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Go Your Own Way #2
With or Without You
in the much-anticipated sequel to Go Your Own Way, high school seniors Lennox McAvoy and Will Osborne pick up right where they left off--navigating the tumultuous waters of a new relationship and dealing with Wills disapproving father.When a violent incident forces Lennox to give up his independent ways, he must come to terms with his past just as Will is grappling with his future. As Wills college plans become reality, will Lennox have the courage to go after the opportunities he doesnt think he deserves?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2016
262 people want to read
About the author
Zane Riley
4 books100 followersZane Riley is a transgender writer who wrote his first work of fan fiction in the fourth grade. He is a recent transplant to Vancouver, Washington where he spends his time watching long distance baseball games, hiking, and exploring the musical depths of the internet. His first novel, Go Your Own Way, was published by Interlude Press in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 8, 2016
This is a book about two out gay teens in a small Virginia town. It's the sequel to GO YOUR OWN WAY and I think I might have liked it better had I read the first book. It contains graphic scenes of homophobic violence as well as sex between two consenting 18 year old boys.
Lennox is a black, gay high school senior who has been quite literally abandoned by his family in rural Leon, Virginia. Lennox is a musical wunderkind, trained in music performance and composition by his musician mother, who took her own life when he was young. His father never recovered from that loss and drank himself to death, leaving Lennox and his younger, disabled sister, Lucy, in the care of their grandparents. When Lennox came out, his grandfather was very angry. Lennox was attacked by homophobes in his school, and he struck back hard; he was arrested and incarcerated in a juvenile facility where he was molested by older boys. He's now on a monitored release program, with a leg monitor. His grandfather wants nothing to do with Lennox and arranged to leave him to serve out the rest of his time in Leon. Lennox lives in a ramshackle hotel that is more dangerous for having several other residents who are violent homophobes. Lennox has little regard for himself and is a brash kid, generally lashing out verbally at anyone who might attempt to get close.
Will is a well-liked out gay white boy who is a good student and star athlete. He's never had a boyfriend, but Lennox has come to town and they are negotiating a relationship together.
***All of this occurred in the previous book.***
When this book opens it's Thanksgiving, Will and Lennox are a sexually active couple and Will wants Lennox to leave his crappy motel to live in his house with his father and step-mother, Ben and Karen. They are cool with Will being gay, but Ben has problems with his son dating a black thug criminal, which is how he sees Lennox. Karen is a nurse, and Ben is rehabilitating from a heart attack. Despite Will's desire to have Lennox move in, Lennox won't--he can't bear Ben's scrutiny. That said, the homophobes attack, and Lennox has no choice but to accept Will's help and Karen's care.
Will is a bright kid with a bright future, and he wants to share that vision with Lennox. Despite Lennox's penchant for self-loathing and self-sabotage, Will sees the best within him and encourages him gently, but steadily, to apply to music school. In Boston. It's really far from Virginia, but won't be too far from NYU, where Will is applying for college. Lennox is terrified to fall for Will and be abandoned again, but realistic about his inability to pay for any school, let alone music school. His grandfather's paltry allowance barely kept him fed; it surely won't cover tuition.
I think this book has some great moments of hubris and deep love. Ben recognizes his callous treatment of Lennox hurts his relationship with both Will and Karen. He tries to see the good in the foul-mouthed boy who makes no bones about all the sex he's having with his son...which was something I found grating, as a reader. I surely wouldn't want any partner of my children being so crass, and I get that it was a defense mechanism for Lennox--who learned to wear his sexuality as a protective suit--but it was too much for me. The constant baiting wore me out, especially as Lennox was quite literally co-habitating with Will in the basement. I found a lot of respect for Ben in growing past that to discover the tender side of Lennox. Lennox could learn a lot from the phrase: Gratitude is an Attitude...
There is no question that Will is gone for Lennox, and Lennox is slowly but surely able to reciprocate this affection. He has many challenges to overcome, and emotional intimacy is one of them. Another is a general absence of faith. He's been abused so often, and abandoned by everyone who should have cared for him that he feels worthless, and unworthy of love. He's blown away when Ben stands up for him against his grandfather's venom. He's mystified when kids want to be his friend. He's flummoxed that a music school might accept him. All of this comes out as sarcasm, frustration and anger, because Lennox is prickly-by-nurture. I liked how Will's constant affection and determination to 'be there' gave Lennox the strength to trust people, and himself.
Throughout the book, Will and Lennox build a stronger physical relationship. Will was a virgin when they had met, but that's no longer the case. Expect plenty of how-to scenes, and many more deep-connecting moments. Will demands that Lennox look at him--see him--when they make love, because this IS love to him, and he needs Lennox to be engaged. It's tender even when it's tense. They have adventures in big cities, and giant dreams to chase. The book ends on a hopeful note, and with a promise to keep the story going.
For me, as a reader, I think this story jumped in too fast. I get that it's a sequel, but I didn't know any characters or any history, and too many giant things were happening in the first couple chapters that didn't make any sense--having not read the first book. Others who have read that story will probably like the beginning, but it was a tough go, for me. Being a reader of many series, I always appreciate when there is a mingling of the history to properly orient me to what's happening now, because it might be years between books--and I may have literally read hundreds of stories in the interim. Even with my excellent memory, I like a little backstory to get me into a book. So, that hindered my appreciation from the start. Lennox is a tough kid to like, by design. He's belligerent and unconscionably rude. Even those closest to him are in his line of verbal fire, and it got to me. By the end, however, I could see him mellowing, and that's a good sign that he's growing up and out of his tantrum phase. It's a testament to the strength of Will's love that he never let Lennox rub him raw, and he never let Lennox give up on himself. Will is a great kid and his parents are solid support, for both boys. While I struggled to like Lennox, I swooned for Will. I'm hopeful that they each find a good path in the next book--which requires them to separate for college. There's a lot of conflict inherent in that premise, and I expect that these guys will continue to be intimate with the phrase: the struggle is real.
Lennox is a black, gay high school senior who has been quite literally abandoned by his family in rural Leon, Virginia. Lennox is a musical wunderkind, trained in music performance and composition by his musician mother, who took her own life when he was young. His father never recovered from that loss and drank himself to death, leaving Lennox and his younger, disabled sister, Lucy, in the care of their grandparents. When Lennox came out, his grandfather was very angry. Lennox was attacked by homophobes in his school, and he struck back hard; he was arrested and incarcerated in a juvenile facility where he was molested by older boys. He's now on a monitored release program, with a leg monitor. His grandfather wants nothing to do with Lennox and arranged to leave him to serve out the rest of his time in Leon. Lennox lives in a ramshackle hotel that is more dangerous for having several other residents who are violent homophobes. Lennox has little regard for himself and is a brash kid, generally lashing out verbally at anyone who might attempt to get close.
Will is a well-liked out gay white boy who is a good student and star athlete. He's never had a boyfriend, but Lennox has come to town and they are negotiating a relationship together.
***All of this occurred in the previous book.***
When this book opens it's Thanksgiving, Will and Lennox are a sexually active couple and Will wants Lennox to leave his crappy motel to live in his house with his father and step-mother, Ben and Karen. They are cool with Will being gay, but Ben has problems with his son dating a black thug criminal, which is how he sees Lennox. Karen is a nurse, and Ben is rehabilitating from a heart attack. Despite Will's desire to have Lennox move in, Lennox won't--he can't bear Ben's scrutiny. That said, the homophobes attack, and Lennox has no choice but to accept Will's help and Karen's care.
Will is a bright kid with a bright future, and he wants to share that vision with Lennox. Despite Lennox's penchant for self-loathing and self-sabotage, Will sees the best within him and encourages him gently, but steadily, to apply to music school. In Boston. It's really far from Virginia, but won't be too far from NYU, where Will is applying for college. Lennox is terrified to fall for Will and be abandoned again, but realistic about his inability to pay for any school, let alone music school. His grandfather's paltry allowance barely kept him fed; it surely won't cover tuition.
I think this book has some great moments of hubris and deep love. Ben recognizes his callous treatment of Lennox hurts his relationship with both Will and Karen. He tries to see the good in the foul-mouthed boy who makes no bones about all the sex he's having with his son...which was something I found grating, as a reader. I surely wouldn't want any partner of my children being so crass, and I get that it was a defense mechanism for Lennox--who learned to wear his sexuality as a protective suit--but it was too much for me. The constant baiting wore me out, especially as Lennox was quite literally co-habitating with Will in the basement. I found a lot of respect for Ben in growing past that to discover the tender side of Lennox. Lennox could learn a lot from the phrase: Gratitude is an Attitude...
There is no question that Will is gone for Lennox, and Lennox is slowly but surely able to reciprocate this affection. He has many challenges to overcome, and emotional intimacy is one of them. Another is a general absence of faith. He's been abused so often, and abandoned by everyone who should have cared for him that he feels worthless, and unworthy of love. He's blown away when Ben stands up for him against his grandfather's venom. He's mystified when kids want to be his friend. He's flummoxed that a music school might accept him. All of this comes out as sarcasm, frustration and anger, because Lennox is prickly-by-nurture. I liked how Will's constant affection and determination to 'be there' gave Lennox the strength to trust people, and himself.
Throughout the book, Will and Lennox build a stronger physical relationship. Will was a virgin when they had met, but that's no longer the case. Expect plenty of how-to scenes, and many more deep-connecting moments. Will demands that Lennox look at him--see him--when they make love, because this IS love to him, and he needs Lennox to be engaged. It's tender even when it's tense. They have adventures in big cities, and giant dreams to chase. The book ends on a hopeful note, and with a promise to keep the story going.
For me, as a reader, I think this story jumped in too fast. I get that it's a sequel, but I didn't know any characters or any history, and too many giant things were happening in the first couple chapters that didn't make any sense--having not read the first book. Others who have read that story will probably like the beginning, but it was a tough go, for me. Being a reader of many series, I always appreciate when there is a mingling of the history to properly orient me to what's happening now, because it might be years between books--and I may have literally read hundreds of stories in the interim. Even with my excellent memory, I like a little backstory to get me into a book. So, that hindered my appreciation from the start. Lennox is a tough kid to like, by design. He's belligerent and unconscionably rude. Even those closest to him are in his line of verbal fire, and it got to me. By the end, however, I could see him mellowing, and that's a good sign that he's growing up and out of his tantrum phase. It's a testament to the strength of Will's love that he never let Lennox rub him raw, and he never let Lennox give up on himself. Will is a great kid and his parents are solid support, for both boys. While I struggled to like Lennox, I swooned for Will. I'm hopeful that they each find a good path in the next book--which requires them to separate for college. There's a lot of conflict inherent in that premise, and I expect that these guys will continue to be intimate with the phrase: the struggle is real.
August 17, 2016
Oh WOW (and I rarely say wow!!) this book was even more amazing than the first one! Seriously, this book had it all! A complex, beautiful, compelling story; quality writing that kept me glued to my IPad; amazing characters that are strong, flawed, vulnerable and well developed; I could go on and on, but then this review will never end.
Will and Lennox are teenagers since this book picked up pretty much where Go Your Own Way left off, but there are plenty of steamy moments and a lot of sex. If you don’t like YA books for the lack of steam, have no fear; Will and Lennox are both slightly childish AND very mature for their age. This weird combo makes them real and very relatable and it helped me understand and connect with them both. Lennox is still dealing with the effects of his awful childhood, but with Will’s support and love he comes out of his shell; he’s still prickly and uses vulgar language to stop people from seeing the real Lennox, but he’s also maturing and gaining confidence and self esteem. I loved how Will and his parents, along with their friends, help Lennox realize his self-worth and believe he can be more than just a juvie kid with no future.
There are 4 POVs in this book: Will’s, Lennox’s, Ben’s (Will’s father) and Karen’s (Will’s stepmother); I usually can't stand books with multiple points of view because they're distracting and take the focus away from the main characters. This time I thought that by introducing Ben and Karen’s POVs Riley showed us that adults have room for personal growth as well, and we can always continue to mature regardless of our age. Ben went from hating Lennox and thinking of him as a piece of trash to appreciating and admiring him; being possessive of Will only made things tense between them and Ben learned that Will’s judgement wasn’t wrong despite his young age.
I loved everything about this book, but I have to admit I’m scared of reading the next book; Will and Lennox will be going to college in different cities and I'm scared to death of what trials they're going to go through. Please let it be no cheating!!!!
Will and Lennox are teenagers since this book picked up pretty much where Go Your Own Way left off, but there are plenty of steamy moments and a lot of sex. If you don’t like YA books for the lack of steam, have no fear; Will and Lennox are both slightly childish AND very mature for their age. This weird combo makes them real and very relatable and it helped me understand and connect with them both. Lennox is still dealing with the effects of his awful childhood, but with Will’s support and love he comes out of his shell; he’s still prickly and uses vulgar language to stop people from seeing the real Lennox, but he’s also maturing and gaining confidence and self esteem. I loved how Will and his parents, along with their friends, help Lennox realize his self-worth and believe he can be more than just a juvie kid with no future.
There are 4 POVs in this book: Will’s, Lennox’s, Ben’s (Will’s father) and Karen’s (Will’s stepmother); I usually can't stand books with multiple points of view because they're distracting and take the focus away from the main characters. This time I thought that by introducing Ben and Karen’s POVs Riley showed us that adults have room for personal growth as well, and we can always continue to mature regardless of our age. Ben went from hating Lennox and thinking of him as a piece of trash to appreciating and admiring him; being possessive of Will only made things tense between them and Ben learned that Will’s judgement wasn’t wrong despite his young age.
I loved everything about this book, but I have to admit I’m scared of reading the next book; Will and Lennox will be going to college in different cities and I'm scared to death of what trials they're going to go through. Please let it be no cheating!!!!
July 22, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
When I got the offer to review this second installment of Will and Lennox's story, I couldn't say yes quick enough. As much of a douche as Lennox was, and as much as I wanted to beat him up in the first installment, I still had to see where his and Will's story would take them.
It's getting near the end of their senior year. Just a few more short months and graduation and the future await Will and Lennox and their fellow classmates. All the talk around campus is about what college you'll be attending, but Lennox has no plans. When he looks ahead, he doesn't see his future like everyone else does. He doesn't think he's good enough for a future.
I loved getting to know Lennox better. He is a very complex character. Although his exterior is hard and rough, when you dig deep there is something very special about this young man. I loved watching him grow and mature. I adored watching him come into himself and learning that maybe he did deserve love and happiness. I also loved watching Will grow and become more confident, and stand up for what he believes in. He is such a strong supporter of Lennox, yet he knows when to step back and let him do it on his own, as well.
Will and Lennox have such an amazing chemistry. The story is well-written and intriguing. It has very good character development and growth. I really enjoyed this installment and can't wait for the next book to see what the future holds for Will and Lennox. Hopefully they'll get their HEA!!
September 8, 2016
If you follow my reviews, it’s probably not a mystery I’m a devoted lover of Interlude Press books. Without a doubt Zane Riley is one of their best authors. I fell in love with Go Your Own Way and this sequel was sublime. I anxiously waited for With Or Without You and I can say Zane couldn’t have written something better. Now if I could only read the third book right this second it would be perfect.
The story starts where the first book ended. Will’s dad is finally back from the hospital, still recovering and still not liking Lennox at all. Lennox who is living (or trying to live) with Will, although the need to be back to the nasty hotel room his grampa is renting for him is strong, the place where he can escape from all the good things his life is throwing at him.
Will is rightly a little obsessed with college, he’s planning to move to NY while Lennox can’t see a future for him, or a future with his boyfriend. He is still wearing the ankle monitor from when he left the juvinile prison. But despite his pessimism, amazing events are going to present to Lennox.
Why I loved this book so much? First of all, the characters. Zane did an awesome work. The growth and the changes in Lennox and Will were clear, they are becoming strong adult who everyone should be pride of. They are only eighteen years old but Will is a force of nature and Lennox has seen so much in his life all his fears are naturally understandable. What truly caught my heart was the ability of the author at showing me the deep love the characters, main and second ones, feel for each other. It came to me powerfully in every form love can be shown. I submerged myself in the story, sexy and funny, emotional and brave. A warning, this is not a YA book so be ready for some hot scenes.
With Or Without You was so perfect I can’t wait for more. I feel to highly recommend the series (to read in order) to everyone who is looking for a new, talented author who can greatly write and engage you in beautiful stories.
Book Design by CB Messer and Cover Illustration by Colleen M. Good. It seems to me the cover is a little different in style from the cover of the first book, still I like it a lot.
The story starts where the first book ended. Will’s dad is finally back from the hospital, still recovering and still not liking Lennox at all. Lennox who is living (or trying to live) with Will, although the need to be back to the nasty hotel room his grampa is renting for him is strong, the place where he can escape from all the good things his life is throwing at him.
Will is rightly a little obsessed with college, he’s planning to move to NY while Lennox can’t see a future for him, or a future with his boyfriend. He is still wearing the ankle monitor from when he left the juvinile prison. But despite his pessimism, amazing events are going to present to Lennox.
Why I loved this book so much? First of all, the characters. Zane did an awesome work. The growth and the changes in Lennox and Will were clear, they are becoming strong adult who everyone should be pride of. They are only eighteen years old but Will is a force of nature and Lennox has seen so much in his life all his fears are naturally understandable. What truly caught my heart was the ability of the author at showing me the deep love the characters, main and second ones, feel for each other. It came to me powerfully in every form love can be shown. I submerged myself in the story, sexy and funny, emotional and brave. A warning, this is not a YA book so be ready for some hot scenes.
With Or Without You was so perfect I can’t wait for more. I feel to highly recommend the series (to read in order) to everyone who is looking for a new, talented author who can greatly write and engage you in beautiful stories.
Book Design by CB Messer and Cover Illustration by Colleen M. Good. It seems to me the cover is a little different in style from the cover of the first book, still I like it a lot.
July 21, 2016
The story picks up right where Go Your Own Way left us hanging and takes us further into the world of Will and Lennox. Lennox is conflicted about where his life is, standing at a crossroads between the freedom and danger that his broken motel room provides and the safe but scary home that Will so eagerly shoves in his face. He has to choose one or the other, but can he before it’s too late? He begins learning more about himself, finding out what’s right and what’s wrong and seeing him blossom into someone who is better is extremely gratifying.
Meanwhile, Will is grappling with his well-meaning, but somewhat close-minded father, a boyfriend who doesn’t know what he wants with life, and boring high school worries like picking colleges. All he wants is for everyone to be happy, but battling harsh words from his father, who clashes frequently with his loud-mouthed boyfriend, is a lot more difficult than he would have thought. Will has to learn that not everything is as black-and-white as he wants it to be and just because someone is a good person doesn’t necessarily mean that all their ideas match up.
Their world is so very realistically written, with issues that are often over-looked in most books being brought to the forefront and forcing the characters to deal with them. The victories and fears and hurts, the heartbreak and joy and relief, they become just as much yours as they are the characters as you read this up and down continuation of Lennox and Will’s journey from its prickly beginnings in Go Your Own Way until the last page of With or Without You. Cheer on the boys and fall in love all over again with them and all of the rich secondary characters that Zane has. (Karen remains my favorite.)
Meanwhile, Will is grappling with his well-meaning, but somewhat close-minded father, a boyfriend who doesn’t know what he wants with life, and boring high school worries like picking colleges. All he wants is for everyone to be happy, but battling harsh words from his father, who clashes frequently with his loud-mouthed boyfriend, is a lot more difficult than he would have thought. Will has to learn that not everything is as black-and-white as he wants it to be and just because someone is a good person doesn’t necessarily mean that all their ideas match up.
Their world is so very realistically written, with issues that are often over-looked in most books being brought to the forefront and forcing the characters to deal with them. The victories and fears and hurts, the heartbreak and joy and relief, they become just as much yours as they are the characters as you read this up and down continuation of Lennox and Will’s journey from its prickly beginnings in Go Your Own Way until the last page of With or Without You. Cheer on the boys and fall in love all over again with them and all of the rich secondary characters that Zane has. (Karen remains my favorite.)
July 28, 2016
Wow…this book is just as amazing as the first book. The writing is great. The story is great. All the characters are strong and well developed; Will and Lennox are so complex. Not only do Will and Lennox grow more, we see some growth from Ben and Karen too. Will’s dad, Ben, is super protective of Will which I totally get but he went about it the wrong way and showed a side of himself that I didn’t like. He more than made up for it by the end of this book though.
Will has become more confident with his role in Lennox’s life and we start to see some of the insecurities in his own life. He is an amazing kid and a perfect influence on Lennox. He just loves and supports Lennox and wants what’s best for him. He finally starts to realize that what he thinks is best for Lennox might not be and that Lennox needs to discover what he wants himself. And Lennox still struggles quite a bit with realizing that he’s not the piece of trash everyone has always told him he is. His confidence does grow but he still struggles with believing that he deserves all the good stuff that comes his way. Their relationship gets stronger as each of them gets stronger individually.
I know this book just came out but I’d really like to have book 3 now please.
Will has become more confident with his role in Lennox’s life and we start to see some of the insecurities in his own life. He is an amazing kid and a perfect influence on Lennox. He just loves and supports Lennox and wants what’s best for him. He finally starts to realize that what he thinks is best for Lennox might not be and that Lennox needs to discover what he wants himself. And Lennox still struggles quite a bit with realizing that he’s not the piece of trash everyone has always told him he is. His confidence does grow but he still struggles with believing that he deserves all the good stuff that comes his way. Their relationship gets stronger as each of them gets stronger individually.
I know this book just came out but I’d really like to have book 3 now please.
August 1, 2016
So, ever since I reviewed Go Your Own Way by Zane Riley, I have been waiting for the release of the sequel, With or Without You, and guess what? It’s here!
If you’ve not read my review of GYOW, be forewarned: I’m going to talk about this like a sequel, as if these characters and this situation are familiar because, to me, they are. And I’m happy to see them get more book space.
(Oh, and probably: spoiler alert for book 1.)
With or Without You picks up where Go Your Own Way left off: Lennox McAvoy—a nominally homeless, rather crass high school senior—is living with (and falling for) the relatively-privileged Will Osborne. Lennox was living in a residence motel after being dumped there by an uncaring grandfather and The System (which, after releasing him from a pretty abusive juvie situation, slapped an ankle monitor on him and told him to go be successful… without going too far). Will’s family has taken him in, but they discover that keeping him safe and well-behaved and at “home” is a bit like trying to hold on to a wisp of smoke with nothing but a tissue and a rubber band; Lennox just won’t be contained that way.
Lennox has a dirty mouth and no filter, and absolutely no tolerance for folks (like Will’s dad) who neither trust nor particularly like him. Like a good Harvard Business School grad, he’s proactive: when he senses someone’s not going to treat him with the respect or understanding he needs, he acts like a jerk and pushes them away before they get the chance to hurt him.
Ironically (in the O. Henry sense, not the Alanis Morissette sense), the people Lennox trusts least (Will, Will’s dad and Will’s stepmom) are the most likely to help him stay safe and get him through high school and into college. Ironically (in the O. Henry sense, but maybe a little in the Morissette sense here, too), those folks are so wrapped up in their own ideas of what’s right and good that they do a bit of metaphorical foot-shooting and end up suffocating the kid with their good intentions.
Will pushes Lennox to apply for college at a very expensive, very exclusive music school (Lennox plays several instruments and composes music and is an incredible musician, after all, and Will… really, really isn’t), and it brings out the fear that underlies Lennox’s bravado. What if he bombs the interview or the audition? What if he doesn’t even get that far? What if Will goes away to college in New York as planned, and Lennox is left alone with nothing, holding his… gonads… and has to join the army?
Or what if he gets in after all, but can’t afford to go?
While Will’s in this up to his eyeballs, and has a lot of figuring out to do (how do you support someone without imposing your own values on them?), this book feels like Lennox’s story. Lennox has to learn to trust everything: Will’s dad, his stepmom Karen, Will, and even himself and his own abilities. He also has to learn to let go (his best friend Lucy is leaving him behind, moving to Boston with her new girlfriend). Finally, he has to learn to settle down into happiness and not screw it up just because he’s afraid and wants to ruin stuff before something or someone else does it for him. He is, in the classic sense of irony (and, okay, in Morisette’s sense, too) his own worst enemy.
Not that there aren’t enough really bad enemies out there for him anyway. His own grandparents reject him and keep him from seeing his little sister (his grandparents are white and he’s the child of a Black woman and a white man); the authorities don’t really care who or what he is, as long as his ankle monitor doesn’t indicate he’s gone outside his permitted zone; the racist homophobes at the motel where he was living just want to beat on somebody (he’ll do); Will’s dad kind of thinks he’s a punk, an opinion which may or may not be driven by some privileged racism.
This is a smart and compelling follow-up to Go Your Own Way. (It’s great as a sequel, but can also be read on its own, without having read the first book.) Lennox is tough to love; Will, though his motivations are probably more familiar to most middle-class readers than those of Lennox, is also tough to love much of the time. In fact, almost everybody in this novel (I’m giving Karen a pass) is a well-meaning jerk of one sort or another. (Okay, and the racist homophobes don’t get passes, but they also don’t get to be included here… they’re just jerks, not at all well-meaning.) All of them are interesting and compelling, complex enough as characters to pull you in and make you care what happens to them.
If you’ve not read my review of GYOW, be forewarned: I’m going to talk about this like a sequel, as if these characters and this situation are familiar because, to me, they are. And I’m happy to see them get more book space.
(Oh, and probably: spoiler alert for book 1.)
With or Without You picks up where Go Your Own Way left off: Lennox McAvoy—a nominally homeless, rather crass high school senior—is living with (and falling for) the relatively-privileged Will Osborne. Lennox was living in a residence motel after being dumped there by an uncaring grandfather and The System (which, after releasing him from a pretty abusive juvie situation, slapped an ankle monitor on him and told him to go be successful… without going too far). Will’s family has taken him in, but they discover that keeping him safe and well-behaved and at “home” is a bit like trying to hold on to a wisp of smoke with nothing but a tissue and a rubber band; Lennox just won’t be contained that way.
Lennox has a dirty mouth and no filter, and absolutely no tolerance for folks (like Will’s dad) who neither trust nor particularly like him. Like a good Harvard Business School grad, he’s proactive: when he senses someone’s not going to treat him with the respect or understanding he needs, he acts like a jerk and pushes them away before they get the chance to hurt him.
Ironically (in the O. Henry sense, not the Alanis Morissette sense), the people Lennox trusts least (Will, Will’s dad and Will’s stepmom) are the most likely to help him stay safe and get him through high school and into college. Ironically (in the O. Henry sense, but maybe a little in the Morissette sense here, too), those folks are so wrapped up in their own ideas of what’s right and good that they do a bit of metaphorical foot-shooting and end up suffocating the kid with their good intentions.
Will pushes Lennox to apply for college at a very expensive, very exclusive music school (Lennox plays several instruments and composes music and is an incredible musician, after all, and Will… really, really isn’t), and it brings out the fear that underlies Lennox’s bravado. What if he bombs the interview or the audition? What if he doesn’t even get that far? What if Will goes away to college in New York as planned, and Lennox is left alone with nothing, holding his… gonads… and has to join the army?
Or what if he gets in after all, but can’t afford to go?
While Will’s in this up to his eyeballs, and has a lot of figuring out to do (how do you support someone without imposing your own values on them?), this book feels like Lennox’s story. Lennox has to learn to trust everything: Will’s dad, his stepmom Karen, Will, and even himself and his own abilities. He also has to learn to let go (his best friend Lucy is leaving him behind, moving to Boston with her new girlfriend). Finally, he has to learn to settle down into happiness and not screw it up just because he’s afraid and wants to ruin stuff before something or someone else does it for him. He is, in the classic sense of irony (and, okay, in Morisette’s sense, too) his own worst enemy.
Not that there aren’t enough really bad enemies out there for him anyway. His own grandparents reject him and keep him from seeing his little sister (his grandparents are white and he’s the child of a Black woman and a white man); the authorities don’t really care who or what he is, as long as his ankle monitor doesn’t indicate he’s gone outside his permitted zone; the racist homophobes at the motel where he was living just want to beat on somebody (he’ll do); Will’s dad kind of thinks he’s a punk, an opinion which may or may not be driven by some privileged racism.
This is a smart and compelling follow-up to Go Your Own Way. (It’s great as a sequel, but can also be read on its own, without having read the first book.) Lennox is tough to love; Will, though his motivations are probably more familiar to most middle-class readers than those of Lennox, is also tough to love much of the time. In fact, almost everybody in this novel (I’m giving Karen a pass) is a well-meaning jerk of one sort or another. (Okay, and the racist homophobes don’t get passes, but they also don’t get to be included here… they’re just jerks, not at all well-meaning.) All of them are interesting and compelling, complex enough as characters to pull you in and make you care what happens to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2016
***Three and a Half Stars***
Important: This book is not a standalone. This book picks up where Go Your Own Way left off, so if you haven’t read the first, you do need to do so or you will get lost! There is no introductory session that serves as a refresher.
With Will’s dad home now, Lennox is far from certain of his welcome at Chateau Osborne, especially since Will’s dad Ben doesn’t think a black teenage thug with an ankle monitor is anyone his son should be interacting with, much less dating. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know Lennox at all, and Will isn’t going to walk away from the most important thing in his life.
This installment walks the boys from Thanksgiving through graduation. There are new characters introduced, the greatest being Will’s aunt, who is unconditionally supportive of the boys. Watching Ben’s character’s mindset expand to truly understand what it is that draws Will so inexorably to Lennox is heartwarming, despite the incredibly rough beginning between the two. For his part, Lennox is forced to shed some of his self-protective layers and learn that he is not an island unto himself.
With a lot of mental and emotional growth, the plot and pacing of this novel are solid. I like the change in one of the peripheral characters and how that character’s growth is significantly impacted by the life of Lennox.
There are more peripheral characters in this installment, giving the entire world a much richer feel. Massive character growth, and the chemistry moves from Will’s sweet innocence to a more carnal awareness between the two that is made even stronger by Lennox’s move into the Osborne household. I liked the shift in confidence that occurs during a spring break trip, whereupon the boys make some startling discoveries about themselves. I hope that the next book covers significantly more time in their lives, because it feels like we’re walking through it at real time. In the end, I’m rating this at 3.5 stars that I’m rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves.
Important: This book is not a standalone. This book picks up where Go Your Own Way left off, so if you haven’t read the first, you do need to do so or you will get lost! There is no introductory session that serves as a refresher.
With Will’s dad home now, Lennox is far from certain of his welcome at Chateau Osborne, especially since Will’s dad Ben doesn’t think a black teenage thug with an ankle monitor is anyone his son should be interacting with, much less dating. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know Lennox at all, and Will isn’t going to walk away from the most important thing in his life.
This installment walks the boys from Thanksgiving through graduation. There are new characters introduced, the greatest being Will’s aunt, who is unconditionally supportive of the boys. Watching Ben’s character’s mindset expand to truly understand what it is that draws Will so inexorably to Lennox is heartwarming, despite the incredibly rough beginning between the two. For his part, Lennox is forced to shed some of his self-protective layers and learn that he is not an island unto himself.
With a lot of mental and emotional growth, the plot and pacing of this novel are solid. I like the change in one of the peripheral characters and how that character’s growth is significantly impacted by the life of Lennox.
There are more peripheral characters in this installment, giving the entire world a much richer feel. Massive character growth, and the chemistry moves from Will’s sweet innocence to a more carnal awareness between the two that is made even stronger by Lennox’s move into the Osborne household. I liked the shift in confidence that occurs during a spring break trip, whereupon the boys make some startling discoveries about themselves. I hope that the next book covers significantly more time in their lives, because it feels like we’re walking through it at real time. In the end, I’m rating this at 3.5 stars that I’m rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves.
July 31, 2016
Wonderful sequel to Go Your Own Way, which I loved. Riley takes the time in this book to explore his characters in depth. The tension and chemistry and pull Will and Lennox go through in the first book -- even when it was contentious -- drew me in. I wanted to know *why* -- why Will wanted to be with Lennox so much, and why Lennox is the way he is. While we were given that in the first, Riley really takes the time and care to unfold these men in the sequel. We see Will's tenacity and deep capacity for love that heals. Beautifully, we get to discover Lennox on a deeper level. We're not just told that he's damaged -- we experience his anxieties, his fears, his lingering pain from trauma he's experienced. I love how deftly Riley wrote Lennox's insecurities and how he instinctively self sabotages when he's scared. Watching Will love him, and Will's family slowly come to support him, was such a treat.
I also really appreciated the time Riley took to explore Will's changing relationship with his parents; where nothing is easily solved but where willingness and love keep people working at something for each other.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
I also really appreciated the time Riley took to explore Will's changing relationship with his parents; where nothing is easily solved but where willingness and love keep people working at something for each other.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
May 26, 2018
I'm enjoying the continuation of the story. I feel for Lennox. He's had a rough life and as much as he wants to hope he's scared. To hope means there's more opportunity for disappointment. Will is so much his opposite, yet I love him for Lennox. Will can't seen anything but the positive, the hopeful. Lennox's past is something so outside of Will's experience that it's hard for him to identify and predict how Lennox will react to things.
I am enjoying watching these two grow up and Lennox to expand his hopes and dreams as the world around him becomes more stable. There's a lot of growth in this story. I look forward to seeing how college changes these two.
I am enjoying watching these two grow up and Lennox to expand his hopes and dreams as the world around him becomes more stable. There's a lot of growth in this story. I look forward to seeing how college changes these two.
August 21, 2016
I hope Book 3 for this young couple will be full of love and trust. I'm afraid there will be cheating but please don't.
September 4, 2019
It's been a long time since I read the first book, but I loved getting back in touch with Will and Lennox. I definitely won't be waiting to find out what happens next for them!
September 17, 2016
Great series, fingers crossed for a third!
December 10, 2016
This review was originally written for www.Successcircuit.com
With or Without You is Zane Riley's second book and the sequel to his first book Go Your Own Way, where we were introduced to two teenagers: Will Osborne, who once thought that he was the only 'out' gay boy in his town and Lennox McAvoy, a foul mouthed, ankle monitor wearing orphan who was disowned by his grandfather when he came out as gay and is abandoned in a seedy motel in the town where Will lives. The two boys meet in High School where a very tumultuous relationship develops.
It is imperative to read the first book as so much of the storyline is dependent on what has happened previously and none of the characters are explained this time around which may make the story difficult for new readers to grasp. There is a lot of action in the first few chapters that could disorientate readers that have not read the first part of the story.
In this much anticipated instalment we see Will and Lennox's continuing relationship as they traverse high school and contemplate the next path in their life's journey, will the path take them in similar directions or will they separate at the crossroads? Will wants Lennox to leave the motel behind and the homophobic bullies that never allow Lennox any peace, in order to move into the Osborne house but Lennox refuses because Ben, Will's father who is recently out of hospital, does not like Lennox or think that he is good enough for his son. Whether the colour of Lennox's skin is relevant, is yet to be discovered. However, when a violent incident forces Lennox to give up his independent ways, he has little choice but to give in to Will's wishes. With a future of uncertainty ahead of him, Lennox has a lot of issues to traverse. Will he allow people into his troubled world? Will he see his little sister again, Will his Grandfather learn to accept him? Will he make the best choices? The questions are endless as you read this book, but read this book you must!
Once again Zane Riley has captured the anxiety and magic of a new relationship with such clarity and affection that the reader will quickly become invested in the characters lives. It has everything a reader could wish for and much more: sex, violence, love, criminality, step parents, gay relationships, angst, romance, more sex and of course, High School. The growth of the characters, especially Lennox and Will were clear. At only eighteen years of age, Will is a force to be reckoned with and Lennox has been through more in his young life than most people do in a lifetime.
Readers should be aware that although this book feels as though it is written for young adults, it contains graphic scenes of homophobic violence as well as a lot of graphic sex, so is not suitable for a young audience.
With or Without You is Zane Riley's second book and the sequel to his first book Go Your Own Way, where we were introduced to two teenagers: Will Osborne, who once thought that he was the only 'out' gay boy in his town and Lennox McAvoy, a foul mouthed, ankle monitor wearing orphan who was disowned by his grandfather when he came out as gay and is abandoned in a seedy motel in the town where Will lives. The two boys meet in High School where a very tumultuous relationship develops.
It is imperative to read the first book as so much of the storyline is dependent on what has happened previously and none of the characters are explained this time around which may make the story difficult for new readers to grasp. There is a lot of action in the first few chapters that could disorientate readers that have not read the first part of the story.
In this much anticipated instalment we see Will and Lennox's continuing relationship as they traverse high school and contemplate the next path in their life's journey, will the path take them in similar directions or will they separate at the crossroads? Will wants Lennox to leave the motel behind and the homophobic bullies that never allow Lennox any peace, in order to move into the Osborne house but Lennox refuses because Ben, Will's father who is recently out of hospital, does not like Lennox or think that he is good enough for his son. Whether the colour of Lennox's skin is relevant, is yet to be discovered. However, when a violent incident forces Lennox to give up his independent ways, he has little choice but to give in to Will's wishes. With a future of uncertainty ahead of him, Lennox has a lot of issues to traverse. Will he allow people into his troubled world? Will he see his little sister again, Will his Grandfather learn to accept him? Will he make the best choices? The questions are endless as you read this book, but read this book you must!
Once again Zane Riley has captured the anxiety and magic of a new relationship with such clarity and affection that the reader will quickly become invested in the characters lives. It has everything a reader could wish for and much more: sex, violence, love, criminality, step parents, gay relationships, angst, romance, more sex and of course, High School. The growth of the characters, especially Lennox and Will were clear. At only eighteen years of age, Will is a force to be reckoned with and Lennox has been through more in his young life than most people do in a lifetime.
Readers should be aware that although this book feels as though it is written for young adults, it contains graphic scenes of homophobic violence as well as a lot of graphic sex, so is not suitable for a young audience.
December 18, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This was a great sequel to Go Your Own Way. It picks up right where the first book ends and continues Lennox and Will’s journey together. I enjoyed getting to see how they continue to overcome not only typical teen problems, but also big ones that are unique to their situation and experiences. We get to see so much more of Lennox’s past which was wonderful to see the events and people that shaped who he is now. We also learn more about Will and his relationship with his dad, mom, and stepmom. I loved seeing both Lennox and Will grow as young men and tackle their impending graduation and typical teen hormones. How Lennox is his same brash over the top self but is tempered slightly. How Will still wants Lennox to succeed but is less pushy about it and has a broader view of what that means.
There were parts of the book that dragged a bit for me. The plot line with Will and his stepmom felt unfinished. While it does seem to be done on purpose, it was the one thing that could have easily been solved in this book and didn’t need to be extended into the third book in the series. The book was a bit heavier on the sex than the first. It makes sense because horny teenage boys being horny and their relationship is more developed and stable in this book versus the second. I would have preferred some of the sex for sex sake to be fade to black than on page. Many of the sex scenes did have a purpose for developing Lennox and Will.
I really like how the relationship between Lennox and Will’s dad progressed in the story. I don’t want to give away too much but I cheered out loud at the scene with Lennox, Ben, Karen, Will and a police station. It was the perfect example of how things between Lennox and Ben are going to go. I can’t wait to see how these two grow in the third book.
There is enough hope and solidity in the ending that you know Lennox and Will are going to do whatever it takes to stay together and love each other deeply. However there is still so much unknown and things hanging over their heads that third book is needed to ensure these two are truly going to make it. While I adore Lennox and Will and would love many more books with them and their future together; I kind of want a firmer happy ending at the end of the next book in the series. I want to see how they’re going to make it and know for a fact anything put in their way won’t break them apart.
Four stars!
This was a great sequel to Go Your Own Way. It picks up right where the first book ends and continues Lennox and Will’s journey together. I enjoyed getting to see how they continue to overcome not only typical teen problems, but also big ones that are unique to their situation and experiences. We get to see so much more of Lennox’s past which was wonderful to see the events and people that shaped who he is now. We also learn more about Will and his relationship with his dad, mom, and stepmom. I loved seeing both Lennox and Will grow as young men and tackle their impending graduation and typical teen hormones. How Lennox is his same brash over the top self but is tempered slightly. How Will still wants Lennox to succeed but is less pushy about it and has a broader view of what that means.
There were parts of the book that dragged a bit for me. The plot line with Will and his stepmom felt unfinished. While it does seem to be done on purpose, it was the one thing that could have easily been solved in this book and didn’t need to be extended into the third book in the series. The book was a bit heavier on the sex than the first. It makes sense because horny teenage boys being horny and their relationship is more developed and stable in this book versus the second. I would have preferred some of the sex for sex sake to be fade to black than on page. Many of the sex scenes did have a purpose for developing Lennox and Will.
I really like how the relationship between Lennox and Will’s dad progressed in the story. I don’t want to give away too much but I cheered out loud at the scene with Lennox, Ben, Karen, Will and a police station. It was the perfect example of how things between Lennox and Ben are going to go. I can’t wait to see how these two grow in the third book.
There is enough hope and solidity in the ending that you know Lennox and Will are going to do whatever it takes to stay together and love each other deeply. However there is still so much unknown and things hanging over their heads that third book is needed to ensure these two are truly going to make it. While I adore Lennox and Will and would love many more books with them and their future together; I kind of want a firmer happy ending at the end of the next book in the series. I want to see how they’re going to make it and know for a fact anything put in their way won’t break them apart.
May 19, 2017
This is a sequel about the continued relationship between two gay teens in a small town.
Lennox is still prickly and shuts down easily, but after another encounter with the drunks he ends up staying with Will. Will's dad, Ben, is just out of the hospital and doesn't want Lennox there, possibly corrupting his son. Ben and Lennox clash, but eventually share a bond with music. Will is busy with college applications, and trying to get Lennox interested in his own future. It's a good sequel and I'm happy to see that there will be another book.
Lennox is still prickly and shuts down easily, but after another encounter with the drunks he ends up staying with Will. Will's dad, Ben, is just out of the hospital and doesn't want Lennox there, possibly corrupting his son. Ben and Lennox clash, but eventually share a bond with music. Will is busy with college applications, and trying to get Lennox interested in his own future. It's a good sequel and I'm happy to see that there will be another book.
January 28, 2018
This wonderful sequel took me right back to those wonderful boys Zane brought to life.
We learn more about both of them and in such a beautiful, realistically paced way!
Now let me jump into the third volume of the series!!
We learn more about both of them and in such a beautiful, realistically paced way!
Now let me jump into the third volume of the series!!
January 24, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
With or Without You is the direct continuation of the Go Your Own Way series.
Will and Lennox are exploring their new relationship, which is still tentative, still new, still feels different for both guys.
After the sudden heartattack of Will's father, the fear if he ever wakes up or not, there is a shift in the relationship between the father and the son when Ben is out of danger. Their close relationship is suffering from the new relationship Will has with Lennox. Ben isn't fond of his son's boyfriend, doesn't trust him and definitely doesn't want Will coming close to the people Lennox has to deal with at the motel.
This book was harder to read. Harder because the charming Ben we get to know from book one almost totally vanished. He was cruel and hurtful towards Lennox, he was judgemental and unfair. Lennox, who is in parts the same had made such a development within the last book and especially since he've met and become an item with Will. Sometimes I was so angry about Ben that I had to pause and think about it where this anger comes from. From Ben's POV it's clear he doesn't want that his son to be hurt, and Lennox is a bad influence, the reason his son will be hurt. Ben is sure Lennox only searches for relief, for a quick "fuck", nothing serious, no real relationship and definitely not the love of Will's life.
He doesn't see the potential in Lennox, Will sees and that drives a wedge between Ben's and Will's close father-and-son relationship. He has also to deal with the fact that his son, his baby, is getting older, is becomming an adult. Two aspects which let Ben acting like a beast in a cage - until he is forced to see Lennox' other side.
The whole book focuses on becoming an adult, the transition from a teenager to a responsible adult, searching for colleges, seaching for a place in the world after the school, separated from the sheltered and cared place. For Will it's clear what he wants, what he longs for: he wants to go to college in New York. And because college is his number one goal, he tries to persuade if it's a possibility for Lennox too.
When both guys are confronted with unexpected events, they are forced to change not just their daily life as they know it, it gives them the opportunity to be closer, to cherish their moments even more. This is also the shift in the book when Ben is starting - even if it's slowly - to acknowledge what his son feels about Lennox. And Ben sees the true Lennox behind more and more.
I loved the transition in the book, the development, in the events and in the character's behaviour and what it means to their future. It's realistic, so honest and yet so sweet and charming. Lennox and Will explore so many firsts together; they create and share a bond which is strong enough to overcome a lot of obstacles. Something which is pretty astonishing considering how they've started.
The book shows also everyone deserves a second chance and that - even if you are at your lowest point - there can be still something great. People can doing great, even when other have written them off. Lennox is more than he comes across at the first sight, he is so multi-layered, so full of amazing talent, but also full of hurt, has experienced a lot of stuff no one should be forced to deal with. I was moved several times when he was shining, when he let his barriers down and was showing how he truly feels. He still isn't able in the book to express these emotions with words, but through his music it's clear what struggles he had to go through.
The book has many ups and downs for Will and Lennox, many parts which were exciting, sweet, funny, but also thrilling and you were hoping for Lennox and Will and their HEA or in this case - again - their HFN. :) They have to deal with the fact they are getting older, changing their lifes as they know it and have to face the (scary) unknown. The book is the perfect display of how the adolescenes is showing its true face, with all the pros and cons, from the first real love to leaving the home you've always known and what it means to leave friends and family behind. Also in Lennox' case what it means to have a home, a family, a close relationship to a boyfriend, to actually have a boyfriend.
The book and the whole series is captivating, moving and bittersweet but still has the bright silver lining shining on the horizon. The book isn't easy to read, the character do things you sometimes can't understand or actually hate. But with every piece you get, you understand more, you don't wanna let go and you wanna know if they get their happy end, if the accomplish what they wish for - even if it's something deep down burried and comes to the light as hesitant as a small plant after a long, hard winter. :)
5 out of 5 stars for this amazing book and continuation of the series.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
With or Without You is the direct continuation of the Go Your Own Way series.
Will and Lennox are exploring their new relationship, which is still tentative, still new, still feels different for both guys.
After the sudden heartattack of Will's father, the fear if he ever wakes up or not, there is a shift in the relationship between the father and the son when Ben is out of danger. Their close relationship is suffering from the new relationship Will has with Lennox. Ben isn't fond of his son's boyfriend, doesn't trust him and definitely doesn't want Will coming close to the people Lennox has to deal with at the motel.
This book was harder to read. Harder because the charming Ben we get to know from book one almost totally vanished. He was cruel and hurtful towards Lennox, he was judgemental and unfair. Lennox, who is in parts the same had made such a development within the last book and especially since he've met and become an item with Will. Sometimes I was so angry about Ben that I had to pause and think about it where this anger comes from. From Ben's POV it's clear he doesn't want that his son to be hurt, and Lennox is a bad influence, the reason his son will be hurt. Ben is sure Lennox only searches for relief, for a quick "fuck", nothing serious, no real relationship and definitely not the love of Will's life.
He doesn't see the potential in Lennox, Will sees and that drives a wedge between Ben's and Will's close father-and-son relationship. He has also to deal with the fact that his son, his baby, is getting older, is becomming an adult. Two aspects which let Ben acting like a beast in a cage - until he is forced to see Lennox' other side.
The whole book focuses on becoming an adult, the transition from a teenager to a responsible adult, searching for colleges, seaching for a place in the world after the school, separated from the sheltered and cared place. For Will it's clear what he wants, what he longs for: he wants to go to college in New York. And because college is his number one goal, he tries to persuade if it's a possibility for Lennox too.
When both guys are confronted with unexpected events, they are forced to change not just their daily life as they know it, it gives them the opportunity to be closer, to cherish their moments even more. This is also the shift in the book when Ben is starting - even if it's slowly - to acknowledge what his son feels about Lennox. And Ben sees the true Lennox behind more and more.
I loved the transition in the book, the development, in the events and in the character's behaviour and what it means to their future. It's realistic, so honest and yet so sweet and charming. Lennox and Will explore so many firsts together; they create and share a bond which is strong enough to overcome a lot of obstacles. Something which is pretty astonishing considering how they've started.
The book shows also everyone deserves a second chance and that - even if you are at your lowest point - there can be still something great. People can doing great, even when other have written them off. Lennox is more than he comes across at the first sight, he is so multi-layered, so full of amazing talent, but also full of hurt, has experienced a lot of stuff no one should be forced to deal with. I was moved several times when he was shining, when he let his barriers down and was showing how he truly feels. He still isn't able in the book to express these emotions with words, but through his music it's clear what struggles he had to go through.
The book has many ups and downs for Will and Lennox, many parts which were exciting, sweet, funny, but also thrilling and you were hoping for Lennox and Will and their HEA or in this case - again - their HFN. :) They have to deal with the fact they are getting older, changing their lifes as they know it and have to face the (scary) unknown. The book is the perfect display of how the adolescenes is showing its true face, with all the pros and cons, from the first real love to leaving the home you've always known and what it means to leave friends and family behind. Also in Lennox' case what it means to have a home, a family, a close relationship to a boyfriend, to actually have a boyfriend.
The book and the whole series is captivating, moving and bittersweet but still has the bright silver lining shining on the horizon. The book isn't easy to read, the character do things you sometimes can't understand or actually hate. But with every piece you get, you understand more, you don't wanna let go and you wanna know if they get their happy end, if the accomplish what they wish for - even if it's something deep down burried and comes to the light as hesitant as a small plant after a long, hard winter. :)
5 out of 5 stars for this amazing book and continuation of the series.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
July 15, 2017
Title: With or Without You
Series: Go Your Own Way Book 2
Author: Zane Riley
Publisher: Interlude Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 21, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 348 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is the second book of the Go Your Own Way Series. When I first read book 1, I wasn’t sure that there was going to be a book 2, but I was hoping. I really enjoyed the first book and the second book was equally as good. These two kids share such a brave loving story that kept me as a reader anxious to see how things turned out. The plot of this story continues where book 1 left off. If you haven’t read Go Your Own Way, you need to read that book first. It is well worth it. Wil’s and Lennox’s relationship has it’s fair share of ups and downs, but the bound that they have and the love that they share keeps them together. As the end of high school is approaching. Wil and Lennox have some decisions to make. Wil wants to attend college in New York City. He also wants Lennox to go to college and pushes him to apply to the Berklee College of Music. Lennox struggles with submitting the application. He doesn’t think that he is a good candidate and he knows that there is no way that he can afford the tuition. Fortunately Wil’s family and friend see what a gift Lennox has and urges him to apply. There is wonderful chemistry between the two main characters. The pacing in this book is a little slow, but I still loved this book. I just want to smack Lennox on the side of the head every once and awhile. This story does not end. There will be a third book, I can’t wait. Both Wil and Lennox have grown over the course of these two books. The other characters in these story also show strong development. I am going to go out on a limb here. Even with the strong sexual content, I think this is an excellent book for high school age readers.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4.5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of With or Without You provided by the Interlude Press for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Series: Go Your Own Way Book 2
Author: Zane Riley
Publisher: Interlude Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 21, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 348 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
In the much-anticipated sequel to Go Your Own Way, high school seniors Lennox McAvoy and Will Osborne pick up right where they left off—navigating the tumultuous waters of a new relationship and dealing with Will’s disapproving father.
When a violent incident forces Lennox to give up his independent ways, he must come to terms with his past just as Will is grappling with his future. As Will’s college plans become reality, will Lennox have the courage to go after the opportunities he doesn’t think he deserves?
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Review:
This is the second book of the Go Your Own Way Series. When I first read book 1, I wasn’t sure that there was going to be a book 2, but I was hoping. I really enjoyed the first book and the second book was equally as good. These two kids share such a brave loving story that kept me as a reader anxious to see how things turned out. The plot of this story continues where book 1 left off. If you haven’t read Go Your Own Way, you need to read that book first. It is well worth it. Wil’s and Lennox’s relationship has it’s fair share of ups and downs, but the bound that they have and the love that they share keeps them together. As the end of high school is approaching. Wil and Lennox have some decisions to make. Wil wants to attend college in New York City. He also wants Lennox to go to college and pushes him to apply to the Berklee College of Music. Lennox struggles with submitting the application. He doesn’t think that he is a good candidate and he knows that there is no way that he can afford the tuition. Fortunately Wil’s family and friend see what a gift Lennox has and urges him to apply. There is wonderful chemistry between the two main characters. The pacing in this book is a little slow, but I still loved this book. I just want to smack Lennox on the side of the head every once and awhile. This story does not end. There will be a third book, I can’t wait. Both Wil and Lennox have grown over the course of these two books. The other characters in these story also show strong development. I am going to go out on a limb here. Even with the strong sexual content, I think this is an excellent book for high school age readers.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4.5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of With or Without You provided by the Interlude Press for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
July 19, 2016
This was such an amazing book. I will say honestly that I did not read the first book in the series but this book was so easy to follow that I believe it could be read in order or as a stand alone. But no doubt about it, I will be reading the next book in the series so I can see what ups and downs Will and Lennox will have to face when they head off to college.
Will and Lennox are two totally different people who by looking at them you would think they would not be compatible at all when the opposite is true. They are actually a really good fit together. They both offer the relationship different things that the other needs. Will offers support and encouragement to Lennox. He believes in him and in his talents and pushed him to achieve what he can with his talent when Lennox believes himself to only be ok. Will pushed Lennox to reach for the stars and not settle for less then he deserves and Will also encourages Lennox to open up to Will and except love.
Lennox offers Will a safe haven to explore his sexual side with. He encourages Will to explore more about his sexuality and too except everything about himself and not hide it or be scared of it. Will is very serious and Lennox brings out his playful side l. Lennox also encourages him to become more open and honest about his feelings with his dad and Karen.
These two have a rough road ahead of them but I believe they will make it in the end. They may not always be together but I do believe that no matter what they will find their way back to one another. Can't wait till the next book.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
Will and Lennox are two totally different people who by looking at them you would think they would not be compatible at all when the opposite is true. They are actually a really good fit together. They both offer the relationship different things that the other needs. Will offers support and encouragement to Lennox. He believes in him and in his talents and pushed him to achieve what he can with his talent when Lennox believes himself to only be ok. Will pushed Lennox to reach for the stars and not settle for less then he deserves and Will also encourages Lennox to open up to Will and except love.
Lennox offers Will a safe haven to explore his sexual side with. He encourages Will to explore more about his sexuality and too except everything about himself and not hide it or be scared of it. Will is very serious and Lennox brings out his playful side l. Lennox also encourages him to become more open and honest about his feelings with his dad and Karen.
These two have a rough road ahead of them but I believe they will make it in the end. They may not always be together but I do believe that no matter what they will find their way back to one another. Can't wait till the next book.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
August 6, 2016
It's time for another episode of "Jessie Shouldn't Write a Review About This Book Because She Knows Too Much."
This review would be hard to write anyway because, like I said, I read the fic and separating fic and book is easy in some ways but impossible in others. So I shouldn't even say anything already.
But on top of that, I knew that some things were changed so when I was talking to Zane about it he said "Aw yes, angst and death"
Death?!
There was no death in the fic, Zane, what did you do?!
So I read the whole thing waiting for that shoe to drop, messaging him the whole time.
"Lennox is getting awfully close to Otto, Zane, is Otto destined to die?"
"You're talking a lot about Oyster, Zane, and I swear to fuck, if you kill this goddamn dog..."
Spoiler alert: no one dies and Zane was fucking with me.
But now I've got this weird awareness reading the book and I love all of the resolution of character we got with Will and Lennox and Ben and Karen and it was a great developmental story but I literally can't say anything beyond that. Because my brain is a hellscape and this book and the fic are just soup in my mind. Yummy delicious soup but I wouldn't be able to identify any specific meat or veggies.
So this was useless.
YOU'RE WELCOME, ZANE.
This review would be hard to write anyway because, like I said, I read the fic and separating fic and book is easy in some ways but impossible in others. So I shouldn't even say anything already.
But on top of that, I knew that some things were changed so when I was talking to Zane about it he said "Aw yes, angst and death"
Death?!
There was no death in the fic, Zane, what did you do?!
So I read the whole thing waiting for that shoe to drop, messaging him the whole time.
"Lennox is getting awfully close to Otto, Zane, is Otto destined to die?"
"You're talking a lot about Oyster, Zane, and I swear to fuck, if you kill this goddamn dog..."
Spoiler alert: no one dies and Zane was fucking with me.
But now I've got this weird awareness reading the book and I love all of the resolution of character we got with Will and Lennox and Ben and Karen and it was a great developmental story but I literally can't say anything beyond that. Because my brain is a hellscape and this book and the fic are just soup in my mind. Yummy delicious soup but I wouldn't be able to identify any specific meat or veggies.
So this was useless.
YOU'RE WELCOME, ZANE.
July 24, 2016
I enjoyed this sequel! Possibly a little bit more than I enjoyed the first book even! The tones and themes were VERY different, though, which seemed a bit weird since the first book kind of stopped in the middle of telling the story.
This book focuses again on Will and Lennox and their developing relationship, but it focuses moreso on Lennox's decisions for the future and even goes a bit into some of the racial tension and prejudices that he and another character (Otto who is Native American) face in their small Virginian town.
Sex is still included in this one, but it's more of a background thing in this one which I think worked better. In the first book, it felt like everything revolved around Lennox being aggressive and vulgar and contrasting that with Will's character development. The second book is more in Lennox's head as we explore his feelings, fears, and hopes.
I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it!
This book focuses again on Will and Lennox and their developing relationship, but it focuses moreso on Lennox's decisions for the future and even goes a bit into some of the racial tension and prejudices that he and another character (Otto who is Native American) face in their small Virginian town.
Sex is still included in this one, but it's more of a background thing in this one which I think worked better. In the first book, it felt like everything revolved around Lennox being aggressive and vulgar and contrasting that with Will's character development. The second book is more in Lennox's head as we explore his feelings, fears, and hopes.
I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it!
September 3, 2016
Great story, it was a continuation of the first book and I think in some ways it was better. I was so hurt by book 1 because of all the things that Lennox had to indure, I was happier with book 2 because he started to learn to love himself and Will with a trust that wasn't there before. Also his relationship with Otto was unexpected and I hope in book 3 that Otto is not forgotten. I envy the writer that you are to put your thoughts in to a book just like how the music flows through Lennox and he's able to compose it. I can't wait for the next story and hope for a better life for a kid who needed a family. Thanks
August 25, 2016
A compelling sequel, With or Without You picks up where Go Your Own Way left off and takes the reader on an angst filled journey. Lennox and Will are still fragile, still feeling each other out and learning how to trust their feelings and each other, all while dealing with the pressures of senior year of high school and trying to plan for the rest of their lives.
I enjoyed every moment of watching Lennox and Will grow into themselves and I cannot wait to see where the future takes them.
I enjoyed every moment of watching Lennox and Will grow into themselves and I cannot wait to see where the future takes them.
January 2, 2017
This second part in the series was very satisfying. We see Lennox struggle, and Will along with him, but once again Lennox shows there is SO much more to him than what meets the eye. Wonderful. I'm very much looking forward to part three.
August 31, 2016
I'm not sure what to think of this one, but I love Lennox and that is enough.
September 30, 2016
I loved this book so much and i can't wait for the next one. :)
July 29, 2016
review to come with blog post
April 19, 2017
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Zane Riley is the second book in the “Go Your Own Way” series. It continues the story of a developing romantic relationship between two high school seniors. Between college plans, a violent homophobic attack on one of the boys, and dealing with falling in love with your polar opposite, this book is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
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