A review by thebooknerdscorner
ASAP by Axie Oh

5.0

In this follow-up to "XOXO," Nathaniel and Sori are given a second chance at love in an industry that is trying its hardest to keep them apart. 

Sori has strived to become a K-pop idol and impress her mother her entire life, but she's starting to lose her passion for the lifestyle. Despite this, both of her parents press their expectations on her at all times. And one of these expectations is that she stays away from her ex-boyfriend, Nathaniel, who just happens to be a part of the popular K-pop band called XOXO. But when Nathaniel finds himself faced with another scandal, Sori offers to let him hide out at her place to avoid the press. Now, Sori finds herself happy again for the first time in years. . . But is a chance at true love worth giving up on her hopes for her future career? 

It was so great to be back in the "XOXO" universe. I loved the first book, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this companion novel. I didn't love Sori in the first book, but I really enjoyed her perspective, and it was awesome getting to know her better. It was also really great seeing Jenny, Angela, Gi Taek, and all the XOXO members again; they are truly such a great found family whom I love seeing interact with one another. 

The romantic tension between Sori and Nathaniel was so good in this book. We know that they had to break up with one another due to a scandal that happened several years ago, but it is quite obvious that these two still have intense feelings for one another. I especially adore the scenes that take place during the variety show. The other times they are on TV and radio shows together also exhibit their chemistry, but I really enjoyed seeing them run and hide together during the variety show. I also love the "bad girl" and "bad boy" vibes that these two have; it made seeing how far they were willing to break the rules very exciting. 

The third act conflict was slightly annoying, but I also see where Sori was coming from. Her parent's both have heavy expectations of her, and she doesn't want to let them down in various ways. Therefore, it makes sense that she tries to push Nathaniel away, but it is slightly annoying because they are so good for each other. 

The new characters that are introduced in this book were also great. Nathaniel's sister, Nadine, seems like a pretty cool cat. Hyemi, the trainee of ASAP that Sori is charged in mentoring, is such a darling. I really hope that Oh decides to write a third book in this series featuring Hyemi and Youngmin. Seriously, it would be such a wholesome and cute love story. <3

Just like in "XOXO" I found it really fun to follow the lives of Korean idols. Their lives are so different than mine, and I find the lives of the famous (especially those in Asian cultures) to be really interesting to follow. In the course of this book, Sori stars on multiple TV series, radio shows, and works hand in hand with K-pop bands (among other things). I will forever be entranced by these kinds of lifestyles, and I am glad that I got to dive into the "XOXO" world in this way again. 

Overall, I really liked "ASAP." It is always nice to return to a fictional world that I adore, so reading this book was truly a joy. I loved seeing the returning characters, learning more about K-idol lifestyles, and enjoy another fluffy romance from the mind of Axie Oh. I seriously hope that she keeps expanding this universe in a future novel, but for now, I'll just continue to adore these two books and rec them to as many people who will listen to me!