Ex Marks the Spot

Gemma has a talent of looking at things differently. Puzzles, anagrams just makes so much sense to her. So when her late grandfather that she never knew was still alive until recently, gave her a box. She just knew there's so much more to it. The problem is, she needs to go to Taiwan to actually finish all the clues. With no money to travel, She swallows her pride and asks help from her nemesis and ex, Xander. I haven't read all the Gloria Chao books but I think this is the best book she wrote. I might be biased because I really like puzzles, and scavenger hunts. However, the fact that this was a book in a different country with the perspective of a second-generation Taiwanese-American who never experienced her Taiwanese side was truly enthralling. The relationships Gemma has with the different characters of the book is not just relatable but also realistic. The author truly makes you understand what Gemma was feeling. And she done it well. Readers also get a glimpse of Taiwan. I've never been to Taiwan, except for a layover in Taipei, but the way the book describes places was a genius way to introduce something unfamiliar. Also learning a bit more of the culture was also so nice. This was definitely an adventure through the pages. Though I don't know Mandarin, it was so fun and intriguing to at least guess the puzzles and what was coming next to the characters. This book was the type where you can solve with it making reading interactive. But it was still fun for me though I don't know the language. Overall, this was a ride. I loved everything about it and I didn't even take a deep dive on the love story even though the title is all over it. The angst was there. And I would like to see what Xander was thinking in this book. But all I can say is - chivalry i s not dead on this book at all. Great book, so happy I read it. If anything. i think it sucks this can't be an audiobook. * I received an eARC of this book