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Go Your Own Way #1
Go Your Own Way
Will Osborne couldnt wait to put the roller coaster ride of his public education behind him. Having suffered bullying and harassment since grade school, he planned a senior year that would be simple and quiet before going away to college and starting fresh. But when a reform school transfer student struts into his first class, Will realizes that the thrill ride has only just begun.Lennox McAvoy is an avalanche. Hes crude, flirtatious, and the most insufferable, beautiful person Wills ever met. From his ankle monitor to his dull smile, Lennox appears irredeemable.But when Wills father falls seriously ill, Will discovers that there is more to Lennox than meets the eye.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
6 people are currently reading
734 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 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 5, 2017
I seem to be in the minority here, but I really struggled through this one.
First of all, you should know that this book is all about the drama and the angst. And it gets REALLY angsty. If you aren't prepared for an exhausting read, then look away. I can deal with some heavy drama and angst, but this pushed my limits.
However, that wasn't my issue with the story. My main issue with this story is something we need to talk about as M/M readers, and that is the overly sexually aggressive MC. Lennox was relentless. Even when Will clearly wasn't interested, even when it was FULLY inappropriate (like talking about explicitly banging Will in front of teachers, classmates, and parents), Lennox would NOT STOP.
I can see Lennox using his rudeness and vulgarity as a defense mechanism (which clearly it was meant to be) in the early parts of the story, but well past the 60% mark he was still making non-stop comments and physically touching Will, even when he said no.
Now, here is my sticking point: If this was a M/F book, would we still be rooting for this couple? If there was a guy who was calling our female MC a cock-whore or talking about how well she could suck him off (to a virgin, no less), would we still think it was okay? Why is it okay here? I didn't think it was, and even though the Will was sometimes turned on by the attention, that doesn't make it okay. People can be turned on and uncomfortable and still deserve proper respect.
I'm no prude, and I'm very much in favor of dirty talk, but it was just wrong place, wrong time, ALL THE TIME.
The push and pull between these characters also tested my limits. They were back and forth, hot and cold, and I was just over it by 75% or so. I was expecting some relief, but the drama was constant.
Also, we need to touch upon the racial stuff in this book. Lennox is biracial, and some of the stuff that he just brushed off that the characters said and did to him was... not okay. A lot of hair touching, and a WHOLE lot of really gross name-calling by people in this story. Now, I'm not sure if the author meant to highlight racism in certain parts of the country, and I'm not a person of color, but I felt icky and anxious about many of the exchanges. Just putting that out there.
The book gets two stars from me because some of the details of Lennox's life really touched me, and I think the story has some moving and powerful elements, but I struggled with it all the same. Even though the ending is abrupt and a HFN, I don't think I'll continue with the series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 13, 2015
I get it. This is a character-driven story. Will and Lennox are hot and cold personified. These characters are beautiful and the push-and-pull relationship between these MCs was perfect. With Lennox's situation and the almost impenetrable wall he had built for himself, I was already prepared for this.
And then you add Will and his principles (aka commitment and fidelity and good ol' romance) and his infuriating but undeniable attraction to Lennox and what have you got? Yep, more of this.
It's fine! Those were inevitable and necessary. But, seriously? When you introduce all these conflicts, you've got to tie the loose ends well. But that ending, what was that?! Sure, it's HFN. But I have all these questions in my mind and now I can't put them aside because where were the answers when I needed them?
Yep! And speaking of questions, I can't seem to place the timeline of the story. What era was this set? And yes, I'm being sarcastic because Lennox! My god. If you disregard the rudeness and the intolerable personality, the author described him as beautiful. And yet he has been putting up with his skin color all his life. And he's biracial? I ask again, what era was this set? Because if you've got this specimen of a human being in front of you, I assure you people must be seriously daft to give him The Look (blinking ankle monitor, notwithstanding) in this day and age.
May 6, 2015
☆ 4.5 'Simply Brilliant' Stars ☆
Pop over the blog to check out the rest of my review...
I just love it when I read a book from a debut author and it’s really something to get excited about… and this is one of those books! Zane Riley effortlessly captured my heart with his characters and …the writing… it’s stunning. But not in a lyrical, flowery way. The words just flowed so smoothly over the page, enticing me in, so much so, that reading this felt like time just stopped; with heart-breaking moments of poignancy that just made me pause for thought. I was completely absorbed in the story of these two boys… and this isn’t a short book at 326 pages, but my kindle didn’t leave my hands for a minute.
This is a very character driven novel and a love story that sees two boys floundering, not only in the initial tentative steps of romance and the overwhelming feelings of first love… but also, for Will, and especially Lomax, life is far more complicated than that. As a mother with a teenage boy the same age, Lomax just broke my heart. The author does an incredible job of evoking such depth of emotion and intensity in this book, as well as getting right all the other insecurities and the generalities of ‘I hate my life’ that comes with being a teenager.
Pop over the blog to check out the rest of my review...
May 15, 2015
4.5 stars!
For a debut novel, this was fantastic! I loved reading it from the beginning to the end, and the author earned himself a new fan girl: me :)!
This is a character driven novel that beautifully shows us the journey of two young men, bad boy Lennox McAvoy and the innocent Will Osborne. It was a pleasure to go along with these two fantastic characters through their first true love experience while they take their first baby steps towards romance. This book is written from both characters’ point of view and I really liked that, especially since we got to see Lennox in a different way from that which he showed the rest of the world. The first half of the book might seem a bit slow paced, and Lennox might get on the reader’s nerves, but please do not give up. This book grown in the second half, especially towards the end. It becomes more intense and while heartbreaking, it gives you hope. This book is the perfect example to that saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and it shows us the struggles that people who are different from “the norm” are going through. If you’re not a fan of YA books because sex usually doesn’t happen much in them, give this one a chance. They boys do have sex, in every way you can think, so your pervy side should be satisfied .
Lennox broke my heart! Literally, as a mother, I cried for him and my heart bled for him, because no young person should live the way he does. His situation is completely heartbreaking, and I was keeping my fingers crossed the entire time that someone would step in and show this darling boy that there’s still hope for the humanity.
Will was a romantic at heart, so totally different from Lennox who truly believed there’s no such thing as love. Will was a virgin while Lennox was quite experienced, Will wanted romance, and love while Lennox wanted to get in his pants. Lennox’s crude language and obnoxious personality was bothersome, but not in the way you’d think. I wasn’t offended by it, but rather frustrated that people always had so little faith in him, he decided to give them a reason to dislike him since they would anyways.
Their relationship started out as enemies, progressed to friendship and from there it flowed to love easily. Will saw Lennox in a way other people weren’t likely to see him and believed in him when nobody else would. I loved them together, their chemistry was great, and the night when Will loses his virginity to Lennox will stay with me forever. I was just so heartbroken with the way it started and I was so happy with the way it ended; Lennox really did get the best birthday present ever, even if it wasn’t planned: Will’s complete trust and utter surrender.
The secondary characters were so different from each other, they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. We have the bullies, the drunks, the animals who are nothing more than a piss poor excuse for human beings. I really hated them with all my heart! Karen and Ben, Will’s parents, were amazing! I loved the relationship they had with Will and I thought Karen was an amazing person, more than a stepmother, more than a friend, she’s that person that would make anyone lucky to have on their side.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, a tentative HFN instead of the HEA I was looking forward to. I hope we get a sequel in the future because I’d love to see if Will and Lennox make it together as a couple and how their lives are 10 years for now. I’d love to see how Will’s plans for the future turned out, and what role Lennox plays in it. I need more! Recommended!!!
For a debut novel, this was fantastic! I loved reading it from the beginning to the end, and the author earned himself a new fan girl: me :)!
This is a character driven novel that beautifully shows us the journey of two young men, bad boy Lennox McAvoy and the innocent Will Osborne. It was a pleasure to go along with these two fantastic characters through their first true love experience while they take their first baby steps towards romance. This book is written from both characters’ point of view and I really liked that, especially since we got to see Lennox in a different way from that which he showed the rest of the world. The first half of the book might seem a bit slow paced, and Lennox might get on the reader’s nerves, but please do not give up. This book grown in the second half, especially towards the end. It becomes more intense and while heartbreaking, it gives you hope. This book is the perfect example to that saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and it shows us the struggles that people who are different from “the norm” are going through. If you’re not a fan of YA books because sex usually doesn’t happen much in them, give this one a chance. They boys do have sex, in every way you can think, so your pervy side should be satisfied .
Lennox broke my heart! Literally, as a mother, I cried for him and my heart bled for him, because no young person should live the way he does. His situation is completely heartbreaking, and I was keeping my fingers crossed the entire time that someone would step in and show this darling boy that there’s still hope for the humanity.
Will was a romantic at heart, so totally different from Lennox who truly believed there’s no such thing as love. Will was a virgin while Lennox was quite experienced, Will wanted romance, and love while Lennox wanted to get in his pants. Lennox’s crude language and obnoxious personality was bothersome, but not in the way you’d think. I wasn’t offended by it, but rather frustrated that people always had so little faith in him, he decided to give them a reason to dislike him since they would anyways.
Their relationship started out as enemies, progressed to friendship and from there it flowed to love easily. Will saw Lennox in a way other people weren’t likely to see him and believed in him when nobody else would. I loved them together, their chemistry was great, and the night when Will loses his virginity to Lennox will stay with me forever. I was just so heartbroken with the way it started and I was so happy with the way it ended; Lennox really did get the best birthday present ever, even if it wasn’t planned: Will’s complete trust and utter surrender.
The secondary characters were so different from each other, they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. We have the bullies, the drunks, the animals who are nothing more than a piss poor excuse for human beings. I really hated them with all my heart! Karen and Ben, Will’s parents, were amazing! I loved the relationship they had with Will and I thought Karen was an amazing person, more than a stepmother, more than a friend, she’s that person that would make anyone lucky to have on their side.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, a tentative HFN instead of the HEA I was looking forward to. I hope we get a sequel in the future because I’d love to see if Will and Lennox make it together as a couple and how their lives are 10 years for now. I’d love to see how Will’s plans for the future turned out, and what role Lennox plays in it. I need more! Recommended!!!
May 21, 2015
I have to give Riley a standing O for making a character who was unlikable in so many ways a character I rooted for and fell for. Will and Lennox were perfect foils and matches for each other, which was unexpected when we first meet Will. He also doesn't tone down their ages, which often inform the ways they think through decisions and react to each other and the world. I love when I read this in YA/NA fiction (which is what I think of this as).
Sometimes Lennox was downright cruel, and it was hard to swallow, but Riley does an excellent job balancing softer, human moments with a tragic and painful back story. This is hard to pull off without falling into cliche territory, and it was executed so well. I loved their chemistry, I loved Will's determination and steadfast caring and belief in Lennox.
Highly recommended.
Sometimes Lennox was downright cruel, and it was hard to swallow, but Riley does an excellent job balancing softer, human moments with a tragic and painful back story. This is hard to pull off without falling into cliche territory, and it was executed so well. I loved their chemistry, I loved Will's determination and steadfast caring and belief in Lennox.
Highly recommended.
May 10, 2015
**copy provided by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review**
Rude, Crude, Obnoxious, Inappropriate.. These are just a few of the words I'd use to describe Lennox, without using any bad words. I'd also describe him as Love Starved, Hurt, Sad, Scared, Abused, Neglected.
I look at the bottom set of words and I want to sympathize with Lennox, but it's hard to sympathize with someone you would just much rather shake or slap. Every time you'd start to feel a little sorry for him, he'd open up his mouth, and insert his foot.
I loved this story. It pulled me in from the first page, and wouldn't let go. I can't say I couldn't put it down, because I did. It was either put it down or throw my iPad, because I was so mad at Lennox. What that tells me though, is this author made me feel, and I love to feel when I read a book.
I loved Will. I loved that he wasn't a pushover and when it came to Lennox, he gave as good as he got. It was beautiful to watch Will work through Lennox's layers and work his way into his heart. The love these two young men shared was not only beautiful, but felt innocent as well, even with everything going on around them. The chemistry was electric between them. The sexual tension was palpable, and even the kissing was smoking hot!
The prejudices in this book was so sad. It broke my heart and made me so angry. It's so sad that there are people in this world that think and act this way.
My complaint is the ending. I wanted more, a more definite conclusion. Things were left unresolved and I wanted to know what happens to Will and Lennox. I would love to see the author continue their story.
This book was well written, captivating and moved at a good pace. It never lagged, and the author left me wanting more. I can't believe this is the authors debut novel. I definitely am looking forward to much more from this author in the future!
Rude, Crude, Obnoxious, Inappropriate.. These are just a few of the words I'd use to describe Lennox, without using any bad words. I'd also describe him as Love Starved, Hurt, Sad, Scared, Abused, Neglected.
I look at the bottom set of words and I want to sympathize with Lennox, but it's hard to sympathize with someone you would just much rather shake or slap. Every time you'd start to feel a little sorry for him, he'd open up his mouth, and insert his foot.
I loved this story. It pulled me in from the first page, and wouldn't let go. I can't say I couldn't put it down, because I did. It was either put it down or throw my iPad, because I was so mad at Lennox. What that tells me though, is this author made me feel, and I love to feel when I read a book.
I loved Will. I loved that he wasn't a pushover and when it came to Lennox, he gave as good as he got. It was beautiful to watch Will work through Lennox's layers and work his way into his heart. The love these two young men shared was not only beautiful, but felt innocent as well, even with everything going on around them. The chemistry was electric between them. The sexual tension was palpable, and even the kissing was smoking hot!
The prejudices in this book was so sad. It broke my heart and made me so angry. It's so sad that there are people in this world that think and act this way.
My complaint is the ending. I wanted more, a more definite conclusion. Things were left unresolved and I wanted to know what happens to Will and Lennox. I would love to see the author continue their story.
This book was well written, captivating and moved at a good pace. It never lagged, and the author left me wanting more. I can't believe this is the authors debut novel. I definitely am looking forward to much more from this author in the future!
January 20, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
What a marvelous debut work by Zane Riley. I read this when all three books were out, but even before the blurb got my attention and the books were on my buy and tbr list for a long time. Best time for actually exploring it was the release of the last book in the series and I can say I'm glad I picked this series and this book up.
The blurb is giving a good feeling what the book is about but it leaves open how heavily this book mesmerized me. It's a long book, with over 300 pages, for a NA book and longer than my average books (but not the longest), but it didn't felt so. In fact I was captured.
I was captured by the characters Will and Lennox. Yes, Lennox is crude, yes, he is a foul-mouth, full of attitude and aggressive behaviour and (borderline) violent but behind this exterior behaviour he is... vulnerable and unexpected vivid, actually gentle, full of unexpected sides.
Will is at first - like everybody else - disgusted by him, by his rude way to get into Will's pants, his snotty language and Will is one of them who first judge him because of his looks and the fact Lennox is wearing an ankle monitor. Will is making different observations through the book and he is reflective when it comes to Lennox after a while. He sees how he judged Lennox without knowing him, without - at least first - the will to understand him better, to see behind the attitude.
When Lennox, through Will's eyes changes in the book, starts to come across as someone who did aweful things but who isn't responsible for all what happens to him and how people treated him, there's a shift in the book.
Will is fascinated by Lennox, right from the start, even when he can't stand him. Will dreams of a picture-book relationship, to experience his first kiss, his first sexual encounter with a caring kind of guy. His perfect boyfriend is definitely not an ex-prisioner, monitored by the ankle monitor and kept on the short lash - literally - who's living in a cheap, horrible motel room.
Will himself hasn't it the easiest life in the school, is being bullied for being gay, but actually according to the blurb it sounded more violent as it was in the end to be honest. Don't get me wrong, what some dudes do to Will, how they mock and shout homophobic slurs to him isn't acceptable - the way how the teacher seem to recognize this but don't really act isn't- and it's of course horrible but Will seems to have a small circle of friends, at small group of people who support him, even if they don't get what Will is hoping for, what he sees - later - in Lennox - and in some parts his so called friends seem a bit superficial and selfish. Still I liked this part. It showed a different side, the school life, where you are picked up for being "different" is something more students experience as they want to, it's something I personally can relate to a certain degree and the way how the daily schoollife was described felt honest and raw, ugly but not necessary suprising.
Within the book Will is - at the beginning - and I can't find a better word, herassed by Lennox. Lennox, as said above, tries everything to get in Will's pants and for very short moments I was a bit uncomfortable in the way he was not respecting Will's "no"s. But this uncomfortable feeling was settled once Lennox was reflecting his actions more, when he was actually listen to Will. When he started to understand that Will may be a virgin and seems vulnerable, he is actually not or at least not the way Lennox expected. In fact Will knows how to counter -with actions but more with words. And hell, this was a great exploration within the book, yes, he is the "unexperienced virgin" and is being mocked, but he has a fierce side. Will has some guts, that's for sure - and I loved every bit of it.
And this is the moment, in my opinion, something is shifting inside Lennox. I will dare to say Lennox has a certain kind of respect towards Will.
I loved how in the whole book the character development was visible, palpable through the pages. Will is changing, from the boy who wanted to have a perfect relationship with his very first boyfriend, who dreamt of something ideal but at the end he realises that this "ideal" isn't that fulfilling, and unexpectedly he finds his happiness with Lennox, as surprising it seems.
Lennox on the other hand is displayed as a guy with a lot of layers, and I stress this especially out. He is so much more than the guy who's violent, who is under surveillance. He has a very soft core but the world and the community he lives in forces him to become a "tough", and in his world it means, violent acting guy. I don't wanna excuse any of his actions - it's something the reader hasn't much information about at all, we only know a few snippets he shared with Will - but it's clear he isn't a violent, malice guy. He isn't rotten to the core, he had a good life before everything head south.
The book stops with a HFN, it is clear there are more books to come, but I guess you can find it satisfying if you stop here, but I actually recommend to read further. I'm really curious what's happening next because there are a lot of open questions (for me) & I die to know what the future held for Will and Lennox.
A captivating, well-written, well executed work by an author who is definitely showing that he can keep the reader's attention from the first to the last page. I'm deeply impressed by the balance of the "ugly", rough parts and the vulnerable sides in the book and of the character. They never felt flat, they were so multi-layered I enjoyed the journey I had with them and I can't to go on with book # 2, With or Without You. 5 out of 5 stars for this, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
What a marvelous debut work by Zane Riley. I read this when all three books were out, but even before the blurb got my attention and the books were on my buy and tbr list for a long time. Best time for actually exploring it was the release of the last book in the series and I can say I'm glad I picked this series and this book up.
The blurb is giving a good feeling what the book is about but it leaves open how heavily this book mesmerized me. It's a long book, with over 300 pages, for a NA book and longer than my average books (but not the longest), but it didn't felt so. In fact I was captured.
I was captured by the characters Will and Lennox. Yes, Lennox is crude, yes, he is a foul-mouth, full of attitude and aggressive behaviour and (borderline) violent but behind this exterior behaviour he is... vulnerable and unexpected vivid, actually gentle, full of unexpected sides.
Will is at first - like everybody else - disgusted by him, by his rude way to get into Will's pants, his snotty language and Will is one of them who first judge him because of his looks and the fact Lennox is wearing an ankle monitor. Will is making different observations through the book and he is reflective when it comes to Lennox after a while. He sees how he judged Lennox without knowing him, without - at least first - the will to understand him better, to see behind the attitude.
When Lennox, through Will's eyes changes in the book, starts to come across as someone who did aweful things but who isn't responsible for all what happens to him and how people treated him, there's a shift in the book.
Will is fascinated by Lennox, right from the start, even when he can't stand him. Will dreams of a picture-book relationship, to experience his first kiss, his first sexual encounter with a caring kind of guy. His perfect boyfriend is definitely not an ex-prisioner, monitored by the ankle monitor and kept on the short lash - literally - who's living in a cheap, horrible motel room.
Will himself hasn't it the easiest life in the school, is being bullied for being gay, but actually according to the blurb it sounded more violent as it was in the end to be honest. Don't get me wrong, what some dudes do to Will, how they mock and shout homophobic slurs to him isn't acceptable - the way how the teacher seem to recognize this but don't really act isn't- and it's of course horrible but Will seems to have a small circle of friends, at small group of people who support him, even if they don't get what Will is hoping for, what he sees - later - in Lennox - and in some parts his so called friends seem a bit superficial and selfish. Still I liked this part. It showed a different side, the school life, where you are picked up for being "different" is something more students experience as they want to, it's something I personally can relate to a certain degree and the way how the daily schoollife was described felt honest and raw, ugly but not necessary suprising.
Within the book Will is - at the beginning - and I can't find a better word, herassed by Lennox. Lennox, as said above, tries everything to get in Will's pants and for very short moments I was a bit uncomfortable in the way he was not respecting Will's "no"s. But this uncomfortable feeling was settled once Lennox was reflecting his actions more, when he was actually listen to Will. When he started to understand that Will may be a virgin and seems vulnerable, he is actually not or at least not the way Lennox expected. In fact Will knows how to counter -with actions but more with words. And hell, this was a great exploration within the book, yes, he is the "unexperienced virgin" and is being mocked, but he has a fierce side. Will has some guts, that's for sure - and I loved every bit of it.
And this is the moment, in my opinion, something is shifting inside Lennox. I will dare to say Lennox has a certain kind of respect towards Will.
I loved how in the whole book the character development was visible, palpable through the pages. Will is changing, from the boy who wanted to have a perfect relationship with his very first boyfriend, who dreamt of something ideal but at the end he realises that this "ideal" isn't that fulfilling, and unexpectedly he finds his happiness with Lennox, as surprising it seems.
Lennox on the other hand is displayed as a guy with a lot of layers, and I stress this especially out. He is so much more than the guy who's violent, who is under surveillance. He has a very soft core but the world and the community he lives in forces him to become a "tough", and in his world it means, violent acting guy. I don't wanna excuse any of his actions - it's something the reader hasn't much information about at all, we only know a few snippets he shared with Will - but it's clear he isn't a violent, malice guy. He isn't rotten to the core, he had a good life before everything head south.
The book stops with a HFN, it is clear there are more books to come, but I guess you can find it satisfying if you stop here, but I actually recommend to read further. I'm really curious what's happening next because there are a lot of open questions (for me) & I die to know what the future held for Will and Lennox.
A captivating, well-written, well executed work by an author who is definitely showing that he can keep the reader's attention from the first to the last page. I'm deeply impressed by the balance of the "ugly", rough parts and the vulnerable sides in the book and of the character. They never felt flat, they were so multi-layered I enjoyed the journey I had with them and I can't to go on with book # 2, With or Without You. 5 out of 5 stars for this, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
January 13, 2016
4.5 stars review @STRW http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Go Your Own Way is the new adult debut novel by the talented Zane Riley and another winner from the (new to me) Interlude Press. The book was nothing like I was expecting and really different from the usual NA (new adult) stories I read in the past. In three words, I loved it! I’m so happy when I discover new authors and I can’t believe this is Zane’s only book I have available right now.
Will and Lennox are two characters that will be in my heart for a bit. The author did an amazing work at describing them and making me like them so much. They are so cute together! I can assure you both are super interesting since the first lines, and when sparkles fly between them the fun is assured. Two boys apparently so different from each other but with lots in common.
Lennox seems a strong young man, steeled by the too hard past years. But it’s an act he absolutely needs to survive his life, made of a nasty motel room, of food stolen at the school cafeteria, of prejudices and attempts at his safety, of nights spent in the bathtub with a flashlight. He isn’t expecting someone like Will to happen to his shitty life and to get through his heart like this amazing young man does.
“I do like him,” Will confessed. “But I can’t stand him, too. It’s… complicated. I don’t want to just date for a few weeks. I don’t—I want something that’s real.”
“Why can’t a short relationship be real?” Roxanne asked. “I mean, Romeo and Juliet—”
“Were two insane, dopey teenagers whose infatuation killed a half a dozen people,” Will said. “I want maturity. Commitment. Someone to talk to about everything.”
“Sounds like a therapist to me”
Will is been bullied all his life. He can’t wait to finish his last year of high school to fly out of the strict town he’s born in. He has a beautiful stepmother and a great dad, both funny and so supportive. He always dreamed about his first love and his idea is nothing as Lennox, cheeky and rude. But Lennox, who is the biggest annoying person in Will’s world, becomes his greater distractions and helper in the hardest and hurtful event in his life so far. Lennox becomes a comfort, because he understands what Will is going through. There is still ice and fire between them but that’s exactly what makes their relationships so beautiful.
The writing is light and funny but deep and emotional too. The author uses a double point of view, perfect to make more real and detectable the MCs’ minds and feelings, especially in the hilarious dialogues, full of banters, jokes and the MCs’ smart mouths that make Go Your Own Way an engaging “enemies to lovers” book.
I gave this book only 4,5 stars cause the ending was too abrupt and it needs a sequel, there are so many things I still have to know and see, especially about Lennox. Still this is a highly recommended story.
Cover design by Buckeyegrrl Designs The cover depicts a specific scene in the book, the first time they kiss against a chalkboard. It is really awesome and the backcover is even better. Really well done.
Go Your Own Way is the new adult debut novel by the talented Zane Riley and another winner from the (new to me) Interlude Press. The book was nothing like I was expecting and really different from the usual NA (new adult) stories I read in the past. In three words, I loved it! I’m so happy when I discover new authors and I can’t believe this is Zane’s only book I have available right now.
Will and Lennox are two characters that will be in my heart for a bit. The author did an amazing work at describing them and making me like them so much. They are so cute together! I can assure you both are super interesting since the first lines, and when sparkles fly between them the fun is assured. Two boys apparently so different from each other but with lots in common.
Lennox seems a strong young man, steeled by the too hard past years. But it’s an act he absolutely needs to survive his life, made of a nasty motel room, of food stolen at the school cafeteria, of prejudices and attempts at his safety, of nights spent in the bathtub with a flashlight. He isn’t expecting someone like Will to happen to his shitty life and to get through his heart like this amazing young man does.
“I do like him,” Will confessed. “But I can’t stand him, too. It’s… complicated. I don’t want to just date for a few weeks. I don’t—I want something that’s real.”
“Why can’t a short relationship be real?” Roxanne asked. “I mean, Romeo and Juliet—”
“Were two insane, dopey teenagers whose infatuation killed a half a dozen people,” Will said. “I want maturity. Commitment. Someone to talk to about everything.”
“Sounds like a therapist to me”
Will is been bullied all his life. He can’t wait to finish his last year of high school to fly out of the strict town he’s born in. He has a beautiful stepmother and a great dad, both funny and so supportive. He always dreamed about his first love and his idea is nothing as Lennox, cheeky and rude. But Lennox, who is the biggest annoying person in Will’s world, becomes his greater distractions and helper in the hardest and hurtful event in his life so far. Lennox becomes a comfort, because he understands what Will is going through. There is still ice and fire between them but that’s exactly what makes their relationships so beautiful.
The writing is light and funny but deep and emotional too. The author uses a double point of view, perfect to make more real and detectable the MCs’ minds and feelings, especially in the hilarious dialogues, full of banters, jokes and the MCs’ smart mouths that make Go Your Own Way an engaging “enemies to lovers” book.
I gave this book only 4,5 stars cause the ending was too abrupt and it needs a sequel, there are so many things I still have to know and see, especially about Lennox. Still this is a highly recommended story.
Cover design by Buckeyegrrl Designs The cover depicts a specific scene in the book, the first time they kiss against a chalkboard. It is really awesome and the backcover is even better. Really well done.
November 13, 2017
Ugh. I wanted to like this book so much. The idea was good, great even. I love the idea of a bad boy and a good boy getting together, but this just wasn't told right.
The problem, for me, was that the middle portion lasted too long. Will was a judgmental asshole to Lennox, so other than being the only other gay individual in the school, I don't see what he was so obsessed with. Lennox was also an asshole to Will, so again, I don't see the connection. If they had had some deep meaningful moments together I would totally buy their chemistry, but beyond sex and basic physical attraction there was nothing there.
Lennox was so complex and had so many things going on in his life that his whole story line was a missed opportunity. The things you could do with his story are endless, but we are left with a ton of answers. When does he get his monitor off? What happens with his family? Where does their relationship go from there? What about the jackasses and Lucy? The book just ends without ever answering these questions.
Which brings me to my next grievance, the end. The climax and the ending happen within the final 2 chapters. This big event happens and then they go back to Will's house and go to sleep. The end. Literally, it says "The End". That is not an ending, that is a HFN or even a slight cliffhanger. We needed another chapter and a prologue to even make it passable as an ending. The majority of the middle area could have been cut down significantly to provide a better climax and ending because all it was was the same complaints and sexual innuendos over and over and over again.
Another issue I had was with the racism. Lennox is biracial and suffers from a lot of racism within the town and school, especially because of the ankle monitor. However, if you look at the cover, his hand is obviously white. It's pretty misleading. Once again, though, it was a missed opportunity. We kept getting told about racist looks and comments, but that's as far as it went. If you're going to have it be such a constant mention in the book, do something with it. Don't just let it be said and not have something of meaning come from it.
Another reviewer mentioned that this started off as Glee fanfic and I can totally see it. This had Kurt Hummel and his dad written all over it. In fact, before I found that out, I thought the same thing. I'm actually happy I know that because I thought for sure it was an unoriginal copy and paste type of relationship and it was, but it was for a reason. I can say though, I didn't like how okay Will's parents seemed with knowing, seeing, and hearing about his sexcapades. I'm all about having open dialogue about things, but details are a little much.
This author has a degree in creative writing, which you can tell because it was actually really well written and is ultimately why I gave this two stars instead of one star. The problem came from the story itself. Unfortunately, I don't recommend it because it's simply not finished. If it had been, it really would have been a fantastic story.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchance for an honest review
The problem, for me, was that the middle portion lasted too long. Will was a judgmental asshole to Lennox, so other than being the only other gay individual in the school, I don't see what he was so obsessed with. Lennox was also an asshole to Will, so again, I don't see the connection. If they had had some deep meaningful moments together I would totally buy their chemistry, but beyond sex and basic physical attraction there was nothing there.
Lennox was so complex and had so many things going on in his life that his whole story line was a missed opportunity. The things you could do with his story are endless, but we are left with a ton of answers. When does he get his monitor off? What happens with his family? Where does their relationship go from there? What about the jackasses and Lucy? The book just ends without ever answering these questions.
Which brings me to my next grievance, the end. The climax and the ending happen within the final 2 chapters. This big event happens and then they go back to Will's house and go to sleep. The end. Literally, it says "The End". That is not an ending, that is a HFN or even a slight cliffhanger. We needed another chapter and a prologue to even make it passable as an ending. The majority of the middle area could have been cut down significantly to provide a better climax and ending because all it was was the same complaints and sexual innuendos over and over and over again.
Another issue I had was with the racism. Lennox is biracial and suffers from a lot of racism within the town and school, especially because of the ankle monitor. However, if you look at the cover, his hand is obviously white. It's pretty misleading. Once again, though, it was a missed opportunity. We kept getting told about racist looks and comments, but that's as far as it went. If you're going to have it be such a constant mention in the book, do something with it. Don't just let it be said and not have something of meaning come from it.
Another reviewer mentioned that this started off as Glee fanfic and I can totally see it. This had Kurt Hummel and his dad written all over it. In fact, before I found that out, I thought the same thing. I'm actually happy I know that because I thought for sure it was an unoriginal copy and paste type of relationship and it was, but it was for a reason. I can say though, I didn't like how okay Will's parents seemed with knowing, seeing, and hearing about his sexcapades. I'm all about having open dialogue about things, but details are a little much.
This author has a degree in creative writing, which you can tell because it was actually really well written and is ultimately why I gave this two stars instead of one star. The problem came from the story itself. Unfortunately, I don't recommend it because it's simply not finished. If it had been, it really would have been a fantastic story.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchance for an honest review
April 21, 2015
Go Your Own Way by Zane Riley was a delight to read. It tells the story of High School students Will Osbourne, an openly gay student trying to get through his senior year unscathed. That is until he meets Lennox McAvoy, a loud, crude and rude transfer student who takes an instant liking to Will. But will Will uncover the truth behind the rough exterior?
It is refreshing to read a story that covers the points of view belonging to both of the main characters. It is very amusing and true to how teenagers act and react with the descriptions of people being real to life in a creative writing style, which makes for enjoyable reading. The relationships between characters were genuine. The story was honest about hardships and how people act to those who are different. The characters are so obviously individuals and unique, you cannot help but root for the characters and feel their emotions as their relationships with each other were clearly written.
Go Your Own Way is an original take on a classic story line. Explicit content was written in a way that was simple and didn’t offend people but wasn’t over the top. It is real. The emotional changes were sometimes hard to keep up with in places, but this keeps the reader alert. The serious side of the story was well perceived which showed a passion in the writing which is very refreshing.
This book is a classic example of common clichés such as ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ or opposites attract’ but by no means is this book a cliché! We would not recommend this book to young readers due to the language and explicit content but the writing style may be too simplistic for hard core readers. If you enjoy a light read with some substance, then this book is for you. This really is an easy read which is fun although by the end you won’t want it to finish.
Go Your Own Way
It is refreshing to read a story that covers the points of view belonging to both of the main characters. It is very amusing and true to how teenagers act and react with the descriptions of people being real to life in a creative writing style, which makes for enjoyable reading. The relationships between characters were genuine. The story was honest about hardships and how people act to those who are different. The characters are so obviously individuals and unique, you cannot help but root for the characters and feel their emotions as their relationships with each other were clearly written.
Go Your Own Way is an original take on a classic story line. Explicit content was written in a way that was simple and didn’t offend people but wasn’t over the top. It is real. The emotional changes were sometimes hard to keep up with in places, but this keeps the reader alert. The serious side of the story was well perceived which showed a passion in the writing which is very refreshing.
This book is a classic example of common clichés such as ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ or opposites attract’ but by no means is this book a cliché! We would not recommend this book to young readers due to the language and explicit content but the writing style may be too simplistic for hard core readers. If you enjoy a light read with some substance, then this book is for you. This really is an easy read which is fun although by the end you won’t want it to finish.
Go Your Own Way
May 5, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I was shocked to learn this was the author’s debut novel. It was well written and held such realism that one felt as if they were transported back to the halls of their high school. The good, the bad, and the ugly of being a high school student are there for everyone to see. Eastern High School in Leon could be any small town school in America where the students create their own pecking order. Yet, like most small towns, there are those connections between one another that when the going gets tough, they band together.
Will spent most of his school years being harassed by the other students because he was the only gay kid in town. His mom died when he was young, too young to remember much about her. His dad tries to keep her memory alive, but for Will these are just stories about a person he doesn’t know. To say his dad and step-mother are overprotective would be an understatement, but their love for him is evident in their acceptance of his sexuality and their attempts to protect him from the bullies who plagued his life.
Lennox, on the other hand, has had no one on his side since his dad dumped him and his sister off at his grandparents. Mixed race, his grandparents saw him as redeemable until he came out as queer. With his grandmother washing her hands of him, his grandfather decides to give Lennox one last chance to make something of his life by offering him a chance to finish high school, though the conditions he expects Lennox to survive in are appalling.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I was shocked to learn this was the author’s debut novel. It was well written and held such realism that one felt as if they were transported back to the halls of their high school. The good, the bad, and the ugly of being a high school student are there for everyone to see. Eastern High School in Leon could be any small town school in America where the students create their own pecking order. Yet, like most small towns, there are those connections between one another that when the going gets tough, they band together.
Will spent most of his school years being harassed by the other students because he was the only gay kid in town. His mom died when he was young, too young to remember much about her. His dad tries to keep her memory alive, but for Will these are just stories about a person he doesn’t know. To say his dad and step-mother are overprotective would be an understatement, but their love for him is evident in their acceptance of his sexuality and their attempts to protect him from the bullies who plagued his life.
Lennox, on the other hand, has had no one on his side since his dad dumped him and his sister off at his grandparents. Mixed race, his grandparents saw him as redeemable until he came out as queer. With his grandmother washing her hands of him, his grandfather decides to give Lennox one last chance to make something of his life by offering him a chance to finish high school, though the conditions he expects Lennox to survive in are appalling.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
July 15, 2015
*4.25 stars* Lennox is crude and abrasive and hard to like at all, let alone love. Will is nothing like him, yet I found him a little difficult to warm up to as well. The beauty of this book is how the author pulls us in and makes us start to root for these boys. Lennox has reasons for being the way he is; he's been through crap no one his age should ever have to go through. Will eventually starts to see glimpses beyond all the barriers that Lennox hides behind.
"That earned him a laugh, and Will paused at the sound. It was fuller; it somehow seemed more real than any laugh he'd heard from Lennox before. Will saw the light in his eyes and something that seemed different. All of Lennox was real-all the bad and the crude and the hostile- but this moment was human."
When Will's father has a health scare, it is Lennox that offers him support and it's Lennox that understands the pain he's feeling. This is when they start to care for each other and it felt so real and beautiful watching them as they gradually fell in love.
It was a happy ending, yet it felt a little abrupt and more HFN then HEA. I would really love to see a sequel.
"That earned him a laugh, and Will paused at the sound. It was fuller; it somehow seemed more real than any laugh he'd heard from Lennox before. Will saw the light in his eyes and something that seemed different. All of Lennox was real-all the bad and the crude and the hostile- but this moment was human."
When Will's father has a health scare, it is Lennox that offers him support and it's Lennox that understands the pain he's feeling. This is when they start to care for each other and it felt so real and beautiful watching them as they gradually fell in love.
It was a happy ending, yet it felt a little abrupt and more HFN then HEA. I would really love to see a sequel.
August 12, 2015
(considering interlude press' policy towards not hiding the origin of many of their books, this review will freely talk about go your own way's beginning as a glee fanfiction)
this was a treat.
i was already a big fan of the fanfiction that became this book, but what riley did here, what he did to the story, the setting, the characters—it was so much better than i could have ever expected. it took me a few days to be able to write a review, even through i write them normally right after i finish reading, because i was trying to find a way to explain why this was so important.
many of interlude press' books were originally fanfiction, which then was revamped and published. and there is nothing wrong with that—i have read many fics that are so much better than many original published books—but i am always cautious to read something that came from a story i had already previously read in another format. in some instances—like in another interlude press book that i am reading right now and will eventually review in a few days—it doesn't really work that well. sometimes, when a fic is published, it only serves to show previous readers that the story only truly worked because we already cared for the characters and would read anything with their names and a resemblance of personality that was put in front of us. the problem might be in the plot, or the writing itself, or simply on a premise that doesn't work in an original setting.
this is not the case here.
this is as much of an original book as any others you will find in this website. while retaining its original premise, gyow became so much more—encompassing many important issues, developing a few parts of the fic that weren't as good as they could be and, as proved, now are, and mostly just taking something good and turning it into something great.
i can safely say that, had i never read the fic, i would still have deeply loved this book, but i feel like i got a whole different experience from comparing the story i knew with the story i was now reading. lennox and will became characters of their own, maintaining only little similarities to the characters they were previously inspired on, and most everything else was improved to a point that, halfway across the book, i stopped comparing and simply started enjoying this rich, engaging and breathtaking tale.
i do feel there are some loose ends that weren't tied at the end—and maybe here knowing what comes after in the fic did interfere with my enjoyment of the book—but it didn't really feel like a sequel catch to me but really a work cut in half to be published in more instances, which is a bit frustrating and took a star from my rating. it doesn't take away from the rest of the amazing story in this book, though, and i can't honestly wait for the sequel to come.
this was a treat.
i was already a big fan of the fanfiction that became this book, but what riley did here, what he did to the story, the setting, the characters—it was so much better than i could have ever expected. it took me a few days to be able to write a review, even through i write them normally right after i finish reading, because i was trying to find a way to explain why this was so important.
many of interlude press' books were originally fanfiction, which then was revamped and published. and there is nothing wrong with that—i have read many fics that are so much better than many original published books—but i am always cautious to read something that came from a story i had already previously read in another format. in some instances—like in another interlude press book that i am reading right now and will eventually review in a few days—it doesn't really work that well. sometimes, when a fic is published, it only serves to show previous readers that the story only truly worked because we already cared for the characters and would read anything with their names and a resemblance of personality that was put in front of us. the problem might be in the plot, or the writing itself, or simply on a premise that doesn't work in an original setting.
this is not the case here.
this is as much of an original book as any others you will find in this website. while retaining its original premise, gyow became so much more—encompassing many important issues, developing a few parts of the fic that weren't as good as they could be and, as proved, now are, and mostly just taking something good and turning it into something great.
i can safely say that, had i never read the fic, i would still have deeply loved this book, but i feel like i got a whole different experience from comparing the story i knew with the story i was now reading. lennox and will became characters of their own, maintaining only little similarities to the characters they were previously inspired on, and most everything else was improved to a point that, halfway across the book, i stopped comparing and simply started enjoying this rich, engaging and breathtaking tale.
i do feel there are some loose ends that weren't tied at the end—and maybe here knowing what comes after in the fic did interfere with my enjoyment of the book—but it didn't really feel like a sequel catch to me but really a work cut in half to be published in more instances, which is a bit frustrating and took a star from my rating. it doesn't take away from the rest of the amazing story in this book, though, and i can't honestly wait for the sequel to come.
August 5, 2016
I know, I know I'm in the minority here but so much (too much) angst and I usually like the angst ridden stories.
This was picked for me for a challenge - it's young adult so it was never previously even on my radar.
I didn't like either character really - so yeah, it just didn't work for me.
This was picked for me for a challenge - it's young adult so it was never previously even on my radar.
I didn't like either character really - so yeah, it just didn't work for me.
May 9, 2015
This needs a sequel, the ending didn't tie up all the loose ends.
March 24, 2016
Lennox is so accustomed to people assuming the worst of him that he has started to live up to the reputation. Dumped at a horrid motel by a grandfather who doesn’t want the bother of a troubled gay teen, he must make his way through life on his own for his final year of school. Will is the beloved child of his father and stepmother, and he’s on track to attend the college of his choice. Being the only gay kid at his school comes with its own set of problems, but none of those are as difficult, or as tempting, as the new student who has appeared in his classroom.
This book tore at me. It is abundantly clear that Lennox isn’t the problem child that he is purported to be almost from the beginning, yet because people assume the worst, he doesn’t believe there is anything better out there for him. His tenuous willingness to reach out to Will is couched in sexual overtones, but a true desire for someone, anyone, to understand and accept him is readily apparent in his every action.
For his part, Will’s seemingly perfect life demonstrates the vagaries of life when he has a personal tragedy beset his happy home. However, willing to stand at his side and offer up unconditional support is the very trouble he’s been trying to avoid, which leads him to open his eyes to an entirely new world, one which he can never unsee.
The plot of this book is incredible, and the pacing is wonderful - there are no choppy or stagnating areas, just the story of two young adults coming of age in ways they never could have predicted. Will’s innocence combined with Lennox’s experiences create a beautiful dichotomy. Their attraction to and need for each other is never in doubt - even when Will thinks Lennox is the most annoying human on the planet, he wonders what it would be like to belong to this vexatious teen.
I spent most of this book with my stomach churning for what Lennox must endure, yet cheering as Will slowly opened his mind and his heart to this young man who just needs a single break in life. I was startled at the rather abrupt ending to the story, as it is clearly not over and I look forward to reading how the next piece of their lives unfold. Four stars - if you like young adult, you will adore this book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
This book tore at me. It is abundantly clear that Lennox isn’t the problem child that he is purported to be almost from the beginning, yet because people assume the worst, he doesn’t believe there is anything better out there for him. His tenuous willingness to reach out to Will is couched in sexual overtones, but a true desire for someone, anyone, to understand and accept him is readily apparent in his every action.
For his part, Will’s seemingly perfect life demonstrates the vagaries of life when he has a personal tragedy beset his happy home. However, willing to stand at his side and offer up unconditional support is the very trouble he’s been trying to avoid, which leads him to open his eyes to an entirely new world, one which he can never unsee.
The plot of this book is incredible, and the pacing is wonderful - there are no choppy or stagnating areas, just the story of two young adults coming of age in ways they never could have predicted. Will’s innocence combined with Lennox’s experiences create a beautiful dichotomy. Their attraction to and need for each other is never in doubt - even when Will thinks Lennox is the most annoying human on the planet, he wonders what it would be like to belong to this vexatious teen.
I spent most of this book with my stomach churning for what Lennox must endure, yet cheering as Will slowly opened his mind and his heart to this young man who just needs a single break in life. I was startled at the rather abrupt ending to the story, as it is clearly not over and I look forward to reading how the next piece of their lives unfold. Four stars - if you like young adult, you will adore this book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
May 13, 2015
There have been only a few stories from debut authors that manage to grab a hold of me the way Go You Way had. Be it the character-driven story, the simple yet precise writing or the original way the author went about bringing a classic concept to the page--I don't know precisely what did it all I know is that I was drawn into this story from start to finish.
Will is a high school senior ready to be done with it all. He has a great family that supports him but the constant bullying and harrassment has him jaded and going through the motions. Until Lennox transfers to his school. Loud, outgoing and not one to care about what others think, Lennox is everything Will is not and the very man Will can't stop thinking about.
Lennox hasn't led an easy life. Passed around through family members until he was left to his own devices at the small town where he is to finish high school, Lennox doesn't apologize for his behavior.
What I liked most about this story was the character development, especially in regards to Lennox. He was not an easy character to like. But thankfully the more time he spent with Will the more opportunity we had to see the vulnerable, caring side he kept hidden from others. I won't lie and say that it was a complete transformation because it wasn't. There were moments when I just wanted to shake some sense into him, but ultimately he came into himself allowing Will to know the real him.
As debut novels go, I think this is a winner. My only complain would be that the ending left a few loose ends for me. Hopefully the author will revisit them one day and give me an update on how their future is holding out.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Will is a high school senior ready to be done with it all. He has a great family that supports him but the constant bullying and harrassment has him jaded and going through the motions. Until Lennox transfers to his school. Loud, outgoing and not one to care about what others think, Lennox is everything Will is not and the very man Will can't stop thinking about.
Lennox hasn't led an easy life. Passed around through family members until he was left to his own devices at the small town where he is to finish high school, Lennox doesn't apologize for his behavior.
What I liked most about this story was the character development, especially in regards to Lennox. He was not an easy character to like. But thankfully the more time he spent with Will the more opportunity we had to see the vulnerable, caring side he kept hidden from others. I won't lie and say that it was a complete transformation because it wasn't. There were moments when I just wanted to shake some sense into him, but ultimately he came into himself allowing Will to know the real him.
As debut novels go, I think this is a winner. My only complain would be that the ending left a few loose ends for me. Hopefully the author will revisit them one day and give me an update on how their future is holding out.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
May 11, 2015
My experience of really good Young Adult M/M Romances is limited and to be honest I reached a point during Go Your Own Way at which I thought I could easily put my kindle down and forget about Will and Lennox's story. Yet the thing is that this book is a grower and at 'The End' I had tears in my eyes and deeply loved these two young men.
Lennox is a complex character; left in a motel room by his grandfather with a small allowance, a trunk full of belongings and his ankle monitor. Lennox has an abrasive, vulgar and tough exterior and Zane Riley does not make it easy for us to like him. However, over the course of the novel and through his relationship with Will, we realise that in fact Lennox is loyal, warm, funny and totally deserving of love.
In contrast, Will's life seems realtively simple. At school he is open with his sexuality, he lives with his dad and step-mom and has a small circle of friends. Lennox enters like a whirlwind into Will's established existence, determined to take Will's virginity. Will has a sweet naivety and in part we are concerned about Lennox corrupting this, until we understand that being together is actually beneficial for them both.
Go Your Own Way isn't perfect and it doesn't have Hollywood-type main characters, but Zane Riley's novel does consider issues of homophobia and prejudice in an honest way. Lennox and Will are two characters who are worth getting to know and rememebering that this is a debut novel, I would recommend it to other readers.
Lennox is a complex character; left in a motel room by his grandfather with a small allowance, a trunk full of belongings and his ankle monitor. Lennox has an abrasive, vulgar and tough exterior and Zane Riley does not make it easy for us to like him. However, over the course of the novel and through his relationship with Will, we realise that in fact Lennox is loyal, warm, funny and totally deserving of love.
In contrast, Will's life seems realtively simple. At school he is open with his sexuality, he lives with his dad and step-mom and has a small circle of friends. Lennox enters like a whirlwind into Will's established existence, determined to take Will's virginity. Will has a sweet naivety and in part we are concerned about Lennox corrupting this, until we understand that being together is actually beneficial for them both.
Go Your Own Way isn't perfect and it doesn't have Hollywood-type main characters, but Zane Riley's novel does consider issues of homophobia and prejudice in an honest way. Lennox and Will are two characters who are worth getting to know and rememebering that this is a debut novel, I would recommend it to other readers.
January 7, 2016
I LOVE ya m/m stories and was excited to find this one. Here's the set-up: Eighteen-year-old Lennox is a troublemaker. After a stint in juvie and then being kicked out of boarding school, his conservative grandfather dumps him in a small town to finish high school and his probation. Lennox' situation is dire - he has little money, horrid and unsafe living conditions and a huge attitude. His first day of high school is memorable -- he almost gets expelled and he meets Will. Will for his part is looking forward to a quiet senior year and is equally repulsed and fascinated by the pushy new kid, Lennox. I really loved the story and the character of Will who wants more than a hook-up. There were a few sweet moments and the sex was sexy.
The story has a strong beginning and I love the vivid storytelling and the author's voice. I found Lennox annoying (everyone does) with his crudeness and how hard he pushes Will. However he doesn't let up with the come-ons, and thus seems one-dimensional, until way past where the reader should have been shown more of his character and backstory. There were a few inconsistencies and the timeline was a bit confusing.
The pacing was where the story stopped working for me. What should have been the first third of the story --characters introduced, story and setting set up, conflict established -- dragged on into the 60% mark, it needed more time with them as a couple, and then the end was rushed.
All in all I was glad I read this debut and I'll look for this author's next work.
The story has a strong beginning and I love the vivid storytelling and the author's voice. I found Lennox annoying (everyone does) with his crudeness and how hard he pushes Will. However he doesn't let up with the come-ons, and thus seems one-dimensional, until way past where the reader should have been shown more of his character and backstory. There were a few inconsistencies and the timeline was a bit confusing.
The pacing was where the story stopped working for me. What should have been the first third of the story --characters introduced, story and setting set up, conflict established -- dragged on into the 60% mark, it needed more time with them as a couple, and then the end was rushed.
All in all I was glad I read this debut and I'll look for this author's next work.
May 21, 2015
I debated on 4 or 5 stars for this one. It was very well written, with a few issues that hit my hot buttons. First of all, Lennox's behavior is pretty over the top. I kept thinking about how I would react if someone treated my 18-yo daughter that way, said the things he said and the liberties he took with personal space, and I was incredibly uncomfortable. The bigger the asshole, the harder they fall, I guess. I really shouldn't feel any better because it was a m/m couple instead of a het couple.
Secondly, I really wish it had been longer. The end was a little abrupt and I would love to see an epilogue or continuation of some sort that wrapped it up nice and tight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend.
Secondly, I really wish it had been longer. The end was a little abrupt and I would love to see an epilogue or continuation of some sort that wrapped it up nice and tight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend.
May 21, 2015
Fascinating. The characters, the setting, the story. All fascinating. I can't wait for book 2.
July 30, 2015
That was interesting reading material.
July 10, 2020
Dnf
Immature and childish with kindergarten flirting.
Immature and childish with kindergarten flirting.
Read
June 28, 2016 just flew through GO YOUR OWN WAY, and boy, are my arms tired.
JK, you guys, my arms aren’t tired at all. I could easily fly through another book about these characters. This is the first book in a series (…of two? …of more? I don’t know yet!), and when I got to the last page, I was unhappy to read “The End” and then an announcement that the story would continue in the next book. THAT book, which I have been calling GO YOUR OWN WAY 2 in my head but is really called WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, will be released on July 21, 2016. Even though that’s less than a month away, I’m feeling anxious to get my hands on it so the story can continue.
GO YOUR OWN WAY is two stories, intertwined. The chapters oscillate between points of view: there is Will Osborne, a “good kid” struggling to drag his too-obviously-gay self through a hoary and hostile public school, when in comes the “hood” (do the kids today still say that?) Lennox McAvoy fresh from reform school, a sort-of classic Bad Boy with whom Will is assigned to work on a year-long literature project. Soon, Lennox has him in his Sex Crosshairs and sets up a relentless effort at seduction. It’s all very effective, except that he’s crude, situationally tone deaf, and sometimes mean as a wet cat caught in a corner. OK, well, it’s still pretty effective. Will soon discovers that Lennox is more than just a jerk: parents dead, he’s been dumped by a cold grandfather in an unlockable motel room where he bars the door with a steamer trunk and scrounges an existence from pilfered fruit and well-read books, while in the parking lot outside, racist (you’ll see) homophobes throw glass bottles at his door and threaten him with violence.
Despite Lennox’s rough and oversexed nature, Will falls. And then Will’s father lands in the hospital in a coma, so Will is left worrying with his stepmother (who’s kind, who’s a nurse, and who’s hanging onto Will with all her remaining strength) while his father persistently deteriorates.
It’s the story of two boys who have lost parents (both Lennox’s mother and father have died; Will’s mother died when he was younger and his father appears to be about to die). But while Will’s father (before he landed in the coma) and stepmother are both caring and supportive, Lennox’s grandparents take neglect to the edge of hate (it probably doesn’t help that they are white and Lennox’s mother was Black, making him “not quite/not white” (as Homi Bhabha wrote) and the object of the white grandparents’ scorn). So it’s the story of socio-economic privilege learning to trust and care for/about someone without (without home, safety, nutritious food, a caring and present family…), and also the story of someone without learning to trust and care for/about someone so privileged. It’s also the story of the very different ways privilege can affect our experience of difference—being a middle-class, white, gay boy is radically different from being a poor, parent-less, gay boy of color.
But this is me being preachy; the novel doesn’t preach like this. Instead, it tells a really great story, part love story (and that is also the story of how to reach across a flaming divide of privilege and difference) and part tale of danger and rescue (I mean that both ways: how to rescue someone you love and how to rescue yourself—both are dangerous).
As Will falls deeper, it turns out Lennox is also really smart (a math ace), and kind of lovely when you peel off the stinking jerk skin he wears for protection.
GO YOUR OWN WAY is suspenseful without literal ghosts (though the memory of dead parents haunts this, and there are ghouls in the motel parking lot who haunt and threaten Lennox); it’s emotionally engrossing without the over-high drama of a pantomime. It exercises every nerve I’ve got, keeps me teetering and balancing on edge, worrying, hoping for some safety and peace. It makes me want the story to continue (and, yay, it’s about to do so!), even though my damn proverbial arms are tired.
The sequel, WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, is available for pre-order from Interlude Press. It will be released on July 21, 2016.
JK, you guys, my arms aren’t tired at all. I could easily fly through another book about these characters. This is the first book in a series (…of two? …of more? I don’t know yet!), and when I got to the last page, I was unhappy to read “The End” and then an announcement that the story would continue in the next book. THAT book, which I have been calling GO YOUR OWN WAY 2 in my head but is really called WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, will be released on July 21, 2016. Even though that’s less than a month away, I’m feeling anxious to get my hands on it so the story can continue.
GO YOUR OWN WAY is two stories, intertwined. The chapters oscillate between points of view: there is Will Osborne, a “good kid” struggling to drag his too-obviously-gay self through a hoary and hostile public school, when in comes the “hood” (do the kids today still say that?) Lennox McAvoy fresh from reform school, a sort-of classic Bad Boy with whom Will is assigned to work on a year-long literature project. Soon, Lennox has him in his Sex Crosshairs and sets up a relentless effort at seduction. It’s all very effective, except that he’s crude, situationally tone deaf, and sometimes mean as a wet cat caught in a corner. OK, well, it’s still pretty effective. Will soon discovers that Lennox is more than just a jerk: parents dead, he’s been dumped by a cold grandfather in an unlockable motel room where he bars the door with a steamer trunk and scrounges an existence from pilfered fruit and well-read books, while in the parking lot outside, racist (you’ll see) homophobes throw glass bottles at his door and threaten him with violence.
Despite Lennox’s rough and oversexed nature, Will falls. And then Will’s father lands in the hospital in a coma, so Will is left worrying with his stepmother (who’s kind, who’s a nurse, and who’s hanging onto Will with all her remaining strength) while his father persistently deteriorates.
It’s the story of two boys who have lost parents (both Lennox’s mother and father have died; Will’s mother died when he was younger and his father appears to be about to die). But while Will’s father (before he landed in the coma) and stepmother are both caring and supportive, Lennox’s grandparents take neglect to the edge of hate (it probably doesn’t help that they are white and Lennox’s mother was Black, making him “not quite/not white” (as Homi Bhabha wrote) and the object of the white grandparents’ scorn). So it’s the story of socio-economic privilege learning to trust and care for/about someone without (without home, safety, nutritious food, a caring and present family…), and also the story of someone without learning to trust and care for/about someone so privileged. It’s also the story of the very different ways privilege can affect our experience of difference—being a middle-class, white, gay boy is radically different from being a poor, parent-less, gay boy of color.
But this is me being preachy; the novel doesn’t preach like this. Instead, it tells a really great story, part love story (and that is also the story of how to reach across a flaming divide of privilege and difference) and part tale of danger and rescue (I mean that both ways: how to rescue someone you love and how to rescue yourself—both are dangerous).
As Will falls deeper, it turns out Lennox is also really smart (a math ace), and kind of lovely when you peel off the stinking jerk skin he wears for protection.
GO YOUR OWN WAY is suspenseful without literal ghosts (though the memory of dead parents haunts this, and there are ghouls in the motel parking lot who haunt and threaten Lennox); it’s emotionally engrossing without the over-high drama of a pantomime. It exercises every nerve I’ve got, keeps me teetering and balancing on edge, worrying, hoping for some safety and peace. It makes me want the story to continue (and, yay, it’s about to do so!), even though my damn proverbial arms are tired.
The sequel, WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, is available for pre-order from Interlude Press. It will be released on July 21, 2016.
September 5, 2015
Clashing personalities, sexual tension, heated exchanges…the pages of this debut novel by Zane Riley are crammed to bursting with them. Love/hate romances are always fun to read, as are opposites attract stories, and when the heroes hail from such vastly different backgrounds as Will and Lennox, it only adds to the entertainment value. Toss into the mix all the usual elements of high-school life, not to mention some steamy makeout sessions in the music room, and it’s little wonder this book sparked my interest.
Will Osborne begins his senior year with a goal—keep his head down and graduate with as little fuss as possible. Comfortable with his sexuality, and secure in the love and support of his dad and stepmom, Will nevertheless comes in for his fair share of bullying in the classroom. He is therefore determined not to make this year any harder by drawing unnecessary attention to himself. This plan goes awry almost at once, however, when Will catches the eye of the dangerously sexy new student.
Lennox McAvoy is on a path to self-destruction. Expelled from his previous schools, one misdemeanor away from being sent back to the juvenile detention center, his chances of graduating hang by a thread. Even his family has abandoned him to fend for himself. Holed up in a seedy motel room by night, strutting the school corridors with an air of cocky unconcern by day, Lennox looks ahead to a future devoid of prospects. Then he meets Will—bright, innocent, undeniably cute—and dares to hope things could get better.
‘Go Your Own Way’ is a lively novel about first impressions, falling in love, and ultimate redemption. I know I’m not alone in my passion for bad boys. Yet, what steals my heart every time is discovering the kindness that lies beneath the tough exterior. There’s no doubt Lennox starts out utterly obnoxious, but the fact that the reader is introduced to his harsh upbringing early on made it impossible for me not to sympathize with him. Plus, I found the way he softens as his feelings for Will grow incredibly touching.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
Will Osborne begins his senior year with a goal—keep his head down and graduate with as little fuss as possible. Comfortable with his sexuality, and secure in the love and support of his dad and stepmom, Will nevertheless comes in for his fair share of bullying in the classroom. He is therefore determined not to make this year any harder by drawing unnecessary attention to himself. This plan goes awry almost at once, however, when Will catches the eye of the dangerously sexy new student.
Lennox McAvoy is on a path to self-destruction. Expelled from his previous schools, one misdemeanor away from being sent back to the juvenile detention center, his chances of graduating hang by a thread. Even his family has abandoned him to fend for himself. Holed up in a seedy motel room by night, strutting the school corridors with an air of cocky unconcern by day, Lennox looks ahead to a future devoid of prospects. Then he meets Will—bright, innocent, undeniably cute—and dares to hope things could get better.
‘Go Your Own Way’ is a lively novel about first impressions, falling in love, and ultimate redemption. I know I’m not alone in my passion for bad boys. Yet, what steals my heart every time is discovering the kindness that lies beneath the tough exterior. There’s no doubt Lennox starts out utterly obnoxious, but the fact that the reader is introduced to his harsh upbringing early on made it impossible for me not to sympathize with him. Plus, I found the way he softens as his feelings for Will grow incredibly touching.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
February 11, 2017
3.5*
There are some tropes in here and the plot and relationship between Will and Lennox seemed rocky at first, but as the story went on, I felt like everything found its pace and it was a really fun read.
I did read this years ago as the Glee fanfic it first was, but I feel like it really works as a separate story and it was really addicting. However, I didn't really like where it ended, especially because I know where the story goes, but since there is a sequel, I kind of understand that.
I really loved that the author also incorporated more diversity in here compared to the original work (Lennox is biracial).
Overall, I really liked Will and Lennox for most of the book and it was a fun reading experience, but there were some things that irked me and the plot was a bit rocky at parts. It's a fun and quick read, exactly what you would want from a new adult book, so I would recommend it if that's what you're looking for.
There are some tropes in here and the plot and relationship between Will and Lennox seemed rocky at first, but as the story went on, I felt like everything found its pace and it was a really fun read.
I did read this years ago as the Glee fanfic it first was, but I feel like it really works as a separate story and it was really addicting. However, I didn't really like where it ended, especially because I know where the story goes, but since there is a sequel, I kind of understand that.
I really loved that the author also incorporated more diversity in here compared to the original work (Lennox is biracial).
Overall, I really liked Will and Lennox for most of the book and it was a fun reading experience, but there were some things that irked me and the plot was a bit rocky at parts. It's a fun and quick read, exactly what you would want from a new adult book, so I would recommend it if that's what you're looking for.
May 19, 2015
Before the book was made available, I was one of the few chosen to get and advanced reader copy of this book and, honestly, it was fantastic. The story is familiar enough to catch your attention, an age-old story that we all know and love to read time and again, but the characters Zane Riley writes are what truly holds you. The writing is engaging, the characters are flawed in ways that make you want to wrap them up in a fluffy blanket and never let go, and the end of the story leaves you wanting more.
Lennox McAvoy is the obviously damaged boy who does stupid stuff for the attention, but underneath is a whole other layer of… Well, an asshole. But an asshole who has been damaged by frequent abandonment and hate from the society we live in. As the book progresses, we see him struggle to remember what love feels like as Will Osborne struggles between lust and hating the cocky SOB.
Will isn’t without his own struggles as an out teen in a hateful society, though he has found a niche in school with his own circle of friends. As we watch him struggle with his own desires, whether it’s to slap Lennox or kiss him, we can’t help but root for him. He’s smart and funny and a wonderful character to follow along as he tries to find love where it might not be.
Will and Lennox both make you want to reach out and smack their heads together and say JUST ADMIT YOUR FEELINGS ALREADY! They’re wonderfully thought out characters and their scenes together are guaranteed to make you snort, roll your eyes, or smile at the sweetness portrayed when they allow themselves to be open.
Lennox McAvoy is the obviously damaged boy who does stupid stuff for the attention, but underneath is a whole other layer of… Well, an asshole. But an asshole who has been damaged by frequent abandonment and hate from the society we live in. As the book progresses, we see him struggle to remember what love feels like as Will Osborne struggles between lust and hating the cocky SOB.
Will isn’t without his own struggles as an out teen in a hateful society, though he has found a niche in school with his own circle of friends. As we watch him struggle with his own desires, whether it’s to slap Lennox or kiss him, we can’t help but root for him. He’s smart and funny and a wonderful character to follow along as he tries to find love where it might not be.
Will and Lennox both make you want to reach out and smack their heads together and say JUST ADMIT YOUR FEELINGS ALREADY! They’re wonderfully thought out characters and their scenes together are guaranteed to make you snort, roll your eyes, or smile at the sweetness portrayed when they allow themselves to be open.
May 20, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
There is so much emotion in this book. I love how it just pours out of the pages and makes me feel right along with the characters. Plus the sexual tension was amazing! It really got my heart pounding. Lennox breaks my heart with how he’s treated. Sure he’s got an attitude problem, a criminal record, and more emotional baggage than a USAirways lost and found, but everyone he meets brushes him off without a second glance. They see the surface, the front he puts up, and they don’t bother to see beyond it. Will doesn’t either at first. But the more time they spend together, and the more they break down each other’s walls, Will finally gets Lennox. I love how Lennox is Will’s rock during the hard times. And how Will just peels away at Lennox’s walls and barriers. My only problem with the story is that it ends with a happy for now and some unanswered questions. I have read Mr. Riley is writing a sequel and I cannot wait to read it. I want more from these characters and their story. I want to see them survive high school and the problems they’re in the middle of facing. I want to see them ten years from now, happy and still in love, married and talking kids, maybe, possibly, if Lennox can get over his fear that I know Will will gladly help him with. I’m also hoping like crazy it comes out tomorrow. No? Dang. A girl can dream though, right?
Four and a half stars!
There is so much emotion in this book. I love how it just pours out of the pages and makes me feel right along with the characters. Plus the sexual tension was amazing! It really got my heart pounding. Lennox breaks my heart with how he’s treated. Sure he’s got an attitude problem, a criminal record, and more emotional baggage than a USAirways lost and found, but everyone he meets brushes him off without a second glance. They see the surface, the front he puts up, and they don’t bother to see beyond it. Will doesn’t either at first. But the more time they spend together, and the more they break down each other’s walls, Will finally gets Lennox. I love how Lennox is Will’s rock during the hard times. And how Will just peels away at Lennox’s walls and barriers. My only problem with the story is that it ends with a happy for now and some unanswered questions. I have read Mr. Riley is writing a sequel and I cannot wait to read it. I want more from these characters and their story. I want to see them survive high school and the problems they’re in the middle of facing. I want to see them ten years from now, happy and still in love, married and talking kids, maybe, possibly, if Lennox can get over his fear that I know Will will gladly help him with. I’m also hoping like crazy it comes out tomorrow. No? Dang. A girl can dream though, right?
November 17, 2016
4.5 Stars
Holy shit. For a debut novel this really rocked my socks!
Some bits of it reminded me of the good parts of Glee - overly nosy but self-interested friends, a great stepmom, this awesome dad that has a heart-attack, nerdy gay kid who has limited memories of his dead mother but who has grand dreams of moving to New York...and also happens to have a basement bedroom.
But!!! This book has the drama & tension, the emotional depth from flawed characters...all of what was so blatantly missing from the Sparkly Perfect Princess Pairing. (I trademarked that.) So, it wasn't him healing a self-hating jock with the power of his love (as I would have dreamed of on that show) but at least there something, someone, broken and in need of all that acceptance, that love. (After all, perfection is BORING.)
Definitely going to read the second one because OMG that ending. Not a cliffhanger, but so full of promise & hope and yet nowhere NEAR a point to consider anything resolved.
Holy shit. For a debut novel this really rocked my socks!
Some bits of it reminded me of the good parts of Glee - overly nosy but self-interested friends, a great stepmom, this awesome dad that has a heart-attack, nerdy gay kid who has limited memories of his dead mother but who has grand dreams of moving to New York...and also happens to have a basement bedroom.
But!!! This book has the drama & tension, the emotional depth from flawed characters...all of what was so blatantly missing from the Sparkly Perfect Princess Pairing. (I trademarked that.) So, it wasn't him healing a self-hating jock with the power of his love (as I would have dreamed of on that show) but at least there something, someone, broken and in need of all that acceptance, that love. (After all, perfection is BORING.)
Definitely going to read the second one because OMG that ending. Not a cliffhanger, but so full of promise & hope and yet nowhere NEAR a point to consider anything resolved.
May 27, 2015
It takes a high level of skill to walk the fine line between writing a troubled, rough, and pushy character without tipping them over the line into too aggressive for a hero. There were moments where I worried Lennox would push too far, tip that line and make him an unlikeable interest, but every time there was a human element, the flaw that broke through the exterior and revealed the truth behind his actions making me fall in love with him rather than be angry at him (okay there were parts I wanted to take the baseball bat and smack him with it, but he came around).
This was a deliciously hot read too, giving the story a perfect blend of sensual and emotional. The plot never felt too stale or as if sex was just a tool to fill the space on the page. I highly recommend this book and this new author.
I cannot wait for the next one.
This was a deliciously hot read too, giving the story a perfect blend of sensual and emotional. The plot never felt too stale or as if sex was just a tool to fill the space on the page. I highly recommend this book and this new author.
I cannot wait for the next one.
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