XOXO by Axie Oh
on July 13, 2021
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Art, Young Adult Fiction / Asian American & Pacific Islander, Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age, Young Adult Fiction / Diversity & Multicultural, Young Adult Fiction / Family / Blended Families, Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women, Young Adult Fiction / Indigenous / General, Young Adult Fiction / Places / Asia, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 352
Format: Audiobook
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If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good YA romance with major K-pop energy, XOXO by Axie Oh might just be the perfect cozy listen. It’s a light, heartwarming story about music, first love, and learning to step outside your comfort zone—wrapped up in a swoony, Seoul-set romance that feels straight out of a K-drama.
The Story
Jenny, a talented cello prodigy, has her life planned down to the smallest detail. Her only goal? Get into one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. But one spontaneous night changes everything when she meets Jaewoo—a handsome, mysterious boy who invites her into an adventure that pulls her far from her careful plans.
After one unforgettable evening, Jaewoo disappears without a word. Months later, Jenny travels to South Korea with her mom to help care for her grandmother, enrolling at an elite arts academy for the semester. To her shock, Jaewoo is there too—and he’s not just a classmate. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world, and dating is strictly off-limits.
My Thoughts
I listened to XOXO on audio and thought it was an easy, enjoyable listen—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light and comforting. The narration really brought the atmosphere and characters to life, especially with the mix of English and Korean phrases that made it feel authentic.
This story is very cute, happy, and full of heart. It’s definitely a feel-good book that leans into all the tropes you’d expect from a YA K-drama-style romance: secret love, big emotions, and moments that make you smile. Jenny and Jaewoo’s chemistry is sweet, and I loved how the book blended music, culture, and young love.
That said, this one was about a 3.5-star read for me. I liked it, but it didn’t completely wow me. The story is predictable at times, and I wished for a little more emotional depth or complexity in the characters. Still, it’s charming and hopeful—perfect when you just want a happy, low-stakes story that leaves you smiling.
Final Thoughts
XOXO is a light, heartwarming YA romance about finding joy, passion, and love in unexpected places. It’s a great pick for fans of K-pop, K-dramas, or anyone looking for a story that feels like a warm hug with a soundtrack of sweet cello notes and pop music vibes.
(3.5/5)
Read this if you like:
K-pop and Korean culture
Sweet, wholesome YA romance
Feel-good reads with heart and charm
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