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.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a good story all about reconnecting with heritage. This book reminded me of a Netflix movie I saw and LOVED but this was in much more detail and imagination, especially with the scavenger hunt for treasure (family secrets). This book was a fun adventure-themed romance story where two people who have had their fair share of past issues must work together as a team. The humor between these two was definitely on point and the comic relief helped shape the story. When it came to the puzzles in the book, I was immediately devouring the book more and more because of my love for games like Tombraider and Uncharted. It was definitely a book that not only is filled with adventure, tender love/reconnection, and also the discovery of a culture that you may not have known about before.

this book was chaotic fun. we love a good scavenging hunt that inevitably mirrors the immigrant’s struggle toward their own heritage. the fun bantering romance was also a delight to follow along. the book does the job that it set out to do and i have nothing much to say about it except that i enjoyed the ride. thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the earc!

Ex Marks the Spot follows Gemma as she teams up with her rival Xander to complete the treasure hunt her grandfather had left for her. Gemma has always struggled with her heritage, especially since her mom wanted to be as American as she could. Now she's getting the chance of a lifetime to go to Taipei and learn about the grandfather she never got to meet. This was such a culturally rich story and I loved every minute of it.


Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!

Gemma Sun believes all of her grandparents are dead until a lawyer shows up at her front door explaining that her grandfather recently passed and delivering his will. The will sends Gemma on an adventure to find the treasure her grandfather left behind, which she hopes will help her pay for college.

I liked that the story took Gemma back to Taiwan and helped her reconnect with her heritage. The descriptions of locations and foods in Taiwan were fantastic and created an immersive story. I also really enjoyed that Gemma was forced to work with her nemesis, Xander Pan, whose family doesn’t like hers after a previous disagreement between their grandfathers. Their collaboration didn’t feel forced and added another layer to the story. I was able to predict the twist between the grandfathers, but I thought the clues were clever. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend!

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gemma is glad to have graduated high school. She never really stood out, plus, she had to face her ex, Xander, every day. But now, college is only a summer away! Gemma worries about how her mom, her only family, will pay for it, but she knows they’ll make do.

When a lawyer shows up and tells Gemma that the grandfather she’d been told was dead years ago actually only recently passed away, and has left her a mysterious puzzle that leads all the way to Taiwan, where he was born, Gemma is determined to get to the end of it. After all, the treasure that this scavenger hunt promises could pay her college tuition! There’s one problem, though: the only way Gemma can get to Taiwan is by tagging along on Xander’s planned trip for Taiwanese-American students across the country. But surely, the treasure at the end of this is worth spending some time with her ex, right?

I received an advanced reading copy of Ex Marks the Spot in exchange for an honest review.

Ex Marks the Spot is a young adult novel by Gloria Chao. I’ve been a fan of Chao since I read American Panda years ago, and I’ve continued reading her books. I was thrilled to get an advanced reading copy of her most recent one, and I quickly dove into it!

I loved how this book is several things in one. It’s rivals-to-lovers, it’s an international treasure hunt, and, my favorite part, it’s a character’s journey to connect to her past. From the beginning we learn that Gemma doesn’t speak Chinese, knows little about her family, and has never been to Taiwan. In fact, she and her mom are more likely to have pot roast than stir fry at home. And while Gemma has come to accept the state of things, she’s always felt that something was missing from her life. Finding out that she had a grandfather out there, it changes everything for her. This treasure hunt quickly becomes more than just trying to find an inheritance—it becomes a way for Gemma to connect to her past both by being in Taiwan and by learning about who her grandfather is.

And more than that: to learn more about herself! I kind of identified with Gemma, with the feeling of not being enough of one or the other, and how competitive she is. We learn why she feels all those ways, and we see her growing and changing, especially as she’s forced to put the mission aside temporarily and truly enjoy Taiwan, a place that holds so much meaning for her, even if she doesn’t fully know what it means yet.

And then there’s Xander. Are you surprised that I’d bring him up? I liked how Chao developed him just as much as she did Gemma, making sure that he’s a well-rounded character, and one who would both drive Gemma crazy while also making her feel much more than she originally would. Xander and Gemma have a history that extends to way before they started dating when they were fourteen, and a lot of this book is about them discovering that too.

This was another great read by Chao, and one I think any fan of rivals-to-lovers, finding one’s roots, or treasure-hunting will enjoy. I see people who can read Chinese characters especially having a great time with some of these puzzles (although Chao kept them accessible to those who don’t read it as well!).

Ex Marks the Spot will be released on December 31st (New Years Eve!). You can preorder your copy from Viking Books for Young Readers here.

I enjoyed this book. I felt that the plot was interesting and I loved the adventure in it. I thought that the program that Gemma was a part of reminded me of Loveboat Taipei where they go with the program in order to connect with their culture but when they get to Taiwan there is a bit of leniency with how they are supposed to be acting.

I did not enjoy the writing itself that much though. I felt as though often the same thing would be repeated over and over in order to cement in whatever thing she was trying to say and the writing was very direct where if this thing is happening then this thing is said. I also felt as though Gemma was very quick to judge. She and Xander had their problems and she did not let it go for years. Her mom doesn't tell her a couple things cause she thought she was doin the best for her daughter and Gemma immediately can not let it go and repeatedly makes remarks on how she doesn't even know if she can trust what her mother says because she lied to her that one time.

I really loved seeing all the bits of Taiwan though. The food descriptions were mouth watering and it made me wan to go and explore a new country.

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 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…

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!

As someone who loves Gloria Chao, I was super excited to read Ex Marks the Spot. While it wasn't my favorite release of hers, I still really enjoyed it. I appreciated the humor and witty banter between Gemma and Xander. I also appreciated the themes of family, travel, friendship, identity and all the yummy descriptions of the food in Taiwan. I recommend this book for high school library collections.

I loved learning about Taiwan and Chinese culture, as well as connecting with Gemma and Xander, the main characters. The use of the puzzles and art and the location were lovely. It was such a well-told story about family, complications, and history.

Gemma has always seen things in different wavelengths, has been told she doesn’t know how to have fun, and was raised more American than Chinese. When a lawyer comes knocking with her grandfather’s will, who she was told by her mother died years ago, finds out he died two weeks ago and left a will with a puzzle to solve. Gemma loves puzzles and is determined to solve it hoping there is an inheritance at the end, that could help her pay for college and bills. The only thing, she now has to travel to Taiwan and the only way is to convince her ex to add her to his program so she can go without paying out of pocket.

This was a very fun read! I love puzzles, and although I couldn’t get the puzzles, I enjoyed the ride and thrills that came along with it!

I loved that this was more than just a treasure hunt. With Gemma coming out of her shell, gaining new friends, learning about herself, her family and her heritage, and finding lost love again. It had such a sad story included within this story, and made Gemma’s story all the more beautiful learning about her grandfather and doing it alongside her nemesis and previous love.

I also enjoyed how the romance played out because it wasn’t immediate. They had their ups and downs as the story progressed before they truly explained their feelings, and they just needed this adventure in order to be brave and do that!

There was also a lot of fun learning about the sites and food they ate in Taiwan. Makes me want to go visit one day!

I definitely recommend this one especially if you enjoy puzzles and treasure hunting!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ex Marks the Spot was SUCH a treat to read. A (I would call it) rivals-to-lovers treasure hunt on the other side of the globe. And while this story is technically a treasure hunt, it is mostly an exploration of self, identity, and culture. It deals with the heavy topic of estranged family, and personal struggles. I loved that the story didn’t just cover one person’s struggles, but many characters. You see various hardships through the lens of time, and strict cultural upbringings, whether that leads to rejection of the culture, or the enforcing of it, and what that means to a first- or second-generation American teenager. I just really resonated with Gemma as a character and loved her as a lead. I don’t want to go into any spoilers, because I think the unfolding of what happens in Taiwan, is obviously the fun part of the book.

Highly recommend this one. 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the advanced copy of this novel to read pre-release. (I loved it!)

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao is a contemporary YA that follows two rivals on a treasure hunt that spans the globe. Gemma Sun has spent her life wishing for more family and to learn more about her Taiwanese culture. It is her and her mom against the world because as far as she knew her grandparents were gone. But when a lawyer shows up with the contents of her grandfather’s will, she’s shocked to learn that he only just passed, and he’s left a clue to a scavenger hunt for her to know him better. The only catch….she has to travel to Taiwan, and her best chance of getting there is asking her high school rival and ex-boyfriend for help.

Gemma is an interesting character. Her growth throughout the story is what struck a chord with me. The story opens on her high school graduation. Gemma is excited and nervous about what the next chapter in her life will bring her. However her nerves stem from not knowing how she will afford it. Her mom already works two jobs to care for them, Gemma can’t ask her for more. So when the lawyer shows up with news about her grandfather and the first clue to a scavenger hunt, she hopes that an inheritance is at the end.

Traveling to Taiwan is a bonus. She’s always felt less than because she doesn’t know her culture. Her mom wanted to fully assimilate which means they didn’t eat Taiwanese foods or speak the language. So asking Xander for help is a blow to her ego. Xander is from the same culture except he speaks fluently their language and knows their customs and foods. She feels insecure around him, asking for his help. Xander has formed a program called TARP, which is going for two weeks to Taiwan to explore the culture. He initially is reluctant to help her, but surprises her with an expenses paid trip.

I loved the immersive nature of the book. The author does a fantastic job of using the appropriate language and then saying what it is so that as the book goes and Gemma is learning so are you as the reader. The scavenger hunt/treasure hunt adds some mystery and intrigue to the story. Gemma has always loved puzzles, and it seems so did her grandfather. I loved figuring them out with her, and it is something she shares with Xander. Their relationship builds naturally throughout the book. The enmity that is between them seems mostly one sided, and it is through Gemma’s maturing that she recognizes that.

Overall, I really enjoyed Ex Marks the Spot. I loved the setting and how the author introduces and immerses us into the culture. The treasure hunt was so much fun, and the romance that buds between Gemma and Xander is sweet. If you are a fan of puzzles, romance, and travel, I highly recommend it.

Audiobook Note: I also received an ALC of this book so I listened as I followed along at my normal 2x speed. The narrator is great. I liked listening as I personally struggle with languages and get stuck on pronunciations. It was nice to be able to hear how certain words were pronounced. If you are a fan of listening, I highly recommend it.

"Ex Marks the Spot" is a witty and engaging adventure that blends humor, romance, and mystery seamlessly. The protagonist’s journey is filled with charming quirks and relatable struggles, making her both endearing and compelling. The plot is fast-paced, with unexpected twists and moments of lighthearted fun that keep the reader hooked. The author’s writing style is clever, with sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions. While the romance is enjoyable, it sometimes feels predictable, and a few side characters could have been developed further. Overall, it's a delightful and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies with a touch of adventure.

I wasn't sure about this book at first but I grew to like it. It was interesting to see Gemma learn all about her grandfather and what he did with his life. It wasn't as much of a romance as the title and description suggest but that didn't bother me at all. I enjoyed seeing her learn about her culture and all of her families secrets.

I received an arc through netgalley.

I am not the typical reader for YA, but EX MARKS THE SPOT by Gloria Chao has changed me with a terrific story that is engaging, relatable even though I have never been to Asia nor experienced many of the thrills and disasters of the amazing Gemma Sun -- a wry-voiced and appealing protagonist forced into close proximity with her despised ex to resolve questions of her identity and heritage. I loved Gemma and enjoyed her banter with clever, witty Xander -- their opposition felt natural as did their working together on a treasure hunt and evolving their relationship past petty assumptions and asides. I enjoyed the settings, the food, the relationships, the entire experience of this fast-moving, tightly wrought story. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Ex Marks the Spot is a second standalone novel by Gloria Chao and was an adventurously wild ride!

I love that even though it starts with high school, it is not a teenage story. While they are teenagers, they are adult teens and go on an interestingly wild adventure and journey. This makes the dynamic of the characters much different than expected and I’m so here for it!

Not to mention the location being in Taiwan and Gemma being fairly new to it! As well as the various other locations that come into play as the story progresses. It pulls me into the ride as well. I love the family secrets that have yet to be discovered or uncovered I should say. As well as things turning into a treasure hunt in the process.

Let’s not forget the puzzles! I’m a puzzle girl and anytime I have the chance to solve something, especially when it is intertwined with a story and helps to push the narrative forward, or backwards, I’m diving in. Puzzles add to the adventure and help build the relationships overall, so yes please!

I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I’m glad I chose to read this. It was lots of fun. Plus the romance. 😉

I can easily see this being adapted into a movie or series.

Who doesn’t love a good rivals to lovers story? This would be great for readers 15 or older due to the nature of the story and the characters’ ages. It’s a fun adventure and romance melted into one and would be enjoyed by many. I highly recommend checking it out.

Other books to read are When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes, and The Inheritance Game

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Ex Marks the Spot from Gloria Chao via NetGalley

One thing you should know about me: YA books with scavenger hunts are auto-reads. That is exactly how Ex Marks The Spot ended up on my TBR.

As much as I love reading about scavenger hunts, Gemma’s mystery-filled trip to Taipei and everything that ensued still has me scratching my head. Happy coincidences happen frequently in YA contemporary novels, but nothing could have prepared me for how well this scavenger hunt worked out.

To put it simply, the hunt is entertaining but highly unbelievable.

Despite the almost impossible circumstances of this trip, I loved the chance to get to know a bit about Taipei. Food books are another must-read for me, so reading about countless delicious-sounding dishes was such a highlight. Also, the setting led to deep talks about the Asian diaspora and the different ways a person can be Asian American which made me so happy.

All in all, Ex Marks The Spot is a fun read that I’d recommend to:

- anyone looking to experience secondhand adventure
- readers looking to summer vibes to chase away the winter weather
- people debating which vacation destination should be next (hint hint: it’s Taipei)

Bottom line: If my next reviews are out of schedule, it’s because I’m having the time of my life in Taipei; thank you to Gloria Chao for the inspiration.

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. 💕

This was cute for the age demographic! Loved the enemies to lovers story and connecting with your native roots. And who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt??? This was so entertaining and inspiring!