tl;dr
Second chance romance and a treasure hunt in a will propel a story about coming-of-age and finding one's identity in the diaspora.

Thoughts
I've seen people compare this to The Inheritance Games, and there's definitely a series of puzzles left in a will that may lead to a grand inheritance, along with a complicated family history and a mother/daughter pair making it on their own. But the core of this story is about growing up in the diaspora, coming-of-age, and finding one's place in the world. I think most readers will find something to relate to - that awkward sense of not fitting in, or not being understood is universal. But there will be some readers who immediately click in to the alienation of not knowing the language or the food or the inside jokes from the culture you're from. It's a frank look at living between worlds, and probably my favorite part of the story. The contrast between Gemma's longing to be more connected to the past versus her grandfather's look toward the the future is well-balanced, and I found their stories to be bittersweet. The puzzles were fun, especially the ones that mix languages and math, and the treasure hunt aspect is nicely plotted. For me, the weakest part of the book was the romance, but I've never been a second chance romance enjoyer, I really dislike miscommunication tropes, and love triangles have never done it for me. Yeah, I'm gonna assume that I'm the problem here. Be aware if your romance tastes run in the same direction as mine that you're in for a rough time. But the good news is if you like that stuff, you may have found your next read.

An interesting and heartfelt look at lost and found family. The puzzle aspect that provides info on Gemma's grandfather is intriguing, and the (re-)awakening of the romance between Gemma and Alex is gentle, though we don't learn the reason for their falling out until later in the book and that frustrated me a little (that or I was just forgetting parts I read over the longer period I took to read this one). Thank goodness for in-book translations. I feel a lot like Gemma in that I know very little about my Chinese heritage so it was nice to see that reflected in a book.

The treasure hunt definitely has an ending but it's perhaps not the one I expected, though it has me wishing I could go on one of these for my own knowledge. Also, I've been craving Chinese food ever since I finished the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Really enjoyed this one! I should have read it so much sooner! But I don’t regret it. This maybe a new obsession! I love the characters, plot, etc.

Lovers-to enemies - to lovers!! The twist and turns in solving the puzzle for this book was amazing. I read it in two days and it only took me that long because I had to work otherwise I wouldn't have put it down. Definitely a great ya mystery romance

I read this so fast! It was very fast paced and I loved their banter! The treasure hunt was so fun to read and this definitely got me out of my slump!

I had so much fun reading this. There was a lot I could relate with Gemma. I am also a daughter from immigrant parents, I understand not feeling like I belong or not knowing much about my culture. I could also relate to focusing much on work and school. Seeing your parents sacrifice and work so hard to give you better opportunities makes you grow up.

In terms of the romance, Gemma and Xander were so cute. You can tell Xander cares about her with his actions despite being annoying and teasing her most of the time.

As for the scavenger hunt, it was amazing! The clues and answers were perfectly written that I was on my toes trying to see what else would be in store. And let me just say one thing, those plot wrists shocked me! As for the journey, it also made me feel as I was with them. It also made me reflect to enjoy life at the moment and be present with my loved one. Something I am still trying to work on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin teen for the opportunity to read this book. I loved it,

Thank you so much @netgalley for this ARC!
It honestly blew my mind. I finished this book in one afternoon.
The story follows Gemma, a Taiwanese girl living in America. She feels alienated from her culture, since her mother has tried her hardest to let go of the past, including Gemma's grandfather. When he dies, she receives a letter informing her of a secret treasure hidden in Taiwan. So, joining her ex-boyfriend's cultural program trip, she embarks on a journey to find her roots and who her grandpa really was.
I honestly love how this book handled its story. It's a story about people, how imperfect they are and how their mistakes and experiences change their lives.
Gemma and Xander's families hate each other, over nothing. In the end, none of it matters. It was time to let go of the past and start something new.
Xander never stopped loving Gemma, never stopped trying to support her. He's completely besotted with her, and her with him. It takes them a while to get over past mistakes, but this journey through their grandfathers' past, which are much more entangled than anyone would think, changes their perspectives on life and love.
This book also handles the topic of being a homosexual in a time where it was forbidden very tactfully. Two important characters have a forbidden relationship, and it pained them greatly to not be able to be together the way other couples were. Their love shaped their lives.
Gemma's grandfather was a flawed man. He tried to do the best he could, but he was also influenced by his time and their prejudices. He regretted that and was never able to quite reconcile with Gemma's mom, which is very tragic since they did care for each other.
Many of the riddles in the treasure hunt include the Taiwanese and Mandarin phonetic alphabets, which was super interesting to learn about. The book also shows a lot about Taiwanese culture!
It's a beautiful book that speaks mostly about people, their flaws and their love. I loved it!

It's a very cute YA novel that focuses on themes of love, identity, and perspective. I really enjoyed how each character in the TARP group had different experiences with how their family celebrated their Taiwanese heritage, and there was no "right" way to do so. Also, the enemies-to-lovers didn't feel forced, and there were some very cute moments between the protagonists. The riddles and adventures were also quite fun!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Unfortunately this one didn’t work for me AT ALL. DNF at 42pgs.

There’s so much about this book that I hate within the first 42 pages. Prepare for a rant!

First let’s talk about the overused “I’m SO poor and have to have two jobs to help pay for college and help mom with expenses!” She is so poor she has ONE nice dress that she’s been wearing since 9th grade with a stain on it. I’m sorry - what? What is the obsession with dirt poor FMCs??? And if her grandfather was alive, why didn’t her mother SUCK IT UP and go apologize to her dad so she could get money for her daughter?????? Instead you let your daughter work two jobs??? No. No.

Then we have the overachiever FMC and the also-overachiever but charismatic MMC. That’s not overdone at allllll /s

Also did it annoy anyone else that the FMC says she is “on a different wavelength” than other kids and says she interprets things differently, is bad at social situations, etc. Okay. So is that what we are calling autism now? A “different wavelength”? 🙂‍↔️ No. “I want to be like everyone else” No.

Then she needs money for college right? Cool. Why is this poor child going to a PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS college?!?!?!?! College is important but not if you go into major life debt in the process!!! And you can get many great jobs going to a public college in-state!!! Come ON.

I just…. I can’t continue with this book. I just hate all the ideas presented above.

*4.5 stars*
Ex Marks the Spot was one of those books that I just couldn't put down and really enjoyed reading. At first I thought Gemma, our main character, felt a bit young and was a little petty in her rivalry against her ex, Xander, but it allowed for an incredible amount of character growth. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt feel of the story, with various puzzles presented along the way. I couldn't fully appreciate all of them since I don't know Mandarin, but since Gemma doesn't either, it didn't take away from the story at all. I loved all the vivid descriptions of landmarks and food in Thailand, and found myself looking up more information along the way since it all sounded so amazing. While there's a romance that develops along the way, I think the themes of finding heritage, learning family history, the true meaning of family, learning to understand others, and figuring out who you are were the shining themes of the book. I also enjoyed the story within the story while Gemma learned about her grandfather's past and the challenges he faced in life. After reading this book, I definitely want to read more by author Gloria Chao.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the advance review copy of Ex Marks the Spot! All opinions in my review are completely my own.

This was such a cute read!! I love how we get to see the Taiwanese culture through someone who's experiencing it for the first time. Makes it easy to relate to the character as she learns all about this new culture that she was denied while she was growing up. The scavenger hunt was fantastic too. And the food?? That alone makes me want to book a flight out!!

This book is great for the younger group of YA readers and felt very "the amazing race" with all the reluctant working together and fast paced moments. I enjoyed the characters and the look into Taiwanese culture. I'm actually going to recommend it to my 16 year old niece who loves action. packed YA books. 3.5 stars rounded up

This was an absolutely delightful story. Fun characters, engaging plot, adding up to a great read.

The rival main characters are each such distinct voices - which makes forcing them to work together such a fun plot device. Obviously, sparks fly. And neurodivergent rep? Count me in. And my favorite found family trope? Done and done.

"People talk about love goggles, where they can't see a loved one clearly, but I have the opposite problem. Hate goggles."

I think this one will fly off my library shelf.

Thanks so much to Gloria Chao and Penguin Group for the eARC of this book.
This book is primarily for middle school age group. It has well developed characters and great premise to the story. I would recommend anyone with kids.

Gemma grew up thinking that the only family she had left was her mom, but shortly after high school graduation she finds out her grandfather had been alive until recently. When a mysterious man shows up one day with the news and a clue for a treasure hunt Gemma’s world is thrown upside down. Now she takes on this puzzle, hoping at the end of the search is an inheritance to help her get by. Along the way Gemma will learn about her heritage and the grandfather she never got to know. In order to find her way through this mystery Gemma might just have to join forces with her high school rival, Xander, who also happens to be her ex. Together Gemma and Xander might just uncover more than they were looking for.

The premise of this book really intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the idea of a YA book that took you on a scavenger hunt and this book did just that. Gemma and Xander were a fun lead pair and I enjoyed getting to see them stumble through clue after clue as they searched for the prize at the end. This was an entertaining book that takes the reader on a fun and intriguing journey as Gemma makes her way through Taiwan learning more about her heritage. I was pulled into this book from the beginning and found it easy to get lost in. I really enjoyed this book and the journey it takes the reader on. I think this is a good recommendation for anyone looking for a fun, intriguing read fully of mystery and finding yourself.

This book was a lot of fun with a bit of everything.
Rivals to lovers, discovering yourself, a treasure hunt, friendship.
Gemma finds a puzzle in her estranged grandfather's will that takes her to Taiwan to discover her roots and her grandfather's story.
This was a fast paced story with a fun cast of characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books for an early copy for review.

4.75 stars

This YA book features Gemma Sun, who never knew about her ties to her Taiwanese roots as she was raised by her mum submerged in American culture. After high school graduation, she found out that her grandfather, whom she never knew, passed and left her a box of clues for a treasure hunt that she hoped would lead her to a family inheritance she could use for her college funds, having a poor upbringing. However, to resolve the clues left, she will have to go to Taiwan and will need the help of her school nemesis and ex, Xander, for help…

Okay, I ADORE this book. This was my first book by Gloria, and it did not disappoint. Gemma is such a relatable character. She grew up in America, never knowing anything about her Taiwanese roots, and never really had an interest in learning more about it, especially when all she wanted to do was be able to fund her college tuition. The unexpected gift that her grandfather, whom she never knew, left her was a shock, especially when she realized that her mum had lied to her about her family's past. She is determined to solve this puzzle and hopes that the inheritance will be able to offset her college tuition fees that she may not afford. I empathize with her. As a first-generation immigrant, you sometimes feel like you are outside looking in. I also love how the character blossomed from being a very closed-off character who assumes that she is the only person in the group not knowing Mandarin and her culture to realize that there are similar people who may have the same upbringing as hers if she opens herself up to people.

Her relationship with Xander is very complicated, bringing in some rivals-to-lovers and second-chance romance vibes. I found their interactions amusing to start with, and it was wonderful to see both of them realizing that there were misunderstandings in play, especially with their unexpected discovery of their complicated family past.

Through the food and the places they visited, I could picture the vividness of Taiwan. I love the unexpected twists that the author throws at me, keeping me guessing. It made this a fast and enjoyable read for me. This story is about Gemma’s self-discovery, love of her roots and culture, and many treasure hunt adventures. It's a great YA story about self-discovery of one's roots written so wonderfully with an ode to the Taiwanese culture.

Thank you. Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking for the eARC!

If you are looking for a fun YA read with a slight mystery/treasure hunt twist this is a good option! I read a lot of YA and sometimes i really like it, and sometimes it feels a bit young for me since I am no longer YA aged. This is one I think would be best for middle aged readers, like middle to high school. It had an interesting premise and story, and well developed characters.

Calling all Hawthorne Legacy fans! Gloria Chao’s Ex Marks the Spot is a fun romcom with a treasure hunt mystery pushing and pulling two exs (with a hint of a Romeo and Juliet family dynamic) around Taiwan and back in their hometown. Gemma is driven to be her best and make the people that matter proud, what else do you expect from the only daughter of a single immigrant mother? Xander is her pampered rival and ex. He’s perfect: great grades, speaks perfect Mandarin, knows his Taiwanese heritage, and has his entire family to love and cheer him on at everything. But learning that her grandfather has been alive and left her a great puzzle that might be the answers to her tuition struggles, Gemma has to ask Xander for a favor. The opposites attract and ex rivals-to-lovers romance works beautifully with the clues and hints left behind by Gong Gong. It was fun trying to see if I could figure out the clues before reading. The twists and turns of each riddle, puzzle kept me reading past my bedtime.

I've loved all of Gloria's rom coms before and this one is also super cute!

The romance was sweet and soft and I liked that it explored an emotional connection in regards to the scavenger hunt.

Overall, a really fun time and I highly recommend.