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Behind the Lights: An emotional rockstar romance (Burn to Rise Book 1) Kindle Edition
Even growing roots in the darkest waters, the lotus produces the most beautiful flowers.
Five years after enduring a battle no one should ever have to fight; after having her soul shattered in all possible ways, Leah Jäger is still swimming. With her own business in full bloom, she juggles to balance between family, friends, and her role as the lead vocalist of Buried Alive, an up-and-coming German metal band.
Life is better than she had ever thought, but then the imposing and talented frontman of Dark Omen shows up at her door and turns her world upside down.
Metalhead Søren Wolff is lost in a spiral of apathy, wrestling with old memories he'd rather keep buried in the past. Surrounded by fame, praise, and the aftermath of their mistakes, the Norwegian band is struggling to stay afloat. So, finding a woman to stick around for more than one night is not part of the plan. Until beautiful and mysterious Leah rattles his mind.
She might not be ready to let her defenses down but, like a black hole, he pulls her into a gravity she can't escape. Music. Friendship. Attraction. They soon become entwined in a cloud of lust as passion and desire have rules of their own… Just like their demons and unhealed wounds.
● ● ● ● ●
** THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE **
Behind the Lights is the first book in the "Burn to Rise" series. Leah and Søren's story concludes in Beyond the Lights (available in October).
[ WARNING +18 ]
Not intended for children or people who get triggered easily.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMay 13, 2022
- File size4.7 MB
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Product details
- ASIN : B0B1BDMDVQ
- Publisher : Independently published
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : May 13, 2022
- Language : English
- File size : 4.7 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 506 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-8409408078
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 1 of 3 : Burn to Rise
- Best Sellers Rank: #718,191 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #3,180 in Romance Literary Fiction
- #5,704 in Contemporary Literary Fiction
- #31,142 in Literary Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

If gripping and stimulating stories that will play with your emotions and make you reconsider societal norms, realistic human dynamics, loud music, lots of steam, and even greater amounts of angst, are your thing, L.A. Cannon is definitely the author you were looking for.
Stay tuned:
Instagram - @l.a.cannon
TikTok - @l.a.cannon
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's emotional depth, with one noting how the writer manages to touch sensitive topics. Moreover, the book raises mental health awareness in an impressive way, and customers appreciate its side characters and unconditional friendships. Additionally, one customer describes how the story reads like a mix of a music documentary, while another mentions how it builds an entire world of music.
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Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with its top-notch descriptions and ability to handle sensitive topics. One customer notes how the writing is gut-wrenchingly beautiful.
"...And the lyrics, oh Lord, the lyrics. There are some really beautiful quotes and lyrics in this book—my two favorite quotes are above...." Read more
"...I seriously loved Søren and Leah so much. A lot of deep and sensitive convos and stuff. So definitely check triggers...." Read more
"...I can’t say enough about this book, it’s captivating and beautifully heart wrenching & inspiring written work of ART!..." Read more
"...Yes there is steam, but the music part, side characters and emotional background story makes this book so much more than just another steamy..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's pacing, noting its strong emotional content and how it raises mental health awareness in an impressive way. One customer mentions how it helps those with a fighting spirit, while another describes it as a soul-fulfilling ride.
"...the microscope of celebrity, tumultuous relationships, and learning how to live again...." Read more
"...About music, friendship, devotion, intimacy, and learning to trust after being hurt” 🎸Found Family 🎸Dual POV 🎸Strong FMC..." Read more
"...This book was wonderful. I felt so many emotions. My heart broke first and foremost for Leah and Soren and Alex and everyone...." Read more
"...If you’re ready to go on an emotional, beautiful, soul-fulfilling ride, I recommend this book and this series with my whole heart!" Read more
Customers enjoy the story of Behind the Lights, with one customer particularly appreciating the character development of Leigh and Soren, while another notes how it kept their attention throughout.
"...about the MMC and FMC, it has many side characters, and we get a lot of their backstory, as well as many scenes where they are all hanging out..." Read more
"...I’ll be honest I don’t do 3rd person POV. But this one idk it kept my attention and I enjoyed it a lot I couldn’t stop reading ha...." Read more
"...I can’t say enough about this book, it’s captivating and beautifully heart wrenching & inspiring written work of ART!..." Read more
"...book and I can't wait till next month to read the rest of this beautiful story! 😍 So yeah.. 5 SHOOTING STARS!! ❤️❤️❤️..." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how relatable the characters are.
"...This book isn’t just about the MMC and FMC, it has many side characters, and we get a lot of their backstory, as well as many scenes where they are..." Read more
"...Yes there is steam, but the music part, side characters and emotional background story makes this book so much more than just another steamy..." Read more
"...The way L.A writes her HC's and side characters is off the rocks! She brings Leah & Søren alive in a way no one could!..." Read more
"...I particularly enjoyed the beautiful descriptions, the multidimensional characters and the poetic touch...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of intimate relationships, with one customer noting how it draws readers into the characters' lives.
"...world of music, life under the microscope of celebrity, tumultuous relationships, and learning how to live again...." Read more
"...About music, friendship, devotion, intimacy, and learning to trust after being hurt” 🎸Found Family 🎸Dual POV 🎸Strong FMC..." Read more
"...The angst, the steam, the unconditional friendships, it's all there and I live for it!..." Read more
"...and the slow burn that develops between the two MC, really hooks you into their lives. You'll definitely want to read this again and again...." Read more
Customers appreciate the music content in the book, with one customer noting how it reads like a mix of a music documentary.
"...What this author does really well is include them all, building an entire world of music, life under the microscope of celebrity, tumultuous..." Read more
"...Yes there is steam, but the music part, side characters and emotional background story makes this book so much more than just another steamy..." Read more
"...The characters are so relatable and real. Using music to tell their story had me hooked immediately...." Read more
"A Musical Masterpiece..." Read more
Reviews with images

Art to the eyes, Poetry to the Soul, Therapy to those with a Fighting Spirit🫶🏽
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2022*This book touches some heavy issues. Make sure to check the TWs before jumping in.
**This book is written in third person, dual POVs.
***This book is book one of a duet, so it ends on a cliffhanger.
Now, onto the review. 5 freaking stars!
“The only thing that mattered when they were together was the incredible sensation of unlocking a hundred doors and undressing their souls, because in the confines of that remote corner of the world, behind the lights, they were free.”
“And just like she had pumped life back into him, she had taken it away, devastating everything in the most agonizing and beautiful way, making him understand why storms were named after people.“
This book isn’t just about the MMC and FMC, it has many side characters, and we get a lot of their backstory, as well as many scenes where they are all hanging out together. What this author does really well is include them all, building an entire world of music, life under the microscope of celebrity, tumultuous relationships, and learning how to live again. Each character has their own hardships and we get to experience all of them, not only from the perspectives of the main characters, but we almost get to experience what the side characters are feeling as well.
This story is rich with description and emotion through and through. The main characters are well-known musicians and the story takes place in many different cities, in many different locations. But at no point did I feel confused or whiplashed by the changes of scenery. This book is a slow, slow burn because for the first half, much of the MMC and FMC‘s relationship takes place long distance, but the tension between them is so electric it was enough to keep me holding on. Plus, who doesn’t love a good slow burn between two characters who have to overcome a lot to be with each other?
I cannot wait until the second book because I have to know where the story goes. I’ve fallen in love with the two main characters so much that I found myself hanging off of every word they spoke to each other. I highlighted quite a bit in this book because L.A. delivered some really poignant quotes. And the lyrics, oh Lord, the lyrics. There are some really beautiful quotes and lyrics in this book—my two favorite quotes are above.
All in all, this is a wonderful debut novel by L.A. Cannon! I cannot wait for the second book of the duet, but I also cannot wait to see where this author takes her career. I have a feeling this is just the beginning for her. 10/10 recommend this book!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2023Oh my this book had me hooked. I’ll be honest I don’t do 3rd person POV. But this one idk it kept my attention and I enjoyed it a lot I couldn’t stop reading ha. Their chemistry, friendly banter, goofy texts & etc was entertaining. This is a slow burn but worth the wait. I seriously loved Søren and Leah so much. A lot of deep and sensitive convos and stuff. So definitely check triggers. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster Can’t wait to read book 2. This does leave on cliff hanger.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023“This is a story about people that have suffered the unspeakable in the past, living their presents as they try to become a better version of themselves. It is the first part of a series about a passion tying them all together. About music, friendship, devotion, intimacy, and learning to trust after being hurt”
🎸Found Family
🎸Dual POV
🎸Strong FMC
🎸Adolescent Trauma
🎸S3xua! Tension
🎸Spice, Spice and more Spice!!
🎸Mental Abuse/SA
🎸Domestic Violence
🎸Mental Illness
🎸Slow Burn
Leah is a survivor of some heinous abuse, she lives every day pouring her trauma into lyrics for her band, “Buried Alive” (kinda poetic isn’t it). She has the support of her Bestie Chris (roommate & bandmate) Marc & Erik (band mates) and lives life as best as she can. They are busy getting reading to compete in the infamous “Battle of the Bands” competition.
She meets Søren, lead vocalist of his own group “Dark Omen” while restoring a beautiful & original one of a kind guitar for him. She instantly recognizes him, he doesn’t know why she looks so familiar, but that doesn’t stop the instant passion & desire ignited within him. Their slow burn romance starts with constant texts (they’re both touring) and soon find themselves breaking down each other’s walls, with every touch, every conversation, every kiss, every moment spent together, they fall deeper and deeper for each other … but along with that, so does their past trauma & insecurities.
Will Leah & Søren work through their troubled past or will it consume & engulf their souls .. what secrets lay hidden in each other’s lives?
Will it bring them closer or be a never ending battle as they continue to fight amongst themselves in a desperate need to protect themselves?
Is there hope & redemption behind the lights or will they Burn to Rise…
“To those wrestling with the demons in their head.
NEVER GIVE UP” 🫶🏽🫶🏽
I can’t say enough about this book, it’s captivating and beautifully heart wrenching & inspiring written work of ART!
Art to the eyes, Poetry to the soul and Therapeutic to those with a fighting spirit that refuse to give in🫶🏽
One of the BEST book duets I’ve read this year!!
5.0 out of 5 stars“This is a story about people that have suffered the unspeakable in the past, living their presents as they try to become a better version of themselves. It is the first part of a series about a passion tying them all together. About music, friendship, devotion, intimacy, and learning to trust after being hurt”Art to the eyes, Poetry to the Soul, Therapy to those with a Fighting Spirit🫶🏽
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023
🎸Found Family
🎸Dual POV
🎸Strong FMC
🎸Adolescent Trauma
🎸S3xua! Tension
🎸Spice, Spice and more Spice!!
🎸Mental Abuse/SA
🎸Domestic Violence
🎸Mental Illness
🎸Slow Burn
Leah is a survivor of some heinous abuse, she lives every day pouring her trauma into lyrics for her band, “Buried Alive” (kinda poetic isn’t it). She has the support of her Bestie Chris (roommate & bandmate) Marc & Erik (band mates) and lives life as best as she can. They are busy getting reading to compete in the infamous “Battle of the Bands” competition.
She meets Søren, lead vocalist of his own group “Dark Omen” while restoring a beautiful & original one of a kind guitar for him. She instantly recognizes him, he doesn’t know why she looks so familiar, but that doesn’t stop the instant passion & desire ignited within him. Their slow burn romance starts with constant texts (they’re both touring) and soon find themselves breaking down each other’s walls, with every touch, every conversation, every kiss, every moment spent together, they fall deeper and deeper for each other … but along with that, so does their past trauma & insecurities.
Will Leah & Søren work through their troubled past or will it consume & engulf their souls .. what secrets lay hidden in each other’s lives?
Will it bring them closer or be a never ending battle as they continue to fight amongst themselves in a desperate need to protect themselves?
Is there hope & redemption behind the lights or will they Burn to Rise…
“To those wrestling with the demons in their head.
NEVER GIVE UP” 🫶🏽🫶🏽
I can’t say enough about this book, it’s captivating and beautifully heart wrenching & inspiring written work of ART!
Art to the eyes, Poetry to the soul and Therapeutic to those with a fighting spirit that refuse to give in🫶🏽
One of the BEST book duets I’ve read this year!!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025Wow....
I read this as a book of the month read in a bookclub iam in. This book was wonderful. I felt so many emotions. My heart broke first and foremost for Leah and Soren and Alex and everyone. I laughed and awwd at the sweet moments. I cried.
Can't wait to start book 2
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2022The story reads like a mix of a music documentary and a dark romance. Some darker parts feel like it actually happened to the author. So real and raw.
The music part is very descriptive and I love that! Makes you feel like you're actually at the venue.
The FMC's job is very original. It makes this book even more unique than it already is.
Yes there is steam, but the music part, side characters and emotional background story makes this book so much more than just another steamy book.
Looking forward to book 2 and more of Leah and Søren!!!
Top reviews from other countries
- Johanneke van der SteenReviewed in Germany on June 22, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm an opinionated witch...
... who doesn't just give 5 stars to every book she reads.
To get 5 stars from me, you need to tick all of the boxes.
1) The book has to make me feel an array of emotions.
2) I need to be able to relate to characters to call a book 'good'.
3) The book has to have a deeper level, a message.
4) It has to be beautiful to look at.
5) And finally, I need to like the author as a person.
1) I cried, laughed, got angry, and got turned on. This book has absolutely every emotion in it and the author doesn't skim over them, she digs deep and makes you feel every single one along with the characters. If you want an emotional rollercoaster, this is it. I cried from laughter and from pain. The entire spectrum is felt through the words of this author.
2) I want to be Leah. I am Leah in a way. I learned more about myself and my journey in life by meeting Leah, by rooting for her. By having been where she was. Feeling so lost and worthless. Her rise is inspirational, full of hope. In spite of all the hurdles on her road, you can’t help but see her strength through all of it.
3) I can not explain this in words. It’s a feeling. A deep connection to the story. A relationship with the characters and through them with the author. It’s like she’s telling you to hang in there. That you’re stronger than you think you are. That there is love to be found in family that is not related to you by blood.
4) It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever owned. From the cover to the start of the chapters. And the care for detail you feel on every page. To the playlist it comes with, the music the emotions are weaved with. It’s a total package. One that awakens all of your senses and pulls them into the wonderful world created in this book.
5) I already knew her a tiny bit before I started reading this book. Before I bought and read it again. And trust me, I didn’t read it just two times. ;) I fell in love with the author through the whole process of reading the book and getting to know her. She is the kind of person you want to succeed, you need to succeed. Her book needs to be read, loved, worshiped. Simply because of all the effort that went into getting this final result that’s for sale right here.
I am not here to convince you to buy this book because I am already convinced that it will find the right readers to resonate with. It will find those wrestling with the demons inside their head. They will feel seen, less alone, like a fighter. They will feel like they found a friend in L.A. Cannon. Because she is that kind of person.
- Ana MendesReviewed in Spain on May 24, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic romance story. Writen with as much passion as it was written with respect. LOVED IT!
This work is L.A.Cannon’s debut book. And I want to congratulate this girl on this book. For me, it is an undiscovered masterpiece, so far. It can fit within a few genres, but I think the one that sticks out the most is the Literary Romance because this book is not 100% centred on two characters. This book is about life and everything that is part of it, thus it has a lot of side characters and minor events included. It’s detailed and meaningful. It may seem unnecessary for some but to me, it added so much MORE to the story!
And yet, Behind the Lights is a book that gives you all the feels, all the tears, all the anxiety as if you were one of the characters inside the book. It is about love, about living with trauma and the work oneself does to overcome it, it talks about the impact it has on one’s mental health and it also approaches other subjects like drug use and its consequences and sex. It’s realistic, raw and intense.
About the two MC’s and without spoiling the plot, Leah is such a strong and steadfast woman, intent on moving on and not letting a traumatic event take control over her life. While still being sensitive and still struggling, she doesn’t let it define her and keeps on pushing through, following her dreams and building THE life she wants and deserves.
Soren is a plagued man. The beginning of his life was dark and miserable and the demons make sure to accompany him thus far. Yet, he is capable of keeping them at bay and surviving through the day. L.A. Cannon shows very clearly how much it takes a toll on him and it moved me to the core.
In a way, both MC’s have struggles and demons haunting them but it’s amazing to see that they also have a safe network. By this I mean, the side characters. The friends who ARE family and are there with them every step of the way are just so good and realistic.
The fact that there’s a whole world and safe net created around the two MC’s makes them feel real to the reader. I love it because in our day-to-day life we’re not only about ourselves and our love interest. Our life is filled with family, friends, work and all in the in-betweens. For example, besides the two main characters, Chris, Alex AND Ian quickly became my favourites, for several reasons. Chris’ protective nature, Alex's troubled soul and Ian’s humour are just… *chef’s kiss*. All different personalities give so much to the book, in such different ways! By adding that to her book, L. A. Cannon made her characters human and relatable.
I fell in love with this book and its story! Can't wait for the second book of this duet and see how it continues! <3
- Brittany AdamsReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars If this book does not become a best seller I will be shocked.
I don't even know where to begin. This story is intense, it's raw and emotional, and so beautifully written!
L.A. Cannon has brought these characters to life. I was sucked into their world, I felt like I was there with them feeling every emotion. Their journey feels authentic and I can't wait to join them for the next leg.
The world building is beautiful, the characters development is incredible and the relationship dynamics are *chef kisses* 🤌🏼
Leah and Søren's story had me captivated. I have used every avalible minute of my day immersing myself into their lives. I can honestly say, these characters will never leave me.
I can not wait to have beyond the lights in my hands so I can immerse myself, once again into Leah's and Søren's world.
- SuzyReviewed in Australia on October 2, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put this book down
I was in a book slump .. rockstar romance is my favourite trope & l’ve been struggling to find a book that’s not the same old story line .. gets a bit boring. Well this book is so refreshing.. the female mc is such a likeable strong character .. yes she is damaged but unlike so many other stories.. this MC is not a whiney little sook.. the reader is left with nothing but heartbreak and respect for her ..l love how her anxiety and ptsd is handled .. (there is no frustrating ditzy yes no yes no repetitive angst that gets so tedious when over done) The mental health , physical & substance abuse topics are brilliantly written & handled .. l. So excited to get the next book in this duet . I’ve found a new favourite author .
- StarfishandsanddollarsbooksReviewed in Canada on January 30, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Metal music and romance - a perfect pairing
I am so thankful that Beyond the Lights was recommended to me by a fellow reader. I finished off 2022 with this book one of the duet and could not be any happier.
If you enjoy romance books that revolved around musicians, then please, dive right into this masterpiece.
I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters (Leah & Søren) and each of their bands (Buried Alive & Dark Omen). We get to watch as relationship evolves and how their music could be a means of therapy from their broken pasts.
What I loved, was the strong friendships that had been formed with many of the characters. I felt comfortable while diving into their space and genuinely felt emotions for them during the days they would struggle.
Coming from an extremely abusive relationship, Leah, refuses to be a victim and I applaud her for being so strong after the horrors she had endured. I don't want to go any deeper into this because I want you to get the full effect from reading the book yourself.
Chris (Leah's best friend and band mate) was easy to love from the get-go. The epitome of a good friend- his dedication to Leah and their friendship. I love how he worked hard to help Leah see, that she deserved to have friends; that she was worthy. This is a message that spreads beyond this first book and into the second.
Yes, there were darker moments but I applaud L.A. Cannon for how everything was written and the care that went into these sensitive topics. I appreciate authors that bring mental health forward because so many of us find this material relatable. I have a personal connection with BPD and these parts were well-written - a good understanding of this difficult disorder.
Beyond the darkness, there were MANY incredible moments. The laughter, the undeniable passion between the Leah and Søren. The scenes between them were meaningful; I could feel how much they felt via the words on the page.
The jokes and banter throughout this book connected me to the characters; I’m a sucker for incredibly cheesy jokes and witty banter. But these little pieces were lovely to read and it made me feel closer to the characters.
I’m a huge fan of metal music and having both main characters be part of that world made this feel so real. From the tour aspects to the everyday band life, we really get a look inside what this world can be like. Little pieces of their lyrics were sprinkled in the book, so we could see the art we could not hear.
I felt a real connection to these characters – through the domestic violence, music, and many of the mental health aspects. A five star read for me.