“XOXO”- Axie Oh

🫰🏻You’d hardly guess that “XOXO”, “Rebel Seoul”, and “Rogue Heart” were written by the same person—unless you already knew the author is Axie Oh.

As a YA contemporary romance, 💖“XOXO”💖 doesn’t present an apocalyptic world full of ruin; it doesn’t introduce us to characters torn between the two sides of what is supposedly one, but painfully and perhaps irreversibly divided, world.

I realize that’s a rather grim way to start a review of a story that is, at its core, sweet and romantic🫂. Still, I’ll keep it that way because the topics it touches on are relevant, even if not often openly discussed in society. But from here on, I’ll continue on a more positive note—because Axie Oh brings warmth, gentleness, and even innocence to the love that inevitably sparks between the main characters in all her books I’ve read so far🥹. If nothing else, this is how you can recognize her signature style.

🎤How hard can it be to fall in love with a K-pop idol? I think the answer is simple and straightforward. But is it just as easy for a K-pop idol to fall in love with you? Maybe not. Maybe yes🤷🏻‍♀️.

The story unfolds in our current, relatively peaceful world (let’s call it that, because the topic is sensitive—at least it’s not apocalyptic… yet). But the lack of literal destruction doesn’t make the world of the 🎶K-pop industry🎶 any less crushing: with its exhausting training, lack of time for oneself or others, paparazzi lurking around every corner, and a love you so deeply desire—yet is bitterly forbidden, or at least doomed.

🫰🏻In these complicated and confusing times, Jenny and Jaewoo show us that love is still possible despite everyone and everything. As long as you’re willing to sacrifice a part of yourself to feel and live it. But what is a sacrifice, really, if deep down it’s something you’ve long wanted to make, in exchange for something much stronger and more real?

This and many other questions (about the meaning of love, family, friendship, dreams, aspirations) are answered through the eyes and emotions of boys and girls standing on the threshold between childhood and professional realization and career-building🌟. Even though they’re still, at heart, just kids…

❗️I have to say—so I don’t discourage anyone from reading the book—that along with everything I mentioned, you’ll also enjoy music, concerts, karaoke, K-pop idols, and lots of genuine and fun characters.❣️

I can’t wait to start reading “ASAP.” 🤩💖