Exposed

Anna J. Stewart — 2022

Working as a Hollywood photographer means Riley Temple has seen it all. But then she finds herself staring at the chilling image of a dead woman. When her questions about the film lead to violence, she reluctantly turns to the only person who can help. Detective Quinn Burton, the police commissioner's son. Her history with the LAPD is complicated, her trust in authority, tenuous. But to find those responsible and protect those closest to her, she's willing to do anything. Even trust a cop. After more than a decade on the job, Quinn knows a dangerous situation when he sees it and Riley Temple is up to her ears in trouble. But not for the reason she thinks. The pictures she's stumbled on call into a question a notorious murder conviction--one that powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he's falling in love with. As old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that has long maintained violent control over Hollywood's powerful elite. A society that, until now, has remained hidden in the shadows. A society that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

Reviews

Lynn Braden@ftbooklover

Dec 2, 2022

After photographer, Riley Temple, purchases a tin of old film from her local pawnshop, the owner, her friend, Merle, is attacked and a local homeless man is murdered. Riley is determined to find out who hurt her friends. Riley's distrust of cops due to events in her past make her wary of sharing information with homicide Detective Quinn Burton, but her insight compels her to believe in him. Once Riley develops the pictures, she realizes that what is on them might lead her to more than she can handle alone, so she seeks out Quinn to help her navigate a twisty investigation and their growing mutual attraction.

Exposed is a gritty, entertaining mystery that manages to equally balance the romance and the suspense. The characters are well developed and aided by interesting supporting characters, and I assume some of them will have their own stories in future books. The plot contains a story line that isn't completed by the end of the book, but it seems as though it will continue in the books that are to follow, however there is an HEA for the leads. The pacing does slow in parts of the book when the history of "The Temple House" is described, but it is clear that Hollywood secrets are going to be a major part of the mystery moving forward. Another issue is when some of the characters suddenly find clues off page, but overall, Exposed is a enjoyable romantic suspense with well executed elements.