This was so, so cute. I didn't know much about this book going in except that it's a love story between a girl and a k-pop star. I was already sold because I love a fame romance, but I loved that a lot of the setting was at an academy for the arts in Seoul. I was also really happy with the focus on the friendships that Jenny made in addition to the romance. I think the only thing this book could've done better is just give us more time; I think the audiobook was only around 9 hours, and while I do love a short book, I would've loved a little more time with Jenny and Jaewoo. Very cute, and I recommend this if you're a fan of contemporary romance and/or k-pop.

This was very simple and sweet. A definite choice for K-Pop fans! I will definitely put this on a display. It was very cute.

<b>Overall Rating: 3/5 </b>
<i>A big thank you to HarperCollins & Netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review!</i>

<b>Summary</b>
Jenny is a cellist aspiring to attend a prestigious conservatory. While she’s feeling down about feedback from the judges of her latest competition, a fateful encounter with a mysterious stranger at her uncle’s karaoke bar just might give her the spark she needs to confidently pursue her dream. As the story shifts from LA to Seoul, Jenny, now enrolled at a famous arts academy, finds out that her mystery man, Jaewoo, is actually a member of the wildly popular k-pop band, XOXO, and he’s forbidden from dating anyone to protect his idol image. With their respective futures hanging in the balance, can their love survive?

<b>Review</b>
So I’m certainly not in the target demographic for this book, but as a long-time k-pop fan I was excited about this title and Axie Oh delivered! For the most part it was a super engaging read and well-paced, with the exception of the ending which felt too rushed. I think the book shines during the parts where readers get to experience Seoul through Jenny’s eyes, and diaspora kids will definitely resonate with some of the family dynamics between Jenny, her mother, and her grandmother. I really wish we’d gotten to see more of them together because the few family scenes were lovely.

The side characters that we meet throughout the book like Jenny’s roommate and initial rival, Sori, and her first few friends at Seoul Arts, Angela and Gi Taek are simply delightful! I absolutely loved the slow friendship that forms between Jenny and Sori as they get to know each other better, and their late night conversations are just precious. I know that romance is the main focus of this book, but I honestly felt more butterflies reading about these two than the main couple. Jaewoo as a love interest fell a bit flat for me, and I didn’t really understand what Jenny liked about him but the romane moves quickly and it’s easy to get swept along in the high school romance.

XOXO was a nice little summer read, and I finished it in a single sitting. I know other k-pop/k-drama fans will love the abundance of romance tropes, and the family dynamics and exploration of mental health give it enough depth to round out the story.

XOXO by Axie Oh is a delightful YA romance following Jenny, a teenage cellist who has thrown her life into her training but finds herself alone with the exception of her mom and her honorary uncle. Jenny receives feedback that her performances lack a spark so when her uncle recommends she live a little, she decides to take his advice when she meets a stranger in her uncle's karaoke bar. This leads to an exciting night with the stranger, Jae woo, who then disappears in a van by the end of the night. However when Jenny has a family emergency that requires her and her mom to move to South Korea temporarily, Jenny comes across Jae Woo at her new school and realizes he is a huge k-pop star. Will these two reconnect and get Jenny's spark back or will it just lead to heartbreak?

This novel was a perfectly sweet and refreshing read! When I saw this book involved a k-pop star I thought this would be the perfect whirlwind read and that is exactly what I got. The plot is fast-paced throughout and has such a fun beginning that pulls you in. At times the plot was a bit too nicely wrapped up or convenient, but if you can suspend disbelief it is so worth it!

Jenny is an adorable character that you are rooting for and I loved to see how she developed throughout the novel. I also enjoyed seeing her build relationships with those in her school which she was unable to do at her previous school. I was really interested in Sori and would have loved to hear more about how things ended for her. I was rooting for her and Jae Woo's connection though I would have like to see it a bit more towards the end because it started so strongly in the beginning.

Overall this was a sunny, uplifting read that is perfect for any readers wanting to get out of a slump and wanting to smile! If you enjoy K-dramas then this is the book for you!

Many thanks to the publisher HarperTeen and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Okay this book is a must read for any Kpop fan. Jenny is a protagonist you immediately feel connected to. She has depth and nuance which is often lacking in romcom protagonists. The book draws you in and it didn't feel like any time went by while I was reading. Jaewoo is so intriguing and I LOVE the change of scenery to Korea. Honestly this just made me so happy. Great summer read!

Jenny is a cello prodigy and she will do everything in her power to be a success and attend a prestigious music school. Entrenched in her musical studies, Jenny is surprised by a chance encounter with a boy around her age at her uncle’s karaoke joint. This chance meeting ends up being one of the most exciting in Jenny’s young life, but Jaewoo quickly disappears from her life as swiftly as he became part of it.

Not thinking she would ever see Jaewoo again, Jenny is shocked to find him enrolled in the same school as her when she and her mother move to Korea in order to take care of her ailing grandmother. Not only is Jaewoo back from oblivion, but Jenny also learns that he is not just any student, he’s also a member of one of the biggest K-pop groups in existence. And while he’s strictly forbidden from dating, Jaewoo and Jenny might just have to ignore all of the obstacles in their respective ways and take a chance on each other.

Axie Oh’s XOXO is most certainly a breath of fresh air. It is rich in story-telling and is reminiscent of watching a K-Drama (those who have watched, will definitely know what I am talking about), and on top of this, it was so hard to put down. Oh’s writing is pitch-perfect throughout the novel and she does so much to reel the reader in. No amount of detail goes unnoticed and it adds another element to make this book great. In addition to lush storytelling, Oh created a group of characters that are hard not to love and are utterly relatable.

XOXO's protagonist, Jenny is full of dreams and determination. She wants to do all she can to make her family happy and oftentimes finds herself wondering if what she's doing is enough. She is hard on herself and although she has a gift, she doubts herself and her drive. Many of us have (or will) experience all of these feelings at some point in our lifetime and have to find a way to navigate it all through whatever we are going through. This is the same for Jenny and part of what makes her such a great character. It's clear that Oh created Jenny with an earnestness and honesty that transcends the pages.

Alongside Jenny on this journey is Jaewoo, the handsome K-pop idol who is quickly coming for Jenny's heart (and who can blame her, especially with that sleeve of tattoos). A little broody, humourous and raw, Jaewoo's the kind of character that will have many referring to him as their "book boyfriend". Coupled with Jenny, the two bring out the best in one another and push each other outside of their comfort zones in some of the best ways. It was truly a treat reading the pair interact with one another with all the ups and downs their respective lives threw at them.

While the secret romance between the pair is a main theme of the novel, that isn't all it has to offer readers. Oh does a compelling job at showing just more than a fantastical romance. XOXO is also a book about family, fulfilling dreams or figuring them out, and doing one's best to overcome self-doubt and whatever fans its flame within us. Whether you're a seemingly regular girl or a K-pop idol, there will always be times that self-doubt gets the better of us and we need a little pick-me-up. XOXO certainly serves to be one of these pick-me-ups and I am so grateful to have had the chance to read it!

If you're looking for a fun romance that combines wonderful writing, charismatic characters and K-pop, then XOXO needs to be added to your to-be-read list as quickly as possible.

This book was SO cute. I’m a sucker for idol/general public romances, and this one did NOT disappoint. Yes, the ending was a bit rushed, and it wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was fun, sweet, and enjoyable. There’s not much to say about, as it’s kind of stereotypical, but it’s stereotypical in a good way! Highly recommend for a quick, fun read.

"He's giving me his macaron. It's like he's giving me his heart."

The Gist: A cellist falls in love with a K-Pop star.

My Thoughts: This was super cute! Just like Jenny, I enjoyed this brief jaunt to Seoul’s elite arts academy, home to aspiring musicians, dancers, and K-Pop stars.

Jenny was a great heroine - she had a good head on her shoulders and a go-with-the-flow attitude that I found admirable. I can see why Jaewoo fell for her. Jaewoo and his fellow band members were also fun to get to know. I had no idea about the structured process it takes to become a K-Pop star, so that was all extremely interesting.

I also really liked the side characters - Jenny’s Korean friends and her family. My only criticism is that I wished we had seen more of them at the end. The end in general felt a bit abrupt and I wish we had more of a sense of what Jenny and Jaewoo’s relationship will look like going forward. Sequel, Axie Oh??

I am not well versed in the world of K-pop but this book made me want to throw myself into it.

XOXO by Axie Oh is a charming novel about Jenny, a cellist, who meets a mysterious boy named Jaewoo at her uncle’s karaoke bar and shares a night out in LA with him before he goes off the grid… only to see him at her school when she transfers to a South Korean arts school a few months later. Oh, and he’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop groups, a little tidbit Jaewoo did not disclose during their meeting.

This book was such a fast-paced and fun read. The dynamics between all of the characters were complex and I felt like I knew all of them so well by the end of the novel.

There were some threads that I feel were introduced and either dropped or didn’t come to their full fruition by the end that confused and frustrated me a little. It was not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book by any means.

I spent most of my time reading this book smiling because it was such a delight.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy. This was a cute YA story. I appreciated the many Korean words and foods included, along with explanation. I enjoyed the overall story. I do feel the last few chapters were rather rushed. I am glad everything didn’t go Jenny’s way as it’s more realistic. 3.5 stars

XOXO hit SO CLOSE to my fangirl/concert loving heart and I LOVED every second of it. I have been anticipating this book for so long and I am so happy that it was exactly what I was hoping it would be and more!!! It is just an all-around perfect contemporary romance for me. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned!!! It had my favorite troupe set in the beautiful city of Seoul and it was perfect in every way. If you are looking for something fun and light-hearted this summer, look no further. Easily one of my all time favorite books!! I need a sequel!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me copy of book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

XOXO is a cute and fun rom-com (and one that actually suits the genre branding!) with a fun premise that was incredibly well-executed.

While I’m not that into KPop, I’ve absorbed some of it by osmosis through my sister, who is a super fan, so I loved exploring this element of wish-fulfillment with romance between a KPop idol, Jaewoo and a cellist, Jenny, including some of the complications that dynamic can bring, such as him not being allowed to date. Overall, the romance is cute and made me smile.

I really liked Jenny and how she had clearly defined dreams to keep her focused, but she isn’t letting them define her life to the point of not seeing anything else. I thought it was nice to see a YA protagonist without that single-mindedness that one thing could derail everything they’ve built, and she allows herself to live her life and stumble sometimes.

I also really liked the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind seeing more of them. Sori and Nathaniel’s stories both feel unfinished, although they seem promising upon being introduced, and I hope there’s an opportunity for a sequel or spin-off about them.

I liked this book a lot, and how it evokes Korean pop culture, from exploring the ins and outs of KPop to feeling reminiscent in style to a K-Drama. If you like either or both, you’ll enjoy this book.

This book is exactly what you would expect from the summary. A trope-y and fun rom-com set against the backdrop of Korean school and kpop culture. All of the characters were very likable and come together into a nice little cast.

I did feel like the book moved past certain parts of the story very quickly and with not a lot of depth. There were some heavy themes worked into the plot that didn't really get explored, but perhaps this just wasnt the story for it. Regardless, very cute and completely satisfies as a sweet romance with a splash of kpop.

Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! If you’re into K-Pop, this is definitely a book for you. All the drama, romance, and music you could want, all packed into a lovely novel.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the way it presented the South Korean music scene. While they have gotten really big in the US, there’s a lot of information here about how groups get chosen, how competitive it can be. And how controlling they are of their images. These are all things the characters struggle with, and it felt realistic and relatable, even if you’re not trying to be a famous pop star.

Throughout, the characters also felt really fleshed out, even the side ones. The little group that Jenny finds while she’s in South Korea encourages her to get out and try new things, experiencing more life than she did when she was living in LA. They’re just a great group of friends, and their chemistry helps to make the book.

And the chemistry between Jenny and Jaewoo! It played out so well throughout the book, merging well with the plot line. You’re truly rooting for them by the end of the book, and the romance didn’t feel like it was too over the top.

All in all, if you’re looking for a great romance to read while you’re on the beach this July, definitely be sure to check this one out!

Raw, honest, and heart-achingly sweet, Axie Oh paints a stunning portrait of Korea in Jenny Go, aspiring cellist and first-generation Korean-American in XOXO. Heart set on perfection, Jenny’s fierce drive to succeed, honed to a sharp point by her practical, unflinching mother, has stunted her creativity, leaving her at a loss when she comes first place in a competition but is met with a scathing review: “While Jenny is a talented violoncellist, proficient in all the technical elements of music, she lacks the spark that would take her from perfectly trained to extraordinary.”

Determined to make a difference, but unsure how to improve, Jenny turns toward the practical: research and lesson plans, but takes a different approach when her Uncle Jay offers a few words of wisdom: live in the moment. With no room for friendships or fun, Jenny steps outside of her comfort zone when a patron her age refuses to leave Uncle Jay’s noraebang. What unfolds thereafter is a swoon-worthy romance, undeniably sweet yet dramatic, building off of the forbidden love trope thanks to societal expectations: on Korean idol groups, immigrant and diaspora children, and college-age teens.

When Jenny’s mother books a trip to Seoul to assist halmeoni, her estranged maternal grandmother, Jenny jumps at the opportunity. Initially meant to stay behind to focus on schoolwork and music, Jenny preservers, effectively convincing her mother to allow her to attend Seoul Arts Academy for six months.

Unbeknownst to her, Jenny’s decision to live in the moment will spark the creativity and emotion she longs for, setting her on a path toward love with a Korean idol, Bae Jaewoo – the very same boy she invited on a one-night, whirlwind adventure through LA’s Koreatown after a karaoke battle in Uncle Jay’s noraebang – who turns out to be the lead vocalist of XOXO, class president, and upstanding student at Seoul Arts Academy.

As Jenny navigates love, life and everything in-between, juggling her career aspirations with budding relationships, including her charming secret romance with Jaewoo, Oh deftly uncovers the stressors placed on teens with too much responsibility. Teens with packed schedules will no doubt relate to Jenny’s plight, as will adults who have been in her shoes, too focused on perfection to find balance amidst the chaos of classes, assignments and college admissions while attempting to balance relationships, romantic and platonic. Torn between need and want, the idea of responsibility looms behind every decision that Jenny (and Jaewoo) make, complicating their relationship in a way that feels all too realistic.

What her mother doesn’t know can’t hurt her, however, including a sleepaway class trip to the mountains, heated kisses in custodial rooms, impromptu trips to XOXO recording sessions, backstage passes to a popular idol group, and secrets dates – to a gorgeous rooftop park, a hidden movie theater and beyond – all of which spark that missing something: emotion, confidence, and above all, passion, triggered by unforgettable memories, close friends, and found family.

While XOXO seems to fly by at times, blowing through almost an entire year of Jenny’s life in the span of 352 pages, Oh deftly navigates the pressure placed upon teens to succeed at the cost of their own happiness, often at the hands of well-meaning parents. In Jaewoo and Jenny, Oh paints the portrait of the perfect K-drama, pairing just the right amount of sweetness with charm to create an unforgettable (and heart-breaking) romance. Inspiring and hopeful, XOXO is a love letter to Korean culture and food – an exploration of identity, desire and familial obligation that breaks down boundaries while uplifting platonic relationships.

XOXO is a tender exploration of forbidden love set against the backdrop of an elite arts school in Seoul. The romance between Jenny and Jaewoo was sweet and full of vulnerability as they fight for what they want and believe in. The darker side of idol life in which privacy does not exist and romantic relationships are taboo was also thoughtfully explored. Those who are familiar with kpop as an industry will see familiar elements from there as well as kdrama vibes.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the many friendships that Jenny developed with the various XOXO members and her classmates at Seoul Arts Academy. There was playful teasing but also loving support, and a surprising twist where Jenny and her roommate, Sori, become friends despite a rocky start to their acquaintance and misogynistic attacks on Sori. The intergenerational tensions between Jenny, her mother, and her grandmother were also bittersweet, though I wish they had been explored in more depth.

I absolutely loved this story. Axie Oh did such a fantastic job on developing every single character we met in this book. I loved the way that she portrayed love, not only between the characters but also how she portrayed love between family, friends and most importantly yourself. Jenny knew what she wanted and you could easily feel yourself in her shoes as she was reading. Jenny did read slightly mature but that makes sense because of how well the mother and their relationship was developed, plus she was applying to music school which i thought was such a fabulous time to write about because I feel like we don't typically see the whole stress of applying to college as well as her falling in love and dealing with the mess of that and friendship and a strained relationship. I also loved the small remarks that are made about her korean, because as an immigrant who can still speak fluently but have the reading ability of a small child i related to it a lot. Overall i flew through this book and had a great laugh and shed some tears, i give this book a 4.5 because it did get a little predictable at times but that might be because I watch so many K-dramas already. I cannot wait to read more by this author

Jenny knew what she wanted, and she knew what she had to do to achieve her future as a classical cellist. After moving to South Korea, she was reunited with the boy she spent one magical night with in LA. Would Jenny be able to balance her obligations to everyone without giving up what her heart desires?

• Pro: The whole one-amazing-night and then the universe brings them back together is a thing I love, and Oh had it play out perfectly in this book.
• Pro: There is nothing I adore more than traveling via a book and taking this trip to South Korea was fantastic. Oh did a great job taking me on a bit of a tour, but the food descriptions were incredible. I was salivating.
• Pro: These characters had so much talent, commitment, and ambition. I admired how hard they worked. I am seeing more and more K-Pop inspired books, and that is an interesting world. The demands are unreal.
• Pro: My heart filled with joy seeing Jenny's loneliness fade when she moved to South Korea. She formed fantastic friendships, grew closer to her grandmother, and fell in love.
• Pro: I touched upon the friendships Jenny formed, but the bromance between the XOXO boys was fabulous as well. The reconciliation within her own family was really touching too.
• Pro: The romance was precious and had me grinning like a fool. Jenny and Jaewoo were perfect together. I felt all those first love vibes and couldn't get enough of this adorable couple.

Overall: This book was the perfect combination of all things I love. It was such a pleasure accompanying Jenny on this adventure as she recaptured her spark. He story captured my interest and my heart.

This is a cute and fun YA romance, as well as a bit of "finding out who I am" story with lots of K-Pop references. I didn't know much about K-Pop but learned a ton about the terminology and journey to become a K-Pop star through the story of this book. I was still able to enjoy it, even without that background knowledge. The insta-love was a bit strong in the beginning, even for someone who usually loves that trope. I just felt like I wanted more rapport or evidence as to WHY, rather than being told there's a magical connection. However, the process of watching Jenny make friends, connect with her grandmother, and develop her relationship with Jaewoo over the story made up for the beginning. In fact, Jenny's new friendships to me are even better than the romance!

Thank you to HarperTeen and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars!

This is probably closer to a solid 4 star for me, but because I think this book crushed it out of the park for the intended YA audience, I’m rounding this up to a 5-star read! You guys…this was adorable! I picked up this book for many reasons. One was the cover is cute and the blurb sounded like something I would enjoy. I also was hoping to find a book that I *wanted* to read that started with the letter X for a reading challenge, and this sounded like it would be a good time, but I was incredibly surprised by how much I loved this book. XOXO is the book you should read if you are looking for something to make you happy. I read this through Netgalley and have already preordered a copy for myself!

This book follows a Korean American girl named Jenny Go. She is wanting to become a famous cellist, but after performing at a music competition, the judges say she needs more “spark” when she’s performing. That very same day, she meets a boy named Jaewoo at her uncle’s karaoke bar and they spend the entire evening singing, dancing, eating, and visiting a Korean Festival together. But suddenly, Jaewoo is taken away in a van by some friends and she doesn’t hear from him again. That is until she runs into him at a school in Korea a few months later. Jenny and her mom decided to move back to Korea for a while to help with her grandma, and while attending school, Jenny finds out that Jaewoo is a famous K-pop member. She wants nothing more than to start up a relationship with him, but his group can’t handle a relationship scandal.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jenny. Maybe it’s because I was a music major myself, but I loved that she had such a passion for performing, and I especially loved that her friends and Jaewoo were supportive of her dreams and if anything helped her find the “spark” she was missing at her first audition. The side characters in this book were so well done! At first when I was introduced to Soni’s character, I thought, ‘oh no…another girl hating on girls trope.” But I was so wrong! This friendship became so sweet and by the end, I was cheering for Jenny and Soni just as much as I was for Jenny and Jaewoo. I loved the friendships in this book! To be honest, I hope there is a sequel or spin off book that follows Soni and Nathanial. I would immediately pre-order that and drop everything to read it if something like that ever came out!

It was refreshing reading a book that follows a female character that wanted to see her dreams through all the way to the end. I think a lot of 17-18 year old girls will be able to relate to Jenny. She was trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, and still try to find time for friends, a boyfriend, school, and her dreams. Jenny was trying to make decisions on her own but was also struggling to find her voice when mom had different plans and ideas for Jenny’s future.

*Possible Spoiler Ahead*-

I don’t want to give anything away or spoil anything, but I personally thought the ending was as perfect to a happy ending you could get and still allow both characters to follow their dreams, and still be together. Neither of them had to give up on something important to them, and both of them were supportive of each other.

I did feel like the ending was a little rushed, and because this book was so close to perfect, the rushed ending seemed more out of place with pacing compared to the rest of the book. It was still very good, but I wish there a little bit more…possibly an epilogue that showed Jaewoo helping Jenny move into her dorm or visiting Jenny in NYC during break or attending one of her concerts; just something (really anything) that showed the reader that he went out of the way to make her feel important in his life instead of just one line about her visiting Korea over the summer. I would have especially loved if the epilogue was simply a newspaper article with the headline “Famous K-Pop Star smitten with talented cellist” and have the article describing the couple having a wonderful time out on the town and being spotted with a group of friends at a karaoke bar LA. The rushed ending was just a tiny part of the book, so overall, I still very much loved it!

I would recommend this to every single one of my high school readers who enjoys light, sweet romances and contemporary books! I’m so far beyond the target range; plus, I don’t know anything about K-pop or K-dramas, and I still LOVED this book! If an old mom can love this book, I 100% know that the intended audience of 15-18 year old’s will DEVOUR this book!