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Books to Read While Waiting for Season Two of ‘XO, Kitty’

Before there was XO, Kitty, there was the To All the Boys I Loved Before trilogy. So, what better way to wait for the second season of the Netflix show than going back to books? These nine books, written by Asian authors, all give off the same vibes as XO, Kitty.

And just because the vibes are the same, an honorable mention goes to Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins.

‘I Guess I Live Here Now’ by Claire Ahn

Viking Books for Young Readers | Penguin
Viking Books for Young Readers | Penguin

If you liked the aspect of Kitty moving to South Korea from America, then I Guess I Live Here Now is perfect for you. The writing style is amazing, the characters are captivating and relatable, and the story might just bring you to tears.

Melody Lee is a bit more reluctant to moving overseas than Kitty was, but she’s going to be sucked into a romance she never saw happening. Though things are rough, they do get better – until family secrets come out and friendships are broken.

‘Seoulmates’ by Susan Lee

Inkyard Press
Inkyard Press

If you were more interested in the twisty romantic story of XO, Kitty, then you need to check out Seoulmates. Just like Kitty, Hannah’s relationship ends early on and new potential romances start popping up.

After her boyfriend breaks up with her, Hannah reconnects with her former best friend turned K-drama star Jacob. They start trying to figure out why they stopped being friends while Hannah navigates her new feelings for Jacob and her ex wanting her back.

Read More: Romance Books That Would Make Amazing Movies

‘XOXO’ by Axie Oh

HarperTeen
HarperTeen

Are you surprised that XOXO just had to be on this list? You shouldn’t be. Following a similar story to Kitty’s, we see a teen move to South Korea, attend a prestigious school, and isn’t allowed to date the boy she met before. (Even better, there’s a second book following another couple in the first book!)

Before Jaewoo, Jenny only wanted to be accepted into a music conservatory. Now there, she finds Jaewoo again – and her plans start to include dating. But he’s not allowed to date – so how far are they willing to go for love?

‘The Noh Family’ by Grace Shim

Kokila | Penguin
Kokila | Penguin

If you loved Yuri (and Crazy Rich Asians or Gossip Girl), then you’ll probably love The Noh Family. It’s like reading a K-drama mixed with XO, Kitty-level characters and secrets.

Chloe never expected anything from the DNA test her friends got her – but then she learns her father’s side of the family is super rich. They invite her to visit for a couple of weeks, but it seems too good to be true when she gets there.

‘Flip the Script’ by Lyla Lee

Katherine Tegen Books
Katherine Tegen Books

Now, if you loved the fake dating aspect from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and wish there was more of it in XO, Kitty, then this book is for you. Hana is the perfect mix between Lara Jean and Kitty for all you Covey fans out there.

After loving K-dramas her whole life, Hana is now starring in one – but the shoe drops as she’s fake dating her co-star for the publicity. A new girl – an on-screen rival for Hana – arrives, and Hana has to fight for her position while also fighting her feelings.

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‘Idol Gossip’ by Alexandra Leigh Young

Walker Books
Walker Books

In XO, Kitty, there wasn’t much K-pop, so if you were missing that, Idol Gossip is perfect for you. While there are not a ton of the same themes and stories as XO, Kitty, this book’s protagonist is still going to steal your heart.

Alice always loved singing, and she’s now getting the chance to be a star – the only catch: she has to be in a K-pop group. It’s not smooth sailing, but Alice, with her sister’s support, is determined to perform in front of the world.

‘Once Upon a K-Prom’ by Kat Cho

Disney Hyperion
Disney Hyperion

This novel is literally marketed for fans of Jenny Han! Elena is a lot like Lara Jean in the beginning of her trilogy, but the drama is XO, Kitty-level. Trust me, this Disney-published novel is sure to make you want to relive prom.

Elena has always been in others’ shadows. But somehow, she’s caught the eye of K-pop star (and her former best friend) Robbie Choi, who asks her to prom. They made a promise seven years ago to go together – and it looks like he’s living up to that promise.

‘Love & Other Natural Disasters’ by Lisa Sugiura

HarperTeen
HarperTeen

Another pick for Yuri fans – Love & Other Natural Disasters reminded me of Yuri’s plan to get her girlfriend back to Korea. From fake dating to possibly falling for someone new, this book is a great pick for XO, Kitty fans.

Nozomi never planned on a fake relationship – but she’s more than willing to help Willow this summer. She plans on proving she’s better than Willow’s ex. That said, she’s not good at lies piling up and disasters start popping up.

‘Love, Decoded’ by Jennifer Yen

Razorbill
Razorbill

Before Kitty went to Korea, she was essential in matchmaking for her family (specifically Lara Jean and Peter). Just imagine if Kitty was also interested in software development, and you’d get this book.

Gigi wants to be the best. By combining her tech skills with matchmaking skills she got from her aunt, she’ll have the best app in an internship contest. The app is perfect – until it isn’t, and Gigi ends up in a scandal at school.

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I’m Kait

Welcome to my blog, Kait Mae. I created the blog in college as an assignment, then rebooted it when I worked for a newspaper as a creative outlet for articles that wouldn’t get published or some that I loved after I left that job. But after nearly two years, I’m rebooting it again as a creative outlet where I can share my thoughts on pop culture and media.

I hope you’ll stay awhile and check it out.

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