Out Now from HarperCollins Publishers; 337 pages
Content Warning: Explicit language
About the Author: “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, stationary supplies, and milk tea. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her puppy, Toro” (Bio from XOXO).
Find Axie Oh on the following platforms:
What would you say if offered an accidental night out in Los Angeles with a cute boy? For Jenny, this is a dream come true. That is, until he stops texting her and she must turn her attention back to her future as a musician. However, her entire world gets flipped upside down when she learns that her grandmother—who resides in Seoul—is sick, and her mother plans to leave for several months to take care of her. This is a journey that Jenny ultimately joins in on. Attending a new school in an entirely different country brings a whirlwind of emotions, especially when it turns out that the cute boy Jenny met in Los Angeles happens to attend the same school, and oh, by the way, he’s in a famous K-pop group! New friends, new experiences, and a rekindled romance…what more could Jenny ask for?
XOXO is an enthralling love story that draws you in right away. With its charming characters, secret-filled world, and dreamy romances, you’re buckled in for an entertaining and thoughtful story. I adored the book’s depiction of what it’s like to feel love for the first time: how innocent and pure it is, especially when you’re young. It’s an exciting feeling. Oh captures young love beautifully in XOXO, inviting her readers into a world where they can re-experience it through the protagonist, Jenny. With descriptions of feeling butterflies in her stomach, her heart pounding at the sight of him, and feeling happier than she’s ever been, Jenny has fallen hard. I fell right with her too, feeling completely attached to her romance with Jaewoo. You can’t help but love their love, seeing how much they care for one another despite each obstacle they face. Even more heartwarming is the love and friendship that Jenny builds with Sori, one of her first true best friends. Love bursts through every page, whether it’s between friends, family members, or a cute couple. If you’re a fan of the romance genre, give this book a read. XOXO is fun, enchanting, and uplifting, giving its readers an experience that they’ll never forget.
Danielle Francesconi, Pine Reads Review Writing & Social Media Intern