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savvyrosereads's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Gaslighting
hannahmichele5's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
5.0
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
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