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Death Row Chronicles #2
Outside
Twenty years ago, the crash gates slammed shut on Bishop Ndiaye’s life when he was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. His life became a waiting game while he sat on death row in one of the country’s worst prisons waiting for his warrant to be signed and his inevitable walk to the death chamber.
But it never happened.
Anson Miller’s arrival into Bishop’s life changed everything, and with nothing more than a hope and a prayer and a kickass lawyer, Bishop fought for his freedom and won.
But how do you reintegrate into a world you no longer know?
Twenty years has brought a lot of change.
Bishop needs to relearn the world, but it isn’t easy when his face has become front-page news, and his story is whispered in every crowd.
Not only does Bishop find himself suffering from severe trauma after his prolonged sentence, but he’s discovered the world on the outside may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Some days, it’s like he’s exchanged one prison for another.
As if that’s not overwhelming enough, Bishop walked out of prison into the arms of a man he knows he loves, but he’s never explored this part of himself before and hardly knows where to begin. Navigating a relationship, technology, anxiety, and people is overwhelming. The cracks in Bishop’s foundation start to show, and the big man doesn’t know where to turn for help.
Was this whole ordeal worth it?
Maybe he was better off on the inside.
**This is book two in the Death Row Chronicles and is not standalone. It should be read following Inside (Vol 1)**
But it never happened.
Anson Miller’s arrival into Bishop’s life changed everything, and with nothing more than a hope and a prayer and a kickass lawyer, Bishop fought for his freedom and won.
But how do you reintegrate into a world you no longer know?
Twenty years has brought a lot of change.
Bishop needs to relearn the world, but it isn’t easy when his face has become front-page news, and his story is whispered in every crowd.
Not only does Bishop find himself suffering from severe trauma after his prolonged sentence, but he’s discovered the world on the outside may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Some days, it’s like he’s exchanged one prison for another.
As if that’s not overwhelming enough, Bishop walked out of prison into the arms of a man he knows he loves, but he’s never explored this part of himself before and hardly knows where to begin. Navigating a relationship, technology, anxiety, and people is overwhelming. The cracks in Bishop’s foundation start to show, and the big man doesn’t know where to turn for help.
Was this whole ordeal worth it?
Maybe he was better off on the inside.
**This is book two in the Death Row Chronicles and is not standalone. It should be read following Inside (Vol 1)**
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2020
75 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
75 books2,255 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 155 reviews
March 26, 2024
4.25**** stars
audio: 5 stars
Oh man, this was as f* heartbreaking as the first one. *sniff
Bishop dealing with a totally new world after 20 years of prison and the prejudice of strangers as well as troubles with security and police officers alike. Anson as a correction officer dealing with harassment and abuse at work now that his sexuality is common knowledge as well as his relations to a former inmate. And on top of it Bishop and Anson struggle a lot with understanding each others’ worlds and situations here on the outside which leads to disconnection between them despite both trying so hard —Bishop not trying to be a burden for Anson and to adjust as quick as possible and Anson to be everything Bishop needs and helping him in this whole new life. But they try and fail both. But they keep on trying.
My heart was aching for what the two of them had to overcome with so many challenges inside their relationship and coming from the outside as well.
But there were also a lot of heartwarming and even funny moments…
…a lot of progress and a hard fought for but wonderful HEA.
Sadly tho, because of the struggles and detachment they faced with each other I had a hard time feeling their deeper connection. So, on the romance level it didn’t quite hit as deep as I would’ve wished for. That’s why only four stars for the sequel of this otherwise amazing duet.
***********
Death Row Chronicles
Book 1 - Inside - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Outside - 4.25 stars
audio: 5 stars
Oh man, this was as f* heartbreaking as the first one. *sniff
Bishop dealing with a totally new world after 20 years of prison and the prejudice of strangers as well as troubles with security and police officers alike. Anson as a correction officer dealing with harassment and abuse at work now that his sexuality is common knowledge as well as his relations to a former inmate. And on top of it Bishop and Anson struggle a lot with understanding each others’ worlds and situations here on the outside which leads to disconnection between them despite both trying so hard —Bishop not trying to be a burden for Anson and to adjust as quick as possible and Anson to be everything Bishop needs and helping him in this whole new life. But they try and fail both. But they keep on trying.
“I just need to be near you,” I whispered against his sleep-warm skin. “I never meant to make you upset. Please forgive me, Anson. I can’t take it if you’re mad at me. I may be a big guy on the outside, but this world is knocking me around good, and I’m not doing so well on the inside.”
My heart was aching for what the two of them had to overcome with so many challenges inside their relationship and coming from the outside as well.
But there were also a lot of heartwarming and even funny moments…
“Oh my God, stop. You two are romance-movie sweet, and I can hardly stand it. Get out of my house. Go home. Javi?” Mel called into the living room. “Anson and Bishop are setting the bar super high right now. We might be divorcing before we get married at this rate. You need to up your game.”
“Ah, fuck, seriously?” […] “I swear to God, asshole, it’s bad enough hearing you say all that Hallmark lovey-dovey shit when we have bro time, but this can’t happen, dude. Not in my house. Not where my woman is watching and taking fucking notes.”
…a lot of progress and a hard fought for but wonderful HEA.
Sadly tho, because of the struggles and detachment they faced with each other I had a hard time feeling their deeper connection. So, on the romance level it didn’t quite hit as deep as I would’ve wished for. That’s why only four stars for the sequel of this otherwise amazing duet.
***********
Death Row Chronicles
Book 1 - Inside - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Outside - 4.25 stars
March 19, 2020
I'm disappointed.
I really wanted dual pov. In the first book I got attached to Anson, so I wanted to see through his eyes how he adapts to Bishop being outside and living with with him. Instead we got Bishop's pov all through the end. And that was okay, but for some reason I had a hard time connecting to him, and I don't think the reason for that is because I couldn't place myself in his shoes. Not at all.
I was bored.Given the situation, this should have been really interesting psychologically. Even doing everyday things was hard for Bishop. Just going outside to the patio and enjoying the sun. But it was just boring. And honestly I blame the writing. It felt a little dry to me.
The ending was really rushed and a teensy bit cheesy. And were was the steam in all this? Nowhere! ;( I'm bummed.
Dual pov would have made it all better in my opinion.
I really wanted dual pov. In the first book I got attached to Anson, so I wanted to see through his eyes how he adapts to Bishop being outside and living with with him. Instead we got Bishop's pov all through the end. And that was okay, but for some reason I had a hard time connecting to him, and I don't think the reason for that is because I couldn't place myself in his shoes. Not at all.
I was bored.Given the situation, this should have been really interesting psychologically. Even doing everyday things was hard for Bishop. Just going outside to the patio and enjoying the sun. But it was just boring. And honestly I blame the writing. It felt a little dry to me.
The ending was really rushed and a teensy bit cheesy. And were was the steam in all this? Nowhere! ;( I'm bummed.
Dual pov would have made it all better in my opinion.
July 5, 2023
I cried and cried and cried and cried.
By the time they got their beautiful HEA, I was a mess.
I have so much love for Bishop and Anson.
Read this. Now.
By the time they got their beautiful HEA, I was a mess.
I have so much love for Bishop and Anson.
Read this. Now.
May 9, 2021
So, this one was poignant just like book 1, but slightly disappointing despite the HEA, which by the way, is nothing short of a miracle, and you have to kind of suspend belief. Book 1 was a miracle too, but somehow this one was even more so.
2 gay men, 1 ex-con (wrongly convicted), black-white, 1 correctional officer... lots of pitfalls, but amazingly, they had good ppl around them to help them make it work. I kept expecting some other kind of drama tho, like Anson getting beat up and hospitalized (he was beat up but not that bad) and Bishop getting beat up and hospitalized (which didn't happen but he was ostracized and arrested for nothing)
Anyway, the slight disappointment is that I felt Bishop was a diff character than what I imagined him to be in book 1. Knowing what was in his mind helped paint him very strong (on the outside) bc you knew how much he felt on the inside. But at the same time, I felt he was a bit too much like a... blushing virgin. Which he was. But I expected him to be more "dominant." Sure of his instincts if not how to express them.
So that was my main niggling thing at the back of my mind. Otherwise, good duet.
2 gay men, 1 ex-con (wrongly convicted), black-white, 1 correctional officer... lots of pitfalls, but amazingly, they had good ppl around them to help them make it work. I kept expecting some other kind of drama tho, like Anson getting beat up and hospitalized (he was beat up but not that bad) and Bishop getting beat up and hospitalized (which didn't happen but he was ostracized and arrested for nothing)
Anyway, the slight disappointment is that I felt Bishop was a diff character than what I imagined him to be in book 1. Knowing what was in his mind helped paint him very strong (on the outside) bc you knew how much he felt on the inside. But at the same time, I felt he was a bit too much like a... blushing virgin. Which he was. But I expected him to be more "dominant." Sure of his instincts if not how to express them.
So that was my main niggling thing at the back of my mind. Otherwise, good duet.
July 26, 2020
Gabi said it perfectly here.
June 18, 2023
I like book 1 more because the whole atmosphere was more thrilling.
the taboo-ish nature of their relationship, the danger of getting found out, the death sentence looming over their heads, the delicious UST.
Compared to book 1 this one was a bit lacking in that thrill.
it was still sweet and romantic and the angst was on the high side as well. All in all, I enjoyed this duet very much
the audiobook narrated by Nick Russo was so so good as usual.
the taboo-ish nature of their relationship, the danger of getting found out, the death sentence looming over their heads, the delicious UST.
Compared to book 1 this one was a bit lacking in that thrill.
it was still sweet and romantic and the angst was on the high side as well. All in all, I enjoyed this duet very much
the audiobook narrated by Nick Russo was so so good as usual.
July 2, 2023
What a fantastic story by Nicky James and excellent narration by Nick J Russo! I really enjoyed Anson and Bishop’s journey as they navigated the difficult path to their much deserved HEA. This book definitely made me feel things. I loved it!
December 27, 2021
can’t stop smiling 😊
I enjoyed this book more than the first, I guess it was all due to the beautiful way the characters developed. It was so realistic that my emotions got the better of me while reading. Bishop’s POV was the best, raw and relatable.
I got frustrated a lot with both Bishop and Anson , their communication skills sucked at first but they learned and it was beautiful to read.
There was a bit of inconsistencies with word usage especially in dialogues with Anson, he at times sounded like a matured adult and other times like a teenager which was a bit annoying, I’m not even going to waste time with his texting skills 🤦🏾♂️.
It was an angst filled read and I loved it, it was just captivating.
I look forward to reading more from this author 🤍🤍🤍
I enjoyed this book more than the first, I guess it was all due to the beautiful way the characters developed. It was so realistic that my emotions got the better of me while reading. Bishop’s POV was the best, raw and relatable.
I got frustrated a lot with both Bishop and Anson , their communication skills sucked at first but they learned and it was beautiful to read.
There was a bit of inconsistencies with word usage especially in dialogues with Anson, he at times sounded like a matured adult and other times like a teenager which was a bit annoying, I’m not even going to waste time with his texting skills 🤦🏾♂️.
It was an angst filled read and I loved it, it was just captivating.
I look forward to reading more from this author 🤍🤍🤍
July 18, 2023
4,5 stars
After listening to the audio of Inside, I was really looking forward to listen to the second book, Outside. It’s the book told from Bishops pov, telling the story of how life outside death row treats him. It appears it’s not so good.
Imagine having spent twenty years of your life in prison, the outside world passing by and changing into something almost unrecognisable. The moment you are confronted with all these changes, it must be overwhelming - computers, cell phones, hectic daily life…How do you cope with all that when at the same time you need to adjust to this new life outside, leaving your daily routine, the weirdly comfort of the four walls you’ve known for 20 years? And I’m not even talking about a hostile small town where nobody accepts you and calls you trouble and a murderer and where no one seems to be willing to give you a second chance at life.
The one thing Bishop needed was for Anson to be there for him. But Anson has his own problems and Bishop doesn’t want to add to them, so the idyllic idea of them living together and be happy for the rest of their lives, kind of blows up in their faces. It’s hard on both of them. Life isn’t treating them fair and for a long time it looks like it never will.
I was happy to see Bishop found help from people who knew exactly what he was going through, that David was there for him and helped him. That he understood what Bishop needed, and when David gave him the present that meant so much to Bishop, I couldn’t help but think it had to have been a gift from Anson. He should have known.
Anson didn’t seem like the Anson we met in the first book. I get that he was frustrated, and I get that he had a lot of negative stuff going on at work, but after all the fighting he and Bishop did to get Bishops name cleared and get him out of prison, you’d think he would show more understanding for how hard things must be for Bishop. Instead we see an angry man, too busy with himself to notice what was going on with the man he loved.
Again Nick J. Russo did an excellent job performing this story. The way he portrayed Bishop was perfect.
I loved that Nicky James didn’t rush the story and clearly put a lot of thought and research in what life had to be like when you spent so much time away from the world. It was heartbreaking at times and maddening too, specially at the narrow minded people in that small Texas town. There was only one way for them to be happy and I loved how they finally found their well deserved happy ending.
After listening to the audio of Inside, I was really looking forward to listen to the second book, Outside. It’s the book told from Bishops pov, telling the story of how life outside death row treats him. It appears it’s not so good.
Imagine having spent twenty years of your life in prison, the outside world passing by and changing into something almost unrecognisable. The moment you are confronted with all these changes, it must be overwhelming - computers, cell phones, hectic daily life…How do you cope with all that when at the same time you need to adjust to this new life outside, leaving your daily routine, the weirdly comfort of the four walls you’ve known for 20 years? And I’m not even talking about a hostile small town where nobody accepts you and calls you trouble and a murderer and where no one seems to be willing to give you a second chance at life.
The one thing Bishop needed was for Anson to be there for him. But Anson has his own problems and Bishop doesn’t want to add to them, so the idyllic idea of them living together and be happy for the rest of their lives, kind of blows up in their faces. It’s hard on both of them. Life isn’t treating them fair and for a long time it looks like it never will.
I was happy to see Bishop found help from people who knew exactly what he was going through, that David was there for him and helped him. That he understood what Bishop needed, and when David gave him the present that meant so much to Bishop, I couldn’t help but think it had to have been a gift from Anson. He should have known.
Anson didn’t seem like the Anson we met in the first book. I get that he was frustrated, and I get that he had a lot of negative stuff going on at work, but after all the fighting he and Bishop did to get Bishops name cleared and get him out of prison, you’d think he would show more understanding for how hard things must be for Bishop. Instead we see an angry man, too busy with himself to notice what was going on with the man he loved.
Again Nick J. Russo did an excellent job performing this story. The way he portrayed Bishop was perfect.
I loved that Nicky James didn’t rush the story and clearly put a lot of thought and research in what life had to be like when you spent so much time away from the world. It was heartbreaking at times and maddening too, specially at the narrow minded people in that small Texas town. There was only one way for them to be happy and I loved how they finally found their well deserved happy ending.
did-not-finish
December 14, 2022DNF @ 17%. No rating.
Nope, can't do it. I really disliked Anson in Book 1 and I don't care about Anson and Bishop's romance but I wanted to give this book a shot because it's from Bishop's POV. While I enjoyed the parts where Bishop is by himself and slowly figuring things out, Anson is annoying me so much that I wanted to throw my phone against a wall.
The guy knows better than 99% of the population what Bishop is going through and what would help make Bishop feel more comfortable but he doesn't do those things. It's like he's decided that he's spent long enough getting Bishop into his life and now that it's happened, he wants the Normal Boyfriend experience ASAP and he doesn't care that Bishop's ability to do that is far off.
I mean seriously...Anson is struggling to hide his annoyance and impatience with Bishop not being comfortable doing anything sexual and the clear signs of Bishop's PTSD. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Bishop was in prison for 20 years and he's been out for less than a week, yet Anson is constantly pushing him about going outside or going to the store while Anson is at work or sleeping on a bed or any of the other things that Anson should know are massive undertakings for Bishop and will take time. He's acting like Bishop has been out of prison for years and hasn't made any effort to adjust to outside life. In addition, Anson is just a complete moron. WHO THE HELL BUYS SOMEBODY A BRAND NEW IPHONE (the kind that doesn't even have buttons on the sides) WHEN THE GUY HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SOCIETY SINCE 2001?!?! I actually did the whole face-palm thing when I read that.
Maybe Anson's ridiculous behavior is all part of his character development arc in this book, but I can't handle his behavior. One of the big things I love about military romances is when one MC comes home from war and is really struggling to adjust despite being surrounded by loved ones who want to help but when the other MC (his former military buddy) shows up, things massively improve. Why? Because the military buddy has the context for the MC's behavior that everybody else in his life is missing and thus, the military buddy can help him in ways that nobody else can. In this scenario, Anson SHOULD know why Bishop wants to eat breakfast at 3:30 am or why he prefers sitting on the floor instead of a mushy couch or bed, but Anson isn't even trying to be who he should be in this scenario. His impatience and stupidity are too annoying for me to deal with so I'm out.
Nope, can't do it. I really disliked Anson in Book 1 and I don't care about Anson and Bishop's romance but I wanted to give this book a shot because it's from Bishop's POV. While I enjoyed the parts where Bishop is by himself and slowly figuring things out, Anson is annoying me so much that I wanted to throw my phone against a wall.
The guy knows better than 99% of the population what Bishop is going through and what would help make Bishop feel more comfortable but he doesn't do those things. It's like he's decided that he's spent long enough getting Bishop into his life and now that it's happened, he wants the Normal Boyfriend experience ASAP and he doesn't care that Bishop's ability to do that is far off.
I mean seriously...Anson is struggling to hide his annoyance and impatience with Bishop not being comfortable doing anything sexual and the clear signs of Bishop's PTSD. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Bishop was in prison for 20 years and he's been out for less than a week, yet Anson is constantly pushing him about going outside or going to the store while Anson is at work or sleeping on a bed or any of the other things that Anson should know are massive undertakings for Bishop and will take time. He's acting like Bishop has been out of prison for years and hasn't made any effort to adjust to outside life. In addition, Anson is just a complete moron. WHO THE HELL BUYS SOMEBODY A BRAND NEW IPHONE (the kind that doesn't even have buttons on the sides) WHEN THE GUY HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SOCIETY SINCE 2001?!?! I actually did the whole face-palm thing when I read that.
Maybe Anson's ridiculous behavior is all part of his character development arc in this book, but I can't handle his behavior. One of the big things I love about military romances is when one MC comes home from war and is really struggling to adjust despite being surrounded by loved ones who want to help but when the other MC (his former military buddy) shows up, things massively improve. Why? Because the military buddy has the context for the MC's behavior that everybody else in his life is missing and thus, the military buddy can help him in ways that nobody else can. In this scenario, Anson SHOULD know why Bishop wants to eat breakfast at 3:30 am or why he prefers sitting on the floor instead of a mushy couch or bed, but Anson isn't even trying to be who he should be in this scenario. His impatience and stupidity are too annoying for me to deal with so I'm out.
February 20, 2021
Anson & Bishop stole my heart in Inside book one of the Death Row Chronicles but in book two Outside, I fell in love with the love they had for one another. The patience that Anson had for Bishop was so beautiful and seeing Bishop experiencing love for the first time was everything I could have ever hoped for.
When I originally noticed there was a book two, I was so skeptical to read it because I didn't want anything to shatter the sheer perfection and love I felt for book one. I went for it though and seeing Bishop constantly struggle to fit in on the outside after being locked away for two decades really broke my heart. He made friends with a guy who had been in the same position as him, he started to see a counselor and setting daily achievable goals for himself, but it never quite seemed to be enough. For so long Bishop was not able to lean on someone or trust them with his feelings because in prison that is seen as a weakness. Even after everything Anson did for him and for them it is still a struggle daily to let Anson in and see the darkest parts of himself. As days lead into weeks Bishop is starting to adapt to life the way it could be but there still seems to be too many obstacles for him and Anson to overcome. At the end of the day, it is just Bishop and Anson trying to start a new life together but how can they do that when no one in their small Texas town can let his past go?
Even though in this book Bishop is no longer in prison it was still such a hard book to read because he has all these feelings, he doesn't think he deserves to feel. My heart was invested into this story from the very first page. I did see a long of complaints for a DPOV, but I enjoyed the way that Nicky James laid out this duo. We got Anson's POV in Inside when he was falling in love with Bishop and the struggles he had to overcome getting involved with an inmate. In Outside we get Bishop's POV on his feelings for falling in love for the first time, overcoming his anxiety and everything he must face.
When I found this duo, I just thought it would be a good duo to kill a few days but it ended up becoming one of the best duos I have ever read. Alone they are both five star reads but together these books make for a story unlike anything you will ever read. Bishop and Anson getting their HEA was everything I could have hoped for, especially that epilogue. Nicky James is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to fall in love with more of the characters she creates.
When I originally noticed there was a book two, I was so skeptical to read it because I didn't want anything to shatter the sheer perfection and love I felt for book one. I went for it though and seeing Bishop constantly struggle to fit in on the outside after being locked away for two decades really broke my heart. He made friends with a guy who had been in the same position as him, he started to see a counselor and setting daily achievable goals for himself, but it never quite seemed to be enough. For so long Bishop was not able to lean on someone or trust them with his feelings because in prison that is seen as a weakness. Even after everything Anson did for him and for them it is still a struggle daily to let Anson in and see the darkest parts of himself. As days lead into weeks Bishop is starting to adapt to life the way it could be but there still seems to be too many obstacles for him and Anson to overcome. At the end of the day, it is just Bishop and Anson trying to start a new life together but how can they do that when no one in their small Texas town can let his past go?
Even though in this book Bishop is no longer in prison it was still such a hard book to read because he has all these feelings, he doesn't think he deserves to feel. My heart was invested into this story from the very first page. I did see a long of complaints for a DPOV, but I enjoyed the way that Nicky James laid out this duo. We got Anson's POV in Inside when he was falling in love with Bishop and the struggles he had to overcome getting involved with an inmate. In Outside we get Bishop's POV on his feelings for falling in love for the first time, overcoming his anxiety and everything he must face.
When I found this duo, I just thought it would be a good duo to kill a few days but it ended up becoming one of the best duos I have ever read. Alone they are both five star reads but together these books make for a story unlike anything you will ever read. Bishop and Anson getting their HEA was everything I could have hoped for, especially that epilogue. Nicky James is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to fall in love with more of the characters she creates.
March 15, 2020
4.5 stars
A few chapters in I thought I was going to have to put this down and just walk away, because being in Bishop’s head was heartbreaking. I didn’t want to cry. To feel the level of isolation and fear he was feeling after his release. And I knew it was coming, but it hurt. So I skimmed a tiny bit. But only to preserve my heart.
I really love these two together. And here they’re working through so much stuff you can’t help but get invested in every high and every unfair low. By the end they get their well-deserved HEA, but I couldn’t help but want a book 3. To see them only happy after going through so much.
This series has been an angsty delight, and I’m not a fan of angst. Great writing. Good plot. And characters you can’t help but cheer for.
A few chapters in I thought I was going to have to put this down and just walk away, because being in Bishop’s head was heartbreaking. I didn’t want to cry. To feel the level of isolation and fear he was feeling after his release. And I knew it was coming, but it hurt. So I skimmed a tiny bit. But only to preserve my heart.
I really love these two together. And here they’re working through so much stuff you can’t help but get invested in every high and every unfair low. By the end they get their well-deserved HEA, but I couldn’t help but want a book 3. To see them only happy after going through so much.
This series has been an angsty delight, and I’m not a fan of angst. Great writing. Good plot. And characters you can’t help but cheer for.
October 16, 2024
3.75⭐️
I am part of the minority that likes book 2 more than book 1.
This felt realistic and very emotional.
I liked Bishop’s healing journey and Anson’s love and patience❤️.
Though the continues reminder and reference made to being ‘in prison’ and ‘big boy’ made it a bit cringy.
It felt too long and the dragged out made it boring.
I am part of the minority that likes book 2 more than book 1.
This felt realistic and very emotional.
I liked Bishop’s healing journey and Anson’s love and patience❤️.
Though the continues reminder and reference made to being ‘in prison’ and ‘big boy’ made it a bit cringy.
It felt too long and the dragged out made it boring.
June 19, 2023
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
Incredible how in the world did anyone wait for this book after finishing the first? I feel so sorry for my book bestie who had to wait because wow.
Bishop is struggling and I hate that for him. The town isn’t nice to him and it's already hard enough for him to be out add in the Sheriff and the gawkers and it spells disaster.
Anson is also having a hard time at his job people have found out he is gay and they don’t like that much. He gets hurt again.
I hate this for both of these guys who are just trying to live now that they have a second chance with each other.
It really is a story of love, perseverance and fighting for yourself even when you don’t think you can fight anymore. I loved their connection their story is encouraging.
Again the narration I swear, no matter how many times I listen to Nicky’s voice he never sounds the same. I always just hear the character he is giving us at that moment. That is an incredible gift.
Incredible how in the world did anyone wait for this book after finishing the first? I feel so sorry for my book bestie who had to wait because wow.
Bishop is struggling and I hate that for him. The town isn’t nice to him and it's already hard enough for him to be out add in the Sheriff and the gawkers and it spells disaster.
Anson is also having a hard time at his job people have found out he is gay and they don’t like that much. He gets hurt again.
I hate this for both of these guys who are just trying to live now that they have a second chance with each other.
It really is a story of love, perseverance and fighting for yourself even when you don’t think you can fight anymore. I loved their connection their story is encouraging.
Again the narration I swear, no matter how many times I listen to Nicky’s voice he never sounds the same. I always just hear the character he is giving us at that moment. That is an incredible gift.
June 19, 2023
This was everything I was hoping for and more! Inside was such an intense, emotional journey that ended leaving me eagerly awaiting the release of Outside. I knew this book would be amazing, Ms. James doesn't know how to write a book that isn't, but I really wasnt expecting this book to make me feel so deeply and connect so completely with a character. Nick J Russo was just so incredibly good at bringing all the emotion and feelings to life and making me connect even more deeply with the characters than when I read the book. just outstanding!
This book was entirely from Bishop's point of view, we saw and felt everything from his perspective. And boy did I feel! I felt like I was seeing the world again for the first time in 20 years, I felt like the walls were closing in on me from the overwhelmingly fast outside world, I wanted to curl up next to Bishop on the floor in the kitchen and comfort him. I felt his trepidation to move forward with his relationship with Anson and his fear of rejoining the outside world. Bishop seeing everything, after missing 20 years, caused me so much personal introspection...the world we live in today is fast, its electronic and it can be scary...maybe sometimes we all should slow down to appreciate the small wonders in this world.
This story was so much more than just Bishop's rejoining of society. This was an epic love story as well. Bishop and Anson had a bond from the beginning, one that wouldn't be broken. Many things were thrown in their path to test this bond, but they held strong to their love and worked together to find their happiness. The intimacy was heart melting, Bishop's first everything was with Anson and their path of sexual discovery was so well done, it was entwined with caring, lust, love, understanding and unwavering commitment. They were there for each other every step of the way.
This was such a satisfying happily ever after because they both worked so hard for it and deserved it so very much. This book was phenomenal. Ms. James is just an amazing author and writes books that completely immerse the reader in the world she has created. I never wanted it to end, I knew it needed to, and it ended in a perfect place, but it will be a long while before I can let go of Bishop and Anson. Just perfection!
This book was entirely from Bishop's point of view, we saw and felt everything from his perspective. And boy did I feel! I felt like I was seeing the world again for the first time in 20 years, I felt like the walls were closing in on me from the overwhelmingly fast outside world, I wanted to curl up next to Bishop on the floor in the kitchen and comfort him. I felt his trepidation to move forward with his relationship with Anson and his fear of rejoining the outside world. Bishop seeing everything, after missing 20 years, caused me so much personal introspection...the world we live in today is fast, its electronic and it can be scary...maybe sometimes we all should slow down to appreciate the small wonders in this world.
This story was so much more than just Bishop's rejoining of society. This was an epic love story as well. Bishop and Anson had a bond from the beginning, one that wouldn't be broken. Many things were thrown in their path to test this bond, but they held strong to their love and worked together to find their happiness. The intimacy was heart melting, Bishop's first everything was with Anson and their path of sexual discovery was so well done, it was entwined with caring, lust, love, understanding and unwavering commitment. They were there for each other every step of the way.
This was such a satisfying happily ever after because they both worked so hard for it and deserved it so very much. This book was phenomenal. Ms. James is just an amazing author and writes books that completely immerse the reader in the world she has created. I never wanted it to end, I knew it needed to, and it ended in a perfect place, but it will be a long while before I can let go of Bishop and Anson. Just perfection!
March 18, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Outside follows Inside, and the books should be read in order. At the end of Inside, Bishop was exonerated and Outside picks up shortly after his release from prison. Author Nicky James does an amazing job of showing Bishop’s first-person narrative as he tries to acclimate to the world outside of prison. But after 20 years incarcerated, he’s institutionalized and living free is not the dream he envisioned. Bishop does not recognize the world around him; his face is all over the news in their small town and living with Anson, as well as facing homophobia, adds another layer of anxiety that Bishop has to manage. He wants to be with Anson, but that’s just another thing he doesn’t know how to do.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Outside follows Inside, and the books should be read in order. At the end of Inside, Bishop was exonerated and Outside picks up shortly after his release from prison. Author Nicky James does an amazing job of showing Bishop’s first-person narrative as he tries to acclimate to the world outside of prison. But after 20 years incarcerated, he’s institutionalized and living free is not the dream he envisioned. Bishop does not recognize the world around him; his face is all over the news in their small town and living with Anson, as well as facing homophobia, adds another layer of anxiety that Bishop has to manage. He wants to be with Anson, but that’s just another thing he doesn’t know how to do.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 9, 2023
This is more like 2.5 than 3⭐️ for me.
Reading things from Bishop’s POV was great, but it seemed like I was reading about another Anson. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Anyways, it was enjoyable all the same, but gosh darn it I wished Anson could pull his head out of his ass more than once.
The epilogue was nice though ❤️
Reading things from Bishop’s POV was great, but it seemed like I was reading about another Anson. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Anyways, it was enjoyable all the same, but gosh darn it I wished Anson could pull his head out of his ass more than once.
The epilogue was nice though ❤️
August 14, 2023
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so 4.5 stars overall.
Outside is the second – and concluding – part of Nicky James’ Death Row Chronicles, an intense, emotional story about Bishop Ndiyae, a man on death row in Texas, and Anson Miller, the corrections officer who falls in love with him and becomes determined to prove his innocence. The first book, Inside, a gripping, character-driven tale which focuses mostly on the development of the soul-deep connection between the two men, and then on Anson’s quest for the truth and to have Bishop released – is told from Anson’s PoV; this follow-up is told from Bishop’s and it begins just a few days after his release from prison.
Note: Outside is not a standalone and is best listened to after Inside. There may be spoilers for the previous book in this review.
As I said in my review of Inside, don’t go into this one expecting a romance in the conventional sense, one full of hearts and flowers and hot sex, because even though Anson and Bishop can now touch each other and be physically close, twenty years behind bars has taken its toll on Bishop and he’s completely adrift in a world that has changed almost beyond recognition from the one he knew. He has a lot of trauma to process and a lot of adjustments to make if he’s to be able to make a new life for himself – but even with the man he loves at his side, it’s not going to be an easy road, and sometimes, Bishop begins to wonder if it’s even worth it.
There isn’t a great deal of plot in Outside, but that’s okay – after a bit of a slow start it turns into another compelling story as Bishop, overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, bewildered by technology and gripped by anxiety, struggles to make sense of it all, and Anson is beset by troubles of his own that make it harder for him to understand just how hard Bishop is finding it to adjust. It’s not that Anson expected it to be easy, or that he hadn’t expected that he’d need to make allowances for Bishop and give him the time and space to process and work through things, he just hadn’t realised the degree to which he would need to slow down or that he’d need to explain things like smartphones, the internet and ‘text speak’. I did get annoyed at him when he complained that Bishop wasn’t answering his texts and didn’t realise it was because Bishop didn’t know what all the acronyms meant and couldn’t understand what he was saying; I’d have expected Anson to be a little more understanding about that and about Bishop’s issues with leaving the house or deviating from the schedule he’s lived by for the past twenty years. To be fair, though, Bishop doesn’t tell Anson any of those things – he’s grown so used to being the only person he can lean on, to having to appear strong at all times just to survive, that he absolutely rejects the idea of showing anything that could be considered weakness. Such as needing help.
Thankfully, however, there is hope on the horizon in the form of a group called the Innocence Project, formed specifically to help people like Bishop, innocent men and women who are exonerated and don’t have the same kind of support available to them as other ex-cons who serve their time and are released. Through his lawyer, Bishop meets David, a man who has gone through something similar to Bishop, and Roger, a counselor at the project who is also an exoneree. Meeting others who know what he’s going through, people who understand that Bishop feels he just can’t keep up – with Anson, with the pace of life in general – is a huge relief, and helps him to realise that he needs to stop expecting too much of himself.
But there are other issues making life more difficult for the couple. The news of Bishop’s release has led to a media frenzy, and the reporters camped on their doorstep won’t leave them alone, sticking microphones and recorders in Bishop’s face whenever he makes a very rare journey out of the house, and worse, there are plenty of people locally who refuse to believe in his innocence and still see him as a murderer. My blood boiled at the treatment he is subjected to in the second half of the story, at the obvious racial prejudice he endures at the hands of people who should know better. Anson, too, faces bigotry; word has got around the prison that he’s gay (and that Bishop is living with him) and the inmates and some of the guards are not slow to make Anson aware of their feelings on the matter. As Bishop says, they’re “an interracial gay couple in a small town in Texas… the cards aren’t stacked in our favor.”
Bishop and Anson’s relationship is also something to be carefully navigated. Bishop was incarcerated when he was just twenty and hadn’t really had the chance to explore his sexuality as a gay man, so it’s all very new to him. He loves Anson dearly and is very attracted to him, but is worried that Anson will become frustrated at his lack of experience and annoyed because Bishop needs to move slowly. They have a lot to deal with, exploring a new relationship in the face of prejudice and everything Bishop is going through, but they’re stronger together and their eventual HEA is very well deserved.
I admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into the story. It’s a bit slow to start and I was a little bored by all the talk of Bishop’s inability to understand texts and how to use a smartphone. I understand why it happens, but I don’t like being hit over the head, and once or twice would have been enough! Anson’s obliviousness irritated me, too – as I said above, I’d have expected him, of all people, to have a good idea of what Bishop was going through – but he doesn’t want to open up to Bishop about what’s going on at work any more than Bishop wants to make himself vulnerable or admit to what he sees as weakness, so in that, I suppose they’re both as bad as each other!
Nick J. Russo delivers another excellent performance – he’s one of the most consistently reliable narrators around, and I don’t think I’ve given him anything less than a top A grade in over a year! His narration is well-paced and clearly differentiated, and while the secondary cast isn’t large, it’s strongly characterised; David – a heavy smoker – is especially memorable, his voice all gravel and good-humour. The depth of the emotional connection between Bishop and Anson comes through strongly and his portrayals, which fit them both very well, are consistent with the previous book. Anson’s dialogue is spoken at a faster tempo than Bishop’s and his tone is brighter and higher pitched with bit of an edge that speaks to a tendency towards impulsiveness and a bit of a temper, where Bishop’s is deeper in pitch and slower, with a slight accent. Mr. Russo does an incredible job when it comes to conveying the myriad of emotions Bishop is experiencing – fear, doubt, loneliness and terror – and his very real sense of isolation and near despair as he wonders whether he’ll ever feel secure again. He hits every beat perfectly and in a way that seems so effortless and natural you can almost forget you’re listening to a performance; he never gets in the way of the words and always brings something extra to the stories he narrates.
Outside is a powerful story of love and perseverance, of fighting for yourself and what you deserve even when it seems as though the world is against you. The author’s research into the experiences and state of mind of someone in Bishop’s situation has clearly been extensive, and with Nick J. Russo working his vocal magic, it’s another unusual and thought-provoking listen.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Outside is the second – and concluding – part of Nicky James’ Death Row Chronicles, an intense, emotional story about Bishop Ndiyae, a man on death row in Texas, and Anson Miller, the corrections officer who falls in love with him and becomes determined to prove his innocence. The first book, Inside, a gripping, character-driven tale which focuses mostly on the development of the soul-deep connection between the two men, and then on Anson’s quest for the truth and to have Bishop released – is told from Anson’s PoV; this follow-up is told from Bishop’s and it begins just a few days after his release from prison.
Note: Outside is not a standalone and is best listened to after Inside. There may be spoilers for the previous book in this review.
As I said in my review of Inside, don’t go into this one expecting a romance in the conventional sense, one full of hearts and flowers and hot sex, because even though Anson and Bishop can now touch each other and be physically close, twenty years behind bars has taken its toll on Bishop and he’s completely adrift in a world that has changed almost beyond recognition from the one he knew. He has a lot of trauma to process and a lot of adjustments to make if he’s to be able to make a new life for himself – but even with the man he loves at his side, it’s not going to be an easy road, and sometimes, Bishop begins to wonder if it’s even worth it.
There isn’t a great deal of plot in Outside, but that’s okay – after a bit of a slow start it turns into another compelling story as Bishop, overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, bewildered by technology and gripped by anxiety, struggles to make sense of it all, and Anson is beset by troubles of his own that make it harder for him to understand just how hard Bishop is finding it to adjust. It’s not that Anson expected it to be easy, or that he hadn’t expected that he’d need to make allowances for Bishop and give him the time and space to process and work through things, he just hadn’t realised the degree to which he would need to slow down or that he’d need to explain things like smartphones, the internet and ‘text speak’. I did get annoyed at him when he complained that Bishop wasn’t answering his texts and didn’t realise it was because Bishop didn’t know what all the acronyms meant and couldn’t understand what he was saying; I’d have expected Anson to be a little more understanding about that and about Bishop’s issues with leaving the house or deviating from the schedule he’s lived by for the past twenty years. To be fair, though, Bishop doesn’t tell Anson any of those things – he’s grown so used to being the only person he can lean on, to having to appear strong at all times just to survive, that he absolutely rejects the idea of showing anything that could be considered weakness. Such as needing help.
Thankfully, however, there is hope on the horizon in the form of a group called the Innocence Project, formed specifically to help people like Bishop, innocent men and women who are exonerated and don’t have the same kind of support available to them as other ex-cons who serve their time and are released. Through his lawyer, Bishop meets David, a man who has gone through something similar to Bishop, and Roger, a counselor at the project who is also an exoneree. Meeting others who know what he’s going through, people who understand that Bishop feels he just can’t keep up – with Anson, with the pace of life in general – is a huge relief, and helps him to realise that he needs to stop expecting too much of himself.
But there are other issues making life more difficult for the couple. The news of Bishop’s release has led to a media frenzy, and the reporters camped on their doorstep won’t leave them alone, sticking microphones and recorders in Bishop’s face whenever he makes a very rare journey out of the house, and worse, there are plenty of people locally who refuse to believe in his innocence and still see him as a murderer. My blood boiled at the treatment he is subjected to in the second half of the story, at the obvious racial prejudice he endures at the hands of people who should know better. Anson, too, faces bigotry; word has got around the prison that he’s gay (and that Bishop is living with him) and the inmates and some of the guards are not slow to make Anson aware of their feelings on the matter. As Bishop says, they’re “an interracial gay couple in a small town in Texas… the cards aren’t stacked in our favor.”
Bishop and Anson’s relationship is also something to be carefully navigated. Bishop was incarcerated when he was just twenty and hadn’t really had the chance to explore his sexuality as a gay man, so it’s all very new to him. He loves Anson dearly and is very attracted to him, but is worried that Anson will become frustrated at his lack of experience and annoyed because Bishop needs to move slowly. They have a lot to deal with, exploring a new relationship in the face of prejudice and everything Bishop is going through, but they’re stronger together and their eventual HEA is very well deserved.
I admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into the story. It’s a bit slow to start and I was a little bored by all the talk of Bishop’s inability to understand texts and how to use a smartphone. I understand why it happens, but I don’t like being hit over the head, and once or twice would have been enough! Anson’s obliviousness irritated me, too – as I said above, I’d have expected him, of all people, to have a good idea of what Bishop was going through – but he doesn’t want to open up to Bishop about what’s going on at work any more than Bishop wants to make himself vulnerable or admit to what he sees as weakness, so in that, I suppose they’re both as bad as each other!
Nick J. Russo delivers another excellent performance – he’s one of the most consistently reliable narrators around, and I don’t think I’ve given him anything less than a top A grade in over a year! His narration is well-paced and clearly differentiated, and while the secondary cast isn’t large, it’s strongly characterised; David – a heavy smoker – is especially memorable, his voice all gravel and good-humour. The depth of the emotional connection between Bishop and Anson comes through strongly and his portrayals, which fit them both very well, are consistent with the previous book. Anson’s dialogue is spoken at a faster tempo than Bishop’s and his tone is brighter and higher pitched with bit of an edge that speaks to a tendency towards impulsiveness and a bit of a temper, where Bishop’s is deeper in pitch and slower, with a slight accent. Mr. Russo does an incredible job when it comes to conveying the myriad of emotions Bishop is experiencing – fear, doubt, loneliness and terror – and his very real sense of isolation and near despair as he wonders whether he’ll ever feel secure again. He hits every beat perfectly and in a way that seems so effortless and natural you can almost forget you’re listening to a performance; he never gets in the way of the words and always brings something extra to the stories he narrates.
Outside is a powerful story of love and perseverance, of fighting for yourself and what you deserve even when it seems as though the world is against you. The author’s research into the experiences and state of mind of someone in Bishop’s situation has clearly been extensive, and with Nick J. Russo working his vocal magic, it’s another unusual and thought-provoking listen.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
January 4, 2023
This was the second book in the duology and I loved that we get to hear Bishop’s POV this time. I feel like it was pretty easy to know what Anson was thinking, but Bishop was baffled by a lot of his behavior. I was surprised Anson wasn’t more understanding of Bishop’s struggles. Nicky must have done so much research for this series and it shows. All of his struggles felt incredibly authentic. The ending was so satisfying and a long time coming.
I’ve seen some other reviewers complain about it not being steamy enough for them. And it’s admittedly not the highest heat book. Book one has basically no heat. This one has a few sex scenes but most of them aren’t super explicit. I guess I just don’t care if books are steamy or not. I mean, I appreciate some good smut in my books, but I don’t really miss it if it’s not there, especially if the book is plot heavy and has a lot of other interesting elements. This book focuses more on Bishop’s adjustment to living on the outside and his mental health.
I’ve seen some other reviewers complain about it not being steamy enough for them. And it’s admittedly not the highest heat book. Book one has basically no heat. This one has a few sex scenes but most of them aren’t super explicit. I guess I just don’t care if books are steamy or not. I mean, I appreciate some good smut in my books, but I don’t really miss it if it’s not there, especially if the book is plot heavy and has a lot of other interesting elements. This book focuses more on Bishop’s adjustment to living on the outside and his mental health.
March 17, 2020
I really wanted them to get their HEA and they did and it just warmed my heart. The love between Bishop and Anson is so real and true. Relationships are hard in general and I cant even imagine what one with all these obstacles in it feels like. I was so glad the author made sure we saw on page Bishop's progression and also the development of their intimacy. Really good book and I wouldn't mind a little snippet of their life a little further on into the relationship.
June 12, 2021
4.5 stars.
April 13, 2020
4.5 stars - This is the follow up to Inside and takes place shortly after Bishop is released and exonerated for the crimes he didn’t commit. Twenty years he spent inside a maximum security prison, the latter years being on death row. That is a mighty long time to be in that setting where you are on a set schedule, your walls are extremely close and you have limited human contact with anyone other than guards. So, it was definitely expected that Bishop was going to have some problems on the other side. You would think that in a case such as Bishop’s there would be protocol in place to allow for some type of reintegration, but that didn’t seem to be the case here. That, coupled with the hounding press and public distrust basically put Bishop into a different type of prison altogether.
Just as when he was inside, Bishop had Anson by his side championing for him. You could see how much Anson thought he was holding back to go at Bishop’s speed, but that became a much broader detail that took a while to come to realization. It wasn’t just the physical relationship that Bishop needed to take slow. He struggled with things everyone else takes for granted. I had expected Anson to be a bit more understanding with this and what Bishop was going through, but I suppose everyone isn’t perfect. Luckily, Bishop finds help and a friend with an organization made up of other exonerated ex-inmates whose purpose it is to provide the support and help newly-released men need. Who better to understand than someone who has experienced the very things Bishop has and has dealt with the exact same things he is going through? They were truly a lifesaver for him and were crucial to his survival.
Thankfully, even though they both had to make some adjustments, Bishop and Anson figured things out and were even stronger in the end. From the get go, I wanted Bishop to find some peace and happiness that was stolen from him for a better part of half of his life. So to see that come to fruition was a beautiful thing. This was a fabulous ending to this story, and while it didn’t have quite the suspense and anticipation of the first book, the writing was just as spot on and the storytelling right on par. I was already a fan of this author, but this story bumped Nicky James right onto my auto-read list.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
February 29, 2024
Loved this so much, contemporary. Reading the struggles of a man adapting to the outside world and learning to communicate with others and those he loves. The ending felt a little rushed, but wasn’t disappointed.
Review isn’t the best, kind of rambling which is why I bolded the sentences above lol.
spoilers, not major ones
I was honestly hesitant starting this book after reading a few of the comments. Finding out it was going to be Bishops pov only and that it was being described as boring had me worried on whether I was going to enjoy it or not. But I did, I enjoyed it so much. I felt so many emotions reading this, to the point where my eyes are starting to water just remembering what I felt when I read it- doesn’t help that I’m listening to sad music lmao.
I understand what people mean by labeling this a “boring” read, because not much actually happens. It’s just a man who’s struggling with this overwhelming world after being locked up for 20 years. It isn’t going to be that exciting and thrilling, instead it was filled with sadness and the struggles of adapting to a society that constantly shuns you, even when you’re the victim. This story was realistic in a way, we see how much Bishop struggles with the smallest things- but to him it’s like climbing the tallest mountain, and swimming across the widest lake. He struggles with things like sleeping on a comfortable bed, with typing- so many things we perceive as normal because we’ve grown accustomed to it. But he’s never even seen a current phone. Reading this changed the way I felt about freedom, we have so many things at our fingertips that we take for granted. Even seeing the sun rise can mean so much to someone who’s been locked up for years.
The relationship between Bishop and Anson felt a bit undermined? underdeveloped? But I didn’t actually mind it much since I wanted to read how Bishop overcame his struggles. I would’ve loved to have seen more of their romantic and cuteness, because I felt like we only saw Anson not being able to fully understand how Bishop really felt. And at times it also felt like he didn’t take steps to understand? But that’s the thing, Bishop had also put up a wall so it was obvious Anson wasn’t able to communicate fully. Which is why I wanted to read more about their romantic relationship developing.
I would’ve loved to have read more of Jalen and Drake, especially more interactions between Jalen and Bishop. Felt like we barely read about the brothers interacting, I thought we would get a little more or that.
Review isn’t the best, kind of rambling which is why I bolded the sentences above lol.
spoilers, not major ones
I was honestly hesitant starting this book after reading a few of the comments. Finding out it was going to be Bishops pov only and that it was being described as boring had me worried on whether I was going to enjoy it or not. But I did, I enjoyed it so much. I felt so many emotions reading this, to the point where my eyes are starting to water just remembering what I felt when I read it- doesn’t help that I’m listening to sad music lmao.
I understand what people mean by labeling this a “boring” read, because not much actually happens. It’s just a man who’s struggling with this overwhelming world after being locked up for 20 years. It isn’t going to be that exciting and thrilling, instead it was filled with sadness and the struggles of adapting to a society that constantly shuns you, even when you’re the victim. This story was realistic in a way, we see how much Bishop struggles with the smallest things- but to him it’s like climbing the tallest mountain, and swimming across the widest lake. He struggles with things like sleeping on a comfortable bed, with typing- so many things we perceive as normal because we’ve grown accustomed to it. But he’s never even seen a current phone. Reading this changed the way I felt about freedom, we have so many things at our fingertips that we take for granted. Even seeing the sun rise can mean so much to someone who’s been locked up for years.
The relationship between Bishop and Anson felt a bit undermined? underdeveloped? But I didn’t actually mind it much since I wanted to read how Bishop overcame his struggles. I would’ve loved to have seen more of their romantic and cuteness, because I felt like we only saw Anson not being able to fully understand how Bishop really felt. And at times it also felt like he didn’t take steps to understand? But that’s the thing, Bishop had also put up a wall so it was obvious Anson wasn’t able to communicate fully. Which is why I wanted to read more about their romantic relationship developing.
I would’ve loved to have read more of Jalen and Drake, especially more interactions between Jalen and Bishop. Felt like we barely read about the brothers interacting, I thought we would get a little more or that.
March 23, 2020
4.5 Stars~~
Both books about Anson and Bishop expressed the emotional connection and turmoil beautifully.
Bishop’s struggles were heartbreaking, and Anson had trouble finding a way to help. Anson didn’t realize how the simplest things were difficult for him and Bishop couldn’t find the courage to be vulnerable in return.
The transition shows a different side to both characters and their relationship, plus, this was told from Bishop’s POV, the first was Anson’s. There’s a different vibe, obviously, so it did take a few chapters for me to connect with the couple and the new issues they were facing.
There’s very little steam. I wouldn’t say no to some sexier times, but they connect on every level, which means more to me. The bond they form and obstacles they clear is the focus of their story.
It’s definitely worth reading.
Both books about Anson and Bishop expressed the emotional connection and turmoil beautifully.
Bishop’s struggles were heartbreaking, and Anson had trouble finding a way to help. Anson didn’t realize how the simplest things were difficult for him and Bishop couldn’t find the courage to be vulnerable in return.
The transition shows a different side to both characters and their relationship, plus, this was told from Bishop’s POV, the first was Anson’s. There’s a different vibe, obviously, so it did take a few chapters for me to connect with the couple and the new issues they were facing.
There’s very little steam. I wouldn’t say no to some sexier times, but they connect on every level, which means more to me. The bond they form and obstacles they clear is the focus of their story.
It’s definitely worth reading.
October 13, 2020
This was exactly the sequel Inside needed. It would have been far too easy (not too mention completely unrealistic) to shove these characters straight into a seemingly magical HEA at the end of the first book. Anson and Bishop have a long, arduous journey ahead to build a relationship while Bishop struggles to rebuild a life he never got to have. Nicky James doesn't cut any corners in her portrayal of the hardship and trauma that await Bishop on the outside after two decades. A difficult subject, incredibly well handled.
(And now, alas, it appears I have found yet another author whose entire oeuvre must promptly be added to my TBR... the endless struggles of an obsessive reader.)
(And now, alas, it appears I have found yet another author whose entire oeuvre must promptly be added to my TBR... the endless struggles of an obsessive reader.)
March 14, 2020
This book! These characters! Bishop's POV!
Outside is everything you'd want for Bishop and Anson because in it's realistic honesty, it delivers a story with a punch and remind us that life is not all roses and that often the fight for your HEA is the one you need to have with yourself.
The follow-up to the brilliant Inside, Outside delves into Bishop's psyche as he adjust to life outside of prison and in particular outside of death row.
Nicky James once again delivers a thought-provoking romance that will have you 100% rooting for Bishop and Anson's happily ever after.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outside is everything you'd want for Bishop and Anson because in it's realistic honesty, it delivers a story with a punch and remind us that life is not all roses and that often the fight for your HEA is the one you need to have with yourself.
The follow-up to the brilliant Inside, Outside delves into Bishop's psyche as he adjust to life outside of prison and in particular outside of death row.
Nicky James once again delivers a thought-provoking romance that will have you 100% rooting for Bishop and Anson's happily ever after.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 19, 2020
Saga coup de coeur même si j'ai un point aimé ce second tome que le premier.
Nicky James nous livre une histoire au combien touchante d'une réalisme assez déconcertant ...
J'ai compris absolument toutes les réactions de Bishop .... ses peurs, ses angoisses, ses doutes et son insécurité.
J'ai aussi apprécié avoir son POV dans ce tome même si j'avoue que quelques chapitres du POV d'Anson ne m'auraient pas déplus notamment dans l'épilogue.
Nicky James nous livre une histoire au combien touchante d'une réalisme assez déconcertant ...
J'ai compris absolument toutes les réactions de Bishop .... ses peurs, ses angoisses, ses doutes et son insécurité.
J'ai aussi apprécié avoir son POV dans ce tome même si j'avoue que quelques chapitres du POV d'Anson ne m'auraient pas déplus notamment dans l'épilogue.
March 27, 2021
Honestly, if I could give OUTSIDE more than five stars I would, as it's an outstanding story, and it will stay with me for a long, long time. In fact, both INSIDE, and OUTSIDE will; as will Bishop and Anson, who are beautifully written and who genuinely go on a profound, hard fought and at times gut wrenching journey to find just a tiny piece of peace and happiness. And I was utterly captivated throughout.
Would highly recommend. As for me, this duet is a must-read.
Would highly recommend. As for me, this duet is a must-read.
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