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ASAP by Axie Oh is a sweet story following the daughter of an entertainment company CEO as she reconnects with her ex, a member of a popular K-pop group. Set in Seoul, this one contains a relatable main character and many entertaining side characters, including some familiar faces from the author’s previous book, XOXO. Fans of stories about K-pop and second-chance romances will not want to miss this one.
Title: ASAPSeries: XOXO #2
Author: Axie Oh
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
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Series Rating:
New York Times bestselling author Axie Oh's ASAP is the much anticipated companion novel to beloved romance XOXO, following fan favorites Sori, the wealthy daughter of a K-pop company owner, and Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex-boyfriend, in a swoon-worthy second chance love story.
Sori has worked her whole life to become a K-pop idol, until she realizes she doesn’t want a life forever in the spotlight. But that’s not actually up to Sori—she’s caught between her exacting mother’s entertainment company and her father’s presidential aspirations. And as the pressure to keep her flawless public image grows, the last person she should be thinking about is her ex-boyfriend.
Nathaniel is off limits—she knows this. A member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and forbidden from dating, he isn’t any more of an option now than he was two years ago. Still, she can’t forget that their whirlwind romance was the last time she remembers being really happy. Or that his family welcomed her into their home when she needed it most. . . .
So when Nathaniel finds himself rocked by scandal, Sori offers him a hideaway with her. And back in close quarters, it’s hard to deny their old feelings. But when Sori gets an opportunity to break free from her parent’s expectations, she will have to decide: Is her future worth sacrificing for a second chance at love?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
ASAP by Axie Oh
As the daughter of a prominent entertainment company CEO, Sori is used to maintaining perfect appearances even if it means sacrificing relationships. Despite her mom’s career, Sori has no interest in debuting in a K-pop group like her mom wishes, and in exchange for choosing her own path, she is tasked with helping the daughter of a wealthy man who can help save the company to prepare for debut. However, when one of the members of a popular boy group–Sori’s ex–gets involved in a scandal, Sori agrees to protect him from the paparazzi by letting him stay in her apartment. As the two spend more time together, Sori realizes that her feelings haven’t changed, but with the threat of another potential scandal she must decide which path will truly make her happy.
❀ Sori is an entertaining character
I enjoyed Sori’s character, and she is so entertaining to read about. I really felt for her since she feels a lot of pressure from both of her parents to be perfect and must push her own feelings to the side to maintain her image. What I loved about Sori is her compassion and how willing she is to help others, like Hyemi and Nathanial. While she does want a relationship with Nathanial, Sori also thinks about how her mom might be affected by a potential scandal, and I admired how considerate she is.
❀ Well-developed side characters
One of my favourite aspects of this book is the side characters. As this is a companion novel to XOXO, there are cameos from Jenny and Jaewoo as well as the other XOXO members that are so fun to read. I also loved Sori’s friendship with Hyemi, who has dreams and fears of her own, and her relationship with her mom, a woman CEO who is determined to protect her daughter. Each of the characters in the book feels developed, and this makes for an even more delightful read.
❀ ASAP by Axie Oh is a delightful companion novel
ASAP by Axie Oh is an entertaining second-chance love story. I enjoyed the K-pop company concept, and the main character is relatable. The side characters are equally exciting to read about, and fans of XOXO will definitely appreciate this companion novel.
About Axie Oh
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 (named after Totoro).
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I loved XOXO and am looking forward to this one. SO excited to see that you enjoyed it!
This sounds really cute!
Thank you for sharing
This sounds like a good book. Glad you enjoyed it.
This sounds really cute! My besties daughter LOVES Kpop – I think this would be a hit with her!
What a cute story about a k-pop star! Great review.
looks cute
I would love to read this one this spring season.
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