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by Axie Oh ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 13, 2021

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

A driven young woman learns to balance expectations and priorities with heart and passion.

A vivid, comical scene of everyday life in Koreatown introduces narrator Jenny Jooyoung Go, a high school junior and classical cellist aiming for a top conservatory. While her single-minded focus yields technical perfection, competition judges deem Jenny lacking in soulful spark. Her Uncle Jay advises her to experience more of life and broaden her horizons. An opportunity soon beckons, and the plot unfolds like a minidrama amid the Los Angeles Korean Festival, launching Jenny and her new acquaintance, Jaewoo, on an accidental adventure that foreshadows romance. When her mom, a widowed immigration lawyer, needs to return to Seoul to care for her dying mother, Jenny negotiates to go along for her first visit to Korea. Attending Seoul Arts Academy, Jenny witnesses the institutional grooming of K-pop idols—including (surprise!) classmate Jaewoo, who, as it turns out, is popular band XOXO’s lead singer. She also shares in the student performers’ duty-bound lives: Behind the glamour, they are burdened with obligations to their communities that can require sacrifice of their personal happiness. Themes of responsibility, regret, and reconciliation weave through the intergenerational dynamics in Jenny’s family, adding dimension and depth. The author incorporates Korean honorifics to convey a conversational tone and signal dialogue occurring in both languages.

Pub Date: July 13, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-06-302499-1

Page Count: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Review Posted Online: May 16, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2021

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

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From the Aurelian Cycle series , Vol. 1

by Rosaria Munda ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 2019

Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes.

What happens to the world after the dust from a revolution has settled?

Friends Annie and Lee were children from very different circles when Atreus killed Lee’s father, dragonlord Leon Stormscourge, ending the uprising on the bloodiest day in Callipolis’ history. For too long the dragonriders held all the power while their people starved and lived in fear. Nine years later, a new generation of dragonriders is emerging, children selected and trained on merit, not bloodlines. Their dragons are finally mature enough for them to compete for Firstrider, a position of power that can give Lee back a small part of what his family lost. However, not only is Lee competing against Annie, but rumors are circulating that some of the royal family have survived and have dragons of their own. Everyone will have to make a choice: Restore the old regime, support the First Protector and the new caste system he created, or look for a new way, no matter what the cost. From the beginning, this book pulls readers in with political intrigue and action. What keeps them invested, however, are the complex relationships between many cast members. Choices are complex, and the consequences for all could be deadly. The world is well fleshed out and believable. Annie and Lee are light skinned; secondary characters are diverse, and race is a nonissue in this world.

Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-525-51821-1

Page Count: 448

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT DYSTOPIAN FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

THE FIELD GUIDE TO THE NORTH AMERICAN TEENAGER

by Ben Philippe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2019

Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice.

A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas.

Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school. His professor mom’s new tenure-track job transplants Norris mid–school year, and his biting wit and sarcasm are exposed through his cataloging of his new world in a field guide–style burn book. He’s greeted in his new life by an assortment of acquaintances, Liam, who is white and struggling with depression; Maddie, a self-sacrificing white cheerleader with a heart of gold; and Aarti, his Indian-American love interest who offers connection. Norris’ ego, fueled by his insecurities, often gets in the way of meaningful character development. The scenes showcasing his emotional growth are too brief and, despite foreshadowing, the climax falls flat because he still gets incredible personal access to people he’s hurt. A scene where Norris is confronted by his mother for getting drunk and belligerent with a white cop is diluted by his refusal or inability to grasp the severity of the situation and the resultant minor consequences. The humor is spot-on, as is the representation of the black diaspora; the opportunity for broader conversations about other topics is there, however, the uneven buildup of detailed, meaningful exchanges and the glibness of Norris’ voice detract.

Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-06-282411-0

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES

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by Ben Philippe

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Review: XOXO by Axie Oh

For someone who’s never actively listened to K-Pop in her life I sure devour stories about K-Pop idols on the regular, but I’m getting ahead of myself. XOXO follows cello prodigy Jenny whose goal is to get into a prestigious music conservatory and Jaewoo, a mysterious stranger she meets at her uncle’s karaoke bar in Los Angeles. After one night of magical singing, dancing, and lots of laughter, Jaewoo disappears. When Jenny and her mother unexpectedly move to South Korea to be closer to Jenny’s ailing grandmother, no one is more surprised than Jenny to find that the boy she had a magical night with is enrolled in Seoul’s most prestigious arts academy with her. Oh, and he’s also one of the most popular idols in Korea’s biggest boy band, XOXO. And he’s strictly forbidden from dating, lest a scandal rock the band’s chances of epic fame. But when sparks fly between Jenny and Jaewoo once more, they begin to walk a fine line between their responsibilities and their own desires, right up until the only choice is to cross the line completely, all consequences be damned.

XOXO was, in a word, engrossing. This book is just a fun experience all around and with its lush descriptions of places in Seoul, you feel like you’re right there with Jenny, exploring a whole new world of music and pop culture. Jenny’s struggle to translate her passion for music into her playing will ring familiar to anyone who’s ever been involved in the arts and the romance between Jenny and Jaewoo will for sure make hearts beat faster. There’s also definitely no chance of getting bored because, in true K-Drama fashion, there’s one disaster, complication or obstacle after the other with little time to come up for air in between, which makes for a great reading experience.

I love how we got a closer look at the K-Pop industry and the pressures that come with being an idol. We all know to what standards members of boy and girlbands are held to in Western society but that pales in comparison to the expectations that are placed on young people who want to become K-Pop stars. The restrictions that take over their whole life—Jaewoo for example isn’t allowed a phone that isn’t monitored, XOXO’s group schedule is rigid and allows for little to no deviations, not to mention the way they are pressured to keep their image clean—are downright dictatory. The way Jenny and Jaewoo approach their relationship because of these restrictions was really fascinating and added a bit more to the forbidden love trope we all can’t get enough of.

The cast of characters was also really amazing. We have Sori, Jenny’s roommate, who is essentially the mean girl until you get to know her and her aspirations better and I loved how Jenny and Sori became supportive friends over the span of the book. Nathaniel, Jaewoo’s bandmate, was an absolute joy to read about. He’s funny and doesn’t take himself too seriously despite what the media tries to throw at him. Jenny’s grandmother is also adorable and feisty, and the family relationship dynamics—not only Jenny’s but Jaewoo’s as well—were cool to explore.

If you’ve ever watched a K-drama, the ending of the book is of course super dramatic and tugs at your tear ducts. While I wasn’t totally onboard with some things that happened toward the end, I do feel like it read a lot like a movie in how it would wrap up things and that will leave readers satisfied for sure.

All in all, this was an entertaining story and I hope Oh decides to go back to these characters eventually because I’d love a closer look at Nathaniel and Sori’s love story.

With heaps of drama, cheesy goodness that soothes the soul, and a touch of forbidden love, XOXO is perfect for fans of fierce female friendships, chaotic K-dramas, and swoony band romances.

XOXO is available from Amazon , Book Depository , and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 13th 2021.

Will you be picking up XOXO ? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Jenny’s never had much time for boys, K-pop, or really anything besides her dream of being a professional cellist. But when she finds herself falling for a K-pop idol , she has to decide whether their love is worth the risk. A modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and exclusive world of K-pop, XOXO is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo.

10 Series That’ll Jumpstart Your 2020 Reading Goals

Jenny didn’t get to be an award-winning, classically trained cellist without choosing practice over fun. That is, until the night she meets Jaewoo. Mysterious, handsome, and just a little bit tormented, Jaewoo is exactly the kind of distraction Jenny would normally avoid. And yet, she finds herself pulled into spending an unforgettable evening wandering Los Angeles with him on the night before his flight home to South Korea.

With Jaewoo an ocean away, there’s no use in dreaming of what could have been. But when Jenny and her mother move to Seoul to take care of her ailing grandmother, who does she meet at the elite arts academy she’s just been accepted to? Jaewoo.

Finding the dreamy stranger who swept you off your feet in your homeroom is one thing, but Jaewoo isn’t just any student. Turns out, Jaewoo is a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world. And like most K-pop idols, Jaewoo is strictly forbidden from dating anyone .

When a relationship means not only jeopardizing her place at her dream music school but also endangering everything Jaewoo’s worked for, Jenny has to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love. XOXO is a new romance that proves chasing your dreams doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your heart, from acclaimed author Axie Oh.

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Home » ‘XOXO’ review: Axie Oh’s lighthearted musical romance is the perfect summer read

‘XOXO’ review: Axie Oh’s lighthearted musical romance is the perfect summer read

Axie Oh’s heartwarming novel XOXO brings readers along on an emotional journey of friendship, young love, and complicated family relationships. Set in both South Korea and the United States, a cello prodigy and a K-Pop idol attempt to pursue their musical passions without letting anything get in the way—except maybe each other.

XOXO by Axie Oh, Hardcover | Barnes & class=

Jenny Go practices tirelessly in pursuit of her dream to attend a prestigious music conservatory. Which is why she is devastated when she’s told she lacks the spark to make her a truly extraordinary musician. When she meets Jaewoo at her uncle’s karaoke bar, she has no idea that she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime. After a whirlwind of an evening, Jaewoo disappears without a word.

Three months later, Jenny follows her mother to South Korea to visit her ailing grandmother long-term. Jenny is shocked to find out that Jaewoo attends the same prestigious arts academy she’s attending for the semester. She’s even more surprised to find out that he’s an international K-Pop star, a member of the boy group XOXO. As a K-Pop idol, Jaewoo is strictly forbidden from dating. And opportunities for Jenny to pursue her dream become more critical than ever. The last thing she needs is a distraction, but maybe there are some things worth taking risks for. . .

XOXO is the kind of fast-paced book perfect for getting you out of a reading slump. The cast is intriguingly put together, making readers curious about Jenny’s mother, or her friends Gi Taek and Angela. There are also interesting plot lines that aren’t unpacked within the scope of this book. (Sori and Nathaniel sequel, anyone?) Though the story features the forbidden romance trope, there were many wholesome and lighthearted scenes that keep readers smiling throughout the story.

While the fast-paced nature of XOXO made it an addicting and binge-worthy read, the pacing could have been distributed more evenly. We needed more time spent in the conflict and resolution, which seemed resolved a bit too easily and quickly to be believable. While the book was wholesome and thoroughly enjoyable, adjusting the pacing would have given more space to explore the underlying issues that get less space in the book, such as the complex familial relationships Jenny has with her mother, grandmother and uncle, and her growth as a musician.

If you enjoy lighthearted contemporary romance, then XOXO should be the next book on your to-read list. Bonus points if you are interested in K-Pop, stories set in other countries, or forbidden romance tropes. Be prepared for an adventurous yet wholesome story with a compelling cast of characters and a fast-paced storyline!

XOXO by Axie Oh was published on July 13, 2021.

Sabrien Abdelrahman

Sabrien Abdelrahman is a student at the College of William & Mary, where she also works as a Writing Resources Center consultant. When not obsessing over books, she is likely attempting some writing of her own or binging performance poetry videos on YouTube.

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Review | XOXO

Summary: XOXO

XOXO is about a Korean-American teen and cello prodigy, Jenny. One night she meets and likes a stranger, Jaewoo. They basically go on a date, take photos in a photo booth and exchange numbers, only for Jaewoo to stop responding to her texts. When her grandmother becomes sick, Jenny’s mother decides to travel to South Korea to look after her. She eventually agrees that Jenny can transfer schools and move with her. But soon after they arrive, Jenny realizes that Jaewoo is 1/4th of the popular new K-Pop boy band, XOXO — and is forbidden from dating.

This was a swoon-worthy love story! I loved hearing about Jenny’s Seoul experience and seeing her bond with her grandmother. Jenny attends an elite arts high school with many of the kids with K-Pop ambitions, including some who are already stars. She quickly learns about the K-Pop scenes and the fact that K-Pop idols are forbidden from dating and answer to their fans to a large extent.

Besides the culture shock, the book also explores Jenny’s relationship with her mother who has super high expectations and expects her to focus on her music career. Something I really liked about this book is Jenny sounds like a real teen and so do her friends. I loved the realistic dynamics between her, Sori, Nathanael, Angela, and the other kids in the program.

Finally, the high point of this story for me was the SWEET relationship between Jaewoo and Jenny. Jaewoo is such a responsible teen and it’s obvious how much he cares for his teammates and for Jenny. Their scenes together had me grinning big!

Overall: XOXO

XOXO is a swoon-worthy, adorable YA romance set in South Korea. Following two musicians — one a cellist and the other the lead singer of a K-Pop band — this book will appeal to lovers of YA books about music , Asian YA novels , and stories about teens and their grandparents. If you love to travel on the page, don’t miss this YA novel set in Seoul.

Buy This Book

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XOXO by Axie Oh | Book Review

XOXO by Axie Oh

Pub Date: July 13, 2021 by HarperTeen

[ Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Bookshop ]

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.

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission through qualifying purchases.

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the Publisher. All opinions are my own.

Initial Thoughts 🧠

This book was an absolute delight! I’m so in love with the cover, I mean look at the colors and the illustrations! They’re so pleasing to the eyes! 😍

XOXO also took me down a nostalgic road of watching K-dramas I loved . I don’t usually watch K-dramas in a high school setting nowadays but this book made me reminisce the ones I enjoyed since I was a teenager.

Innocent (Secret) Romance

Reading XOXO felt like I was watching a K-drama , and it helps that it ticks a lot of boxes in a K-drama trope list. But it’s the innocent (and secret) romance between Jenny and Jaewoo that made my heart sing . They were super cute and I love that they’re open to each other as well. I was excited but a little wary of how the relationship between Jenny and Jaewoo would play out since Jaewoo is an idol. I’ve watched a lot of K-dramas that feature a relationship where one is a popular figure and it gets ugly a lot , especially in a sageuk (historical drama)! But I think XOXO handled it pretty well.

I also love the side characters! Nathaniel and Youngmin were both charming in their own ways. I love Sori and how she softens up and becomes a friend to Jenny. Angela and Gi Taek reminded me of a lot of K-drama second couples! The same goes for Nathaniel and Sori! I wish there’s a sequel or companion book that focuses on their relationship!

The last thing about the romance that I love was that there’s no love triangle!!!!!! K-drama love triangles tire me so much 🤣. I’m marked safe from second lead syndromes!

People who live for tomorrow should fear the people who live for today. xOXO by Axie oh

Shining a light to the K-Pop Industry

I’m not a big K-pop fan, but I know how ugly the South Korean Entertainment Industry can also get, especially for idols who started their training at an early age. I like how the author included those topics in the book because it’s important to highlight them. I really like that the author made a conscious choice of having Jaewoo see a therapist in the story. I’m aware of the mental health stigma and am reminded of popular names whose lives were taken away as a result.

The book also reflects the good, the bad, and the ugly in fan interactions, paparazzi and tabloids *coughs* Dispatch!! !, and how it affects the lives of actual people.

Overall Thoughts 💡

I haven’t binged a K-drama for a long time (I’m only watching Hospital Playlist S2 right now!) and XOXO really pushed me to go back and watch some!

I really had a great time reading this book and it made me feel all the warm, fuzzy feelings! I was smiling all throughout the book because the characters were all a joy to read. The book also imparts the message of pursuing your passion, and I like how it sort of ties up to filial piety too , a common virtue in Asian families.

I just wished I’d seen more of Jenny with her cello. Though I guess it was also the point of the book, where she gets distracted from her plans. Some parts of the story also felt rushed but overall, I had a great reading experience.

Do I recommend this? YES! Especially if you love K-dramas like True Beauty, School series, or Dream High

If this becomes a K-drama, I’ll surely eat this up!

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.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram

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Review: XOXO, Axie Oh

July 9, 2021

XOXO was on my most anticipated reads list for 2021 and I’m thrilled to say: it didn’t disappoint. Read my full review below to find out why!

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.

I received this book for free from Harper Collins INTL in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

There are no spoilers in this review.

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you buy something on my recommendation, I will receive a small commission. Purchasing via these links will not cost you any extra and will help me cover the costs of book blogging. You will find more info on my privacy policy and disclaimer pages. Thank you!

I ENJOYED…

XOXO is about Jenny, cello prodigy , dreaming of going to the Manhattan School of Music. When she meets Jaewoo in her uncle’s karaoke bar, they have one unforgettable night together before he disappears… Until, months later, she finds him in South Korea, at her new school… AND it turns out that he’s a huge K-pop star .
The story is carried by Jenny, our main character. I immediately grew fond of her. She’s passionate about her cello, she wants to get into the music school of her dreams, she’s wonderful and caring and a little bit stressed out and a little bit uncertain about life and everything, too. She was such a relatable, kind character and I loved seeing her experience new things and get out of her comfort zone, little by little, in this new life, too.
I’m a fan of celebrity kind of romances and here, well, I was served. I loved the relationship’s progress , from meeting each other to losing each other, to meeting again. If the attraction is there from the start, stronger feelings grew little by little and I loved that, too. Jaewoo is so caring and a little overprotective , at times, but it was so easy to fall for him, too!
The friendships were really great in this story, too and I loved their interactions so much. I had a soft spot for Sori and Jenny’s relationship . It had a bit of a rocky start, but I loved how Sori slowly warmed up to Jenny and in the end, their friendship was my favorite for sure.

I also liked that family had an important place in the story! I loved seeing Jenny getting to know her grandmother and seeing her relationship with her mother, too.

I HAD A HARD TIME WITH…

There are two little things I ended up being a little bit disappointed about, in this book. They’re minor little peeves of mine, but I thought they deserved a little mention.
First, I wanted a little more from the family relationships . I feel like there was so much potential to have stronger family relationships and, most of it all, for them to have a bigger place within the story, too. That would have been amazing!
Second, I wished for more resolution for, no spoilers, something happening with Sori.

XOXO was a heartwarming, wonderful young adult contemporary romance . I loved the characters, the setting and the celebrity romance made me so happy. Definitely recommending this to any contemporary fan!

FINAL RATING : 4 stars!

📌 Pin the book review of XOXO, by Axie Oh on Pinterest!

📚 Books similar to XOXO that I’d recommend:

For another great romance, in the bodyguard/princess kind, try reading Tokyo Ever After .
To get away, this time to Taiwan for some adventures, try reading Loveboat, Taipei .

Did you read XOXO or do you want to? Do you have any recommendations of great contemporary romances? Let me know in comments!

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July 9, 2021 at 6:48 pm

Great review, Marie! I totally agree with everything you said here: the celebrity romance was done so well and I love the romance! I also want more resolution with Jenny’s family and Sori’s storyline… a second chance romance sometime in the future, perhaps? 🥺

July 14, 2021 at 7:14 pm

Oh thank you so much! <3 AH that would be a fantastic idea, let's hope the author hears you 🥺

July 12, 2021 at 12:58 pm

Awww this sounds so sweet! I do love a good normie/famous romance, so this sounds right up my alley.

July 14, 2021 at 7:15 pm

Ahh I hope you’ll enjoy it!

July 17, 2021 at 9:11 pm

so happy to hear that the romance satisfied you!! i’m super excited for it now haha, celebrity romances are just so much fun. and i’m glad that friendship and family also had a part in this story! truly both of our favorite things in contemporary lmao <3 great review!

July 20, 2021 at 8:18 pm

YES these kind of stories are always so much fun to read! I hope you’ll love this one <3

July 18, 2021 at 3:16 pm

I loved reading your review, Marie, and you’ve just made me add XOXO to my to-read list. It sounds like such a good contemporary novel. 🙂

July 20, 2021 at 8:15 pm

Ahh thank you so much Veronika, this makes me so happy! I hope you will love it <3

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XOXO Review: A Fluffy Romance for K-Pop Fans

August 5, 2021 by Jenna | 3 stars , Books , Reviews

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.

If you love contemporary romances and K-pop, you will love XOXO! I’m not really a K-Pop person, but I am a J-Pop and idol kind of girl so this book was still the perfect light and fluffy romance read for me. I mean, anyone who’s into idol culture has fantasised about dating an idol right? 😀

XOXO follows Jenny Go, a Korean-American high school student and talented cellist who is aiming to attend a top music school after she graduates. However, after being told that she lacks spark by a cello competition panel, she decides to let loose a little. She meets a mysterious boy at her uncles karaoke bar and they end up on a wild one-night adventure, before he mysteriously disappears. Soon after, Jenny and her mother decide to move temporarily to Seoul, Korea to convince Jenny’s sick grandmother to receive treatment, and Jenny has the shock of her life when she realises her mystery boy is none other than K-pop idol, Jaewoo, who also attends her performing arts school in Seoul. Except when they meet again, he acts as if he doesn’t know her.

There was so much to love about this book. It was an easy read with a relatable main character (besides the whole dating a K-pop idol thing) and a romance you could get behind. I loved all of the side characters and enjoyed reading about Jenny’s newfound friends – I’m really hoping that Axie Oh is planning to come out with companion novels based on some of these friends! And I really enjoyed being able to read more about Korean culture and hearing about all of the delicious foods.

What I did struggle with a little bit were all of the plot points that were a bit unresolved. Everything just seemed to work out in the end and the things that hadn’t 100% worked out were glossed over and forgotten. One of the more interesting elements of the book was the underlying theme of family, especially since Jenny and her mother have a bit of a strained relationship due to her mother being a bit absent. The novel started to explore this a bit but it was never really resolved in the end, and there weren’t any meaningful conversations between mother and daughter that made the story feel complete. The secrecy around Jenny and Jaewoo’s relationship also wasn’t really resolved – despite getting a really nice ending, it wasn’t really clear how their relationship would progress, with idols being forbidden to date.

Despite this, I still had a lot of fun reading XOXO and was able to overlook most of these things.

For anyone looking for a light and easy read, I’d highly recommend XOXO. It involves a fluffy and feel-good story and some really great characters who you’ll want to read more about. Despite having a few issues with some unresolved plotlines, I still really enjoyed the reading experience.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Thank you to Harper Collins for the review copy.

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2 responses to “ XOXO Review: A Fluffy Romance for K-Pop Fans ”

Great review, Jenna! I also really enjoyed this one, especially with how cute Jenny and Jaewoo are and I love their friend group! I do wish things were resolved more clearly, especially about Jenny’s relationship with her mom and her mom with her grandma. The ending was quite open with a lot of subplot. I’m hoping a second chance romance for a certain character…

Axie Oh’s ‘XOXO’ Perfectly Pairs Romance And K-pop – Book Review

Jenny is a cello prodigy and she will do everything in her power to be a success and attend a prestigious music school. Entrenched in her musical studies, Jenny is surprised by a chance encounter with a boy around her age at her uncle’s karaoke joint. This chance meeting ends up being one of the most exciting in Jenny’s young life, but Jaewoo quickly disappears from her life as swiftly as he became part of it. Not thinking she would ever see Jaewoo again, Jenny is shocked to find him enrolled in the same school as her when she and her mother move to Korea in order to take care of her ailing grandmother. Not only is Jaewoo back from oblivion, but Jenny also learns that he is not just any student, he’s also a member of one of the biggest K-pop groups in existence. And while he’s strictly forbidden from dating, Jaewoo and Jenny might just have to ignore all of the obstacles in their respective ways and take a chance on each other.

Axie Oh’s XOXO is most certainly a breath of fresh air. It is rich in story-telling and is reminiscent of watching a K-Drama (those who have watched, will definitely know what I am talking about), and on top of this, it was so hard to put down. Oh’s writing is pitch-perfect throughout the novel and she does so much to reel the reader in. No amount of detail goes unnoticed and it adds another element to make this book great. In addition to lush storytelling, Oh created a group of characters that are hard not to love and are utterly relatable.

XOXO ‘s protagonist, Jenny is full of dreams and determination. She wants to do all she can to make her family happy and oftentimes finds herself wondering if what she’s doing is enough. She is hard on herself and although she has a gift, she doubts herself and her drive. Many of us have (or will) experience all of these feelings at some point in our lifetime and have to find a way to navigate it all through whatever we are going through. This is the same for Jenny and part of what makes her such a great character. It’s clear that Oh created Jenny with an earnestness and honesty that transcends the pages.

Alongside Jenny on this journey is Jaewoo, the handsome K-pop idol who is quickly coming for Jenny’s heart (and who can blame her, especially with that sleeve of tattoos). A little broody, humourous and raw, Jaewoo’s the kind of character that will have many referring to him as their “book boyfriend”. Coupled with Jenny, the two bring out the best in one another and push each other outside of their comfort zones in some of the best ways. It was truly a treat reading the pair interact with one another with all the ups and downs their respective lives threw at them.

While the secret romance between the pair is a main theme of the novel, that isn’t all it has to offer readers. Oh does a compelling job at showing just more than a fantastical romance. XOXO is also a book about family, fulfilling dreams or figuring them out, and doing one’s best to overcome self-doubt and whatever fans its flame within us. Whether you’re a seemingly regular girl or a K-pop idol, there will always be times that self-doubt gets the better of us and we need a little pick-me-up. XOXO certainly serves to be one of these pick-me-ups and I am so grateful to have had the chance to read it!

If you’re looking for a fun romance that combines wonderful writing, charismatic characters and K-pop, then XOXO needs to be added to your to-be-read list as quickly as possible.

XOXO is now available for purchase from your local book store and also available as an e-book!

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Jen Ryland Reviews

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Review of XOXO by Axie Oh

07.08.2021 by Jen Ryland // 11 Comments

Can someone (like me) who knows next to nothing about K-pop find love with a YA romance between a Kpop star and a Korean-American girl? Check out my review of XOXO by Axie Oh!

XOXO by Axie Oh

To be published on July 13, 2021 by Harper Teen.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review.

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.

And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world—and 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.

Original photo of the cover of XOXO on an iPad on a windowsill with a pink mug and a pair of rose gold headphones.

Do you love celebrity romances?

I don’t generally love YA books about celebrity romances (even thought I have a whole list of YA Celebrity Romance Books ; go figure). AND I don’t really know much at all about K-pop.

But I absolutely loved XOXO. It had a little bit of a “runaway celebrity in disguise” plot. The American in a foreign boarding school aspect reminded me a quite a bit of Anna and the French Kiss.

Jenny, a talented cellist, works at her uncle’s noreabang in Los Angeles. One night a guy comes in and the two of them end up hanging out together, culminating in some snapshots taken in a photo booth.

When Jenny’s mom tells Jenny that her grandmother in Seoul needs surgery, Jenny convinces her mom to take her along. She’s accepted as a student at a prestigious Korean arts academy.

When she gets there, Jenny excited to explore Seoul and a little disconcerted by her surly roommate. She’s also shocked that the boy she met back in L.A. is also a student at her new school.

Even more shocking, he’s a member of XOXO, an up-and-coming K-pop boy band. (Like me, Jenny didn’t know all that much about K-pop, which made me feel better.)

I loved watching Jenny explore Seoul (she speaks a good amount of Korean, luckily), adjust to her new school.

The members of XOXO were a fun group. I learned a lot about the incubation and development of K-pop groups, and the tight control that labels hold over the artists and their music, image and branding.

XOXO was an adorable romance .

It was also an exhilarating travelogue (I’ve actually visited Seoul, but it was amazing to go back).

Finally, it was a charming story about love, family, found family, friendship, and following your dreams.

There is something in this story for everyone. I highly recommend it to fans of YA contemporary and YA romance!

What else can I read by Axie Oh?

This is the first YA book I’ve read by Axie Oh . I thought XOXO was her debut, but Cassie, in comments, pointed out that she wrote two YA dystopians: Rebel Soul (2017) and a sequel Rogue Heart (2019) plus a new YA fantasy, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Could there be more books featuring other XOXO bandmembers?

Edited to add: Well, YES a sequel to XOXO is what’s next: ASAP by Axie Oh in 2024. Check out my review here!

My list of Best Celebrity Romance books has an entire section on Kpop romance books!

Also check out my list of Best YA Books With Rock Star Romance!

About Jen Ryland

Over 12 years of book blogging and reviewing, I have read over 1500 books. A fair and honest reviewer who loves book discussions, I'm here to help you find a book you'll love to read AND give you a place to talk about it and ask questions. Find me on Instagram and Pinterest as @jenryland!

Seoul sounds fascinating (I was just watching a walking tour from there) so I love th sound of the setting. And this sounds like a lot of fun!

It was a delight!

You know I loved this one. What I know about K-Pop, I have read in books, and this one added to my knowledge base. It’s a crazy world, but I had a great time exploring it. Like you, I enjoyed being in South Korea, and this book was bursting at the seams with charm.

Same – I loved hearing how the system works (crazy!)

Definitely sounds like something I’d enjoy! Lovely review, Jen.

Now I see why it’s not at my library – it’s not out yet lol

it’s on my list after seeing you rave so much about it.

<a href=”http://fwiwreviews.net”>Karen @For What It’s Worth</a>

If you’re looking for a very cute romance that reminded me a lot of an updated Anna and the French Kiss, I think you will love it!

I’ve been listening to some Kpop so this sounds interesting and cute to me.

Then you will love this one! It’s really a fun book.

This is actually Axie’s third YA book. She released two YA Dystopian novels called Rebel Seoul and Rogue Heart in 2017 and 2019

Hi Cassie! Thanks so much for letting me know and I will correct that in the review. She’s a great writer so not surprised!

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Bookish Brews

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Book Review: XOXO by Axie Oh

Good morning! I’ve missed posting this week so I have missed all of you, but it’s because I was at FIYAHCon! If you haven’t heard of FIYAH Literary Magazine or FIYAHCon , it’s absolutely something you need to check out immediately. They do incredible work over there and they deserve as much recognition as possible. I highly encourage you to subscribe, follow their social media accounts, or just check them out. at the very least, go read about their mission to uplift Black authors .

Back to regular programming, I’m here to share with you a review of one of my favorite YA contemporary romances that I’ve read ALL YEAR. Yes, it’s really incredible. I absolutely loved this one. Please enjoy this review!

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Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Title: XOXO Author: Axie Oh Publisher: publisher Publication date: July 13, 2021 Genre : YA Romance, Contemporary

A surprisingly sweet k-pop secret romance about finding your second home

At a glance: Jenny lets her guard down and takes a spontaneous night out with mysterious Jaewoo, only for him to disappear without a word. Three months later, she travels to Korea to take care of her grandmother and finds out she is attending the same school as Jaewoo. What will he think?!

🍃 Easy Reading
📖 Couldn’t Put It Down
💞 Young Love
🎓 High School

Read this if… you love high school romances, if you listen to k-pop, if you are looking for the sweetest romance you’ll read in a while, or if you love reading about music schools!

Diversity Representation: OwnVoices Korean & Korean American Cast Content Warnings: chronic illness, cancer, death of a parent (past)

Book Review

Sweet, exciting, comforting, heart-warming, fun, feel-good, adorable

XOXO was one of my favorite contemporary romances that I’ve read all year, and I’ve read a lot. I knew it would be sweet going in, but it surprised me just how delightful it could be. Every moment of this book made me so happy. This book is not just a love story between Jenny and Jaewoo, but a love story between Jenny and Korea and her music. It is a love letter to Kpop fans and an exciting secret romance. I devoured this book so quickly, I just couldn’t put it down.c

Quick Summary : Jenny has been working her entire life to get into a prestigious music conservatory. She is calm, collected, and immensely skilled. When her uncle tells her to live a little, and the very same night a mysterious boy named Jaewoo walks into her uncle’s karaoke bar, she lets her guard down and lets him pull her into an unforgettable night of spontaneity before he disappears. Three months later, Jenny goes to Korea with her mom to take care of her grandmother, and finds out that Jaewoo attends the same school as her… and he’s a famous up-and-coming k-pop star!

This story has such an incredible way of showing you multiple groups of friends who care about each other so deeply. We get the pleasure of seeing this in multiple friend groups, and it’s incredibly heartwarming. XOXO as a group look out for each other in every way possible. They make sure they are making the right decisions, that they are happy, and that they are hanging out with the right people. We also get that tight-knit, supportive friend group with Jenny’s friends. I think that sometimes friend groups in fiction can be so underrated. Especially ones that are not built out of trauma and especially in more realistic fiction. We all love a found family in our fantasy stories, but finding a found family in a high school fiction can be such an incredible impression on school-aged kids. I am so happy we get to see it here.

A Personal Note

Speaking as an Asian American like Jenny, her story made me so happy. The stories that I usually see are full of struggle and not belonging. Though those stories are not unrealistic, they are not always the most joyful to read. Jenny’s journey to Korea touched my heart because when she went she fit right in. She didn’t have many struggles finding friends, she spoke Korean already, she truly found a home away from home in Korea . I found myself getting emotional at her experience, wishing that could happen for everyone. As a member of the Asian diaspora, there can be this feeling of intense longing for a place you have maybe never been. But of course, there can also be a fear that you will not find your home in the place that you have felt drawn to your whole life. As a mixed Asian woman, I know that I will never find what Jenny found in Korea quite so easily, but seeing her find that place so easily made me realize that it is possible.

Summing it all up

XOXO is a love story not only between Jenny and Jaewoo but Jenny and Korea. I was giddy reading this book and I couldn’t put it down one second. The heartwarming friend groups, the sweet romance, and finding a home away from home is the perfect recipe for an incredible comfort read.

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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.

Let’s chat!

🎶 What was the last YA Contemporary Romance that you read? 🎶 Have you been eyeing this book? 🎶 Do you love k-pop!?

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If you liked this review or thought you might like this book, check out some of my other reviews for books with similar sweet contemporary Asian romance vibes:

Book Review & Aesthetic: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Book Review & Aesthetic: You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

Book Review: Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park

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Added to my TBR: XOXO by Axie Oh! It looks so cute! Tweet

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17 thoughts on “Book Review: XOXO by Axie Oh”

I’ve heard so many good things about XOXO and your review is fantastic.

Like Liked by 1 person

Thank you so much! It’s so good!!

I read XOXO soon after it came out. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Yes!!! It’s so good! I’m so glad you liked it too!

oh my gosh, this book truly does sound so incredible! everything about this book sounds so wonderful, great review💜

Like Liked by 2 people

Thank you!!! It’s really so good!

Maybe I should read this to live my KPOP delusions lmao

hahaha YES it will 1000% be good for that. highly recommend to live our your delusions 😂

I’m waiting in line at the library~ Hopefully a miracle happens and I can read it lol

I really enjoyed this one as well. The romance was adorable but like you, I loved the heroine’s relationship with Korea even more! Lovely review.

YES! That was the best part. I can’t believe she just found a second home so seamlessly!! It gave me so much hope 💕

YES YES YES This book was so cute and fun and I loved it too!

ISN’T IT THE CUTEST? Aaaah I literally think about it all the time, I really need to reread it already!

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Ooh I’ve been hyped about XOXO and your review makes me even more excited about it! I love supportive friend groups and think I might be looking forward to that even more than the romance now 😍

Omg the entire time I was going back and forth with all the things I loved the most! The friends, the relationship with Korea, the romance, the family. it’s all so sweet!

Oh, yeah! A good found family in a school setting is really valuable when both middle and high school are often represented as battlegrounds. There is an element of that, but you can find those special people in there as well.

Monday, April 08, 2024

#bookreview: xoxo (xoxo, #1) by axie oh.

“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)

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

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XOXO (An XOXO Novel) Kindle Edition

Indigo Best Teen Books of 2021

Print length 349 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher HarperTeen
Publication date July 13, 2021
Reading age 13 - 17 years
Grade level 8 - 9
File size 4243 KB
Page Flip Enabled
Word Wise Not Enabled
Enhanced typesetting Enabled
See all details

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Editorial Reviews

From school library journal.

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

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.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08L3MZYBX
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperTeen (July 13, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 13, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4243 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 349 pages
#2 in Teen & Young Adult Asian American Fiction eBooks
#26 in Teen & Young Adult Romantic Comedy eBooks
#51 in Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fiction

About the author

Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO, and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City 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 in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs. Her newest titles, ASAP and The Floating World will release in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Customer reviews

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 56% 27% 14% 2% 1% 56%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 56% 27% 14% 2% 1% 27%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 56% 27% 14% 2% 1% 14%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 56% 27% 14% 2% 1% 2%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 56% 27% 14% 2% 1% 1%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the love story epic and natural. They describe the book as nice, amazing, and clean. Readers describe the story as lovely, graceful, and thoughtful. They also describe it as a fun, exciting, and perfect poolside vacation read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the romance in the book epic and natural. They also say the book has a mellow progression into the relationship. Readers also mention the book is sweet and cute.

"...First things first: this is an adorable teen romance that deals with having big dreams and matching expectations for success, what celebrity culture..." Read more

"...*a fun, quick, light romance Why you might not want to read it:*not into the pop star and regular girl trope..." Read more

"It was a cute story . I really enjoyed it. It even made me tear up a little bit. It’s definitely worth reading." Read more

"...Jaewoo and Jenny’s romance was really sweet and I couldn’t help but feel like a cheerleader cheering them on from the sidelines...." Read more

Customers find the book nice, amazing, and clean. They say it's an easy, fun read that holds their attention. Readers also appreciate the great tropes and relatability.

"...group XOXO and he’s what girls dream the perfect boy to be: gorgeous, talented , charming, responsible, follows the rules and a super star...." Read more

"...It even made me tear up a little bit. It’s definitely worth reading ." Read more

"...The friendship between Jenny and Sori was beautifully written and I loved how they opened up to one another...." Read more

"...This is a young adult read perfect for teenagers and above, and is a good , clean read. Perfect for gifting...." Read more

Customers find the book lovely, graceful, and thoughtful. They also appreciate the lavish and just-right descriptions.

"...As I write this review I am like, aglow with the cute , the fun, and the excellent chain of decision-making that led me to this book and its dreamy,..." Read more

"...K-Pop group XOXO and he’s what girls dream the perfect boy to be: gorgeous , talented, charming, responsible, follows the rules and a super star...." Read more

"...The Conan episode was super fun and charming but this book, with it's lavish and just-right descriptions, is even more so...." Read more

"...The romance makes my teeth hurt, it's so sweet ! As an avid Kdrama lover this book was delicious. Can't wait to read more from this author!" Read more

Customers find the book fun, exciting, and a perfect poolside vacation read. They also mention it has an interesting group of friends and swoon-worthy romance.

"...As I write this review I am like, aglow with the cute, the fun , and the excellent chain of decision-making that led me to this book and its dreamy,..." Read more

"...*a fun , quick, light romanceWhy you might not want to read it:*not into the pop star and regular girl trope..." Read more

"...This book is full of friendship, drama, and romance. There are hilarious moments and heartbreaking scenes...." Read more

"...It's a super cute story and a perfect poolside vacation read . @bookscupsandcandles" Read more

Customers find the book heartwarming, supportive, and encouraging. They say the friendships and intermingled relationships are a joy to experience. Readers also mention the characters are fleshed out and the author does a great job transporting their minds to Korea.

"...It’s also a charming YA romance with supportive family members , healthy ambition, sweet friendship dynamics, and just the right amount of tension –..." Read more

"...My thoughts:This one made me feel happy at the end and that’s what I really needed so it hit the mark for me...." Read more

"It was a cute story. I really enjoyed it. It even made me tear up a little bit . It’s definitely worth reading." Read more

"...I loved all the characters and their connections. Everyone was so fleshed out and I felt like I was hanging out alongside them!..." Read more

Customers find the characters awesome, sweet, and realistic. They also say the supporting cast is equally adorable.

"...I like that she’s independent, talented and she’s nice ...." Read more

"...I loved all the characters and their connections . Everyone was so fleshed out and I felt like I was hanging out alongside them!..." Read more

"... Jenny's character was so sweet , and I honestly really fell in love with her!..." Read more

"...You’ve got great main characters but the supporting cast is equally adorable . There’s no sex, but the romance is swoon-worthy...." Read more

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Tropical Girl Reads

Books, Dramas, Food, Travel and Music

XOXO – Book Review

Title:- XOXO

Author:- Axie Oh

Date published:- July 13th 2021

Publisher:- Harper Collins

No. of pages:- 352 pages

Genre:- YA/ Romance

OK if you love a story of a normal ordinary girl falling in love with one of the popular K pop band members then this book is definitely one for you! Oh, and if you love watching K dramas (which I do) with sugar coated love stories, then this book will be perfect one for you.

Jenny is a cellist and her only ambition is to enter into one of the elite music schools in the country, the Manhattan Music School. She works part time at her uncle’s karaoke bar and meets a boy name Jaewoo. That night she and Jaewoo hang out and become friends and exchange numbers. Jenny tries contacting Jaewoo but he never replied to any of her messages.

Then Jenny’s grandmother who lives in South Korea becomes sick and she and her mother move to South Korea temporarily. She enrolls into an art academy in Seoul and then meets…Jaewoo. But she soon realizes that Jaewoo is a popula K pop idol and belongs to a popular band called XOXO. Then begins the love story of a forbidden relationship.

OK, as a fan of Korean dramas, this actually did remind me of Boys Over Flowers a little bit and You’re Beautiful, if you have watched those two Korean dramas. I was listening to the audio book so the narrator did a great job with the book. Nearly all the characters in the story are likable–I do like how Jenny made friends at the academy and even became best friends with her roommate Sol Hee who also had a romantic relationship with one of the members of the band Nathaniel. The story itself is engaging and I found the love story between Jenny and Jaewoo really cute and adorable! Though I felt like I was watching a cheesy romantic Korean drama, I actually enjoyed reading this book. The author did a good job of drawing the reader into the story and getting to experience what the life of a student is really like in Korea.

For ones who love a good YA romance with a Korean drama setting, then this book is one for you–worth five stars!

Axie Oh is a first-generation Korean American, born in New York City 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 in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dog, Toro (named after Totoro). Axie is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO, and the Rebel Seoul series.

XOXO – Book Review

Jillian DeMaio , Staff Editor | May 31, 2023

Image Credit: Target.com

XOXO by Axie Oh is perfect for anyone looking for a heartwarming read. The novel follows Jenny, a teenager from LA, after she meets Jaewoo in her uncle’s karaoke business. After learning that Jaewoo lives in Seoul, Korea and is to return there soon, Jenny accepts that their paths will never cross again. However, when she returns home her mother reveals that the two of them are moving to Korea in order to take care of a sick relative. When she arrives in Seoul, a trip on the subway reveals a startling revelation: Jaewoo is a member of the biggest K-pop group in the world. Jenny has to come to terms with living in a new country, expanding her skills as a cellist, and navigating her relationship with Jaewoo.

XOXO explores themes such as toxic fan culture, celebrity privacy, differences in culture, and sacrifice. On the other hand, it also has strong themes of family, friendship, and love. There are many relationships that are explored throughout the novel: family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships all develop before the final page. The characters are addicting and each have their own distinct characteristics which make for an even more interesting read.

In short, Oh uses XOXO to comment on the entertainment industry but also to develop a cast of lovable characters and fast-paced events which result in a novel that a reader can finish in a few hours. It’s not going to go down in history as a life-changing book but it is a fun read for anyone looking for romance.

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Book Review: XOXO by Axie Oh

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2 Audience: YA Contemporary Romance Length: 352 pages Author: Axie Oh Publisher: HarperTeen Release Date: July 13th, 2021 Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

ABSOLUTELY ADORED.

This book was so dang cute!! I loved it. It also made me very hungry and all of the Korean dishes sounded delicious. I loved the cultural aspects too and being in Seoul and getting an idea for what being a K-pop star entails. Learning about training, the schools, how groups are formed. It was great getting a better understanding of a world I didn’t know much about.

The romance was precious. I thought Jenny and Jaewoo had a fun and interesting meet-cute. There were many unique aspects to a young adult contemporary romance and it was a breath of fresh air. A quick meeting led to a bit of slow burn as they tackled feelings for one another. I love the Jenny was a cellist and both had their complete own lives and passions they enjoyed. Choosing to be together was something they both wanted and I love a good, mushy ending scene. If you’re looking for a celebrity / forbidden romance in YA form, this is one to read!!

Full of tight friendships, those mean girls you expect, and running away from paparazzi, I definitely felt like I was watching a drama. Though it never went over board. I love how natural the movement of the story went and how easy it was to read. I was enamored from chapter one and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Overall audience notes :

YA Contemporary Romance
Language: very little
Romance: kisses / make-outs

xoxo book reviews

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Review: XOXO, Axie Oh

I ENJOYED…

I HAD A HARD TIME WITH…

FINAL RATING : 4 stars!

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Axie Oh’s ‘XOXO’ Perfectly Pairs Romance And K-pop – Book Review

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Review of XOXO by Axie Oh

XOXO by Axie Oh

Do you love celebrity romances?

XOXO was an adorable romance .

What else can I read by Axie Oh?

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