Maybe Someday – Colleen Hoover (2014)

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover, published in 2014, is an emotionally charged contemporary romance that weaves music, love, and heartbreak into a poignant narrative. The story follows Sydney, a college student whose seemingly perfect life unravels when she discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity. She finds solace and connection in her neighbor, Ridge, a gifted guitarist grappling with challenges of his own. Together, they forge a profound bond through music that transcends words and tests the limits of their hearts.

Plot Summary

Sydney Blake’s twenty-second birthday begins with joy and comfort but soon descends into chaos. Her life seems ideal: she has a loving boyfriend, Hunter, and a best friend, Tori, who is also her roommate. But the illusion shatters when she discovers Hunter’s affair with Tori. Heartbroken and betrayed, Sydney punches Tori in the face, packs her belongings, and storms out into the rain with nowhere to go. Her mysterious and musically gifted neighbor, Ridge Lawson, offers her a temporary refuge in his apartment, setting the stage for an unexpected journey of connection and conflict.

Ridge is a talented guitarist who captivates Sydney with his nightly balcony performances. She has secretly admired his music for weeks, crafting lyrics in her mind to accompany his melodies. After Sydney moves in, Ridge reveals his reason for reaching out—he has noticed her singing along to his wordless songs. Ridge, struggling with writer’s block, asks Sydney to share the lyrics she has imagined. Initially hesitant, she relents and sends him her words. To her surprise, Ridge is deeply impressed, and their collaboration begins, a partnership that grows from a shared love of music.

As they work together, Sydney learns more about Ridge’s life. He is deaf, a detail that astonishes her given his extraordinary musical talent. Ridge’s ability to communicate through vibrations and visual cues deepens Sydney’s admiration for him. Yet, their growing bond is complicated by Ridge’s long-term relationship with Maggie Carson. Maggie, who lives in another city, is kind and strong, dealing with serious health issues with grace. Ridge’s loyalty to Maggie creates an emotional barrier he refuses to cross, even as his feelings for Sydney become harder to ignore.

Their partnership in music is transformative for both. Sydney finds solace in creating lyrics, channeling her pain and heartache into their songs. Ridge, inspired by Sydney’s creativity, begins to overcome his writer’s block. Their late-night jam sessions on the balcony become a sanctuary, a space where they can escape the complexities of their lives and immerse themselves in the purity of music.

Yet, the lines between their professional collaboration and personal feelings blur. Ridge finds himself drawn to Sydney in ways he cannot explain, and Sydney struggles with the guilt of her growing affection for him. They attempt to suppress their emotions, knowing the potential fallout. Ridge remains steadfast in his commitment to Maggie, even as his connection with Sydney grows more profound.

Tensions rise when Sydney discovers the full extent of Ridge’s feelings. She realizes that their partnership is no longer just about music but about a deeper, undeniable bond. Despite their mutual restraint, a single moment of vulnerability exposes their feelings to each other. Ridge confesses his turmoil—his heart is torn between Maggie, who has been his steadfast companion, and Sydney, who has become his muse and confidante.

The weight of their emotions becomes unbearable, and Sydney decides to distance herself, moving out of Ridge’s apartment. She knows staying would only cause more pain for everyone involved. Ridge, meanwhile, is left to confront his conflicted heart and the consequences of his choices. He confesses the situation to Maggie, who, despite her love for Ridge, encourages him to be honest about his feelings. Maggie’s selflessness forces Ridge to acknowledge the depth of his emotions for Sydney.

Maggie makes a heartbreaking decision to let Ridge go, prioritizing his happiness over their relationship. Her strength and grace leave Ridge and Sydney in awe, but the path forward remains uncertain. Sydney, still reeling from the upheaval of her life, is hesitant to trust her feelings. Ridge, too, is wary of rushing into anything after the emotional turmoil of his breakup.

Time and distance allow them to reflect and heal. Sydney focuses on her music, embracing the independence and confidence she has gained through her collaboration with Ridge. Ridge, free from the constraints of his past, pours his energy into his music, creating pieces that reflect the journey he has undergone.

When Ridge and Sydney reunite, their connection feels both familiar and transformed. They approach each other with a cautious but hopeful heart, recognizing that their bond has always been rooted in something profound and enduring. Their shared love of music remains the foundation of their relationship, a language that has guided them through heartbreak and brought them back together.

As the final notes of their story play out, Ridge and Sydney find themselves not only as collaborators but as partners in life. They embrace the complexities of their journey, knowing that love, like music, often requires harmony between pain and beauty.

Main Characters

• Sydney Blake: A 22-year-old college student with a passion for music. She is resilient, creative, and emotionally vulnerable as she navigates betrayal, loss, and newfound connections. Sydney’s journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to trust and love again.

• Ridge Lawson: A talented guitarist who is deaf, Ridge communicates through music and his writing. His deep emotional connection with Sydney is both uplifting and complicated, as his loyalty to his long-term girlfriend, Maggie, creates tension and moral dilemmas.

• Maggie Carson: Ridge’s loving and independent girlfriend, who is battling health challenges. Her strength and grace play a pivotal role in shaping the choices Ridge must make.

• Tori and Hunter: Sydney’s best friend and boyfriend, respectively, whose betrayal sets the story in motion. Their actions leave Sydney heartbroken but open the door to a transformative chapter in her life.

• Warren: Ridge’s charismatic and comedic roommate, who adds levity to the story while providing insight into Ridge’s character and their shared dynamics.

Theme

• Betrayal and Healing: Sydney’s journey begins with the sting of betrayal, but her healing process is depicted through her creative collaboration with Ridge and the bonds she forms with new friends.

• Music as a Universal Language: Music serves as a medium of communication and emotional expression, bridging the gap between Sydney and Ridge’s worlds while underscoring their growing connection.

• Moral Dilemmas in Love: The narrative explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the boundaries of emotional intimacy, forcing characters to confront their desires and responsibilities.

• Identity and Independence: Both Sydney and Ridge grapple with defining themselves outside their relationships and societal expectations, emphasizing personal growth and resilience.

• Disability and Strength: Ridge’s deafness is not portrayed as a limitation but as a unique perspective that enriches his relationships and music, challenging conventional narratives about ability.

Writing Style and Tone

Colleen Hoover’s writing style in Maybe Someday is heartfelt and immersive, blending crisp, modern prose with lyrical elements inspired by the musical themes of the story. The inclusion of lyrics and the emotional resonance of music create a multi-sensory reading experience. Hoover excels in balancing humor and depth, with moments of levity from characters like Warren juxtaposed against the intense, soul-searching dilemmas faced by Sydney and Ridge.

The tone is intimate and introspective, drawing readers into the characters’ inner worlds. Hoover’s use of dual perspectives allows for a nuanced exploration of emotions, providing a balanced understanding of Sydney’s and Ridge’s struggles. Her candid yet sensitive approach to relationships and personal challenges ensures that the story remains relatable and authentic.