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.

Ex Marks the Spot takes readers on the journey of a lifetime with a lovably naive young character. It combines challenging puzzles and vibrant cultural touches with romance, mystery, and a whole lot of family drama for a read that’s fun-filled and entirely satisfying.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

Before I start my review on this amazing book, I’d like to thank NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read the arc.

4.7 ⭐️

I read this a couple days ago and it’s all I think about. I loved the portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship and Gemma’s struggle after graduation. The embarrassing, heartfelt, and upsetting moments made me feel like I was in the room with them. I never got bored reading it because of how fast-paced it was! The plot twists and clues kept me on the edge of my seat with the adventure she went on to learn about her late grandfather.

As the story progresses, we meet Xander, her ex-boyfriend who got on Gemma’s every nerve but as they inevitably worked together on the puzzles, she realizes she might not be the only one who regrets the breakup. I love that he teaches her to have fun and appreciate everything around her. She learns that she does not need to handle all the burdens of her life by herself and that she can have the freedom to embrace her inner child, which was unfortunately taken away at a young age. The tension between Gemma and Xander was amazing and the ending was everything I could ask for between them! If you loved The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, then this is perfect for you!

This book includes:
Rivals to Lovers
Adventure
Mystery
Rom-com
Plot Twists
and much more!

Gloria has never disappointed me and I think this may be my favorite book of hers yet. What a wonderful was to end 2024. Heart warming, touching, family dynamics, learning who you are in this world...It had everything. Absolutely stunning

4.25 stars

A heartfelt story about both connecting with your roots and treasuring the family you have built. Gemma has always felt disconnected from her Taiwanese heritage because of her single mom’s insistence that they adapt to American ways and customs, which left her feeling like she wasn’t Chinese enough or American enough for either culture. She also has long felt a sense of competition with and resentment towards her former friend/boyfriend Xander, who seems like he has the perfect family, a connection to his heritage, and an easy path in life, which he takes for granted. Of course, things aren’t always what they seem, and while following the puzzles the grandpa she never met left for her in his will, Gemma and Xander learn more about both themselves and their grandfathers’ pasts, and also experience a change in attitude about how they can look towards their futures.

I’m not a big fan of miscommunication in general, so I lot of Gemma and Xander’s conflict was frustrating to me, but I realize other people’s words and actions can be hard to interpret, especially when you’re a teenager, and one on the autism spectrum, which I suspect Gemma is. <spoiler>I feel so bad for both kids in this situation. They spent 3+ years apart because Gemma assumed a fight meant their relationship was over (I’m assuming based on what she’d seen from her mother’s relationship with her family and others), and Xander assumed it was just a fight they’d get over, and didn’t realize how badly Gemma was hurt. After that point, everything was misinterpreted: what Xander thought were olive branches being ignored or pushed aside, Gemma thought were pointed attacks she was doing her best to weather. I’m so glad they were able to finally be truthful and honest with one another, because they are clearly both happier that way.</spoiler>

The conversation the TARP kids have about their grandparents was really fascinating - it’s so true that when we’re young, we often don’t think of our parents or grandparents as distinct people with lives and histories of their own. So often, we don’t get the chance to know them as humans before they’re gone, so it’s important to treasure those connections when we can - provided they are loving and uplifting. It was really special getting to know Gemma’s Gong Gong throughout their treasure hunt journey, and seeing how much he cared about those around him and regretted some of his past decisions. I’ve been to some of these places in Taiwan and can picture the beauty and serenity of them, particularly Sun Moon Lake. <spoiler>I’m so glad that Gong Gong was able to be as truthful as he could be about his life and his past, even though he felt like it had to wait until after his death to be revealed.</spoiler>

I think my biggest frustration with the characters in this book was with Gemma’s mom. She is clearly a loving, caring, hardworking person, but I believe she made a mistake when she kept Gemma from her heritage and her grandfather, and that was hard to see. No one is perfect, though, and she does acknowledge the error eventually and regret it, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Luckily Gemma grows to the point that she can confront her mom and discuss their feelings openly, repairing and strengthening their relationship instead of allowing hurt and resentment to fester and separate them.

There’s also an interesting discussion about legacy - does it matter if your name lives beyond you? What if you are an artist? Is it enough if your art is recognized as brilliant if no one knows that you are the creator?

All in all, this is definitely one I would recommend, especially to young adults and others who are interested in stories about the children of immigrants, reconnecting with lost heritage, and found family.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this ebook for review purposes.

I only made it to page 120 before I decided I just couldn’t finish it. The writing was good and I loved all the cultural references included but I just couldn’t get into the story. The main character came across a little whiny and the puzzles that Gong Gong put together just seemed really far fetched.

In this enemies-to-lovers treasure hunt adventure across the globe, Gemma learns about the meaning of family and what she is truly capable of.

The relationship between Xander and Gemma was believable, relatable, sweet, iluminating, and the slow burn I needed in my life. I love that the story was not centered around the romantic aspects, but they were like a delicious sidedish.

The settings were vibrant and picturesque, and I loved how much I learned about Taipei! The author put special "easter egg"places and dishes that are special memories with her parents and their home. This fact made me love the story even more than I already did.

The scavenger hunt aspects were fun! The clues and puzzles were clever! Even the title of this book is more clever than you might first think.

And that cover! Those colors are stunning, and the artist captured the essence of Gemma and Xander to a T.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the Advanced Reader Copy!

"Ex Marks the Spot" follows recent high school graduate Gemma Sun just as her summer vacation before heading off to college starts. She has everything figured out; she is going to find a summer job to help her single mother pay her pricey college tuition when one day she opens the door and meets a lawyer who says that her grandfather passed away... but Gemma was always told that her grandfather died years ago! After taking the will and a mysterious clue to a supposed scavenger hunt for his inheritance, Gemma embarks on an adventure in Taiwan to not only find the treasure at the end but also learn more about the grandfather she never knew she had! The catch? She needs the help of her nemesis, her charming ex-boyfriend!

Admittedly, I thought this book would be full of corny "I hate my ex but I still love him" tropes and solely focus on trying to rekindle the romance. However, I was wrong! The book was more about Gemma's connection to her culture and her drive to learn more about her estranged family which I felt was the much stronger part of the narrative. While I am not of Asian descent, I resonated a lot with Gemma's longing to feel more connected to her family's cultural identity. Many of the realizations Gemma had about herself and her ties to her family and culture almost moved me to tears multiple times! I personally loved learning more about Taiwanese culture and places mainly because of how well Gloria Chao wrote them! I could really envision all the places Gemma visited and could feel how much heart Gloria put into describing them. Also, despite how hesitant I was about the romance portions, I did enjoy them. Nothing felt too forced or rushed; everything made sense to where Gemma was emotionally in the book. The multiple twists in the scavenger hunt and the grandfather's past really threw me for a loop, and I enjoyed it! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

"Ex Marks the Spot" is truly a one-of-a-kind book. It has so much heart and soul, and the way Gloria Chao crafted this whirlwind story about a young girl trying to find her place in the world after everything she knows gets thrown out the window is spectacular. To see how far Gemma has grown in the epilogue of the book is so heartwarming!

I fell in love with this premise. I wanted something adventurous, something that would pull me into another culture. While I could wish there was more cultural references and scenes besides food, I do understand. This was more about her grandfather and the inheritance he may have left behind ( not to mention the drama between Xander and Gemma's families).

The main characters were relatable and interesting, I loved their interactions even when they were at odds. Sometimes things aren't always how they seem- take the big family mystery, and why Gemma's grandfather felt the need to start the treasure hunt. Slowly letting her understand his culture, and his life, he led her to understand herself and her past better as well. I thought that was a sweet if melodramatic way of doing things (seriously, just call your daughter and say you were a stubborn mule). I loved the other characters as well, including the TARP members.

Let's talk about Xander. He was always pushed by his family, especially his mother. He knew she hated Gemma's family, and why, but he couldn't let her go. Unfortunately, a joke gone wrong in middle school made her let him go. He needed answers as to why, needed to understand and maybe get some sort of relationship back. If needling her into letting him go on a treasure hunt was the only way... well, he'd make it happen. Even when I thought he was being immature and a jerk, I kind of loved him. The love story is really sweet.

I really enjoyed this book with it's intrigue and food references that made me want to eat everything. It was a fun, fast read. For me it was a four star book.

★★★★

As far as adult content goes, there's some language and flirting. It's all very tame and I would recommend this for any age.

Thank you Viking Books and Gloria Chao for an advanced copy of this book

This was such a heartwarming, fun read. The journey she goes on the find connect to her roots is definitely one this in the Asian diaspora can relate to. I thought the amazing race type game her gong gong set up for her was so fun and sweet.

Also I loved the growth between Gemma and Xander. I really enjoyed that the plot was not driven by romance, but that romance was made possible after Gemma going on this journey to connect to her gong gong.

Would definitely recommend if you love a good wholesome ya romance with cultural ties.

This was an adventure filled with banter and adventure while exploring family history and complicated relationships. Gemma and Xander's snark was so much fun, and as someone with a rudimentary understanding of my ancestral language, I really loved that Gemma muddles her way through fragments of Mandarin. It absolutely made me feel seen and reminded me that I need to pick up my workbooks again! I also really enjoyed the elements of the treasure hunt and uncovering the story of Gemma and Xander's grandfathers. It hit me in a way that I didn't quite expect, and was a wonderful reminder to take the time to appreciate the beauty of life.

A second chance romance featuring a treasure hunt that may just lead to the inheritance of a lifetime.

Gemma has always been able to rely on her mother for everything and would never have once considered that she was hiding secrets from her. That is, until a strange man comes to her house telling her that her grandfather died several weeks ago. This wouldn't be shocking, except that her mother told Gemma her grandfather died long before she was born. And what's more, Gemma's grandfather has left her a series of riddles that may lead to his inheritance, which could solve many of Gemma's financial struggles. Unfortunately, in order to pursue this treasure hunt, Gemma has to find a way to make it to Taiwan, the country in which her grandfather lived his entire life. With no other option, Gemma has to beg her ex-boyfriend Xander for help and the two set off on the adventure of their wildest dreams. Gemma is reluctant to work with him, but she quickly begins to remember all the reasons that she used to like Xander so much.

This is second chance romance like it is meant to be! I don't think I've read many YA second chance romances, and I thought that this was a really refreshing take. I mean, when you date as fourteen-year-olds, so much changes in the four short years that is high school. I thought it was fun to see Xander try to charm Gemma as she tried to keep her grudge alive (I must say, this didn't work out very well for her *laughs*).

Any story that acknowledges subjects such as connecting to one's ancestors, culture, and feeling like one is living on the border between two worlds are stories for me. I love diving into cultures that are different than mine, so traveling across the world to Taiwan was super fun and enlightening. Seeing Gemma struggle with speaking Mandarin and not being familiar with the food and the traditions due to her mother assimilating to American society was a tad disappointing to see, but it was nice seeing her reconnect with her culture and other young people that grew up in similar boats to her. Gemma connecting with her deceased grandfather was also really sweet, and I honestly didn't see how Xander's family tied into it all, which had me pleasantly surprise.

The mystery aspect of this book was probably the weakest link for me, but it was still fun to see Gemma and Xander solve puzzles and riddles in a matter of moments. Some people are truly built for these things, and it was great seeing them light up as they worked on cracking the code and learning more about the secrets that connect their two families.

My favorite part of this book is Xander. He is super smart, charismatic, and a bit impulsive, but I could tell from the get-go that he was a super sweet boy and that once we got to see the softer side of him, I would fall in love with him as a character. His sense of humor clicked with me, so I found his interactions with Gemma to be real amusing. I was practically begging Gemma to just give in already and stop holding on to the grudge she held for him. And I practically squealed when Gemma was forced to bring him into her treasure hunting. I was so ready for it, and I was not disappointed by the many scenes that they shared afterwards.

Overall, "Ex Marks the Spot" is a super cute second chance romance that features a treasure hunt that takes the reader all across Taiwan. I really enjoyed Gemma and Xander; they are super smart, witty, and their banter is top notch. The themes covered in this book include connecting with one's family, walking the border between two cultures, and prioritizing what's important in life. I'm glad that I was able to get my hands on this one; I really love how the second chance romance was approached, and I truly had a blast reading it. I will definitely be recommending this one!