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henriettaenam's review
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Henry’s parents especially his dad and also coach were so stressful
His teammates were so not cool ; a bunch of spoilt brats
Who makes fun of the fact that someone is on a scholarship
So dumb!
And how’s surviving cancer a thing to be hidden
That plot makes zero sense
Lark was sweet and tolerant and I love they way he cares
I’m glad Henry eventually stood up for himself and went all out for what they had
His teammates were so not cool ; a bunch of spoilt brats
Who makes fun of the fact that someone is on a scholarship
So dumb!
And how’s surviving cancer a thing to be hidden
That plot makes zero sense
Lark was sweet and tolerant and I love they way he cares
I’m glad Henry eventually stood up for himself and went all out for what they had
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Homophobia, Mental illness, Medical content, Cancer, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Cursing, Alcohol, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Outing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
ollie_again's review
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, and Cancer
Minor: Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, and Bullying
so_many_books's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I was immediately interested in the book when I saw the cover. Unfortunately, the cover is a bit misleading. I should read the synopsis more carefully next time.
XOXO is a very ordinary college romance. The star quarterback in the elite university falls in love with the dance major scholarship guy.
The story wasn't really anything special. A regular love story. The only extra in the book was the cancer angle, which added a dimension that is rarely seen in romance books.
The characters were very archetypal. Henry, as the star quarterback, struggles with expectations from his family and team. He needs to keep up appearances about both his health history and attraction to guys. His storyline was actually pretty interesting with the added bonus of mental health mentions. Lark was also an archetype, the slightly feminine, bit still athletic dancer. I would've loved him defying gender roles a bit more. It felt like he had way more potential. And the cover only teases and there very little mention of him wearing a skirt/tutu to dance. It would've been awesome if he'd been able to do that.
Their relationship was sweet, especially with the add connection because of their fight against cancer. Seeing the grow closer together was very nice.
The writing style is actually very good, and the book is easy to read. I also appreciate the full cast of characters who provided a more intimate view into our MCs' lives.
All in all, this was a very simple, very lighthearted romance novel. So if you're in the mood for that, go for it!
XOXO is a very ordinary college romance. The star quarterback in the elite university falls in love with the dance major scholarship guy.
The story wasn't really anything special. A regular love story. The only extra in the book was the cancer angle, which added a dimension that is rarely seen in romance books.
The characters were very archetypal. Henry, as the star quarterback, struggles with expectations from his family and team. He needs to keep up appearances about both his health history and attraction to guys. His storyline was actually pretty interesting with the added bonus of mental health mentions. Lark was also an archetype, the slightly feminine, bit still athletic dancer. I would've loved him defying gender roles a bit more. It felt like he had way more potential. And the cover only teases and there very little mention of him wearing a skirt/tutu to dance. It would've been awesome if he'd been able to do that.
Their relationship was sweet, especially with the add connection because of their fight against cancer. Seeing the grow closer together was very nice.
The writing style is actually very good, and the book is easy to read. I also appreciate the full cast of characters who provided a more intimate view into our MCs' lives.
All in all, this was a very simple, very lighthearted romance novel. So if you're in the mood for that, go for it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying
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