EXPOSURE: A NOVEL by Therese Fowler

EXPOSURE: A NOVEL
Therese Fowler
Pub Date: May 3, 2011

Amelia Wilkes’s strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents only after she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.

Despite Amelia’s frantic protests, Harlan uses his wealth and influence with local law enforcement and the media to label Anthony a deviant who preyed on his innocent daughter. Spearheaded by a zealous prosecutor anxious to turn the case into a public crusade against “sexting,” the investigation soon takes an even more disturbing and destructive turn.

As events spiral wildly out of control and the scandalous story makes national news, Amelia and Anthony risk everything in a bold and dangerous attempt to clear their names and end the madness once and for all.

I was so lucky to receive an ARC of EXPOSURE.  This was my first novel by Fowler but it definitely won’t be my last.  The story had me wanting to turn the pages all the way to the end.  I like to call this a Romeo and Juliet story for the digital age.  It has all the qualities: parents who disapprove, rich girl, poor boy, star-crossed lovers, and drastic measures taken to be together.  Throw in some “sexting” and naked photos and you have the story updated for the current generation.  Every parent of a teenager needs to read this story!  Mature teens will learn many lessons from it as well. I applaud Fowler for writing this story and putting this issue into the spotlight. 

I gave it 5 out of  5 stars.  Everyone who was in love as a teenager or has a teenager in love will find ways to identify and learn from this story.  Bookclubs will find many discussion topics and this would be a great way to discuss “sexting” with your teenager.  This novel will be available from all your regular booksellers beginning May 3, 2011. 

Thanks to Librarything for sending me an ARC of this novel.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.