Ex Marks the Spot

Ex Marks the Spot

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Synopsis

A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.


For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking things: the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.

There's just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way Gemma can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, she finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.

Release date: December 31, 2024

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Print pages: 384

Reader says this book is...: classic themes (1) coming of age (1) emotionally riveting (1) entertaining story (1) family issues (1) heartwarming (1) lighthearted (1) rich setting(s) (1) satisfying ending (1) terrific writing (1) thought-provoking (1) unputdownable (1)

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Reader buzz

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This book was so beautifully written that I feel like I have just been on a two week journey with Gemma, Xander, & all the other TARPers along with the most amazing characters. Like any good Journey, I have learned so much, not just about Gemma and Xander's reunion, what a beautiful second chance slow burn story they had, but also about the way that Asian Americans see themselves. This push and pull of growing up that any college freshman faces is one thing, but add to that the cultural & the familial push and pull along with the identity aspect of language as a connection to ...
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This book was so beautifully written that I feel like I have just been on a two week journey with Gemma, Xander, & all the other TARPers along with the most amazing characters. Like any good Journey, I have learned so much, not just about Gemma and Xander's reunion, what a beautiful second chance slow burn story they had, but also about the way that Asian Americans see themselves. This push and pull of growing up that any college freshman faces is one thing, but add to that the cultural & the familial push and pull along with the identity aspect of language as a connection to heritage is something that I never considered before. Seeing Gemma experience Taiwan as someone who is almost fully estranged from her cultural heritage & learning through an Inheritance 'Treasure' Hunt was awe inspiring, insightful, and dare I say educational.

Gloria Chao brought so many emotions to this book but always stayed focused on the joy of discovery and healing of hearts. I loved that this book as all told from Gemma's perspective yet was balanced with Xander's 'seemingly privileged' position which brought its own limitations and expectations to the story. Add to that the hidden love story of X (no spoilers here 😁) and this is a book that will bring you to tears and have you calling your parents and grands to chat.
 on 1/15/25
classic themes coming of age emotionally riveting entertaining story family issues heartwarming lighthearted rich setting(s) satisfying ending terrific writing thought-provoking unputdownable
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