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. ( )

Powerful

I really liked Anson and Bishop’s story. It was very powerful and very painful to read. The bond between the two men was extreme, and I could feel the pain they shared. Excellent writing by Nicky James. ( )