This book was everything!! Alec Kim was literally everything you’d want in a KPop hero! I loved Gigi! I can’t imagine how had it would be to straddle the professional vs personal line, I need a Sunny and an Eden novel. I loved the primary and secondary characters equally! I cannot wait for more books by Ivy Owens!

I loved it. Scandalized is everything I'm looking for in a contemporary! I didn't even mind the contrivance of Georgia not knowing that Alec was super internationally famous. I loved getting to know them and their relationship. I was worried at first about the plotline around Georgia's big story since it's such heavy subject matter but I also felt like that was well done too.

Georgia Ross is a journalist trying to get home after an exhausting stint in the UK chasing a big story. She gets stuck in Seattle on her way home to LA and ends up in the same hotel as her childhood crush Alec Kim. Alec was the older brother of her best friend, and she hasn't seen him in at least 14 years.

It turns out he has the very last room, and she reluctantly agrees to come up and use his shower before going on a search for a hotel vacancy. One thing leads to another and they share a super steamy night. Things start to get confusing and infinitely more complicated the next day, and Georgia feels blindsided.

Things don't ease up from there either—instead they just get more and more complex. Can they find a way to be together?

I could not have loved both of these characters any more than I did. Sure I wanted to shake some sense into both of them on a couple of occasions, but they were infinitely loveable. They were from such completely different worlds, and yet they fought so hard to find a way to be together. In short, it gave me all the feels and I wanted to hug the book when I was done with it.

I'm a little annoyed with the publicity that this book received. It was marketed as a debut author but it really wasn't. Although...I'm still waiting for the scandal.

I’m not sure what I expected from this former best friend’s brother/childhood crush/now celebrity romance, but it wasn’t the sheer amount of feels I got. And I’m not complaining. This starts out with a bit of insta lust (which I wasn’t sold on at first), and it makes sense because as soon as they get acquainted with each other, Gigi and Alec are fire. But this isn’t boiling hot chemistry, wait wait hear me out. Paradoxically it’s more of a constant slow simmer, like a warm bath to relax your muscles and melt your bones, which makes it no less sweltering for its comfort. Both soft and steamy, slow and frenzied. I hope you were with me through that metaphor. Because boil or simmer, these two are incredibly dirty and sxxy and fvcking adorable. They’re not even a tiny bit toxic and who knew I enjoy that.

Gigi is making waves in her career but just picking up the pieces of a recent upheaval in her personal life; Alec is also at the peak of his mega career, but he’s as sweet as he’s gorgeous, as protective as he’s charming, and willing to be the steady rock for Gigi to lean her shaky trust on. And the man is a wizard in the bedroom AND at communicating with his partner! A woman’s wet dream indeed. His thoughtfulness, his singleminded patience in bed and out, that confession at the end that made water drip from my eyes? I would d!e for him.

The high profile and emotionally taxing story Gigi is working forms an important part of the narrative and adds gravitas to the story. It’s both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful with the resolution that we get. The cover perfectly encapsulates the essence of the story; the fireworks and unbridled joy and love between Gigi and Alec.

Thank-you NetGalley Gallery Books, Pocket Books for the chance to read this ARC.

I would recommend this book to those that love the Insta-Love trope.
But it's not to say it can't win the love of those who aren't fans. I think it was very well realized.
I loved the celebrity/journalist dynamic.
Gigi was a good lead and I really liked Alex too.

I can’t wait for more Ivy Owens !

A chance meeting leads to more in Scandalized, a childhood friends to lovers story that also has a good dash of mystery and plenty of hot, steamy scenes for readers to enjoy.

Gigi Ross is a career oriented investigative journalist who meets up with a childhood friend when faced with an airline layover. One thing leads to another and there's a whole lot of coupling going on.

As things progress, Gigi falls into insta-love with her best friend's brother who just happens to have a secret all his own. It's a bit interesting that the investigative reporter doesn't figure this out until later? Also, she's working on sexual assault story so be aware if that's triggering. But do they have chemistry in the bedroom -- you betcha.

If you like your romance with plenty of steamy sex and don't mind the insta-love aspects, you might enjoy this story. It's fast paced and a bit predictable, but it's a fun ride if you're in the mood for something physical rather than emotional.

This felt like those xmas hallmark movies you know. Very cute, and instead of a prince she meets and falls for a famous actor.

Gigi is a journalist digging for something big. Then she meets her old crush and hooks up with him. I did have a really hard time believing that she was totally unaware that the guy she crushed on for years became a famous actor. Her excuse was she does not watch tv, but hey, movies. the internet. I guess she never follows anything. But if we can look past that....

Quick read where two people meet, fall in lust, but they love oceans apart. Will their romance continue?

But there is a dark side to the story too. She is investigating a club; drugs, abuse, rape...

Still, this is a romance and they lived happily ever after. Truly happily since there is an epilogue too.

This was a great spicy read! I loved the main characters and the story line. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

I received an ARC from Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster.
First of all, this book is quite fast paced, which I like and find important to a good story. Not much lagged in terms of plot. So, it's definitely not a slow-burn type of story.
The main characters, Georgia and Alec were fun to read and their interactions were great. I like that they had a history and knew each other when they were both younger. I think that's what helped them develop a new romantic relationship quickly. Georgia has some past relationship hang-ups that were kind of sad and annoying and it would have been nice if the author delved more into that. Alec is kind of mysterious, a lot handsome, and seems very genuine.
There is a mystery within this story that ties these two characters together. I liked that they both worked through it while developing a "relationship". I say relationship loosely because they only had 2 weeks until Alec had to return to London.
This story is definitely for adults as it's an adult contemporary romance. Although I didn't feel much of a romance between the two in the traditional sense, there are lots of fast and furious sex.
Scandalized is a quick read, and a decent read from first time author, Ivy Owens. I give this between 3.5-4 stars.

This book is incredibly hot and seriously excellent! I love love loved Gigi and Alec both as individuals and I loved their
relationship! Absolutely fantastic. Cannot wait to see what’s next from Ivy Owens! Trust me, you want to read this book! Alec Kim will be your absolute favorite new book boyfriend!!!

4.5 stars

Steamy friends-to-lovers romance about childhood friends Georgia (Gigi) and Alec (Alexander) who have a chance encounter in the Seattle airport. One night only, then they'll go their separate ways. But, is that really it? Despite Georgia's misgivings, she agrees to continue their fling while Alexander is in her hometown of LA. Two weeks only. Then it's over. But, is it? Of course not, or else this wouldn't be a romance.

This was a fun read, extremely spicy. I liked it a lot, but I didn't quite love it. I think the extensive bedroom scenes left little room to really develop the plot or the characters. The resolution seemed a little rushed, and then the epilogue went on forever.

Nonetheless, I would happily read further books by Ivy Owens, especially since it's now been revealed that she's actually the Lauren half of Christina Lauren (love them!).

I'm super thankful to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

I loved it. Is that enough? It should be.

But seriously, I think there's a lot to be appreciated about this book. You have Georgia, who is hustling her ass off, and Alec who is impossible not to love, and more chemistry than I thought possible.

But then you dig deeper, and you have diversity, and you've got really great handling of some tough issues. We get sex that counts, even though, it's not the hertonormative P in V expected. There were moments when I thought the 3rd act chaos and fallout would go another way, but I have to give Ivy massive props, for having it crumble in a very realistic, The Patriarchy sucks ass way.

I know there's a level of ✨️drama✨️ behind who this author is, and this is my thoughts on it. Calling it two cents, would be grossly overvalued.

I have been a CLo fan since the early days. I'm talking Beautiful Stranger had just been released 2013, and to this day I will STILL talk your ear off about Max Stella. However, while I have enjoyed their books the last few years, they've trickled to a more mainstream, diet steam, open door but just a sliver. That's absolutely fine, it's just not the same for me.

Scandalized brought back the open door. Hell, Scandalized kicked that door open like Kuzco, and knocked it off the hinges. I felt that magic and spark from the OG series I loved. I can't imagine starting a career all over, after hustling for over a decade, and she deserves recognition for that alone.

One of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given! I truly loved everything about this book. It was fun, addicting, sexy and I was captivated from the very first page.

Hear me out, insta-love is not usually a trope I love, but this one worked. Probably because the characters acknowledged how crazy the insta-connection was. I honestly kind of forgot everything was happening in a short amount of time when reading it because everything just felt right.
 
I could say soooo much more but I really don’t want to ruin the journey for anyone so please just READ IT FOR YOURSELF!
 
Things I loved:
‼️Alec – that is it … he is top tier book boyfriend 
⚡️Gigi and her girl boss energy
🧪The chemistry and passion
🥲The depth and emotions
🌶The SPICE, the heat, the steam, the intimacy – this book gave it all
📞The phone sex scene iykyk
😏The banter
💨The fast paced plot
🥹The epilogue

Overall, this book was incredible!!!

Read this if you like:
•failed one night stand
•childhood friends to lovers
•celebrity romance
•insta-love

Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!

Okay, I finally dipped my toe into the K-Drama world this spring and realized I had been missing out on one of the true joys of life. A love story that gives you all the feels? SIGN ME UP.

So when I first heard about this book, I knew I needed to read this book. And let me tell you, this book was everything I needed and so much more!

First of all, this book is scorching hot! I mean the attraction between Gigi and Alex is hot, it almost jumps off the page. Get ready for maybe the best steam/sex scenes I've read in my ENTIRE life. I know it sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I promise you that I'm not.

Besides the steaminess, the story about this two childhood friends reconnecting after several years is so incredible sweet. You can't help but root for Gigi and Alex to be together - through all the scandals and hiccups that threaten to keep them a part.

I literally couldn't put this book down and was genuinely sad when I finished. If you're looking for a steamy read that gives you all the feels, put this book at the top of your TBR list stat!

Special thanks to NetGalley and for the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When a canceled flight forces Georgia to delay her trip, she is stunned to realize that the handsome stranger across the lobby is her former childhood neighbor. Alec Kim is as gorgeous as ever, offering to help Gigi when all of the hotels are booked. A scorching one-night stand ensues, but both are resolute that it will go no further. Gigi soon learns that Alec is one of the most popular K-drama stars, making a romance seem impossible. Yet Alec and Gigi aren’t free of each other just yet…and do they want to be?

Scandalized was spectacular! It opened with a great meet-cute and immediately embraced the steam and romance of a celebrity/journalist pairing. Gigi’s journalistic work was grounding and created a meaningful secondary plot. Alec was delightful!! He was thoughtful, protective, and enchanted with Gigi. Meanwhile, Gigi has had a crush on Alec for as long as she can remember. It was so satisfying to see this come to an epic conclusion as they find each other again years later. I would definitely recommend it for fans of Tessa Bailey and Rosie Danan. I can’t wait to see what Ivy Owens writes next!

Thank you to Ivy Owens, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, Wordpress blog, and Barnes & Noble etc

The cover drew me in. Love the fireworks and the colors. I really enjoyed this book from Ivy. I loved the chance reconnection. The catching up. I can’t say I’ve read much celebrity romance but this one hit all the marks. There’s adventure. Steam and more steam. Some mystery. This book had it all.

Hot damn, this book was good.

It’s not everyday that you find a spicy book with a plot and all the heart. Scandalized brought it all! I binged this in less than 24 hours, I couldn’t put it down.

It wasn’t just the open door aspect that made me fall in love, though. It was the perfectly executed level of attraction and connection the two MCs felt towards one another. It’s gave the book that “fated for each other” vibe that I love so much.

And it wasn’t just the romance here, either. There was also a bit of mystery surrounding Gigi investigative journalism work. It was incredibly satisfying watching it all play out.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Celebrity Romance
Best Friend’s Brother
Secret Identity
Insta Love
Quick, Bingeable Read
SMUT WITH A PLOT

This is the perfect romance novel. Real love. Extra steam and spice. Realistic Hollywood scandals. I could read only Alec Kim sex scenes for the rest of my life because ohmygod he is so hot. For readers who are sensitive babies like me, it's a HEA ending. Ivy Owens has solidified herself as an insta-buy for me.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
This book. Shew wee!!
I heard about this book from another author who was doing a giveaway. I didn’t win, but the review was so good I didn’t want to wait for it to come out, so I looked it up on NetGalley. I was (finally) approved. IM SO GLAD! This book is a scorcher. If you love high steam romance, give this one a shot!

Georgia is (Gigi) is an Investigative Reporter, back from an emotional work trip in London. She is investigating a string of alleged sexual assaults in a night club in London. (the author put trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel) She is about to have another exhausting night in the airport, when an old childhood friend, Alec Kim, offers her a shower, then a bed, then so much more……After a scorchin hot steamy night, (yeah yeah I've already said that) Alec buys her a first class ticket (and other items) with some vague “I’m really happy to be here with you. Exactly how it was last night. Whatever happens after this, I want you to promise to remember that. Okay?” and they both go their separate ways. Gigi sees Alec later on the plane, dressed in a ball cap, sunglasses, and the whole disguise thing. The reason why is soon found out when he has hundreds of people waiting for him at the airport.
After Googling, Gigi goes home hurt that he didn’t confide in her, and even worse felt mocked by him. Alec however couldn’t say goodbye to Gigi and lured her into a meeting with knowledge about her story. It is a good lead and a great way to insert his way into her life. For the next 2 weeks while hes in town atleast
What starts as a one night stand turns into so much more!

Gigi is smart, sassy and relatable. Alec is kind, and nice. I know nice has become a niche word but its really hard to find a character that you think is just a good human. He just happens to be also famous.

I hate to say he was swoon worthy (Just because its his job and he can sell it) but this whole book is swoon worthy. The romance is YES spicy, but well written and enjoyable. I read it very quickly and am excited to read more by Ivy Owens. We will definitely be putting this book in my library!