A great story about a young girl finding out she had family still alive in Taiwan at one point and traveling to discover their family history, culture and even love.

Our main character Gemma has just graduated from high school and is about to start college in autumn, but she doesn't have enough money.

Fortunately for her, she learns that her late grandpa left her a treasure hunt. And this treasure might just be what she needs to afford college.
Unfortunately for her, she needs the help of her ex-boyfriend.

This book has everything you often find in YA romcoms - a love triangle, enemies-to-lovers and cute, heartfelt moments.


The main issue I have with the story is that the romance didn't feel quite right. I wish it was more developed.
But I did enjoy the descriptions.
Honestly, I think I'm getting too old for these books.

But if you're the target audience, you'll like this book a lot more than me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin group for the ARC.

I thought this was going to be a cute YA romcom. It was so much more than that!

It was about growth, finding oneself, finding her culture and her past and accepting the life she had. It was heartbreaking at times but overall so hopeful.

I have a couple other books by this author on my TBR that will be going up the list now.

I love a story with puzzles - I thought they were incorporated into this story perfectly.. I was so appreciate of the diverse cast of characters. For me, the only downside was a miscommunication trope, which I desperately despise.

This book was really cute! The puzzles were really well thought out and interwoven into the story in a really interesting way! I loved Gemma's growth as a character and how much we get to learn and grow with her throughout, and the overall message was lovely.

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Penguin Teen and Viking Books.

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 is just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma 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 is about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

This was such a fun enemies to lovers story, blending self-exploration, connecting with their Asian heritage, and an adventurous treasure hunt. The idea of unearthing her family’s history while traveling to Taiwan was so unique and exciting. It felt like I was exploring the culture, the food, and the scenery myself. Now I want to embark on a trip to Taiwan. I am the biggest fan of enemies to lovers and I just loved the dynamic between Gemma and Xander. And how they slowed worked through their past and realize they were better together. I also loved watching Gemma learn more about her Taiwanese heritage and uncover her grandfather’s legacy. It just felt so meaningful. There was some real sense of connection to both Gemma and her mom's past, and it was just so heartwarming to see her grow through that journey. Only thing is I wished we got to know more about the secondary characters, but that did not take away from the story at all. I would recommend this book to those with a love for travel and coming of age stories.

Rating: 3.5/5

“You never hide, though. You’re always yourself, even when it’s difficult or embarrassing. You show your passion, even when others make fun of you trying. Not everyone can do that. I admire you, Gemma.”

Ex Marks the Spot was a super entertaining novel. Gemma is on a treasure hunt, and she definitely takes us with her, as everything is made for the reader to try solving her late grand-father’s puzzles. She’s on a hunt for her inheritance in order to pay for college, but in the way she finds her heritage, and discovers the culture she comes from and learns how to make it hers.
If I loved the enigmas, and found the book pretty addictive for them (even though some were a lot), I loved even more how Gemma progressively discovers everything her mother hid from her –and why she did so. It was a coming of age story as much as it was an empathy exercise, and an original way to speak about Family Secrets.
The romance was a bit secondary here, but cute either way. It’s a second chance that relies a lot on miscommunication which is a trope I truly like in YA as it is so very reliable.
If you want a light book with just a tiny touch of angst, with a mystery that involves you, fast paced and with a secondary romance, then this book might be the right one for you!

Thank you to the author, Penguin Teen and ColoredPages Book Tour for the gifted copy. My opinions are my own.

Rate 3.5/5

Thank you, Penguin Teen, and Net Galley, for the beautiful finished copy of Ex Mark the Spot! This was such a fantastic read! I was captivated from the graduation incident to the end of the hunt. Gloria, you did an incredible job! I can still smell the food you described in the book; the love story was delightful.

While I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope, I truly enjoyed it here. It wasn't overbearing like in some books; it was done just right. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories, family secrets, second-chance romance, and a good old-fashioned treasure hunt, this one is for you! It's out now wherever books are sold.

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.

I struggled to read the book due to the ePub format, which was disappointing since it seemed like something I would enjoy. However, I will be borrowing it from my library since the premise has me intrigued.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Gloria Chao and NetGalley!

This book revolves around Gemma following riddles and clues, written by her grandpa, across Taiwan where her family is originally from. As she gets further into the riddles, she learns more about her grandpa, her mother, and Xander, her first boyfriend. She bands together with Xander as they travel across Taiwan to find the treasure where x marks the spot.

Xander and Gemma start as “enemies” because Xander once broke her heart in middle school. When I read YA books, they always make me giggle a little bit because two people can be “enemies” from having dated in first grade and then he threw a bug on her and she’s hated him ever since. I also think that the authors sometimes forget that their characters are 16 years old and make them do wild things that no 16-year-old would ever do. Gloria Chao did a great job of avoiding the latter problem (having 16-year-olds do not 16-year-old things). I think the reason why they are enemies is a little ridiculous but I suppose it adds to the plot.

A lot of the twists and turns throughout the book, I didn’t see coming. I also couldn’t figure out a single riddle which really humbled me. It probably didn’t help that it was in a different language but even translated, I had no idea.

Overall, I thought this was a fun, light read. It’s perfect for any YA audience with the focus mainly on the adventure and no steamy bits at all. I recommend picking this up when you want a break from your heavy, adult reads!

I enjoyed this story about a girl discovering her culture and learning more about her grandpa she never knew. As a person of Chinese descent, it was interesting to read Gemma's point of view as I could relate to many of her thoughts and feelings. I loved all the tidbits that evoked nostalgia of when she was in Taiwan. Nods to the Shilin Night Market and all the yummy foods there are in Taiwan was fun. Overall, this is a great story that embraces your cultural identity.

I thought this book was ok. I know I am not the target audience for this book as a 26 year old woman, but had I been younger when I read this book I can imagine that I would've liked it more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

4.6

Thanks so much to Netgalley and PENGUIN Group for Young Readers for giving me an ARC of this title! As a self-proclaimed lifelong Gloric Chao fan, I was ecstatic to hear about this book's release. Ex Marks the Spot is a super fun, second chance, rivals to lovers rom-com set in Taipei during a cross-country scavenger hunt for the truth about our protagonist Gemma's grandfather. I thought the puzzles were incredibly well thought out, (and pleasing to the eye as a Japanese student!) with them being easily accessible for non-Chinese speakers and the like. Gemma and Xander were really funny and had pretty good banter, seeing as it was the entire bulk of their chemistry. The overlapping theme of being grateful for the family you have in your life, while also opening yourself up to connections new and old, really hit home with me. I'd give this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars -- I can't wait for Chao's next release!

I did not finish this title. I thought the concept was good and the puzzles were reminiscent of The Inheritence Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis. I think the cultural element was interesting but the book was a little slow. I also felt that the main character in the part that I read was kind of emotionally stunted, which I can understand from her backstory, but it was not easy to read.

Although I was not a fan (maybe I would be if it were an audiobook), I will recommend this to readers who enjoyed the books mentioned above.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed trying to solve the puzzles along with Gemma. The author did a wonderful job describing everything along the journey from the landscape to the food. I loved reading how Gemma was learning more about her family and the emotional journey she goes through. This is a good clean fun read.

After learning of her grandfather's passing, Gemma embarks on a treasure hunt in Taiwan, joined by her rival and ex Xander. As they navigate puzzles and challenges, Gemma uncovers hidden family secrets, discovers her Taiwanese heritage, and rekindles a romance.

I really enjoyed reading it. Gemma and Xander's dynamic was so fun to read and their humour and Insides jokes made me laugh so many times. I loved reading Gemma's journey to know about her roots and the inheritance treasure hunt. The treasure hunt was cleverly crafted with puzzles and hints (which I couldn't guess many). I loved the Taipei setting. It was described so beautifully making me feel like I was exploring the city alongside the TARPers. Gemma learning about Taiwanese culture and food was beautiful. the ending was my favourite. this book is a perfect blend of humor, romance and adventure.

Gemma Sun has been raised by her single mom, without any other family in the picture, for her whole life. She’s just graduated high school when she finds out that the grandfather she thought had died when she was little actually just died weeks before. And he’s left her … a box of newspaper clippings.

What becomes clear soon enough is that the box is just the first of a long set of clues in some kind of treasure hunt. Gemma is both sad and angry that she never got to meet her grandfather, but this is a way to get to know him a little. And maybe, just maybe, though it sounds like he had no wealth to speak of, somehow the hunt will end in money. Because Gemma and her mom have both been working for years and still the cost of college seems impossible to pay.

It also becomes clear Gemma’s going to have to go to Taiwan, where her grandfather has been living for decades and her mom grew up. Unfortunately, again, she has no money to get there. Enter Gemma’s ex from when they were both 14: Xander, a wealthy and privileged guy who happens to run a program that connects Taiwanese youths with their heritage. She’s been annoyed by Xander for four years, but she swallows her pride and asks him for help.

Then she’s off to Taiwan, where she gets to explore many parts of her heritage that her American-focused mom hasn’t shared. And where she has to try to piece together the clues to solve this set of puzzles.

Ex Marks the Spot has a fun mix of elements: it’s a sweet romance; it’s a story about an Asian-American teen trying to figure out where she fits in; it’s a treasure hunt. I enjoyed all the elements and how neatly they fit together.

Most of the book is set in Taiwan, and it is one of the stars of the book. Gloria Chao makes it shine, with descriptions of beautiful places, delicious foods, and interesting bits of culture and language. I certainly felt compelled to want to visit myself sometime!

A clean story that ticks all the boxes. (And if you loved Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games books, you’ll likely enjoy this.)

Quick synopsis: Gemma needs to solve a puzzle she believes will lead to her inheritance. But the only way to do that is to go to her grandfather's house in Taiwan. And the only way to get to Taiwan is to get her ex and rival, Xander, to help.

Thoughts: I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved this book. The vibrant descriptions of Taiwan, the landmarks, and the food made me feel like I was right next to Gemma and the TARPers. I loved the large cast, Xander's personality, Gemma's competitiveness and determination to see the hunt through, and the emotional journey she goes through as she learns more and more about her Gong Gong. I think you'll enjoy this if you like puzzles, atmospheric reads, deeply emotional stories about family, especially estranged ones, and a little bit of romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline and the character development. I would definitely recommend this book.