Review: Exposed - In Many Ways
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2013
When Dominic, a down-on-his-luck photographer turns to taking pictures of today's biggest stars and selling them to the tabloids, he catches the break of a lifetime.  He catches "America's Sweetheart" Avery O' Dea with something that blows her whole image to smithereens, netting him enough cash to completely upgrade his current lifestyle.Avery knew she was skating on thin ice going to the local grocer and buying non-vegan food; she just figured she wouldn't get caught with the goods.  Even when the hot Matthew McConaughey-lookalike starts taking pictures of her, instead of dropping the ice cream and fleeing, Avery jumps him, breaking his camera in the process.  But the memory card was completely intact.The media disaster caused by the revealing photo forces Avery and her live-in boyfriend, an actor named Ryan, to evaluate their lives and the secrets that they have been harboring the six years they've been together as a "couple."  The lies they both have fed their fans, the media, and the general public were nothing more that popularity contests but now Avery and Ryan must face facts:  It's time to confess, hope that they can survive the scandal, and move on with their lives.During this time, Avery has another encounter with Dominic; this time at an art show featuring some of his work.  These pieces are truly what Dom wants to do with his life; he doesn't want to stalk celebrities forever.  They were just a means to survive, to make money when he had no other option.  He wasn't planning on falling for Avery; it just happened.The Secret Life of Avery O' Dea is a great glimpse into the life of celebrities and the paparazzi that love them.  We get to see a close-up cause-effect of paparazzi chasing down and exposing popular stars and the, sometimes huge, effect it causes on the person mentally, physically, and emotionally.  (Think Princess Diana).  I'm glad the author explored this topic and, although fictional, showed her readers some of the behind-the-scenes situations that occur.The exploration of Avery and who she was, became, is currently, and really wants be again is eye opening on so many levels.  She basically lost complete sight of herself and suppressed her roots; where she came from and who she really is underneath the title Avery O' Dea.  Dominic was just the person to do that.  It's just too bad it took being outed by a photograph for both her and Ryan to come clean about their lives together.I really enjoyed this short novella.  There was depth in the story that can certainly be compared to how it actually is between stars and photographers.  Everything about the novella was clear and understandable, making it not only a quick read but entertaining without having to sit back and analyze anything.Without divulging too much, the only part I didn't like was Ryan's attitude during the exposure of their lie.  He seemed focused on the fact that Avery blew it.  Avery, however, pretty much tailored her lifestyle to Ryan's right down to the food she would or wouldn't eat.  What a hard charade to have keep up to save appearances.  Being public figures makes things doubly worse ~ so many more people scrutinizing your every move like predators ready to strike when the gettin' is good.  This was a necessary aspect of the novella so instead of detracting from the story, it helped keep it strong ~ That doesn't mean I have to like it.There are some steamy parts to the novella and they are incredibly hot and yet, very tasteful!  A nice bit of erotic romance without going over the top.I actually teared up near the end when Avery presented Dominic with a surprise.......Read the book ~ it is so worth it!Review Copy Courtesy Of:  The author, in exchange for an honest review.