Behind the Badge

Home in Carson #2

by Renee Harless

Love is dangerous. . . behind the badge.

Former FBI agent Preston Savage could settle for a slowdown. Moving to Carson and joining the local police department is the change of pace he needed.

Preston has made a lot of mistakes and he’s looking to make amends, not fall in love. . . especially with someone tied to his dangerous past working undercover.

Single mother, Shelly Johnson, has one mission in life: protect her son from his father's sins. All it takes is one incredible kiss to turn her carefully constructed world upside down.

Preston has never forgotten about Shelly, and now that she’s close enough to touch, he’s not letting her get away. If he can earn her trust, he can keep her safe. But the closer they get, the more complicated things become.

What will happen when the truth surfaces and the past comes for both of them?

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2020

About the author

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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Reviews

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Shelly and Preston's story. Preston is the Sheriff of Carson but worked undercover in the FBI for years. While he was undercover he saved Shelly from her abusive, criminal ex. When Shelly and her son Abel moves to Carson she is unsettled by the attraction she feels towards her new landlord. This was a great novella and I'm looking forward to returning to Carson for the next book.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about perseverance and fighting for the love you deserve!

I have loved all of the amazing characters I have met in Carson but these two outsiders make this beautiful tiny town their home and discover that a change of scenery is sometimes all you really need!

[Victoria Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love reading books by this author and this book is the second in this series Home In Carson #2 and I really enjoyed reading it. This small town romance was great and picked up from the first book.

Preston is an ex FBI agent but now needs a change of pace and is a really good guy that will do anything for the people that he loves. He wants to earn Shelly's trust but it isn't as easy as he thinks. Shelly is a single mother that will do anything to protect her child. She has had things quite tough and has been through a lot. When she sees Preston she knows her life will never be the same again. But the question is what will happen between these tow people that are meant to be?

I loved the way that this author has written these characters and the chemistry that they both have and the connection is so strong that you wont be able to take your eyes from them both. This book is a quick read that is filled with all the secrets, twists, drama, love and chemistry and bumps that the reader won't see coming and you will enjoy every page. This story is a great read and it flows beautifully throughout and cat wait to read more books fro this series and from this author as I love her style of writing it always pulls me in.

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[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up where we were left off from Behind his lens. This story is also filled with drama, intrigue and just enough steamy moments that kept me rooted to my seat, quickly turning pages to see what will happen next with this small town and its citizens.

Preston is personified good guy just trying to do everything he can too make sure the people he protects stay alive and safe. Shelly has had a few bumps on the road that is called her life but with everything going around her she learns that sometimes it's OK to listen to your heart.

Book 2 and I'm still intrigued and I can't wait to see what more will hit this small town and what its people will do in order to protect it.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out that she was pregnant forced Shelley to look at her life and she knew that she had to make changes for her son. In Carson she created a new life for herself and has surrounded herself with some great friends but after being burned by love in the past she doesn’t want repeat that experience.

Preston has always wanted to protect those who needed it the most which led him to a career in law enforcement. He is drawn to both Shelly and her son but will the secrets and dangers of the past destroy what they have been building between them before it really begins.

Romance, intrigue and a few surprises as both Shelley and Preston find the family they always wanted.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect quick read that will hit you in all the feels. This is the second book in the Home in Carson series and it starts up right where Behind the Lens ended.

This is a story about Preston and Shelly and their journey of finding themselves and each other.

This story has everything you could ask for and gets you there quickly. It’s a great addition to the series and I can wait to see what comes next!

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson is a town that anyone would love to love in. This book is filled with angst, chemistry, insecurities, secrets and more that will keep you guessing what Preston will do and can he get the girl he wants or will Shelly never forgive the secrets between them. Loved it❤❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Carson and this addition was no different. I love the small town element of these stories along with the recurring characters. This had it all drama, love, chemistry, laughter. Perfect story that me falling in love with them again and again. I only wish we had a glimpse of their future.

[Sarah Gulyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Preston and Shelley! I thought Preston deserved better than how everyone treated him in the other books. I was so glad when everyone came to help him!

Shelley was a great character, too. Her son, Abel was just too cute!

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always excited to come back to Carson. Revisiting beloved characters and being introduced to new ones always makes me smile. Plus there is always a bit of drama and action happening that keeps you wanting more. Preston and Shelly both have pasts and this undeniable attraction to one another. Can they weather what happens what happens when trouble arises? Make sure you add this steamy, small town romance to your list. You won’t be disappointed.

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want to spend however long I have worshipping you. But I can't promise that I will be soft and gentle. I have something built up inside of me, ready to unleash."
"I don't want gentle. I want all of you, Preston."

Oh, Preston. For all the trouble you've caused in the past, I dare say you have redeemed yourself!

I loved these two!! Preston, wanting her so badly but, as my favorite heroes often do, feels she deserves better. He knows of their connection in the past and if she figures it out, she'll never speak to him again. But, whatever his head is telling him, his heart just isn't listening. Will he ever have the chance to have a life with her before his past comes for his future?

Single mother, Shelly Johnson has overcome so much and is looking for a new start. When she has the opportunity to move to Carson, NC she jumps at the chance. She was expecting the quaint town to become home. What she didn't expect was Preston. She had sworn off relationships, wanting to concentrate on her son and a new life. But, she soon realizes that just won't apply to Preston. But, he's holding a secret - one tied to her past. And soon that past is coming for him and just might destroy any chance she has at happiness.

This was a great story! I really liked these two and I love this series!! Definitely grab it!

[Brooke Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be going back to Carson and like every other time I could not put the book down! For anyone who has read all of the Welcome to Carson books we are finally getting Preston's book and it did not disappoint.

Shelley is a single mom who has had a bad taste in her mouth when it comes to cops ever since she had problems with her ex. She moves to Carson for a change of pace as well as because her best friend/boss lives there.

Enter Preston the ex FBI town sheriff who still takes the odd assignment here and there. When they first meet there is an instant connection that neither of them can ignore. Possibly love at first sight?

Can their feelings overcome the inevitable trouble that alway plagues the small town of Carson? Can Shelley handle it if Preston takes on more cases? Well I guess you will have to read this one to find out.

I give this book 5/5 and I would give it more if I could. You can read it as a stand alone but I highly recommend starting with the Welcome to Carson series and the Home in Carson series first.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Home in Carson series by Renee Harless, and I am so glad she finally wrote Preston’s story. He had always been one of my favorite characters and I knew his story would be one of danger, bravery and romance.

Shelly was the perfect woman for Preston to fall in love with. She is a devoted mother, has a successful career and is proud of all that she has accomplished. Preston knows things about Shelly that no one else does and he is worried that she would be mad at him when she found out the truth.

The small town of Carson welcomed Shelly with open arms and she knew this was the place she was meant to be. There was something about Preston that called to her and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. Preston was handsome, kind and good with her son but could she handle his dangerous job and the secrets that came with it? Fate may have brought Preston and Shelly together, but will their past tear them apart?

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome once again to the small town of Carson, NC.

We finally get Preston's story. He's been in and out of books since Coming Consumed (Book 3 in the Welcome to Carson series) and it's great for him to finally get his time in the spotlight.

Shelly is ready for her a new start for her and her son Abel and moving to Carson to work in Sydney's company gives her the perfect chance to do just that. She didn't expect Preston. She knows she's seen those eyes before and she's drawn to him immediately.

Preston has a past with Shelly that she doesn't remember. And he needs to tell her. He will tell her...eventually. But when she finds out before he can tell her, things do not go well.

Can he fix this? And you know Carson. Small towns don't mean no big drama, especially this small town.

Another great book in the Home in Carson series. A great medium length read.

[Paula M. C. Basílio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is about how love can be dangerous, although, also can be truthful. At first we meet Shelly Johnson, a single mom who loves and protect her son at all costs, mainly from his father.

At the other side we have the FBI agent Preston Savage that moved to the city of Carson, a small place where he join the local police department.

He just thought that would be great opportunity, thinking about all the mistakes he has made, but he never thought he would fall in love.

I absolutely loved this book. I love how the past connected both characters and how everything ended, was so powerful! What a couple! I enjoy a lot romance with policial and the author did it so great!
Was the first time I read a international book with one of the characters being black. Shelly is amazing!

Also being part of the beta readers for this book was such an honor! Thanks again Renee!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Badge was a short(ish) read that packed a big punch, so I could absolutely whine about the length since I didn't want it to end. Preston is a former FBI agent who wants a change of pace in life so he ends up in Carson working on the police force to slow things down. Little did he know that fate was going to get involved when he came across single mother Shelly, who was tied to his past. Shelly just wants to protect her son so she wasn't in the market for anyone new, but she also didn't see fate coming. These two are perfect for each other and Preston isn't letting her go this time even with any complications, but the past tends to come back to bite people in the behind. And that's all I'll say about that. To know how it all plays out, hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Tania's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart!! Preston was smitten from the minute he laid eyes on Shelly years ago. Shelly was captivated by the intense blue eyes. Fast forward 8 years and he’s the sheriff and her new landlord. Preston saw this as a sign to finally make his move. He welcomed Shelly and her son into his property to also protect her but she doesn’t remember him from prior years. When Shelly finally gives in to Preston advances it’s hot. These two can’t get enough of each other. Then the past returns trying to destroy everything. Then to make matters worse Preston has to fight for his life. But Shelly never leaves his side and their relationship is solidified. They were an interracial couple and I love how it was only mentioned once and not make the entire story about it. Love has no color.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series and is Preston and Shelly’s story. Preston is a former FBI agent who is looking for a quieter pace of life and moves to Carson to join the local police department. Shelly is a single mom who will protect her son no matter what. Preston and Shelly have undeniable chemistry between them, but what will happen when the past comes back to haunt them? This is a well written story which is filled with drama, action, intrigue, humour, and is an entertaining and steamy read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in my favorite little town of Carson, NC. This time getting to know former FBI agent and current sheriff, Preston, and NY native turned newest Carson resident, Cassidys assistant, Shelly. Their story starts before they even realize it when Shelly looks into the deep blue eyes of the man who saves her and Preston gets hung up on the beautiful woman he can’t help but save. The story is well written but I wanted more! I wanted to get to know Prestons background a little more and a little more drama with Shelly and her past. But none the less, I love the couple and the chemistry they have from first touch!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly's distrust of law enforcement began when she was falsely accused by the FBI during a drug raid. Unbeknownst to Shelly, one of the agents there knew she was innocent and fought for her release. Fast forward 7 years and that agent is now the local sherif of Carson where Shelly just moved to. Preston left the FBI and became the sherif of Carson, but he still helps out the FBI now and again. Sparks fly between the two, but will Preston's job get in the way of them being together? This is a fast paced novella that keeps you turning the pages to find out if they get their HEA.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the Carson series, you know we have all asked the same question. When does Preston get his HEA. In true Carson fashion Preston finally meets his match. Shelly is independent and finally makes the move to Carson to start over. She accepts renting the cabin from none other than the town Sheriff. But there is something in his eyes that she remembers. I love that this was a fast read and really can’t wait for more.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that Preston got his redemption story. Small-town living can sometimes be as judgy as it is well-meaning. I think Shelly and Abel were a good fit for him. I like the stories where the kid hits it off with the hero/heroine well before the parent does. I loved the Connelly cameos and of course there's always suspense around the corner in Carson.

[Megan Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preston, Shelly, and Abel were GAH just the absolute best! All the feels with this quick and steamy read! I love returning to Carson & with each book I continue to fall more and more with these characters and this fictional town! Behind the Badge was a story about fighting for the ones you love & I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this book!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renee Harless hits it out of the park (AGAIN) with this latest addition to her Carson series.

This book picks up from Behind the Lens. The characters of Preston and Shelly were well-developed, and had instant chemistry that made me cheer them on pretty quickly.

I loved diving into the small town of Carson and its residents, and I can't wait for more from Renee for this series!

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful sort read that shows you we all deserve love... even if sometimes we need to fight for it.
Preston and Shelley were perfect together and Abel was adorable.
This book had me going through a range of emotions. I was so in love with the story.
Loving the small town of Carson.
Total page turner... great read
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short quick read, and although I would of loved more as everything seemed to happen so fast, especially that twist at the end, I still enjoyed it for the most part and know many others will too if they don't have time for a long read.
Couldn't think of a more deserving couple for happiness too, except maybe the male main character for the next book which I'll look forward to reading.

[Heather Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Badge is an amazing read!!! Preston and Shelly have an amazing story. Preston is a former FBI agent turned small Sheriff. Shelly is moving to the small town that Preston is the sheriff of. Shelly rents a house from Preston. You need to read this amazing story to find out what happens and you will not regret it.

[Kerri G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story between Preston ,the Sheriff of Carson, and former FBI agent, and Shelly , who moved to Carson to get a better life for her, and her son.
This couple had insta attraction, both scared to start something new, but they have met in the past that only one of them remembers....

Great addition to my favorite Carson series...

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single mom, FBI agent, yes please! A beautifully told love story with all the feels. Can be read a as standalone. I highly recommend reading this book.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and passion and sexual tension blended into a good read!!
Nice to see Carson again. Shelly and Preston make a great couple. And the ending was a nice twist!