About the Book:

Title: XOXO 

Author: Axie Oh

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Pages: 352 

Genre: YA Contemporary, YA Romance 

Synopsis:

Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the kind of boy who would uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.

Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world—and he’s strictly forbidden from dating.

When a relationship means throwing Jenny’s life off the path she’s spent years mapping out, she’ll have to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love. 

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This book was adorable and I absolutely loved it! I devoured this one in a day, as I couldn’t put it down. It was exactly what I was hoping for in Axie’s first contemporary. I hope she writes more in this genre, I need more!

Jenny is a cello prodigy, and her main goal in life is to get into a prestigious music conservatory. One night while working at her Uncle Jay’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, she meets a very cute and mysterious boy, Jaewoo. She feels he’s the kind of boy that could change her life forever. For one night, she steps out of her comfort zone and has an amazing adventure with Jaewoo, who winds up completely disappearing.

A few months later, Jenny finds herself in South Korea with her mother to take care of her sick grandmother. She is shocked to find out that Jaewoo attends the same elite arts academy that she’s enrolled in for the semester. She also finds out that he’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world, and he’s forbidden from dating.

Jenny goes on an unforgettable adventure. When a relationship means throwing off all her carefully laid out plans, she must decide how far she’ll go for love.

XOXO is a really fun read, and it has a sweet romance, some amazing friendships, and some wonderful family moments between Jenny and her mom and grandmother. If you want something that gives you all the warm fuzzies and happy tears, this one is for you!

About the Author:

Axie Oh is a first generation Korean American, born in NYC and raised in New Jersey. She studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California – San Diego and holds an MFA from Lesley University in Writing for Young People. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her puppy, Toro.