Gloria Chao writes some of the sweetest, ooey gooiest YA rom-coms, her last being friends-to-lovers romance When You Wish Upon a Lantern. Her forthcoming novel goes the complete opposite direction, bringing on the witty banter and hate goggles in an enemies-to-lovers adventure. Ex Marks the Spot follows FMC Gemma and her ex-boyfriend/rival Xander as they travel to Taiwan to solve the puzzles her late grandfather left her. Puzzles that could possibly lead to an inheritance she desperately needs for college tuition.
Gemma is super reluctant to work with Xander, especially with their history, but even more so when she discovers that their grandfathers supposedly had a hostile history too. There are many secrets their families have kept from them, and the only way to unbury the truth is to unbury whatever treasure is waiting for them. Gemma is a serious, no-nonsense kind of girl, but with the help of Xander and the other students on this trip, she starts to see the beauty in slowing down. In stopping to smell the Niu Rou Mian. In just having fun. And with every step — every puzzle, clue, destination — she learns so much about her tragic family past… and about the boy she thought she hated.
I always enjoy the lively Asian culture in Gloria’s books, but it’s more fresh and exciting here, since Gemma is only now getting the chance to connect with her heritage. She’s seeing everything in a new light, and it definitely sings the theme of new beginnings. I loved how she gradually lowered her walls for Xander — their partnership was as cute as expected, full of cheesy puns and silly nicknames. A little too much cheesiness at times, but eh, I like my dorky couples. What did bother me was the kinda-sorta love triangle. It didn’t really go anywhere and didn’t need to be in the book, but it also didn’t take away from the charming romance. Nothing could take away from Gemma’s eye rolls and Xander’s smirks.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Ex Marks the Spot will be released on December 31.
Sara Bechtol 