Eric Smith's With or Without You is a delightful YA romcom about two Latinx teens caught in the middle of their families' Philly cheesesteak food truck rivalry.
Four years ago, Cindy Ortiz's family outbid Jordan Plaza's on a fancy food truck and secured the best parking spot in the Philadelphia, Pa., park. Ever since, the Plaza and Ortiz families have hated each other. Jordan and Cindy spent their high school years working in the family cheesesteak trucks, hurling insults at each other. It's all an act, though: the families "feud" because it drives sales, and Jordan and Cindy are in a relationship. Now that high school is over, they can finally step out publicly as a couple. But then their families are approached by a producer interested in turning their dispute into a pilot for a reality TV show. Jordan and Cindy know their families really need the money, but can their relationship survive this roadblock?
With or Without You is a delightful YA romance narrated by Jordan's and Cindy's first-person perspectives. Smith (The Geek's Guide to Dating; Don't Read the Comments) ably discusses relationships, family, guilt, finances, and debt through the interaction of his charming and relatable characters. The inclusion of reality TV-style confessionals creates some additional comedic relief. Along with great lessons about honesty and pursuing one's dreams, the excellent food descriptions may make readers want to go out and grab a cheesesteak. --Natasha Harris, freelance reviewer