London Tweed is a famous author. She spends all of her time doing what she loves - writing. She has a past, one that no one knows about and she is resistant to share. Which is why she doesn’t involve herself with men.
Blake Foster is a popular model, one who loves the ladies as much as they love him. Good times and being the life of the party are a way of life. He never expected to find someone that would make him want to change his ways.
After selecting Blake for the cover of her new book, London invites him to a book signing - a signing that will change both of their worlds. Breaking down London’s walls isn't easy, but Blake enjoys the challenge. What neither of them expect is for the walls that crumble to bring London back to the person she used to be and reveal to Blake the man that he wants to become.
What happens when the past won’t stay buried? Can the love they have for each other be stronger than the world around them?
Judging a book by its cover may not be fair, when you don’t know what’s going on behind the book.
**WARNING** This book contains scenes of domestic violence.
Heather Dahlgren writes Contemporary Romance, sprinkling each book with a bit of humor, a lot of naughty and true love. She self-published her first book in 2014 and continues to do so today. Her over active mind promises the stories are in no short supply.
Heather grew up and still resides at the Jersey shore. She loves being so close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pine Barrens. She is surrounded by the best of both worlds.
She is married to her high school sweetheart and has three kids. There is nothing more important in the world to her then her family.
When Heather isn’t writing you can find her getting lost in a great book, spending time with family and helping her fellow authors.
Behind the Book, book 2 in the Sexy series is just that....sexy! It's also crazy sweet and intense. Blake & London's love story is just beautiful. I became addicted to Blake, his whole persona screamed alpha bad boy in the start but as we delve deeper into the story he's mega hot and wholly romantic. And when he loves, he loves hard! Behind the Book also shows us how hard it can be to truly escape your past and move forward, Heather does a brilliant job of drawing you into London's past and feelings, which will leave you totally devastated for her.
I have to say I was never expecting the twist of the story, it shocked the living day lights out of me! But it was perfect for the book, written wonderfully. I loved that we also got to see more of Jax & Kallie in Behind the Book and catch up with their lives...I'd totally missed Jax.
I'm really looking forward to where Heather will take the next part of the series, I'm hanging by a thread after reading the short snippet at the end already!
Behind the Book was read and reviewed in return for honest review on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog.
Author + Model = recipe for disaster…or a sexy, good time? Certainly, here, it equaled a book that was fun to read, easy to enjoy and a pleasure to recommend.
London Tweed has a past. She keeps to herself and focuses on what she loves most—writing. She doesn’t have time for men, and even if she did…she’s not interested, not after what she’s survived.
When she invites her cover model, Blake Foster, to attend a signing with her, it’s supposed to remain professional. Except something passes between them, and now, Blake is going to do whatever he has to, to get into London’s heart.
Blake’s no wilting flower—and where London’s past is tragic, his is a non-stop party. How can London even begin to trust him when she’s been burned before…and her past is still out there, waiting for a chance to creep back in?
I really, really enjoyed reading Behind the Book. Heather Dahlgren is growing as a writer, and it shows here, in the second Sexy book. The dialogue was better, the sex was better, the characters—well, I did love Jax from Behind the Lens, so maybe the characters weren’t better…
Although, Blake was pretty awesome. In book one, he was a bit of a dick—a lovable one, no doubt, but still, he could be a typical, immature male ass. Here, he shows much improvement, and his desire and care for London is on-point. It was swoonworthy and read genuine, despite the vast and dramatic change from manwhore to ideal BF material. I mean, I love a good reformed manwhore story, and Blake’s is one of those in spades.
I really enjoyed London too. She’s come through a lot, and it showed in her character. She was fun, she was smart, and although she was a little skittish, it came from a believable place—and that’s what matters. The angst, the drama that occurs in Behind the Book works well with the rest of the story, which is light and charming, and, at times, as sexy as the series title says.
There was some really great stuff here too, from the secondary characters. I loved seeing Jax and Kallie some more, and I am excited for Brody, Braden, Max and others to get their own stories. This is one very likeable group of friends—and one very likeable series. I can’t wait for more! ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
Well Heather has done it once again!!! Blown Away!!!! I literally started this book and could not put it down. The writing is amazing and pulled me in from page one until the last. Of course I was left wanting more!!!
I absolutley fell in love with London and Blake. The chemistry was off the charts and HAWT!!! London was the type of character that has been through so much and is trying to make it out the other end. I was soooo rooting for her. Blake is of course a hot, sexy guy that knocks you on your butt and left swooning! The two of them together was the perfect combination!
Everything in this book worked for me. The chemistry was amazing, the writing was supered and hooked me right away. Mix in some emotions, laughs, and of course sexiness and everything worked!!
I would without a doubt recommend this book to everyone. It is a story about a woman getting and living her second chance. Along the way meeting an incredible guy that helped her heal. I am absolutely looking forward to the next story in the seriea and also whatever else Heather throws my way!
Behind the Book by Heather Dahlgren is a great read she pulls you right into the characters lives and you are just rooting the whole time for them to have a happy ending. Well this is a second book in the series but you could read it by itself as its main focus is on different characters then the first, but if you did read the first then you already know Blake and his mut (man slut) ways. London is such a sweetheart I loved her from the get go she just brings out so many emotions in you that you just want to make everything in her life right. Blake has his work cut out for him in getting London to believe he has changed and that he wants only her and London has to figure out for herself that not everyone is like her ex. Heather is quickly becoming an author that I look for new releases to one click and read, so why don’t you come and check out the story that is Behind the Book.
I absolutely Loved London & Blake's story!! London is an author that has past she doesn't like talking about, Blake is a sexy model, some may call a manwhore who is the life of the party. He never found anyone to settle down for until London crashes Into his heart! Have you judge a book by its cover lately?? Because you never know what's going on behind the book! This story is sexy, sweet and full of surprise! I definitely want everyone to read it!!! After you read Heather's books you will see the friendship, the connection and you will see that the love is real. so check it out you don't wanna miss out on Blake!
The expectation I had going into this book from the first one was pretty high and boy oh boy did it deliver! I loved that this book was about an author and you got to see behind the scenes so to speak. Once again I felt a connection with characters and really was pulled into their lives and emotions. So much excitement and passion in this book, I just loved it!
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
As experienced in Book #1, Ms. Dahlgren uses her incredible talent to cause the reader to FEEL the emotions of the characters. In the beginning, it's the struggling battle between expressing desire and suppressing the emotion. Toward the end of the book, the reader will be trying to suppress the flowing tears. London seems to be having the hardest fight to deny feelings while Blake tries to understand the attraction he has never experienced before with any other woman. So their relationship bounces along these bumps enduring secrets, puzzlement and lust. London finally realizes she needs to face her fear of losing Blake by revealing her devastating past. But hours before she can do this, that past rears its ugly head and materializes in her face bringing turmoil and pain into her world. Exciting story, well written with action and passion. It even provides a look behind the curtain of an author birthing a book. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
London is an Author with a secret that she doesn't want anyone to know about. She meets model Blake in New York for a book signing and one crazy night that she doesn't remember leads to complications she never expected. Through events that will shock and surprise, she learns who she can trust and who truly loves her.
I really liked this story and the twist that was put in it. At times I felt the story dragged but I loved the characters so much that I looked past that. I would recommend this book to others. Great story about love and believing in yourself enough to set yourself free.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
I totally read this one backwards (since I didn’t read book 1 first) but I loved it! This book was HOT!!!! I loved the characters of London and Blake and how absolutely human they were. They were people I felt like I could make friends with and associate with being a reader and an author myself. Their love story was so wonderful, I didn’t want it to end. I’m not going to spoil anything for anybody, but all I can say is that the end of the book made me go: “WHAT THE FUCK???” I really hope there are going to be further books by Heather Dahlgren in this series because it was phenomenal! Now onto book 1!
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This couple made me fall in love with them right from the start. London is quiet, withdrawn but a determined woman out to find her way back to who she used to be. Blake is super hot, dirty talking alpha male model who surprises himself by being a romantic at heart. Told in dual POV, this story is very well written and easy to read. The characters are well developed and have super hot sex scenes. Scenery is set OK. This is the second installment of the Sexy series and does include the characters that were in the first installment.
This can be read as a stand alone but would be more enjoyable after reading the first installment. These characters do find an HEA but there is also a large cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
It's no secret that I LOVE to read. So, the fact that I get to read a book that is about something very similar to my life is pretty cool. I like the behind the scenes feel of this book. I love that and author wrote a book about an author and there is so much of the indie community in the book. I like all the added touches with Facebook, private messages, street teams etc.
So, in book one Behind the Lens we met Blake and his mut-self. Even though he pissed me off with all he mutty stuff that he did in book one he totally redeemed himself in this book, big time. I was so hooked on his character in this book. I loved his honesty and the way he changed so drastically because he finally found someone worth changing for. Although he was still his same smart butt self, he was no long a mut.
Enter London...London is an author...pretty cool huh? An indie author writing about an indie author, who just happens to get to know the model of her latest book a little too well. I loved the start of their relationship, but I quickly hated it when London did her Houdini act and left Blake high and dry. I guess he kind of had it coming to him, you know Karma and all. Anyway, I really liked London after she started remember who she was before. Before the really crappy situation in her life that sent her running to California in the first place. I loved that when she finally starting living again, that it was Blake that was making her love life again. I liked that she was opening up herself to new friends and experiences, although she did remain closed off about her past, but I can't blame her for that. I would want to forget also. Blake was so patient with her and that really endeared him to me more. So, of course there is a big bad scene in this book, but I won't say what it is..you will just have to read and find out. But I will say that Blake handled fantastically and pretty bad ass might I add. I especially loved the after.
We get a little bit more of Kallie and Jax in this book as wells as Brody, loved that Brody's story got expanded on a bit. At the end of this book there is a nice glimpse into the next book that has left me really curious as to what is going to happen next in this series.
I enjoy this series and the characters. I like that the author writes them in a way that I can connect with them.
London a writer keeps having dreams of her night with Blake. She was to drunk to remember anything. Waking up in bed next to I'm, she ran and has avoided him since. Except for her best friend she doesn't let anyone in her life. She keeps to herself and does everything she can to fly under the radar. Writes under a penname, doesn't post photos of herself and doesn't date. Blake Foster, construction worker, male model and man whore. Not necessarily in that order. Different women in his bed every night. Until London. After that night with London he can't get her out of his mind. That never happens to him. She is advoiding him. He tries to forget about her but being with other women isn't happening. He just needs to convince her to give him a chance. London is to afraid of her past to give anyone a chance, but she finds herself wanting to give Blake one.
I loved Blake in the first book Behind the Lens, he was such a dog but a lovable one. Honest always. You knew where you stood with him. It was fantastic watching him try to make his way through a relationship. Something he has never done. London, wouldn't share her past and for someone like Blake the truth meant everything. He knew it had to be something bad and was willing to give her time to tell him when she was ready. London slowly starts opening up her heart and life to Blake and friends, Kallie and Jax. Oh yea did I mention you get to revisit with Kallie and Jax. Another wonderful couple. Plenty of drama, suspense, smoking hot sex scenes and sweet loveable moments. This series sucks you into the pages and keeps you wrapped up for hours. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the first Book I have read by Heather Dahlgren and I found it totally amazing. This is the second book in the Sexy series and can be a stand alone book, but to really get to know all the characters you should read the fist book, Behind the Lens.
In this book the story is about London Tweed an author, who has secrets and doesn't trust anyone.who do you trust when you don't want to be found. London is happy to be alone that is until she meets Blake Foster and Male model who becomes the cover boy for her books.
Blake Foster doesn't relationships and never sleeps with the same girl twice. But that's all about to change.
You will be so drawn to this book it will keep you at the edge of your seat that you want be able to put it down. You will feel the chemistry between London and Blake you will want them to be together. You will feel why London doesn't trust anyone but silent whisper for her to open up to Blake. You will become Blake’s champion.
Every girl need a Blake Foster in their lives he is honest and to the point, he tells it like it is and he will protect you to the end. Basically you will fall in love with this manwhore and believe me a leopard can change it spot when they find the one they truly want to be with.
I laughed and I cried through this and at times found myself begging for London to open up because Blake was the man for her.
I can't wait for book 3 and really know you want be disappointed when you read this book. I gave it 5 stars.
Sometimes you can't outrun the past no matter how hard you try.
London Tweed is running from her past. She has changed her name and moved across the country to escape her ex-fiancé Axel. She has become a very successful writer but stays to herself to prevent anyone from getting close to her.
Blake Foster is a model and poses for one of London's books. On a work trip to New York, London and Blake end up in bed together after a night of drinking, none of which she remembers.
Blake wants London but she is scared of her past. Will she allow him to get closer and when London's best friend Shannon inadvertently allows the past to catch up with London will she survive what the past has in store for her?
I love Blake!! He is the kind of guy that every girl wants and up until meeting London has had. I loved his caring nature and the alpha side of him! I felt so much for London and the scars that she carries from everything she has escaped from and completely understand why she continues to keep herself so guarded.
The characters that surround London and Blake are all incredible and the group of friends is so strong and loyal to each other. I love how they become family for London and support what she is going through.
I really recommend this book and can't wait to read more from Heather. This is the second book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone as I haven't read the first book.
London Tweed is a writer,she has a past no one knows she prefers her own company and doesn’t get involved with men.Blake Foster is a model he loves all women,he loves to party,he doesn’t want to change that is until London comes into his life.Blake is the model on the cover of Londons latest book,they both go to a signing,they cant deny the spark,the connection they have and spend a very drunken night together…..changing everything.London leaves the next morning not wanting to think about or act on the feelings Blake has stirred in her.He tries to forget her by returning to his womanising ways…but he cant, she also has stirred up feelings in him he cant forget.He wants her but shes scared of her past catching up with her,hes determined to break down the walls shes built up around herself.They cant stay away from each other,he gives her the space and time she needs but will she tell him her secret? I really loved this book the writing, the characters main and secondary, the story it all came together brilliantly.I recommend reading Behind the Lens first.Theres a twist and the book keeps you gripped until the end.You'll fall in love with Blake and London you can feel their emotions,their chemistry and when they finally get together they are hot!!I look forward to the next book in the series!!
Sometimes you can't outrun the past no matter how hard you try.
London Tweed is running from her past. She has changed her name and moved across the country to escape her ex-fiancé Axel. She has become a very successful writer but stays to herself to prevent anyone from getting close to her.
Blake Foster is a model and poses for one of London's books. On a work trip to New York, London and Blake end up in bed together after a night of drinking, none of which she remembers.
Blake wants London but she is scared of her past. Will she allow him to get closer and when London's best friend Shannon inadvertently allows the past to catch up with London will she survive what the past has in store for her?
I love Blake!! He is the kind of guy that every girl wants and up until meeting London has had. I loved his caring nature and the alpha side of him! I felt so much for London and the scars that she carries from everything she has escaped from and completely understand why she continues to keep herself so guarded.
The characters that surround London and Blake are all incredible and the group of friends is so strong and loyal to each other. I love how they become family for London and support what she is going through.
This is one of those times that I am going to have to say that moslty this book was 3.5 stars, but could be here and there a 4 star read for me. It's a good story that holds my attention for sure, it's steamy and at times really sweet. Why mostly 3.5 stars? I found most of the story to be really cliche and I felt like Blakes POV was very womanly. But that's not to say that London and Blake's story isn't enjoyable and sexy, because it was. But if you are looking for a romance book with more meat and depth to the actual story and characters this might not be it.
It's a great End-of-summer-weekend-romance-read. Fans of the genre can find to be a fast easy read, enjoyable, fun, sexy and steamy. And I do recommend it.
~~I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review.~~
London and Blake seem like the perfect couple and manage to overcome some terrifying pasts. They get through it together though and come out stronger in the end. And the plot twist at the end. Holy cow! The overall story is fantastic. The writing could use a tad bit of work, but I really enjoyed it over all. Reading from an authors point of view was interesting and eye opening. I love knowing that taking time to message an author makes them feel good instead of irritating them. I always feel like I'm interrupting them, but seriously, loved this story! I cannot wait to read more from Heather Dahlgren. I look forward to watching her grow as an author!
Wow Heather Dahlgren did it again! She gave us a book full of hot steamy sex and a nail bitter at times, a perfect story and kept you turning the pages to see what happens next! London and Blake have great chemistry that will hook you from the beginning. Their relationship was not rushed and so detailed. I know that this book will touch someone if not many to realize that their heart(s) can love again. Grab this book today and when you finish I bet you will want the signed paperback!
3.55 stars each book got worse. Once again the authors editor and beta readers have failed
"He held her all night and they decided before she left that they would try the long-distance thing. I’m not sure I believe something like that can work, but if she thinks it can" London suggested that her friend and Brody try long distance and now she's the one thinking long distance won't work. And these two thoughts only had one chapter between them.
At the beginning of the book, London states she won't tell her parents her address in case her ex manipulates them to find her. Near the end when the cops ask him he found her she tells that that he got the address from her parents. I went to bed last night at 75% in and still remember that detail. Seriously, get a better team.
And if the author thinks we will like Brinley after she tried to have sex with her FRIEND'S boyfriend just because said friend is out of town, she's wrong. I hope Brinley falls off a cliff but alas I've heard she's in the next book too. It's written 5 years later so here's hoping the author got a better team (Although her beta readers were labeled as her friends so I'm doubtful)
"Then Jax, Kallie, Brody, Braden, Brinley, Max, Shannon, and to my complete surprise, my parents come in." Eww gross. Kick Brinley and the parents out pls
I'm just going to skim thru and find a lengthy review because I can't do unnecessary words and inconsistencies
Blake Foster is a hot, tattooed model that just loves the ladies...and the ladies love him. He doesn't see himself ever settling down. Of course, he hasn't met the right woman yet.
London Tweed is an up and coming author that uses Blake as a cover model. She is so excited to see her career take off. She is NOT looking for someone after the disaster in her past. She doesn't need anyone.
This is the second book in the Sexy series, though if you didn't read the first one you can still follow. (First one was great too.. Go read it! 😉) I didn't think I would like Blake since he seemed like a jerk face in the first book. There was another Blake that didn't show until now! This Blake was one that was so sweet and sexy. He knew how to make London swoon. He also had a sarcastic attitude that matched London perfectly!
London has a past that she wasn't keen on telling ANYONE. I loved how she eventually opened up to Blake and allowed herself to have people in her life! She ended up having a family she chose.
We were left with a little nugget for the next book, Behind the Lies. I'm impatiently waiting for that one! Looks so good!
Behind the Book is the second book in the Sexy Series. The books in the Sexy series can be read as a stand alone but all the books are interconnected. Behind the book is all about Blake’s and London’s story leading o their HEA. Behind the Book 📕 is filled with drama, angst, love, heat 🔥, and so many emotions. I laughed, cried, and felt so many emotions while reading Behind the Book. Behind the Book touches on some tough subjects and shows London’s strength to overcome her past. I love books like Behind the Book that I can relate to, empathize with the characters, and have an emotional impact on me. Heather Dahlgren does an excellent job with the world she created of authors, models, and photographers and with characters that are easy to relate to, empathize with, and have histories that shapes the characters to who they are. I was hooked from the very fist page and remained engrossed with it till the end. Highly recommend Behind the Book and other books in the Sexy Series. Next up is Behind the Lies with Braden and McKinley and I can’t wait to read it.
London is a successful author and her own little bubble to live in she doesn’t need anyone else. She can’t let anyone in, friend or otherwise, she can’t break her protective bubble. And one drunken night with a hot model won’t change that. One night with London is all Blake can think about, but she has totally ghosted him. When he finally she’s her again, he’s determined to not lose her again. But there’s something in her past holding her back. And she can’t trust him enough to tell him. When she’s finally ready to tell him, it’s already to late.
I think I loved this one so much because of Blake! He is a sarcastic, fun loving and handsome devil in disguise! I love those kinds of characters so he was right up my alley. Of course, London was his comeuppance and I enjoyed reading how he just fell deeper into the pit called love. With a mysterious past London fights her feelings for Blake but finally gives in to their love. Then her ex finds her...
I didn't make it too far through this book before I just couldn't take it anymore. There was way too much inner dialogue and not enough actual talking between the characters. For me personally, I needed more talking between the main characters before they jumped in bed together. I dunno maybe I gave up to quick but I just couldn't make it.
Wow what a powerful read this was. I loved Blake finally fell for a girl, finally has his HEA he deserves. London is such a strong, independent girl, who has been thru so much, much more than I can even imagine. So for these two to pull eachother out and be the one they need is truly amazing. Loved this read, loving these friends can't wait for more.
Every character is relatable! There is nothing about Heather Dahlgrens that I don't love. As a survivor of domestic violence, I completely loved London's strength! Huge fan and look forward to driving into the next book!
I love getting the stories of these hot models and now an author. Blake was never going to settle down one night with London and his world changed. London was a survivor. Her last didn't define her but it wasn't until she met Blake that she started to live again.
I really enjoyed this book over the previous book. London is an author and running from her past. Blake is the cover model on her book. Blake is a player but he really likes London.
The connection between the characters was so strong that I felt it thru my kindle. I couldn't stop reading this book. It pulled me from the first to the last chapter.
Quick summary - An author (London, h) and her cover model (Blake, H) turn a drunken hookup into something more. She is hiding a serious past which makes her reluctant to open up to him, and eventually leads to danger. Lots of tattoos, lots of beautiful people, lots of intense bedroom action, and ultimately an HEA for our leads.
I was unsure if I'd like this one after enjoying Behind The Lens, since Blake is such a bad boy man whore (or 'mut' - man slut) in that one. Honestly wanted to punch him a few times in Book 1 - he was that big a jerk. But he turned out to be such a romantic here! The type who, when he does fall, falls hard, I suppose. As it was, I ended up liking him even more than Jax from Book 1!
Not a super deep or nuanced story. Pretty straightforward NA romance with a kinda stereotyped storyline and lots of banter between very sexually active friend groups. It's the novel version of a nighttime soap for 20-somethings. Not saying that's good bad or otherwise, just what it is. But, if that's what you're looking for, this does it well!
The relationship progressed well - not insta-love. Definitely heavy on the lust, though! I guess when the series name is "Sexy", you should expect lots of bedroom time. Still, I liked how they grew together. London eventually opened up more to Blake and started facing her past, and Blake definitely grew up compared to Book 1.
While you don't have to read Book 1 to appreciate this one, Behind the Lens does lead into this one, and we get an update on how Jax and Kallie are doing. And there are a few hints on potential future books too. We get a hook/light cliffhanger and then a glimpse into Braden's story, coming next - Behind the Lies. That one looks, at least from the sneak peek, like it might be a bit higher angst than what I usually enjoy, but we'll see. I'd love to see Brody's and Max's stories more than Braden's, honestly. We just haven't gotten to know Braden enough for me to be as interested, I guess, especially as high-angst and full of self-induced drama as the sneak peak seemed to be. Unfortunately, it looks like Braden's is the last in the series, as the author's moved onto other series. Oh well...
There were a few moments that made me shake my head, though.
A few typos and editing errors. Most noticeably when there was a mixing up the brothers. Braden instead of Brody, that sort of thing. Could have been easier for an editor to catch if they didn't have such similar names. As it was, it just made for a few confusing conversations. Because let's face it, in a cast of about a dozen named characters, we have Braden and Brody (both brothers to leads in the series), and Brinley, a best friend. It's just a bit of an overuse of the Br names, dontcha think?
Alternating 1st person POV. Abusive ex in the past, but no cheating, no love triangle or OW drama (surprising, considering Blake's attitude in the first book). Pure escapism, but an enjoyable ride nonetheless. HEA, but with a little bit of a cliffhanger (not for the leads, but for Braden's story, coming up next).
Would I read more in the series? Yes. I enjoyed Book 1, and liked this one more. I'm not as interested in Braden's story, as I said, but I'd love to see what happens to Brody and to Max, if the author ever decides to revisit this world.