Scandalized

Starred review from June 27, 2022
Owens’s debut brings the perfect amount of humor and heart to the story of childhood friends reunited under unusual circumstances. L.A. Times journalist Georgia “Gigi” Ross’s investigation into a shady London nightclub will be the biggest story of her career. When she unexpectedly runs into Alec Kim, her first crush, at the airport on her way home, the pair share a steamy night together—all while Gigi has no idea that Alec has become a heartthrob star of British TV. Alec’s heading to L.A. for two weeks of meetings, and the pair decide to spend the time together, working hard to blend their busy schedules and stay out of the limelight. When Alec reveals his personal connection to the scandal Gigi’s investigating, however, she worries about the potential harm to his family if she publishes, and the conflict of interest in sleeping with a source. Whatever she does, she risks both her career and the man she’s come to love. Owens imbues a fraught situation with more humor than angst, and readers will fall instantly for the charming, charismatic characters. The heated love scenes and intense emotional connection between the leads are sure to win Owens legions of fans. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.

Starred review from July 1, 2022

DEBUT Investigative journalist Georgia Ross is on her way home after chasing down a story in London that will make her career. When a storm delays her flight and leaves her scrambling to find a hotel room, she notices an attractive man who seems familiar. It turns out he's Alec Kim, the brother of her childhood best friend. They have an instant spark, but later Georgia is embarrassed to realize that there is another reason that Alec seems familiar: he's also a famous actor. When Alec comes back into Georgia's orbit again, they try to sort through their intense connection. As they realize what they have is worth pursuing, a scandal related to the story that Georgia's been pursuing threatens their relationship and careers. Alec and Georgia have to deal with the fallout as pressure mounts, and they must decide if being together is worth losing everything else. VERDICT Owens's spectacular debut is beautifully written and a fun read. Fans of Suzanne Park's So We Meet Again and Katie Delahanty's "Brightside" series will have a hard time not consuming it in one sitting.--Ashli Wells

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