Ex Marks the Spot, Gloria Chao
Ex Marks the Spot, Gloria Chao
List: $27.50 | Sale: $19.25
Club: $13.75

Ex Marks the Spot

Author: Gloria Chao

Narrator: Yu-Li Alice Shen

Unabridged: 9 hr 1 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/31/2024

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


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.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that features supplemental lists, puzzles, and equations from the book.

About The Author

Gloria Chao is a screenwriter and the award-winning author of American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, Rent a Boyfriend, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Ex Marks the Spot, and the forthcoming The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club. She graduated from MIT, then became a dentist before realizing she'd rather spend her days in fictional characters' heads instead of real people's mouths. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the curling ice, where she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles.Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.wordpress.com and find her on Instagram and Twitter @GloriaCChao.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Nilufer on January 08, 2025

This is an extremely sweet enemies-to-lovers story, blending self-exploration, connecting with roots, Asian heritage, and an adventurous treasure hunt with lots of smart, impeccably and intricately developed puzzles! I enjoyed most of it and felt the urge to order from the nearest restaurant after re......more

Goodreads review by Fairuz ᥫ᭡. on December 13, 2024

Huge Thanks to Penguin Group (Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers) and NetGalley for the ARC! 💖✨ Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao is dropping on Dec 31, 2024, and it's 384 pages of adventure, culture, and a sprinkle of romance! 🌟 ✨ Tropes & Themes ✨ ✧ Enemies to Lovers 💘 ✧ Seco......more

Goodreads review by Gigi on January 24, 2025

This book is such a fun little adventure! Treasure hunts, family secrets, enemies-to-lovers—it has all the ingredients for a great time. The mystery and puzzles had me intrigued, but honestly, they didn’t really click for me. Some were a bit all over the place and left me scratching my head. But let......more

Goodreads review by steph reads on November 25, 2024

This book was lacking, to say the least. I haven't read that many mystery novels, and although romance isn't my favorite genre, I feel confident in saying that this book was lackluster in both of those genres. I wish the mystery was put together in a smoother, more cohesive way so that readers could......more

Goodreads review by Hannah on January 18, 2025

I think perhaps this should’ve been one I read physically! There is an accompanying PDF for the audiobook, but my ALC didn’t come with one. It was a bit confusing trying to process all of the clues and stuff audibly. I did enjoy the cute romance though and the National Treasure of it all. It lost me......more


Quotes

"A whirlwind adventure through Taipei, which Chao depicts using vivid prose that details Taiwanese tourist life alongside a simmering second-chance romance." —Publishers Weekly

"Chao artfully weaves in themes of Asian American identity, generational trauma, and compassion as each clue that Gemma uncovers leads to another compelling revelation. A thoroughly enjoyable romp that’s also rich in self-discovery and romance." —Kirkus Reviews

"A beautiful story about discovering your roots and understanding the difficult choices adults make." —Booklist

"[A] beautifully written adventure. . . . For those who are looking for a perfectly sweet romance story, this book is a must-read." —SLJ

"Smart and utterly swoon-worthy, Ex Marks the Spot has Gloria Chao’s signature humor and so much heart. Whether you’re looking for the perfect rivals-to-lovers rom-com, a love letter to diaspora communities, or a thrilling, beautifully written adventure around Taiwan, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this book."
—Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

"Gloria Chao does it again with an adorable and endearing YA romcom! A sweet love story that highlights culture, family, acceptance, and allowing people to be their true selves. A beautiful (and delicious) exploration of Taiwan from an honest and thoughtful diaspora lens. Fun, humorous and delightful!"
—Kat Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a K-Prom

"Irresistibly entertaining and deeply sincere, Ex Marks the Spot is a propulsive journey through culture, family, self-discovery, and the love we find hidden in the most exquisitely unexpected places. Gloria Chao continues to deliver the kind of funny, relatable stories we all deserve!"
—Julian Winters, award-winning author of Prince of the Palisades