A review by savvyrosereads
Scandalized by Ivy Owens

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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.

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