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Ex Marks the Spot
A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .
This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.
For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.
There's just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way Gemma can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, she finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.
Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that features supplemental lists, puzzles, and equations from the book.
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .
This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.
For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.
There's just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way Gemma can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, she finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.
Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that features supplemental lists, puzzles, and equations from the book.
Audible Audio
First published December 31, 2024
139 people are currently reading
22366 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Chao
11 books1,082 followersGloria Chao is a USA Today bestselling author and a screenwriter. Her novels include The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (sequel coming 6.2026), Ex Marks the Spot, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Rent a Boyfriend, Our Wayward Fate, and American Panda. She graduated from MIT and became a dentist before realizing she'd rather spend her days in fictional characters’ heads instead of real people’s mouths. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the curling ice, where she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
January 8, 2025
This is an extremely sweet enemies-to-lovers story, blending self-exploration, connecting with roots, Asian heritage, and an adventurous treasure hunt with lots of smart, impeccably and intricately developed puzzles!
I enjoyed most of it and felt the urge to order from the nearest restaurant after reading about the mouth-watering foods the author mentioned. But I think it's even better to travel to Taiwan to explore those tastes firsthand.
The story revolves around Gemma and her ex-arch nemesis and co-valedictorian, Xander (Alex). Recently graduated, Gemma learns from a lawyer that her grandfather passed away just two weeks ago, leaving her an inheritance filled with puzzles. It seems like a secret treasure only she can decode by visiting Taiwan to learn more about her roots and family history. Her mother's overprotective attitude, even lying about family history due to her father's controlling demeanor, gives Gemma complex feelings. She yearns for her lost grandfather and secret family past while still loving her mother unconditionally, who raised her alone after leaving her own country and culture to give her daughter a better future.
Barely able to keep a roof over their heads and facing upcoming college tuition payments, Gemma hopes her grandfather's puzzling treasure hunt might solve her financial problems. When her mother refuses to pay for her trip to Taiwan, she reluctantly requests help from Xander, who's part of TARP: a special student program covering all expenses to discover Taiwan. She plans to conduct her treasure hunt while attending the program, and luckily, a spot opens up at the last minute.
Before boarding the plane, Gemma discovers their mothers and even grandparents were also rivals, each blaming the other for stealing their wealth. It seems like they're a modern Romeo and Juliet, their relationship doomed from the start. But who cares about Xander when Gemma connects with her roots, befriends new hot TARP members, visits sacred locations, and devours amazing food?
Yet, Gemma finds Xander in her corner when she needs him most. Will this complicate things, especially given their families' rivalry and their missed chance in the past? Read to find out!
Overall, this is a delicious, entertaining, and inspiring journey that will make you want to book a ticket to Taiwan and explore those amazing places and fancy food! I'm planning to do it myself. But please devour the book first.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for sharing this adventurous YA novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I enjoyed most of it and felt the urge to order from the nearest restaurant after reading about the mouth-watering foods the author mentioned. But I think it's even better to travel to Taiwan to explore those tastes firsthand.
The story revolves around Gemma and her ex-arch nemesis and co-valedictorian, Xander (Alex). Recently graduated, Gemma learns from a lawyer that her grandfather passed away just two weeks ago, leaving her an inheritance filled with puzzles. It seems like a secret treasure only she can decode by visiting Taiwan to learn more about her roots and family history. Her mother's overprotective attitude, even lying about family history due to her father's controlling demeanor, gives Gemma complex feelings. She yearns for her lost grandfather and secret family past while still loving her mother unconditionally, who raised her alone after leaving her own country and culture to give her daughter a better future.
Barely able to keep a roof over their heads and facing upcoming college tuition payments, Gemma hopes her grandfather's puzzling treasure hunt might solve her financial problems. When her mother refuses to pay for her trip to Taiwan, she reluctantly requests help from Xander, who's part of TARP: a special student program covering all expenses to discover Taiwan. She plans to conduct her treasure hunt while attending the program, and luckily, a spot opens up at the last minute.
Before boarding the plane, Gemma discovers their mothers and even grandparents were also rivals, each blaming the other for stealing their wealth. It seems like they're a modern Romeo and Juliet, their relationship doomed from the start. But who cares about Xander when Gemma connects with her roots, befriends new hot TARP members, visits sacred locations, and devours amazing food?
Yet, Gemma finds Xander in her corner when she needs him most. Will this complicate things, especially given their families' rivalry and their missed chance in the past? Read to find out!
Overall, this is a delicious, entertaining, and inspiring journey that will make you want to book a ticket to Taiwan and explore those amazing places and fancy food! I'm planning to do it myself. But please devour the book first.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for sharing this adventurous YA novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
November 21, 2024
➸ 3.5 stars
𓍢⊹ ࣪ thank you to netgalley for the arc!
this was such a quick, fun, and lighthearted read!! i loved the cultural aspects this book explored + the self discovery! one of the things i adored was the addition of all the foods in taiwan! it really had me wishing i could pack my bags and travel there
“Even though you will eventually come to the end of a box of chocolates, the joy it brings can last you a lifetime.”
𓍢⊹ ࣪ thank you to netgalley for the arc!
this was such a quick, fun, and lighthearted read!! i loved the cultural aspects this book explored + the self discovery! one of the things i adored was the addition of all the foods in taiwan! it really had me wishing i could pack my bags and travel there
December 13, 2024
Huge Thanks to Penguin Group (Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers) and NetGalley for the ARC! 💖✨ Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao is dropping on Dec 31, 2024, and it's 384 pages of adventure, culture, and a sprinkle of romance! 🌟
✨ Tropes & Themes ✨
✧ Enemies to Lovers 💘
✧ Second Chance Romance 💋
✧ Treasure Hunt 🗺️
✧ Family Secrets 🕵️♀️
✧ Cultural Exploration 🍜
✧ Rivals to Lovers 💖
✧ Misunderstandings 🤦♀️
Okay, so I was so hyped for Ex Marks the Spot—treasure hunt, Taiwan, family secrets... What could possibly go wrong, right? Well... turns out, it just wasn’t my vibe. 😅 As a huge puzzle and mystery lover, I was expecting an epic scavenger hunt, but the puzzles? They didn’t really hit the mark for me. They were kinda convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me more confused than intrigued. 🧩💫
Now, let’s talk about Taiwan! The cultural aspects were EVERYTHING. 😍 The setting was so vibrant, and I loved how Gemma explored all the delicious food. 🍲 If the book had focused more on that and less on the confusing puzzles, I would've been all in!
As for the romance... I needed ALL the Gemma and Xander moments! 😍 But noooo, we had Brett swooping in and stealing the first kiss (like, Gemma—what are you doing?! 😩). The chemistry just wasn’t there for me, and it was a little disappointing that Gemma and Xander didn’t have more screen time together.
The rivalry? Built on a misunderstanding. Classic, but also a bit overdone, you know? 🤷♀️ It kinda felt like a missed opportunity for more character depth and development. 😔
Overall, this was a fun, quick read if you're looking for something light and breezy. Would I recommend it? Sure! But if you’re into puzzles that’ll make you think or a slow-burn romance, this might not be your jam. 💕
✨ Tropes & Themes ✨
✧ Enemies to Lovers 💘
✧ Second Chance Romance 💋
✧ Treasure Hunt 🗺️
✧ Family Secrets 🕵️♀️
✧ Cultural Exploration 🍜
✧ Rivals to Lovers 💖
✧ Misunderstandings 🤦♀️
Okay, so I was so hyped for Ex Marks the Spot—treasure hunt, Taiwan, family secrets... What could possibly go wrong, right? Well... turns out, it just wasn’t my vibe. 😅 As a huge puzzle and mystery lover, I was expecting an epic scavenger hunt, but the puzzles? They didn’t really hit the mark for me. They were kinda convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me more confused than intrigued. 🧩💫
Now, let’s talk about Taiwan! The cultural aspects were EVERYTHING. 😍 The setting was so vibrant, and I loved how Gemma explored all the delicious food. 🍲 If the book had focused more on that and less on the confusing puzzles, I would've been all in!
As for the romance... I needed ALL the Gemma and Xander moments! 😍 But noooo, we had Brett swooping in and stealing the first kiss (like, Gemma—what are you doing?! 😩). The chemistry just wasn’t there for me, and it was a little disappointing that Gemma and Xander didn’t have more screen time together.
The rivalry? Built on a misunderstanding. Classic, but also a bit overdone, you know? 🤷♀️ It kinda felt like a missed opportunity for more character depth and development. 😔
Overall, this was a fun, quick read if you're looking for something light and breezy. Would I recommend it? Sure! But if you’re into puzzles that’ll make you think or a slow-burn romance, this might not be your jam. 💕
Read
June 28, 2024Ex Marks the Spot follows Gemma Sun, who discovers a puzzle in her estranged grandfather’s will that sends her on an inheritance hunt through Taiwan and forces her to work with her ex. Soon, she’ll discover that her family has hidden more than treasure.
This is a story about Gemma figuring out who she is, where she comes from, and where she’s going. It’s an epic adventure full of twists, family secrets, and a rivals-to-lovers romance. It also showcases the beauty of Taiwan and what family, culture, and roots can mean. The puzzles build upon each other, and some can be solved by the reader if they wish.
This book is my love letter to my culture, to my family’s home of Taiwan where I spent many summers with my grandparents growing up, and to puzzles and games and puns. As a child who would create treasure hunts for her family, writing this book was a dream come true. I also packed it with my favorite Taiwanese sights and food, and I’ve never been so hungry while writing before.
I hope you enjoy embarking on this adventure with Gemma!
This is a story about Gemma figuring out who she is, where she comes from, and where she’s going. It’s an epic adventure full of twists, family secrets, and a rivals-to-lovers romance. It also showcases the beauty of Taiwan and what family, culture, and roots can mean. The puzzles build upon each other, and some can be solved by the reader if they wish.
This book is my love letter to my culture, to my family’s home of Taiwan where I spent many summers with my grandparents growing up, and to puzzles and games and puns. As a child who would create treasure hunts for her family, writing this book was a dream come true. I also packed it with my favorite Taiwanese sights and food, and I’ve never been so hungry while writing before.
I hope you enjoy embarking on this adventure with Gemma!
June 3, 2025
3.75⭐️ this was cute. i was looking for that Ann Liang feeling that i’ve been craving and this gave it to me. though, i felt the puzzles were way too confusing and the story lost me at some parts. i did like the romance, i just wish there was… more of it? lol
overall not a bad book, i just wanted a bit more!
overall not a bad book, i just wanted a bit more!
January 24, 2025
This book is such a fun little adventure! Treasure hunts, family secrets, enemies-to-lovers—it has all the ingredients for a great time. The mystery and puzzles had me intrigued, but honestly, they didn’t really click for me. Some were a bit all over the place and left me scratching my head.
But let’s talk about the real star: Taiwan! The setting was so vivid, and the way the food was described? I was practically drooling. The cultural details really brought the story to life, and I loved how the author explored themes of self-discovery and the Asian American experience.
It was a quick, easy, and entertaining read, though it did feel a little YA for me, but still, I had a blast and couldn’t put it down. If it had leaned more into the Taiwan's culture and less into the confusing puzzles, I would have loved it even more!
Read this if you like:
🧭 Enemies to Lovers
🧭 Self-Discovery
🧭 Cultural Exploration
🧭 Family Secrets
🚨🚨 TW: Grief, homophobia, parental abandonment
But let’s talk about the real star: Taiwan! The setting was so vivid, and the way the food was described? I was practically drooling. The cultural details really brought the story to life, and I loved how the author explored themes of self-discovery and the Asian American experience.
It was a quick, easy, and entertaining read, though it did feel a little YA for me, but still, I had a blast and couldn’t put it down. If it had leaned more into the Taiwan's culture and less into the confusing puzzles, I would have loved it even more!
Read this if you like:
🧭 Enemies to Lovers
🧭 Self-Discovery
🧭 Cultural Exploration
🧭 Family Secrets
🚨🚨 TW: Grief, homophobia, parental abandonment
February 17, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 3 stars ✮˚.⋆
⤿ Thank you to Penguin Teen and Razorbill for the advanced copy through netgalley and a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!
this was an eagerly anticipated release for me this year because I adored Gloria Chao's other recently released novel When You Wish Upon a Lantern. unfortunately, this book didn't have the same magic for me personally that was present in the other novel, but my three-star rating is because while I didn't love it, I know that there are people out there it will connect with wholeheartedly.
for their whole lives, Gemma and her mom have been a team against the world, she knows her grandparents and links to her Taiwanese culture are dead - until a lawyer shows up trying to enact her grandfather's will. he's left her a hunt to what she hopes is an inheritance, but the biggest problem is she has to travel to Taiwan and the only way she can go is through an exchange program run by her archnemesis and ex-boyfriend Xander. as she begins this trip and uncovers the clues her grandfather has left for her, she starts to think that the hunt isn't about the inheritance, but the new experiences with her culture she has along the way.
first and foremost, I am not of Taiwanese background so it was fun to explore some aspects of this culture that I had never heard of before. especially the sights and places in Taiwan the characters went as a group, and especially the food descriptions. i mean, yum!! that being said, it was hard for me to connect with some of the puzzles as I just did not understand the language, and despite the attempted descriptions of how it worked, the logistics. I love learning languages, I'm a Spanish minor myself, but for some reason, it wasn't clicking with me. this just made it harder to feel invested within the hunt itself, but this was probably entirely a me thing, and people who can appreciate and understand the language I bet will adore the puzzles.
there were times when this book dragged for me in terms of plot. while I did really enjoy getting to learn about the places in Taiwan, the hunt just wasn't as exciting or fast-paced as I hoped it would be. there were also some things that Xander and Gemma had to do during the hunt that were just, straight-up illegal and could have gotten them in major trouble. this is explained later - but it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth in the moment and left me detached from the story.
and the romance, ugh I wanted to love the romance so bad. I'm not always a fan of second-chance I will admit but enemies to lovers is my favorite (in this case rivals to lovers). Gemma was okay as a main character, she was a bit abrasive but I understood where she was coming from. Xander though, I just found him annoying for half the book if I'm being honest. their "banter" was more rude and cruel than anything for a lot of the story, and I just wish I had been able to feel more of a spark.
overall not the book I wanted it to be, but I will for sure continue to pick up Gloria Chao's books!
↬ trigger warnings: depictions of grief, death of a family member, parental abandonment, homophobia
⤿ Thank you to Penguin Teen and Razorbill for the advanced copy through netgalley and a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!
this was an eagerly anticipated release for me this year because I adored Gloria Chao's other recently released novel When You Wish Upon a Lantern. unfortunately, this book didn't have the same magic for me personally that was present in the other novel, but my three-star rating is because while I didn't love it, I know that there are people out there it will connect with wholeheartedly.
for their whole lives, Gemma and her mom have been a team against the world, she knows her grandparents and links to her Taiwanese culture are dead - until a lawyer shows up trying to enact her grandfather's will. he's left her a hunt to what she hopes is an inheritance, but the biggest problem is she has to travel to Taiwan and the only way she can go is through an exchange program run by her archnemesis and ex-boyfriend Xander. as she begins this trip and uncovers the clues her grandfather has left for her, she starts to think that the hunt isn't about the inheritance, but the new experiences with her culture she has along the way.
first and foremost, I am not of Taiwanese background so it was fun to explore some aspects of this culture that I had never heard of before. especially the sights and places in Taiwan the characters went as a group, and especially the food descriptions. i mean, yum!! that being said, it was hard for me to connect with some of the puzzles as I just did not understand the language, and despite the attempted descriptions of how it worked, the logistics. I love learning languages, I'm a Spanish minor myself, but for some reason, it wasn't clicking with me. this just made it harder to feel invested within the hunt itself, but this was probably entirely a me thing, and people who can appreciate and understand the language I bet will adore the puzzles.
there were times when this book dragged for me in terms of plot. while I did really enjoy getting to learn about the places in Taiwan, the hunt just wasn't as exciting or fast-paced as I hoped it would be. there were also some things that Xander and Gemma had to do during the hunt that were just, straight-up illegal and could have gotten them in major trouble. this is explained later - but it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth in the moment and left me detached from the story.
and the romance, ugh I wanted to love the romance so bad. I'm not always a fan of second-chance I will admit but enemies to lovers is my favorite (in this case rivals to lovers). Gemma was okay as a main character, she was a bit abrasive but I understood where she was coming from. Xander though, I just found him annoying for half the book if I'm being honest. their "banter" was more rude and cruel than anything for a lot of the story, and I just wish I had been able to feel more of a spark.
overall not the book I wanted it to be, but I will for sure continue to pick up Gloria Chao's books!
↬ trigger warnings: depictions of grief, death of a family member, parental abandonment, homophobia
November 25, 2024
This book was lacking, to say the least. I haven't read that many mystery novels, and although romance isn't my favorite genre, I feel confident in saying that this book was lackluster in both of those genres. I wish the mystery was put together in a smoother, more cohesive way so that readers could actually understand what was happening. The majority of the time I spent reading this book, I had no clue what was happening in the mystery aspect. The way the plot was organized and explained through characters just didn't click for me. The romance was practically non-existent. I wish we had more tension between Gemma and Xander. The pacing in the romance sub-plot between the two of them felt rushed and didn't deliver for me personally. I don't think this book is a waste of time by any means it just seemed like I didn't click with it as much as I anticipated.
thank you to netgalley for the arc
thank you to netgalley for the arc
January 18, 2025
I think perhaps this should’ve been one I read physically! There is an accompanying PDF for the audiobook, but my ALC didn’t come with one. It was a bit confusing trying to process all of the clues and stuff audibly. I did enjoy the cute romance though and the National Treasure of it all. It lost me a bit with the pacing in the middle, but the end was fun!! The narrator wasn’t my favorite, but she wasn’t terrible.
I received an a free audiobook from PRH Audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
I received an a free audiobook from PRH Audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
December 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! From the moment Gemma embarks on her treasure hunt, I was hooked. The idea of unearthing her family’s history while traveling to Taiwan was so unique and exciting. I felt like I was right there with her, exploring the culture, the food, and the beautiful scenery—it made me want to book a trip to Taiwan myself! The way the author described everything made it so easy to imagine and experience alongside Gemma.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Gemma and Xander was so much fun. Their banter had me laughing out loud, and it was such a treat watching them slowly work through their past and realize they were better together. I’ve always been a sucker for second-chance romances, and this one definitely delivered.
What really stood out to me, though, was how much this story focused on family and culture. As Gemma learned more about her Taiwanese heritage and uncovered her grandfather’s legacy, it felt so meaningful. There was this real sense of connection to both her past and her mom, and it was just so heartwarming to see her grow through the journey.
I do wish there had been a little more depth with some of the secondary characters, but honestly, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book. It was fun, emotional, and just an all-around great read. If the premise sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend picking it up. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Gemma and Xander was so much fun. Their banter had me laughing out loud, and it was such a treat watching them slowly work through their past and realize they were better together. I’ve always been a sucker for second-chance romances, and this one definitely delivered.
What really stood out to me, though, was how much this story focused on family and culture. As Gemma learned more about her Taiwanese heritage and uncovered her grandfather’s legacy, it felt so meaningful. There was this real sense of connection to both her past and her mom, and it was just so heartwarming to see her grow through the journey.
I do wish there had been a little more depth with some of the secondary characters, but honestly, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book. It was fun, emotional, and just an all-around great read. If the premise sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend picking it up. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 31, 2025
2.5/5 stars
i fucking hate it when a book that i anticipated for a while turns out to be a disappointment. the puzzle and treasure hunting aspect of this book felt all over the place and the payoff was so... lacking. the fmc is kinda annoying but the love interest was insufferable throughout the first half of the book. not to mention how the romance has no build-up to speak of. they went from hating each other to being civil in a chapter and there was no buzz to speak of. the familial and cultural aspect of this book was the saving grace of this book... even though there's not much to be salvaged
i fucking hate it when a book that i anticipated for a while turns out to be a disappointment. the puzzle and treasure hunting aspect of this book felt all over the place and the payoff was so... lacking. the fmc is kinda annoying but the love interest was insufferable throughout the first half of the book. not to mention how the romance has no build-up to speak of. they went from hating each other to being civil in a chapter and there was no buzz to speak of. the familial and cultural aspect of this book was the saving grace of this book... even though there's not much to be salvaged
2024
October 21, 2025ANHPI TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers
February 26, 2025
જ⁀➴ 4/5 ⭐️
꒰🧾꒱ 𝗲𝘅 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 2025.02.22
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 2025.02.25
i could see myself in gemma so so much and it was actually kinda heartbreaking. ☹️💔 i wouldn't call this a romance book per se, more like a coming of age mystery (ish) with a romance SUBPLOT. i did eat up all those crumbs of gemma & xander tho 🤭
this was a short and cute read <33 was anticipating for a while & delivered !!
full rtc
𝙦𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 🏮 (ignore)
» he just manages not to spill the plastic bag he's holding filled with more sports drinks, a thermos, and rice crackers.
» i remember you were great a drawing, but i never knew you were, you know, an artist.
» the one who bulldozes forward, regardless of what other people say? who laser focuses on something she believes in? yeah, that's you.
» because in the end, he didn't stay with me like he said he would.
» xander went about and beyond to get you into that program. no one dropped out (play loml)
» there were only supposed to be ten participants in total, and i'm not sure what he did to make a spot for you, but it didn't sound easy
» we had a fight. couples fight. i never wanted to break up. (mess it up)
» maybe... i just like it when you call me alex.
» so pan plus sun equals fireworks, huh.
» our kiss tastes like sunshine. he feels like home.
꒰🧾꒱ 𝗲𝘅 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 2025.02.22
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 2025.02.25
i could see myself in gemma so so much and it was actually kinda heartbreaking. ☹️💔 i wouldn't call this a romance book per se, more like a coming of age mystery (ish) with a romance SUBPLOT. i did eat up all those crumbs of gemma & xander tho 🤭
this was a short and cute read <33 was anticipating for a while & delivered !!
full rtc
𝙦𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 🏮 (ignore)
» he just manages not to spill the plastic bag he's holding filled with more sports drinks, a thermos, and rice crackers.
» i remember you were great a drawing, but i never knew you were, you know, an artist.
» the one who bulldozes forward, regardless of what other people say? who laser focuses on something she believes in? yeah, that's you.
» because in the end, he didn't stay with me like he said he would.
» xander went about and beyond to get you into that program. no one dropped out (play loml)
» there were only supposed to be ten participants in total, and i'm not sure what he did to make a spot for you, but it didn't sound easy
» we had a fight. couples fight. i never wanted to break up. (mess it up)
» maybe... i just like it when you call me alex.
» so pan plus sun equals fireworks, huh.
» our kiss tastes like sunshine. he feels like home.
February 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
This was so cute and hilarious!! the amount of times i started giggling randomly and squealing from second-hand embarrassment- this really gave me a serotonin boost. it also gave heavy ann liang vibes to me, but the characters seemed a little to immature for 18 year olds (i think they should've been 16, it just seems more appropriate). Xander is the greenest flag ever. i also loved the riddle/scavenger hunt theme (even though i barely understood any of the riddles lol, they were so confusing) so that was really cool. this was just so binge-able too, the writing really flowed well and i loved the whole connecting to your culture theme as well (now i really want to visit taiwan!!).
I'd say the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because i found the main character, gemma, a bit annoying sometimes and the whole thing with Brett was so weird and unnecessary, i cringed so much. also gemma and xander's rivalry was based off such a huge misunderstanding and i also didn't like that 🤦♀️
Overall, i definitely recommend for a cute and quick rivals-to-lovers read and ann liang fans!
This was so cute and hilarious!! the amount of times i started giggling randomly and squealing from second-hand embarrassment- this really gave me a serotonin boost. it also gave heavy ann liang vibes to me, but the characters seemed a little to immature for 18 year olds (i think they should've been 16, it just seems more appropriate). Xander is the greenest flag ever. i also loved the riddle/scavenger hunt theme (even though i barely understood any of the riddles lol, they were so confusing) so that was really cool. this was just so binge-able too, the writing really flowed well and i loved the whole connecting to your culture theme as well (now i really want to visit taiwan!!).
I'd say the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because i found the main character, gemma, a bit annoying sometimes and the whole thing with Brett was so weird and unnecessary, i cringed so much. also gemma and xander's rivalry was based off such a huge misunderstanding and i also didn't like that 🤦♀️
Overall, i definitely recommend for a cute and quick rivals-to-lovers read and ann liang fans!
January 28, 2025
3.5 ★
The vibes of the story was very reminscent of Ann Liang’s contemporay books, and the plot was similar to the Inheritance Games.
I lived for the Gemma and Xander scenes; It was interesting to see the rivals to lovers dynamic between two characters who had dated in the past and broken up. It allows for a more complex story because we get tidbits of their past relationship, which showed how it shaped their motivations and actions. In a way, their past relationship gave Gemma a legitimate reason to dislike Xander beyond the surface level reason of they’re both valedictorians.
Although this was generally an enjoyable read, I felt the mystery/puzzles didn’t quite hit as well. Despite the puzzles having been explained and it seems logical enough, I still had a hard time following them and they didn’t really make sense to me.
I got a lot of secondhand embarrassment, and the juvenile writing didn’t help. Nothing against the writing style though, because I understand that it is a YA novel, so I was able to look past it for the most part.
Something that definitely bothered me was Gemma and Brett’s brief romantic relationship (don’t know if I’d call it that, but just for the sake of simplicity). I get that Gemma and Xander are exes, but it still made me uncomfortable to see Brett flirting with Gemma, and her accepting his advances. The way how she suddenly realized that Brett didn’t actually like her and why, was too abrupt and unrealistic to me.
This might qualify as a minor spoiler, so stop reading if you don’t want to risk it: you find out somewhere near the end, when Xander and Gemma actually talked the situation out, that their breakup was from miscommunication. Basically, they probably wouldn’t have broken up if they had just talked. The classic trope of miscommunication/misunderstanding being the reason for their breakup left me feeling unfulfilling.
Overall, Ex Marks the spot is definitely perfect for fans of Ann Liang and the Inheritance Games!
🏮 Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours and Penguin Teen for the gifted copy!
———
I was getting major Ann Liang vibes from this book. I stand by the fact that this book is perfect for fans of Ann Liang 🤭
The vibes of the story was very reminscent of Ann Liang’s contemporay books, and the plot was similar to the Inheritance Games.
I lived for the Gemma and Xander scenes; It was interesting to see the rivals to lovers dynamic between two characters who had dated in the past and broken up. It allows for a more complex story because we get tidbits of their past relationship, which showed how it shaped their motivations and actions. In a way, their past relationship gave Gemma a legitimate reason to dislike Xander beyond the surface level reason of they’re both valedictorians.
Although this was generally an enjoyable read, I felt the mystery/puzzles didn’t quite hit as well. Despite the puzzles having been explained and it seems logical enough, I still had a hard time following them and they didn’t really make sense to me.
I got a lot of secondhand embarrassment, and the juvenile writing didn’t help. Nothing against the writing style though, because I understand that it is a YA novel, so I was able to look past it for the most part.
Something that definitely bothered me was Gemma and Brett’s brief romantic relationship (don’t know if I’d call it that, but just for the sake of simplicity). I get that Gemma and Xander are exes, but it still made me uncomfortable to see Brett flirting with Gemma, and her accepting his advances. The way how she suddenly realized that Brett didn’t actually like her and why, was too abrupt and unrealistic to me.
This might qualify as a minor spoiler, so stop reading if you don’t want to risk it: you find out somewhere near the end, when Xander and Gemma actually talked the situation out, that their breakup was from miscommunication. Basically, they probably wouldn’t have broken up if they had just talked. The classic trope of miscommunication/misunderstanding being the reason for their breakup left me feeling unfulfilling.
Overall, Ex Marks the spot is definitely perfect for fans of Ann Liang and the Inheritance Games!
🏮 Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours and Penguin Teen for the gifted copy!
———
I was getting major Ann Liang vibes from this book. I stand by the fact that this book is perfect for fans of Ann Liang 🤭
September 24, 2024
So, to sum up this book was enjoyable read. It has good pacing, and the characters were fun. The romance leaves a little to be desired. I wish there was more tension. Entertaining read.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2025
Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from this, and it took me a little while to start feeling invested. But then this ended up being a fun and heartfelt blend of a puzzle scavenger hunt and an adorable YA romance, and I had so much fun with this! The grandfathers' backstory ended up being very touching.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from this, and it took me a little while to start feeling invested. But then this ended up being a fun and heartfelt blend of a puzzle scavenger hunt and an adorable YA romance, and I had so much fun with this! The grandfathers' backstory ended up being very touching.
February 6, 2025
4.25 ☆
October 13, 2024
“I am a mix of all my experiences.”
🗺️
Gemma has had to struggle her whole life. She grew up with a single mom who works multiple jobs and now just graduated in a valedictorian tie with her ex-boyfriend. At the same time she learns her mother’s father has died and left her something in his will. Gemma learns it’s the beginning of a treasure hunt that takes place in Taipei. She hates to do it, but ends up begging her ex, Xander, to let her into a summer abroad program so she can afford to go. Once there it turns out she and Xander must work together in order to find the treasure at the end. The journey ends up being more than the two bargained for.
❌
Oh my goodness! This was such a well-researched & well-written YA romance book. I loved learning so much about Taipei and its surrounding locations. It felt like I was there too. Fans of Loveboat Taipei and The Inheritance Games will love this novel as I believe it’s a great blending of what made both those series’ so good. Gloria Chao how did you think of all those clues?!Amazing! Also, I got very teary at the end. Tropes include #enemiestolovers #secondchanceromance, travel, & treasure hunt. This title releases December 31!
CW: death of a grandparent, abandonment, classism, grief, generational trauma
🗺️
Gemma has had to struggle her whole life. She grew up with a single mom who works multiple jobs and now just graduated in a valedictorian tie with her ex-boyfriend. At the same time she learns her mother’s father has died and left her something in his will. Gemma learns it’s the beginning of a treasure hunt that takes place in Taipei. She hates to do it, but ends up begging her ex, Xander, to let her into a summer abroad program so she can afford to go. Once there it turns out she and Xander must work together in order to find the treasure at the end. The journey ends up being more than the two bargained for.
❌
Oh my goodness! This was such a well-researched & well-written YA romance book. I loved learning so much about Taipei and its surrounding locations. It felt like I was there too. Fans of Loveboat Taipei and The Inheritance Games will love this novel as I believe it’s a great blending of what made both those series’ so good. Gloria Chao how did you think of all those clues?!Amazing! Also, I got very teary at the end. Tropes include #enemiestolovers #secondchanceromance, travel, & treasure hunt. This title releases December 31!
CW: death of a grandparent, abandonment, classism, grief, generational trauma
September 21, 2024
3.5 (rounded up)
Ex Marks the Spot is a heartwarming YA story about family ties, diaspora identity, and the journey of discovering oneself, all wrapped up in an intriguing inheritance heist amidst the bustling city of Taiwan.
All her life, it has always just been Gemma Chan and her mother. However, on the eve of her high school graduation, Gemma receives an inheritance from her estranged grandfather, who she never knew, that leads her on a treasure hunt all the back to his home in Taiwan. Along the way, Gemma reluctantly teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Xander Pan and golden boy, who is seemingly perfect in every way Gemma isn’t. Together, they unravel clues that soon illuminate light on their shared family history and Gemma learns more about her cultural roots and herself in the process.
I absolutely loved the idea of an inheritance treasure hunt and Gloria Chao does a great job tying each clue to aspects of Gemma’s Taiwanese heritage and her grandfather. There were some aspects of the treasure hunt that seemed slightly unbelievable to me, but nonetheless I thoroughly enjoyed the story each step of the way. I thought Chao’s depiction of Gemma’s own issues with her Taiwanese-American identity were really well done and the depiction of assimilation, with its good and bad, were really important to explore especially in a young adult novel.
Tying together love, family and loss, Ex Marks the Spot is both a fun and moving YA story full of unexpected twists and turns that will have guessing until the very end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Ex Marks the Spot is a heartwarming YA story about family ties, diaspora identity, and the journey of discovering oneself, all wrapped up in an intriguing inheritance heist amidst the bustling city of Taiwan.
All her life, it has always just been Gemma Chan and her mother. However, on the eve of her high school graduation, Gemma receives an inheritance from her estranged grandfather, who she never knew, that leads her on a treasure hunt all the back to his home in Taiwan. Along the way, Gemma reluctantly teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Xander Pan and golden boy, who is seemingly perfect in every way Gemma isn’t. Together, they unravel clues that soon illuminate light on their shared family history and Gemma learns more about her cultural roots and herself in the process.
I absolutely loved the idea of an inheritance treasure hunt and Gloria Chao does a great job tying each clue to aspects of Gemma’s Taiwanese heritage and her grandfather. There were some aspects of the treasure hunt that seemed slightly unbelievable to me, but nonetheless I thoroughly enjoyed the story each step of the way. I thought Chao’s depiction of Gemma’s own issues with her Taiwanese-American identity were really well done and the depiction of assimilation, with its good and bad, were really important to explore especially in a young adult novel.
Tying together love, family and loss, Ex Marks the Spot is both a fun and moving YA story full of unexpected twists and turns that will have guessing until the very end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 22, 2025
(4.5) I need to start a new list of books that will put you in your grandparent feels. (If you want your grandparent feels to have more adult enemies to lovers you should pick up You with a View.)
This made me CRY so it's automatically rounded up to a 5 star rating. This is Today Tonight Tomorrow meets The Inheritance Games with Loveboat, Taipei.
CW: Parental abandonment (theme); Poverty (theme)
This book is an beautiful ode to puzzles, neurodivergent brains (Gemma and her grandpa are so autistic-coded), Taiwan, learning about your culture regardless of your age, and forgiving those who have already passed on and aren't able to accept the apology anymore.
Gemma's mother has made sure she assimilates as an American, so she has no connection to her Chinese heritage and doesn't speak a lick of Mandarin. When she learns her grandfather passed away recently (and not years ago like she was told) she finds a puzzle in his will, sending her on a hunt through Taiwan. While on her two-week adventure, Gemma heals multiple relationships, including one with herself, and most importantly, she is forced to work alongside her rival and co-valedictorian.
The comps I made at the beginning of the review literally describe this book perfectly. Take the rivals to lovers and hunt vibes of T3, add in the Taiwan setting and the lack of chaperons for a school trip from Loveboat Taipei, sprinkle in the scavenger hunt by way of an estranged, deceased grandparent's will à la The Inheritance Games... and you have this book! And I think almost every element was executed well.
This wasn't quite a perfect read for me, mainly in the romance. I wanted it to start so much sooner, both the rivals-to-friends-again bit, but also the actual romance itself. Gemma is off on her own for too long at the beginning. I felt like the book really picked up once Xander joins her. The caretaking would have hit so much harder if they had mended some of their relationship more by that point. Also, minor spoiler about the romance:
I also predicted all of the plot twists, but that happens every time I read a book these days so that didn't affect my enjoyment.
I loved talking about this book with my family and friends who have been to Taiwan, and I can't wait to make all of them read this book. My family all went without me because I had finals and I am still mourning. I wish Gemma and Xander had to go up the monkey mountain and end up getting chased by monkeys (rip to my sister who was actually chased by monkeys on that mountain. She's alive dw). Maybe in a sequel when they return to Taiwan? Gloria Chao are you hearing this??
The ending really sold this book for me. I had tears running down my face. 🥹
Rep: Chinese main characters; Latina side character
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc and the finished copy. This does not affect my review at all and my opinions are my own.
This made me CRY so it's automatically rounded up to a 5 star rating. This is Today Tonight Tomorrow meets The Inheritance Games with Loveboat, Taipei.
CW: Parental abandonment (theme); Poverty (theme)
This book is an beautiful ode to puzzles, neurodivergent brains (Gemma and her grandpa are so autistic-coded), Taiwan, learning about your culture regardless of your age, and forgiving those who have already passed on and aren't able to accept the apology anymore.
Gemma's mother has made sure she assimilates as an American, so she has no connection to her Chinese heritage and doesn't speak a lick of Mandarin. When she learns her grandfather passed away recently (and not years ago like she was told) she finds a puzzle in his will, sending her on a hunt through Taiwan. While on her two-week adventure, Gemma heals multiple relationships, including one with herself, and most importantly, she is forced to work alongside her rival and co-valedictorian.
The comps I made at the beginning of the review literally describe this book perfectly. Take the rivals to lovers and hunt vibes of T3, add in the Taiwan setting and the lack of chaperons for a school trip from Loveboat Taipei, sprinkle in the scavenger hunt by way of an estranged, deceased grandparent's will à la The Inheritance Games... and you have this book! And I think almost every element was executed well.
This wasn't quite a perfect read for me, mainly in the romance. I wanted it to start so much sooner, both the rivals-to-friends-again bit, but also the actual romance itself. Gemma is off on her own for too long at the beginning. I felt like the book really picked up once Xander joins her. The caretaking would have hit so much harder if they had mended some of their relationship more by that point. Also, minor spoiler about the romance:
I also predicted all of the plot twists, but that happens every time I read a book these days so that didn't affect my enjoyment.
I loved talking about this book with my family and friends who have been to Taiwan, and I can't wait to make all of them read this book. My family all went without me because I had finals and I am still mourning. I wish Gemma and Xander had to go up the monkey mountain and end up getting chased by monkeys (rip to my sister who was actually chased by monkeys on that mountain. She's alive dw). Maybe in a sequel when they return to Taiwan? Gloria Chao are you hearing this??
The ending really sold this book for me. I had tears running down my face. 🥹
Rep: Chinese main characters; Latina side character
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc and the finished copy. This does not affect my review at all and my opinions are my own.
December 21, 2024
My gosh, this book was absolutely everything <3
Ex Marks the Spot is a truly masterful combination of academic-rivals-to-lovers romance, an exciting inheritance puzzle, and a profound exploration of Chinese diasporic identity. There is something to love for everyone, from the hilariously relatable main character to the heartfelt examinations of complex familial relationships. I can see some cultural identity-related parts being a bit hyper-niche for readers looking for strictly YA romances or mysteries, but I personally never felt this was the case as Chao excels at explaining (without info-dumping) certain cultural elements.
The romance between Gemma and Xander was so enjoyable! Their chemistry was genuine and never felt forced, and although their rivalry ultimately springs from a misunderstanding, it felt authentic to the high school setting. Chao is just so good at adding emotional stakes to every situation, and the misunderstanding was never trivialized or portrayed as silly because of the clear emotional fallout it caused. Gemma’s hurt from such an embarrassing incident was a very realistic reaction for a ninth grader, and I especially related to the way she occasionally overthinks or comes to certain conclusions. As an academic overachiever in high school, I really identified with both Gemma and Xander. It was incredibly satisfying seeing the way they gradually rebuilt trust and came together as more mature and empathetic individuals.
I’m not the biggest fan of puzzles, but wow did I love the puzzles in this book! Perhaps because of the added cultural elements, but all the puzzles were tricky without being unrealistically difficult or trivial. I definitely felt a bit clever figuring out a few of the puzzles even with my limited knowledge of Mandarin, but I thought Chao did a fantastic job of explaining solutions for readers who don’t know Mandarin. Aside from the setting, the puzzle was such a clever way to introduce non-diasporic readers to Chinese/Taiwanese culture without feeling overbearing or superficial, and Gemma is the perfect protagonist to experience them through. Her complicated relationship with her family’s culture, from being unable to speak Mandarin to not understanding superstitions, was very authentic and relatable. This is the kind of diasporic representation I need in the YA space! The book’s core themes of cultural estrangement and reconciliation resonated deeply with me, and Gemma’s ultimate realization that she doesn’t need to fit into either “world” because everyone’s lived experience is different made me quite emotional. This was something I struggled with relentlessly throughout high school, so seeing this represented on page genuinely made me teary-eyed.
The representations of intergenerational trauma, reconciliation, and familial relationships were fantastic. Again, this is the kind of nuanced diasporic representation the YA romance/contemporary space desperately needs. Not only did I relate to every single relationship, Chao continuously subverts racial stereotypes. Gemma’s mother was a fascinating character I’d love to know more about, but even with her limited time on page, I loved that she went against every stereotypical Chinese tiger mom stereotype. Her past trauma genuinely made me hurt for her because I know so many other women who experienced similar things. Even though she could be misguided at times, her unyielding love and support for Gemma resonated deeply with me. Similarly, even though he never once makes an appearance on page, Gemma’s Gong Gong quickly became one of my favorite characters. The final reveal had me fighting back tears—what a cathartic and hopeful conclusion to such a painful life.
As a member of the Chinese diaspora, Ex Marks the Spot is the book I needed when I was younger. Sure, it’s not the “perfect” book (I had very minor issues with the large cast of characters and some of the middle pacing), but it was one of the most perfect books emotionally. Expertly balancing an up-market concept with heartfelt explorations of cultural identity and belonging, Ex Marks the Spot is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
5/5 stars
Thank you to Viking (Penguin Teen) for the physical and e-ARCs! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Ex Marks the Spot is a truly masterful combination of academic-rivals-to-lovers romance, an exciting inheritance puzzle, and a profound exploration of Chinese diasporic identity. There is something to love for everyone, from the hilariously relatable main character to the heartfelt examinations of complex familial relationships. I can see some cultural identity-related parts being a bit hyper-niche for readers looking for strictly YA romances or mysteries, but I personally never felt this was the case as Chao excels at explaining (without info-dumping) certain cultural elements.
The romance between Gemma and Xander was so enjoyable! Their chemistry was genuine and never felt forced, and although their rivalry ultimately springs from a misunderstanding, it felt authentic to the high school setting. Chao is just so good at adding emotional stakes to every situation, and the misunderstanding was never trivialized or portrayed as silly because of the clear emotional fallout it caused. Gemma’s hurt from such an embarrassing incident was a very realistic reaction for a ninth grader, and I especially related to the way she occasionally overthinks or comes to certain conclusions. As an academic overachiever in high school, I really identified with both Gemma and Xander. It was incredibly satisfying seeing the way they gradually rebuilt trust and came together as more mature and empathetic individuals.
I’m not the biggest fan of puzzles, but wow did I love the puzzles in this book! Perhaps because of the added cultural elements, but all the puzzles were tricky without being unrealistically difficult or trivial. I definitely felt a bit clever figuring out a few of the puzzles even with my limited knowledge of Mandarin, but I thought Chao did a fantastic job of explaining solutions for readers who don’t know Mandarin. Aside from the setting, the puzzle was such a clever way to introduce non-diasporic readers to Chinese/Taiwanese culture without feeling overbearing or superficial, and Gemma is the perfect protagonist to experience them through. Her complicated relationship with her family’s culture, from being unable to speak Mandarin to not understanding superstitions, was very authentic and relatable. This is the kind of diasporic representation I need in the YA space! The book’s core themes of cultural estrangement and reconciliation resonated deeply with me, and Gemma’s ultimate realization that she doesn’t need to fit into either “world” because everyone’s lived experience is different made me quite emotional. This was something I struggled with relentlessly throughout high school, so seeing this represented on page genuinely made me teary-eyed.
The representations of intergenerational trauma, reconciliation, and familial relationships were fantastic. Again, this is the kind of nuanced diasporic representation the YA romance/contemporary space desperately needs. Not only did I relate to every single relationship, Chao continuously subverts racial stereotypes. Gemma’s mother was a fascinating character I’d love to know more about, but even with her limited time on page, I loved that she went against every stereotypical Chinese tiger mom stereotype. Her past trauma genuinely made me hurt for her because I know so many other women who experienced similar things. Even though she could be misguided at times, her unyielding love and support for Gemma resonated deeply with me. Similarly, even though he never once makes an appearance on page, Gemma’s Gong Gong quickly became one of my favorite characters. The final reveal had me fighting back tears—what a cathartic and hopeful conclusion to such a painful life.
As a member of the Chinese diaspora, Ex Marks the Spot is the book I needed when I was younger. Sure, it’s not the “perfect” book (I had very minor issues with the large cast of characters and some of the middle pacing), but it was one of the most perfect books emotionally. Expertly balancing an up-market concept with heartfelt explorations of cultural identity and belonging, Ex Marks the Spot is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
5/5 stars
Thank you to Viking (Penguin Teen) for the physical and e-ARCs! All thoughts and opinions are my own
January 25, 2025
4.5/5
Rep: Neurodiversity (Autism-coded), Taiwanese-American characters, LGBTQIA+ side characters
This. THIS is why reading diversely and making space for stories that are not from your own culture is SO incredibly important. This book is so incredible at giving voice to an experience and culture that are not my own. It also allows us to see the similarities between experiences. I, too, have complex family struggles and know what it is like to hide things from the world - even if it isn't quite as intense. The representation is a standout, though some aspects are more nuanced than others.
What a heartfelt, fun, and emotional coming-of-age story. It blends family drama, Taiwanese-American cultural exploration, and a touch of bantery young romance. Chao delivers a treasure hunt that isn't just about solving puzzles but about uncovering family secrets, embracing identity, and finding love and acceptance in all its forms.
Gemma feels separate from her culture in a way that she yearns to find. The themes of complex family dynamics, hidden truths, and emotional healing are universal, but I love how this one is told. This is why stories like these are so important—they give voice to underrepresented perspectives while highlighting the shared human experience. It explores the fact that people are nuanced and a product of their experiences.
The relationship between Gemma and Xander is fun and charming. Their rivals-to-lovers arc is engaging and endearing. The mystery itself is well-crafted, filled with clever puzzles designed to make these characters grow, and that keeps the pacing tight. Though, obviously, the puzzles are a bit simplistic given that it is a young adult story. Chao paints a vivid picture of Taiwan, immersing readers in its culture, food, and bustling streets, making the setting as much a character as Gemma and Xander. I don't want to spoil anything by going into too much detail about the things I loved, so I'll stop here.
This is a story about growing up and discovering yourself and your roots. It’s fun, touching, and brimming with authenticity. A wonderful coming-of-age story that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters. Super easy read.
Thanks so much to Penguin Teen, the author, and Colored Pages Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Rep: Neurodiversity (Autism-coded), Taiwanese-American characters, LGBTQIA+ side characters
This. THIS is why reading diversely and making space for stories that are not from your own culture is SO incredibly important. This book is so incredible at giving voice to an experience and culture that are not my own. It also allows us to see the similarities between experiences. I, too, have complex family struggles and know what it is like to hide things from the world - even if it isn't quite as intense. The representation is a standout, though some aspects are more nuanced than others.
What a heartfelt, fun, and emotional coming-of-age story. It blends family drama, Taiwanese-American cultural exploration, and a touch of bantery young romance. Chao delivers a treasure hunt that isn't just about solving puzzles but about uncovering family secrets, embracing identity, and finding love and acceptance in all its forms.
Gemma feels separate from her culture in a way that she yearns to find. The themes of complex family dynamics, hidden truths, and emotional healing are universal, but I love how this one is told. This is why stories like these are so important—they give voice to underrepresented perspectives while highlighting the shared human experience. It explores the fact that people are nuanced and a product of their experiences.
The relationship between Gemma and Xander is fun and charming. Their rivals-to-lovers arc is engaging and endearing. The mystery itself is well-crafted, filled with clever puzzles designed to make these characters grow, and that keeps the pacing tight. Though, obviously, the puzzles are a bit simplistic given that it is a young adult story. Chao paints a vivid picture of Taiwan, immersing readers in its culture, food, and bustling streets, making the setting as much a character as Gemma and Xander. I don't want to spoil anything by going into too much detail about the things I loved, so I'll stop here.
This is a story about growing up and discovering yourself and your roots. It’s fun, touching, and brimming with authenticity. A wonderful coming-of-age story that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters. Super easy read.
Thanks so much to Penguin Teen, the author, and Colored Pages Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
January 4, 2025
who doesn't want to read a scavenger hunt around taiwan????
this book is a perfect mix of mystery, discovery, and romance. it reads very ya and thats completely okay because it is a ya book, i do just think my time for this story has passed. i loved the elements of the story that were gemma exploring taiwan because it felt like i was exploring right along with her. i also loved how fast paced the beginning of this story was. even if that was a bit unrealistic i didn't mind because the story just moved right along. i probably couldn't explain to you every hint of the scavenger hunt but i really enjoyed reading the adventure gemma and xander went on. maybe its me being dumb but i still can't figure out if she got money at the end. like i know the whole point was understanding her family and rebuilding the relationship with xander, but college is expensive and i would be slightly pissed if i did all that for seemingly nothing.
*thank you net galley and viking for the ARC*
this book is a perfect mix of mystery, discovery, and romance. it reads very ya and thats completely okay because it is a ya book, i do just think my time for this story has passed. i loved the elements of the story that were gemma exploring taiwan because it felt like i was exploring right along with her. i also loved how fast paced the beginning of this story was. even if that was a bit unrealistic i didn't mind because the story just moved right along. i probably couldn't explain to you every hint of the scavenger hunt but i really enjoyed reading the adventure gemma and xander went on. maybe its me being dumb but i still can't figure out if she got money at the end. like i know the whole point was understanding her family and rebuilding the relationship with xander, but college is expensive and i would be slightly pissed if i did all that for seemingly nothing.
*thank you net galley and viking for the ARC*
February 14, 2025
I FINISHED A BOOK!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST A MONTH!!!
this might have been good if i read it quicker?? i dont know tbh. ive had so much schoolwork to do this semester, my classes are so work intensive that ive had barely any time to read. i also got a job and ive been with my friends almost every night, so clearly i can read more when im at home than when im at college but thats ok because thats what college is for. anyways, this was sooo meh.
i thought this was going to be good because i always love a good scavenger hunt but i was just not invested at all and didn't really care about the outcome? i also got so mad at the reason why gemma and xander didnt talk for 4 years?? like what? also im kind of mad at the ending idk. and the fact they mentioned tiktok. anyways this wasnt my fav book ever but at least i finally finished a book again!
this might have been good if i read it quicker?? i dont know tbh. ive had so much schoolwork to do this semester, my classes are so work intensive that ive had barely any time to read. i also got a job and ive been with my friends almost every night, so clearly i can read more when im at home than when im at college but thats ok because thats what college is for. anyways, this was sooo meh.
i thought this was going to be good because i always love a good scavenger hunt but i was just not invested at all and didn't really care about the outcome? i also got so mad at the reason why gemma and xander didnt talk for 4 years?? like what? also im kind of mad at the ending idk. and the fact they mentioned tiktok. anyways this wasnt my fav book ever but at least i finally finished a book again!
January 17, 2025
Genre: YA Mystery Romance
Pub date: December 31
Narration: First person present tense, single POV
Diversity: Taiwanese American author and characters
This was such a fun book of a very recent high school graduate, Gemma, who goes to Taiwan with a student program for a treasure hunt after her grandfather leaves her a cryptic box full of random newspaper articles in his will. This hunt ends up being a path for her to explore her family history (and her own identity) and reveal long buried secrets. There’s also some second chance romance with her ex X(ander) who’s there with her.
My favorite part of this book was the puzzles, the wordplays and especially the Chinese character math. It really was put together very smartly, none of it was too straightforward, but also none so difficult that you couldn’t believe anyone would get it. They were all woven beautifully with the parallels between the clues along the way. I wouldn’t say I was surprised by any of the revelations throughout the book but I still really enjoyed this journey.
Taiwan plays a big part in this book as well, which was another favorite aspect for me. I loved getting to know the country better through the food scene and many beautiful sights. At times it felt like I was being a tourist along with them. The author also does a great job of distilling the feeling of belonging and not belonging as an immigrant or someone from an immigrant family. This journey allows Gemma to see into aspects of herself and her family that she couldn’t before which also allows her to embrace herself for who she is.
The side characters were all quite awesome, all the friendships formed were heartwarming.
Gemma and Xander’s romance was quite cute. It was obvious from the beginning that Xander was still very into her even though he was terrible at showing it. I just wanted Gemma to put aside the “hate goggles” already and see Xander for who he is and all that he’s doing for her.
There were some weaker parts too. The characters acted a little immature for their age. Gemma assuming there would be an actual treasure at the end of the clues felt highly improbable. It also felt very unbelievable that someone like Gemma wouldn’t have college payment details figured out already.
Rating: 3.8⭐️
Thank you to Penguin Teen, Viking Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
Pub date: December 31
Narration: First person present tense, single POV
Diversity: Taiwanese American author and characters
This was such a fun book of a very recent high school graduate, Gemma, who goes to Taiwan with a student program for a treasure hunt after her grandfather leaves her a cryptic box full of random newspaper articles in his will. This hunt ends up being a path for her to explore her family history (and her own identity) and reveal long buried secrets. There’s also some second chance romance with her ex X(ander) who’s there with her.
My favorite part of this book was the puzzles, the wordplays and especially the Chinese character math. It really was put together very smartly, none of it was too straightforward, but also none so difficult that you couldn’t believe anyone would get it. They were all woven beautifully with the parallels between the clues along the way. I wouldn’t say I was surprised by any of the revelations throughout the book but I still really enjoyed this journey.
Taiwan plays a big part in this book as well, which was another favorite aspect for me. I loved getting to know the country better through the food scene and many beautiful sights. At times it felt like I was being a tourist along with them. The author also does a great job of distilling the feeling of belonging and not belonging as an immigrant or someone from an immigrant family. This journey allows Gemma to see into aspects of herself and her family that she couldn’t before which also allows her to embrace herself for who she is.
The side characters were all quite awesome, all the friendships formed were heartwarming.
Gemma and Xander’s romance was quite cute. It was obvious from the beginning that Xander was still very into her even though he was terrible at showing it. I just wanted Gemma to put aside the “hate goggles” already and see Xander for who he is and all that he’s doing for her.
There were some weaker parts too. The characters acted a little immature for their age. Gemma assuming there would be an actual treasure at the end of the clues felt highly improbable. It also felt very unbelievable that someone like Gemma wouldn’t have college payment details figured out already.
Rating: 3.8⭐️
Thank you to Penguin Teen, Viking Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
November 20, 2025
Rating - 5⭐️
This is a perfect example of reading the right book at the right time 😌. I needed something light, fluffy, and humorous and this book delivered all that and more!! Definitely try this book if you love Ann Liang’s books!!
Ever since the first chapter I knew I was going to love this book. Two good-looking nerds who have broken corny humour. Xander and Gemma are my silly goofballs that I adore so much 😭🫶🏻. The humour might not be for everyone but I’m easily amused so it was right up my alley 🤷🏻♀️😂.
I want to highlight the food descriptions!! They were mouthwatering and made me crave which personally isn’t easy for food descriptions in books to make me crave the food. But this book had now made me wanna go to Taiwan to try all their food 😋.
The plot was so much fun but it also had a deep and emotional twist added in. You can tell so much thought was put into creating the puzzles and interweaving Gemma and Xander’s family history. It was honestly written SO beautifully and I was not expecting to cry 😭. Despite that, I was reading the epilogue with the most gigantic smile on my face 😁
This is a perfect example of reading the right book at the right time 😌. I needed something light, fluffy, and humorous and this book delivered all that and more!! Definitely try this book if you love Ann Liang’s books!!
Ever since the first chapter I knew I was going to love this book. Two good-looking nerds who have broken corny humour. Xander and Gemma are my silly goofballs that I adore so much 😭🫶🏻. The humour might not be for everyone but I’m easily amused so it was right up my alley 🤷🏻♀️😂.
I want to highlight the food descriptions!! They were mouthwatering and made me crave which personally isn’t easy for food descriptions in books to make me crave the food. But this book had now made me wanna go to Taiwan to try all their food 😋.
The plot was so much fun but it also had a deep and emotional twist added in. You can tell so much thought was put into creating the puzzles and interweaving Gemma and Xander’s family history. It was honestly written SO beautifully and I was not expecting to cry 😭. Despite that, I was reading the epilogue with the most gigantic smile on my face 😁
March 28, 2025
This is a charming read that will likely resonate even more with its intended YA audience.
For me, the pacing felt uneven—it dragged at times yet didn’t delve deeply enough into the most compelling aspects, like the romance between Gemma and Xander or Gemma’s personal backstory.
Raised by her single mother with little connection to her Taiwanese heritage, Gemma has always believed that all her relatives had passed away. When she discovers that her maternal grandfather only recently died and left her something in his will, she’s both furious with her mother and intrigued. The will suggests a hidden treasure, so she finagles her way onto a school trip to Taiwan—accompanied by her longtime rival, Xander—to follow the trail of clues.
The novel leans heavily into the treasure hunt, with an abundance of puzzles, riddles, and discussions about clues. I listened to the first half on audio, and I found that the deciphering process, along with Gemma’s journal entries, didn’t translate well to the format. (Not to mention the questionable choice for her best friend’s voice—grating doesn’t begin to cover it.)
As for the romance, Xander and Gemma’s dynamic is built on a misunderstanding, leading them to spend a significant chunk of the book not even liking each other. To make things more frustrating, Gemma gets involved with someone else on the trip, which means the moments of chemistry between her and Xander—easily one of the highlights of the novel—are far too fleeting.
That said, if you love treasure hunts, puzzles, and coming-of-age stories that explore identity, family, and cultural heritage, this book has plenty to offer. The descriptions of Taiwan are breathtaking, immersing the reader in its beauty and vibrancy. However, some of the life lessons are a bit heavy-handed—I would have preferred more subtle storytelling rather than outright explanations.
My favorite part of the book is a major spoiler, so I won’t go into details, but it ultimately shaped my rating: 3.25 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.
For me, the pacing felt uneven—it dragged at times yet didn’t delve deeply enough into the most compelling aspects, like the romance between Gemma and Xander or Gemma’s personal backstory.
Raised by her single mother with little connection to her Taiwanese heritage, Gemma has always believed that all her relatives had passed away. When she discovers that her maternal grandfather only recently died and left her something in his will, she’s both furious with her mother and intrigued. The will suggests a hidden treasure, so she finagles her way onto a school trip to Taiwan—accompanied by her longtime rival, Xander—to follow the trail of clues.
The novel leans heavily into the treasure hunt, with an abundance of puzzles, riddles, and discussions about clues. I listened to the first half on audio, and I found that the deciphering process, along with Gemma’s journal entries, didn’t translate well to the format. (Not to mention the questionable choice for her best friend’s voice—grating doesn’t begin to cover it.)
As for the romance, Xander and Gemma’s dynamic is built on a misunderstanding, leading them to spend a significant chunk of the book not even liking each other. To make things more frustrating, Gemma gets involved with someone else on the trip, which means the moments of chemistry between her and Xander—easily one of the highlights of the novel—are far too fleeting.
That said, if you love treasure hunts, puzzles, and coming-of-age stories that explore identity, family, and cultural heritage, this book has plenty to offer. The descriptions of Taiwan are breathtaking, immersing the reader in its beauty and vibrancy. However, some of the life lessons are a bit heavy-handed—I would have preferred more subtle storytelling rather than outright explanations.
My favorite part of the book is a major spoiler, so I won’t go into details, but it ultimately shaped my rating: 3.25 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.
December 18, 2024
A delightful blend of mystery, romance, and self-discovery!
This story follows Gemma Sun, who journeys to Taiwan to uncover family secrets, only to find herself having to go to her ex-lover/now rival, Xander, who then helps her with navigating the complexities of family secrets and more.
The chemistry between Gemma and Xander was electric! Their witty banter brought humor and lightness to the story. Once I got into this, I could not stop turning the page!
A fast-paced, unputdownable read full of humor, heart, friendship, and the love between family. I’d love to see this into an adaptation one day…
⋆☀︎. 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Lovers to enemies to lovers
Rival families
Second chance
He cares for her when she’s sick
Slow burn
Closed door
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
This story follows Gemma Sun, who journeys to Taiwan to uncover family secrets, only to find herself having to go to her ex-lover/now rival, Xander, who then helps her with navigating the complexities of family secrets and more.
The chemistry between Gemma and Xander was electric! Their witty banter brought humor and lightness to the story. Once I got into this, I could not stop turning the page!
A fast-paced, unputdownable read full of humor, heart, friendship, and the love between family. I’d love to see this into an adaptation one day…
⋆☀︎. 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Lovers to enemies to lovers
Rival families
Second chance
He cares for her when she’s sick
Slow burn
Closed door
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
September 18, 2025
Look, was I too old for this? Maybe. Did I want to like it? Yea! Did I? Not really? I like the treasure hunt aspect but it was all so heavy handed that it just made the FMC seem like an idiot. Also the twist with the grandpas?? Absolutely insane. And then you find out he secretly would watch her as a kid?? Weird!! Not cute!!
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