I tried reading this one, but without realizing it was part of a series, I was pretty lost. I enjoyed the writing style, and plan on going back to read book one on order to make it to this one eventually.

This romance novel enchants with its heartfelt story and relatable characters, making the emotions feel genuine and deeply affecting. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, drawing readers into their journey of love, challenges, and growth. With its perfect blend of tenderness and tension, it’s a captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

Too much overlapping made this book difficult to listen to, though I did enjoy it. It should be noted that this book is part of a series, so it's best to start at the beginning.

I didn't realize that this story began from the cliffhanger of the prior book, which explained why I felt I was missing part of the story. Empire High Exposed is a second chance, single parent telling between Brooklyn and Matt and their bittersweet reunion. Some cringeworthy moments left me second-guessing the whole plot, but I feel I'd have to start at book one to understand how we got here. Unfortunately when I requested this book, it didn't require the prior stories be read, however it really should.

Connor Crais and Laurie West did a wonderful job of delivering the mystery and emotional toil Brooklyn and Matt go through throughout the story.

"Empire High Exposed" by Ivy Smoak offers a dramatic journey into the lives of its characters, blending romance and suspense. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged. Despite a few drawbacks, Smoak's storytelling prowess remains evident, making "Empire High Exposed" a solid but not exceptional read, earning it a three-star rating.

Brooklyn and Matt attempt a second chance. She feels sixteen again and safe in his arms. But she's worried he'll never forgive her. Matt Brooklyn has always been hers and he's going to make her his.

I will say that I went into this audiobook unprepared - as in I did not read and/or listen to any other books in this series. So that makes this not a standalone - you have to read the entire series. The narrators were good and easy to listen to.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to see Matt get his happily ever after. “Mattlynn” is such a dynamic duo… and I do love a second-chance romance. There is the usual cast of characters from Empire High, and I was sad (but not surprised) about the cliffhanger ending. Very sweet, pretty sexy. Excellent narration.

Thank you to @Dreamscape Media for the ARC. I could not stop listening to this audio. The narrators were spot on. This book had so much angst and spice, I loved it. Tanner and Nigel are my favorite supporting characters and I need to know more about them. The ending left on a cliffhanger and that was a surprise. A must read.

Ok, um, funny story: I didn’t realize that this series was about the SAME couple so I listened to this one without knowing that. However, everything that needed to be explained was to a point that I understood what had happened previously and what was occurring in this book. I had no problem with continuing this audiobook without a hitch. Matthew and Brooklyn’s story is a long one (Exposed is book 6) and filled with drama and heartbreak. I did enjoy what I learned about them and hope to come back to finish the beginning of their story.

Love this author's work and this was no exception. Steamy in all the right places it kept me going through a rough patch in my life. Loved it and want more!

I didn’t realise when I started listening to this audiobook that it’s the 7th in a series. But I quickly realised there was a lot about these characters it was assumed I would know. Maybe if I started at the beginning I would have been able to enjoy this more. As it stands I found the characters difficult to like and the plot was very slow moving. I normally enjoy books told from different perspectives but I found it off putting with too much overlapping.

I thought I was choosing a bit of an easy read romance but this was not the page turner I’d hoped for.

#empirehighexposed #empirehighseries #ivysmoak #romance #audiobook #bookreview #canyourecommendagoodbook

Definitely needs to be read in order from book 1 to understand all the characters and their story. Ends in cliffhanger. Brooklyn and Matt reunited at last. Mafia plot line slowly coming to light.

I didn’t realize when I started this that it’s the 7th book in a series. That being said, the steam was steamy and the dual POV was an excellent addition to the story telling.

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance trope and this one had all the drama and backstory to keep you wanting more.

I appreciate the narrators chosen as that has the potential to make/break the audiobook experience.

Unfortunately I was not able to go back and read the first six books before starting this as the turnaround to the archive date was too short, but I am definitely left wanting more of this universe.

I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape. 3.5/5 rounded down.

Empire High Exposed is my first Ivy Smoak book. I've heard such good things about Ivy Smoak so I requested the ARC without thinking twice, I hadn't realized this wasn't the first in the series (I guess I should've researched a bit more) so while listening I did feel like I was missing some context. However, I enjoyed it so I'll go back to read the series and continue on to the next because of the cliffhanger! This is a steamy, angsty, and emotional second chance romance that gives lots of Gossip Girl vibes. I didn't enjoy how 30 somethings were still acting like high schoolers, but overall didn't detract from the story.

Narrators did a fantastic job.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC

I have been waiting for this book for so long. It exceeded my expectations. I will forever be a Matt and Brooklyn fan. I like the interaction with Jacob that everyone had. still find Tanner strange, will we ever find out his past? That ending though, like OMG doesn't this girl get enough trouble? I'm glad is stopped talking about Miller so much. I'm also glad they are both healing now. Waiting for the next book is gonna be pure torture.

*3.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

Empire High Exposed, the 7th book in the Empire High series by steamy romance author Ivy Smoak, seems to start where the last book left off and ends in a cliffhanger for the next one.

Matt has loved Brooklyn since they were kids. She disappeared right before they were to marry and he was told by her Dad that she was dead. Now 16 years later she is back, widowed and has a son. Their second chance romance was a bit angst ridden yet fun, steamy, and climatic with the quirkiest characters that I don't think I appreciated as much as I should've if I had read the previous books.

Narrators Laurie West and Connor Crais were perfectly sexy, guilty, confused and romantic for the situation they were in.

Why did she leave, why was she thought dead and why is she back? I will have to start at the beginning to figure it all out which I plan to do. Here's to the growing TBR list!

I received free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for fair and honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately this book was not for me.
No where is it mentioned this was a book 7 and not a interconnected standalone. I was very confused most.of the audio.
There were jokes about kidnapping.
Nigel bathing with a 4 year old is unacceptable.
Brooklyn saying I love you and getting engaged right after her husband who she admitted she LOVED dies.

Empire High Exposed. This is the seventh book in the series and while most books that have series this long tend to get repetitive, I can't say the same for Ivy Smoaks Empire High series. I screamed at the end of this book because, "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?"
I need to know. You need to know.
Matt finally finds the love of his life after believing she was dead for sixteen years. He's finally happy. Brooklyn has the family she once dreamed of even if the trials and tribulations that got her to where she is now has taken a toll on her. She doesn't know how to get over all her losses and grief, but can she move on?
Ivy Smoaks characters are something else. I had laugh out loud moments, cry moments, cringe moments. I cannot wait to see what happens next and will they really be happy ever after? Who's the new character Smoak brought into the mix? I need to know now.

Will totally recommend this book to EVERYONE.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC to enjoy.

Absolutely loved this audiobook! The narrators were great and depicted both points of view very well. I loved finally getting the Matt story and the ending makes me anxious for the next book. Haven't listened to many audiobooks in the past, but this one was absolutely great!

🎧 Empire High Exposed 🎧
by Ivy Smoak
Narrated by Laurie West; Connor Crais
Pub Date: 13 Apr 2023
Rating: 4.5⭐
🌶 🌶 🌶

I really recommend this series.
Exposed is part of the Empire High series. This series must be read in order since it ends on a cliffhanger.

This book was everything i wanted and more. Its Captivating and grabs your attention right from the get go.
I listened to this audiobook in just 2 sittings.
It was fast paced, hilarious, sad, sexy, steamy, emotional etc... it brings out all the feels.

Matt and Brooklyn finally 🤩🤩
I love a second chance at a HEA, and these two are just perfect together. Hopefully the next books seals it.
It was emotional in the beginning, with all thats been happening or happened over the years and how they need to come to terms with... it was a bittersweet moment.
Yet again I was so happy to finally see them reunited.

I find Nigel really funny but then again im a little weirded out by him.
Jacob and Tanner.. the dynamic between them is the cutest thing. Abuelo. Jacob is one cute little boy. Loved him.

Generally all the characters were lovable especially with the kind of friendship they shared.

I can't recommend this enough.

But what just happened at the ending, *jaw dropped* omg I can't 😲. I'm excited at the same time annoyed by the cliffhanger.

I need book 8 Now!

The author did an Exceptional job bringing these characters to life!

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC for my honest opinion.
#Dreamscapemedia #NetGalley #IvySmoak