⋆.˚✮ 3 stars ✮˚.⋆

⤿ Thank you to Penguin Teen and Razorbill for the advanced copy through netgalley and a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!

this was an eagerly anticipated release for me this year because I adored Gloria Chao's other recently released novel When You Wish Upon a Lantern. unfortunately, this book didn't have the same magic for me personally that was present in the other novel, but my three-star rating is because while I didn't love it, I know that there are people out there it will connect with wholeheartedly.

for their whole lives, Gemma and her mom have been a team against the world, she knows her grandparents and links to her Taiwanese culture are dead - until a lawyer shows up trying to enact her grandfather's will. he's left her a hunt to what she hopes is an inheritance, but the biggest problem is she has to travel to Taiwan and the only way she can go is through an exchange program run by her archnemesis and ex-boyfriend Xander. as she begins this trip and uncovers the clues her grandfather has left for her, she starts to think that the hunt isn't about the inheritance, but the new experiences with her culture she has along the way.

first and foremost, I am not of Taiwanese background so it was fun to explore some aspects of this culture that I had never heard of before. especially the sights and places in Taiwan the characters went as a group, and especially the food descriptions. i mean, yum!! that being said, it was hard for me to connect with some of the puzzles as I just did not understand the language, and despite the attempted descriptions of how it worked, the logistics. I love learning languages, I'm a Spanish minor myself, but for some reason, it wasn't clicking with me. this just made it harder to feel invested within the hunt itself, but this was probably entirely a me thing, and people who can appreciate and understand the language I bet will adore the puzzles.

there were times when this book dragged for me in terms of plot. while I did really enjoy getting to learn about the places in Taiwan, the hunt just wasn't as exciting or fast-paced as I hoped it would be. there were also some things that Xander and Gemma had to do during the hunt that were just, straight-up illegal and could have gotten them in major trouble. this is explained later - but it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth in the moment and left me detached from the story.

and the romance, ugh I wanted to love the romance so bad. I'm not always a fan of second-chance I will admit but enemies to lovers is my favorite (in this case rivals to lovers). Gemma was okay as a main character, she was a bit abrasive but I understood where she was coming from. Xander though, I just found him annoying for half the book if I'm being honest. their "banter" was more rude and cruel than anything for a lot of the story, and I just wish I had been able to feel more of a spark.

overall not the book I wanted it to be, but I will for sure continue to pick up Gloria Chao's books!

↬ trigger warnings: depictions of grief, death of a family member, parental abandonment, homophobia

This was absolutely adorable! I loved how Gemma is open about her frustration with the gaps in her knowledge about her cultural heritage, something that all first-generation American South Asian kids struggle with on some level. The romantic elements and the treasure hunt she goes on are balanced well with each other, and although there were some moments in the romance that felt a little too corny they fit the overall novel. The end feels like it got wrapped up a little too quickly, but, again, for the genre makes sense.

Gemma and Xander were both well-rounded characters, and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a fun, breezy YA romance with the perfect dose of culture and travel.

All her life, it has just been Gemma Chan and her mother. Until, on the eve of her high school graduation, Gemma receives an inheritance from her estranged grandfather, who she never knew. This leads her on a treasure hunt all the back to his home in Taiwan. Along the way, Gemma reluctantly teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Xander Pan, who is seemingly perfect in every way Gemma isn’t. Together, they unravel clues that soon illuminate light on their shared family history and Gemma learns more about her cultural roots and herself in the process.

I love the idea of an inheritance treasure hunt and Gloria Chao does a great job tying each clue to aspects of Gemma’s Taiwanese heritage and her grandfather. The vibes are giving YA National Treasure mixed with The Inheritance Games. There were some aspects of the treasure hunt that seemed slightly unbelievable to me, but nonetheless I enjoyed each step of the journey. I thought Chao’s depiction of Gemma’s own issues with her Taiwanese-American identity were really well done and the depiction of assimilation, with its good and bad, were really important to explore especially in a young adult novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for an ARC!

This book was super cute! I really had a great time reading it.

The novel follows the two main characters who go on a group trip to Taiwan, where they solve riddles and clues to find Gemma's inheritance. I really loved watching them explore their past and gain appreciation for their culture and families. There was a plot twist about 60% in that I never expected, but I think that made the mystery aspect more interesting for me.

If you loved:
- First Love Language by Stefany Valentine
- Loveboat Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
- Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker
- A Show For Two by Tashie Bhuiyan
- Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
- A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
- Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
- Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali

You will love Ex Marks the Spot!!

I had lots of fun with this novel! It was a sweet rivals to lovers that was a quick read. Loved the setting of Taiwan and wish there was a bit more focus on the culture. Was really looking forward to the treasure hunt, but the puzzles were a bit too confusing and convoluted for me.

Hands down, one of the cutest books ever. Gemma and Xander... Oh what do I tell you guys, you are so much more than what your circumstances are asking you to become. The whole idea of treasure hunt was bang on because now I desperately want to go to Taiwan. Not to mention, it was refreshing to see so many cultural references about stuff that goes on in Asian households. But most of all, I got super emotional with the whole 'discovering your past' and Gemma exploring her grandfather's story. It's so.... Heartbreaking and at the same time so full of how humans are. You make mistakes, you love, you feel despair, but you still never stop loving. That's wonderful and I urge everyone to read this one!!!

DNF @46%

This wasn't for me. It was slow and boring and I didn't like or care about the two main characters.

So excited I get to review this in the overlap between the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day seasons!

Gemma Sun is the perfect straight-A student. Hard-working and straitlaced to a fault, she's always wanted to cause minimal trouble for her own mother Jean, who had her young and without family support. For as long as Gemma can remember, it's always been her and her mom against the world. If she ever wishes that she had a bigger family to rely on and stronger ties to her Taiwanese roots, she rarely brings these issues up to her mother, if at all. The most important thing is getting good grades so that she can make a better life for the both of them.

So it's with chagrin that Gemma has to share her high school valedictorian spot with Xander Pan, the boy who broke her heart in 9th grade. He changed his name from Alex to something cooler, and made it his life's mission to be goofy and popular. Gemma misses the sweet boy she would share puzzles with, but after he wrecked an important assignment for them in his pursuit of fun, she knew it was over. Ever since, he's been her sworn enemy: not that it ever seems like he notices.

When Gemma gets word immediately after graduation that her grandfather died and potentially left her an inheritance, she's intrigued. Her mom doesn't talk about her grandfather, saying only that he was cold, distant and never supported them. With college bills weighing on her, Gemma meets with the lawyer and discovers that her grandfather left her a puzzle to solve, one that will hopefully have a lucrative treasure at the end.

Trouble is, the puzzle requires her to travel to Taiwan. The only way she can afford to go is by tagging along on the next Taiwanese American Roots Pursuit trip, one organized by none other than Xander himself. Swallowing her pride, Gemma begs to be included. To her surprise, a last-minute cancellation means that she's in!

Getting there is only half the battle tho. Due to her mother's determination to assimilate, Gemma knows practically nothing of Taiwanese language or culture. Xander offers to help, but can she really trust him after his 9th grade betrayal? Plus, their families have historically been enemies...

This was such a satisfying Young Adult romance, that beautifully incorporates puzzles into its exploration of Taiwan. As a puzzle enthusiast myself, I really enjoyed following along as the steps took us through the beauty of Taipei and beyond, even if my knowledge of Mandarin is about as rudimentary as Gemma's. Gloria Chao does an amazing job of describing not only the sights but also the tastes of Taiwan. In her afterword, she mentions how this is the book that made her hungriest while writing, and I can see why!

I also enjoyed the fact that these kids act like teenagers and grow into increased maturity as the book goes along. The enemies-to-lovers trope was really nicely handled too. But what really got to me in these pages was the examination of the different ways in which Asian immigrants to America deal with assimilation, and how that impacts their children and grandchildren. Jean rebels against her father's strictness by refusing to be anything but American, which leaves Gemma feeling loved but understandably unfulfilled. Her trip to Taiwan is thus cathartic in many ways, and solves generations of mysteries for both her family and Xander's.

Definitely pick this up if you're into smart, intriguing puzzles; exploring Taiwan, and enjoying a sweet enemies-to-lovers romance. Also, Jacki Li's cover art perfectly captures everything great about this book. Recommended.

Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao was published December 31 2024 by Viking Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9780593692714">Bookshop!</a>

This review originally appeared at <a href="https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2025/02/13/ex-marks-the-spot-by-gloria-chao/">TheFrumiousConsortium.net</a>.

Free e-book, review is my own.

This was a cute young adult novel. Second chance, enemies to lovers, adventure and mystery. Gemma and Xander are enemies after a paper dog incident when they were 14. Now they are about to graduate and their feud seems insurmountable. Gemma needs to find a way to overcome it though because Xander runs TARP and TARP is heading to Taipei for cultural immersion. Its exactly what Gemma needs since she just discovered that she had a grandpa, that is wanting her to head to Taipei. Off on an adventure set up by her grandfather Gemma learns about her roots and how to embrace herself and those around her.

Gloria Chao's Ex Marks the Spot is an exhilarating and heartfelt adventure that will sweep readers off their feet. This thrilling rivals-to-lovers romance is set against the vibrant streets of Taiwan, offering a captivating blend of mystery, culture, and personal growth. Gemma’s journey to uncover her inheritance takes readers on a globe-spanning treasure hunt filled with puzzles and unexpected twists, all while uncovering the deep secrets of her family’s past. The dynamic between Gemma and her ex-rival, Xander, is both swoony and relatable, providing the perfect backdrop for their blossoming romance.

Chao’s rich storytelling shines through in this charming tale, with her intricate depiction of Taiwan’s lively culture and a plot that expertly balances adventure with emotional depth. Gemma’s quest not only helps her rediscover her heritage but also allows her to confront her past and forge new connections. Ex Marks the Spot is a delightful and heartwarming read, perfect for fans of romance and adventure, and a must-read for anyone looking for a story full of heart, mystery, and personal discovery.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

“Ex Marks the Spot” was so fun to read and get lost in! I loved many of the characters (especially Val and Trisha!), and I especially loved the author’s mouth-watering descriptions of the food and gorgeous landscapes in Taiwan. This Romeo and Juliet style story with feuding families is even more layered with the fact that the main character Gemma once dated her now biggest enemy Xander.

The whole story is a bit of a whirlwind with Gemma graduating high school, then finding out her grandfather just passed away and has left her a clue to a treasure hunt, and she must ask Xander for help her to get to Taiwan. It’s a coming-of-age story where Gemma finally uncovers many secrets of her family’s past and sees her future in a new light.

My only two small complaints were the abrupt end to the love triangle and the museum scene that felt unbelievable for a book set in modern times. Maybe things are different with security in Taiwan, but I doubt it. Otherwise, I was fully invested in this book and very much enjoyed solving the treasure hunt about as much as Gemma did.

Overall, there was so much to like about this book, that I highly recommend it for teens and young adults. It would be a great summer read with the summer break timeline, but the story is a good escape for any time of the year.

This was a delightful read that kept me interested, and had me finished with it in a matter of hours. I loved the character development, exploration of culture, romance, and the story of the two grandfathers. I did sometimes get overwhelmed by the pages of puzzle explanations and skimmed through them.

I was looking forward to another novel by Gloria Chao, but unfortunately, this one was not my favorite. I enjoyed the trip to Taiwan and the two main characters getting to know a bit more about their family and ancestors. I found Gemma unlikeable throughout most of the story and didn’t really feel like she grew or changed to give me anything redeeming by the end of the novel.

Stars: 4 for being as comfy and delicious as your favorite pajamas

My Thoughts:
This devour-worthy story has mystery, a great scavenger hunt and enough regret and drama to keep readers surprised. While Gemma always thought she had no family besides her mom, a surprise visit from a lawyer about an inheritance in Taiwan from her recently deceased grandfather puts her in a tailspin. Not only does she need the "inheritance" for her college, but she needs to figure out how to get to Taiwan. Of course her high school academic rival (and her ex) is running a summer program to Taiwan. Gemma must swallow her pride and dig up some pitiful story to get a spot on the Taiwan trip.

Gemma hates Xander, but luckily, Xander (Alex) does not hate her, so he uses his enormous charm with his family to accept her at the very last minute. The two teens were not ready for the "blood feud" type of resentment between Xander's mom towards Gemma's mom, but between Gemma's grandfather's riddles and Gemma's utter inability to speak anything but English, she has to learn to trust Xander and clue him in on what she is trying to do. She really is a fish out of water. Together, they travel around Taiwan and learn more about both of their grandfather's lives. The most interesting part of this book is not the romance between Xander and Gemma. That is inevitable. The real hook is the story of these two families. It is the misunderstandings, the hidden lives, the loss of relationships, and the understanding of a loved one even after they are gone.

From the Publisher:
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's just one major problem: 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's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Publication Information:
Author: Gloria Chao
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (December 31, 2024)
Paperback: 384 pages

This was a fun time. I really enjoyed following as Gemma solved each of the puzzles, and I would definitely recommend this to fans of The Inheritance Games. This is also a book about culture, family secrets, and finding oneself.

What really made this book stand out though was the setting. Gloria Chao really immerses you into the world and makes you feel like you're in Taiwan along with the characters. Definitely don't read this on an empty stomach, either, because there a lots of food descriptions that will have your mouth watering.

Why Did I Listen To Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao?
Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao really appealed to me because one, I’ve read almost all of Chao’s previous books — except for one. Two, because I love a good puzzle/treasure hunt. Also, I love second chance romances too. I went with audio because it is one of the easier ways for me to focus and really get through a book lately. Having previously devoured Chao’s books I knew Ex Marks The Spot would be a winner for me.

What’s The Story Here?
Ex Marks The Spot opens with Gemma graduating high school. It’s always just been her and her mom. She is looking forward to college and getting an education for a job that will provide economic stability. Gemma’s mom works really hard to provide and money is very tight. Gemma works hard at school but ends up not getting valedictorian. Instead, that goes to her rival Xander, who also used to be her boyfriend. He has life easy as his family has money. When Gemma’s estranged grandfather dies, he leaves behind a will that has a puzzle to unlock and so, Gemma goes to Taiwan to reconnect with her roots and to dive into her family history. There, she learns about a culture that she really has been kind of cut off from. She also starts to make new friends and while unraveling her grandfather’s past, teams up with Xander who helps her solve the puzzles and clues.

How Did I Like Ex Marks The Spot?
I found the audiobook of Ex Marks The Spot to be a really enjoyable lesson. It was easy for me to connect with Gemma – as she grew up very financially insecure. I felt a kinship with her for not having the financial resources of her peers. She’s very smart — but also thinks differently than others, she thinks in puzzles. I just love that part overall. I also loved learning about her grandfather’s secrets. There’s also the bond and romance that starts to form between her and Xander while in Taiwan which was also captivating. This is just a really good book. I think if you like The Inheritance Games, this is sort of in that vein, but also not quite. It stands on its own merits and as said, is quite a good listen.

How’s The Narration?
The audiobook of Ex Marks The Spot is narrated by Yu-Li Alice Shen. It is 9 hours and 1 minute. Of course I listened to this slightly sped up. I think this was the first audiobook I’ve listed to by Shen. I liked her narration — it was smooth, easy to listen to. Her voice added to Gemma’s character, I think. I didn’t find myself zoning out during Shen’s narration.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Gloria Chao, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gemma has only know life with just her and her mom. No one else. Not even any grandparents. She has always thought they were dead. One day though, a mysterious man shows up to tell her that her grandfather has passed away and gets a clue to lead her on a hunt for an inherit a fortune.
There's just one big problem, she has to go to Taiwan, where her grandfather lived and she has to ask her biggest rival, Xander for his help!
Soon though, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world ready for an adventure and money. While on her adventure though, Gemma realizes there may possibly be more to life than money. Will she even find love?


A very sweet enemies to lovers YA read! I loved the talk of food and culture. I also loved how Gemma found more of herself.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this one! I am not the best at writing reviews sometimes, but sometimes books take you by surprise and this one did just that. I got invested a few chapters in and couldn't put it done. It was so good! I highly recommend this one.

I really liked the way culture was shown in this book. I found it relatable how everyone had different experiences and struggles but shared a common heritage. The mystery/puzzle element was great. Gemma did annoy me sometimes but she got it together towards the end. The weaving of the past and present was magnificent. I’d definitely recommend this!

I have been wanting to read something fun and light after all the deep contemporary reads which I love, but my brain needs a break lol. When I heard about this book, I jumped on it right away.

This was a really fun Asian read with interloping themes of found family, uncovering past tangled connections, Asian roots and self discovery filled with my favourite part of the book - puzzles. My hyperactive brain loves puzzles to decode, so I loved every bit of the treasure hunt. (Yes there's one *wink*).

The biggest highlight in this book for me, was exploring Taiwan with its sights and foods along the way, reading about them, made me add Taiwan to my bucket list, especially sights of Yangmingshan and niu rou mian. Also, Daphne and Xander's 'enemies to lovers' trope angle was fun but also real to read.

Coming to layers, there were lovely layers. I could connect with Daphne right away with her struggle to take care of herself but also needing support to lighten her burdens. I have highlighted a few of my favourite quotes, so do slide the carousel along.

Kudos to the writer for bringing it all together. I enjoyed reading this one.

Book Recommendation - Hell Yeah.
Thanks to colorpagestour, penguinsteen and gloria chao for gifting me a free copy for an honest review.