When photographer Riley Temple develops a roll of film and uncovers an image of a murdered woman, she becomes the target of a deadly Hollywood conspiracy. The deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone powerful wants her silenced.

Her only ally is LAPD Detective Quinn Burton, a man whose loyalty to his family and the force is as unshakable as his attraction to Riley. Their partnership sparks an undeniable chemistry, but their investigation threatens to expose his father—the city’s police commissioner—as part of a secret society thriller that rules Los Angeles’s elite.

As Riley and Quinn race to uncover the truth, danger closes in. Caught between duty and desire, they’ll have to trust each other to survive. But in this world of love, lies, and corruption, trust could be the most dangerous choice of all.

A Hollywood conspiracy. A forbidden attraction. A truth worth dying for.

Titles in the Circle of the Red Lily series include:  Framed ~ Vanished ~ Unearthed ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Framed
Series:  Circle of the Red Lily #1
Author:  Anna J. Stewart 
Published:  March 31, 2026
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Framed begins the Circle of the Red Lily series with an intense romantic suspense that kept me engaged and on edge throughout Riley and Quinn’s story.  I’ve enjoyed Anna J. Stewart’s work for years now, and this one is Ms. Stewart at her best.  If you haven’t read any of her romances before, then you are in for a true treat with Framed, which adds layers of secrets, mystery, old Hollywood glimpses, intense suspense, and hidden connections that kept me flipping pages.

Frankly, anything you would really need to know before picking up Riley and Quinn’s story is in the Cover Description.  To go into much more detail would, in my opinion, reveal too much, for this is a story you’ll want to experience with all the danger and romance firsthand.  There are things I can safely mention that don’t qualify as spoilers, such as how intriguing the hobby of finding and developing old film rolls is.  What treasures (and junk) could be found, a look into the past forever frozen on film… even the possibility of a murder years ago!  I adored Riley’s found family with her Great Aunt Moxie and the residents of her home, which has been turned into apartments.  Quirky, adorable, and smart residents who add so much to the story.  The instant attraction between Riley and Quinn felt realistic, and watching their relationship develop was a charming, emotional journey.  I adore a protective man, even if Riley could take care of herself.  The villain here is vile, and discovering the intent and the meaning behind the red lily was intriguing as clues are unearthed and connections are made.

I enjoyed Framed so much.  It’s well-written, intriguing, passionate, and emotional.   It’s also filled with danger, mysteries, and unexpected twists.  I was not only fully involved but on edge from the opening page through to the last.  If you enjoy a good romance with danger and suspense, if fitting clues and puzzle pieces together is a reading experience you look forward to, then you’d love Riley and Quinn’s story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon