Author: Eric Smith
Genre: realistic fiction/teen romance
Similar books: Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker
Rating:
Summary (provided by publisher): All’s fair in love and (food truck) war.
Everyone knows Jordan Plazas and Cindy Ortiz hate each other.
According to many viral videos of their public shouting matches, the Plazas and Ortiz families have a well-known food truck rivalry. Jordan and Cindy have spent all of high school making cheesesteaks and slinging insults at each other across their shared Philadelphia street.
But the truth? They’re in love, and it’s all just an act for the tourists.
When the fake feud lands them a reality tv show pilot, Jordan and Cindy find themselves having to lie on a much bigger scale. Trapped between pursuing their dreams or their love, can they find a way to have their cheesesteak and eat it too?
My opinion: Individually, the elements of this novel are somewhat played out. You'd think we'd seen every variation on a family rivalry. Or a food truck rivalry. Or a reality tv rivalry. By combining all three, though, Smith has elevated the plot to something new and innovative. Especially since at the outset all of the rivalry is an act. They're playing the system to get what they want most. As the plot progresses, though, the act reveals true sentiment and a once clear relationship is muddied. While the arc of the plot is predictable it remains highly entertaining. Don't expect a lot of deep thinking with this one but if you're looking for something cozy and heart-warming this one probably fills the bill.
More information: With or Without You releases November 7.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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