XOXO by Axie Oh

SYNOPSIS

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.

REVIEW

This book is a charming, heartfelt story about following your dreams and being true to the music. It makes you want to smile and have that warm feeling, just as we get into the sunny summer months.

Even though there were plot points that could have been developed, this was a sweet story about family, friendship and love in the beating heart of Korea.

If you want all the feels of travelling and visiting somewhere when times are tough and you just want to escape, this would be the perfect book to escape to. It doesn't impose what you should do, but rather what you could be and how you can better yourself, even if you feel like you have a pretty great life already. It opens up that treasure box stored deep away in yourself, asking, are you really being true to yourself? How can you be better than the person you already are.

This is a great book even if you want to experience a new culture that is vivid and exciting. It has an outstanding impact on the plot and gives you that overwhelming sense that this is a culture that must be shared and you must discover for yourself.

It would be quite interesting to see how this story would continue if there were a sequel because it gives me Fame vibes, yet, is nothing like Fame and something completely unique at the same time.

I'm glad that I was able to read this book at a time when I was struggling to grasp life itself. It just shows, the best books are able to help you understand yourself and the world when you at one of your lowest points. This book is like therapy, but the best kind where the sun always shines and makes you feel at ease.

RATING: **** (FOUR STARS)

BUY LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/XOXO-Axie-Oh-ebook/dp/B08L3MZYBX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VAIP7OBOJ718&dchild=1&keywords

Comments

When She Smiled by Ritoban Chakrabarti

Publisher: Ritoban Chakrabarti Year it was Published: 30th November 2014 Pages: 234 Format: Ebook/Kindle The Plot It shows there to be a teenager called Roy who attends Physics classes, which is where he sees the most beautiful girl he has ever seen for the first time. This is the basis for the story and how he copes with how she is admired bu other boys as well as himself. Throughout the story, Roy begins to get closer towards the beautiful girl called Akanksha becoming very good friends. But Roy wants more than that and purposely goes out of his way to make it much more than it already is. Eventually something then jepordises their relationship and the relationship that they do have, everything that they have done crumbles. While Roy tries his best to pick up the pieces. My Criticisms When reading this piece of fiction, in some places i found it quite difficult to read. Not because of the plot itself. Maybe it is more likely that it is t...

Blog Tour: The Beast Hunters Dark Sovereign by Christer Lende

REVIEW So we are back in the world of the Beast Hunters for a sophomore instalment where we see Ara, Khendric and Topper back on another adventure. But this time with a difference. Instead of the world building from the previous book, we get to delve into a mystery with darkness starting to make pace in the background. We meet new characters, some good and some not so much. Not only do we have the overarching themes of beasts but also political intrigue and secretive plots. It is far more intricate than the previous instalment where the characters are making decisive and confident choices. Especially for our fave apprentice, Ara. If you want to get away from the current world affairs, this book will serve as an escape from reality. What these last two books do remind me of however, is a tv show. Why I say this is because it felt kind of episodic but they both have reinvented themselves with different themes. I found this to be quite good actually. This is because it feels l...

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

For something new this year I have decided that it would be different to try out something new on the blog. Every week from now on I am going to find a word that I find to be interesting. So for this week the word is: denouement - the resolution of a mystery. Publisher: Corgi Books Pages: 593 Year it was Published: 2004 Places: Paris, London, England, Roslin Original Language: American English So do you remember when I showed you my TBR pile of Dan Brown books? I am sure that you are thinking where they have all got to! Well the reason because of this is I wanted a change for a little while and I have loads of other books to get through - as well as the obvious blog tour and interview! Unfortunately there won't be a relentless amount of Dan Brown reviews for the time being, after this one. I have only just started The Lost Symbol and there are plenty other reviews that are for other books. Plot Summary For the Robert Langdon series second instalm...

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

If you are in the mood for a sweet romance that gives Groundhog Day and Ferris Bueller vibes then this book is for you. What happens if you wake up to the same Valentine’s Day and everything always goes not to plan? What if you are someone who likes to plan and not share how you are really feeling? Emilie, our female protagonist is very much a stickler for planning and keeping to societal norms. She never really speaks her mind. But this Valentine’s Day is different. She is different. I found that the book itself is quirky and fun. It does have moments of sadness but there is a lot of heart in terms of how it is done. There could have been more time with other characters that are mentioned throughout but at the end of the day it is very much a Young Adult piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Would I read it again? Possibly if I want a Valentines themed book. It was also very quick to read for those who are not into big tomes. Rating: 4 Stars

Birthday Talk!

Hello. I'm finally back! As some people may already know, I was unable to post last week. To be straight up and honest, it was because of the fact that I had a lot of exams to revise for this week. Which I am now glad to officially announce that I have to only face one left. There was also a big momentous occasion that took place this Thursday. It was my 18th birthday at last. So to celebrate this, I want to show you all the relevant cake that I had received from my Auntie, which she actually made herself. All the credit goes to her! I know that you cannot really read the text from the picture, but from what I have analysed (yes, using those fancy words!) it is a diary of Annie, Darren Shan's younger sister in the Saga of Darren Shan. Which, for those people who know me very well, I love this series and have read it over five times. The best story to contribute in celebrating me turning an adult! The smell of the cake is absolutely amazing...