| Title | : | Exposed (Circle of the Red Lily #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1647100674 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781647100674 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 400 |
| Publication | : | Published November 15, 2022 |
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 calls into question a notorious murder conviction; a conviction partially secured by Quinn’s own police commissioner father. A conviction powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Quinn prides himself on being loyal but seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he’s falling in love with.
As their investigation begins and old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that for decades has maintained influence and violent control over Los Angeles and 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.
Exposed (Circle of the Red Lily #1) Reviews
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Check out all my reviews at:
https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
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. -
We have all been there. We start reading a book and there is this vague sense of familiarity. This been there, done that, formulaic story you have read over and over with a different cover. Exposed was none of that. The story evolved from what was seemingly another romance, and then flung me into a slightly thriller (in the best way) story that would have you questioning what on earth was happening. I value a story and an author that leads me on an unexpected journey. Anna J. Stewart and Exposed delivered.
This was so good! A little bit of creepy, a little bit of psych, mixed in with some murder thriller activity; perfect for spooky season! The flow of the story was seamless. There weren’t too many characters or different plots you would have to keep track of. I thought the tidbit of information Exposed gave about the different realms a single person can experience in a life was pretty insightful. Makes one really wonder. I was quite skeptical how so many people liked the book when the thrilling situation came about. However, the ending justified his actions. Interesting, what one would do for their life. Even as time goes by and they aren’t who they used to be.
Do not pass this one up and do not give up on it either. Even when you think you can't possibly keep going because of how you're feeling about Leeds and his actions just trust the process. It will all make sense by the time you read the last line of the book.
Highly Recommended! -
Reviewed by Gemini
Exposed is the first book in Anna J. Stewart’s new Circle of the Red Lily Series. I have read a lot of mystery/suspense series and this is starting off to be one of my favorites. Not only are there a lot of moving parts to keep you intrigued, but the cast of characters outside of the hero and heroine are also great. I could easily see this book turned into a movie. It was just so exciting from beginning to end.
Exposed follows Hollywood photographer Riley Temple who accidentally stumbles upon a photo of a woman that opens Pandora's box into a mystery that will span decades and likely involve a lot of powerful people. Luckily, she ends up getting assistance from detective Quinn Burton who is not only interested in helping her get to the bottom of everything, but he also ends up in her bed. That complicates things a lot since she has had plenty of negative interactions with the police during her lifetime. Riley also has her own version of the superfriends that live in her building that she co-owns with her starlet Aunt Moxie who is a force of nature all by herself. There is just so much great stuff about Exposed that I wish I could tell you but you have to just jump in and hang on. It will totally be worth the read.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.** -
Old Hollywood collides with the new; secrets reveal a very dark side to Tinseltown.
Read full review in the
2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine. -
I enjoyed this book, knowing that there will hopefully be more books in the series to follow. This was a quick read and flowed well.
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Full disclosure, I interviewed the author, Anna J. Stewart, for
Luv-a-Palooza in June of 2022, at that time she told me about Exposed and I immediately wanted to read it. Her "elevator pitch" was right on target, building interest in her upcoming release.
From the first sentence of the prologue, I was hooked. It was a great storyline with most of the action and plot being believable.
The prologue starts out with a woman being held prisoner and while there is sexual assault mentioned, it is not on the page or described in great detail so no worry about triggers. The premise hooked me, I wanted to know more about the story and see where it would go.
The main story centers around a historical landmark in Los Angeles - a building that was originally sort of like a rooming house for Hollywood starlets. This building called Temple House, had been turned into apartments when the studio sold the building when they no longer kept their starlets under the contract system. I loved how the author wove real-life Hollywood history into the storyline of Temple House.
This storyline has a multitude of characters - makes sense since this will be a series - and I did find myself getting confused a bit. The author did a good job of introducing each character but of course, more attention was paid to this storyline's main male and female leads.
There was no slow lead-up to the action and mystery, from the first page til the last, I was guessing. (And I can hardly wait for Vanished - book two in the series.)
RECOMMEND?
I absolutely recommend this book to readers and non-readers of romance. The mystery was central to the story, the romance was secondary. If you are a fan of J. D. Robb's "In Death" series, this will be right up your alley and should be on your Kindle or bookshelf.
This review appears on my
website.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.” -
I will honestly say that this is not a book that I would have chosen from a shelf to read because it is more noir suspense than I am accustomed to. That being said, I am very happy that I was invited to read it because it was an edgy and gritty suspense/mystery combined with a developing romance. The main characters are credible if a bit foolhardy sometimes. The heroine, Riley, a photographer and a really good friend to those whom she likes, rushes in first and thinks later, but that was a human flaw that made her more realistic. Her new friend, Detective Quinn Burton, is not quite as madcap rushing around. Instead he is methodically attacking the mystery and looking for a logical solution, even if it involves those close to him. The setting is Los Angeles and the noir part deals with old Hollywood, the era in which stars were groomed to please those for whom they worked as well as the audience. My favorite character was Riley’s Aunt Moxie, an adorable octogenarian who is fearless and stalwart in her protection of Riley. I also liked Mabel, the one who is trying to find her missing twin Sophie and may have bitten off more than she can chew. The plot is complex and multi-layered, with numerous characters who appear briefly before they are killed off. Each of them adds a layer of mystery to the story and more suspects are added as the story progresses. The way the mystery unravels is perfectly written, with revelations given just at the right moment as the suspense is building. This is a dynamic page turner with a fresh twist on a mystery. I awarded it four stars because some of the scenes were just too gruesome for me (think nightmarishly realistic and horrifying) and there were some nods to the currently acceptable morality that I did not enjoy. All in all, the book was enjoyable and I would enjoy reading the sequel which I know is coming since the last scene sets it up.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.” -
Exposed.
Circle of the Rose Lily. Book 1.
Anna j Stewart.
Suspense/ thriller all wrapped up into one.. Totally enjoyed this book.. It's a good one and I'm ready for book 2. This is my kind a book..
Riley temple,
A role film is where it all begins. Developing some old film because that's what she does. She's a photographer. It's whats she does for a living pictures developing a black room.. But what she discovered on that 1 roll of film she purchased at the pawn shop... Opened up a whole new can Of worms. Something dark came from that.. And that's where the story began.. But definitely not where it Ends
A picture that tells A story from years ago, Now to find Who Took these pictures, And why There's a story here that needs to be Unraveled.
Detective Quinn Burton,
[ AKA] Sexy pants...
The Detector on the job.. Always looking out Riley's best interest...
This was fantastic book..
When you can read a book in just 3 sittings because it's that hard to put down.. Fabulous.
Thank you Anna J Stewart... -
I do not read suspense books very often, but sometimes I hear of a book and I am so intrigued that I have to read it. That was the case with this book. I have read several romance books by Anna J. Stewart and I saw an interview with her where she talked about Exposed. I definitely was interested and pre-order it that day!
For those out there as I am, the story has tense moments, but they were not overwhelming to me. I think it was just the correct touch of suspense, but did not make me overly anxious. Also I felt that the author would not let the bad guys win, so I had lots of hope that all would end well.
If you are a fan of old Hollywood, treasures from the past (that others might consider junk - but some consider treasure), older characters in a story, strong women, and men that support the strong women, you will love this story. I definitely recommend it highly. I am very anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. I believe it will be released in July of 2023! -
Exposed (Circle of the Red Lily, 1) by Anna Stewart is an intriguing thriller set in new and old Hollywood. Stewart weaves her story by paralleling young girls missing for decades with recent discoveries that lead to the identification of a cult-like group that has been in existence for many years. Using the Christmas holiday season as the backdrop for her story, Stewart includes murder, friendship, romance, family, and lifelong alliances in the characters she creates. Strong emotions surface throughout the story. between the many unexpected characters. Exposed is a creative, suspenseful thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat while eagerly anticipating Part 2.
#thankyouNetGalleyfortheARC! -
I was excited to read this suspense , good storyline , great chacters , budding romance , made me think this could be a cool tv series , I really hope there are more stories to come , These charecters have more to say .
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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
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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. -
Anna J. Stewart
Exposed
Circle Of The Rose Lily
Anna this was a intriguing, suspense and thriller was written fabulously.
Riley Temple
This begins will just a roll of film that Riley Temple got from the pawn shop. She had no idea what was in the box . She had open a new chapter in her life. When she developed the roll of film in her dark room.
Detective Quinn Burton
Quinn was called to a crime seen at the pawn shop with murder involved one of the homeless man she brought him food clothes. Quinn was working the scene when he called Riley from Merle's cell phone.
She had the box she had in her car when someone tried breaking into her car but scared then away. Quinn drove her home and wanted to know what was on the film.
He promised he would keep her in the loop.
Riley and Quinn where good characters for eachother. The way she had details where perfect.
Anna wrote a fantastic book and can't wait for book 2 too come out. -
Loved, loved, loved this story! I swear a rope came out of the pages and wrapped itself around me to keep me from putting it down – it was THAT good! I love a good mystery, intrigue, look-over-your-shoulder suspense, especially when it doesn’t involve a lot of horror or bloody gore. And trust me, Exposed delivered.
Because I don’t want to give anything away, let me tell you what I loved about the story. I loved the characters – Riley Temple has major trust issues, especially with the LAPD. She has her reasons but she stumbles into some really murky things and needs help. Quinn Burton is an LAPD detective with a family background of police force ‘royalty’. The two of them are on totally opposite sides of the fence...or are they? And they both fight the growing attraction between them.
Riley’s Great Aunt Moxie is a hoot – one of the Grande Dames of old Hollywood. To say she is a pistol would be an understatement; loved her! There are friends (who are like family) living in Temple House with them and they are all very distinct, funny, warm, and sometimes scary (!) folks who watch out for and over each other. And they call Quinn DSP. You’ll have to read the story to get that. Hilarious!
Love the growing relationship between Riley and Quinn. Love all the surrounding characters. Love the murder and mayhem and intrigue, then having to look over my shoulder. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this one down...I loved it that much. Can’t wait for the story in the next book... -
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. 4 1/2 stars -
Loved this book from beginning to end. A bit different from Ms. Stewart’s usually writing. I liked that. It gave a little James Patterson feel.
Riley Temple is a Hollywood Photographer, and a good one at that. When she gets a box of stuff from a friend. Some photos she comes across are nothing she ever thought possible. Until something happens and she sees that there’s more to these photos. Then she meets Detective Quinn Burton. She isn’t sure what to make of him right away. She has issues with the LAPD, and rightfully so. A tragic thing happened a long time ago so it’s hard for her to trust. He demands the pictures, and she’s having none of it. The more she digs the more her life is at risk. Quinn tells her as much, but she only thinks he’s trying to scare her. But when it hits close to home she thinks twice about it.
Quinn doesn’t know what to do about Riley. There’s times he wants to shake her, and other times he just wants to kiss her. The case if Exposed will be big if the photos are leaked out.
Where do they stand? Only time will tell.
Buy the book to see what happens. So much more to come. -
Exposed by Anna J. Stewart is the first book in her new thrilling series Circle of the Rose Lilly. This book will grab you from the first page and the suspense continues throughout the whole book! This is my first book by this author and she really scores with this one. She takes you on a roller coaster ride of twist and turns and a whole lot of intrigue. There is a a good combination of mystery, friendships, family, romance and secrets……many secrets!! The characters are well developed, intriguing and unique. This has a well developed plot that will keep you up very late and on the edge of your seat! I am so looking forward to the next book in this extremely engaging series.
Many thanks to Anna J. Stewart and ARC Manor/CAEZIK Romance for an advanced copy of this unimaginable story. My opinions are my own.
#exposed #circleoftheroselily #annajstewart #arcmanor
#caezikromance. #arc -
Exposed
By Anna J. Stewart
11/26/2022
I was captured on the prelogue!
I had to stop reading and message Anna right away. The prelogue in itself had me holding my breath.
The book has a multitude of characters. But don’t let that scare you away. Exposed is the first in the Circle of the Red Lily series. So some of the characters are just introduced for future stories.
Riley Temple and Detective Quinn Burton are the main characters of the story. However, you’ll find some other characters that are very interesting.
Riley is a photographer and loves finding rolls of old film. But this role she found definitely opened a Pandora’s box. Detective Quinn helps to aid Riley in getting to the bottom of what is found on this roll of film.
This is a suspenseful thriller in a real page Turner. I was definitely on the end of my seat.
This is my honest review. -
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. -
This book is a real page turner. The setting, the characters, the plot and the author's skill all come together beautifully to give the reader a story that leaves them asking for more. Riley and Quinn are absolutely gold together as they fight their attraction to each other. Moxie is absolutely adorable and I look forward to seeing more of the rest of the Temple House residents. Especially Blake, and Cass. Both their back stories intrigue me. Already hopping to get my hands on the next book in the series.
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Couldn’t put this one down! It touched on my love for romance and thriller novels all in one!
I loved the lead characters and the way their relationship develops amongst all of the suspense. Riley with her independent woman vibes and Quinn with his determination and loyalty. The supporting characters are also great!
The hold this storyline had on me to see how it would end was unlike anything I’ve read lately. Already anticipating the next one!
