seemed as if Emily was friends with them all, when really I didn't see any bonding.
Where I did like the characters. Everything else, including Amber L's humour, was missing. Sorry Amber, you're lovely, but this wasn't for me.
2.5 STARS
Genre: Rock Star Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person. Hero had very brief romanised journal excerpts. Stand alone.
Broken Ballet dancer turned Music Journalist, Emily, has been moving from place to place, following bands on their rise to fame. Never staying, never getting involved. When she meets the broken and uninspired drummer Tyler, she feels herself wanting to do both.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maybe was very much a case of too much too soon. More so on Tyler's part as he instantly names Emily his muse & she helps him sleep. The foundation for their relationship made it pretty unconvincing, as did their reason not for being together. Their encounters discussed a little of their pained pasts, it was as if they didn't really get to know one another. The romance didn't blossom.
The sex, um... felt like it was; 'he did this, then I did that, then he did that then, then I did that too.' You know? Not good for me.
Then there was the time gap, we saw them together again, but this time it was okay for them to be together as long as they kept it hush-hush. Err.... The band drama I didn't care for either. It seemed as if Emily was friends with them all, when really I didn't see any bonding.
Where I did like the characters. Everything else, including Amber L's humour, was missing. Sorry Amber, you're lovely, but this wasn't for me.
January 21, 2015
***** 5 stars *****
Amber L Johnson does it again! I absolutely LOVE this story! Maybe is my favorite book so far that she has written and that is saying something considering all of her previous books were 5 stars for me, as well. I fell in love with Tyler Macy from the beginning. I throughly enjoyed Tyler and Emily's journey, the ups and the downs. This book has the perfect amount of angst and heartbreak, as well as, love and passion. Once I started this awesome story, I couldn't put it down. I have immensely enjoyed all of the books this author has written. She is very diverse in her writing and has a wide range of stories to appreciate, which I find is like a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this captivating story!
Amber L Johnson does it again! I absolutely LOVE this story! Maybe is my favorite book so far that she has written and that is saying something considering all of her previous books were 5 stars for me, as well. I fell in love with Tyler Macy from the beginning. I throughly enjoyed Tyler and Emily's journey, the ups and the downs. This book has the perfect amount of angst and heartbreak, as well as, love and passion. Once I started this awesome story, I couldn't put it down. I have immensely enjoyed all of the books this author has written. She is very diverse in her writing and has a wide range of stories to appreciate, which I find is like a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this captivating story!
February 3, 2015
There's a reason why Amber L. Johnson is one of my very favorite authors, and it's not only because she's a close friend of mine. It's because she is truly talented. But it is because she's my close friend that I know Amber puts her literal soul into each one of her books. Maybe is no exception to that, but it is an exception to her other novels because I know this one comes from somewhere near and dear to her. It's personal, and that's cool.
I've followed Amber's writing since she wrote about another author's vampires, and if there has been one single thing that's always stuck out to me most about her, it's that her style and voice is nothing less than completely original. There's a smoothness in her words that put the reader into a spell. Each story she publishes is special in it's own right, and nothing like the one she wrote before. When you read an Amber L. Johnson book, you're getting something brand new every single time -- I different genre, a different voice, a different world.
I love Amber, and I loved Maybe. You will too. <3
I've followed Amber's writing since she wrote about another author's vampires, and if there has been one single thing that's always stuck out to me most about her, it's that her style and voice is nothing less than completely original. There's a smoothness in her words that put the reader into a spell. Each story she publishes is special in it's own right, and nothing like the one she wrote before. When you read an Amber L. Johnson book, you're getting something brand new every single time -- I different genre, a different voice, a different world.
I love Amber, and I loved Maybe. You will too. <3
February 7, 2015
Emily is living a cool single life. She writes for a music magazine, flying all over the U.S., scouting out new talent. She sees bands before they shoot to stardom and get jaded.
Enter Tyler Macy.
He's the handy man at her new apartment complex.
From the moment she meets Tyler, there's this vibe, that you know something lascivious is going to happen between them. (And you can't wait!)
Wouldn't you know, that when Emily goes to scout her new band, the hot drummer is...
Tyler Macy!!
It's refreshing to read the banter back and forth between Emily and Tyler. It's witty and flirty and fun! Ooh, and I love their nicknames for each other too!!
There were some dramatic moments between them, and I admit, I did shed some tears.
Also, the transformation that both Emily and Tyler go through individually, was so prodigious to see.
Emily's character was always stalwart toward Tyler, the band, and the magazine; but something changed along the way, and you couldn't help but love the results at the end.
For me, this is Amber L. Johnson's best work to date.
Johnson's smart, talented, and knows how to tell stories in such a way, she draws out all these emotions from the reader and you just don't want to let go.
Enter Tyler Macy.
He's the handy man at her new apartment complex.
From the moment she meets Tyler, there's this vibe, that you know something lascivious is going to happen between them. (And you can't wait!)
Wouldn't you know, that when Emily goes to scout her new band, the hot drummer is...
Tyler Macy!!
It's refreshing to read the banter back and forth between Emily and Tyler. It's witty and flirty and fun! Ooh, and I love their nicknames for each other too!!
There were some dramatic moments between them, and I admit, I did shed some tears.
Also, the transformation that both Emily and Tyler go through individually, was so prodigious to see.
Emily's character was always stalwart toward Tyler, the band, and the magazine; but something changed along the way, and you couldn't help but love the results at the end.
For me, this is Amber L. Johnson's best work to date.
Johnson's smart, talented, and knows how to tell stories in such a way, she draws out all these emotions from the reader and you just don't want to let go.
December 8, 2014
Emily and Tyler.
Le sigh!
These two owned me from the moment I started reading.
And it sucked, because Amber would send me pieces and chunks as she was writing, so stopping at a random place was the worse cause I always wanted more.
This book is full of funnies, romance, music, and blow pops. Tyler Macy and blow pops.
Yesssssss. Pleaseeeeee!
Of course I rated it 5 Stars. Not only because it's from Amber, but it completely deserves it!!
And one day, I'm going to learn how to use GIF's in my review, and use all kinds of Dylan O'Brien ones just for Amber's pleasure.
Le sigh!
These two owned me from the moment I started reading.
And it sucked, because Amber would send me pieces and chunks as she was writing, so stopping at a random place was the worse cause I always wanted more.
This book is full of funnies, romance, music, and blow pops. Tyler Macy and blow pops.
Yesssssss. Pleaseeeeee!
Of course I rated it 5 Stars. Not only because it's from Amber, but it completely deserves it!!
And one day, I'm going to learn how to use GIF's in my review, and use all kinds of Dylan O'Brien ones just for Amber's pleasure.
March 16, 2016
After falling in love with Puddle Jumping last year and becoming one of my top YA reads, how could I not try another book by this author? In fact, if truth be told, after reading Puddle Jumping, I went out and bought multiple books by this author because I just knew she was going to become a favorite for me and I wasn't wrong. After reading Maybe, I can once again say, I just love her style, her characters and most of all, the love stories she creates.
While this was much spicier and steamier than I was anticipating, and definitely not for a younger crowd, I absolutely loved Tyler and Emily. Second chance romances are by far one of my top three tropes in any contemporary and the hate to love is another and this amazing novel had both.
Their story was a sweet one but it was also riddled with annoyances, witty one liners, lots of tension, lots of steam, insults, and sweet tender moments to make it all worth it. It truly had a little bit of it all.
Throw in the journal entries from Tyler so we get that much needed glimpse into his thoughts, and this was a fantastic read that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I love how music factored into their relationship and I adored how music came to Tyler, there was just something so endearing and almost magical about it.
This was another well done novel by this author and I can't wait to read more from her.
While this was much spicier and steamier than I was anticipating, and definitely not for a younger crowd, I absolutely loved Tyler and Emily. Second chance romances are by far one of my top three tropes in any contemporary and the hate to love is another and this amazing novel had both.
Their story was a sweet one but it was also riddled with annoyances, witty one liners, lots of tension, lots of steam, insults, and sweet tender moments to make it all worth it. It truly had a little bit of it all.
Throw in the journal entries from Tyler so we get that much needed glimpse into his thoughts, and this was a fantastic read that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I love how music factored into their relationship and I adored how music came to Tyler, there was just something so endearing and almost magical about it.
This was another well done novel by this author and I can't wait to read more from her.
December 20, 2015
Can't wait to read this! Love all of Amber's books! Review to come later
Shelved as 'considering'
February 15, 2015The Writer's Coffee shop DECLINED ME!!!!!!!
**running to the corner and crying**
It's like when your bestie doesn't want to be friends with you anymore. WHAT DID I DO?!!!!
**running to the corner and crying**
It's like when your bestie doesn't want to be friends with you anymore. WHAT DID I DO?!!!!
December 6, 2014
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story. It was a quick and easy read it flowed nicely.
I'm finding that I'm really enjoying Amber's writing style. This is the third book I've read by her.
And so far... I enjoyed all of them.
I felt that Amber did a job with taking me on Emily & Tyler's journey. They certainly had their ups & downs!
Emily works for a entertainment music company. Her company sends her out to interview up and coming new bands. Which requires her only be in certain states for a few months. Then she moves on to a new band and a new state.
Emily new assignment sends her to Texas to interview a new band.
When she gets to her new temporary apartment. She meets the new handyman/ temporary manager...Tyler. (whom she thinks is very hot!)
Later that night... (and the nights thereafter) her downstairs neighbor starts to play the drums all night into the early morning... effecting Emily sleep! This goes on for a couple of weeks!
When Emily goes to the bar to meet her new assignment she picked... Let's just say... She was surprised.
Finding out that Tyler was her downstairs neighbor and the drummer in the band she had to cover.
That first band meeting did not go to well...lol
After that... Tyler pretty much got on her nerves but at the same time peaked her interest.
Tyler is a musician/ handyman. He has a hard time sleeping. So he plays his music really late into the night early morning.
Which really get on his upstairs neighbor nerves... Emily!
finding out that she works for the magazine that has to cover his band was a shock to him. Having been burned by an ex really bad... he wanted to stay away from Emily.... But, at the same time... he couldn't leave her alone.
They have this back and forth thing going on. That they try to fight. Emily can't or doesn't want to cross that line because her assignment is Tyler's band! And Tyler just doesn't want to get hurt again. Or rely on another person.
But when they finally get together... Oh man... Watch out... It's was like fireworks!
When Emily & Tyler first had sex... it was just so damn hot! I felt all the pent up frustration & attraction they had for one another. And once it was unleashed... Boy was it hot! I loved it!
Tyler.. It took me a little bit to warm up to him.
The first impression I had of him wasn't really a good one.
There were a couple of things that bothered me about Tyler...his name... In the beginning everyone was using different names for him.
Tyler...aka Mace...aka Macy (I think he needed to drop a name & only stick to one or two.)
And...
In the beginning he was getting on my nerves with him constantly sucking on a lollipop. That right there just got to me & made it very hard for me to see or get past as a love interest. It was such a turn off.
But... As I kept reading... It got better & I was able to see past it and really enjoy him.
Another thing that bugged me was..
Tyler was so wish washy about the whole sex thing with Emily. It was getting kind of old.
First he didn't think he could handle it. Then he didn't want her to regret it. I was just so happy when they finally did it!!...lol
I liked how Emily stood up for herself. I liked how she didn't let anyone walk all over her. Because I think Tyler needed to work some things out.
I think how they came back into each others lives was perfect. I think they need that time apart. To really see what they were missing. And I felt Tyler was really ready to give Emily his all.
Overall I liked this book.
Would I recommend this book to people....Yes, I would!
Would I read more books by this author....Yes, I would!
*ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review*
-Michelle
I enjoyed this story. It was a quick and easy read it flowed nicely.
I'm finding that I'm really enjoying Amber's writing style. This is the third book I've read by her.
And so far... I enjoyed all of them.
I felt that Amber did a job with taking me on Emily & Tyler's journey. They certainly had their ups & downs!
Emily works for a entertainment music company. Her company sends her out to interview up and coming new bands. Which requires her only be in certain states for a few months. Then she moves on to a new band and a new state.
Emily new assignment sends her to Texas to interview a new band.
When she gets to her new temporary apartment. She meets the new handyman/ temporary manager...Tyler. (whom she thinks is very hot!)
Later that night... (and the nights thereafter) her downstairs neighbor starts to play the drums all night into the early morning... effecting Emily sleep! This goes on for a couple of weeks!
When Emily goes to the bar to meet her new assignment she picked... Let's just say... She was surprised.
Finding out that Tyler was her downstairs neighbor and the drummer in the band she had to cover.
That first band meeting did not go to well...lol
After that... Tyler pretty much got on her nerves but at the same time peaked her interest.
Tyler is a musician/ handyman. He has a hard time sleeping. So he plays his music really late into the night early morning.
Which really get on his upstairs neighbor nerves... Emily!
finding out that she works for the magazine that has to cover his band was a shock to him. Having been burned by an ex really bad... he wanted to stay away from Emily.... But, at the same time... he couldn't leave her alone.
They have this back and forth thing going on. That they try to fight. Emily can't or doesn't want to cross that line because her assignment is Tyler's band! And Tyler just doesn't want to get hurt again. Or rely on another person.
But when they finally get together... Oh man... Watch out... It's was like fireworks!
When Emily & Tyler first had sex... it was just so damn hot! I felt all the pent up frustration & attraction they had for one another. And once it was unleashed... Boy was it hot! I loved it!
Tyler.. It took me a little bit to warm up to him.
The first impression I had of him wasn't really a good one.
There were a couple of things that bothered me about Tyler...his name... In the beginning everyone was using different names for him.
Tyler...aka Mace...aka Macy (I think he needed to drop a name & only stick to one or two.)
And...
In the beginning he was getting on my nerves with him constantly sucking on a lollipop. That right there just got to me & made it very hard for me to see or get past as a love interest. It was such a turn off.
But... As I kept reading... It got better & I was able to see past it and really enjoy him.
Another thing that bugged me was..
Tyler was so wish washy about the whole sex thing with Emily. It was getting kind of old.
First he didn't think he could handle it. Then he didn't want her to regret it. I was just so happy when they finally did it!!...lol
I liked how Emily stood up for herself. I liked how she didn't let anyone walk all over her. Because I think Tyler needed to work some things out.
I think how they came back into each others lives was perfect. I think they need that time apart. To really see what they were missing. And I felt Tyler was really ready to give Emily his all.
Overall I liked this book.
Would I recommend this book to people....Yes, I would!
Would I read more books by this author....Yes, I would!
*ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review*
-Michelle
January 30, 2015
Typically, I go into a book with some sort of expectation. Maybe was a departure from that. I had none. I had heard about Johnson's Puddle Jumping, but knew nothing really about it or Johnson herself. While the synopsis gives a good idea of the story, I didn't know if it would be gritty, soul bearing or light.
I was pleasantly surprised by where Maybe took me and the emotions it brought.
Emily has a pretty bad ass job. She's a scout for a music magazine. Traveling the country, meeting bands, writing them up and then watching as maybe their careers take off. It's a get in, get the job done, get out kind of gig that works for Emily. No strings, not ties that bind, no chance of getting hurt. Again.
Tyler's life is music. It's everything he is and everything he has is wrapped up in it. The things outside of his music have hurt him in ways he does not know how to heal from. But past hurts are bleeding into his musical life as well, he's lost his inspiration, holing up in the dark places of his mind blocks him from creating anything new. He needs a muse but not the heartbreak that comes along with one.
The connection between Tyler and Emily was something I kind of adored. It felt true, nothing really seemed forced or contrived. Same goes for how that connection progressed and how it ultimately fell apart. Emily doesn't make fleeting, life altering, decisions based off of a connection she feels with someone she has just barely met. She sticks to her bigger life plan. She sees the situation for what it is, a man scared to commit, scared to take a leap of faith, scared to try for love for fear of losing everything even if never trying means losing it anyway.
Emily understands it because ultimately, she feels somewhat the same.
But sometimes, what is meant to be, will be. Life has a way a of placing you in the path of your destiny no matter how much you fight it. That rings true for Tyler and Emily and when they find each other again the connection they felt before is still there, still strong, still sexy as hell.
Speaking of sexy...one part of Maybe I really enjoyed was that for a New Adult title, it's not erotic or gratuitous. The sex is hot but it's there to further the story, it has purpose.
Johnson does a great job of balancing the fun and light moments with the darker, sorrowful ones. There were times where I smiled and times where I was truly sad for the turns Emily and Tyler's lives had taken. Maybe is not a rip your heart out and stomp on it type story, but it's definitely a story that will make you feel.
I was pleasantly surprised by where Maybe took me and the emotions it brought.
Emily has a pretty bad ass job. She's a scout for a music magazine. Traveling the country, meeting bands, writing them up and then watching as maybe their careers take off. It's a get in, get the job done, get out kind of gig that works for Emily. No strings, not ties that bind, no chance of getting hurt. Again.
Tyler's life is music. It's everything he is and everything he has is wrapped up in it. The things outside of his music have hurt him in ways he does not know how to heal from. But past hurts are bleeding into his musical life as well, he's lost his inspiration, holing up in the dark places of his mind blocks him from creating anything new. He needs a muse but not the heartbreak that comes along with one.
The connection between Tyler and Emily was something I kind of adored. It felt true, nothing really seemed forced or contrived. Same goes for how that connection progressed and how it ultimately fell apart. Emily doesn't make fleeting, life altering, decisions based off of a connection she feels with someone she has just barely met. She sticks to her bigger life plan. She sees the situation for what it is, a man scared to commit, scared to take a leap of faith, scared to try for love for fear of losing everything even if never trying means losing it anyway.
Emily understands it because ultimately, she feels somewhat the same.
But sometimes, what is meant to be, will be. Life has a way a of placing you in the path of your destiny no matter how much you fight it. That rings true for Tyler and Emily and when they find each other again the connection they felt before is still there, still strong, still sexy as hell.
Speaking of sexy...one part of Maybe I really enjoyed was that for a New Adult title, it's not erotic or gratuitous. The sex is hot but it's there to further the story, it has purpose.
Johnson does a great job of balancing the fun and light moments with the darker, sorrowful ones. There were times where I smiled and times where I was truly sad for the turns Emily and Tyler's lives had taken. Maybe is not a rip your heart out and stomp on it type story, but it's definitely a story that will make you feel.
February 6, 2015
4 - 4.5 stars!!
A story about hopes and dreams and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Love books about musicians? Then don’t miss Amber Johnson’s Maybe, with the smoldering, brilliant Mace and the talented, smart and beautiful Emily. Firmly rooted in the music town of Austin, Texas, this story is an sexy, smart and poignant romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
I am totally swooning over Tyler Macy, who is so sensitive and gun-shy that he hands over the lead role in his band to another singer so he can retreat to the background. Enter Emily, a tough-on-the-outside journalist who doesn’t want to love Tyler, but she does. She has her own dreams that took a backseat to her current profession, and wrestles with not letting anyone to close to her wounded heart.
“When the memories of another time come flooding back too fast, I stop and drop gently to the floor, removing my shoes and lying on my back to stare at the ceiling. It wasn’t a blown-out knee that had changed everything. The man I loved couldn’t bear to see our promised future torn apart. I couldn’t be who I’d set out to be, and he couldn’t take the person I wanted to become instead.”
These two make an unlikely, damaged duo, but their chemistry is undeniable and their sexy times burn up the pages!! I was rooting for both of these incredibly fragile souls from the very beginning and Ms. Johnson makes their stories believable and their characters very, very real. The whole music scene and musician’s life is very intoxicating and seductive, and is described very, very realistically.
“I could have written an entire song in that bed with her, the notes were so loud. Tasting her and touching her? A symphony.”
This is a compelling, romantic and funny story and I highly recommend it to any fan of rock star romance!
A story about hopes and dreams and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Love books about musicians? Then don’t miss Amber Johnson’s Maybe, with the smoldering, brilliant Mace and the talented, smart and beautiful Emily. Firmly rooted in the music town of Austin, Texas, this story is an sexy, smart and poignant romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
I am totally swooning over Tyler Macy, who is so sensitive and gun-shy that he hands over the lead role in his band to another singer so he can retreat to the background. Enter Emily, a tough-on-the-outside journalist who doesn’t want to love Tyler, but she does. She has her own dreams that took a backseat to her current profession, and wrestles with not letting anyone to close to her wounded heart.
“When the memories of another time come flooding back too fast, I stop and drop gently to the floor, removing my shoes and lying on my back to stare at the ceiling. It wasn’t a blown-out knee that had changed everything. The man I loved couldn’t bear to see our promised future torn apart. I couldn’t be who I’d set out to be, and he couldn’t take the person I wanted to become instead.”
These two make an unlikely, damaged duo, but their chemistry is undeniable and their sexy times burn up the pages!! I was rooting for both of these incredibly fragile souls from the very beginning and Ms. Johnson makes their stories believable and their characters very, very real. The whole music scene and musician’s life is very intoxicating and seductive, and is described very, very realistically.
“I could have written an entire song in that bed with her, the notes were so loud. Tasting her and touching her? A symphony.”
This is a compelling, romantic and funny story and I highly recommend it to any fan of rock star romance!
March 3, 2015
Don't you love a SALE? This one is on sale for .99 right now (always check)
Tyler needs a muse. His creative juices have be aching to be released, but the notes and words are all stuck in his head. He can still play nearly every instrument out there, but nothing new is coming through. Then he meets Emily, while she's wearing a Georgia Peach shirt. There's her new nickname. He rarely sleeps, instead playing the drums into the early morning hours...right under her apartment floor. She's annoyed and makes a complaint. Which he takes badly...but not nearly as badly as when she maces him! His nickname is a given...Mace-Face!
These two have issues. It takes them awhile to figure out that no matter how big the issue, them facing it together is the best way to go.
The background of music, blogging, dancing...and competition in the form of bets, made for a fun read. And then there were the steamy scenes...definitely NSFW!
I love Ms. Johnson's words. I want more of them...and there's no MAYBE about it!
Thank you, Netgalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
Tyler needs a muse. His creative juices have be aching to be released, but the notes and words are all stuck in his head. He can still play nearly every instrument out there, but nothing new is coming through. Then he meets Emily, while she's wearing a Georgia Peach shirt. There's her new nickname. He rarely sleeps, instead playing the drums into the early morning hours...right under her apartment floor. She's annoyed and makes a complaint. Which he takes badly...but not nearly as badly as when she maces him! His nickname is a given...Mace-Face!
These two have issues. It takes them awhile to figure out that no matter how big the issue, them facing it together is the best way to go.
The background of music, blogging, dancing...and competition in the form of bets, made for a fun read. And then there were the steamy scenes...definitely NSFW!
I love Ms. Johnson's words. I want more of them...and there's no MAYBE about it!
Thank you, Netgalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
February 25, 2015
I really loved this story! Tyler and Emily were really great characters. I love that they both had flaws and pasts that they had to work through. I really loved the way their relationship developed and the chemistry between them. I also enjoyed the supporting characters. I really loved this story and I'm adding it to my favorites list!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
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