This book gave me whiplash but in the best way possible?! I feel like everything was so fast paced but I really liked how it was paced. It honestly made sense in my brain because that’s how teens are. I definitely had a similar situation where within days was falling for a guy I previously hated and used to be friends with, so it’s believable in my book. ANYWAYS! I really enjoyed this and I love the whole locked in a space together trope. We love a good snow storm to bring a cute couple together. This book is really about coping with grief, letting go of things, and finding who you want to be and not who others want you to be. I loved the messages and really liked the way the conflict was solved. It was definitely a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication but honestly, it’s a YA book and I feel like 96% of conflicts that I had as a teenager involved one or the other. I really liked this one

Part of me really likes this book and part of me is slightly frustrated with this book. In fact, I think the only reason I'm not giving the book five stars is because this book is everything I expected it to be except for a nagging detail; as a (partial) native of Philadelphia, so much more history could have gone into this book about the unique history of Central High School, and it didn't. For one thing, there's only one Central High School in Philadelphia and it is mostly a magnet school, so when Whitney mentions she won't be able to go to Central anymore, it gets confusing in terms of what the real Central is like. Also, there's no mention of graduation classes even though Central not only has a history of healthy competition amongst the grades but each class is numbered by order instead of date. In other words, the senior class of 2021 was the 280th class to graduate from Central High School, thus they are the Class of 280, not the Class of 2021. This lack of detail bugged me throughout the book.

Eric Smith is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I've actually hired him for an event at my library and am looking forward to it. I love the concept of people being trapped together and he has accomplished this with a snowstorm and an arcade.
The differences between Adam and Whitney's lives are interesting to see especially since they knew each other before she had money from her dads E cafe's. Adam is trying to hold on to his arcade in order to hold on to his father.b There is a lot of emotional situations without it being bogged down. I would definitely recommend this book.

Got this book as an ARC in exchange for review

I found this book to be lighthearted and enjoyable, a good winter read! That being said, it wasn’t a very deep read and it was a bit of a drag. I rated it 3 stars because while I found it enjoyable I also found it really predictable. Boy hates girl, boy gets trapped with girl, boy gets girl, something bad happens & they break up, and then girl pulls a big thing to get him back

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: You Can Go Your Own Way

Author: Eric Smith

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 1/5

Recommended For...: young adult books, contemporary, romance

Publication Date: November 2, 2021

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Recommended Age: 14+ (Language, Vandalism, Sexual content, Dead parent, Grief, Sexism, Bullying, Underage consumption of alcohol)

Explanation of CWs: There are a few curse words said in this book. There is a vandalism scene in the beginning of the book. There are some sexual content and jokes told. Adam has a deceased father and it’s brought up a lot in the book, as well as his and Whitney’s grief. There is some sexism discussed. There is some underaged drinking. There is also a lot of bullying scenes.

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Pages: 336

Synopsis: Adam Stillwater is in over his head. At least, that’s what his best friend would say. And his mom. And the guy who runs the hardware store down the street. But this pinball arcade is the only piece of his dad that Adam has left, and he’s determined to protect it from Philadelphia’s newest tech mogul, who wants to turn it into another one of his cold, lifeless gaming cafés.

Whitney Mitchell doesn’t know how she got here. Her parents split up. She lost all her friends. Her boyfriend dumped her. And now she’s spending her senior year running social media for her dad’s chain of super successful gaming cafés—which mostly consists of trading insults with that decrepit old pinball arcade across town.

But when a huge snowstorm hits, Adam and Whitney suddenly find themselves trapped inside the arcade. Cut off from their families, their worlds, and their responsibilities, the tension between them seems to melt away, leaving something else in its place. But what happens when the storm stops?

Review: This was an ok book. The book had good character development for the most part and I liked the world building. I also liked the main plot of the story and I thought it was a good plot.

But, oh my, this book probably made me question myself as a reader. I’ve heard a lot of good about this book and I went in with high expectations and this book faltered on everything I thought. The beginning of the book is a complete mess and nothing was explained for awhile. The parents in this book do not talk like parents. They two main characters are horrible and I felt nothing for either of them. There’s not a descriptor for any character in this book, which left me confused as to how to paint these characters in my mind. There is a lot of elitist and sexism video game talk, Adam is a bit of a purist in his pinball talk and Whitney, who is an avid gamer supposedly even though she hardly does it throughout the book and is more micromanger, talks down about people who play games like Animal Crossing rather than Mass Effect. The Twitter conversations that the kids have between each other are NOT how kids or companies talk to each other on Twitter. The whole of the book focuses on one thing, but at the end you figure out it was all for nothing and it’s “fixed” with possibly the stupidest thing I’ve ever read. The ending of the book fixed nothing and a lot of plot holes are just left out. The whole of the book just made me extremely angry and I feel like I wasted a lot of time reading it, and while I understand that this is an arc and it was unfinished by the time I got it I do not feel any inclination to pick up a physical copy of this one.

Verdict: Not for me, but you can try it out.

This was a really fun, sweet read. This one starts with a social media feud (very Tweet Cute Esq.) and is a friends to enemies to lovers trope which was really fun. I loved the banter and then tension between the two. I also loved the trapped because of a snow storm. I really liked both characters and found them relatable. I definitely enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

I do enjoy when characters have niche hobbies, so pinball and succulents made a good background (though I could have used more plants, personally). Not a lot of action to propel the plot so it was a bit slow moving and predictable. The cozy winter setting was lovely but I didn't get a lot out of the characters.

Super cute and really makes you feel like you're in Philly! I loved the friends-to-enemies-lovers trope in this, and the growth of both main characters was very refreshing.

This was cute, but I just wasn't in the right mind space to read this. The relationship was okay, but I just didn't really feel any chemistry between them. I loved the small-town feel with all the cutesy shops. Also, can I just say that I loved Whitney's mom's tweets SO MUCH. I genuinely laughed out loud reading some of them. Anyways, I think that I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I had been in the mood for a romance.

On this episode of Everything is Canon, Steve talks to agent/author Eric Smith all about his latest book, You Can Go Your Own Way which he described as, “If you need a little injection of honey into your veins, might I recommend Eric Smith’s slice of life tale “You Can Go Your Own Way”. Magically nostalgic, earnest and heartfelt, this is a wonderfully inconsequential (not at all an insult) story! Definitely recommend.”

Yes, You Can Go Your Own Way may seem like a surface level stuck inside during snowstorm slow burn romance, and while it is that, the truth is, once you dig into the two mains, Adam and Whitney, there’s a lot more going on theme wise that I think most folks will find relatable in some way. The magic is in the nuance here and it’s worth your time to pay attention the details. And of course, for your pinball nerds out there, prepare yourselves accordingly.

Eric and Steve talk about the fun nostalgic aspect of the book, the road to being an agent and an author, his very personal submission in the Allies anthology, You Can Go Your Own Way of course, and much, much more.

For the full interview, click the link below...

https://www.cinelinx.com/off-beat/shows/everything-is-canon-you-can-go-your-own-way/

This one had so many fun things going for it. I loved the characters and the tension between Adam and Whitney and I loved the setting. It's such a vibe. The best kind of vibe.

The tension is great between these two and then of course when get past all that it's even better. The banter is great, I live for quick witted and snarky MC's.

I also really enjoyed the pacing. I felt like the timeline really keeps the book flowing and it made it even harder to put down. I was invested in the characters but even if I hadn't been I feel like the flow and pacing of the novel would have kept me reading anyway if that makes sense.

Everyone deserves a second chance and this book beautifully illustrates why we need that mindset and why sometimes the person who needs to give us a second chance is ourself!

Cover Story: Can We Get a Replay?
BFF Charm: Roger Murtaugh
Talky Talk: He Said, She Said
Bonus Factors: Pinball, Shop Local
Relationship Status: Tilting Towards No

Cover Story: Can We Get a Replay?

Look, I know I should just be happy that we’ve moved away from Big Faces and Headless Girls in Ballgowns on YA covers. And I am, I swear! But… like… does every cover have to be illustrated now? Because while this artwork is accurate and totally fine, it could’ve been been SO much cooler, y’all. This is a book about pinball! How rad would it have been if the cover was designed to look like a pinball machine, but themed to the story?

Oh right, I can just hear the publisher now: But if it looks like a boy book, will girls read it?

Obviously I’m projecting a lot here so long story short, I’M READY FOR THE NEXT YA COVER TREND.

The Deal:

Adam and Whitney used to be best friends, but then Adam’s dad died, and Whitney joined the Plastics, and now they’re basically sworn enemies thanks to their competing family businesses in Philadelphia. On one side of the ring, we have Old City Pinball, a charming but worn-down arcade kept (barely) afloat by Adam and his mom. And on the other side, we have West Philly eSports, a massively successful cafe-turned-chain started by Whitney’s dad, who wants to buy Old City Pinball and turn it into another cafe.

All of the simmering tension between Adam and Whitney, usually reserved for a continuous Twitter war between the two brand accounts they run, boils over with the approach of the Old City Winter Festival and an impending snowstorm. As the two prep for the festival, they’re forced to interact with each other IRL—something they haven’t done in years—but that’s nothing compared to the quality time they’re about to get together thanks to Old Man Winter and an empty, snowed-in arcade.

BFF Charm: Roger Murtaugh

In very different ways, Adam and Whitney are both trying to hold on to their dads. Adam maintains that connection by obsessing, to the detriment of everything else, over his kingdom of pinball machines, while Whitney busts her ass handling social media for her dad’s company, since that seems to be the only way he’ll notice her. Though my heart went out to them, I couldn’t keep my eye rolls at bay due to their completely unprofessional behavior on Twitter. (I know, I know, that’s such a lame adult thing to say, thus the Roger charm!) Y’all, they fight about personal shizz using COMPANY ACCOUNTS. I get that they’re teenagers but this is why no company would let a teen run their corporate social media, mmmkay?!!!

Aside from that, I didn’t feel super drawn to either of them. Adam is secretly a sweetie, but he’s too closed-off and impulsive for me to put up with him like his actual bestie, Chris, does. (Real talk, Chris is hands down the best person in the book.) As for Whitney, I sympathized with her, but I didn’t get her, especially when it came to becoming friends with mean girls and taking years to understand that they suck. It doesn’t help that the author refers to her as “smirking” at least five times in the course of the book. Girl, what do you have to be so smug about?!

Swoonworthy Scale: 4

Normally I’m a sucker for a Cameron Quick situation, not to mention enemistry, but the balance of animosity and emotional history, which is crucial for romances like this, felt off. We get all of the bickering without any of the sparks, and when Whitney and Adam finally admit their feelings, the moment lacks the depth it should have given their childhood friendship and the baggage they carry.

Talky Talk: He Said, She Said

Each chapter alternates between Adam and Whitney’s POV, and while their voices aren’t really distinguishable from each other, their narratives are lively, making for an easy breezy read.

Bonus Factor: Pinball

Any time I’m in an arcade, I gravitate towards pinball, and not just because I suck at video games. I love the mechanics, the movie tie-ins, and the whole retro vibe, so I had a blast following Adam as he tinkered and talked about the rarest and weirdest (Battleship Earth anyone?!) themed pinball machines.

Bonus Factor: Shop Local

Old City is bustling with local shops, and the owners all know each other and interact on Twitter, which is cute. Between the bookstore with the adorable dog and the plant boutique (owned by Whitney’s mom), I could see myself spending a whole lotta of money in this neighborhood, so it’s probably good that it’s fictional. Oh shit, it’s not!

On that note, you can tell that Eric Smith reeeeeally loves Philadelphia. He references a ton of (what I assume are) real local establishments, to the point where it’s almost distracting. (But the book did make me wanna visit Philly again so well played, Mr. Smith).

Relationship Status: Tilting Towards No

Yes, this is my attempt at a pinball reference with the hope of letting this book down easy. We had some fun, but overall, the story of Whitney and Adam fell flat, both emotionally and romantically, for me. So no hard feelings but game over, man.

Enemies to lovers, trapped in a snowstorm, and a title from a Fleetwood Mac song? This book has a lot going for it right off the bat. I had a great time reading through the tension between Adam and Whitney and experiencing their journey together as learn about one another in a situation that forces proximity to each other. This was a great read, and I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in reading a heartwarming romance this winter season.

A love letter to Philly, pinball, and growth. This novel was perfection. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I was blown away. Friends to enemies to lovers. Big bad business wanting to buy out a mom and pop shop. A snowstorm? A single bed (or emergency blanket as the case may be!)? This novel is literally the quirky awkward teenage cousin of a hallmark movie. And I mean that as the highest compliment. I want this book in my library forever, it’s light fluffy story there to brighten a dark day.

***Thank you to the publisher for an ARC***

I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and despite the slow start I loved it all! From childhood friends to social media rivals, Adam and Whitney learn many lessons about true friendship all while finding their way right back to each other. Their banter and flirting was ABSOLUTELY adorable and I will now be telling everyone I know about it >-<

Adam Stillwater helps his mom run the pinball arcade that his father started. Though pinball isn’t as popular today as it once was, Adam is determined to keep their arcade running, and not sell it to Philadelphia’s newest tech mogul. Whitney Mitchell runs the social media account for her dad’s esport cafe. That job takes up so much of her time that her friends have ditched her and her boyfriend has broken up with her, because she never had time for them. After an accident with Whitney’s brother breaking a pinball machine at the arcade, Whitney and Adam start a social media argument that goes viral. Whitney and Adam used to be best friends, but stopped talking in high school. Then, a huge snowstorm hits, trapping Whitney and Adam together for the night. They have no choice to but to talk about their feelings and figure out where they’re meant to be in life.

There was a lot of 80s and 90s nostalgia in this book. Pinball machines may seem like an ancient technology to young readers today. I loved how passionate Adam was about the pinball machines. He knew every detail of them. Adam also loved the rock bands that his father loved. He wore vintage a lot of band shirts. There were also some more modern references from Whitney, who was from a more modern, high tech background. Adam and Whitney were the best of both worlds.

This book is the perfect winter read. The descriptions of the storm were so evocative that I was actually feeling cold while reading it. I wouldn’t want to be trapped in a cold building during a snow storm, but it’s fun to read about.

You Can Go Your Own Way is a great new contemporary novel!

Thank you Inkyard Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith is a novel told in two perspectives.

Adam runs the old pinball arcade. He is determined to protect it from the latest tech mogul looking to buy and convert the place for esports. This place is his last connection to his father.

Whitney’s father runs a successful chain of gaming cafés. Whitney’s life has undergone many changes. For example, she is starting at a new school, with no friends. Her boyfriend broke up with her. Now her only focus is running the social media account for her father’s company.

Adam and Whitney frequently feud on social media. They avoid each other in person, but the two become trapped in the pinball arcade during a snowstorm, cut off from everything. The more time they spend together, the less tension there is in the air.

Both main characters in this book are very easy to relate to. I liked the references to retro and modern tech.

This was a charming read with a rivals/enemies-to-lovers storyline between two old friends.

In You Can Go Your Own Way, Adam Stillwater is trying to balance so many things at once: his family’s failing Pinball arcade, the grief of having lost his father a few years earlier, trying to figure out what he wants in life, and how to deal with his former best friend and now arch enemy, Whitney Mitchell. Likewise, Whitney is spinning too many plates trying to deal with her techy hot-shot dad using her for her social media knowledge, her boyfriend breaking up with her, and her friends just being the world’s worst people.

There was so much packed into this book that I found the pacing to be a bit all over the place. I couldn’t tell at the beginning what the timeline was supposed to be. How long a period was this covering? It seemed to be weeks and also maybe a three day span. The last third of the book takes place in a twelve hour period and does a lot of the heavy lifting.

I did enjoy the characters of Adam and Whitney. They felt like real teens who would assume their problems to be the end-all be-all of their entire lives. There was also a great discussion of grief and how lives change as a result of how we process it.

At the end of the day, I liked this book, but I don’t think it’s one I’ll feel the need to revisit.

3.5 stars rounded up.

4/5 stars

I really, really loved the way this book made me *feel* like I was in a winter snowstorm in Philadelphia. Like. The atmosphere is absolutely killer!! I also liked the way the characters came together (again) throughout the story. There were some really sweet moments between Adam and Whitney!

You Can You Go Your Own Way is a cute story between former friends Adam and Whitney.

Adam and his mom own a pinball arcade and are struggling. Adam is determined to keep it alive because it was his dad's dream. I really liked how even though the book only takes place over like 3 days he does grow to realize that you have to live your own dreams.

Whitney is on the other side with a dad who has gone up in the world and is buying all the things, including a gaming cafe, that Whitney helps to manage. This part really frustrated me because her dad wasn't being a dad at all. She had a huge weight on her shoulders as a senior in high school - and not because the family needed the money.

I loved the banter between Adam and Whitney, though at times the online banter got a little rough. The whole second half where they were stuck in the snowstorm was cute and fun and brought the warm fuzzies.