#BookReview: XOXO (XOXO, #1) by Axie Oh

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.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 1 Star
My Review: I did not realize this was a teen novel, and it lost me immediately. I DNF’d at about 20% in, and I couldn’t seem to get behind the main character Jenny. The author very quickly makes a huge plot point about moving across the world in a span of a chapter, but has a karaoke meet cute last for like 3. Make it make sense.

Review

“A dreamy dose of K-pop idols and secret romances.”  
— Maurene Goo, author of Somewhere Only We Know

“With fun K-drama vibes, XOXO delivers a lot of heart and warmth in its protagonist who stays true to herself to the very end.” — Lyla Lee, author of I’ll Be the One 

“When it was over, I immediately wanted to read it for the first time again.” — Kasie West, author of The Fill-In Boyfriend

“Simply put, this book made me happy. I guess you could say . . . I’m just a big fan.” — Emery Lord, author of The Map from Here to There

“A handwritten letter to falling in love and opening yourself up to the world. A delicious treat!” — Aminah Mae Safi, author of Tell Me How You Really Feel

 “A feel-good, page-turning, swoony read!” — Gloria Chao, author of American Panda and Rent a Boyfriend 

“A sparkling story of self-discovery—I was utterly charmed.” — Sarah Kuhn,  author of I Love You So Mochi

“An utterly delightful love song dedicated to the intersection between dreams and romance."
— Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running with Lions

“Immensely fun, funny, and romantic.”  — Emma Mills, author of Lucky Caller and First & Then

"K-pop helps a cellist develop musically and emotionally in this novel filled with humor and theatrics. Themes of responsibility, regret, and reconciliation weave through the intergenerational dynamics in Jenny’s family, adding dimension and depth." — Kirkus Reviews

"Oh’s narrative reaches an enjoyable clip that is both accessible to readers unfamiliar with K-pop and pleasing for fans of K-dramas as well as anyone who enjoys a breezy contemporary romance." — Publishers Weekly

"This book was pure joy to read. If you're looking for a lighthearted, fresh, and fun romance, Oh's latest is absolutely for you" — Buzzfeed

"Jenny's journey is never defined by her love story but instead pushed forward by stolen moments that will make romance fans swoon. At its core, this is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that will remind readers love for a friend, family, your art, and a partner can all find space in your heart." — Booklist

"Narrator Greta Jung creates a world of voices that easily draws readers in and makes them feel each character’s uniqueness. A must-buy on audio to recommend to K-pop fans and also to readers who enjoy a bit of drama in their love stories." — School Library Journal (starred review)

--This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Review

"K-pop helps a cellist develop musically and emotionally in this novel filled with humor and theatrics."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"  --This text refers to the audioCD edition.

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Posted in: 1 Star, HarperTeen, Review, Spellbindreads, Young Adult