Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao | Audiobook Review

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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.

Why Did I Listen To Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao?

Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao really appealed to me because one, I’ve read almost all of Chao’s previous books — except for one. Two, because I love a good puzzle/treasure hunt. Also, I love second chance romances too. I went with audio because it is one of the easier ways for me to focus and really get through a book lately. Having previously devoured Chao’s books I knew Ex Marks The Spot would be a winner for me.

What’s The Story Here?

Ex Marks The Spot opens with Gemma graduating high school. It’s always just been her and her mom. She is looking forward to college and getting an education for a job that will provide economic stability. Gemma’s mom works really hard to provide and money is very tight. Gemma works hard at school but ends up not getting valedictorian. Instead, that goes to her rival Xander, who also used to be her boyfriend. He has life easy as his family has money. When Gemma’s estranged grandfather dies, he leaves behind a will that has a puzzle to unlock and so, Gemma goes to Taiwan to reconnect with her roots and to dive into her family history. There, she learns about a culture that she really has been kind of cut off from. She also starts to make new friends and while unraveling her grandfather’s past, teams up with Xander who helps her solve the puzzles and clues.

How Did I Like Ex Marks The Spot?

I found the audiobook of Ex Marks The Spot to be a really enjoyable listen. It was easy for me to connect with Gemma – as she grew up very financially insecure. I felt a kinship with her for not having the financial resources of her peers. She’s very smart — but also thinks differently than others, she thinks in puzzles. I just love that part overall. I also loved learning about her grandfather’s secrets. There’s also the bond and romance that starts to form between her and Xander while in Taiwan which was also captivating. This is just a really good book. I think if you like The Inheritance Games, this is sort of in that vein, but also not quite. It stands on its own merits and as said, is quite a good listen.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Ex Marks The Spot is narrated by Yu-Li Alice Shen. It is 9 hours and 1 minute. Of course I listened to this slightly sped up. I think this was the first audiobook I’ve listed to by Shen. I liked her narration — it was smooth, easy to listen to. Her voice added to Gemma’s character, I think. I didn’t find myself zoning out during Shen’s narration. 

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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