Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Nurses #1

Behind the Gate

Rate this book
Olivia Ambrose is the epitome of strength, she just doesn’t realize it. For a single mom, being a nurse in a maximum security prison has its risk. She encounters the worst of the worst, day in and day out, but continually strives to make it home to her son, Jack. She’s never been shaken…until Damian.

Damian Shaw is the hit-it-and-quit-it type, never staying longer than zipping his fly. Until he lands himself in prison. His first day inside, he meets Olivia…just another pretty face. He soon realizes he feels a magnetic draw to her, but being on the inside doesn’t help the urge to protect her. When tragedy strikes and Olivia comes face to face with her greatest fear, will he be able to help her Behind The Gate?

268 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2015

10 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Renee Adams

3 books40 followers
I started out as a reader, then a blogger, and now author! It is still just a dream to me and one day I will wake up from it and be so super disappointed that this author thing isn't real!
I really never set out to put out any of my work, but I have a twin from another mother, and she pushed me. So I owe my career to her..lol
But, anyways, I am a mother of 2, a wife to a younger man (baby cougar in training) and the keeper of a high maintenance dog named Hang.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
33 (28%)
4 stars
32 (28%)
3 stars
26 (22%)
2 stars
13 (11%)
1 star
10 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,651 reviews11k followers
November 16, 2015
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

TITLE: Behind The Gate
AUTHOR: Renee Adams
GENRE: Contemporary Romance,
RELEASE DATE: November 01st, 2015

MY RATING: 5 Mr Dark and Broody Stars

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

So on the weekend I went one clicking on Amazon and this was one of the results, loved the cover, loved the synopsis and the reviews for this seemed good, then once I started reading this I was reeled in, the storyline is unique, has some pretty good sit on the edge of your seat gritty moments going on too which is a bonus!!

And then I noticed that Behind The Gate by Renee Adams is her debut novel, how is this even possible?

March Correctional Institute is the worst within the state, a level three maximum security prison with a special death row unit, the prison holds the worst of the worst.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Our gear consists of a bulletproof/stab proof vest, a riot gear helmet with a spit shield.

This was surprisingly really good, it kept me glued to my ipad throughout, the sit on the edge of your seat anticipation of wanting to know if she got out of the riot in a body bag or walking, loved the hot chemestry between these two, loved the whole real life aspect that Xavier brought to the story..

Xavier Richards an notorious gang leader was placed behind bars for alledgedly burning men, woamn, and children alive if you crossed him

AND now he has his sights set on Olivia

Stupid bitch! I'm gonna enjoy killing you slowly! Then I'm gonna go after your momma and your kid. Yeah, whore, I know all about you. Got no man to take care of you, bastard son, and it's gonna feel real good when I finally get to f*ck that ass.

I was kind of hoping Damian was going to bring a twist to the story and am sooooo glad that he did..

Everything that happened within this story line you could imagine really taking place, corrupt prison officers, riot, killings, you name it this book pretty much had it all..

You're gonna die bitch.

During the riot guards and prisoners are going down like flies, Damian and Olivia do everything they can to stay alive and away from the other inmates and officers, trust no one, get out alive.


Profile Image for McGee Magoo.
338 reviews55 followers
May 10, 2016
I'm so torn on how to rate this.


The plot of this book is one that I like. Ever since I read Hard Time by Cara McKenna , I've been interested in reading more convict/prison worker romances. And the bonus is that this was suspenseful.

I read this avidly and quickly, certainly entertained through the whole thing.

But (there's a big "but" here)...

A) It's not very believable. Normally, this isn't such a problem, but part of the issue is that the villain is ultra-vengeful and it seemed far-fetched. I prefer the villains of stories to be less shadowy-monster and more human with motivations for the evil. I just couldn't see this guy staying in the prison when he could have broke out and killed her and her family later when her guard was down. It's hard to love a story when the plot has so many holes, you know?

B) The writing needs polishing. Perhaps as this author writes more, her style will improve. This comes off slightly amateurish and an editor was definitely needed.

C) The hero's use of "Bitch". Not a deal breaker, but worth mentioning as something I didn't care for.

All in all, I think if you're picky about style and editing and realism, then this book isn't for you. If you just want a fast-paced, suspenseful story and don't care about that other stuff, this is a great choice. I fall somewhere in the middle. I can forgive a lot of technical stuff, can see past my own eye-rolling at trite and lame passages and plot twists to enjoy a story that is keeping my interest. But I can't really ignore them altogether. So...

2.5-3.0 stars is about right
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
October 30, 2015
I loved Damian he was an alpha man, “I like carrying you, then I know you’re safe. That’s all that matters is that you are safe.” Damian may not be a hearts and flowers kind of guy, but he is a raw man and that is sexy, “I can smell how much you want me, how much you need me. Don’t worry, baby, the feeling is mutual. That ache you feel? That ache will go away soon, I’ll make sure you get your fill.” I enjoyed this book I wasn't expecting the ending, no there wasn't a cliffhanger, I meant the twist in the plot. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Glenna Maynard.
Author 157 books1,520 followers
Read
October 22, 2015
Full review to come.
I had to sit on my thoughts with this one. I wasn't sure of Damian's intentions,, at first, I had an idea but didn't want to jump the gun with my loyalty to him. Olivia is small but feisty and comes off as a strong independent woman, who is open to finding love after being crapped on by the father of her son. I can't go too far into this review without spoilers so I am being careful.
Olivia works as a nurse in a maximum security prison and Damian is a prisoner who has set his sights on her. When havoc breaks loose in the form of a prison riot, is Damian a man Olivia can trust to see her through till the end so she can make it home to her son or is he leading her into the hands of a man intent on destroying her? Read to find out :)
Profile Image for Alicia.
341 reviews
November 30, 2015
As soon as I read the synopsis for Behind the Gate, I was really intrigued. It really sounded interesting and a bit different (and darker) than your everyday contemporary romance. This story started off with promise, but it quickly fell flat. It soon became a chore for me to read it.

Olivia is a single mother to a little boy named Jack. His father is not in the picture at all. She relies on her mother to help with his care after school. Nothing out of the ordinary about this. It's something that happens everyday in the real world and in books. The part that was hard for me to swallow is that she willingly put herself in harm's way working at a prison as a nurse. This is so hard for me to understand. She could have gotten a job at a doctor's office, hospital, clinics, etc, but she chose a dangerous place where she is constantly in danger. At any moment, she, the only parent Jack has, could be taken out of her son's life. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Try as I might, I could not feel a connection to the characters or their connection to each other. Sure Olivia and Damian had a believable attraction, but to fall in love with hardly any contact or conversation was stretching it A LOT to me. Then, when there is an actual life threatening prison break, pretty much all they can think about is sex? And instead of really focusing on getting home safely to her son, she is worried about finding and saving her friends. Commendable? Yes. But when you have a little person depending on you, you make sure you do everything in your power to get back to him, not running around putting yourself in danger.

The dialogue and thoughts of the characters felt juvenile and forced to me. I don't know how many times I rolled my eyes at something that was said or did. I understand there is cussing in prison, but when Olivia or a co-worker cussed, it seemed out of place and thrown in to seem "more mature" or "more hard." It just felt awkward. Maybe my hopes for this book and a good dark read led to my utter dislike of this story and characters, I don't know, but by the time is slogged my way to 50% I was pretty much ready to give up. However, since I received this ARC for an honest review, I made myself finish the book.
Profile Image for Confessions_of_a_Serial_Reader.
374 reviews12 followers
March 12, 2016
This is a likable story the whole way through. Olivia is a nurse at a brutal maximum security prison when she meets Damien, a hardened prisoner transferred from another institution.

Olivia defends herself against a ruthless inmate, Xavier who is known for murdering and torturing his victims. Thus putting Olivia on his radar for revenge. Damien feels a pull toward the nurse and vows to protect her no matter what.

When Xavier stages a prison riot in order to get to Olivia, Damien gets his opportunity to put his money where his mouth is to keep her alive and help rescue her fellow nurses that have been taken hostage by X and his henchmen.

This is where I have some reservations in the story line: During the rescue riot Damien and Olivia stick together to evade X and get to safety. There is an unmistakable attraction to each other, which is acceptable. The issue that I have is that that seems to be the only thing that concerns both of them - sex. It consumes their thoughts every moment and really gives a very unrealistic spin on an otherwise good story.

When Olivia, who makes some bad decisions, meets face-to-face with X - everything is questioned. Who really is Damien and what if has been on X's side this whole time to lure her in.

This is my confession: Aside from the unrealistic chunks throughout, Behind the Gate is an enjoyably quick read and I am honestly looking forward to Book 2 that entails Cori, Olivia's best friend who was held hostage and X's only survivor.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
March 24, 2016
Olivia and Damian both knew right from the start that they wanted each other and that the road to an HEA was going to be slightly (if not most definitely) impossible...after all, she was a prison nurse and he was an inmate. Wrong timing, right from the start but when sparks fly and there is an instant chemistry...what's a girl and a guy to do but just go for it...no matter how hard the road to happiness will be. Throw in an evil criminal who just happens to be Damian's cellmate and who has Olivia in his sights and it becomes a recipe for disaster with serious consequences.
This book was slightly predictable (I figured out the "secret" twist early on) and at times it seemed to have impossible plotlines, but it still was jam-packed full of action, intense sexuality and a lot of violence that kept me on the edge and reading fast to find out how it would all play out in the end. A major tragedy that happens to Olivia's BFF at work will spring us into the second book in the series which promises to be even more full of angst and drama. Pretty good for a debut book with some small, easily fixed issues.

**** 4 **** "fighting on the right side of the walls" stars
Profile Image for Maari.
477 reviews
November 11, 2015
Dark with laughs throughout. What a debut!! I loved it!!
This book is more than 5 stars for me, not only does it have the suspense that I love, but it has two strong characters that make you hungry for more! This book is a standalone. I will be watching for more from this author. Highly recommended to anyone that loves intrigue!!
I was gifted this ebook in exchange for my honest review. Opinions in this review are my own.
363 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2016
Review of Behind The Gate (Nurses #1) by Renee Adams

Review done for Hooked on Books

5 out of 5 stars

What a fantastic debut novel. This book is dark, gritty, and action packed. It had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.

Olivia is a single mom who is working as a nurse at a dangerous prison. She needs the money to look after her son so she puts up with the job. Most of the prisoners don’t bother her but she can’t let her guard down.

When the worst excuse for a human being enters the prison, her life is in immediate danger. Xavier is the devil incarnate. When Olivia defends herself from him, Xavier is set out to destroy her. He has some guards in his pocket so it is going to be hard to keep safe from him.

Damian Shaw thought he had seen everything. He is an undercover cop working to get dirt on Xavier. He certainly didn’t expect a hot little nurse to get him hot and bothered. He doesn’t do relationships and he can’t blow his cover. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t get her out of his head.

He also can’t lose his focus on Xavier. One move and he could end up dead.

Olivia is drawn to the new convict Damian for some reason. Sure he is smoking hot, but she can’t lose her job and he is not a good example for her son. There is just something about him that draws her in.

When all hell breaks lose at the prison, everyone is in danger, especially Olivia. Xavier won’t stop until he tortures and kills her. Damian is going to try to do everything he can to save her.

I loved Olivia and Damian. Even though their relationship started off in a scary way, they are perfect together. I felt so sorry for all the victims in this story. Xavier was one of the worst villains I have ever read about. The author did a great job with him.

I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
March 25, 2016
5 out of 5 stars

What a fantastic debut novel. This book is dark, gritty, and action packed. It had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.

Olivia is a single mom who is working as a nurse at a dangerous prison. She needs the money to look after her son so she puts up with the job. Most of the prisoners don’t bother her but she can’t let her guard down.

When the worst excuse for a human being enters the prison, her life is in immediate danger. Xavier is the devil incarnate. When Olivia defends herself from him, Xavier is set out to destroy her. He has some guards in his pocket so it is going to be hard to keep safe from him.

Damian Shaw thought he had seen everything. He is an undercover cop working to get dirt on Xavier. He certainly didn’t expect a hot little nurse to get him hot and bothered. He doesn’t do relationships and he can’t blow his cover. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t get her out of his head.

He also can’t lose his focus on Xavier. One move and he could end up dead.

Olivia is drawn to the new convict Damian for some reason. Sure he is smoking hot, but she can’t lose her job and he is not a good example for her son. There is just something about him that draws her in.

When all hell breaks lose at the prison, everyone is in danger, especially Olivia. Xavier won’t stop until he tortures and kills her. Damian is going to try to do everything he can to save her.

I loved Olivia and Damian. Even though their relationship started off in a scary way, they are perfect together. I felt so sorry for all the victims in this story. Xavier was one of the worst villains I have ever read about. The author did a great job with him.

I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Bookcrazy.
1,103 reviews
November 16, 2015
1.5 stars - NO recommandation for this book from me - besides the writing failures it was really a "know out" (knock out) the further I've read it.

!!!!slight spoiler!!!!

The starting wasn't so bad, some chemistry yeah :) But which irritated me was his dirty language or let's be more precise his dirty thoughts. His outing wasn't surprising for me, but I hoped that it would be more interesting or something other. And then there was a lot of unnecessary cruelty and violence and that cheesy ending.
Oh and not to forget, her enemy wants to kill her and f... her corpse. So better stay forever in a place where he knows you're hiding in. And to top all of it let the protagonists have sex and forget about the cams while the bad guy is controlling the control panel. Completely understandable - or NOT!

So let's recap, he's thinking about her as a bitch which he only wants to f... and that he isn't into relationships then there's that cheesy ending where he completely changed and makes happy family with her son. I didn't get why his thoughts were so dirty before and than suddenly disappear.
And we also don't get any information, about how he continue with his job.

So let's better not read it - or if you're looking for a prison love romance, I recommand 'A pound of flesh' by Sophie Jackson.
Profile Image for Stephanie  Mae.
703 reviews
March 7, 2016
I either didn't read the synopsis of this book or forgot what it said because I had no clue what to expect from this book. Either way I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it. Olivia is a single mother and nurse at a high security prison with some of the worst criminals in the country. She never had a real problem with any of the inmates until this new batch that got transferred over. She was instantly attracted to the inmate with crystal blue eyes that she thought burned with hate for her. As she was checking in Xavier, another new inmate that gave her the creeps, Damian fights his way into the room causing some chaos that ended up getting Olivia in some trouble. Damian had secrets that he was hiding from basically everyone but when trouble breaks out in the prison all he really wants to do is protect Olivia. This story was action packed and Damian was definitely a hot alpha male and I appreciated every minute of this book!
Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Alisha
Profile Image for K.
251 reviews23 followers
June 24, 2016
I did a stupid......I read the second book in this series before I read this one. This was kind of a problem for me because I LOVED Behind the Mask and I just did not connect with Olivia's character as much as Cori in BtM. This was still a really good read, and while I did think some of Olivia's actions were a little sketchy, she was still a very strong character and Damian was super appealing (but that may be because I had spoilers from reading BtM first).

Overall, I did enjoy this story a lot, and if I had read this book first like I was supposed to I might be raving about it even more than I currently am. Very solid book.

*Triggers*
If you are easily triggered, please note that this story does take place in a prison and bad things do go down in this story. There is definitely violence and there is attempted rape and rape (which is thankfully not explicit).
Profile Image for Kelsey Walker.
33 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2016
This book was fabulous! When I started it, I really wasn't sure how it was going to go, it's very different than what I normal read but I really loved it!

This story takes place in a prison. Olivia is a nurse who started to develop feelings for her "inmate" Damien. This isn't the typical roses and hearts love story.

I was hooked from page one, captivated trying to figure who Damien really was and Renee did not disappoint! The story was well written and very intriguing. The only thing that got me a bit was the moment they decided to be physical in the book seemed a bit like the wrong place and the wrong time, but the scene itself was very well written!

Amazing book, fabulous author, I look forward to reading more of Renee's work!
Profile Image for Shay.
1,269 reviews39 followers
March 7, 2016
Behind the Gate is a fast paced story about Olivia, a prison nurse and Damian, a prisoner that had me from the get go. He immediately protects her even though he cannot understand why. She is instantly drawn to him even though she shouldn't. I had time with both of these characters, shaking my head. They were juvenile yet others times I could understand why they did the things they did. They had some depth but felt like they needed more. It's like I could hear their voices but at times it was muffled.
It had some potential but with some editing errors, it took me away from enjoying it all.
I like to the storyline. It's not something you see everyday. I do want to see what she comes up with next.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
March 22, 2016
Wow. I did not expect what I read in this book. Olivia is a nurse at a prison. One Friday she is on new inmate transport duty. One of the inmates tries to get personal and Olivia takes him down. How does she do it? What is going on in the background while she is fending off the convict? Who is Damian Shaw? What is it about him that captures Olivia's attention when he comes in on the transport with Xavier? What happens in this book as far as the prison riot, dirty guards, and such did not surprise me. The one thing that did surprise me is Damian. You are going to have to read this book to find out what I found out. I cannot wait to read Behind the Mask now.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 46 books395 followers
May 3, 2016
Woah! Behind the Gate by Renee Adams was intense, brassy, in your face, and amazing. Though not your typical romance, this is a serious must read!!

Oliva is a nurse for one of the worse prisons in the state, trying to make a better life for herself and her son, whom she is raising on her own. She does her job and does it well and ever since Damian walked in with a new crop of prisoners, something happened inside her.

Damian finds himself in Olivia’s prison and can’t seem to fight the attraction, but now he also has to protect her. Can he? How is it even supposed to work when he is a prisoner and she isn’t?

4.5 stars!! Renee Adams knows how to tell a story, and this one will grab you, pull you in, and hold you prisoner. Get to one clicking today!!!
Profile Image for Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing.
661 reviews15 followers
November 12, 2015
I must say that this book was not what I was really expecting. I figured out the twist early on but that did not take from the book. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I was a little disappointed when it ended. I loved reading about Olivia and Damien and of course Xavier. This book had all of the things that I liked and needed and there was never a dull moment to be seen or read. I can't wait to read more from Renee cause I have a feeling that I won't be disappointed at all.
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,501 reviews47 followers
November 11, 2015
Sexy and unexpected this book gives us a new Alpha to love, Damian.
Olivia is smart and beautiful and lucky. Yeah Lucky because she falls for the dark and sexy Damian. This book is filled with twists and turns that leave you gasping and begging for more. But don't worry it isn't a cliffer, but you will still want more of Damian. I mean a man that loves carrying you around and make you feel sexy at the same time? Yeah a total keeper. 5 Stars and more!!!
Profile Image for Unrulyreadr Reviews.
1,138 reviews20 followers
November 11, 2015
This amazing book took me by my emotions and just shook me to the core. OH my world , I was so emotionally drained by the time I finished this book I had to just sit and stare into space. It was one of those books. I am honored to have gotten a ARC of it for my honest review. Set in a prison , with a mad man loose. The most sexy man is all that is between you and the crazies. FUDGE! It had it all to me, the excitement, the realness, the sex, and the HEA.
Review by Dana
JustaBooklovinjunkie
Profile Image for Chianti Summers.
Author 11 books41 followers
January 5, 2016
This book left me in a fog! Renee Adams brought two characters together and boom an explosion of chemistry. You get the alpha in Damian. You get the sexy and strong Olivia. There are twists and turns throughout this read that will have you with many thoughts in your head. This is an attention holder and holds you there until the end. Renee Adams is sure to leave you wanting more!
Profile Image for Theresa Ritchie.
753 reviews
January 25, 2016
I won this book in a comp I loved this book so much ,loved Damien , this book differently a must read , looking forward to reading the other books
Profile Image for Renee.
743 reviews21 followers
May 17, 2016
Page turner

Damien was hot Olivia was a good mixture of tough, sweet, and naive. Their relationship was super fast but it's a story so I guess it works lol
259 reviews
May 28, 2016
This was one of the best books I've ever read! It was so unlike anything I have read before!I can't wait to read the next one!!!
Profile Image for Meaghan Royce.
326 reviews12 followers
August 8, 2016
I loved this book! Olivia is a strong, single mom who works at a prison. She meets Damien, an inmate and sparks fly. Things are definitely not always what they seem and the ending is perfect.
Profile Image for Ushmi.
406 reviews
July 22, 2021
1.5🌟
I started to like her but when Xavier released the inmates, she was behaving like a child not a trained nurse working in a prison!!!!

And he is a cop😶lol
When I chose this book i wanted to read about a prisoner and a nurse and their story. Not about a pathetic woman who don't even know how to do her job and a secret cop as a prisoner.😒😒😒😒😒. Boring.

Is this a debut novel?? Maybe so.. cz her story and writing both need improvement.
144 reviews9 followers
November 14, 2016
Interesting plot line

This is one of those stories where I wish I could have met the characters 6 months before the book started. The chemistry is insane and the villain is an absolute mind trip.
Profile Image for Diana Kopszywa.
185 reviews
May 12, 2017
Gate

It's rough and tumble a sometimes a bit crazy! But it's a pretty good read! I read book two first and man, makes me want to read it again.
Profile Image for Crystal.
569 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2018
Not bad for a first book

Seriously this is a great start to a book series and a new author. I will enjoy seeing where this goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.