Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

Exposed by Anna J. Steward is the first in the new series, I realized that the character Riley Temple was from a previous book Circle of Red Lily, by Anna J. Stewart. Although, I did not read that book, I enjoyed this one and will be going back to read Circle of Red Lily.

This is a good suspense and story with enough suspense to keep you up all night and not wanting to put down.

As the series continues, each of the friends will have their own story. I can't wait to see whats next.

Riley Temple teams up with Detective Quinn Burton to find what happened to the dead woman in the photos Riley found. What Riley finds is powerful people willing to keep her silent and prevent exposure.
I enjoyed the main characters Riley and Quinn and the growth of their relationship during the book. Knowing the book is the start of a new series, I will definitely look forward to reading book 2 for the continuation of Riley and Quinn.

This was not your average thriller and I loved it! Diving deeply and darkly into the characters worlds, the suspense was heart-pounding. Highly recommend!

EXPOSED: A Circle of the Red Lily Novel by Anna J. Stewart is the first intriguing romantic suspense in the Circle of the Red Lily series featuring a special cast of characters caught up in a murderous set of secrets from old Tinseltown that puts these friends in jeopardy in present day Hollywood.

Riley Temple is fascinated with photography from a young age and her grandfather, who was a famous Hollywood photographer taught her everything. She is fascinated with old Hollywood, so she buys old rolls of film to develop in addition to pursuing her bill paying gig as a paparazzi. When she develops a roll of film from a pawn shop, she discovers what appears to be a series of photos showing the death of a young woman. Riley does not trust the police, but as her friend is killed and more are threatened, she finds herself reluctantly turning to Detective Quinn Burton for help.

LAPD Homicide Detective Quinn Burton is as frustrated as he is intrigued by the argumentative Riley, but he discovers she will do anything to protect her friends and family even as she vows to discover the truth behind the woman in the photo. With unknown killers after the photos, Riley and Quinn work to discover why these old photos and the secrets of the Red Lily symbol are worth killing for.

This story pulled me in with two strong protagonists, all the interesting secondary characters in Temple House and a decades old mystery/secret cult/serial killings. Riley and Quinn’s relationship is plagued with a lack of trust, fractious with entertaining dialogue, and smokin’ hot when they finally make it to a bed. The first Riley ‘jumping before she thinks’ moment was believable; the second time was a bit irritating even with the given reason. I am really looking forward to discovering more about the other inhabitants of Temple house and the continuation of Riley and Quinn’s relationship. The suspense plot is limited to the killers after Riley and keeping the photos secret with just the beginning of the full horror of what has been in hiding in Hollywood for decades. Even though I usually do not like books that carry over too many plot threads to future books, I am so invested in these characters and the hint of what is to come that I cannot wait for the next book.

I recommend this first romantic suspense book in the Circle of the Red Lily series.

This is the first book by Anna J. Stewart that I have read and it is definitely a series that I want to follow. I liked the characters - the main characters are well-developed and the supporting characters fit well in the story. I loved the location and the historical aspects of old Hollywood included in the setting and the plot. The romance element is just the right amount - the mystery runs the plot. Personally, I had trouble with the prologue - I actually hesitated in reading further - it is not graphic but tells us of a woman being held prisoner and alludes to sexual assault - I wasn't ready for something that heavy at the time - but I am so glad I decided to read on - the information was definitely heavier in the prologue then when it is presented and wrapped up in the plot - I felt the prologue was not really needed. If that kind of thing bothers you, my suggestion would be to, perhaps, skip the prologue - and go right into the novel. I love the characters and the mystery was different then the standard. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Quinn and Riley really stressed me out! But they stressed me out in a good way. I do not want to spoil the plot but you will be turning the pages quickly trying to solve all the mysteries. I definitely will be rereading! Absolutely loved this book!

If you're a fan of romantic suspense novels, then you will love Exposed, by Anna J Stewart! Good build up with just the right amount of details to pull you in. Once the pace starts up, it does not let up. I believe that this is the beginning of a series because there's a very interesting cliffhanger that will have you wanting more.
Riley Temple, a Hollywood paparazzi, has seen some crazy things. At least she thought she had until after she develops a stranger's roll of film. She finds herself wondering if she's looking into the eyes of a dead girl.
After she tries looking into where the film came from, she finds herself and her friends in deep trouble. Now, the only person who might be able to help is in the one profession she's learned not to trust. Quinn Burton is a member of the local LAPD.

Riley is begrudgingly a celebrity photographer and although she hates it it pays her bills and also allows her to indulge in her favorite hobby and that is developing old film. Her hobby is why she unexpectedly stops in on her favorite octogenarian merle he owns a pawnshop in the bad part of Burbank and she stopped to check in on him and his homeless security guard Dudley who lives on the side of Merles pawn shop. She has been coming here since she was a little girl and this is where her grandfather got his old film from and where she still does and she stops in at least once a week. On this visit however she’s there about film she previously purchased and developed and wants to know more about the person that brought it in after having tea with merle and getting Dudley his care package for the winter she goes to the job she hates but it interrupted hours later when she gets a call from Myrtle and then an hour later from the LA PD. It seems someone else is interested in that film but instead of having tea and cookies he decided to go about it with violence and gunshots. When she talks to detective Quinn she is as helpful as she can be but when someone breaks in it or trunk to take the box the film came in she refuses to make a police report and start being evasive. Now she is even more curious as to who took these photos and who wants them. I loved Riley and Detective Quinn If this is the beginning of the new series that signed me up. I read this book all in one day and walked it. I love Anna J Stewart riding style the only thing I didn’t understand is why if she owns an apartment building for senior citizens why did she have to still work? Although that’s neither here nor there I just hate inconsistencies but either way as I said this is a great book a great story a truly strange and creepy mystery what a great way to come out it obvious who loves old film photos this was a great idea and was executed in a fabulous way. I loved this book and highly recommend it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review

Great story, well written, and kept me engaged the whole time. The story goes between Riley a paparazzo who hates cops but needs to trust them after her friend gets hurt. Detective Burton is the one who gets assigned and starts to get entangled with Riley and does a love start to blossom or is just annoyance?
The mystery gets them involved into something beyond what they expected.

My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller
Published: November 15, 2022

Thank you to @NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This book is not in my genre that I typically read, but yet I was hooked within the first chapter.

Riley Temple, a photographer and part-time paparazzi, develops an old reel of film that depicts images of murdered women. The friend (pawn shop owner) who sold her the film is attacked and another homeless man who sleeps in the pawn shops alley is murdered. This starts the journey that puts all their lives in danger and brings Detective Quinn Burton into Riley’s life.

From there it leads into a very intricate investigation into decades old crimes that leads to present day as well and puts all their lives in danger. Assassins are hot on the old films trail and will stop at nothing to retrieve it.

This book is amazing and I cannot wait for more in this series. I don’t give away spoilers but I highly recommend this series to all murder mystery, thriller readers. It will hold you captive!

Who Should Read:
Anyone loving old Hollywood, murder mystery enthusiasts, those who love thrillers and even those who prefer romance!

Exposed
Anna J. Stewart
November 15, 2022

Riley Temple is a photographer. She looks at herself as a one who photographs starlets but they would disagree, as far as most headliners were concerned she is clearly a paparazzo; regardless it paid the bills. Riley also loved to hit pawn shops for used rolls of film stuck in boxes she could buy. Well? Who knows what she might find on the film. She has a dark room in her apartment in The Temple Palace. Her grandfather owned the exquisite hotel in Hollywood. When he passed, she was granted part ownership with her grandmother, Moxie.
This habit has put her on the edge. From the time she carried the basket of goods out of Merle’s shop, shots were fired and she barely stayed alive.
Exposed is #1 in the Circle of the Red Lily series published by CAEZIK Romance on November 15, 2022. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the ARC past its publication date via NetGalley. It’s an interesting piece by Anna J. Stewart. The introduction and beginning sequence was somewhat confusing to follow however as the plot opened introducing Detective Quinn Burton with the LAPd things get more with the plot flow. It’s full of suspense and romance. Enjoy this one.

This author has been placed on my "buy every book" list. Captured my interest from the get go and never lost it along the way. Very well written -great characters and development. Story line was captivating. Cannot wait for the sequel.....

EXPOSED by Anna J. Stewart was an exhilarating read! I loved the deep three dimensional character development and the plot moved along well.

However, I gave it only four stars because I'm afraid that the midpoint almost lost me. It just didn't carry my attention as well as other books within this same genre has in the past. I'm tough to please though with that, as I've been a voracious reader since elementary school.

I do recommend this title though! I look forward to seeing what others think of it too!

Thank you for allowing me to read it!

I went into reading this book without knowing much about the book. I believe the author Ann J. Stewart has been around for a while, and she delivers a very fast-paced engaging read.

The main leads, Quinn and Riley stumble over a Hollywood Cult group who are responsible for decades of violence and mayhem. As the reader, you are immediately thrust into a roller coaster of situations, and this is only the first book in the series. I believe as we read on, it's going to get deeper into the meat of the matter.

Also, not to leave it out, The FL and The ML have great chemistry! Their relationship develops very quickly, but it's not rushed or overwhelming in its intensity.

I don’t want to say much more because the story has so much going on but in a good way. But hopefully, you will decide that for yourself!

Riley and Quinn are two characters who really jump off the page and connect with you. It takes a lot for Riley to finally open up to Quinn, but she has solid reasons for that and Quinn's family history gives a unique twist to the couple's connection. They mystery is well connected, leaves no loose ends and keeps you guessing the whole time. Secondary characters are strong and Riley's Aunt Moxie is a hoot and it's great the author even has the Temple house as a character in itself. Riley and Quinn take quite the ride through the twists and turns of the mystery. Their building relationship doesn't overshadow the story and as it heats up, so do Quinn and Riley. This was a great read and I devoured this story in one setting. If you want a well thought out mystery with some great characters - read this book, you won't be disappointed.

So glad I requesting an ARC for this book , what a great read. This book had a lot of depth to its characters and I loved the storyline.. it was not a typical thriller romance . The writing was great and I felt connected to the characters , I felt we really got to know them and still some others to get to know better in future books of this series. The story had me hooked from the beginning and then after the prologue to present day I was very curious how it would unfold and the author did a brilliant job of leading us there.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family and my book club members.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! The story draws you in right from the start and then keeps you hooked waiting to see what would happen next. The writing still me was easy to follow and almost painted the story in your mind like a movie. The mystery, the romance of the main character, the suspense of what's going to happen next all were a perfect mix. The ending kept me hopeful for a sequel that i wish was already out.

The first thing that grabs my attention when I start an Anna. J. Stewart book is the writing! Ms. Stewart is SO entertaining. For instance, I really loved the playful banter between Papparazo Riley and Detective Quinn. But not only their conversations, the writing in general.

Most of my life, my favorite book genre has been "mystery". A year or so ago, I changed that to "suspense" (more to choose from). And, wow, does this story ever have Suspense (notice the capital S)!

While I didn't love the language and love scenes; Nevertheless, I am eager to read more in this series. There are a few authors I can forgive. 😉

Now this is an interesting mix of characters:

Riley Temple – freelance photographer/paparazzi . . . Owner of the Temple House (an apartment building where studios used to house contract actors, mostly women) . . . Lives with Moxie (great aunt, once a major player in the old studio system of Hollywood) . . . houses a colorful mix of women . . . In old downtown LA.

Detective Quinn Burton. 4th generation cop . . . 10y as a homicide detective . . . couple in his bloodline had risen to become Chief so the pressure is on for him to decide on his career path . . . partnered with newbie Wallace (not ‘Wally’).

Riley not only follows leads for to get photos of celebs, but she also has a hobby of finding old undeveloped film from repossessed storage lockers or pawn shops. Develops/prints them just because she finds it interesting. She gets this one roll from a pawn shop. Within minutes of leaving the shop, the owner and a homeless man who squats in the shop’s parking lot are found severely beaten or killed. She learns about this after tracking a starlet to a quiet hideaway. After rushing back to the pawnshop, someone tries to ransack her car while cops are working the scene.

Detective Burton is curious, obviously, but she quickly figures out that the rolls of film are in demand and says nothing. She returns home, develops/prints some of the photos only to discover that the photos are some sort of a snuff scene showing images of a woman bound, gagged, raped, and finally murdered. The rush is on to identify the victim and learn more about the circumstances of her death.

Burton knows Riley is hiding something and stays close. In the process of trying to pry bits of info out of Riley, we come to see that both Riley and Quinn are attracted to each other. The book becomes mostly a murder mystery with a trace of romance novel thrown in.

I’ll stop there. To say more would trigger a cascade of spoilers and we wouldn’t want that, would we. Suffice it to say, both stories are woven together tightly. I’m not a romance novel type, but I’m OK with this story line primarily because Riley and Quinn are just so dang likeable.

Doing a bit sleuthing myself, I learned that Stewart has 20 (20!) romance novels to her credit and in this book, her first foray into cop/crime themes (I assume. Haven’t looked at her other books), she has stretched well beyond her comfort zone. The romance part is entirely believable. The murder mystery and police procedural are deftly portrayed. I was entirely invested into both stories.

And here’s the only spoiler . . . This is but a prologue into a larger investigation about cults, murder, coverups, politics, and Hollywood. Lots of places for Riley/Quinn to explore in all that. And that’s story line I’ll want to follow.

Thanks to the good folks at NetGalley for making this book available. Just published 11/15/22.

EXPOSED was so good! It was a captivating story with twists throughout, and I enjoyed the romance between Riley and Quinn.

I'm loving this new romantic suspense series! I can't wait to see what secrets get uncovered next. I look forward to Mabel's story, and I really hope that Sutton and Blake get their own story too!