“Sometimes in life, we get a direct path to what we’re searching for. Sometimes we get a detour. Sometimes we get lost. And sometimes, we find our way back.”
— Sydney reflects on life's unpredictable journey.
Archivist's Choice
Maybe Someday
Colleen Hoover (2014)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
7-8 hours
Key Themes
See below
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After discovering her boyfriend's betrayal, a heartbroken college student finds unexpected comfort and a new direction with a mysterious musician, leading to a complex story of love, loyalty, and a difficult choice.
Synopsis
Sydney's life falls apart when she learns her boyfriend, Hunter, is cheating on her with her best friend, Tori. Homeless and heartbroken, she finds a temporary home with her neighbor, Ridge, a musician she knows only from his balcony music. Ridge needs a lyricist, and Sydney, with her new emotional depth, is a perfect fit. As they spend hours making music, a strong connection grows between them. But Ridge has a long-term girlfriend, Maggie, who is paralyzed. This makes Sydney and Ridge's feelings for each other deeply complicated. They struggle with their attraction and the guilt of potentially hurting Maggie, forcing them to make hard choices about love, loyalty, and their future.
Reading time
7-8 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Emotional, Romantic, Angsty, Hopeful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy angsty love triangles, emotional musical themes, and stories about forbidden romance with a bittersweet edge.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike cheating tropes, love triangles, or morally grey characters, or prefer your romance without significant emotional turmoil.
Plot Summary
The Unraveling
Sydney, a college student working at a law firm, lives happily with her best friend Tori and boyfriend Hunter. She often listens to the music played by her neighbor, Ridge, from his balcony. One evening, after a stressful day, Sydney comes home early to find Hunter in bed with Tori. This betrayal shatters her world, leaving her homeless and heartbroken. She confronts them, but the situation is beyond repair. She packs a small bag and desperately searches for a place to stay, completely lost.
A New Beginning, Sort Of
After the confrontation, Sydney sits distraught on her porch swing. Ridge, who saw everything from his balcony, offers her a temporary room in his apartment. Sydney, with nowhere else to go, accepts. She quickly learns that Ridge lives with his bandmates, Warren and Bridgette, and that Ridge is deaf. He communicates through sign language and feels music through vibrations. This adds another layer to her turbulent situation as she adjusts to new living arrangements and an unexpected kindness.
Music and Connection
Sydney discovers that Ridge is a talented musician who writes songs for his band but has writer's block. She starts humming melodies and lyrics she heard him play, making Ridge realize her natural musical talent. They begin to work together, with Sydney writing lyrics and Ridge composing music. Their creative partnership quickly deepens their bond. Sydney finds comfort and purpose in the music, while Ridge is inspired by her words. Their shared passion creates a close connection, making the apartment feel like more than a temporary stop.
Maggie's Arrival
Just as Sydney and Ridge's connection grows, Ridge's long-term girlfriend, Maggie, visits. Maggie is kind, warm, and clearly deeply in love with Ridge, and he with her. Sydney sees Maggie's genuine nature and the clear history between her and Ridge. Maggie's presence forces Sydney to face her growing feelings for Ridge, realizing a relationship with him is impossible given his commitment to Maggie. Sydney tries to distance herself emotionally, remembering she is only a guest and songwriting partner, not a romantic interest.
The First Kiss
Despite their efforts to keep boundaries, the attraction between Sydney and Ridge intensifies. During a late-night songwriting session, their emotional closeness and physical proximity become overwhelming. They share a passionate kiss, a moment both exciting and guilt-ridden. The kiss confirms their mutual attraction but also creates a moral problem, as Ridge is committed to Maggie. The weight of their actions immediately sets in, leaving them both confused and regretful for crossing a line that could hurt Maggie.
The Aftermath and Confession
Following the kiss, Ridge is visibly torn. He confesses to Sydney that he has feelings for her, acknowledging their strong connection. However, he also makes it clear that he loves Maggie and is fiercely loyal to her, especially because of her chronic illness, which requires his support. Ridge explains he cannot betray Maggie and asks Sydney to move out, believing distance is the only way to resolve their complicated feelings and protect his relationship with Maggie. Sydney, heartbroken but understanding, agrees to find a new place.
Distance and Longing
Sydney finds a new apartment with her friend Bridgette, creating some physical distance from Ridge. However, their musical collaboration continues, as it is important for Ridge's band. They communicate mainly through text and email, focusing only on their work. This arrangement is painful for both, as the professional interaction only highlights the emotional emptiness from their separation. Sydney struggles with her lingering feelings for Ridge, while Ridge battles his own conflicting emotions, constantly reminded of her through her lyrics and their shared creative output.
The Truth Revealed
Maggie eventually learns about the depth of Sydney and Ridge's connection, possibly through Warren or by observing them. Confronting Ridge, she is devastated by his feelings for another woman. The discussion is painful, with Maggie expressing her hurt and betrayal. Ridge, though sorry, cannot deny his feelings for Sydney, explaining their unique bond. This revelation strains Maggie and Ridge's relationship, forcing them to face the truth about their future.
Maggie's Decision
In a selfless act, Maggie, after much thought, decides to step aside. She recognizes the deep connection between Ridge and Sydney and, despite her pain, encourages Ridge to explore his feelings for Sydney. Maggie does not want Ridge to live with regret or feel obligated to stay with her out of pity or loyalty. She emphasizes that her happiness is tied to his, and if his happiness is with Sydney, she will accept it, showing remarkable strength and maturity.
A New Chapter
With Maggie's blessing, Ridge and Sydney are finally free to pursue their relationship. They begin a new chapter, acknowledging the pain and sacrifice Maggie endured. They are aware of the complexities of their situation and the respect they owe Maggie. Their relationship is built on a deep connection, shared passion for music, and the hard lessons learned about love, loyalty, and selflessness. They commit to building a future together, always remembering the kindness and understanding that allowed their love to grow.
Principal Figures
Sydney Blake
The Protagonist
Sydney transforms from a heartbroken and dependent individual into a confident, independent woman who embraces her musical talent and finds love on her own terms.
Ridge Lawson
The Protagonist
Ridge grapples with an impossible choice between love and loyalty, ultimately learning that true love sometimes requires difficult sacrifices for everyone's happiness.
Maggie
The Supporting
Maggie endures heartbreak with grace and selflessness, ultimately finding strength in her decision to let go for the sake of another's happiness.
Warren
The Supporting
Warren remains a steadfast and humorous friend, witnessing and commenting on the unfolding drama without significant personal transformation.
Bridgette
The Supporting
Bridgette offers consistent support and friendship, remaining a stable presence for Sydney and the group.
Hunter
The Mentioned
Hunter's betrayal sets the plot in motion; he has no significant development within the story beyond this.
Tori
The Mentioned
Tori's betrayal serves as the inciting incident; she does not develop as a character within the narrative.
Themes & Insights
Love and Loyalty vs. Desire
This theme explores the conflict between an established love built on loyalty and responsibility (Ridge and Maggie) and the strong pull of a new, passionate connection (Ridge and Sydney). Ridge struggles between his deep commitment to Maggie, especially given her illness, and his growing feelings for Sydney, which come through their shared love of music. The story looks at the moral complexities of this problem, asking if love can be controlled or if it just happens, as seen in Ridge's difficult internal struggle after his first kiss with Sydney.
““Sometimes in life, we need to be selfish to find our true happiness. Sometimes the only way to find happiness is to let go of the one thing you thought you could never live without.””
The Healing Power of Music
Music is a catalyst for connection and a powerful way to express emotions and heal throughout the novel. For Sydney, music helps her deal with heartbreak and find her voice and purpose after betrayal. For Ridge, it is his main way of communicating and experiencing the world, despite being deaf. Their collaboration on songs allows them to connect deeply, beyond words. The lyrics and melodies they create directly reflect their changing emotions and the story's arc, offering comfort and understanding in their complicated situation.
““I'm afraid that if I ever let you in, you'll see how much of a mess I am. And you'll leave.””
Betrayal and Forgiveness
The novel begins with Sydney's devastating betrayal by her boyfriend and best friend, which starts her entire journey. This initial wound forces her to rebuild her life and trust. While she does not directly forgive Hunter and Tori, her ability to move on and open herself to new connections shows a form of self-forgiveness and a release from past bitterness. Maggie's ultimate selfless act, forgiving Ridge (and implicitly Sydney) and encouraging their relationship, shows a different, deeper level of forgiveness that allows for greater happiness for everyone.
““It's hard to be friends with someone when you're in love with them, but it's even harder to be enemies with someone when you're in love with them.””
Selflessness and Sacrifice
The theme of selflessness and sacrifice is best shown by Maggie. Despite her deep love for Ridge and her own challenges, she makes the difficult decision to release Ridge from their relationship, recognizing his deep connection with Sydney. Her sacrifice comes from strength and a desire for Ridge's true happiness, even if it means her own heartache. This act makes the story more than a simple love triangle, adding emotional depth and showing that true love can sometimes mean letting go for another's good.
““If you truly love someone, you will never be afraid to let them go.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Balcony
A physical and symbolic bridge between Sydney and Ridge's worlds.
The balcony initially serves as a literal and metaphorical barrier between Sydney and Ridge. It's where Sydney first hears Ridge's music, creating a mysterious allure, and where Ridge observes Sydney's life unravel. Later, it becomes a point of intimate connection as they collaborate on music, blurring the lines between their separate lives. Symbolically, it represents the initial distance and eventual bridging of their two worlds, evolving from a place of observation to a space of shared creation and burgeoning intimacy.
Music and Lyrics
A primary form of communication, emotional expression, and plot advancement.
Music and lyrics are central to the plot, acting as a non-verbal language between Sydney and Ridge. Ridge's deafness means he experiences music through vibrations, making Sydney's lyrics crucial for his creative process. Their collaborative songwriting sessions become intimate dialogues, revealing their unspoken feelings and advancing the emotional narrative. The songs themselves often serve as direct reflections of the characters' internal struggles and relationship milestones, making the creative process integral to the story's development and their connection.
Deafness
Ridge's characteristic that shapes his perception of music and his interactions.
Ridge's deafness is not merely a characteristic but a fundamental plot device that defines his relationship with music and with Sydney. It creates a unique dynamic in their songwriting, as Sydney's lyrics become his 'ears' for the story of the songs. It also adds a layer of vulnerability and uniqueness to his character, influencing how he navigates the world and forms connections. His reliance on sign language and feeling vibrations emphasizes different forms of communication and intimacy, making their bond particularly special and profound.
The Love Triangle
A classic romantic conflict involving three individuals.
The love triangle involving Sydney, Ridge, and Maggie is the central conflict driving the romantic plot. It creates tension, moral dilemmas, and emotional stakes for all characters involved. Unlike typical love triangles, this one is complicated by Ridge's deep loyalty to Maggie and her chronic illness, which adds significant weight to his decision. The resolution, driven by Maggie's selflessness, elevates the device beyond simple rivalry to a more profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It’s about falling in love with a song, and not knowing what any of the words mean, but still feeling it in your soul.”
— Ridge describes the profound connection people have with music, even without understanding lyrics.
“The problem with music is that it’s not just a song. It’s a story. It’s an emotion. It’s a memory. And for some people, it’s a way of life.”
— Sydney contemplates the depth and impact of music.
“I’m not sure if it’s possible to be in love with two people at the same time. But I’m sure that I’m in love with one of them.”
— Ridge struggles with his feelings for both Maggie and Sydney.
“It’s a strange thing, isn’t it? How you can be so completely enamored with someone, even when you know they’re wrong for you.”
— Sydney reflects on her complicated feelings for Ridge.
“Maybe someday, we’ll all be able to listen to the music in our hearts and not be afraid to dance to it.”
— A hopeful thought about embracing one's true desires.
“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.”
— A general observation about making difficult choices.
“I think sometimes you have to be willing to give up the life you planned in order to have the life that’s waiting for you.”
— Sydney contemplates changing her life path.
“If I had a choice, I would choose to be deaf. So I wouldn’t have to hear the silence when you’re not around.”
— Ridge expresses his deep longing for Sydney's presence and music.
“It’s hard to let go of something you’ve loved for so long, even when you know it’s time.”
— Maggie deals with the end of her relationship with Ridge.
“Some people are meant to be together. And some people are meant to be apart. But sometimes, the universe has a funny way of making sure the right people find each other, even if it’s not in the way you expect.”
— A reflection on fate and unexpected connections.
“You can’t control who you fall in love with. No matter how hard you try.”
— A common theme throughout the romantic struggles of the characters.
“Music is the language of the soul. And sometimes, it’s the only way to say what words can’t.”
— Sydney reflects on the power of music to convey deep emotions.
“We don’t choose who we love. We just choose whether or not to lie to ourselves about it.”
— A blunt observation about the nature of love and honesty.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Sydney discovers her long-term boyfriend, Hunter, is cheating on her with her best friend and roommate, Tori. This betrayal forces her to immediately move out of their shared apartment, leaving her homeless and emotionally shattered, just as she was becoming enthralled by the music from across the street.
About the author
Colleen Hoover is a prolific American author best known for her contemporary romance and young adult fiction. Her novels often explore complex emotional themes and relationships, resonating deeply with a large readership. Notable works include 'It Ends with Us', 'Verity', and 'Ugly Love', which have achieved widespread commercial success and bestseller status.
