I really enjoyed Scandalized by Ivy Owens. The cover drew me in; the writing held me captive.

Georgia is an LA-based journalist investigating sexual assault at a nightclub in London. During a flight delay on her way home, she bumps into her childhood best friend's older brother, Alec. The two haven't seen each other in more than a decade, but their chemistry is undeniable. What starts as one night, becomes two weeks, and then so much more.

Alec and Georgia are easy characters to love. Though the story is told entirely from Georgia's perspective, it's hard to miss all of the signs that Alec is falling for her. He's such a swoon-worthy book boyfriend.

I really enjoyed the pacing in this story. The plot moves quickly enough to keep readers entertained, but it doesn't feel rushed. This book is also incredibly spicy. There's one phone scene in particular that will live rent-free in my mind for a while.

I'm happy to report this story matches its cover - beautiful, sleek, and full of fireworks.

This was a strong romance with a side plot that focuses on a seedy underground club. Alec and Gigi happen to see each other after many years when their flight is delayed. After a chance encounter that pushes these childhood friends together, they become in separable. The chemistry between the two characters was electric. The sexual tension oozed off the pages and there were also some fun moments when Alec meets her friends. There is also a realistic aspect about a celebrity dating a non celebrity. They navigate the pitfalls and also the highs of Alec's celebrity status. I loved that Gigi was driven to shed light on a horrible business and Alec supported her along the way. If you like strong heroines and celebrity romances, this is for you.

Out August 23, 2022! [Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

When journalist Georgia “Gigi” Ross runs into her childhood crush Alec Kim during an airport layover, she isn’t expecting a life-changing one night stand. She isn’t expecting real feelings to take hold. And she certainly isn’t expecting that they will be plunged into an international scandal with deep personal and professional implications. Cue all of the above.

This book was everything you want in a romance novel—sweet, adorable, sexy, funny, and touching—but it also has a wealth of emotion that runs much deeper. It’s a book that manages to handle incredibly difficult and emotional topics while still giving off warm, comforting vibes. And the characters are a delight, from near-perfect leading man Alec Kim, through tough and whip-smart Gigi Ross, on to Gigi’s loyal and hilarious best friend Eden, and more. There are a few characters I wish had slightly more “screen time”—but really that’s just because I enjoyed them so much I wanted them around longer!

Long story short, if you are looking for a near-perfect rom-com, read this.

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: best friend’s brother trope; celebrity romances; investigative journalism vibes.

CW: Sexual assault/rape/sexual harassment; some gaslighting/discussions of emotional abuse and manipulation.

What a great gem of a story! I loved so many things about this book. Even though Gigi & Alec came together quickly their love story seemed very natural & believable. The last 25% really was page turning for me, I had to know how things were going to resolve. I was actually surprised with how the plot went down which is rare to me since I read so much romance. I think this book would be great for readers who love early Christina Lauren or Sarina Bowen books.

This book - sheeeesh! It’s probably one of the steamiest books I’ve read in awhile, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the steam was done very well, and each scene was different, which was nice because sometimes when it’s the same scene over and over again, it makes the story feel like there is steam just to have steam.

I was surprised by the storyline and loved that this was a celebrity romance. I will say towards the end when I was waiting for the conflict, I was really worried that the other shoe was going to drop bc the story was just too good to be true. I won’t give anything away, but I absolutely loved the two MCs in this story. I loved them individually and I loved them together.

Scandalized comes out next week, put this on your TBR or preorder now!

"I can walk," I say without much conviction, and turn my face into his neck. "You're going to make me love you, aren't you?" He doesn't even falter, in step or breath. He says only, "I'm sure going to try."

Alec & Georgia. Two weeks only. Pretty Women moments. Lots of LOL scenes. Instant chemistry. Fast-paced. Scandalized will be loved by all!

Ps. can we champion an Eden book?!

THINGS AND STUFF:
-childhood crush
-best friend's brother
-age gap (6 years)
-temporary cohabitation (aka close proximity)
-celebrity & journalist
-going cutthroat in Mario kart w a bag of chips & beer
-drinking games
-loveable secondary characters
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. "He kisses his fingertip and gently rubs it over my heart."

Note: be aware of trigger warnings listed in the front matter.

Thank you Gallery books for an advanced copy!

Song: Swim by Chase Atlantic

Listen, did this book suffer from a few tropes? Yes. Childhood friend's brother? Check. Unknown celebrity? Check.

Did I read every page with worry that it would end too soon? Absolutely.

Fun, fast paced romance with a bit of a some mystery/thriller thrown in, and I mean a wee bit, but just enough to wonder what would happen there.

I will read more from this author.

Scandalized by Ivy Owens was beyond my expectations! I LOVED THIS BOOK!! This was an enjoyable, spicy book about two childhood friends reuniting years later with a one night stand but it turns into something more. The steam and chemistry is off the charts! Needless to say, this book left me wanting more; so much more! I can't wait to read future books from Ms. Owens!

Alec and Gigi met at the airport on their way from London to LA. They knew each other from when they were kids, Gigi was Alec's sister, Sunny, best friend until they moved to London, and they lost touch. She doesn't have a place to stay the night their flight is cancelled, and Gigi is exhausted, so Alec offers her the spare room for the night. What neither one of them expect is their one amazing night together turns into so much more.

Alexander "Alec" Kim is humble, kind, and she can't let herself trust again after her heartbreak 6 months prior. Alec is easy to talk to, they reminisce on the things they remember as kids, talk about their hopes and dreams. Except Alec is keeping his profession a secret. When Gigi finds out, she feels betrayed. Alec felt the strong connection to Gigi as well and before they part, he tells her "I'm really happy to be here with you. Exactly how it was last night. Whatever happens after this, I want you to remember that. Okay?" He knows things are going to change when she finds out the truth.

Alec wants nothing more than to show Gigi that he is the man that she thought he was. He works hard to show her, and she works just as hard to give him the space he needs to do his job and protect his sister. When everything falls apart, he pushes her away, but Sunny is there to help her put everything back together again. I loved meeting Sunny and seeing the trust between these two still be there from their childhood. She gives Gigi subtle hints that Alec isn’t where he says he is, but she doesn’t catch them until later.

This must be one of the most beautifully written books I have read in a long while. I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. They were well written, had character building throughout the story, and you could feel the emotions of these characters. It can be difficult to really express what characters are feeling but this author was able to do that and write everything so well without over explaining. I highly recommend this book and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review

Okay but like.... I am still in SHOCK at how much I loved this book?!?! Scandalized by Ivy Owens is easily one of my top romance novels of the year. I am such a sucker for a famous person/normal person trope and it was executed so well in this book. Scandalized encompassed everything that makes my (personal!) ideal contemporary romance novel - funny banter, palpable chemistry, some serious themes woven in, supportive best friends/inner circle, and high quality steam that moves the story forward. This is an insta-love story, which I often find difficult to connect with, but I was sucked in from page 1. I am about to pre-order a physical copy because I neeeeeeeed this in my collection.

Be mindful of the CWs - the MC is a journalist covering a story of sexual assault coverup. There is not much on page but always take care of yourself and be cautious of CWs on any book. <3

Thank you to Gallery Books for this advanced copy. I believe this comes out on 8/23! Will share review on my IG soon!

Oh dear, be still my k-drama loving heart, because the hero in this is about to wreck you.

Scandalized has some of my favorite tropes: one night stand, childhood friends to lovers, celebrity love interest, age gap, hotel room scenes, and a hero who drives the heroine crazy with teasing and edging.

Georgia Ross (Gigi) and Alexander Kim (Alec) are refreshingly mature main characters. They have delightful chemistry and watching them fall in love accidentally on purpose warmed my heart. I really appreciate that the couple was actually together for majority of the book; their relationship is that much more compelling when we get to see not just the romantic dates, but the quiet, intimate moments that exist when cohabitating with a partner.

I found the writing to be a delight. While the spice is off the charts, the author wrote it all in such an elegant and classy way. Some of the scenes were unexpected and so fun (the one where Alec has Ivy talk to him on the phone well she's self-loving, but he has to reply as if it's a professional conversation? Hilarious but so hot at the same time).

My only reservation is that the pacing would falter when we switched from the romance to the story Gigi is investigating. I also find it hard to believe that an investigative journalist wouldn't be aware of the occupation and fame of her childhood friend. Especially when his face is plastered all over London and her roommate slash best friend is such a big fan of him and all his work. I know when I'm a fan of something, I never shut up about it or share unsolicited clips to my friends.

Overall, this was such a fun, quick read. The romance is sweet, the hero is swoony, and the sex is hot.

“there wasn’t one second where alec kim didn’t look straight into the center of me, taking me in all at once, and he kept looking like what he saw there lit him up inside.”

picture this: you run into your childhood best friend’s brother who is your former crush who is now a celebrity but you don’t know that so you have a one night stand that accidentally becomes a two week stand which obviously proves more complicated than anticipated. yaaaaa bet that sold ya huh???

absolutely shook that this is ivy owens’ debut novel. it was a masterpiece - deeply written characters with a natural & amazing romance and an intriguing storyline to boot! insta love is usually not it for me, but with the childhood friends aspect, it really didn’t bother me in this one!

highlights for me:
🤌🏻 alec. kim. can. get. IT.
🍸 the unmatched banter their first night together
📓 gigi’s journalist career / ambitions
🤮 the investigation / uncovering of the big story
👯‍♀️ sunny and gigi’s reunification
🏩 the hotel move
🚾 the scene in the bathroom at the gala
🔥 that one scene w the phone and then the real thing and
🫶🏼 the obvious easy LOVE

thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC. run don’t walk to get this one on 8/23 - truly cannot recommend it enough!!!

In a world of romance novels filled with alphaholes, this one is a refreshing change. Both main leads are mature and open, and though there are understandably smutty scenes, this book doesn't lose its sweetness. The caring and love between the two leads are palpable, and seeing them grow together is something that fills your heart with warmth. Love this romance! Though this may be a bit mature for students, I will happily recommend this to staff!

This book is so freakin good!

Alec and Gigi meet again after a good decade apart. Their reconnection is one of my favorite things. The characters are complex and you find yourself cheering for them. I thought it was good and it was a fast read! I highly recommend!!

After seeing a few friends rave about Scandalized, I knew I was going to love it! This is such a quick, addictive read that you'll definitely want to add to your TBR.

A steamy one night stand turns into a whirlwind of a relationship once Gigi finds out that Alec, her best friend's brother that she crushed on as a child, looks familiar to her for more than one reason. Though their relationship is fast paced, it never felt too insta-lovey to me. And I enjoyed that rather than just being a celebrity romance, there was a whole lot more to the story relating to Gigi's job. This one had me hooked from start to finish, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Ivy Owens writes next!

I loved this book! It sucked me in from the start and I loved seeing the story unfold. Alec is Gigi’s childhood best friend’s brother/childhood crush who she happens to run into years later when stranded at the airport. When the hotel is all booked and Gigi needs a place to freshen up, Alec, hesitant at first 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴, offers his and it’s immediate fireworks between the two of them from there. ⁣
⁣
What starts out as “just a hookup” turns into so much more. Alec and Gigi have such a natural, intimate connection and absolutely sizzling chemistry. There’s an intriguing and intense plot centering around Gigi’s career as a journalist that’ll keep you flipping the pages and engaged in the story. With so many swoony moments, lots of fantastic tropes, off the charts steam!!!, some really fun side characters, mystery, and a scandal that threatens to tear Alec & Gigi apart, you’ve got the makings for a really great book and the perfect story to get lost in.

Listen…. I love k-dramas. There is absolutely no doubt about that fact. I should’ve figured that Alec Kim was going to be some Korean star from the very beginning, but somehow I didn’t put two and two together. Either way, I’ll now be dreaming about every dreamy k-drama actor with myself in the role of Gigi. This was good and I think it will be a hit.

Wow! I picked this up because of the glowing recommendation from Natasha is a Book Junkie and so glad I did. There are very few books that make me an emotional mess and this is definitely one of them. So addicting, so sexy, just SO MUCH that I was captivated from the very first page. And this is a debut... just WOW!

I love stories where there is some kind of connection between the characters from the past, stories about where the famous person falls for the normal girl next door, stories that have that instant spark and connection between the characters and where a one-night stand becomes something more than either could ever expect.

Everything about the book is said in the blurb so I don't want to ruin the journey for you... I just want to say to READ IT because for a debut novel, this is a love story so heartfelt, so steamy, so passionate and wonderful that I can not even do it justice. JUST READ IT!

At one point, I was sitting at the nail salon getting a pedicure next to my daughter and she turned to me and asked me if I was ok... and I wasn't because my heart... oh my heart... and these characters. I need to do a re-read because I just loved them so.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏’𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
𝑯𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉. 𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚, “𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒚.”

*le sigh*
Beautifully done. Simply unforgettable! I have a found a new author to love. <3

5 STARS! This book is sppppppppppppppppppppicy!!!!!!!

Ivy Owens sure knows how to write an addicting, sexy, angsty yet tender, entertaining book! I was hooked on "Scandalized" from the first chapter, and I finished the entire thing quickly because I couldn't put it down. I love how Owens builds the relationship between main characters Gigi (Georgia) and Alec slowly over time, drawing readers into their bond as a one-night fling becomes much more than that. Their connection is instant, and their love is passionate and fiery. As per usual, life gets in the way, and Gigi and Alec find themselves torn between the reality of their careers and their blossoming love for one another. Some readers might find it difficult to suspend their disbelief as Alec's career is revealed to Gigit for the first time, and I guess I can buy that complaint, but come on now.....people read romance novels about aliens! Just go with the flow.

PS: Not sure if I've made it abundantly clear yet, but "Scandalized" has some of the best top-tier steam I've read thus far. Goodness gracious, some of the scenes made me red as a beetroot, and I'm hard to shock!

(tropes: insta-love, childhood friends-to-lovers, celebrity romance/money gap)
(TW: sexual assault)

Thank you to NetGalley, Ivy Owens, Gallery Books, and Pocket Books, for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review in any way.

Okay this book was EVERYTHING I needed. There is something so sexy about the Hollywood trope but only when it's done right. Ivy Owens did it right. I will definitely be reading more from this author.