It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows … TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.
The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.
It’s time to set the record straight.
For my son, I‘ll find the strength.
In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.
I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.
All books in the series can be read as a stand-alone.
more
After reading Guy on the right, I wondered if maybe Troy was misunderstood. There must be more to his story. I was looking forward to this book and I can tell you it didn’t disappoint, it was everything I was hoping for and more. Truly amazing witty romantic story.
An incredible second chance romance that started out as a one night stand but became a story about becoming a family! Truly an emotional journey with a whole lot of love.
Their first interaction was built on a lie. That one night had a life-long reminder. But once Clarissa discovered Troy’s true identity, she cut him out of her life.
It’s been almost six years, but Troy has not given up. He’s tired of watching from the sidelines. He’s ready to claim his family.
Troy came off as your typical cocky college football player, with a bevy of random hook-ups and partying. However, he was so much more. And he was willing to do whatever was necessary to prove to Clarissa and his son that he was worthy of them.
Clarissa was not about to make it easy because their son deserved the best. Troy would have to prove himself and stand the test of time before she was willing to let him in.
Clarissa was a strong, independent woman. She had her own issues with trust and letting someone in. To move on and give her son the family he deserves, she’ll have leave to risk her heart.
This story was well written and brought the feels. Clarissa and Troy did not have an easy road, but their love persisted. I have been waiting on Troy’s story and it quickly became my favorite.
„There’s no story if you give up.”
Kate Stewart put all my weaknesses in this book. There was no chance for me, I was completely gone. This story is about forgiveness and redemption. The storyline perfectly shows how every, even the smallest and most innocent lie can have serious consequences. It’s raw and heartbreakingly real. TGOTL has inside a hot athlete as a hero, a strong and independent heroine and a charming little boy who’s the love child of their crazy night together. But these characters aren’t exaggerated, they’re so realistic that it’s so easy to connect with them and feel their struggles and problems. Kate Stewart did a great job presenting Troy and Clarissa’s story, making The Guy On The Left a fantastic and heartwarming slow-burn romance that gives hope that the hard work pays off. It shows that if you really want something, you can achieve it.
Troy is my hero. He may not have been presented in bright colors at the very beginning, but his zeal and determination quickly changed my mind about this guy. I love the fact that, despite his young age, he worked hard both for his chance to be in his son’s life, but also to get drafted. Yeah, he makes mistakes and sometimes acts impulsive, but generally he’s a loving, charming and caring guy.
Clarissa is such a strong and smart woman. I loved that she was responsible and reasonable, but also independent and level-headed. Unfortunately she can hold a mean grudge and more that once I wanted to scream at her to finally let go of the past. But for a single mom it’s understandable to be cautious and wary and Clarissa is the best mom for little Dante.
Troy and Clarissa may seem like a complete opposites, but they’re more alike than they would like to admit. They’re both stubborn, but also loving and selfless. And their kid is such an intelligent and amazing boy! Dante stole my heart from his first appearance and I was cracking up every time he was mouthing somebody off. The three of them form an unique and wonderful family.
TGOTL is a story about making amends and giving forgiveness. This book severely shows people from their most vulnerable side and how their actions can affect their whole life. Kate Stewart created genuine and authentic characters and their story is a glimpse of reality. But it’s described in such a touching and heartwarming way that it gave me all the feels. Highly recommend!
The Guy on the Left is an amazing slow-burn, second chance, enemies-to-lovers goodness all wrapped up in a delicious package. Troy was just a fantastic surprise in this story. Everything I thought I knew about him – it couldn’t have been any further from the truth. I didn’t really know what his story was, he was kind of a mystery. Troy is misunderstood by everyone around him but he is the most incredible person. Loyal, caring and hardworking.
Troy and Clarissa’s story is so full of angst. This story pulls you in all the way to the end. Their love story was a delectable slow burn tempered not only with hilarious moments but heartbreaking ones too. It wasn’t always a smooth ride but that’s part and parcel of life. The heat sizzled between them, but it was their time together learning about one another, learning to trust and building their relationship that I really enjoyed the most.
The Guy On The Left is a beautiful love story. About a family that has to overcome some barriers before letting theirs down. It’s honest, it’s real and it’s excellent. Another must read by Kate Stewart.
This was a very well written original enemies to lovers/borderline taboo/oops a baby story with lots of angst, witty and realistic dialog, and tremendous amounts of love. Troy turned out to be amazing. If my sons father had been half the man Troy was, I would still be married. I had trouble warming up to Clarissa because I didn’t always agree with her choices and she was pretty mean to Troy for something he did when he was young and immature. I see things differently and it was hard for me to understand her. She does come around eventually and starts making more sense to me. Parker was a great best friend and protector. Little Dante was a treat. He was something else. Parker and Dante added some comic relief and kept things from being too heavy and dark. There’s a brief appearance of Theo, from the first book, and Lance, the other roommate, who is in the next book. That was a nice bonus. Overall, it was an excellent book. There were some great lines but to mention them might spoil things for some. So, I recommend this book. You might want to have some tissues handy just in case. This has been a great series so far and I am looking forward to Lance’s story.
Oh my where to start and what to say to do this book justice ……
Troy Jenner is my new book boyfriend, he is my new hero, he is everything I want in a man and he had me swooning and sighing all over the place as I read his and Clarissa’s story.
A lie between Troy and Clarissa 6 years ago left them going in different directions but that night also left them with Dante who as grown into an adorable little boy who has no idea that Troy the new next door neighbor is actually his daddy. Troy has grown up a lot since that night of passion and he wants to be part of his sons life but will Clarissa ever forgive the lie he told all those years ago…..
A lie caused problems for this couple but Troy wants to make amends and he will do what ever is needed to become part of his sons life and hopefully that will lead to Clarissa having him back in her life as well……
This is an emotional slow burn romance, it’s an enemies to friends and eventually lovers, it will touch you on so many levels and it will captivate you. This book ticked all my boxes , I loved the characters and I loved the witty banter, I smiled, I sighed and I found myself wishing and hoping this couple would get the HEA they so deserved. This book is the perfect mix of love, passion, angst and humour and it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat as this couple struggle to overcome all the hurdles life seems intent on putting in their way. This is a very special story that I highly recommend
I love Troy and Clarissa’s story. Did I yell at this book, at them, YES I did!!! The back and forth and the growing up they had to do and the things they had to over come. I so want Dante as my kid. #TheLegitLife. That kid had me cracking up the whole time. Kate Stewart had me scared there for a little while trying to figure out where was this going? Was I gonna have a happily ever after? Kate did a fabulous job!! Theo had my heart but Troy snuck in and stole that!! Great job Kate!!!
Troy, Clarissa, and Dante were messy perfect together. This book had me laughing and getting choked up. Loved all the characters and storylines in this book. I couldn’t put it down read it in like 6 hours. Great story. Highly recommend
The Guy on the Left is one incredible slow-burn, second chance, enemies-to-lovers goodness all wrapped up in a delicious package. Troy was just a fantastic surprise in this story. Everything I thought I knew about him – it couldn’t have been any further from the truth. Of course he wasn’t celibate (he was Troy Jenner after all), but deep down this guy was all about one woman and one sweet little boy that meant the world to him. Seeing the lengths he went to support Clarissa and Dante from afar, be still my heart. And watching him finally develop the relationship that he so desperately wanted with his son was so sweet. He was an amazing father to that boy, even though Dante didn’t know the truth about him right away.
So much heart and humor in this story that will just make you smile. And that epilogue – go Dave!!
The Guy on the Left is the second in the Underdog Series, and it’s Troy Jenner’s story. We first met Troy in The Guy on the Right, the band member Theo who rents Troy a room just so that he could be close to his kid. Troy Jenner is every woman’s fantasy, he’s the football star and full-time student at Texas Grand University (TGU), and works full time at UPS at night. He started working full-time in High School to help out his momma, Pam, as a single mom who didn’t have it easy, working and raising a child on her after his dad left them.
It started as out as a lie, a lie of omission, but never the less a lie. Troy met Clarissa one night in a bar, a bar that Troy had no business being in since he was underage. However, that night, in the back seat of his mother’s dodge, changed his life forever in ways Troy was stilling comprehending. Troy followed Clarissa and Dante from place to place, and he watched over them from the outside, he tried to take care of his son within the scope that Clarissa had set until one day, he was fed up and decided that he wanted more, so much more.
Warning, this story is intense, it flows so smoothly and is so damn good that once you start, it will be difficult to stop reading. Please keep this in mind once you begin. I love that way this story has unfolded, Kate Stewart’s style of writing grabs you by the heart, squeezes until your left gasping either from laughing so hard or crying that it takes your breath away. In my opinion, there are few authors whos work seems flawless; the story seems to flow naturally. It keeps you enthralled throughout the telling of their story, this series does precisely that, and so much more, Kate makes it seem effortless when in fact you know it’s anything but hard work and lots of tears. Hats off to you for bringing your readers another great story!
I LOVED this book. But these 2 characters, Troy and Clarissa, drove me nuts! (in the best way though)
When he found out that she was having his baby, he did everything he could possibly can to support her… even if it was from afar. All because of a lie he told the night they met. Raising a kid is hard. Doing it by yourself is even harder. I think that she could’ve cut him a break a long time ago, especially when he was clearly making an effort. The dialog and emotions of these characters are real and believeable. The only thing that was standing in their way of happiness, was themselves and their pride. But their little boy, Dante… he was something else! He had me cracking up at some of the things he said. Made me miss the times when my boys were little. **SIGH
It pillaged my HEART, it devoured my SOUL, it has permeated in all my SENSES. It’s NOT just a story, It’s designed specially to give hope to common people like US, that Underdogs DO get their place in the sun. The Meek SHALL inherit the Love one day!
Oh my Achey Breaky Heart, be still…it swooned so fast and so often at Troy Jenner, it’s dislodged from my chest and is lying panting between the pages!!!
“There’s no story if you give up.”
I have the privilege of calling Kate my friend and her integrity and sensitive personality is what first attracts you to her. That same honesty and subtlety mirrors in her writing. Very nuanced and refined, her penchant for picking up characters who are back benchers, stand in the second row, often invisible to Supple Coeds or cheerleading groupies and bringing them in the forefront is not boxed in any trope and Genre.
This could be a second chance, could be student- teacher or could be a sports romance…but it’s NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Its more…so much MORE. Love, endurance, persistence, redemption, absolution & loyalty
“There’s no story if you give up.”
Only in her skillful hands can an underdog rise up to dislodge all the Alpha Macho Men and win the readers’ hearts with their sincerity, their passion and their earthiness.. I’d fall in love with a Theo or a Troy any day cause they’re REAL. They’re struggling, they make mistakes, commit blunders, they lie, they omit truths….BUT they know a good thing when they see it and clasp it with both hands and never let go!
Tell me that isn’t the man of your dreams, who’ll be there for you in sickness and in health, in babysitting and child support, in fending off scowling besties and smarmy Co-workers.
Simplistic in detail, yet so deeply immersed in sentiments, it’s a coming of age and coming to sensesstory of a lustful night that gets a bit colorless and stark in the daylight.
Troy Jenner, who we met as Theo Houseman’s roommate in The Guy On The Right, gave an impression of being a happy-go-lucky, skirt chasing Jock and it’s true to a certain point. But this book reveals his personality in full 3D.
“Love requires a little bit of idiocy and a hell of a lot of bravery,”
I wallowed happily in the puddle of his chin dimple, lived for his smirk smile and my heart went twirling merrily at his tight, sexy Ass on full display when he wore a leaf blower’s costume!!
**screeeeeech**…wait whaatt??!!
Yep Kate is in Full On quirky and weirdo mode here.
“Weirdo means you’ll never be boring, right!”
Yup it’s the MOST INTERESTING and ENTERTAINING series ever!!
Troy surprised me with his genuineness, his dedication and loyalty
Clarissa turned out to be the strong woman, who instantly took upon the Mama Bear person and stuck to her guns. She’s smart, independent, hardworking, although a bit lacking in self worth.
I got frustrated at times at her, wanted to shove her aside and go jump on Troy like a spider monkey and he could take me…the guy is a buffed up Footballer, so…..
But the HERO of the story is #LegitLife Dante Arden!!. He’s sassy, super smart, a genius techie and downright adorable!!! He sees all, feels all and hears all and he has no filter…duh!!!
“Is Troy your boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Because you’re too old?”
“Yes, because Mommy is old, and her skin’s no longer supple.”
“What’s stupple mean?”
“That’s supple. It means I’m a weathered old fart who has nothing on the coeds.”
“What’s a coed?”
“Eat your breakfast.”
I can sit here all night singing it’s praises or I can shove it in your faces and nag you till you read it, and I will
The Guy On The Left was definitely NOT Batman
The Guy On The Right is definitely NOT a Kid anymore
Wonder what The Guy In The Middle will be…
“guess Gotham isn’t safe tonight!”
6 stars for Fourth and Inches
5 stars for the awesomeness that is Troy Jenner
Oh wow, I loved this book! A second-chance book in more way than one as a man fights for his family, and the one that got away. Told with emotion, humour, angst and a whole lot of heart, this book had me absolutely captivated and I freaking loved it!
The Guy on the Right was the first book in this series, and it was a funny and romantic read that I loved! It also dropped a massive bomb when it was revealed that Theo’s roommate, Troy – star football player and all-round party boy – was a father. Dun dun duuuuuuun! It was a fabulous twist, and I have been SO excited to get my hands on this book which, in my opinion, was even better than the first.
Troy and Clarissa met in a bar and shared one life-changing night together. Life-changing in more ways than one, because not only was their connection (and the sex) truly unforgettable, but it also resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. When Clarissa goes to share the news with Troy, she’s dreaming of all that they could be together as a family, only to learn that he lied to her when they met and he’s an 18 year old high school student. Clarissa has just gotten her first teaching job, which puts her in a seriously difficult position so, heartbroken and terrified for her future, she pushes Troy away with a demand to stay out of her life for good.
Six years later, and Troy is now a College senior with plans for a career in the NFL. He’s never actually met his son, but he has watched him in secret, and has contributed whenever he can, staying as close as he can without interfering. When he discovers that Clarissa has moved, and he sees an ad for a room to rent right next door, it seems like fate, which is how he ends up boarding with Theo, and how he comes to finally meet the little boy he has loved from afar for so long.
I love, love, love this setup. And I very quickly learned that the image I had of Troy from what we see of him in the first book is so incredibly wrong. He’s so much more than I expected, and I absolutely adored him. He’s so sweet and so desperate to be a part of little Dante’s life, and the relationship that they forge as Dante gets to know Troy as his friendly neighbour is absolutely beautiful!
“The smile on my son’s face and the awe in his eyes when he runs into the living room makes it worth it. He’s worth every sacrifice I could ever make.”
His relationship with Clarissa is a lot more complicated. Neither of them have been able to forget their night together, and though they obviously have a lot of baggage to wade through, there is still an attraction between them and Troy makes it clear that he wants Clarissa in his life just as much as he wants Dante. But she’s still so very hurt, and the have some pretty significant issues to deal with.
“Troy, I can’t go down this road with you.”
“Why not?” He whispers hoarsely. “You could forgive me. We could start over. We could have something real this time.”
“The truth becomes crystal-clear as I drink her in. She’s the only woman I want.
And if I want any chance with her, I have a lot more to prove.”
It’s a long and angsty road, and OMG, my heart hurt watching these two figure out their feelings. There are ups and downs, tears and anger, and they both show their vulnerability as they work through their past and what they want from their future, and the feels are brutally intense!
“I love you. It’s that simple and that complicated.”
It’s not always easy to read, and for me that was mostly because of Clarissa. She was left shattered by Troy’s deception, which I completely understand, and she’s wary of introducing Troy into Dante’s life, which I also understand, but she handled the situation so badly. I could rant on and on about how cruel she was to shut Troy out, and her continued bad decisions once he pushes himself back into her life, but I came to realise that it’s all a part of the journey, and this is Clarissa’s story as much as it is Troy’s, and she has a lot of learning and growing up to do. I think I dealt with it so well because Troy was just such a superstar through the whole thing. He doesn’t hold a grudge, his goal is his son, and on winning the trust of the woman he loves, and he fights hard for both of them. He has his own emotional journey to go through and my feels were all over the place right alongside both of them.
“I stare at the man who spent months capturing my son’s heart and wholly taking mine in the process.”
I loved the way this book played out. It’s well paced and is far from predictable – you never know what’s coming for these two. The romance builds beautifully, and it’s sweet and sexy with fantastic chemistry and intensity. The family themes are also beautifully written, and little Dante is a complete scene stealer. Funny, quirky and super smart, his relationship with Troy will melt you.
It’s a beautifully heartfelt read, and well worth all of the angst and drama because seeing these two find their HEA was truly very special. And Troy pretty much owned me through all of it.
“You and Dante, you redefined my dreams. My everything is yours.”
The book fits nicely alongside The Guy on the Right, with the stories playing out right alongside each other. This book has a completely different feel though, with so much more emotion and angst than the first, and while you can read this one as a standalone, beware spoilers for the first book. And through it all, we get to see the third roommate of the bunch, Lance, with hints of his story, and I’m so excited for his book.
I loved this one. Yeah, it’s messy and complicated, and it hurt, but there are some absolutely gorgeous moments throughout, and more than a few laughs, and it’s such a beautiful story.
5 stars for all the feels.
Kate Stewart writes the best heroes. I didn’t think she was able to top Theo Houseman from The Guy On The Right but she did. Troy motherfucking Jenner! Lord my ovaries were working overtime while reading TGOTL. Troy knocked Theo off the number 1 spot and claimed it. Phew… what a man indeed.
After being introduced to Troy in The Guy On The Right I just knew and hoped I would get his story cause there was so much potential and I was intrigued as hell by his behavior and his interaction with his female neighbor Clarissa and her son Dante. Yes, Dante is Troy’s kid but how he was conceived and was transpired between Clarissa and Troy are a whole different matter. A lie that caused a friction between the two of them but Troy wants to make amends. To prove himself worthy. Not only to his son and Clarissa but also to himself. He succeeds! Big time.
The Guy On The Left is an emotional, honest and angsty slow burn redemption story. I appreciate the author for making Troy and Clarissa take their time getting together, cause a lot of unresolved issues and fears had to be resolved before anything serious could happen between them. They had to get to know one another from scratch and that takes time. Along with Troy slowly getting to know and spend time with his son. His and Clarissa’s friendship turned into a beautiful courtship where trust and their son were the primary focus. Yes, it’s Troy’s redemption story but it takes two to tango and Clarissa is not without blame. They both made mistakes and she too had to prove herself.
I fell hard for Troy, Dante and Clarissa. Also her bestie Parker was terrific. A wonderful ensemble of characters.
TGOTL is different from book 1 in the Underdog series and that’s what makes it even more special to me. It’s witty, angsty and so romantic. The perfect mix and with Kate Stewart’s flawless writing and humor to boot it’s a winner. She delivers every time. I want to be MRS Jenner!
5 Pretty Fucking Mess Stars
Dante is my hero & Troy stole my heart! Kate has done it again & written an epic story. After TGOTR, I didn’t think I’d like Troy, but there is soooooo much more to him than previously indicated!!!!
I wasn’t sure if I would love Troy’s story because of how he was portrayed in the Guy on the Right. I knew there was more to him once things were revealed about him being Dante’s father so I knew I needed his story to set the record straight. This book was all I could have wanted and more. I should have known I could trust Kate like I always do. She never steers me wrong.
This book was higher angst than TGOTR but still not tremendous because there was a lot of comic relief sprinkled in. Seeing Troy wanting that relationship with his son was everything to me.
Clarissa was so incredibly guarded but I can’t think I wouldn’t have done the same. Troy was so young and tricked her about his age. I would have felt the same feelings as she did. She felt betrayed and she felt like the world would look at her as a predator. She probably beat herself up more than anyone on the outside looking in would though. Troy said time and time again that he wanted to try with her, but when he would bring home the strings of one night stands I could understand her reservation. He finally realized he had to grow up and focus on what was important to win over both her and his son.
Dante reminded me of my sons so much that I couldn’t help but think of them when he spoke. Kate wrote his parts so believably, this is why she is such an amazing writer.
I loved this book, this story of a redemption for a guy who is seen in such a different light from the man he is.
Kate Stewart has wowed me again with her latest book “The Guy On The Left.” I’m in love with Kate writing. In this book we get Troy Jenner story. We meet him in book one of this series The Underdogs. Troy’s story takes on his journey to overcoming his view of himself and to prove that he’s worthy enough for the ones he loves. Kate’s details his struggle and passion amazingly. I was sobbing while reading many emotional well written scenes. Actually, this book is well written that, it’s a 5 Star read for me. I look forward to more of this series and I know she is gonna continue to write from her heart and continue capture mine.
Yes, yes, all the yeses for this story!
Kate Stewart is an absolutely phenomenal author! Just when I think she can’t top her last story she totally blows it out of the park!
This is the story of Troy and Clarissa.
We briefly meet Troy in The Guy on the Right and when I read about him, I was curious and honestly a little skeeved out about him. He comes across as the alpha-hole jock that is the villain in the story.
So I was excited and a little worried that he was going to be unredeemable in his story and boy does Ms. Stewart change my mind in a big way! Troy is so much more than just a pretty face and incredible ball-handling skills on the football field. He is just, oh my me, swoony and amazing and everything worthy in a hero!
Clarissa, whew, this character ran me through the whole gamut of emotions! I felt angry for her, then angry at her! She was frustrating, but it was understandable because of her being a mom. Then with the magic of Ms. Stewart’s words, she too is redeemable and I fell in love with her. I was cheering hard for Clarissa when she finally saw the light and the amazing man in front of her.
Ms. Stewart has an amazing talent as a writer and I love her stories hard!
Omgosh Troy, y’all!!!!! You are gonna fall madly in love with him in a hot second!!!! Kate Stewart, this book was effing PERFECTION!!!!! I will definitely have this series in my permanent TBRR (to be re-read) pile!!!! You rock my world, Kate!!!!! You’re one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE AUTHORS!!!! Just phenomenally talented from word one, to the end!!!!!
OMG I DEVOURED this book in a day. No easy feat I might add cause this story is meaty. I literally turned the last page and have raced here to discuss all.u2063
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story. My chest is tight with emotions and my eyes are tearing up with the beauty of this telling. u2063
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Holy heck hang on when reading this book. Clarissa and Troy have a messy, unique, and real tale to tell. Did I say UNIQUE?! I can’t get over the originality. u2063
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Yep I read these words and the single dad descriptor did not even begin to give a true understanding of the magic of this book. Dante is definitely more that the icing on the cake with his precocious, funny, intelligent six year old self. u2063
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Plan for the frienemies part of this story to ping pong you all around. Here are some more words that left me reeling. u2063
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Ummm okay nerd alert here, I am admitting I HIGHLIGHTED the heck out of this book. It felt bigger than just a romance. Yes, if you have read this author before, you can count on the sarcastic funny here but I am shocked by how it is so much more.u2063
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It explores learning to trust and forgive. I love how it celebrates that even when ones missteps, albeit painful, can offer small gifts that are life changing and meaningful. u2063
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Yikes this review is the ramblings of a cray cray woman who wants to talk about every element of this book. I won’t cause that would just be mean. It needs to be your own personal journey.
The recipes peppered throughout this book are FANTASTIC! For full disclosure, I have a collection of cookbooks that take me to my happy place. Yes the addiction is real. Don’t judge me. Eek.
Ummm ok one more thing… haha. Everyone needs this book and it deserves so much more than five stars. Happy Reading! XOXO