This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN:B07CBQPM6R
I don’t even know who I am anymore. Josephine… My birth name. The one my parents gave me and the one they can have. It makes me no difference. Joss… That’s what my friends call me. I like it. It means they know me. Sort of. Blue J… My stage name. It hides me when I need it to. Bird… That’s what he calls me. And he’s the only one.
He gave me a new name. One that was branded on my skin our first night together, placed there by his lips. The night that was supposed to be our first and our last. Because if he sees the me hiding behind the fake name, will he even want me?
Cain
She slipped out, right through my fingers. But that won’t work for me. Her voice made an impression, her touch left its mark. And when I find her, I’ll make sure she remembers the way it felt.
But how can a girl who hides herself, living her life in a convent and afraid to face the world, ever fall for a man who kills people for a living? Can the death row prison guard and the girl struggling to break free come together? Or will their differences keep them from finding their forever?
Behind Me is a contemporary romance with adult language and sexual content and is intended for an audience 18 and over.
Piper Reagan is a wife, mom, dog lover, and avid reader. Her love for books led her to throw her hat in the ring and write one of her own. When she's not bustin' tail at her day job, she's sneaking in time to read and write, which has been her greatest escape from day-to-day stress.
A contemporary romance that will remind you why you fell in love with the genre!
What I loved most about Piper Reagan's Behind Me was that is had that good ole romance feel... the page turning anticipation, the tummy flutters, the LOL moments, the twist at the end, THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL!
Behind Me brought me back to all the things I love about romance. Joss and Cain swooped in and captured my heart. I felt their hesitations, their frustrations, their all consuming love.
If you're looking for a story that will dig in deep and settle in your soul, for characters that you can't let go of, for comedy that will have you apologizing to others in the room, THIS IS YOUR BOOK!
Five romance-gold stars! Thank you Piper for this beautiful reminder of why I fell in love with romance to begin with.
This is my first read by Piper Reagan and I loved everything about this book. A heartwarming contemporary romance that will completely draw you in from the very first page. One I connected with on a personal level and gave me all the feels. You can’t help but fall in love with Cain. He’s so dang sweet to Bird (Joss) and has a special way of making all of her worries disappear with words that will literally make your heart melt.
The prologue takes you back 10 years ago. Joss is a senior in high school. She’s faced with some news and when she tells the ones she loves she didn’t expect them to turn their backs and flip her world upside down.
Fast forward 10 years later. Joss is perfectly happy hiding in her boring shell but tonight she’s stepping out of her comfort zone. Her two best friends are getting her all dolled up and for one night she’s going to be someone else.
“Tonight, I’m Blue J.”
Finishing up mandatory training at the maximum security prison, Cain heads to the locker rooms. His co-workers who he considers his friends ask if he’s going out with the guys for a drink. His cousin Rod is in the band and their playing at Willie’s Roadhouse. When they start playing, Cain hears J’s voice and it's doing things to his body. When he finally sees her, he has to have her. He offers to buy her a drink. Her body reacts the same when she sees Cain. They have a few more drinks, dance and get a little closer. She denies telling him her real name and wants to pretend for the night. He tells her to come home with him.
“We can pretend to be whoever you want.”
I love when it gets to this part. In the hotel room, Joss ask Cain to do something and it’s one of her fantasies. He makes it happen and it’s the cutest scene ever. You can’t help but smile, giggle and blush. When they finally hit the sheets it’s unbelievably HOT!!! Cain wants to see her again. She wants to but once he knew the real her he would change his mind and she left without saying goodbye.
Joss holds a secret that could hurt the people in her life. She’s been living in a convent to keep those secrets hidden. Her past pulls at your heartstrings. What she didn’t expect was to see Cain again and he doesn’t give up until he has her.
Behind Me is a beautiful story and one you’ll enjoy!
I am truly lucky I got to read this book. There is something about it that just reached out and took hold. Behind Me by Piper Reagan, is the first in a stand alone series, and it has EVERYTHING. All the drama you could ask for, family, love, and self-inflicted. Friendship, surprise, and acceptance of circumstances. There are even some situations that some may not like. After the end I am left with a book hangover and wanting to read the next couple in hopes of glimpse of Joss and Cain.
Joss has lost her way. Things were amazing, then something happened and now she doesn't know who she is anymore. She has built her life inside a "bubble". One sexy night with a stranger pops her "bubble" and her life is spiraling put of control again.
Cain has a job many frown upon, death row prison guard. A chance night out, he hears the voice of a woman who he has an instant connection with. Meeting her and having the opportunity to spend the night with her is just what he needs.
One night filled with so much passion, connection, and hot sexy burn the sheets off chemistry is amazing. Until Joss sneaks out the next morning.
From there Reagan takes us on one emotional ride. I laughed as well as had my heart broke. So well written that it was worth not sleeping last night.
5 perfect stars
**ARC provided by author for an honest review** *Review by Lisa, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog*
This is such a sweet and well-written story about pain, loss, fear, trust, and a beautiful love. A love between two people that think - for very different reasons - they are undeserving of it. It's a story about acceptance and support, about how letting go is a hard process but possible. I liked this book for different reasons: 1. It is different to most of the books I normally read, mostly calm and careful instead of dark and brutal. 2. I found the characters very easy to relate to, not just the two main characters, but also all side characters, even those I didn't feel sympathy for. 3. Church plays a big role in this story (as a suppot system), yet it's not about believe or even God at all. 4. I really loved the pace, it was very comfortable. I will definitely read more by Piper Reagan.
Oooh snap!!! Piper did it again. She delivered us a story that sucked us in from page one and held our attention until the very last page. Her characters were EVERYTHING! Seriously, they brought the book alive inside in head. Ok now that I've gushed enough let's jump into the storyline.
First up is Josephine the heroine. OMG I fell deeply in love with her and I'm a straight mofo LOL. She was so damn real...like relatable and that's something I hardly find in novels lately. I feel like I could understand her on such a personal level. She's nervous and she has her insecurities but underneath it all is this brave courageous spirit. She's loved by so many people because she just has this big heart. I LOVE HER!!!! She has been through so much and has sort of hidden herself away in the convent she lives in...that is until Cain comes along.
Cain is a hard ass who has a voice that makes your panties disappear...its just like one two three POOF hahaha. All it took was one night of listening to her beautiful voice for Cain to convince himself that he wanted her and then all it took was her touch and he knew he needed her in his life. Cain has also in a way hidden himself from society...more specifically his home town. He is a death row prison guard and naturally with a job like that comes conflicting emotions.
Cain brings out this whole other side to Josephine. A side she has lost along the way because life keeps throwing some major curve balls towards her. There's a secret in her past that slowly comes to light. A secret that could hurt people in her life.
What I loved about this couple is despite their internal battles with themselves, their love for one another is so pure. It comes straight from the heart. No matter what they go through...they always find each other. The story touched my heart. If there's something I would mention it would be that I wish certain parts in the book were longer...that we got to see a little more of the drama and a little more of the side characters as well but other then that I feel like everything was perfect.
I can't wait to read more books from Piper. She's so talented and she's just starting out. If you're new to her work please take a chance on her and know that by the end of her book you will be so in love with her characters. Piper girl I'm so proud of you for taking this leap and sharing your book with the world...they are gonna love it just as much as I do.
Ms. Piper Reagan brings forth an emotional and deeply amazing first full length novel that draws you in from the first page and keeps you hooked until the very last page. Behind Me is a standalone series and tells the story of Joss and Cain. Joss has lost her way in life due to a terrible event 10 years past. The years since she has kept to her self mostly, with few friends and staying in an isolated manner. One night everything changes for her when she lands in the arms of a sexy stranger, Cain. They share a night of red-hot sex and intense chemistry but Joss doesn’t stay around. She sneaks out in order to keep things secret and hidden. Cain, when he wakes, is determined to find her. And this is when the story really takes off. Their love is a roller coaster emotional ride. Joss and Cain are meant to bed. There is drama, angst, pain, heartbreak, tension, loss, incredible chemistry, intense mind blowing sex and love, sweet love. The HEA is what makes this one of the best. The path to their HEA is rocky but the ending was beautiful and fabulous. Ms. Reagan wrote an amazing love story. This is a must read.
My Rating: 4.7 stars ***** “I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Behind Me by Piper Reagan is such an amazing and captivating book, it just sucks you in from the first page. It was really hard to put it down, kept telling myself "one more page"....😂
Joss and Cain's story is such an emotional ride that you'll love at every turn of the page. Joss has such a hard time with her emotions, fear and insecurities. She is such a giving person too, loves to help those who need it. When she meets Cain she keeps encouraging herself to take the leap. Super happy that she did because it was a life changer for the both of them. 😍❤ What an amazing love story, it's a must read! So get it, get it now!
Piper Reagan is a new to me author who I'm SO glad to have found! Her first full- length novel gave me everything I wanted in a book. Let's begin with Joss, shall we? Joss is about as wholesome and as they come. Beautiful on the inside and out and very talented. She's incredibly sweet and caring but she also struggles to be herself as well as placing trust into people because of her past.
Oh- and she lives in a CONVENT. But all that changes... When she meets Cain. It was lust at first sight and it was so fucking HOT! Cain is swoon worthy in every way and my type of guy! Tall, handsome and take charge! But... also really sweet.
Did I mention HAWT?! He's a prison guard who's way sexy. He's immediately attracted to 'Little Bird' and wants her all for himself. I really enjoyed the fact that he didn't play any games and there isn't that cliché love triangle involved here. Their first kiss made my heart thump for her. Sigh... sweet AND Sexy AF.
Cain knows how to make the panties melt when he drops his voice low in her ear and says things like, "Come home with me tonight. We can pretend to be whoever you want." I mean... c'mon. I'd go home with you too, Cain.
Their chemistry is in sync with one another from the very beginning- which I love because you can bypass all of that nonsense angst. This story has a lot of heart and a lot of hot nights. Piper really knows how to burn the pages with her words and make 'em hot! This love story unfolds with a lot of struggle from Joss' past to her present with Cain. She has to learn that one day, you do have to put your trust into someone no matter how scary it may seem and have faith that it'll all work out.
Cain shows his 'Bird' that there are real men out there who step up when they're needed. And you know we totally love it when man does that, ladies. I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to seeing what else Piper writes next! If you like hot and sweet guys who know how to make a woman swoon, you should read this book. Like, seriously.
This author is new to me. From the prologue I was invested.
Cain and Joss are so amazing together. Joss has so many issues and although Cain struggles to get things right he is so there for her. Excellent secondary characters which could lead to future storylines. Small amount of ex drama but no intimacy with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
It's insta in the sense that they feel a strong pull to each other, that said the story is learning how to overcome things in order to be together.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This is my first Piper Reagan book and now I’m hooked. Behind me is the first in a standalone series. It had everything that you want in a romance – electric sparks, angst, suspense, LOL moments and of course, sexy times. Piper magnificently brought out the characters of Joss and Cain. I can feel their turmoil, self-doubt, unfathomable love for each other. The storyline was something new and refreshing for me which I really enjoyed. The suspense about Joss’ secret kept me engaged, just when I though I got the answer, it turned out there was something more. The twist at the end was depressing, but I think it brought closure to Joss and allowed her to move on with her true love and her chosen family and friends who gave her acceptance, love and understanding which she totally deserved.
I love Joss. What she went through in her late teens was sad but real and relatable. She thought she was weak and she was ashamed that she was hiding a secret both to hurt someone and protect someone. However, I think she was strong, brave and courageous. With the abandonment of the only people she loved and trusted, she kept living. Yes, she was damaged but she had a big heart. She helped and loved others in her community without asking for anything in return.
Watching Joss and Cain fall in love and learn to love and trust each other warmed my heart. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all rainbows and roses – they both have some internal battles to fight and their journey had lots of up and downs, but I am glad that they got each other at the end.
Thanks you Piper for this beautiful story that reminded us there are love and acceptance in the world. I’m so looking forward to your next work. For all the readers who like me have not read any of Piper’s book, please give her a chance. You will not be disappointed.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. What an amazing first full length novel from new author Piper Reagan. I thought her first book Fast Forward was good, but if she keeps going at this pace, she is going to have a incredible career as an author.
Josephine (Joss) has lost her way in life. From that fateful day ten years ago to now, she has kept herself isolated, only having a few friends. On a night out with the girls, she lands in the arms of a handsome stranger, Cain. A night of incredible chemistry and mind blowing sex has Joss sneaking out the next morning to keep her secret hidden. But Cain is not one to give up. He is going to make this girl his, no matter what she is hiding.
I couldn’t put this book down. It takes you on a journey of every emotion you could imagine. Joss and Cain are written with such incredible chemistry it will have you cheering for them. I didn’t want their story to end. Be prepared to sit and take all of this book in one sitting. If things like sleep and work didn’t get in my way, I would have holed up for hours. Piper Reagan, thank you for such an extraordinary story. You have a fan for life. I can’t wait to see where your stories take me next.
This book gave me all the feels! It definitely had me captivated from the start. I was so intrigued and wanted to know what had happened to Joss. Such a big decision at that time in her life where she wasn't given a choice and her opinion didn't matter. I love how soft and sweet Joss is, although strong when it comes to what she went through. It was definitely painful at the fact that her parents gave her up so easily, people that are supposed to love you unconditionally. Then along came Cain. Such a strong Alpha male with a soft spot for Joss. I fell in love with him the moment he called her "little Bird" and the protector in him **sigh** I love that their lives and jobs are polar opposite. I kept thinking to myself, "will this work?" Although Piper has done brilliantly in meshing these characters together and giving them that story and love that some only dream about. The sexual chemistry between these two is CRAZY HOT and there are a few scenes where you will be squeezing your thighs together and have you blushing! I laughed out loud several times as Piper can certainly create some funny banter and is great at putting you right in the middle of the testosterone filled men's locker room. This is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Going to admit this but this is my first Piper Reagan book. And I am now addicted. Behind Me has all the feels of a great romance. Family, love, romance and finally learning how to spread your wings.
Joss’s childhood was taken away. Her parents abandoned her when she needed them the most. Joss had to figure how to live her life on her own. And not behind the walls of a secluded convent.
Cain has a demanding and stressful job while working for corrections on death row. He’s seen it all. And to let off some stress, he goes out to listen to music. He was enjoying the music but was blown away by the singer. A night to remember, Joss and Cain let the worries go. They both didn’t realize that their world will be colliding and fate dealt it’s hand.
Piper wrote a beautifully romantic read. Pulls at all the heartstrings. So consuming, love and so much passion.
4.5 Stars Received an Arc for an honest review for which I was voluntarily provided
I loved everything about this book. Five stars just isn’t enough. It was beautifully written and truly perfectly done. I absolutely loved Cain. I thought he was the perfect hero for this book. I loved how he owned his strong and intense feelings for Joss, his Bird (and I loved this nickname for her).
Joss had so many things weighing her down and I loved how Cain truly brought out the best in her. She was a sweet person without him but she was remarkable with him. Their relationship and connection was just beautiful. Joss struggled with decisions she made when she was younger and the abandonment she felt from her family. Cain really helped her see that the decisions she made were ok and helped give her a new family.
I wish she was able to mend the relationship with her parents before the book ended but maybe that will come in time.
Can’t wait to read the next book. Definitely want more of all of these characters.
Such a great read! I loved every minute and had a hard time walking away from the book. Piper Reagan is a new voice on the indie scene that I think is going to make it far. Her characters are endearing, real, fun and sexy. I laughed and cried with this book and can not wait for book two in the series.
Joss aka Bird is a little bit of a lost soul. Having been abandoned by her family and living in a convent for the past 10 years, she has only one purpose... until she meets Cain. The sexy prison guard makes a lasting impression on the normally shy girl and brings out her wild side... but it can only last for one night. So she thinks.
I loved how Cain fought for what he wanted... her. Even with all the baggage, both brought into this relationship. When the past comes rearing its face into the present. Cain's support was AMAZING.
Love this author. Love this book. Check her out. You won't be sorry.
I had the pleasure and honour of reading an ARC of Piper’s #DebutNovel #BehindMe that #Releases on #May8th, it was simply amazing!
From the first page it has you by the throat and sucks you straight into this fictional world she’s written!
It’s a definite page turner and I just had to read more of what was happening between Joss & Cain 💗
This novel is about a girl who lost herself and is struggling to find who she is, and a guy who takes life because it’s his job as a Death Row Prison guard. 2 of the most unlikely people who meet and the chemistry is instantaneous! But will it work?!? Will they be able to break free from what constricts them and find their #HappilyEverAfter
This story is absolutely relatable to young women who goes through the same in life, and to let them know they are not alone! That they to deserve to feel loved and to have a HEA.
Piper is definitely an Author to watch for, she has massive talent and such away with words 🤗💗 you’ll never believe that she’s not a veteran author. Applause to you hun 😘
Already EXCITED for book 2 😊 definite hotness overload I can see it already 😂
I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Adored Cain and Joss’s story of finding each other and seeing their chemistry ignite. They’re taking a chance on a one night thing but it’s not that easy when you discover you both have mutual friends and the sic sense that you both belong together. Their road to HEA is not for the faint hearted with all of Joss’s secrets. The secrets that Joss hold close can ruin their newly minted relationship but Cain is in deep and has to convince Joss, he isn’t going anywhere. That’s tested when Joss discusses the past with her parents and all breaks lose that has Joss hiding from Cain because Joss’s trust in Cain is broken. Piper sucks you, takes your emotion for a wild ride, and lets you experience some steamy scenes between Cain and Joss then makes you believe true love really exits.
I can't get over the beautiful story that was discovered between the covers of this book. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. For my first Piper Reagan experience, I must say... I WANT MORE!!!!
Talk about talent! Seriously, I was blown away by the journey I went on. Cain, I oh so amazing. Josephine has had one sad little life and this man, this amazing man knocks her world completely off it's axis and he is blown away by this woman.
They are so perfect and so beautiful together.
Nothing in this book was overdone, repetive, or cheesy. It was PERFECTION!!!
This story was super emotional. It was one with a little bit of everything. You will want to hug Josephine. You will want to cry with her. You will fall in love with these two. Josephine got a raw deal as a teenager. She had parents that were not supportive at all. She is hiding still though, she isn't living fully. Cain has a hard job. A job that tortures his soul. As soon as he meets Josephine, his Blue J, he is calm. I loved the building relationship of these two. I loved watching these two develop into one. Cain does everything he can to support Josephine on her journey of life.
I’m so glad I got a chance to read Behind me. It usually takes me a while to get into a book that I know nothing about. I’ve been going in blind lately and Behind Me had me hooked from the beginning. I think I highlighted 75% of the book.
I loved that both Cain and Joss had struggles and secrets to get through. The story was different and kept me wanting to read more. I was sad once I read “the end” but I’m happy with how the whole story came to be.
I saw a post today about this debut book. I was given a chance to read it. Holy Moly! If you are looking for a good contemporary angsty romance, this is all that and a bag of chips. I absolutely loved this book. I want more. I will define buying and reading the rest of the series. Kudos to indie authors!
Very cute, nice and heartwarming story from a starting author. Well written with a good pace, easy read. The love story is fast without the trap of insta love which would have killed it for me. Great for when you need a non-dark romance not too light to be boring. It was gripping enough with just the emotional content. Thank you Piper, looking forward to the next book!
Piper Reagan knows how to write a good story! Romance stories often blur together and are pretty predictable for me but Behind Me is different. The story keeps you intrigued and wondering what comes next. The characters are fun and leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book!
Wow. First time author for me, and it was fantastic. A book with all of the feels, covering all the spectrums with these characters, backgrounds and oh the emotions. Not gonna lie, couple of teary moments. Would most definitely like to continue the series.
Such a great story! I was lucky enough to win a copy and I just have to say that I can't wait for her next book to come out. You feel Joss' heartbreak and Cain's love for her! I seriously didn't want their story to end but happy they got their happily ever after.
The minute I read the prologue of this book I knew that this book was going to be an emotional ride. I mean Ms. Reagan hits you right in the heart from the get go. This is the story of Joss and Cain and how a life changing event brings two people together.
Joss is a young woman that when we first meet her broke my heart and when we see her several years later is still this beautiful but damaged woman that lives with a story that could tear the strongest of us apart. It's almost like she has two personas and the "real" Joss brought me to my knees a couple of times. I could feel in every fiber of my being the pain and guilt she lives with on a daily basis.
Throw Cain into the mix, a man that had things been different she never would've met and now the story takes on a new but different journey. This man is someone that needs the beauty, grace and innocence of Joss in his life. What he does for a living has hardened him and this fragile, yet strong woman brings light and joy into his life unlike any he's had before.
Getting to see them fall in love and learn to trust each other, her more than him was a story that grabbed my heart and hasn't yet let go. There's a heat between them and as their relationship grows, Joss, this woman who's not had love in such a long time, truly blossoms. Don't get me wrong, these two have some ups and downs getting to their HEA, but the fight is always worth the prize in my opinion.
I so enjoyed this newest book by Ms. Reagan. It's her first full-length novel and her ability to draw a reader into the story is filled with beauty and grace. The character development is spectacular and the attention to detail is almost like a secondary character. Speaking of which, the secondary characters are in and of themselves outstanding and I can't wait to get the next book in this series and to watch this newest author in the indie community become a huge success.