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By Marilyn Stasio

• June 29, 2012

Jeffery Deaver is a man of many skills. And XO (Simon & Schuster, $26.99), a heart-in-mouth thriller about a country-pop star being stalked by an obsessive fan, owes a great deal to one of them — his previous career as a folk musician, a vocation Deaver hasn’t entirely given up. He wrote the lyrics to the country-­western songs that figure in the story, and he’s given his informed passion for country music to many of his characters.

Deaver’s personal avatar in the novel is Kayleigh Towne, a successful if unassuming singer-­songwriter who has attracted the attention of a stalker named Edwin Sharp. “Your Shadow,” the featured track on Kayleigh’s new album, was, he believes, written especially for him. “I’ll be your shadow,” he writes in one of his mash notes. “Forever.”

As if that sick devotion weren’t creepy enough, Sharp has the unnerving ability to see through walls and read minds. Or so it seems when he turns up in Fresno, where Kayleigh is due to give a special concert for her hometown fans. Somehow, he manages to anticipate her every move, showing up at her home, at closed rehearsals backstage at the theater — even at her favorite bar.

Celebrity stalkers like Sharp are delusional, but rarely violent. So when the chief techie in Kayleigh’s road crew is killed in a horrific onstage “accident,” the singer turns to her friend Kathryn Dance, an agent with the California Bureau of Investigation and a dedicated “songcatcher” who travels to rural areas recording the local folk music.

Although Deaver’s quadriplegic scientist-­sleuth, Lincoln Rhyme, shows up to help with the forensics, this case belongs to Dance, whose field of professional expertise is kinesics — the analysis of body language. Dance is a master interrogator, but Deaver has stacked the deck against her by making the physically impassive Sharp almost impossible to read. That’s typical of an author whose infernal puzzle mysteries invariably inspire words like devious, diabolical and devilish, all of which apply to “XO.” It’s Dance’s toughest case, and one of Deaver’s best books.

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Book Review: ‘XO’ by Jeffery Deaver

Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Bookworm’s Fantasy! I hope you’re all doing well. Today I’m posting my review of Jeffery Deaver’s novel, ‘XO’. I read this as “research” for my Creative Writing Project/dissertation at university this year (I’ll update you on what I’m doing soon!) I haven’t heard much about this book at all, so I thought I’d review it for you all! So, here goes…

Kayleigh Towne is a beautiful and successful singer-songwriter, and Edwin Sharp is her biggest fan. When she replies to one of his fan letters with ‘XO’, Edwin is convinced she loves him, and that her latest hit song ‘Your Shadow’ was written for him. Nothing Kayleigh or her lawyers can say persuades him otherwise. Then the singer gets an anonymous phone call; it’s the first verse of ‘Your Shadow’ playing. Soon after, one of the crew is horribly murdered. Kayleigh’s friend Kathryn Dance, a special agent with the California Bureau of Investigation, knows that stalking crimes are not one-off occurrences, and, sure enough, more verses of the song are played as warnings of death to follow. With a little help from forensic criminalist Lincolyn Rhyme, Dance must use her kinesic and investigative skills in an attempt to find the killer before more people die.

** TRIGGER WARNING ** Contains descriptions of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Also makes references to substance abuse and pregnancy issues.

‘XO’ (2012) is the fifth book in Jeffery Deaver’s “Kathryn Dance” crime series: consisting of ‘The Cold Moon’ (2006), ‘The Sleeping Doll’ (2007), ‘Roadside Crosses’ (2009), ‘The Burning Wire’ (2010), XO and ‘Solitude Creek’ (2015). Deaver is the number one bestselling author of over 30 novels, including the “Lincoln Rhyme” (best known for these books), “Rune” and “John Pellam” series’. He also published the James Bond novel ‘Carte Blanche’ in 2011. His novels ‘A Maiden’s Grave’, ‘The Bone Collector’ and ‘The Devil’s Teardrop’ have all been made into films/TV shows.

The “Kathryn Dance” novels have received many positive reviews, for example from  Daily Mail : “[Deaver’s] intricate twists and turns catch out even the hardened thriller reader”,  The Times : “An engaging who-dunnit that revolves around the way in which social networking websites can end up spreading poison’, and  Heat : “Deaver is a master of the narrative twist”. Author Kathy Reichs also praised the series, stating “Jeffery Deaver is grand master of the ticking-clock thriller”.

‘XO’ is a tense, claustrophobic Crime Thriller all about the dangers of obsession. The narrative follows singer-songwriter Kayleigh Towne, who is being staked by a dangerous fan. When her friends and family begin to die, agent Kathryn Dance must step in to solve the case and stop the killer once and for all.

The narrative is told in the third person and follows the key characters of the novel. Chapters are divided into days of the week, beginning on a Sunday planning Kayleigh Towne’s big concert. The narrative is all-knowing and omniscient, sometimes acting to distance the reader from the action, and sometimes giving the reader an insight into the character’s head.

Kayleigh would have to be my favourite character in the novel. As the victim of a relentless and obsessive stalker, I felt a great deal of sympathy towards Kayleigh. She’s beautiful, rich, talented and has a large fan base, but it soon becomes clear that there’s a lot more to her than the reader may first perceive. Her stalker knows all her weaknesses, and won’t stop until he’s hurt everyone she loves – something which Kayleigh really struggles to cope with. She’s an extremely realistic character, as she soon begins to crumble under pressure.

Agent Kathryn Dance is also a really likeable character. She does everything she can to help Kayleigh and ultimately save her from harm. But she’s a much more complex character than first anticipated, and there are some secrets lurking deep beneath the surface. Dance gets more and more involved with the investigation and the girls’ form a good relationship, and Dance’s determination to save Kayleigh is heart-warming and inspiring.

Edwin Sharp is a deeply troubled character who is obsessed with Kayleigh and her music. He knows everything about her and will not stop until he gets what he wants – her. He’s set on ruining Kayleigh’s life and exposing her. The insights the reader gets into his head are dark and worrying, and he is truly blinded by love for her. Other characters include: Bobby and Sheri Towne (Kayleigh’s father and step-mother), Suellyn and Mary-Gordon (Kayleigh’s sister and neice), Alicia Sessions and Bobby Prescott (Kayleigh’s bandmates), and various members of the police force.

** TRIGGER WARNING **  (I apologise for any spoilers here.) The novel contains descriptions of emotional, physical and sexual abuse inflicted by the stalker. It contains the dark, chilling account from Edwin’s perspective, and the reader is given a detailed insight to his stalking tendencies. The novel also contains references to substance abuse, and also pregnancy issues. If any of these issues may trouble you, I suggest you skip this book.

As the novel motors forwards, Edwin’s behaviour only gets more and more concerning, and his stalking of Kayleigh gets more persistent. More members of Kayleigh’s close circle begin to die and so the police team must work hard to find out who’s behind the killings – and collect enough evidence to arrest this cold, calculated killer. Kayleigh’s troubles only increase and she is forced to make some difficult decisions.

So, let’s talk about the ending. I will say that the ending disappointed me slightly. There’s a large twist towards the end that I thought was brilliant – but then there’s another twist, and I got totally lost at this point. I personally felt that too much was crammed into the ending and Deaver really didn’t need to introduce that extent of narrative complexity. But I can understand why others may like the ending, so hopefully you’ll enjoy it more than I did!

Overall, I recommend this novel to those of you who enjoy Crime Thrillers, particularly with stalking and obsession involved. The premise is unique and the book is unlike any I’ve ever read before. I really enjoyed the book throughout, although unfortunately the ending did bring down my rating of the novel. A good read!

Happy reading 🙂

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I’ve read it and it was a very enjoyable read for me as well! Great review!

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I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much 🙂

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Book Summary and Reviews of XO by Jeffery Deaver

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A Kathryn Dance Novel

by Jeffery Deaver

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Book summary.

Country-pop ingenue Kayleigh Towne's career is just reaching new heights with her huge hit single "Your Shadow" - but increased fame is also bringing unwanted attention. An innocent exchange with one of her fans, signed with an "XO," leads Kayleigh into the dangerous and terrifying realm of obsession. Edwin Sharp thinks Kayleigh's songs contain messages that speak directly to him. Despite her clear rejection and threats from lawyers and law enforcers, he remains convinced that "Your Shadow" was written just for him, and he announces he's coming for Kayleigh. Then a potentially fatal accident occurs at the concert hall where Kayleigh is rehearsing for a triumphant hometown performance, and she is convinced that someone - maybe Edwin - was there watching her from the darkness. True to his word, Edwin Sharp soon makes an ominous appearance in town, and California Bureau of Investigation Agent Kathryn Dance, a friend and fan of Kayleigh's on vacation in Fresno to attend the show, intervenes on her behalf, drawing Sharp's frightening attention to herself. That night a member of the road crew whom Kayleigh had once dated is murdered in an eerie echo of an image from her chart-topping song. As more deaths loom on the horizon, Kathryn Dance must use her considerable skills at investigation and body-language analysis to stop the stalker and save more innocent victims. But before long she learns that, like many celebrities, Kayleigh has more than one fan with a mission ... This nail-biting thriller from suspense master Jeffery Deaver speeds along over just three short days, filled with terrifying twists that will keep readers held in rapt suspense until the final shocking revelation.

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"Starred Review. [E]xcellent...Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, the leads of Deaver's other series, make cameo appearances in a novel sure to please fans of both." - Publishers Weekly "Fans of Deaver's celebrated sleuthing marathons will wait with bated breath as this onion is peeled to disclose multiple layers of deception, betrayal and triple crosses." - Kirkus Reviews "Deaver fans who have felt that the Dance novels aren't quite as sharp as his Lincoln Rhyme series might have to think again. This may be the most compelling of the Dance books."- Booklist "A rather disappointing effort that his many die-hard fans will want nonetheless." - Library Journal

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Jerry Bauer

Jeffery Deaver is the #1 international bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels, three collections of short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme , The Bone Collector , was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world, including Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers and the Steel Dagger from the Crime Writers' Association in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he was the recipient of three lifetime achievement awards. A former journalist, folksinger, and attorney, he was born outside of Chicago and has a bachelor of journalism degree from the ...

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Also In This Series

• Solitude Creek (2015)
• Roadside Crosses (2009)
• The Sleeping Doll (2007)

Jeffery Deaver sets his heroine Kathryn Dance on a quest to stop an obsessive stalker from destroying a beautiful young country singer.

Kayleigh Towne is gorgeous with a voice that is taking her to the heights of the country pop charts. Her hit single “Your Shadow” puts her happily in the spotlight, until an innocent exchange with one of her fans leads Kayleigh into a dark and terrifying realm. The fan warns, “I’m coming for you,” and soon accidents happen and people close to Kayleigh die. Special Agent Kathryn Dance must use her considerable skills at investigation and body language analysis to stop the stalker—but before long she learns that, like many celebrities, Kayleigh has more than just one fan with a mission.

XO  is a typical Deaver novel, a roller coaster of multiple plots. What appears on the surface may or may not be what’s really going on.

A former folksinger, lyricist Deaver has written the actual song, “Your Shadow” along with composers Clay Stafford and Ken Landers.  That, along with a few other “Kayleigh Towne” tunes, has been recorded in Nashville and has been released worldwide by American Blackguard Records featuring recording artist Treva Blomquist .

Visit the official web site for the XO album and listen to samples of all the music, watch videos, and buy songs.

“Deaver’s infernal puzzle mysteries invariably inspire words like devious, diabolical, and devilish, all of which apply to XO. It’s Dance’s toughest case, and one of Deaver’s best books.”

—New York Times

“Deaver’s excellent third novel featuring Kathryn Dance…. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, the leads of Deaver’s other series, make cameo appearances in a novel sure to please fans of both series.”

—Publishers Weekly starred review

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Jeffery Deaver. S&S/Touchstone, $26.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-4391-5637-7

Reviewed on: 04/09/2012

Genre: Fiction

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Featured Fiction Reviews

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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

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Page Count: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Review Posted Online: May 16, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2021

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THE FIELD GUIDE TO THE NORTH AMERICAN TEENAGER

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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

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Page Count: 384

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018

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Despite the well-meaning warmth, a wearying plod.

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Geeks Of Color

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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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.

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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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OMG! This sounds so cute! I’ve been hearing lots of great praise for this book. I like that it shines light on the K-Pop industry too. I will check it out at the library!

Ahhh I hope you enjoy this one once you read it!

I just finished reading XOXO and I had such a fun time with it! It was so cute and left me feeling all bubbly inside! Just like you said, it made me feel all the warm, fuzzy feelings!

Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kat! Also, congrats on the new site! Looks amazing!

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.

May Book Releases: Fiction

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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XOXO (An XOXO Novel) Hardcover – July 13, 2021

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.

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. 

Indigo Best Teen Books of 2021

• Print length 352 pages
• Language English
• Publisher HarperTeen
• Publication date July 13, 2021
• Grade level 8 - 9
• Reading age 13 - 17 years
• Dimensions 5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
• ISBN-10 0063024993
• ISBN-13 978-0063024991
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

From school library journal.

“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)

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, Leila and Toro. Visit her online at axieoh.com.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperTeen (July 13, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063024993
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063024991
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 9
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
• #152 in Teen & Young Adult Romantic Comedy
• #247 in Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fiction
• #867 in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance

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

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• 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 structure clean and perfectly orchestrated. They describe the love story as epic, sweet, and natural. Readers also find the emotional themes heartwarming, family, and fun. They also describe the protagonist as adorable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the love story that unfolds in the book epic and natural. They also appreciate the sweet friendship dynamics and drama. Readers also mention that the storytelling makes it all flow seamlessly.

"...YA romance with supportive family members, healthy ambition, sweet friendship dynamics , and just the right amount of tension – Jaewoo and Jenny must..." 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

"...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

"... This tale is truly magic . And such a joy to read. And the food! I am so hungry now!This is the tale of Jenny and Jaewoo...." Read more

Customers find the protagonist adorable and lavish.

"...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 charming. They also say it features an interesting group of friends and a 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

"...This tale is truly magic. And such a joy to read . And the food! I am so hungry now!This is the tale of Jenny and Jaewoo...." Read more

Customers find the emotional themes in the book heartwarming, intermingled relationships, and fleshed out. They also appreciate the supportive family members and passion for music. Readers also say the author did a great job transporting their mind 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

"...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

"...characters and friends and family and all the intermingled relationships are a joy to experience ...." Read more

Customers find the book well structured, with masterful descriptions. They also say the characters, scenes, and descriptions are clean and perfect for gifting.

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

"...The characters, scenes and descriptions are masterfully crafted by author Axie Oh, without a single wasteful word. This tale is truly magic...." Read more

"...the novel even though all I wanted to do was savor in its perfectly orchestrated , manicured, K-pop fanatic novel...." Read more

"... Beautifully written and totally relatable from the lens of someone who has surpassed YA lit for a while now 😂 I read this book in one sitting..." Read more

Customers find the characters awesome, talented, and nice. They also mention that the book has romance, roommate drama, and famous boyfriends.

"...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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