4.5 Stars

Ex Marks the Spot is an enemies-to-lovers contemporary novel that also explores relationships and the power that comes from celebrating the past.

The mystery/puzzle element is what’s going to draw people in. Through it, author Gloria Chao takes readers to historical landmarks and museums around Taipei, introducing culture through complex clues and answers.

For such a fast read, Ex Marks the Spot really does have a lot to it. It’s wonderfully layered and easy to get lost in. This is a fun option heading into the new year.

This is the first book I've read by Gloria Chao, and it won't be the last. The storyline was complex, with a fantastic mystery, and great insight into Taiwanese culture and nuances of Chinese characters. The characters themselves were multifaceted, and the romance was a great enemies to lovers trope.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mysteries and romance. This will be a great addition for high school libraries, public libraries, and classroom libraries.

I absolutely loved this book! It was so cute and funny. I loved the main characters relationship and also the side characters. I was so invested into the treasure hunt. I would read it again and again. I just loved it so much!

The awkwardness of being a teenager mixed with adventure, puzzle solving, lovers to rivals to friends to lovers romance, cultural discovery, and learning that parents are people too is what makes ‘Ex Marks the Spot’ the special read that it is. I immediately felt kinship with Gemma. She is an overachiever who can make embarrassing mistakes and makes some pretty brash decisions. I loved reading about her falling in love with her culture and learning things about her grandfather whom she never met.

Reading this adventure was the essence of what life is all about. Gemma learns so much about herself and her relationships with friends, family, and what she wants in a love match throughout the story. She discovers new foods she love, art to appreciate, she begins to learn a little bit of the language she always wished she’d grown up learning.

Gemma learns to lighten up and to take the hate goggles off towards Xander and see the things in him she didn’t see before. She learns that her mom has her own past and reasons for bringing her up the way that she did. She learns to open up and share more of herself and let people into her life.

Gemma grows so much in this story and I felt like an older sister to her reading her story. There are aspects of her life and experience that I have also gone through and I understand her frustrations and her anger. I enjoyed reading her story so much.

The important part of Gemma’s journey is how she comes to discover those important life lessons. Coming along for the ride with her is what makes the experience of reading this story so special. I highly recommend ‘Ex Marks the Spot’.

A YA romance with an Inheritance Games vibe. It’s a second chance romance + enemies to lovers mixed with a bit of “coming of age” as Gemma learns more about her roots and what family means.

3.5 stars

I loved absolutely everything about this book! It follows Gemma, who has just graduated high school and learns of her grandfather's passing. Never knowing about her grandfather, she confronts her mother for hiding the truth. It seems like there's a puzzle and inheritance left behind by her grandfather, one that Gemma wants to discover. Meanwhile, her mother is completely against the idea, as she never had a great relationship with her father. Gemma does everything to convince her mother, who refuses to pay for Gemma's travels back to Taiwan in search of her grandfather's inheritance. With no other choice left, Gemma is forced to beg her ex and archnemesis, Xander, to add her to a student program to Taiwan. Somehow, Xander gets her into the group, and Gemma goes to Taiwan. Having known next to nothing about her heritage, this journey is about connecting with one's roots and learning about heritage. And, of course, that isn't everything, as there may be more to Gemma and Xander's relationship than simply exes and enemies.

There are so many different elements to this book: romance, mystery, family, etc. As the child of an immigrant single mother, Gemma's life with her mother was never easy. Her mother spent much of her time working to provide for the two of them, and Gemma grew up thinking she had no other family. Throughout the story, they changes and development that this mother-daughter relationship goes through are both heart wrenching and heart warming. They love each other unconditionally, but neither of them are perfect. They hurt each other despite their mutual love. Gemma didn't learn much about her heritage from her mother and sees this trip as a way to connect to her roots. She learns about the culture and food as she travels throughout Taiwan with others like her. And she realizes that not everyone has a perfect relationship with their culture. Some are very connected, completely fluent in the language and traditions. Others are more like Gemma, who know close to nothing and want to learn. As the child of immigrants, I loved this aspect of the book. So many of my friends come from a similar background as I do, yet we're all different. But that doesn't make any of us more or less worthy of our heritage.

Gemma's grandfather's puzzles and the mystery of his life are very fun. I loved following along with Gemma as she worked through the various puzzles and learned about her grandfather's life, piece by piece. It seemed like Gemma inherited her grandfather's knack for intricate puzzles. Learning about Gemma's grandfather also helped her mother understand her father better. It seems like parents and children have different ideas for their future and wellness, but at the same time, both are aiming toward happiness, just in different ways. This is evident in Gemma's relationship with her mother, and her mother's relationship with her own father.

The romance was a really cute enemies/rivals/exes to lovers. Having known each other in the past, it seemed like Gemma and Xander understood each other to an extent, but I loved seeing their relationship develop. Old misunderstands were cleared up, and new connections were formed.

Overall, I loved how eventful this book was. And even with so much happening, everything was connected in a seamless manner that made sense. To me, this is the perfect YA mystery-romance, and loved the deep exploration of family and heritage!

4 stars

This is my third read from this author, and it's a good one. Rather than just a traditional YA romance, there are some great additions that make it extra special, including but not limited to a fantastic setting, solid cultural elements, puzzles!, and a lot of self-discoveries.

Gemma, the m.c., runs in a bit of a tropey space. Her single mother is working multiple jobs to keep them afloat - barely. This causes stress for both parties, but they love each other intensely, so they are extremely fortunate and wealthy in this way. Gemma also shares an enemies to lovers situation with Xander, which keeps her busy for other obvious reasons. When Gemma learns the truth behind some of the mysteries surrounding her family and background, she wants to know much more about who she truly is. This element of self-discovery, which plays out in an especially memorable and creative way, is a highlight of the book, and it brings her closer to understanding everyone in her life (herself included, of course).

I really enjoyed the messaging about challenging communications in the modern era. Whether the ruptures come from misunderstandings, secrets, or diversions, we are all always struggling to know each other and ourselves better, and Chao captures this aspect (within families, friendships, and romances) successfully.

I enjoyed this most recent installment from Chao and look forward to more from this author.

I enjoyed this book! I really liked the treasure hunt and how it was organized. I thought the clues were clever and well done, and I really liked that it was a mix of English and Mandarin and that Gemma, the FMC, was learning about her culture as well as her Gong Gong (grandfather) while completing the hunt.

I thought the pacing was well done and the story flowed easily. The writing style fit really well with the story, and I appreciated the explanations of the puzzles and especially the Mandarin ones. I also liked Gemma’s narration, and I enjoyed reading about her experiencing Taipei and her culture.

The story that she learned about her Gong Gong was sweet and a bit sad, but I liked how it was told through the clues of the treasure hunt. I also liked that she needed Xander’s help to complete the treasure hunt, and how his strengths were her areas of weakness and vice versa. The hate goggles Gemma had on were described well, and I understood her feelings about Xander. I really liked that she got to know him, and the romance that bloomed from the experience. Xander was a fun character, and he balanced Gemma out really well.

The ending was really good, and I loved how everything worked out. The treasure hunt had a good ending, and so did Gemma and Xander. I’d definitely recommend this fun YA read.

3.25! This one was a quick and fun read. The Taiwan setting and all the food? Absolutely perfection, I really loved. The puzzles kinda lost me and the romance didn’t fully hit bc why wasn’t there more Gemma and Xander when they had so much potential??? Still, it’s cute and worth a shot if you’re into something light and easy.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao was such a fun read. As someone who loved visiting Taiwan the descriptions in this book transported me back to all the sights and sounds of Taipei. I could practically taste all the yummy foods that Gemma was eating because the writing was so descriptive of each dish. This is a book of self discovery and identity within asian heritage. With each clue, Gemma was discovering herself and reconnecting to her roots.

I loved reading the clues and discovering the mysteries of the treasure hunt. It reminded me of when I read the inheritance games and I got to play along with the characters in the story. The clues started simple and evolved to be more complex as the story evolved. For the characters, the banter between Gemma and Xander was so cute and shows how they both worked well together. It's a second chance type of romance of opposites personalities rediscover their love for each other.

This book had so much heart and was a love letter for Taiwan. Each page kept me entertained and excited to see what would Gemma discover next in her adventure. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, cute enemies-to-lovers, and books with a heartwarming message.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao [ Penguin Young Readers Group #NetGalley ]

In Ex Marks the Spot, Gemma sets out to find out more about her family about a grandfather she never met and long presumed dead - through the will and secret codes that he leaves behind. When the clues point to the family home in Taiwan - that is precisely where she decides to go - with the help from her decade-old rival and classmate, Xander.

This novel was everything I like about Gloria Chao books - all the cultural understanding - and set in Taiwan, a place that I've traveled to and loved. In fact, as Gemma set off on her adventure - it was like I was there with her as she travels to all the places that I went to. It was like getting to return to this country of fascinating history, delicious eats, and beautiful landscapes - through Gemma's eyes.

This book took some time before I became fully invested but once I was I found myself curious about the secret her grandfather hid. Even though I didn’t really like the MC I found the mystery intriguing and I was down for the adventure. Definitely was a bigger story than I expected. It was a solid read that I read liked. I would encourage others to check it out. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao is a swoony, heart-pounding adventure that checks all the boxes for the perfect Netflix film! From the very first page, I was hooked on Gemma’s emotional journey as she unravels family secrets, dives deep into Taiwanese culture, and embarks on an unforgettable treasure hunt. The pacing is thrilling, with each puzzle bringing Gemma and her ex-rival, Xander, closer together. The mix of rivals-to-lovers romance and globe-spanning intrigue makes it a dream for fans of both heartfelt romance and exciting adventure.

Taiwan comes alive through Gloria Chao's rich and vivid descriptions, and the lively streets of Taipei provide a beautiful backdrop for Gemma’s self-discovery. The treasure hunt itself is both clever and emotional, as Gemma not only seeks an inheritance but also unearths her own roots and identity. The dynamic between Gemma and Xander, filled with tension and chemistry, creates a perfect balance of romance and conflict.

I could absolutely see Ex Marks the Spot as a Netflix film—imagine a stunning blend of romance, family drama, and the thrill of a treasure hunt. The beautiful Taiwan setting, mixed with Gemma’s growth and the chemistry between her and Xander, would make for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

If you loved Loveboat, Taipei or The Inheritance Games, this book is a must-read! Ex Marks the Spot is an exhilarating, heartfelt journey that keeps you hooked until the very last page, and I can’t wait for it to hit the big screen. Highly recommend!

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Viking Books. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I have loved Gloria Chao since reading her debut, American Panda, so I am always anticipating her releases! I really enjoyed this one! If you like enemies to lovers, found family, and an epic adventure, this one is for you.

Gemma Sun has grown up just her and her mom, thinking that her grandparents were dead. A mysterious man shows up at her door and lets her know that her grandfather has actually just passed, and she embarks on a trip to Taiwan to claim her inheritance. The only way that Gemma can manage to get there though is through begging her ex, Xander for help.

As Gemma spends more time in Taiwan, she discovers that her treasure hunt is about more than money. It’s about learning about her family, her culture, and maybe about finding love.

I absolutely loved the setting of this story! The adventures that Gemma and Xander have made me want to see all these amazing places in Taiwan for myself. The romance is a super slow burn, and I probably would have been satisfied with Gemma just making new friends. I have to say that by the end though I did enjoy the romance, even though I wish there was more page time.

I loved the relationship that Gemma had with her mom and how much she came to really appreciate what they built together.

I definitely recommend! This one it out today, so pick up a copy now!

From the moment Gemma started her treasure hunt, I was totally sucked in. I thought this was the cutest concept for a book, hands down! The puzzles were such a great idea for Gemma to connect with her grandfather's past. It was like each clue was a little piece of history, making her journey even more special.

The whole frenemies thing with Gemma and Xander was good. Seeing them sort out their history to realize they were great together was just perfect.

But what really got to me was the focus on family and culture. Gemma's adventure to learn about her Taiwanese roots and her grandpa's story was really special. Seeing her getting closer to her mom along the way was heartwarming.

This was a great book. It was fun, emotional, and just a great read. I'm already looking forward to more from this author!

This book was such a fun read! From traveling all over Taiwan to some beautiful places to the really intriguing puzzle Gemma has to solve, the action starts pretty fast and rarely slows down! I really loved seeing Gemma learn more about her grandfather and also discover a part of herself she had been missing. I did enjoy the romance in the story, but I really liked that it didn’t overshadow the main plot. I also loved seeing Gemma’s relationship with her mother grow and evolve and also how she became more comfortable with the other kids in the program. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT read this on an empty stomach. The food descriptions are amazing and the fact that I didn’t have soup dumplings to eat while reading was a low key tragedy. I highly recommend this one for fans of puzzles that take you to some spectacular places and also amazing character growth.
CW: racism, death of a grandparent, homophobia

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Ex marks the Spot" follows Gemma, a young woman grappling with a her conflicting Taiwanese and American cultures. When her grandfather unexpectedly passes away, he leaves behind an intriguing treasure hunt that leads her on a journey to Taiwan. This adventure forces Gemma to confront her family history and delve into her grandfather's intriguing life.
The story intertwines the thrill of the treasure hunt with Gemma's personal struggles, including navigating a frustrating relationship with her high school rival, Xander. Gemma's reasons for disliking Xander seem somewhat petty, hindering the development of a truly compelling "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic.
However, the novel shines in its portrayal of Taiwanese culture. The vivid descriptions of delicious dishes like xiao long bao and nu rou mian will undoubtedly leave readers hungry. The incorporation of Mandarin language, while occasionally confusing, adds an authentic touch.
Overall, "X marks the Spot" is a charming YA read that offers a lighthearted escape. It's a delightful journey of self-discovery that introduces readers to the vibrant culture of Taiwan.

This is a captivating read for young adult readers who are drawn to stories of self-discovery, cultural heritage, and romance, particularly those who appreciate tales of diaspora, family secrets, and the thrill of a treasure hunt that spans across continents.

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!

I absolutely love when I can recognize people I know (or even myself) in book characters, and that happened to me while reading Gloria Chao’s newest novel: Ex Marks the Spot. From the opening chapter when we meet our ‘enemies’ I recognized two of my friends, though I can pretty much guarantee that they won’t end up together, lol. Nor either of them be setting off on the wondrous, puzzle filled adventure to learn about their family’s past any time soon, but that is most definitely what happens for Gemma and Xander. This was my first introduction to Ms. Chao’s work and I have to say it has left me quite impressed. I look forward to checking out more of her work real soon. If you enjoy some adventure in romance or some romance in your adventure, definitely check this one out. I’d like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Ex Marks the Spot.