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Home in Carson #1

Behind the Lens

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Everything isn’t always what it seems. . . behind the lens.

From drug cartels to classified information, Cliff knows a thing or two about secrets.
As a part of an underground government reconnaissance team, he’s seen it all.
Until his latest mission.

Making mistakes isn’t an option for people like Alexis.
From group homes to moving around with the FBI, her feet never hit solid ground.
One wrong move and suddenly her life isn’t just in chaos— it’s in jeopardy.
Running for her life lands her in the arms of the first and only man ever to give her a reason to stay.

It’s been two years since he’s seen her, but it only takes him a split second to know that this time she’s not getting away.
Cliff puts his training to use and his life on the line to protect Alexis. . . and make her his.

302 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

91 people are currently reading
410 people want to read

About the author

Renee Harless

52 books1,036 followers
Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, At First Play, is scheduled for January 14th, 2026. Add it to your TBR today!

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5 stars
85 (48%)
4 stars
43 (24%)
3 stars
36 (20%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,019 reviews54 followers
March 2, 2020
This is the first time that I've read a book by this author and I wasn't disappointed it was awesome.

Cliff was in the army but is sort of out.
He owns the tattoo shop and loves to take photos, but there is one woman he can't get out of his head. Alexis.
Cliff is very protective of Alexis and will do anything to keep her safe.
Alexis is a complete kick ass woman who can take care of her self although she did have things rough with her father. Alexis nickname was ninja and she was normally the strong, independent confident person that is used to taking care of herself so when she gets injured and needs help this is quite hard for her to do. Alexis had a near death experience getting shot
Alexis has felt a very strong connection with Cliff for along time but didn't do anything about it. She always felt safe with him.
(NO SPOILERS).


This book has everything, from love, drama, suspense and action, this book has twists that you won't see coming. I loved these characters and feel that this author has written them brilliantly. I loved how independent Alexis is and how protective and sweet Cliff is. I really enjoyed reading this book and thought the author written it fantastic, it kept my attention all the way through.

Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book is expected tot be released 5th March 2020.
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,842 reviews119 followers
March 5, 2020
I found a home in Carson 3 years ago when I read Coming Alive book 1 in the Coming Home Series and it’s a town that never left my heart! Being able to come back to this amazing town has been so nostalgic! Behind The Lens is the first book in Harless’ new Carson spin off and it’s one that you won’t want to miss!

Cliff and Alexis’ story is full of drama, action and lots of angsty moments that will leave you craving for more! Two agents lost and looking for a love neither has ever experienced find their place amongst a town full of nosey ladies, sexy rock stars and the craziest family you’ll ever find! If only dark demons could stay gone forever then maybe these two could have a fighting chance!

I highly recommend this beautiful read!
1,016 reviews18 followers
February 29, 2020
I am so excited that Renee Harless has decided to revisit Carson, NC, with her new series, Home in Carson. I am a huge fan of her Coming to Carson series and I had always wondered what had happened to our favorite couples, and if anything had changed in the quaint and friendly, southern town.

Her new book “Behind the Lens”, is a romantic and suspenseful tale of two people whose careers had been shrouded in secrecy and danger who come together in a time of urgency and desperation, to become each other’s salvation.

Cliff was a former Army Ranger who was as tough as they come, but under his gruff exterior, lied a thoughtful and passionate man. He tried to keep the darkness of his past at bay, but sometimes the nightmares returned, a grim reminder of what he had done. Being with Alexis had calmed his restless soul and helped to scare away the demons that haunted him. He vowed to always keep her safe and now that she was back in his life, he would never let her go. Cliff may not think he deserved happiness and a family but he will always love Alexis, and he was looking forward to more beautiful and sunny mornings with her by his side.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,949 reviews23 followers
February 29, 2020
I am a big fan of the town of Carson and was so excited for this spin-off series. She did not disappoint with Cliff and Alexis’ story. There was excitement, suspense, intense heat and an undeniable attraction. Not to mention return of some favorite characters. Loved every minute of it and cannot wait for more of this series!!!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,491 reviews35 followers
March 4, 2020
Behind the Lens is a romantic suspense story set in Carson, NC. This author has several books set in this location, but this is the first one that I’ve read and I’m definitely curious about the previous books set in this small town.

Cliff and Alexis have both worked for government agencies that require them to be secretive and covert about their occupations. When they had previously met, each felt a connection to the other even though they only briefly were in each other’s company. When Alexis has to hide out in the town of Carson due to a mission gone bad, Cliff will do anything to protect her.

You could tell that this couple was meant to be together. Their connection was instant. They both were protective of each other and were willing to risk their lives to keep others safe. Though they each had demons from their past, they were open with each other and were able to work through issues.

Behind the Lens was high on drama and suspense as well as intense chemistry between Cliff and Alexis. The residents of Carson were a tight knit community and seemed like family. Watching this couple learn to trust and love each other while risking their lives to fight the danger that surround them was a ride that you won’t want to miss!!
Profile Image for Viridiana Dimas.
265 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2020
I'm moving to Carson!!

I loved coming back to Carson. Definitely feels like home and the Connelly's feel like family. Renee Harless has definitely started this spinoff series with a bang. I fell in love with Cliff and Alexis! Right from the start, this story just captures you and holds you hostage. I stayed glued page after page and couldn't get enough. Amy Connelly is the star of the town and total mom goals. I love her and want to squeeze her.

Behind the Lens is a total edge of your seat page turner with all the feels. You cant help drool and swoon over Cliff, and you just want to be like Alexis with her badass self. I need more Carson in my life and I already cant wait for the next one. Renee does an amazing job bringing this town to life with her amazing world building and characters that will stay with you. Amazingly written in dual POV, Behind the Lens is a complete standalone with it's own HEA. Cant wait for Behind the Badge which will probably be Preston's story, but I already want to know so much more from all the other characters. Definitely a must read you shouldn't miss out on!
Profile Image for Katie Jones.
187 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2020
Welcome back to Carson! I cannot begin to explain how much I loved this book. Catching up with all of the Connelly family and meeting the newbies, from start to finish it was fantastic! I cant wait to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Brooke Herbert.
30 reviews
March 5, 2020
Welcome back to Carson!
*this book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the Welcome to Carson series*
Cliff is definitely your typical strong, silent, and mysterious hero whose smile drops panties all over the small town of Carson. Alexis can only be described as the type of woman we can only hope to be. She is a strong and independent little ninja who isnt used to being taken care of. When they see each of sparks fly and neither has ever felt that way before. Once I started this book I could not put it down until the last page, it just sucked me in! I love how Renee can give you a great romance while adding enough action and adventure to keep you invested. Each twist and turn along the way will have you reading this book cover to cover.

Definitely a must read!!!
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,495 reviews66 followers
February 29, 2020
Whew...secrets abound in this story of mystery, murder, drugs, cartels and, dysfunctional families that know no love. Yet, our H and h have that magical feeling and thru that lens they see each other. Can they trust in each other that they will have each other when push comes to shove. Loved it!!
Profile Image for The Lusty Literarians.
831 reviews45 followers
March 11, 2020



Behind the Lens is a fast paced romantic suspense where the action starts right from the jump. Having never read any of the "Welcome to Carson" books I was a little worried that I would be lost in the characters in this new series starter, Behind the Lens. However that wasn't an issue at all! Carson is a small town with large events and even larger people in it. The character building was great and the action was non-stop. I liked the twists and turns this novel took. While this is a series starter for the new Home in Carson series, this novel can be read as a stand alone. I believe that book 2 will focus on a different couple, which is my favorite type of series, interconnected character stand alones!





Profile Image for Bookish.
1,473 reviews27 followers
March 4, 2020
Back to Carson city we come and can I just say (YAY) what a way to come back! I love when someone we've meet before finally gets a HEA with their own book. Cliff remembers her, the mystery woman he can't forget and when their paths cross again he'll make sure she doesn't leave, again. Alexis doesn't need saving but Cliff isn't willing to let her fight alone. A well written heartwarming read about two strong characters that work best together.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,331 reviews146 followers
March 4, 2020
Wow!!!!
This was a new to me author and I was blown away.
Will definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series.
What a ride.
From cover to cover the non stop action will keep you turning pages unable to put the book down.
The only thing that slightly annoyed/confused me was there seemed to be inside jokes with a few of the characters but was first book in the series?
In saying that it was still a fantastic start and definitely a must click
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
542 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2020
Welcome back to Carson.

I was excited when I learned Renee Harless was taking us back to Carson for more small town stories. Some of my favorite characters of hers live in Carson and I am excited to catch up with them.

Behind the Lens focuses on Cliff and Alexis. With their backgrounds with the FBI, it's no surprise that it catches up with them in a big way. Neither of them feel they are worthy to be loved, but can their immediate connection and draw to each other change those feelings?

Come along for another high stakes small town love story. My only question is how does Amy Connelly know everything that is going on?
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2020
"I looked you up after the first time Dylan teamed us up together. There wasn't much in your file, as you know, but I was curious none-the-less."
"Why did you look me up?"
"I wanted to make sure that you were real."

Oh, how I have missed Carson, NC!! It's so good to be back!!

Cliff mostly keeps to himself. Head down, grunts and one-word answers his only communication effort, and only a select few given access to any more than that. He keeps himself occupied with his tattoo shop, Carson Ink, and keeping tabs on her. Alexis. Ever since she left, he hasn't stopped thinking about her. He knows, he's no good for her. He's carrying to much darkness, but she's making him feel again. But, now she's in trouble. Big trouble, and she's back in Carson. No doubt the town will rally around her, but will it be enough? As danger closes in, can Cliff keep her safe, or will his past repeat itself?

Alexis had felt the connection to Cliff from the first time they met. But, she had to leave. She had no choice. Duty called. When her latest mission goes south and she's put in the cross-hairs of one of the most ruthless men she's known, and one she's known all her life, she finds herself in trouble, injured, and near death. Was coming back to Carson the right thing to do, or is she just bring danger to its front door? Being this close to Cliff again has her hoping for a future she never thought she'd want, but its one she can never have. As long as she's here, he'll be in danger. She may not survive the man who is after her, or losing the man she loves.

I loved this story!! I'm so glad this author has returned to Carson NC! A whole other cast of characters, while catching up with the familiar ones we know and love. Cliff and Alexis are perfect together!! I can't wait for book two!!
Profile Image for Lyndsey Miller.
178 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
Steam: 🔥💥 1.5/3
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Behind the Lens is a spin off of Renee’s Welcome to Carson series, I have never read the Carson series but I had no problem following this story. However, I am totally moving the Carson series up on my TBR. I like to know all of the things so I am dying to know all these characters backstory.

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Cliff is our hero and he is so perfect and manly. I adored him, the way he just instantly was drawn to Alexis and his need to protect her was everything. His story is a little sad but he’s such a good guy. His persona just allowed Alexis to trust him and have faith in him despite not knowing each other very long.

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Alexis was fierce and such a strong female lead, she really goes through some crap and her strength is admirable. For as strong as she was, she still had the perfect balance of badass and femininity. She was used to being a lone wolf and handling things herself so it was beautiful to watch her grow, trust, and learn to depend on others.

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I absolutely loved their connection, it was just so sweet and genuine. This couple doesn’t really have much conflict within their relationship, their conflict is more of an us vs an outside issue. That really worked well for this story and I enjoyed seeing them work together rather than creating tension between one another. Their chemistry was authentic and made sense for the context of this story. Overall I really enjoyed it, the only thing that I didn’t enjoy was the story is all told in 3rd person and my personal preference is dual POV in first person but the content and execution was fantastic.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2020
Hooray, We are back in Carson!

Great read! Behind the Lens is book 1 in Renee's new series, Home in Carson.
The main characters are two strong-willed individuals, Cliff and Alexis.
Alexis is an FBI agent who puts her all into a mission.
Cliff is ex-military, an undercover agent, a tattoo artist, and a photographer.

I love the incredible connection that Alexis and Cliff have.

Alexis gets hurt on a mission and Cliff is going to care for her and protect her, never going to let her go or out of his sight again!

This book has plenty of SPARK!
I loved the characters in this book, All the Connelly crew. Mama Connelly- How does she know everything? I just love her.
There are twists and turns that will keep you reading until the very end. It has it all, drama, suspense, romance, action, bad guys, good guys, love, sex trafficking, friendships and a lot more.

I loved this book, you will too! Read it for yourself.

Renee thanks for taking us back to Carson our favorite town.


I received this ARC for my honest review.

Sorry it took me so long to put my review up.
Profile Image for Megan Mary.
1,124 reviews16 followers
March 4, 2020
We're going back to Carson... Carson... Carson (insert LL Cool J voice here)

One of my favorite fictional towns to visit ✔️
All the action & suspense ✔️✔️
Twists & Turns ✔️✔️
Catch Ups with some of our favs ✔️✔️✔️
An instant and undeniable connection ✔️✔️✔️✔️

If you were a fan of Renee Harless's Welcome to Carson Series than you definitely don't want to skip out on reading Behind the Lens. Cliff and Alexis are everything I had hoped they would be and then some! From beginning to end you'll be burning through the pages to find out what happens next, swooning all over the place & rooting for these two❣️ I loved being back in Carson & I cannot wait for what's next from this series..SO GOOD❣️
134 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2020
Behind the Lens is a quick read that will keep you on your toes throughout the whole book. Cliff and Alexis will give you hope in fate that if its meant to be it will be and it will all come together with a bang.
Alexis is the ultimate FBI agent who gets into trouble only to have to seek help from a small town in North Carolina and from the man who she wants will her whole body and soul. Will she every get her HEA?
Cliff is a tattoo artist in Carson North Carolina who does some deep undercover work for the powers that be, but when the woman who fills his heart back up after losing his wife years ago reappears will he be able to save her and better yet keep her?
This was a amazing an intriguing story, a must read.
Profile Image for Mardell Bonasso.
259 reviews
March 6, 2020
Welcome back to Carson! Cliff is a photographer/tattoo artist/ ex army ranger that may or may not still do contract work for the government. He opened his tattoo shop and settled in Carson, living his secret solitaire life. but always remembering the sassy take no prisoners FBI agent Alexis. She has quite the colorful background. Her father was never a father to her and her mother mysteriously disappeared. Alexis lived in foster and group homes for most of her life. one of her FBI missions leads her to an altercation with her father. She is taken to recover and hide out in Carson where she meets Cliff. This book is full of action and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to revisiting Carson soon.
423 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2020
Behind the Lens is a great read. Cliff and Alexis story is great. Cliff is ex military and is now a tattoo artist and has fallen for someone but has no clue if she will feel the same. Alexis is hurt during a mission and is brought to Carson and Cliff decides he is going to take over caring for her and keeping her safe. Will this caring for her cause them to fall in love or will someone tear them apart? Renee Harless is a great writer she writes amazing stories and this one is no different. Make sure you one click and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Kelly Graham.
354 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2020
I haven’t read any of the previous books based in Carson but it wasn’t necessary and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading any previous books.
Carson is a small town with big characters.
Cliff and Alexis have an unfamiliar pull to each other and instinctively feel relaxed and comfortable with in each others company, not something either of them is used to.
This book has a lot of story to it sex trafficking, evil father, secret missions, love and friendship.
A total all rounder and looking forward to reading about more of the characters in Carson
Profile Image for Heather Jasinski.
442 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2020
Behind the Lens is book 1 in a new series -Home in Carson.
I really enjoyed this book. It had action and romance!
The main characters are Cliff and Alexis.
Cliff was in the Army and takes really good pictures.
Alexis gets injured and Cliff cares for her.
They both want Carson to be home.
Alexis came from a terrible father in the cartel and what she went thru as a child makes her a strong person.

"You're going to rest up and get ready for the biggest fight of your life."

It does have a hea.
I recommend this book to others.
Profile Image for Sarah Sargent.
Author 2 books12 followers
March 4, 2020
We have meet Cliff and Alexis in other books but have always wondered who their partner was. One would never expect for them to wind up together. There is something about the way that all of the men of Carson have a need to protect those they love. When Alexis father comes after her, Cliff does anything and everything to protect her. I am so excited that we get to see more of this world. Not to mention more characters. Who is the owner of the new bar.....
37 reviews
March 4, 2020
Another great story about my favorite Carson peeps..
Mysterious tattoo shop owner Cliff has held a crush on FBI agent Alexis for the last few years since he last saw her. When Alexis is needing help from an assignment gone wrong, Cliff is more than able and willing to help Alexis , as well as every member from the Carson community. A fun great read by no other than Renee Harless.. Welcome back to Carson...…
Profile Image for Bobbie.
541 reviews76 followers
March 7, 2020
This is a great thriller. It is not what I expected it would be. It's about former Army Ranger Cliff who has moved to a small town in NC. It took him a few years to fit in there, and to set up a tattoo shop there, and make some friends. Then, one day he took a photo of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Then, he didn't see her again until years later when she's being hunted down by the cartel, and Cliff must help protect her. This is a story of suspense, action, and romance, check it out for an entertaining read!
1,498 reviews15 followers
March 6, 2020
There's always something happening in Carson. I enjoyed learning more about Cliff. He was one of those that was a little mysterious and now we find out why. I love that he's experiencing happiness again as after a life full of hardships. I still want to know all of Mama Connelly's secrets. I wonder if *she* isn't a former spy? I love reading strong female characters, and Alexis is probably the strongest, but she still needs a home, safety, and a community to love her back. Welcome to Carson.
1,304 reviews
March 7, 2020
A fantastic small town story. I haven't read the Carson series (this will soon change) but I didn't need to for this story at all. This was such a brilliant story, with an amazing storyline and characters. I just couldn't get enough of it. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the twists that were in the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a fantastic story, I hope we get more in this series.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
630 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2020
This book was well written and I fell in love with Cliff and Alexis.

I gave it 4 stars because I found some spots a little hard to follow but that was because I couldn't get wvwey charachter straight. There are WAY too many. Lol it's not a bad thing, I just prefer not to have to go back and re-read everything just to get it straight.

I loved the connection between Cliff and Alexis from the very beginning.

Profile Image for Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog.
951 reviews32 followers
March 4, 2020
I've not read any of the carson books before but I'm definitely going to now, this..was..AMAZING.

I devoured this book in one sitting I could put it down, it's the kind of story that wraps you up and pulls you into its world.

Cant wait to read the carson books now from the start, I'll definitely be reading this again, I think it's one of them books that I'll never get tired of reading.
2 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2020
I really enjoyed behind the Lens! Cliff was a very mysterious tattoo artist in town who has a background to. He loves the ones close to him hard and will do anything to keep them safe. Alexis was also a very strong individual with a scary past that she has been fighting since she was a little girl. You will get to see the Connley's again whom we all know and have fallen in love with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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