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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
xanthe87's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A story that reunites two young men who originally met as eleven/twelve year olds but then lost touch until they are shocked to see each other at the new school year at their private high school. Henry is the school star quarterback but, under his dad's guidance, has hidden his childhood cancer from everyone. Lark in new to the school, getting a scholarship for his dream of dance, which at a private school generally puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to the other students who's parents can afford to send them there. Their first couple of meetings are full of awkwardness and Lark struggling to understand Henry's reasoning but then he is also keeping secrets.
My heart hurt for Henry, given that he's keeping such big parts of himself for everyone around him. Lark is the only one that he can share everything with, even his feelings towards him. They have a sweet romance though secrecy is the name of the game but it's hard to stop yourself from from showing those growing emotions. He also has to deal with an overbearing father and a slightly dysfunctional relationship with his parents since his illness. Lark has a lot of pressure due to keeping up with his grades to keep his scholarship, dance rehearsals and shows, looking after his sister and then dealing with everything that develops with Henry. Luckily, he immediately gets a good friend in Emil but there is the constant awareness that he's different from others what with the comments on how he dresses and then how he knows Henry from the past. He also has a wonderfully loving and supportive mum and younger sister that lift him up throughout the book.
A story that definitely has it's sad moments but is heartlifting with it's budding romance, friendships and sense of family, at least for one of the MC's. Possible trigger warnings for childhood cancer and panic attacks.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
My heart hurt for Henry, given that he's keeping such big parts of himself for everyone around him. Lark is the only one that he can share everything with, even his feelings towards him. They have a sweet romance though secrecy is the name of the game but it's hard to stop yourself from from showing those growing emotions. He also has to deal with an overbearing father and a slightly dysfunctional relationship with his parents since his illness. Lark has a lot of pressure due to keeping up with his grades to keep his scholarship, dance rehearsals and shows, looking after his sister and then dealing with everything that develops with Henry. Luckily, he immediately gets a good friend in Emil but there is the constant awareness that he's different from others what with the comments on how he dresses and then how he knows Henry from the past. He also has a wonderfully loving and supportive mum and younger sister that lift him up throughout the book.
A story that definitely has it's sad moments but is heartlifting with it's budding romance, friendships and sense of family, at least for one of the MC's. Possible trigger warnings for childhood cancer and panic attacks.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content
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