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XoXo, Xai
The clock ticks by with every second I don’t want to be here. Depressed isn’t a strong enough word to describe the way I’m always feeling. Feeling lost with no way out, I find myself in a psychiatric hospital, with therapy sessions that I hate, and silent hallways that feel like death. Among the others, is a bright haired girl, Trish, who never seems to know when I need her to leave me alone.
But she’s not the only one.
The boy I see follows me, watching my every move. Always quiet, and always there. As days pass, the boy comes to me, planting ideas in my head, giving me hope of a better future.
Torn between life, and the pull of something darker, Bex must decide what his future will be… or whether he’ll have one at all.
But she’s not the only one.
The boy I see follows me, watching my every move. Always quiet, and always there. As days pass, the boy comes to me, planting ideas in my head, giving me hope of a better future.
Torn between life, and the pull of something darker, Bex must decide what his future will be… or whether he’ll have one at all.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 29, 2026
A beautifully written novella! I honestly wish it was longer so I could go deeper into their stories! I became invested from the first chapter! I do wish we could have known what happened to Trish though.
May 10, 2026
XoXo, Xai was such a heartbreaking but beautiful read. This is a MM tragic romance with heavy mental health themes and honestly it hit me hard.
Bex is a paranoid schizophrenic battling his own mind and the voices in his head.
After a suicide attempt his mother admits him into a psychiatric hospital over 300 miles away from home. While there he meets Trish, an over the top but lovable patient who basically appoints herself as his best friend and tour guide around the hospital. She drags him on asylum adventures.
Nothing in the hospital is ever really what it seems though and there is dark stuff happening with the patients and doctors, and the whole story carries this uneasy feeling the entire time. It gave me Girl Interrupted vibes but different in a way I can’t explain.
Then there’s Xai, this quiet and mysterious male patient that is impossible for Bex to stay away from. Bex has never been attracted to a guy before, but there’s something about Xai that pulls him in and deep. Their connection grows through sneaking out, sitting under the stars, and these soft moments where they fall in love. There is a spicy shower scene that had me biting my lip but this books hits without the spice.
What really got me though was Bex fighting his inner thoughts. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life, some of his thoughts hit too close to home. You could feel the exhaustion, the loneliness, and the constant fight happening in his own head.
This is a short read, but it carries a lot of emotion in the few pages it has. I honestly could’ve read an even longer version of this story and I loved the characters. And that ending, you can definitely expect tears.
Please check trigger warnings before reading because this book contains themes of self harm, suicide, mental illness, murder, death, abuse and rape.
This story was a 5/5 for me.
Bex is a paranoid schizophrenic battling his own mind and the voices in his head.
After a suicide attempt his mother admits him into a psychiatric hospital over 300 miles away from home. While there he meets Trish, an over the top but lovable patient who basically appoints herself as his best friend and tour guide around the hospital. She drags him on asylum adventures.
Nothing in the hospital is ever really what it seems though and there is dark stuff happening with the patients and doctors, and the whole story carries this uneasy feeling the entire time. It gave me Girl Interrupted vibes but different in a way I can’t explain.
Then there’s Xai, this quiet and mysterious male patient that is impossible for Bex to stay away from. Bex has never been attracted to a guy before, but there’s something about Xai that pulls him in and deep. Their connection grows through sneaking out, sitting under the stars, and these soft moments where they fall in love. There is a spicy shower scene that had me biting my lip but this books hits without the spice.
What really got me though was Bex fighting his inner thoughts. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life, some of his thoughts hit too close to home. You could feel the exhaustion, the loneliness, and the constant fight happening in his own head.
This is a short read, but it carries a lot of emotion in the few pages it has. I honestly could’ve read an even longer version of this story and I loved the characters. And that ending, you can definitely expect tears.
Please check trigger warnings before reading because this book contains themes of self harm, suicide, mental illness, murder, death, abuse and rape.
This story was a 5/5 for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⛓️ ALPHA Review ⛓️
Our sweet baby Bex 🥹.
Some books entertain you; others perform an autopsy on your spirit while you’re still awake to feel it. Talia didn’t just write a story; she crafted a beautiful, jagged blade and drove it home.
To step into the world of Bex and Xai is to surrender your peace of mind. If you are looking for a glimmer of hope or a "happily ever after" tied with a silk ribbon, turn back now. This is a visceral, soul-searching descent into the kind of darkness that doesn't lift when you close the cover.
Talia writes with a cruel kind of grace. She has this terrifying ability to rip your heart out, stitch it back together with barbed wire, and make you thank her for the pain.
This is officially a "soul book"—one of those rare, devastating finds that changes your internal chemistry. It is raw, it is unapologetically dark, and it is utterly shattering.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (and a lifetime of therapy)
Grab your tissues. You’re going to need them for the tears, and perhaps to wipe away the soot from the bridge this book just burned behind you.
Warning: Check your triggers. This book offers no sanctuary, only the cold, hard truth of a journey that refuses to end in sunlight.
Our sweet baby Bex 🥹.
Some books entertain you; others perform an autopsy on your spirit while you’re still awake to feel it. Talia didn’t just write a story; she crafted a beautiful, jagged blade and drove it home.
To step into the world of Bex and Xai is to surrender your peace of mind. If you are looking for a glimmer of hope or a "happily ever after" tied with a silk ribbon, turn back now. This is a visceral, soul-searching descent into the kind of darkness that doesn't lift when you close the cover.
Talia writes with a cruel kind of grace. She has this terrifying ability to rip your heart out, stitch it back together with barbed wire, and make you thank her for the pain.
This is officially a "soul book"—one of those rare, devastating finds that changes your internal chemistry. It is raw, it is unapologetically dark, and it is utterly shattering.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (and a lifetime of therapy)
Grab your tissues. You’re going to need them for the tears, and perhaps to wipe away the soot from the bridge this book just burned behind you.
Warning: Check your triggers. This book offers no sanctuary, only the cold, hard truth of a journey that refuses to end in sunlight.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader
First and foremost, always read and know your triggers. This story might be short, but it deals with some serious topics in it.
The story is short, and it does leave a lot of questions even by the end of it. This is why I am leaving a 4-star rating.
Yes, only so much could really go on in a psychological story that is so short. Though it doesn't mean that it is bad. It just leaves a lot for the reader to ponder, especially by the end.
I would have loved it if it were longer, and with such--- that it provided a little more insight in certain areas.
The story is a MM psychological story.
The characters were interesting, and the story had potential. It just seemed like there were gaps. That could have been explained easily, as it is told in Bex's POV.
As someone who loves psychological type stories, it makes me want more from this story.
First and foremost, always read and know your triggers. This story might be short, but it deals with some serious topics in it.
The story is short, and it does leave a lot of questions even by the end of it. This is why I am leaving a 4-star rating.
Yes, only so much could really go on in a psychological story that is so short. Though it doesn't mean that it is bad. It just leaves a lot for the reader to ponder, especially by the end.
I would have loved it if it were longer, and with such--- that it provided a little more insight in certain areas.
The story is a MM psychological story.
The characters were interesting, and the story had potential. It just seemed like there were gaps. That could have been explained easily, as it is told in Bex's POV.
As someone who loves psychological type stories, it makes me want more from this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This story follows Bex. A suicidal young man who is struggeling with voices in his head. He feels worthless. After a failed attempt he is send to a psychiatric institute where he meets Xai. Their connection is instant and intense. He finds solace and love in Xai's arms while navigating the horrors of the facility.
I enjoyed reading the raw and emotional writing from Talia. I love that the mental health topics aren't romanticized.
The setting, the institute is creepy and oppressive. There looms a sense of dread over it. Loved how this was done.
I think that what is written is good, but it doesn't feel complete. After reading it felt like I had only a piece of the story. I don't know if the author is planning to make this a full story, I think it has the potential for it.
Nevertheless, if you are in the mood for a short, but heavy story, look no further.
This story follows Bex. A suicidal young man who is struggeling with voices in his head. He feels worthless. After a failed attempt he is send to a psychiatric institute where he meets Xai. Their connection is instant and intense. He finds solace and love in Xai's arms while navigating the horrors of the facility.
I enjoyed reading the raw and emotional writing from Talia. I love that the mental health topics aren't romanticized.
The setting, the institute is creepy and oppressive. There looms a sense of dread over it. Loved how this was done.
I think that what is written is good, but it doesn't feel complete. After reading it felt like I had only a piece of the story. I don't know if the author is planning to make this a full story, I think it has the potential for it.
Nevertheless, if you are in the mood for a short, but heavy story, look no further.
May 6, 2026
ARC Review
XOXO, Xai by Talia Lane
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly, Check the Trigger Warnings before reading. This Novella, contains dark themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing.
Personally, I believe Talia has crafted a beautifully dark and tragic romance that deeply resonates within your soul.
This MM Romance is a must read! With the perfect setting, and Characters who are so lovable that you'll want to give them a really, really big hug.
I was left with some big feelings and questions that I believe are best unanswered.
Thoughts -
I loved every single second of reading this.
A fast paced read that’ll leave you feeling all the feels!
I would like to say thank you to Talia Lane for this amazing opportunity to be an ARC Reader. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.🖤🖤
XOXO, Xai by Talia Lane
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly, Check the Trigger Warnings before reading. This Novella, contains dark themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing.
Personally, I believe Talia has crafted a beautifully dark and tragic romance that deeply resonates within your soul.
This MM Romance is a must read! With the perfect setting, and Characters who are so lovable that you'll want to give them a really, really big hug.
I was left with some big feelings and questions that I believe are best unanswered.
Thoughts -
I loved every single second of reading this.
A fast paced read that’ll leave you feeling all the feels!
I would like to say thank you to Talia Lane for this amazing opportunity to be an ARC Reader. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.🖤🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a super short story packed full of emotion and mental health representation. I didn’t expect this story to wreck me the way that it did. But Talia Lane did such a great job writing the characters emotions, that the emotional parts just punch you in the gut. I loved this story, and my only complaint is that I wish it were longer. But at the same time, I also really loved the pacing and how this story flowed, so it’s perfect as a short story.
I definitely recommend XoXo, Xai. Read it if you like seeing mental health representation and how it can unfold. Do not read this if you are uncomfortable with the things that come with mental health representation and asylum settings. Definitely read the trigger warnings and brace yourself for an emotional read!
I definitely recommend XoXo, Xai. Read it if you like seeing mental health representation and how it can unfold. Do not read this if you are uncomfortable with the things that come with mental health representation and asylum settings. Definitely read the trigger warnings and brace yourself for an emotional read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
XoXo, Xai by Talia Lane is a MM tragic romance about Bex, our MMC who suffers from severe mental illness and is suicidal. After trying to commit suicide, Bex is admitted to Mentis Aegri, a psychiatric institute. While there, he meets Trish, a bright and bubbly blue haired girl with a disturbing secret, who decides that Bex is her new best friend. Bex also meets a gorgeous guy, Xai who he soon falls for. I don’t want give spoilers but this book is hauntingly beautiful and if you can handle emotional damage then you need to give this a go!
What to expect:
- Self harm
- Suicide
- Murder
- Death
- Rape
- Razor
- Mental illness
- Scars
- He calls him ‘Starlight’
What to expect:
- Self harm
- Suicide
- Murder
- Death
- Rape
- Razor
- Mental illness
- Scars
- He calls him ‘Starlight’
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 📚
Where to begin..?
This is short, heartbreaking and beautiful. I absolutely loved it and like I said, it's short, but still I read it in like half an hour because I just couldn't look away. Bex is an amazing person even if he cannot always see it for himself. Thank you for the reminders, Xai 🖤
This is exactly what I needed right now and I wish I could read it for the first time over and over again 🖤🖤
I'm beyond grateful to have had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this one 😘
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/2 🌶
Where to begin..?
This is short, heartbreaking and beautiful. I absolutely loved it and like I said, it's short, but still I read it in like half an hour because I just couldn't look away. Bex is an amazing person even if he cannot always see it for himself. Thank you for the reminders, Xai 🖤
This is exactly what I needed right now and I wish I could read it for the first time over and over again 🖤🖤
I'm beyond grateful to have had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this one 😘
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/2 🌶
May 10, 2026
Please check TWs before reading.
This novella is a total emotional roller-coaster. Talia knows how to make a girl remember she has a heart, then turns around, tears it out, and stomps all over it with Bex and Xai 🥹.
Bex, a boy needing to decide what he wants his future to look like.
Trish, his newly found friend, although he refused it at first.
Xai, a boy who knows who he wants and doesn't stop until he has him.
This book will make you feel all the emotions. You truly don't know what's around the corner.
The ending is pure perfection.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella is a total emotional roller-coaster. Talia knows how to make a girl remember she has a heart, then turns around, tears it out, and stomps all over it with Bex and Xai 🥹.
Bex, a boy needing to decide what he wants his future to look like.
Trish, his newly found friend, although he refused it at first.
Xai, a boy who knows who he wants and doesn't stop until he has him.
This book will make you feel all the emotions. You truly don't know what's around the corner.
The ending is pure perfection.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a beautiful short story I loved everything from it! The characters the romance everything was absolute perfection!
The writing was amazing (as usual) shes one of my favourite indie authors and she always keeps me falling in love with all her stories!
If you love a short story filled with steam, MM romance, mystery, MH rep’s and a very unexpected ending this is absolutely you to go to!
The writing was amazing (as usual) shes one of my favourite indie authors and she always keeps me falling in love with all her stories!
If you love a short story filled with steam, MM romance, mystery, MH rep’s and a very unexpected ending this is absolutely you to go to!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars is NOT ENOUGH for Xoxo. Bex and Xai have lived in my heart since Talia let me read this awhile back.
Poor baby Bex struggles so much in his heart and his head, so his parents do the only thing they can think of.
But things are not as they seem. An unexpected friend, a mysterious love interest, trips outside the ward, screams?
Dive in head first and see why the entire team cannot get enough of our boys!!
Poor baby Bex struggles so much in his heart and his head, so his parents do the only thing they can think of.
But things are not as they seem. An unexpected friend, a mysterious love interest, trips outside the ward, screams?
Dive in head first and see why the entire team cannot get enough of our boys!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
2🌶️
This book had me giggling and crying all within a matter of pages.
The story takes you into the darkness and keeps you! You get tricked during the story that will go a completely different direction than it does.
This book is heartbreaking yet at the same time shows what the perception of love can do for someone. It’s truly a dark and beautifully written story.
Definitely recommend this, but check triggers.
2🌶️
This book had me giggling and crying all within a matter of pages.
The story takes you into the darkness and keeps you! You get tricked during the story that will go a completely different direction than it does.
This book is heartbreaking yet at the same time shows what the perception of love can do for someone. It’s truly a dark and beautifully written story.
Definitely recommend this, but check triggers.
Review of advance copy
you got my heart 😭 bex had me in my feelings 😩 xai was there for him in so many ways and Trish her story was so heartbreaking 💔 she didn't deserve what happened to her mom 😔 that ending left me speechless when xai said I'm you and you are me I felt that he wanted their love to be eternal this book was a 10
May 12, 2026
Omg! I loved this novella!
I couldn't put this down! The characters and the storyline are portrayed perfectly!
Such an emotional read! PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS!
Bex and Xai make the perfect couple! Just a shame they had a short time together and met in a place that was awful. This had me in tears, but I needed to keep reading. Just why Talia why 😭😭😭
This is a MUST read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I WISH there was more of this story even if I know it’s supposed to be a short one,because it definitely left me with a couple of questions about some people and situations…I will say check the TW because this one while it’s short, it still has darker themes
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great read for sure. Just be aware of trigger warnings before you dive in because this book is serious.
This book made me feel sad for the main character, Bex, as he tries to deal with a life that he clearly is unhappy with and ends up institutionalized.
This book made me feel sad for the main character, Bex, as he tries to deal with a life that he clearly is unhappy with and ends up institutionalized.
May 14, 2026
CHECK OUT THE TW BEFORE PROCEEDING THIS BOOK.
This MM book broke me completely in way good way of course. Damn while reading I felt so many emotions at once that I can’t describe. I’m so much in love
This MM book broke me completely in way good way of course. Damn while reading I felt so many emotions at once that I can’t describe. I’m so much in love
May 24, 2026
This was a short, beautifully heartbreaking novella with heavy mental health representation. I was hooked from the very first paragraph! Oh Bexy, I wanted to reach through my kindle and hug him so tight 🖤.
Definitely check those triggers before reading 🖤
Definitely check those triggers before reading 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my, that was amazing. I got misty eyed, giggled and said "awe", just to have my heart broke. I will love this forever, as well as Bex. Amazing story all around.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This short story had me wishing it was a long one 😭 Bex and Xai 🫠🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!
I am not even 100% sure what to say about this one.
This book had me shook!
This is a dark, psychological romance with an Asylum setting. It's a very quick read but there is a lot of depth to this book.
Bex is lost, the voices are getting louder and he cant seem to shut them out anymore. After an attempt to unalive himself, his mother and her latest asshole boyfriend send him to an institution 300 miles away to try and help him.
There he meets Trish, a blue haired delight with darkness of her own but never knows when to quit.
But then there is Xai, the mysterious guy watching him and appearing from the shadows when he least expects, filling his head and heart with hope that he can silence the voices and come out of this better.
This book kicked me square in the feels and I don't think I can truly describe what this book is without giving it all away. I will just say you HAVE to read it.
4.75 stars (only because I wanted it to be that little bit longer and to know what happens to Trish)
I am not even 100% sure what to say about this one.
This book had me shook!
This is a dark, psychological romance with an Asylum setting. It's a very quick read but there is a lot of depth to this book.
Bex is lost, the voices are getting louder and he cant seem to shut them out anymore. After an attempt to unalive himself, his mother and her latest asshole boyfriend send him to an institution 300 miles away to try and help him.
There he meets Trish, a blue haired delight with darkness of her own but never knows when to quit.
But then there is Xai, the mysterious guy watching him and appearing from the shadows when he least expects, filling his head and heart with hope that he can silence the voices and come out of this better.
This book kicked me square in the feels and I don't think I can truly describe what this book is without giving it all away. I will just say you HAVE to read it.
4.75 stars (only because I wanted it to be that little bit longer and to know what happens to Trish)
Review of advance copy received from Author
My heart...
Very good, very heavy read.
Very good, very heavy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it just wish it was longer
I really liked the characters
I really liked the characters
May 8, 2026
OH MY GOSH!! Bex and Xai have my heart!! They will forever have a special place. Please, please read the TW's! It was amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing novella from Talia!!!!! I was left wanting more! This story was unique and kept me hanging onto it each word and each page had me engaged.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews