Exposed

by Chiquita Dennie

Becoming a celebrity wasn’t the plan, neither was falling for her bodyguard.

Lauren Armstrong as always dreamed of starting her own makeup line. As a Social Media Influencer she wins the opportunity to become a brand ambassador of a hot new cosmetics firm, Sinful. It’s everything she dreamed of and will give her the experience to start her own line someday. But fame and fortune comes with its own danger when Lauren realizes she has a stalker.

Dominic Combs is ex-military, headstrong, handsome, and dangerous. When he’s hired as Lauren’s bodyguard, it isn’t easy to protect the outgoing beautiful woman. As Lauren and Dominic constantly butt heads, and the age difference between them is only one of the many factors that make this romance impossible.

Can Dominic protect Lauren, or should he be focused on protecting his own heart instead? Hit the one-click button now to indulge in this suspense-filled military romance.

Genres: Bodyguard Romance

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

About the author

Chiquita Dennie Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles, CA native. Nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, Best Black Romance "Mutual Agreement," and Best Interracial Romance for "She's All In Need". In 2022 nominated Author Queen of the Year, Best Black Romance "Nasir" Best Interracial Romance "Torn" and Best Romantic Comedy "Something Gained" by Black Girls Who Write. Plus, nominated in 2023 for best black sports romance "Scoring with Sadie". Her background started in film/TV, ranging from Tyra Banks, Dr. Phil, American Idol, and a host of other Emmy award-winning shows. Also, an award-winning filmmaker with her directing debut short film "Invisible." Chiquita transitioned to publishing in 2017 after turning her screenplay Struck In Love into the Dark Romance series Antonio and Sabrina, which fans have embraced. She writes contemporary steamy romance, romantic suspense, comedy, small town, sports, women's fiction, fantasy, and so much more.

Follow on all social media below:
Bookbub:https://bit.ly/bookbubchiquita
Tumblr:https://bit.ly/304Tumblr
Radishfiction:https://bit.ly/radishfictionchiquita
Pinterest:https://bit.ly/304pinterest
Patreon:https://bit.ly/3A4MjZ9
TikTok:https://bit.ly/3QLp4JH
BookandMain:https://bit.ly/chiquitabookbites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorchiquitad
Facebook:https://bit.ly/CDennie
Instagram:https://bit.ly/3yeOk2L
Amazon:https://amzn.to/2TKTsYD
Website:https://bit.ly/chiquitadennie

Reviews

[Marika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might very well be a case of it's me and not the story, but I felt like there were parts missing in this story. I felt like parts were put together but didn't gel. do I make sense?! I don't know..but that's how I felt.
I also didn't feel a connection to the characters or between the characters. Everything happened very fast..one minute they hated each other and the next they were in love.
I will def try more books from this author cause as I said it could have been a case of it's me and not the book.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominic and Lauren are such a sweet couple. I really enjoyed their story.

I loved the way they came together and the way their relationship turned into something more. These characters are very well written and the story flows.

This world is one of my favorites and I will read any book set in this world. I love that different authors are joining in this world with their own spins on it. Plus you get to see cameos of the original Salvation couples.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went back & forth and back & forth some more about how to rate Exposed since it's a short(ish) read. I decided on the the perfect rating because I LOVED it a ton even when I was pissy about things. It's the story of Lauren, who finally gets the biggest break in her career as social media influencer for Raven Cosmetic's. However, it does put her in the crosshair of some potentially dangerous situations which is how she ends up with Dominic as her guard and she's not happy since he doesn't have any sort of elevator etiquette LOL! The sparks are flying as they're thrown together a lot now, and it's only a matter of time before they act on it. Oh, and there's more danger as someone is trying to sabotage the company, with Dominic's past making a comeback. I loved him to this point until he made a serious misstep that seriously set me off as I believed he should have done things differently, and not get quite the easy pass but that's just my opinion. That's all from me so I'll just end this review with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!

[Nouhr Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first novel from this author and I read it as part of the Salvation project.

3.5stars.
The story had such great potential but I felt like the plot was rushed as in really rushed. I saw myself feeling confused as I read because sometimes you feel like something has to happen the next day according to the novel but then you realise it’s two days later or things like that.

We were not given enough character background to help understand especially for Dominic. I also felt the story was flowing smoothly; I mean one event didn’t lead to the next in a natural manner. Sometimes I felt like some parts were missing or skipped and it made my reading experience not as enjoyable as I would have wanted.

Overall it was a great storyline but I felt the story wasn’t developed enough. No offense though. Not trying to belittle the author’s efforts and all ‘cause I know it’s hard work.

[Adalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Definite Showstopper Read

Exposed is an absolute and definite show stopping read. From jump street, you are given a backstage look into the world of what some people only dream of becoming. AN INFLUENCER…

But, this book shows a little more than blush and mascara. It shows that you never know who YOU are really influencing. Children aren’t the only ones looking and listening.

Exposed has a chemistry that can be felt throughout the ENTIRE book. I almost wanted to keep Dominic for myself. But I’ll let Lauren have this one. She needs him more… lol

I’m so looking forward to seeing more from TN Seal Security and Force One Security collaboration.


Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Bsprout.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover It Up

The suspense, drama, and romance connection was engaging and entriguing from start to finish. I got a big laugh out of Laren and Dominic on their first chance encounter. Loved her fiestiness and go get attitude. Whetgercit was fighting for what she believed or going back to get her man she moved forward.
Dominic, I loved how serious and committed he was to his job and clients. It was cute seeing that both of them saw the other as a headache. I'm glad he stopped fighting his feelings and opened his heart back up to love.

The author did a great job of keeping the reader guessing on who was behind the mess going on.

I think that Novah and Emmanuel should get a book. I'd like to see their relationship blossom into forever. In their book, you can allow updates of Lauren and Dominic. They don't need an entire 2nd book.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense / Contemporary / Age Gap
- Social Media Influencer
- Retired Navy SEAL Bodyguard
- Salvation Series connection is Jackson, Mark, and Charlie


Video review available in Week 16: Apr 18 – Apr 24, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I have discovered this author I try to devour all her stories and this one was just as good. Lauren is a make-up blogger who loves what she doesn't and never expected to get the type of support she has. When Raven Cosmetic offers her the job of a lifetime she is so excited, but what she isn't excited about is the bodyguard who is assigned to her. Why because they are both stubborn, hot-headed, and both of them are sexy. Dominic and his partner are trying to branch out on their own in the security sector. The last thing he wants to do is babysit a Pre-Madonna. But when they do meet the sparks will fly. Dominic's job is to protect her, but sometimes that doesn't always happen. Can these two work together before they kill each other?

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren is excited and focused on the career opportunity she has received with Raven Cosmetics. She is well aware of the benefits her popularity brings but when she experiences the negative side it brings Dominic into her life whether she wants it or not.

Daniel’s military career has allowed him to transition into the security business. When he finds out Lauren is his new client he never expected that the biggest challenge might not be keeping her safe but keeping their relationship strictly professional.

There is a great balance between romance and suspense, and they have a way of challenging each other that makes them so perfect for each other.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a social influencer with dreams of owning her own cosmetic company one day. She wins an opportunity that helps make her dream come true, but it comes with a price by way of a stalker. Dominic is hired to protect Lauren, but she is difficult, and they constantly disagree. He is also an older man who is catching feelings. Will Dominic be able to keep Lauren safe and his heart from being broken.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Turningcover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren likes being a social media influencer. As she began to elevate, things became alarming. She eventually became aware of her having a stalker.

Dominic is hired as her bodyguard, but Lauren doesn’t make things easy for him n the beginning. Their personalities are more alike which presents a problem, but for how long?

This was a quick and entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren was on her way up in the world but didn't know her good fortune could possibly be her downfall. There are some crazy and vengeful people who would do anything to get what they believe are owed. She didn't think she needed security so her and Dominic were destined to bump heads. This book is about how some people can luck out and make but have to be aware of the other crabs in the barrel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[books_n_ink217 Elizabeth Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about modern day social media influencer Lauren, making her way into the big leagues with a new make-up brand. The new status puts her in some situations from what seems to be obsessed fans. Dominic is her knight in not so shiny armor. Their relationship is a little rocky at first! This was a quick read but it had all the aspects of a good mystery-love novel.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exposed is a May/December opposites attract romance. Chiquita Dennie is a new to me author. I really like this story. From a rocky beginning to a Happily Ever After, this was a good read. I love the interaction between the MCs. I will definitely be checking out the rest of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donnica Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

A quick read. I enjoyed the story. It moved a little disjointed but I thought the story was cute.

Lauren was a new social media star and they hired Dominic to be her body guard.

Of course I knew they would eventually get together. But it happened out of nowhere lol I wanted more leading up to it

[Lee Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exposed

Trust issues played a major role in Blitz and Lauren’s life choices…
Lauren was offered a great opportunity and live out her dream…
Blitz does what he loves and guards…
Jealousy and lack of communication caused unnecessary drama at Sinful Cosmetics…

Will the mixologist come forward and voice what she desires or continue to stew in a negative frame of mind…

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could’ve done with more editing. I didn’t care about any of the characters. And how does our FMC get hurt and she’s the one who has to apologize to the MMC after he ghosted her?! Like make it make sense. There was no chemistry between the characters. And villains need to be dealt with better when all of your male characters have military experience and bodyguard experience.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Chiquita Dennie; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written another good stand-alone book. The story is about Lauren & Dominic.

[Messy Bun Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great romantic suspense. I loved watching Lauren & Daniel circle each other as they tried to handle their attraction. Their chemistry & attitude really made me enjoy them and the story!

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first meeting was adorable. Good story.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was suspenseful, exciting, sexy, and dangerous. I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Lauren and loved her take charge attitude. They bring out a different side to each other that was fun to read.

[Meleaha Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book! A little bit of romance, a little bit of intrigue. Lauren finally has her dreams, working for a makeup company doing their social media. Dominic is hired to be her security. Good, quick read

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummmm ehhh

This was…ok-ish? I don’t know that I would recommend it. It had some cute moments but it kinda read like a rough draft, if that makes any sense.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a social influencer with dreams of owning her own cosmetic company one day. She wins an opportunity that helps make her dream come true, but it comes with a price by way of a stalker. Dominic is hired to protect Lauren, but she is difficult, and they constantly disagree. He is also an older man who is catching feelings. Will Dominic be able to keep Lauren safe and his heart from being broken.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.