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Death Row Chronicles #1
Inside
an alternate cover edition can be found here
All it took was a single moment for Anson Miller’s life to fall apart. His only hope of finding solid ground again is to uproot everything he knows and start over. New house, new job, new life. But will working on death row as a corrections officer in the country’s hardest and most acclaimed supermax prison be the right move? Or is he exchanging one hardship for something way worse?
Twenty years ago, Bishop Ndiaye was a victim of wrong place, wrong time. The consequences landed him on death row. As hard as he fought to expose the truth behind his alleged crime, no one would hear him. No one would listen. He’s succumbed to his fate, hardened himself to prison life, and no longer hopes for a better tomorrow. For Bishop, there is no tomorrow. Death waits around the corner, and someday soon, he will be no more.
Anson’s appearance in Bishop’s life changes everything.
Anson lends Bishop more than an ear; he offers him friendship, compassion, and understanding. No one has ever gifted Bishop with more.
The more they talk, the more they share.
The more they share, the more their bond grows.
But when their hearts open up to one another, the barrier in their way is far more than a steel door of a cell.
It is life and death.
100k word novel 100% HEA (no cliffhanger)
All it took was a single moment for Anson Miller’s life to fall apart. His only hope of finding solid ground again is to uproot everything he knows and start over. New house, new job, new life. But will working on death row as a corrections officer in the country’s hardest and most acclaimed supermax prison be the right move? Or is he exchanging one hardship for something way worse?
Twenty years ago, Bishop Ndiaye was a victim of wrong place, wrong time. The consequences landed him on death row. As hard as he fought to expose the truth behind his alleged crime, no one would hear him. No one would listen. He’s succumbed to his fate, hardened himself to prison life, and no longer hopes for a better tomorrow. For Bishop, there is no tomorrow. Death waits around the corner, and someday soon, he will be no more.
Anson’s appearance in Bishop’s life changes everything.
Anson lends Bishop more than an ear; he offers him friendship, compassion, and understanding. No one has ever gifted Bishop with more.
The more they talk, the more they share.
The more they share, the more their bond grows.
But when their hearts open up to one another, the barrier in their way is far more than a steel door of a cell.
It is life and death.
100k word novel 100% HEA (no cliffhanger)
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2020
About the author
Nicky James
77 books2,431 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
January 26, 2020
Thank you, Nicky James, for once again ripping my heart from my chest and stomping on it for good measure.
This story is not for the faint-hearted.
We're talking Death Row.
Murder.
JUSTICE.
This is an INTENSE book, filled with fear and longing.
I'll admit I feel a little cheated. I thought each book in the series would follow a different couple, but that is not the case. Anson and Bishop do not get a HEA; they get a fragile HFN. There is no real romance and no steam whatsoever, which makes sense considering the setting (a high-security prison) and the fact that the men can barely talk much less touch.
Bishop's story slayed me. People like Bishop are one of the main reasons I'm anti capital punishment.
Anson is the best guy. The way he SEES Bishop, really sees him, is the one true thing.
The last couple chapters felt slightly rushed, as months of waiting are summarized in a few paragraphs. I understand why the author did this, but it made me anxious.
Inside is tragic, redemptive, brutal. But beautiful too.
This story is not for the faint-hearted.
We're talking Death Row.
Murder.
JUSTICE.
This is an INTENSE book, filled with fear and longing.
I'll admit I feel a little cheated. I thought each book in the series would follow a different couple, but that is not the case. Anson and Bishop do not get a HEA; they get a fragile HFN. There is no real romance and no steam whatsoever, which makes sense considering the setting (a high-security prison) and the fact that the men can barely talk much less touch.
Bishop's story slayed me. People like Bishop are one of the main reasons I'm anti capital punishment.
Anson is the best guy. The way he SEES Bishop, really sees him, is the one true thing.
The last couple chapters felt slightly rushed, as months of waiting are summarized in a few paragraphs. I understand why the author did this, but it made me anxious.
Inside is tragic, redemptive, brutal. But beautiful too.
June 13, 2021
Oh my God, I am so impressed.
This was out of this world. There are just some books that suck you in and won't let you go until you reach the end. This is definitely one of them.
But you have been warned: There's angst in spades.
Anson Miller just left his previous job in Michigan and moved across the states in order to forget a certain trauma that would have haunted him in the high security prison he used to work at.
So instead - like any sane book character - he moves to Texas and starts working at death row of a high security prison in Texas. Because that will be so much easier.
Anyhow.
The guys Anson and his colleagues guard are criminals of the worst kind, sitting out their time, waiting for their death warrant to come, which will give them a date to die. This may take years. Or even decades.
One of the men in this prison is Bishop Ndiaye. A 40 year old black man who spent half of his life behind bars. It's not Anson's habit to look up the crimes of the men he guards, but Bishop fascinates him, especially when he witnesses the tall, silent giant with his only visitor, an elderly black lady who shows him photographs each week. Bishop then draws the photographs from his mind on his cell wall with charcoal.
Curious about the man, Anson starts talking to him through the iron door that separates the guards from the inmates. At first, Bishop isn't willing to share much, but the more Anson learns about the silent man, the more he becomes convinced that the man may be innocent.
So Anson does the one thing he told himself he'd never do with a prisoner: He looks up the story from 20 years past and learns about what went down, trying to find out how his newfound friend ended up on death row.
Despite warnings from his peers, Anson is convinced there's an innocent man waiting to die in that prison and makes it his mission to help him, before his time runs out.
What. A. Thriller.
You can certainly guess in what direction such a plot will inevitably go, and OMG it delivered so well. I had cold shivers reading this.
I also grew to like Anson and Bishop so much through this story and even though the ONLY intimacy you will see is a touch of hands, their bond is so strong and beautiful, it satisfied me 100% and had me in tears by the time the story ended.
This is definitely one of my top ten reads this year. I can recommend it 100%. If you can stand a bit of angst, don't miss this one.
5 stars and an absolute favorite!
This was out of this world. There are just some books that suck you in and won't let you go until you reach the end. This is definitely one of them.
But you have been warned: There's angst in spades.
Anson Miller just left his previous job in Michigan and moved across the states in order to forget a certain trauma that would have haunted him in the high security prison he used to work at.
So instead - like any sane book character - he moves to Texas and starts working at death row of a high security prison in Texas. Because that will be so much easier.
Anyhow.
The guys Anson and his colleagues guard are criminals of the worst kind, sitting out their time, waiting for their death warrant to come, which will give them a date to die. This may take years. Or even decades.
One of the men in this prison is Bishop Ndiaye. A 40 year old black man who spent half of his life behind bars. It's not Anson's habit to look up the crimes of the men he guards, but Bishop fascinates him, especially when he witnesses the tall, silent giant with his only visitor, an elderly black lady who shows him photographs each week. Bishop then draws the photographs from his mind on his cell wall with charcoal.
Curious about the man, Anson starts talking to him through the iron door that separates the guards from the inmates. At first, Bishop isn't willing to share much, but the more Anson learns about the silent man, the more he becomes convinced that the man may be innocent.
So Anson does the one thing he told himself he'd never do with a prisoner: He looks up the story from 20 years past and learns about what went down, trying to find out how his newfound friend ended up on death row.
Despite warnings from his peers, Anson is convinced there's an innocent man waiting to die in that prison and makes it his mission to help him, before his time runs out.
What. A. Thriller.
You can certainly guess in what direction such a plot will inevitably go, and OMG it delivered so well. I had cold shivers reading this.
I also grew to like Anson and Bishop so much through this story and even though the ONLY intimacy you will see is a touch of hands, their bond is so strong and beautiful, it satisfied me 100% and had me in tears by the time the story ended.
This is definitely one of my top ten reads this year. I can recommend it 100%. If you can stand a bit of angst, don't miss this one.
5 stars and an absolute favorite!
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November 9, 2023
From two cells down came a deep, steady voice that slipped up my spine and wrapped all around me like a warm hug on a cold day. "You pull yourself together out there, boss. Ain't a single person here who doesn't deserve the fate they've been given. You best not be feeling sorry for any of us."
"Even you? Do you deserve the fate you've been given?"
this was heartbreaking and intense, had me feeling tense on some scenes, but i loved how it had such a hopeful tone by the end. i've been obsessed with the tv show, the wire, recently and although the wire and inside are nothing alike, there is the realistic feel of injustice and how much power someone with connections (or in the higher ups) have, showing just how fucked up the system is (which is, unfortunately, nothing new) in both stories. my heart broke so much for Bishop and while i wouldn't consider this book a full romance (bc the story mainly focused on Bishop in prison and Anson trying to find a way to prove Bishop's innocence), i loved how Anson never gave up and fought for him until the end, despite only knowing him for a short time but was still able to see the good in Bishop enough to try. even just one person fighting for you is enough and it matters. i also thought the side characters were a great addition to the story, bringing an impact in different ways.
"Even you? Do you deserve the fate you've been given?"
this was heartbreaking and intense, had me feeling tense on some scenes, but i loved how it had such a hopeful tone by the end. i've been obsessed with the tv show, the wire, recently and although the wire and inside are nothing alike, there is the realistic feel of injustice and how much power someone with connections (or in the higher ups) have, showing just how fucked up the system is (which is, unfortunately, nothing new) in both stories. my heart broke so much for Bishop and while i wouldn't consider this book a full romance (bc the story mainly focused on Bishop in prison and Anson trying to find a way to prove Bishop's innocence), i loved how Anson never gave up and fought for him until the end, despite only knowing him for a short time but was still able to see the good in Bishop enough to try. even just one person fighting for you is enough and it matters. i also thought the side characters were a great addition to the story, bringing an impact in different ways.
April 17, 2023
4.75***** stars
audio: 5+ stars
I’m honestly a little speechless, so this is not going to be an elaborate review. It was intense and heartbreaking but heartfelt and hopeful at the same time. And Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job with narrating the audio.
Bishop sits behind bars on Death Row for a crime he didn’t commit —for almost twenty years now. Until a man, Anson, one of the new prison guards, believes him, looses his heart to him and starts fighting. Not only because he falls more and more for this beautiful, dark angel but also because Bishop’s days of life are very likely counted very soon.
I loved how Anson resumed Bishop’s grandmother’s tradition of showing him new pictures from the outside every week when she wasn’t able to make her visits anymore. And here is one moment I want to share when they look at a photo from Bishop’s past together:
I can’t wait for the audio of "Outside" to release and follow up on Anson’s and Bishop’s story —not being separated by walls and windows anymore. ♡
***********
Death Row Chronicles
Book 1 - Inside - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Outside - 4.25 stars
audio: 5+ stars
I’m honestly a little speechless, so this is not going to be an elaborate review. It was intense and heartbreaking but heartfelt and hopeful at the same time. And Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job with narrating the audio.
Bishop sits behind bars on Death Row for a crime he didn’t commit —for almost twenty years now. Until a man, Anson, one of the new prison guards, believes him, looses his heart to him and starts fighting. Not only because he falls more and more for this beautiful, dark angel but also because Bishop’s days of life are very likely counted very soon.
“It’s a lost cause, boss. My days are numbered. We need to accept that. There isn’t a judge out there who’d be willing to look into the funhouse mirror and see the truth beyond.”
“There is. I refuse to lie down and give up. You are not a lost cause. I’ll find someone. Please hold on for me. Don’t give up the fight yet.”
I loved how Anson resumed Bishop’s grandmother’s tradition of showing him new pictures from the outside every week when she wasn’t able to make her visits anymore. And here is one moment I want to share when they look at a photo from Bishop’s past together:
“I was thirteen in that picture. I remember. Maw Maw told me if I wanted to go out trick-or-treating that year, I had to take my brother. Jalen was seven. If I refused, I wasn’t allowed to go because boys of thirteen were too old for that. So I agreed.”
“And of course, Jalen wanted the same costume as you?”
“Yup. I pretended to be annoyed with him all night, but in truth, we had a lot of fun. The house on the corner was giving out full-sized candy bars. We were so ecstatic we hid behind the neighbor’s car and ate them before going home again. Maw Maw would have had a cow if she knew. She was a stickler for inspecting our candy. And Granddaddy used to take the good stuff and tell us it was poisoned and only he could eat it because he was immune.”
I laughed. “And you believed him?”
“Hell no, that man was a thief with a wicked sweet tooth.”
I can’t wait for the audio of "Outside" to release and follow up on Anson’s and Bishop’s story —not being separated by walls and windows anymore. ♡
***********
Death Row Chronicles
Book 1 - Inside - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Outside - 4.25 stars
February 21, 2020
Re Read January 2025
4.5 stars**
4.5 stars**
April 23, 2023
This is one of the books that will stay with me for a very long while.
First of all: no, it’s not a hot prison sex book. Like… NOT AT ALL. NO SEX. So if this is what you’re after, that’s not the book you should read.
And secondly: if you’re even remotely consider listening instead of reading, then do it. It’s probably no surprise that I’m a fan of Nick J. Russo, but I think this might easily be his best work I’ve listened to so far. The raw emotion he poured into his characters‘ voices added so much dimension to this already intense story, that it almost made it TOO hard to listen to. And yes, it made me cry ugly tears.
So what is it about? Well, it’s a duology, the first called „Inside“, the second „Outside“, so it’s not really a spoiler when I say that it’s about 2 men who met in prison.
Anson, who’s POV we get through the entire book, is a prison guard. He‘s gay, and after this little tidbit came out in his previous workplace, he got severely beaten up and almost killed by inmates. So that’s one on the reasons he quits his job there, and moves to Texas, to death row, where prisoner aren’t as „free“.
He’s kind, and treats the inmates with respect, despite the fact that he knows that all of them must have committed serious felonies to have been sentenced to death.
And there, he meets Bishop. A gentle, taciturn, dark skinned giant, who draws art on his prison walls. And who doesn’t fit the mold of the short tempered man who murdered his ex and her child in a fit of jealous rage. And Anson does what he knows is a huge mistake: he starts looking into the case. And he befriends Bishop.
I won’t go into details, even though you kind of guess where it’s going, especially considering the book titles. Just let it be said that the characters are so well portrayed, even side characters, that they become alive in your head, especially while listening to NJR. They take you on a very intense journey that leaves you emotionally drained (and drained of tears) when it comes to the inevitable conclusion.
And yes, it’s a duology, but it’s kind of a standalone, because it leaves you in a very good place.
I mean - Nicky James it’s known for her characters (looking at you, Valor and Doyle), but I really think she outdid herself here.
Can’t wait for the second book to come out on audio, too, because after listening to this one, I really need Bishop‘s soft Texan drawl in my ears when I listen to them finally getting their HEA.
One of my best books this year! Thx again Kati for your glowing review that made me pick this book up!
First of all: no, it’s not a hot prison sex book. Like… NOT AT ALL. NO SEX. So if this is what you’re after, that’s not the book you should read.
And secondly: if you’re even remotely consider listening instead of reading, then do it. It’s probably no surprise that I’m a fan of Nick J. Russo, but I think this might easily be his best work I’ve listened to so far. The raw emotion he poured into his characters‘ voices added so much dimension to this already intense story, that it almost made it TOO hard to listen to. And yes, it made me cry ugly tears.
So what is it about? Well, it’s a duology, the first called „Inside“, the second „Outside“, so it’s not really a spoiler when I say that it’s about 2 men who met in prison.
Anson, who’s POV we get through the entire book, is a prison guard. He‘s gay, and after this little tidbit came out in his previous workplace, he got severely beaten up and almost killed by inmates. So that’s one on the reasons he quits his job there, and moves to Texas, to death row, where prisoner aren’t as „free“.
He’s kind, and treats the inmates with respect, despite the fact that he knows that all of them must have committed serious felonies to have been sentenced to death.
And there, he meets Bishop. A gentle, taciturn, dark skinned giant, who draws art on his prison walls. And who doesn’t fit the mold of the short tempered man who murdered his ex and her child in a fit of jealous rage. And Anson does what he knows is a huge mistake: he starts looking into the case. And he befriends Bishop.
I won’t go into details, even though you kind of guess where it’s going, especially considering the book titles. Just let it be said that the characters are so well portrayed, even side characters, that they become alive in your head, especially while listening to NJR. They take you on a very intense journey that leaves you emotionally drained (and drained of tears) when it comes to the inevitable conclusion.
And yes, it’s a duology, but it’s kind of a standalone, because it leaves you in a very good place.
I mean - Nicky James it’s known for her characters (looking at you, Valor and Doyle), but I really think she outdid herself here.
Can’t wait for the second book to come out on audio, too, because after listening to this one, I really need Bishop‘s soft Texan drawl in my ears when I listen to them finally getting their HEA.
One of my best books this year! Thx again Kati for your glowing review that made me pick this book up!
August 29, 2026
Real question, is this a Green Mile fanfic?? (Not a bad thing of course) but we’ve got Bishop who is John Coffey all over, right down to calling Anson “Boss”…
Bishop is described as ‘a huge Black man’, a gentle giant with a whole lot of impressive muscles and a quiet, wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly personality, who is found at the scene of a horrendous crime and now serving on death row.
He talks in an old timey kind of way;
“You have a nice bookshelf. Lots of books[…]I’d love to gander your library.” There is even a similar cast with our kindly CO, an arsehole guard and a bit of a Wild Bill. I’m thankful this ends in more of a HEA than the Green Mile though.
I enjoyed the start of this, the introduction to the prison system and learning how everything works on death row. Unfortunately I just never warmed to Anson. His desperate behaviour for Bishop, the risks he takes, the way he acts and describes his feelings for Bishop to Javier and Ray gave me serious secondhand embarrassment cringe 😬🫣. His recklessness drove me nuts! I wanted to love the guy and root for his relationship, him fighting for Bishop is admirable as hell..just something about the way he went about it gave me an ick.
I couldn’t vibe with Javier and Ray and their reactions, the rest of the story felt so accurate and real but something about the way they were so accepting just didn’t ring true to me.
Similarly with Jalen, those interactions just felt off to me 😬
I LOVE the idea for this story and I admire Nicky James for writing it and putting in so much solid research for it. The processes and prison system felt very well done. Unfortunately the characters just didn’t endear themselves to me. There is a book 2, will it change my mind? Or not worth trying if I didn’t love them to start with?
🎧 Narrated by Nick J Russo
Bishop is described as ‘a huge Black man’, a gentle giant with a whole lot of impressive muscles and a quiet, wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly personality, who is found at the scene of a horrendous crime and now serving on death row.
He talks in an old timey kind of way;
“You have a nice bookshelf. Lots of books[…]I’d love to gander your library.” There is even a similar cast with our kindly CO, an arsehole guard and a bit of a Wild Bill. I’m thankful this ends in more of a HEA than the Green Mile though.
I enjoyed the start of this, the introduction to the prison system and learning how everything works on death row. Unfortunately I just never warmed to Anson. His desperate behaviour for Bishop, the risks he takes, the way he acts and describes his feelings for Bishop to Javier and Ray gave me serious secondhand embarrassment cringe 😬🫣. His recklessness drove me nuts! I wanted to love the guy and root for his relationship, him fighting for Bishop is admirable as hell..just something about the way he went about it gave me an ick.
I couldn’t vibe with Javier and Ray and their reactions, the rest of the story felt so accurate and real but something about the way they were so accepting just didn’t ring true to me.
Similarly with Jalen, those interactions just felt off to me 😬
I LOVE the idea for this story and I admire Nicky James for writing it and putting in so much solid research for it. The processes and prison system felt very well done. Unfortunately the characters just didn’t endear themselves to me. There is a book 2, will it change my mind? Or not worth trying if I didn’t love them to start with?
🎧 Narrated by Nick J Russo
April 23, 2023
Somehow, I’d been dragged under by a beautiful, dark angel on death row.
After The Incident, Anson had no other choice than saying goodbye to his mom and job in Michigan to try a new start in Texas. Working as a correction officer in a maximum security prison was supposed to be safer for him, but he wasn’t taking into account those black eyes. Eyes that screamed kindness and peace and love. Suddenly, everything Anson thought he had learned about working with inmates disappears. He can’t stop himself from getting closer and closer to him, even if that means he is playing the kind of game that caused him to give up his previous life. Especially because Anson is starting to believe he shouldn’t even be inside…
This wasn’t for me, but it was not the book’s fault. I’ll try to do my best so you can decide whether it will be for you.
Inside follows his life as a correction officer, how he met a prisoner sentenced to death and how it affected their lives forever. It’s a story to feel, to suffer with the suspense and the unfairness and the horrible reminder that not everyone who is in prison is guilty of the crimes they are paying for. About someone who still believes there are good people behind bars even when life has made sure to show him otherwise. About hope and fear and love, the quiet type of love that is born from mutual understanding and a sense of place.
“You make me dream things I have no business dreaming.”
I don’t know if it was the writing or the character, but Anson's POV wasn’t working for me and the entire story was told by him. Anson and B had the kind of comfortable love I don’t really vibe with and Anson was not a character I could relate to. I might be too unromantic for this, but I couldn’t make peace with the fact that Anson didn’t really have doubts, that he believed B didn’t have the eyes of an assassin and that’s it. Especially because Anson was afraid of him when they first met. I think I went hoping for a more angsty, confused MC I could more easily relate to, a more powerful reason to believe him than this:
“A person’s soul can’t lie. Whatever mask they wear, whatever reality they want you to believe will only be on the surface. The truth is in a person’s eyes. They are gateways into your soul. If you look hard enough, deep enough, then you’ll see what’s real and what’s not. You’ll see their nature. You’ll see the truth. And you’re not a monster.”
I mean, who needs a trial when you have Anson Miller, reader of souls?
I’m sorry about how skeptical I am, but I'm a science girl. I don’t believe there is something in our eyes that lets us see anything. On top of that, I quickly realized I had predicted everything that was going to happen: from the ending to that ‘plot twist’ around 80%.
You may be thinking why I didn’t dnf this. Well, I had one of those weeks where you refuse not to enjoy yet another book, and I was curious about the premise of the next book, because I had a feeling I was going to vibe with it better. Turns out I finished the second and it wasn’t for me either-yeah, shocking. Still, I was glad I read it because it gave me perspective about something I had never read about before, but the writing still didn’t make me feel anything. I’m starting to realize Nicky James' writing works really well for me when there is action I don’t see coming going on, but when the plot is more slow-paced I struggle to keep reading because it doesn’t make me feel as much as an emotional book should.or maybe C.L.Beaumont has destroyed all my future emotional romances because his writing makes me feel too much.
Anyway, here it is a quote that may help you decide in what side of the spectrum (romantic Anson or skeptical Javier) are you:
[Anson’s POV]
“We have a connection. I think we’re tied together, him and I. Somehow. For the first time, my future seems clear. Except, in the same breath, it’s hanging on by a thread. If that thread breaks, not only will I lose him, but I’ll lose what we are meant to have. I’ll lose the one path I was supposed to follow. The future that once seemed impossible.”
[Javier]’s lips were pinched together, and the minute we made eye contact, he snorted, spraying beer across the deck as he laughed. “I’m sorry. Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
“Fuck you.” I couldn’t help but laugh with him as I crossed my arms in defiance. “You’re a dick”.
“Dude, that was some deep, romantic shit you just spewed. It was poetic. I can’t even…” He kept laughing, unable to contain it. () “We are tied together, I love him. If he dies, I die.”
[insert music from titanic]
↬ Death Row Chronicles:
1. Inside: 2.5 stars
2. Outside: 3 stars
After The Incident, Anson had no other choice than saying goodbye to his mom and job in Michigan to try a new start in Texas. Working as a correction officer in a maximum security prison was supposed to be safer for him, but he wasn’t taking into account those black eyes. Eyes that screamed kindness and peace and love. Suddenly, everything Anson thought he had learned about working with inmates disappears. He can’t stop himself from getting closer and closer to him, even if that means he is playing the kind of game that caused him to give up his previous life. Especially because Anson is starting to believe he shouldn’t even be inside…
This wasn’t for me, but it was not the book’s fault. I’ll try to do my best so you can decide whether it will be for you.
Inside follows his life as a correction officer, how he met a prisoner sentenced to death and how it affected their lives forever. It’s a story to feel, to suffer with the suspense and the unfairness and the horrible reminder that not everyone who is in prison is guilty of the crimes they are paying for. About someone who still believes there are good people behind bars even when life has made sure to show him otherwise. About hope and fear and love, the quiet type of love that is born from mutual understanding and a sense of place.
“You make me dream things I have no business dreaming.”
I don’t know if it was the writing or the character, but Anson's POV wasn’t working for me and the entire story was told by him. Anson and B had the kind of comfortable love I don’t really vibe with and Anson was not a character I could relate to. I might be too unromantic for this, but I couldn’t make peace with the fact that Anson didn’t really have doubts, that he believed B didn’t have the eyes of an assassin and that’s it. Especially because Anson was afraid of him when they first met. I think I went hoping for a more angsty, confused MC I could more easily relate to, a more powerful reason to believe him than this:
“A person’s soul can’t lie. Whatever mask they wear, whatever reality they want you to believe will only be on the surface. The truth is in a person’s eyes. They are gateways into your soul. If you look hard enough, deep enough, then you’ll see what’s real and what’s not. You’ll see their nature. You’ll see the truth. And you’re not a monster.”
I mean, who needs a trial when you have Anson Miller, reader of souls?
I’m sorry about how skeptical I am, but I'm a science girl. I don’t believe there is something in our eyes that lets us see anything. On top of that, I quickly realized I had predicted everything that was going to happen: from the ending to that ‘plot twist’ around 80%.
You may be thinking why I didn’t dnf this. Well, I had one of those weeks where you refuse not to enjoy yet another book, and I was curious about the premise of the next book, because I had a feeling I was going to vibe with it better. Turns out I finished the second and it wasn’t for me either-yeah, shocking. Still, I was glad I read it because it gave me perspective about something I had never read about before, but the writing still didn’t make me feel anything. I’m starting to realize Nicky James' writing works really well for me when there is action I don’t see coming going on, but when the plot is more slow-paced I struggle to keep reading because it doesn’t make me feel as much as an emotional book should.
Anyway, here it is a quote that may help you decide in what side of the spectrum (romantic Anson or skeptical Javier) are you:
[Anson’s POV]
“We have a connection. I think we’re tied together, him and I. Somehow. For the first time, my future seems clear. Except, in the same breath, it’s hanging on by a thread. If that thread breaks, not only will I lose him, but I’ll lose what we are meant to have. I’ll lose the one path I was supposed to follow. The future that once seemed impossible.”
[Javier]’s lips were pinched together, and the minute we made eye contact, he snorted, spraying beer across the deck as he laughed. “I’m sorry. Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
“Fuck you.” I couldn’t help but laugh with him as I crossed my arms in defiance. “You’re a dick”.
“Dude, that was some deep, romantic shit you just spewed. It was poetic. I can’t even…” He kept laughing, unable to contain it. () “We are tied together, I love him. If he dies, I die.”
[insert music from titanic]
↬ Death Row Chronicles:
1. Inside: 2.5 stars
2. Outside: 3 stars
July 2, 2023
Wow. This completely blew me away. My heart went to Bishop, and to every wrongfully convicted prisoner out there. Or should I say inside, because they don’t all make it outside.
According to Wikipedia:
By February 2020, a total of 2,551 exonerations were mentioned in the National Registry of Exonerations. The total time these exonerated people spent in prison adds up to 22,540 years. Detailed data from 1989 regarding every known exoneration in the United States is listed. By 2020, twenty individuals had been exonerated while on death row due to DNA evidence.
I would bet a lot of them are black men. In fact, a report published in 2022 by the University of Michigan finds that black Americans are seven times more likely than white Americans to be falsely convicted of serious crimes.
The justice system is broken. Death penalty is barbaric. 22540 years served for no reason. Let that sink in.
This book broke my heart, and stitched it back together.
The romance in this story is really a friendship, a deep connection, a longing. I can’t wait to see it facing the real world in book 2.
According to Wikipedia:
By February 2020, a total of 2,551 exonerations were mentioned in the National Registry of Exonerations. The total time these exonerated people spent in prison adds up to 22,540 years. Detailed data from 1989 regarding every known exoneration in the United States is listed. By 2020, twenty individuals had been exonerated while on death row due to DNA evidence.
I would bet a lot of them are black men. In fact, a report published in 2022 by the University of Michigan finds that black Americans are seven times more likely than white Americans to be falsely convicted of serious crimes.
The justice system is broken. Death penalty is barbaric. 22540 years served for no reason. Let that sink in.
This book broke my heart, and stitched it back together.
The romance in this story is really a friendship, a deep connection, a longing. I can’t wait to see it facing the real world in book 2.
April 22, 2023
I listened to the audio, superbly performed by Nick J. Russo and this is one of those books that once you read it, you can’t ever forget about.
It was on my tbr for quite some time, since Nicky James is one of my absolute favorite mm authors and I still need to read many books off her backlist. This one was on top of those books. When the opportunity came to listen to the audio and write a review, I didn't hesitate. And I'm so glad I jumped on it, because this book is absolutely going to be on my list of best books I read this year.
You have books about a forbidden love between a prisoner and a guard and then there's this book. Many of those books are focused on the sexual, taboo-ish tension between the mc's without paying attention to the development of an actual bond, a relationship for as much as it's possible when one of the characters is very limited in the things he is allowed to do.
What I loved most about this book is that there was an exploration first. There was a mutual feeling of an interest, a development of some kind of unexplainable bond, but from there on Anson and Bishop discovered their mutual love for books and they got to know each other, liking each other. A bond that grew into something confusing and at the same time, undeniable.
I loved how Nicky James paced this story, about how Anson and Bishop took their time, even though they knew time was limited because Bishop was waiting an execution.
The romance, the love story, was what this book focused on the most, and of course, beside that, there was the suspense, Bishop's story. What had happened to have him end up on death row. I was very invested to find out, even though it might have been a little predictable, it was still very entertaining.
There is not a lot of heat in this story, just a few scenes here and there, but that wasn't the main focus, and I didn't mind at all. It wouldn't have suited the story.
Nick J. Russo, once again, does an excellent job performing this story. The emotions he puts into his characters and into the scenes gave me all the feelings, actual shivers running down my spine at a certain moment. It's a magic collaboration between this author and this narrator - I have loved everything they did together and I'm sure there will be a lot of beautiful stuff to come!
I'm very much looking forward to read the second book, Outside, but as excited as I am to know how Bishop will conquer the world outside the four walls of his prison, I am hoping for the audio to be released soon, so I can listen to it instead of reading it as an e-book.
Highly recommend!
I kindly received an audio copy from the author, and this is my voluntarily, honest review
It was on my tbr for quite some time, since Nicky James is one of my absolute favorite mm authors and I still need to read many books off her backlist. This one was on top of those books. When the opportunity came to listen to the audio and write a review, I didn't hesitate. And I'm so glad I jumped on it, because this book is absolutely going to be on my list of best books I read this year.
You have books about a forbidden love between a prisoner and a guard and then there's this book. Many of those books are focused on the sexual, taboo-ish tension between the mc's without paying attention to the development of an actual bond, a relationship for as much as it's possible when one of the characters is very limited in the things he is allowed to do.
What I loved most about this book is that there was an exploration first. There was a mutual feeling of an interest, a development of some kind of unexplainable bond, but from there on Anson and Bishop discovered their mutual love for books and they got to know each other, liking each other. A bond that grew into something confusing and at the same time, undeniable.
I loved how Nicky James paced this story, about how Anson and Bishop took their time, even though they knew time was limited because Bishop was waiting an execution.
The romance, the love story, was what this book focused on the most, and of course, beside that, there was the suspense, Bishop's story. What had happened to have him end up on death row. I was very invested to find out, even though it might have been a little predictable, it was still very entertaining.
There is not a lot of heat in this story, just a few scenes here and there, but that wasn't the main focus, and I didn't mind at all. It wouldn't have suited the story.
Nick J. Russo, once again, does an excellent job performing this story. The emotions he puts into his characters and into the scenes gave me all the feelings, actual shivers running down my spine at a certain moment. It's a magic collaboration between this author and this narrator - I have loved everything they did together and I'm sure there will be a lot of beautiful stuff to come!
I'm very much looking forward to read the second book, Outside, but as excited as I am to know how Bishop will conquer the world outside the four walls of his prison, I am hoping for the audio to be released soon, so I can listen to it instead of reading it as an e-book.
Highly recommend!
I kindly received an audio copy from the author, and this is my voluntarily, honest review
July 22, 2020
3.5 stars
I added this book to my TBR because of the prison setting, plain and simple. Then I started it and realized it’s not just set in prison, but in the Death Row. At some point I must’ve known, since it’s written right there in the series title, but I’d forgotten all about it until I started reading. I must’ve also underestimated the issue when I first decided to read this book, because it was pretty uncomfortable at times. I think that had more to do with me and my thoughts and feelings on the death penalty than with the actual content and the way it was treated, but I'd advice to choose the right time/mood before approaching this story.
That said, everything revolving around the prison life and Bishop’s sentence was my favorite part of the book. As I already said, it made me uncomfortable now and then but it was also thought-provoking in a way I rarely find in a romance.
The ‘romance’ was actually what I had problems with. Problems may be too big of a word, I can’t point my finger at something specific and I can’t even say I didn’t buy Anson and Bishop as a couple, but I didn’t make the leap between ‘buying’ them and ‘feeling’ them as a couple.
I’m pretty sure the disconnect started with all the talking about To put it better, it’s so outside of my own experience that I couldn’t relate in any way. I’d say it’s me and not the book, but the truth is, I read about a lot of things I can’t relate to and most times I don’t have to try to pinpoint why I didn’t ‘feel’ them because the writing makes it work anyway.
It’s not a writing problem in general, I was on the edge of my seat when , even though it was obvious in which direction that would go. The issue was very specifically focused on the relationship aspect and since something similar happened with the only other book I’ve read by this author before, it may be a it’s-me-not-the-book situation in that respect, it may be that the way this author writes relationships doesn’t work for me, even though I seem to appreciate her skills in other aspects.
I added this book to my TBR because of the prison setting, plain and simple. Then I started it and realized it’s not just set in prison, but in the Death Row. At some point I must’ve known, since it’s written right there in the series title, but I’d forgotten all about it until I started reading. I must’ve also underestimated the issue when I first decided to read this book, because it was pretty uncomfortable at times. I think that had more to do with me and my thoughts and feelings on the death penalty than with the actual content and the way it was treated, but I'd advice to choose the right time/mood before approaching this story.
That said, everything revolving around the prison life and Bishop’s sentence was my favorite part of the book. As I already said, it made me uncomfortable now and then but it was also thought-provoking in a way I rarely find in a romance.
The ‘romance’ was actually what I had problems with. Problems may be too big of a word, I can’t point my finger at something specific and I can’t even say I didn’t buy Anson and Bishop as a couple, but I didn’t make the leap between ‘buying’ them and ‘feeling’ them as a couple.
I’m pretty sure the disconnect started with all the talking about To put it better, it’s so outside of my own experience that I couldn’t relate in any way. I’d say it’s me and not the book, but the truth is, I read about a lot of things I can’t relate to and most times I don’t have to try to pinpoint why I didn’t ‘feel’ them because the writing makes it work anyway.
It’s not a writing problem in general, I was on the edge of my seat when , even though it was obvious in which direction that would go. The issue was very specifically focused on the relationship aspect and since something similar happened with the only other book I’ve read by this author before, it may be a it’s-me-not-the-book situation in that respect, it may be that the way this author writes relationships doesn’t work for me, even though I seem to appreciate her skills in other aspects.
August 28, 2026
• m/m • prison guard/death row inmate •
Unpopular opinion incoming… 😬🫣
Ummmm ok this started out actually ok, with the lifestyle of prison situation… but then it just totally flopped for me.
I just couldn’t get my brain around how cringey desperate the guard MMC was and his desire for a relationship (of sorts) just seemed based on nothing organic.
The John Coffey vibe was strong…
And to be honest it was just annoying to me once I got to the end of this.
The pacing was… interesting. And by interesting I mean it was not good. The pace picked up 30000x by the end of the book, so odd.
And lots of little issues around behaviours and motives and side characters that just didn’t serve any purpose?
Totally cringe, absolutely meh (sorryyyy!) 🫣🫣
2⭐️
Negligible 🌶️
Unpopular opinion incoming… 😬🫣
Ummmm ok this started out actually ok, with the lifestyle of prison situation… but then it just totally flopped for me.
I just couldn’t get my brain around how cringey desperate the guard MMC was and his desire for a relationship (of sorts) just seemed based on nothing organic.
The John Coffey vibe was strong…
“Distract me, boss. Please. It’s all I can think about, and I don’t want to think no more.”
And to be honest it was just annoying to me once I got to the end of this.
The pacing was… interesting. And by interesting I mean it was not good. The pace picked up 30000x by the end of the book, so odd.
And lots of little issues around behaviours and motives and side characters that just didn’t serve any purpose?
Totally cringe, absolutely meh (sorryyyy!) 🫣🫣
2⭐️
Negligible 🌶️
January 22, 2020
This is exactly the type of book I scroll through my feed looking for - something that will stand out from the rest - one of those not everyday finds. I had some worries going in, but they all washed away pretty quickly as this story pulled me in. It has a Green Mile feel (with a different ending, thankfully) with the added twist of the gay relationship.
Anson is the storyteller here. He is the corrections officer who has transferred from an I-Max facility in Michigan to Death Row in Texas (by choice). Right off the bat, we see what kind of person Anson is - he is fair, respectful and understanding. He doesn't judge or condemn any inmates - nor his he overly sympathetic - they are on DR for a reason, after all. We meet various inmates who are quite colorful in their varying degrees of crazy, but one stands out - the inmate known as the Silent Giant - Bishop Ndiaye. Anson is in a bit of a pickle with Bishop. Its the first time in his career that he has felt a connection of the type he feels with Bishop. Upon learning about Bishop's crime, and his feelings as their "friendship" grows, Anson is determined to help Bishop not only get off of DR, but to be free and clear and able to live his life.
This is an extremely slow burn story, and given the circumstances (highest security, little to no contact with others, including the guards), Anson and Bishop's bond is strengthened by hushed conversations through a steel door and by eye contact. Bishop has never been intimate with a man (only limited contact with a woman - part of his story) but longs to be able to explore that part of himself. Anson, on the other hand, is gay in a work environment where his being out severely jeopardizes his safety - something that he already experienced the I-Max. Anson made a quick friend in fellow employee, Javier, who tries to be Anson's voice of reason and support. While the real heart of this story is Bishop getting a reprieve, it is the budding relationship that is truly beautiful to watch. This is not love, or even lust, at first sight, but there is a definite connection and pull, and throughout the story, they both realize this and merely hope to be able to explore it further. When they are finally able to freely touch, to hug, to share a first kiss (first kiss for Biship, period), it is heartwarming and meaningful.
This story is so well written that you get a vivid picture of what it must be like inside those prison walls. You can almost hear the clanks and echoes, the boredom, stale air and despair. Time is not wasted with too many typical prison incidents or an abundance of violence, and procedural details are just enough to give a clear understanding of how strict things must be to keep everyone safe. Likewise, we do not have to wait very long to get other details, such as the reasons behind Anson's transferring or the crimes that put Bishop on DR. While things seem to move slowly for a while, there are still quite a few things happening to keep the pages turning. Understandably, as Bishop's date draws near, the excitement and suspense pick up as well, as the sense of urgency crescendos.
Needless to say, I was not ready for this to end and was thrilled to see the next book is already up for preorder. I won't give you the title, as that will perhaps give away the ending here, but I have no doubt you will be clicking that link at the end of this book, just as I did. Being fully engrossed and able to read a full-length book in two days that end in a major book hangover, coupled with all of the good things I noted above, easily puts this in the 5-star category for me. I am, yet again, impressed by Ms. James and can't wait to see the rest of this story unfold. Highly recommend if you are looking for something special to sink your teeth into.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
January 20, 2020
Oh. My. God.
I hardly know what to say or write!
This was so intense.
Imagine a love story behind closed bars (in death row even)
No sex (like at all)
No pda (this guys touch each other at their hands 2 times)
No kissing (well there is one kiss at the very end, that's it)
Lots of angst:
Bishop is a convicted murder waiting for his date of execution,
Anson is a prison guard who is drawn to him and slowly developes feelings, but also doubts whether Bishop really killed two people;
The conversations they had were so intense I cried again and again!
I was a bundle of nerves throughout the book and I was glued to my kindle the whole time!
Absolutely 5 stars, no doubt about it.
There were a few minor things that bothered me, especially some unsolved loose ends, and also that it took a very long time to get to the culmination point, then, when the "shit hit the fan" there was not enough book left and it really went too fast.
However, those are small niggles, doesn't change the fact, that this is a love story of epic proportions, the only thing I am really really pissed about is, that part 2 will only be released in March, how am I supposed to wait so long?
5 stars +
(but please can I have something really fluffy, sugary sweet, preferably with lots of kids and some puppies and zero angst now!)
I hardly know what to say or write!
This was so intense.
Imagine a love story behind closed bars (in death row even)
No sex (like at all)
No pda (this guys touch each other at their hands 2 times)
No kissing (well there is one kiss at the very end, that's it)
Lots of angst:
Bishop is a convicted murder waiting for his date of execution,
Anson is a prison guard who is drawn to him and slowly developes feelings, but also doubts whether Bishop really killed two people;
The conversations they had were so intense I cried again and again!
I was a bundle of nerves throughout the book and I was glued to my kindle the whole time!
Absolutely 5 stars, no doubt about it.
There were a few minor things that bothered me, especially some unsolved loose ends, and also that it took a very long time to get to the culmination point, then, when the "shit hit the fan" there was not enough book left and it really went too fast.
However, those are small niggles, doesn't change the fact, that this is a love story of epic proportions, the only thing I am really really pissed about is, that part 2 will only be released in March, how am I supposed to wait so long?
5 stars +
(but please can I have something really fluffy, sugary sweet, preferably with lots of kids and some puppies and zero angst now!)
February 27, 2024
“I wish, for one day, I could be out of this here cell. Just one day,” he whispered.
“What would you do with that day?”
His fingers hovered over mine, sliding along the reinforced glass and curling as though to grab on to me. “I’d explore whatever this is between us.”
Poignant.
Heartbreaking.
Beautiful.
Hopeful.
And can I just say I’m continually amazed at what a superb job Nicky James does with researching her subjects and providing realistic context in all her stories! You really feel as if you’re right inside a maximum security prison with a day-to-day view of death row.
“What would you do with that day?”
His fingers hovered over mine, sliding along the reinforced glass and curling as though to grab on to me. “I’d explore whatever this is between us.”
Poignant.
Heartbreaking.
Beautiful.
Hopeful.
And can I just say I’m continually amazed at what a superb job Nicky James does with researching her subjects and providing realistic context in all her stories! You really feel as if you’re right inside a maximum security prison with a day-to-day view of death row.
November 8, 2021
Can't stop crying! So emotional
December 27, 2021
I got a lot of deja vu
I really enjoyed reading this book , it felt as though I’d read it before though and the worse part is the name of the prisoner is the same, same gift/talent in art and they are both convicts the only difference is one wasn’t in death row . Overthinking ??? , I might be 🤷🏽♂️
This book brought home the realities of wardens in in maximum prisons and death row facilities. I don’t have enough knowledge about it but it really made me think of inmates and wardens, I have new respect for the officers 👮♀️.
I don’t have a lot to say about Bishop as this was from Millers POV . My heart bled for Bishop and the things he went through , that’s any person’s nightmare, to be wrongfully convicted.
I liked Miller a lot but was a bit worried about his level of naïveté but then again this is fiction so I went with it.
This book had the potential to be a bit longer but toward the end it felt rushed , it would have been better left as a cliffhanger just so it doesn’t feel congested in the end but then again the author had their own ideas “inside” and “outside “
I can’t wait to see how they Bishops and Miller are going to adjust now that they are both outside.
I really enjoyed reading this book , it felt as though I’d read it before though and the worse part is the name of the prisoner is the same, same gift/talent in art and they are both convicts the only difference is one wasn’t in death row . Overthinking ??? , I might be 🤷🏽♂️
This book brought home the realities of wardens in in maximum prisons and death row facilities. I don’t have enough knowledge about it but it really made me think of inmates and wardens, I have new respect for the officers 👮♀️.
I don’t have a lot to say about Bishop as this was from Millers POV . My heart bled for Bishop and the things he went through , that’s any person’s nightmare, to be wrongfully convicted.
I liked Miller a lot but was a bit worried about his level of naïveté but then again this is fiction so I went with it.
This book had the potential to be a bit longer but toward the end it felt rushed , it would have been better left as a cliffhanger just so it doesn’t feel congested in the end but then again the author had their own ideas “inside” and “outside “
I can’t wait to see how they Bishops and Miller are going to adjust now that they are both outside.
May 9, 2021
Well this author certainly likes to push boundaries:
Man on death row and prison guard, check.
White man, Black man, check
Man-Man, check
Virgin 41 year old, check
The only thing missing is some psychological issues or rape. Glad to see those were left out. Would have been waaaayyy too much.
I loved it. I probably won't read it again - no sex, after all.
But the writing was fluid and powerful. I loved Bishop (love that name), love how he's described. How he's seen through Anson's eyes.
And Anson stole the show in this book. His conviction, openness, empathy... his ability to love a man on death row, to show all of the men (almost all criminals except the wrongly convicted Bishop) respect and human kindness--really, Anson was the man.
Which is why I dove straight into book 2. I NEEDED their HEA!!
Man on death row and prison guard, check.
White man, Black man, check
Man-Man, check
Virgin 41 year old, check
The only thing missing is some psychological issues or rape. Glad to see those were left out. Would have been waaaayyy too much.
I loved it. I probably won't read it again - no sex, after all.
But the writing was fluid and powerful. I loved Bishop (love that name), love how he's described. How he's seen through Anson's eyes.
And Anson stole the show in this book. His conviction, openness, empathy... his ability to love a man on death row, to show all of the men (almost all criminals except the wrongly convicted Bishop) respect and human kindness--really, Anson was the man.
Which is why I dove straight into book 2. I NEEDED their HEA!!
March 1, 2020
This isn't your typical prison romance. At least what I read so far were either dark or sexy or both, presented in an enticing package.
Bishop's story feels more real. We see the daily lives of the inmates and their correction officers. What goes on behind the scenes. And despite the isolation, how little privacy the inmates get.
We see everything from Anson's pov, who relocated from Michigan to Texas on a whim, and went from working medium-security to supermax.
Most of the officers - Anson included - working on death row treat all the men like human beings. But they are still cautious.
Bishop is the silent type which makes him look more intimidating than he already is, given his size. He is fascinated with Anson, and over time and a few quick exchanges later Anson starts to relax around him and they develop a connection. Anson gets desperate to spend as much time with Bishop as he can. He knows he shouldn't let himself go down that road, but he can't stop himself.
I found the whole scenario really fascinating. It was interesting to see how Anson struggled with his feelings, and not to get involved. The outcome was not at all surprising but the lead-up to it was still tension-filled.
There is no sex in this book, but the yearning for touch more than makes up for it. Book 2 will be scorching once they get to that point.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Javier, who was working with Anson occasionally. They struck up a friendship immediately. Javier is such a Texan guy and I don't mean this in a bad way, quite the opposite. Anson could confide in him and Javier took it in stride.
This book is only one half of a story. No cliffy but they're not finished yet. The hard part will begins now for Bishop. It will be trying for both men. Can't wait to see them together.
Bishop's story feels more real. We see the daily lives of the inmates and their correction officers. What goes on behind the scenes. And despite the isolation, how little privacy the inmates get.
We see everything from Anson's pov, who relocated from Michigan to Texas on a whim, and went from working medium-security to supermax.
Most of the officers - Anson included - working on death row treat all the men like human beings. But they are still cautious.
Bishop is the silent type which makes him look more intimidating than he already is, given his size. He is fascinated with Anson, and over time and a few quick exchanges later Anson starts to relax around him and they develop a connection. Anson gets desperate to spend as much time with Bishop as he can. He knows he shouldn't let himself go down that road, but he can't stop himself.
I found the whole scenario really fascinating. It was interesting to see how Anson struggled with his feelings, and not to get involved. The outcome was not at all surprising but the lead-up to it was still tension-filled.
There is no sex in this book, but the yearning for touch more than makes up for it. Book 2 will be scorching once they get to that point.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Javier, who was working with Anson occasionally. They struck up a friendship immediately. Javier is such a Texan guy and I don't mean this in a bad way, quite the opposite. Anson could confide in him and Javier took it in stride.
This book is only one half of a story. No cliffy but they're not finished yet. The hard part will begins now for Bishop. It will be trying for both men. Can't wait to see them together.
January 19, 2020
4.5 stars
Gah! I devoured this book, yet I wasn’t satiated - I got to the end and needed more!! Nicky James chose another unconventional theme for this book, about a corrections officer who falls in love with a man on death row. The connection between them is almost instantaneous, but their tenuous relationship is a slow build with a lot of tension given that the two men can barely speak let alone touch. As the book progresses, Anson takes increasingly bigger risks, breaking more rules in the process, just to get time to speak with Bishop. I was very invested in the characters, and was rooting hard for Bishop. I wouldn’t call this a HEA since things were only just beginning for the two at the end, but I can’t wait to read the continuation of their story. If you’re looking for steamy scenes, you’ll be left ungratified, but there’s so much potential for these two!!
Gah! I devoured this book, yet I wasn’t satiated - I got to the end and needed more!! Nicky James chose another unconventional theme for this book, about a corrections officer who falls in love with a man on death row. The connection between them is almost instantaneous, but their tenuous relationship is a slow build with a lot of tension given that the two men can barely speak let alone touch. As the book progresses, Anson takes increasingly bigger risks, breaking more rules in the process, just to get time to speak with Bishop. I was very invested in the characters, and was rooting hard for Bishop. I wouldn’t call this a HEA since things were only just beginning for the two at the end, but I can’t wait to read the continuation of their story. If you’re looking for steamy scenes, you’ll be left ungratified, but there’s so much potential for these two!!
December 13, 2022
I’m going way against the grain here, but I didn’t enjoy this. The realistic portrayal of life in a US prison was done very well but I didn’t like anything else. The romance was poorly developed, the constant depressing tone of the story made me feel like crap and I didn’t like Anson. I don’t mean to be rude, but I recently read Louise Collins'
The Freshman
, which had a very similar premise and I thought it handled the situation and the romance much better.
While I appreciate the author’s attempt to portray life on Death Row as accurately as possible, I think this decision had a big part in why I didn’t enjoy the romance. There was very limited physical contact allowed between Bishop and Anson and because of this, when they did break the rules to have physical contact , I couldn’t enjoy it because I was always filled with anxiety at the thought of Anson getting caught. Their limited conversations were the same because I was constantly freaking out about Anson’s co-workers or one of the other inmates figuring out what was going on. Not to mention that a lot of Anson and Bishop’s interactions were done through telling instead of showing. After Anson visits Bishop during official visiting hours once, we’re told (not shown) that he continues doing this week after week. Most of their cell-door-conversations are also done through telling. Lastly, I didn’t understand why the author never involved letter writing into the mix. It’s made clear that Death Row inmates are allowed to receive and send mail, yet Bishop and Anson never write to each other. Maybe Anson was worried that somebody would figure things out, but there are ways around that (ex. keep things vague and don’t use any names). Maybe the author didn’t include letter writing as a form of communication because she wanted their contact to stay extremely limited but as a result of this, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them and I didn’t care about their romance.
The reason this whole thing annoyed me is because The Freshman had a very similar premise: the romance was between a prison guard who was new to the unit and an inmate who had zero chance of ever being released. In addition, most of their bonding time happens via conversations that take place during night shift when the guard and inmate talk through the cell door. Since Collins’ book didn’t take place on Death Row, the inmate gets a bit more freedom to move around and this meant more physical interactions with the guard. In addition, Collins came up with a perfect excuse to allow more variety with the cell-door-conversations: having the guard’s co-workers be lazy, dumb or focused on their own drama and having the nearby inmates know about the romance but either not care or be too intimidated by the inmate MC to say anything. I always enjoyed the guard and inmate’s interactions because I wasn’t overwhelmed with stress over them getting caught by guards or inmates, unlike with James’ book. Not to mention that Collins introduced as many communication methods as possible, even if some of them resulting in the inmate breaking the rules (ex. letter writing, mailing gifts, talking on a secret cellphone etc).
Another thing that fell short with Inside when I compared it to The Freshman was that I felt Bishop was focused way too much on himself and his issues. This was completely understandable, but it meant I never felt he was as invested in the romance as Anson was. In fact, Bishop rarely reciprocated Anson’s feelings or tried to be the supportive one in the relationship. In The Freshman, things were nearly reversed because the guard is much younger and is wary about having a relationship with the older inmate so it’s the inmate who does most of the ‘romancing’. The biggest difference that struck me between them was the simple fact that the inmates in both books were fond of drawing so this was a great way to directly compare their actions. In The Freshman, the inmate regularly draws pictures for the guard and sneaks them to him. The pictures are sometimes sexy or sometimes cute (depending on the guard’s moods and how the inmate wants to support him). In Inside, Bishop never draws anything for Anson, despite Bishop having plenty of opportunity.
Asides from the romance falling flat for me, I also didn’t like the constant depressing tone of the story. Bishop’s entire situation was absolutely heartbreaking and I really enjoyed being forced to be part of his life because I’ve never stopped to consider what it would be like for somebody innocent to spend decades behind bars. This book gave me a lot to think about and I definitely view these situations with more sympathy and even some horror now. However, the author kept heaping shovels of misery onto the MCs with no breaks.
It. Got. Exhausting. Seriously, I don’t remember ever feeling this depressed while reading a romance novel and I hated that aspect of it. There was no attempt by the author to balance the bad moments with good moments. I understand that Bishop’s situation was very bleak and the author wanted to hammer that point home, but I need romance novels to have a balance between highs and lows or I don’t enjoy them. Again, I couldn’t help but think about The Freshman, where the author does a much better job of adding some humor, some sexiness, some happiness or any other happy emotion into the mix to balance out the difficult situation that the guard and inmate are in. A perfect example of this is the side character Queenie in The Freshman who served a similar role as Jeff did in Inside. It made a huge difference having Queenie present throughout the book while .
Lastly – I didn’t like Anson. While I found it interesting that he decides at the half point of the book that he no longer cares about his job and he’ll prioritize Bishop, I hated that he stayed at his job purely because it gave him more access to Bishop. He would spend his shifts away from Bishop constantly thinking about Bishop instead of his job. When he was working in Bishop’s unit, his main priority was spending as much time with Bishop as possible and he would manipulate his co-workers, be rude to his co-workers or rush through his other duties in order to do that. If Anson were working a normal job, I wouldn’t really care if his priorities aren’t with his work. However – the guy is a guard on DEATH ROW. His fellow guards depend on Anson to stay focused on his work and to do his work to the best of his abilities because if he doesn’t – THEY COULD GET KILLED BY THE VIOLENT MEN WHO THEY’RE SURROUNDED BY EVERY SECOND OF THEIR SHIFTS. Even worse, his co-workers have no idea that Anson’s priorities have changed so they don’t know that he’s not doing his job properly and that they should be keeping a better eye on things. This really irritated me. The worst example of this was at the end, when Bishop has been given a not-guilty verdict and he’s led out of the courtroom. Anson gets enraged that Bishop is still cuffed and has to be brought back to the prison and he yells at the guards (his co-workers) who are escorting Bishop. His co-workers are understandably confused at Anson’s hissy fit because they’re just doing their jobs and ANSON WOULD KNOW THAT THIS IS ROUTINE PROCEDURE.
Worst of all, Anson treated Javier (a fellow guard and the only one to reach out in friendship when Anson arrived at the prison) like crap. From the day Anson decides his relationship with Bishop is top priority, he uses Javier to benefit that relationship with zero regard to Javier’s feelings or career. After having been warned by his boss not to switch shifts anymore to spend more time in Bishop’s unit, Anson ignores this and pressures Javier into switching shifts with him. When Anson pressures Javier into taking deathwatch shifts and then giving some of them to Anson. He ignores Javier’s worries about not wanting to get involved in Anson’s mess and he also doesn’t care that Javier finds doing shifts on deathwatch too mentally draining.
I completely understand that the author wanted to demonstrate how important Bishop was to Anson and I totally agree that if you have to chose between a job versus the love of your life, you should drop the job because you can always find another of the former but maybe not the latter. So I was fully behind Anson’s thought process and what the author was trying to say by having him act like this. But the problem is that Anson’s decision to choose Bishop over his job negatively impacted other people and could have been led to extremely dangerous situations. I didn’t like that.
I had some other problems with the story, such as the insanely rushed pace of the last section that focused on Bishop’s trial. Or the lack of duel POV throughout the book which meant certain Bishop-centric events keep us in Anson’s head instead of letting us celebrate with Bishop. But by far my biggest problems were how the romance was handled and Anson’s characterization. I did like Bishop so I’m going to take a look at Book 2, which is from Bishop’s POV.
While I appreciate the author’s attempt to portray life on Death Row as accurately as possible, I think this decision had a big part in why I didn’t enjoy the romance. There was very limited physical contact allowed between Bishop and Anson and because of this, when they did break the rules to have physical contact , I couldn’t enjoy it because I was always filled with anxiety at the thought of Anson getting caught. Their limited conversations were the same because I was constantly freaking out about Anson’s co-workers or one of the other inmates figuring out what was going on. Not to mention that a lot of Anson and Bishop’s interactions were done through telling instead of showing. After Anson visits Bishop during official visiting hours once, we’re told (not shown) that he continues doing this week after week. Most of their cell-door-conversations are also done through telling. Lastly, I didn’t understand why the author never involved letter writing into the mix. It’s made clear that Death Row inmates are allowed to receive and send mail, yet Bishop and Anson never write to each other. Maybe Anson was worried that somebody would figure things out, but there are ways around that (ex. keep things vague and don’t use any names). Maybe the author didn’t include letter writing as a form of communication because she wanted their contact to stay extremely limited but as a result of this, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them and I didn’t care about their romance.
The reason this whole thing annoyed me is because The Freshman had a very similar premise: the romance was between a prison guard who was new to the unit and an inmate who had zero chance of ever being released. In addition, most of their bonding time happens via conversations that take place during night shift when the guard and inmate talk through the cell door. Since Collins’ book didn’t take place on Death Row, the inmate gets a bit more freedom to move around and this meant more physical interactions with the guard. In addition, Collins came up with a perfect excuse to allow more variety with the cell-door-conversations: having the guard’s co-workers be lazy, dumb or focused on their own drama and having the nearby inmates know about the romance but either not care or be too intimidated by the inmate MC to say anything. I always enjoyed the guard and inmate’s interactions because I wasn’t overwhelmed with stress over them getting caught by guards or inmates, unlike with James’ book. Not to mention that Collins introduced as many communication methods as possible, even if some of them resulting in the inmate breaking the rules (ex. letter writing, mailing gifts, talking on a secret cellphone etc).
Another thing that fell short with Inside when I compared it to The Freshman was that I felt Bishop was focused way too much on himself and his issues. This was completely understandable, but it meant I never felt he was as invested in the romance as Anson was. In fact, Bishop rarely reciprocated Anson’s feelings or tried to be the supportive one in the relationship. In The Freshman, things were nearly reversed because the guard is much younger and is wary about having a relationship with the older inmate so it’s the inmate who does most of the ‘romancing’. The biggest difference that struck me between them was the simple fact that the inmates in both books were fond of drawing so this was a great way to directly compare their actions. In The Freshman, the inmate regularly draws pictures for the guard and sneaks them to him. The pictures are sometimes sexy or sometimes cute (depending on the guard’s moods and how the inmate wants to support him). In Inside, Bishop never draws anything for Anson, despite Bishop having plenty of opportunity.
Asides from the romance falling flat for me, I also didn’t like the constant depressing tone of the story. Bishop’s entire situation was absolutely heartbreaking and I really enjoyed being forced to be part of his life because I’ve never stopped to consider what it would be like for somebody innocent to spend decades behind bars. This book gave me a lot to think about and I definitely view these situations with more sympathy and even some horror now. However, the author kept heaping shovels of misery onto the MCs with no breaks.
It. Got. Exhausting. Seriously, I don’t remember ever feeling this depressed while reading a romance novel and I hated that aspect of it. There was no attempt by the author to balance the bad moments with good moments. I understand that Bishop’s situation was very bleak and the author wanted to hammer that point home, but I need romance novels to have a balance between highs and lows or I don’t enjoy them. Again, I couldn’t help but think about The Freshman, where the author does a much better job of adding some humor, some sexiness, some happiness or any other happy emotion into the mix to balance out the difficult situation that the guard and inmate are in. A perfect example of this is the side character Queenie in The Freshman who served a similar role as Jeff did in Inside. It made a huge difference having Queenie present throughout the book while .
Lastly – I didn’t like Anson. While I found it interesting that he decides at the half point of the book that he no longer cares about his job and he’ll prioritize Bishop, I hated that he stayed at his job purely because it gave him more access to Bishop. He would spend his shifts away from Bishop constantly thinking about Bishop instead of his job. When he was working in Bishop’s unit, his main priority was spending as much time with Bishop as possible and he would manipulate his co-workers, be rude to his co-workers or rush through his other duties in order to do that. If Anson were working a normal job, I wouldn’t really care if his priorities aren’t with his work. However – the guy is a guard on DEATH ROW. His fellow guards depend on Anson to stay focused on his work and to do his work to the best of his abilities because if he doesn’t – THEY COULD GET KILLED BY THE VIOLENT MEN WHO THEY’RE SURROUNDED BY EVERY SECOND OF THEIR SHIFTS. Even worse, his co-workers have no idea that Anson’s priorities have changed so they don’t know that he’s not doing his job properly and that they should be keeping a better eye on things. This really irritated me. The worst example of this was at the end, when Bishop has been given a not-guilty verdict and he’s led out of the courtroom. Anson gets enraged that Bishop is still cuffed and has to be brought back to the prison and he yells at the guards (his co-workers) who are escorting Bishop. His co-workers are understandably confused at Anson’s hissy fit because they’re just doing their jobs and ANSON WOULD KNOW THAT THIS IS ROUTINE PROCEDURE.
Worst of all, Anson treated Javier (a fellow guard and the only one to reach out in friendship when Anson arrived at the prison) like crap. From the day Anson decides his relationship with Bishop is top priority, he uses Javier to benefit that relationship with zero regard to Javier’s feelings or career. After having been warned by his boss not to switch shifts anymore to spend more time in Bishop’s unit, Anson ignores this and pressures Javier into switching shifts with him. When Anson pressures Javier into taking deathwatch shifts and then giving some of them to Anson. He ignores Javier’s worries about not wanting to get involved in Anson’s mess and he also doesn’t care that Javier finds doing shifts on deathwatch too mentally draining.
I completely understand that the author wanted to demonstrate how important Bishop was to Anson and I totally agree that if you have to chose between a job versus the love of your life, you should drop the job because you can always find another of the former but maybe not the latter. So I was fully behind Anson’s thought process and what the author was trying to say by having him act like this. But the problem is that Anson’s decision to choose Bishop over his job negatively impacted other people and could have been led to extremely dangerous situations. I didn’t like that.
I had some other problems with the story, such as the insanely rushed pace of the last section that focused on Bishop’s trial. Or the lack of duel POV throughout the book which meant certain Bishop-centric events keep us in Anson’s head instead of letting us celebrate with Bishop. But by far my biggest problems were how the romance was handled and Anson’s characterization. I did like Bishop so I’m going to take a look at Book 2, which is from Bishop’s POV.
February 9, 2026
3.5⭐️ I think this was a very well-written and emotional story about an innocent man on death row and the devastation that brings. But I didn’t really like the romance aspect. I feel like this book would have been much better as general fiction and if the MCs had remained good friends. It would have resonated more deeply, focusing more on Anson’s actions and determination to help Bishop out of pure kindness and a sense of justice.
Frankly, I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry between them. There wasn’t any spice, they only held hands twice, and their emotional connection felt very much like friendship. Since the story was told completely from Anson, the prison guard’s, POV, the couple scenes we get of his lustful thoughts toward Bishop felt almost objectifying. Bishop was constantly stripped of his humanity and dignity and when he was strip-searched—for Anson to lust over him in those moments felt icky.
I think the book Freshman by Louise Collins is a much better example of a well-done prison romance. This one, however, felt forced. I kept waiting for the romance to strike me and it just never did.
Romance removed, this could have been closer to 4.5 stars.
Frankly, I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry between them. There wasn’t any spice, they only held hands twice, and their emotional connection felt very much like friendship. Since the story was told completely from Anson, the prison guard’s, POV, the couple scenes we get of his lustful thoughts toward Bishop felt almost objectifying. Bishop was constantly stripped of his humanity and dignity and when he was strip-searched—for Anson to lust over him in those moments felt icky.
I think the book Freshman by Louise Collins is a much better example of a well-done prison romance. This one, however, felt forced. I kept waiting for the romance to strike me and it just never did.
Romance removed, this could have been closer to 4.5 stars.
December 22, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is a complete 180 from the other books I've read from this author and I LOVED it.
This book was very angsty, emotional, and hard to read. It was also very sweet underneath the surface, as the gentle giant and his prison guard slowly became friends (and more) amid a desperate rush to save him from death row.
I couldn't put this down until I finished it and I am DYING to jump into book 2, so this won't get the review it deserves but just wow. Great characters, a strong emotional bond that the reader is totally invested in, and the slowest burn ever. I did think the ending was a tad too rushed so that dampened some of the emotion of the moment for me personally, but it was still great.
On to book 2!
Series:
Book 1: Inside → 4.5 Stars
Book 2: Outside → 4 Stars
This is a complete 180 from the other books I've read from this author and I LOVED it.
This book was very angsty, emotional, and hard to read. It was also very sweet underneath the surface, as the gentle giant and his prison guard slowly became friends (and more) amid a desperate rush to save him from death row.
I couldn't put this down until I finished it and I am DYING to jump into book 2, so this won't get the review it deserves but just wow. Great characters, a strong emotional bond that the reader is totally invested in, and the slowest burn ever. I did think the ending was a tad too rushed so that dampened some of the emotion of the moment for me personally, but it was still great.
On to book 2!
Series:
Book 1: Inside → 4.5 Stars
Book 2: Outside → 4 Stars
February 19, 2021
We have all read books that make us feel. Whether that be in the form of tears, anger, angst or any other range of emotion but Inside book one in the Death Row Chronicles duet set me up with a whole other set of emotions that I never knew a book could make me feel. That is saying a lot for someone who reads several books a week. Anson and Bishop were two forces literally fighting for the life that Bishop was about to lose for a crime he didn't commit.
"Somehow, I'd been dragged under by a beautiful, dark angel on death row”.
Anson Miller has faced some seriously dark moments working as a Correctional Officer, but the worst moment was when he got shanked by a few inmates and nearly lost his life. Now, with all of that behind him Anson is looking forward to starting a new life several states away in Texas working on Death Row and one of the worst prisons in the United States. While he has been in this job for about a decade working on Death Row comes with its own set of rules. His first day on the job seems to be going well until he comes face to face with Bishop. An inmate on Death Row for murdering his ex-girlfriend and her son. Anson has never let an inmate get to him before and he isn't going to let Bishop get to him now, no matter the things he is feeling. After a few brief chats and long gazes lead to longer chats Anson can't help but think that Bishop might not be as guilty as everyone thinks he is. Crossing every line that he knows he shouldn't cross Anson becomes set on a mission to get Bishop free from Death Row but that is an almost impossible feat.
As days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months Anson can't let this gentle giant go no matter what. He knows that he is the only person that can make things right for Bishop and he will stop at nothing to get his name cleared. Lines are crossed and emotions are heightened resulting in one heart stopping story told from Anson's point of view that will leave you breathless turning every page just to find the answers you are looking for.
This is my second Nicky James novel and I have to say WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN? Both books that I have read by her gave me so many emotions in a vastly different sense. This book is the first book I have ever read where I was so invested in the story and I knew what was about to come that I literally had one of those gut-wrenching sobs come from my throat. That is so mind boggling to me that an author made me feel that way about two characters in a book. I am obsessed now! I want a book that is going to make me feel things like that no matter how much it might hurt my heart.
"Somehow, I'd been dragged under by a beautiful, dark angel on death row”.
Anson Miller has faced some seriously dark moments working as a Correctional Officer, but the worst moment was when he got shanked by a few inmates and nearly lost his life. Now, with all of that behind him Anson is looking forward to starting a new life several states away in Texas working on Death Row and one of the worst prisons in the United States. While he has been in this job for about a decade working on Death Row comes with its own set of rules. His first day on the job seems to be going well until he comes face to face with Bishop. An inmate on Death Row for murdering his ex-girlfriend and her son. Anson has never let an inmate get to him before and he isn't going to let Bishop get to him now, no matter the things he is feeling. After a few brief chats and long gazes lead to longer chats Anson can't help but think that Bishop might not be as guilty as everyone thinks he is. Crossing every line that he knows he shouldn't cross Anson becomes set on a mission to get Bishop free from Death Row but that is an almost impossible feat.
As days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months Anson can't let this gentle giant go no matter what. He knows that he is the only person that can make things right for Bishop and he will stop at nothing to get his name cleared. Lines are crossed and emotions are heightened resulting in one heart stopping story told from Anson's point of view that will leave you breathless turning every page just to find the answers you are looking for.
This is my second Nicky James novel and I have to say WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN? Both books that I have read by her gave me so many emotions in a vastly different sense. This book is the first book I have ever read where I was so invested in the story and I knew what was about to come that I literally had one of those gut-wrenching sobs come from my throat. That is so mind boggling to me that an author made me feel that way about two characters in a book. I am obsessed now! I want a book that is going to make me feel things like that no matter how much it might hurt my heart.
January 26, 2020
I can be short about this. Nicky James did it again with this uncoventional story!!
There's no real heat, no real touching but this story makes it up with the longing and my gawd it was intense. I loved it. Bishop's story what brought him to deathrow killed me. Anson really seeing Bishop for the man he really was made me love him even more.
I can't wait to read more about Bishop and Ansen.
*RECOMMENDED*
There's no real heat, no real touching but this story makes it up with the longing and my gawd it was intense. I loved it. Bishop's story what brought him to deathrow killed me. Anson really seeing Bishop for the man he really was made me love him even more.
I can't wait to read more about Bishop and Ansen.
*RECOMMENDED*
November 6, 2021
[ 𝟰.𝟱 / 𝟱 ]
Well then… This book was a whole ass punch in the gut. Someone - preferably Anson - needs to give Bishop a ginormous hug, ASAP.
❝I wish, for one day, I could be out of this here cell. Just one day,❞ he whispered.
❝What would you do with that day?❞
His fingers hovered over mine, sliding along the reinforced glass and curling as though to grab on to me. ❝I’d explore whatever this is between us.❞
Well then… This book was a whole ass punch in the gut. Someone - preferably Anson - needs to give Bishop a ginormous hug, ASAP.
July 1, 2023
What a fantastic story by Nicky James and excellent narration by Nick J Russo! I really felt the anguish, the pain, the desperation, and the longing between Anson and Bishop. Just loved it. Can't wait to read Outside and see what happens next!
January 24, 2020
Absolutely loved this and eager for more. ❤️❤️❤️
January 23, 2020
4.5. Holeee crap. That was good. Very painstakingly written. You will need some patience in the beginning as it's very (overly?) detailed re prison life as it's Anson's first time working death row. But once he and Bishop really start interacting though, wow! The ending had me on the edge of my seat and the verdict literally had in my tears at my desk (Yes, at work. Don't judge me!) Really, you will get so invested in the outcome, you will not be able to put this book down. Now we go to Book 2. March 13th cannot come fast enough!
August 27, 2026
Three stars because I actually really liked this book until the end. It was so rushed. Weird pacing (one year in one paragraph?) and all of that for just one page?? Super unsatisfying ending ruined a good book for me.
Controversial opinion: but they just can’t make me hate you Ezra. Lol I know he is supposed to be the bad guy asshole co but if someone kidnaps, tortures, rapes, and murders one of my loved ones I would hope they get an asshole co just like him. Can’t find sympathy you’re missing commissary when I’m missing an entire family member. Lolol controversial I know 😂😂
Controversial opinion: but they just can’t make me hate you Ezra. Lol I know he is supposed to be the bad guy asshole co but if someone kidnaps, tortures, rapes, and murders one of my loved ones I would hope they get an asshole co just like him. Can’t find sympathy you’re missing commissary when I’m missing an entire family member. Lolol controversial I know 😂😂
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