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Love in Xxchange #6
A Bit of Me
Xavier Talbot has everything a successful man should, or at least he thought he did. Suddenly he discovers that his brother is a sick sadistic jerk, the boy he found on the streets and raised for the past several years is going to give Xavier a clear understanding of ‘empty nest syndrome’, and the club he’d built up from nothing, The Xxchange, now seems like a sleazy place instead of the GLBT paradise Xavier had imagined. Then a chance encounter with one man gives Xavier a bit of hope in his rapidly depressing world. Chase Murphy only wanted one thing—to find his best friend, James Stratton, who’d been kidnapped by a vengeful sociopath. Hurt and stranded in a town he has no intentions of staying in, Chase meets a man he wants to hate, but he can’t stop thinking about Xavier Talbot no matter what he does. Slowly, seductively, the town and its inhabitants draw Chase in and make him rethink his opinion on forming friendships and the possibility of a long term relationship. He isn’t sure he wants to hang around to see if things would work out, but it isn’t until James is found that Chase discovers the truth about what it means to love people, as friends and, for Xavier, as a lover.
308 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2011
7 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
191 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 24, 2022
'A Bit of Me' is book six in Bailey Bradford's series 'Love in Xxchange' and actually takes place mostly in the Xxchange, the GLBTQ bar and nightclub located in a small Texas town. I have to admit that I was intrigued by the glimpses shown of Xavier in other installments and really wanted to get his story. Plus, the bits of Chase that I had seen fascinated me as I figured there was a whole lot more to the man than what was just on the surface.
Chase hasn't had a happy life and the latest indignities he's suffered have left him with nothing. As a PI in Billings, with pretty much one friend, James, he did a good deed to get a predator off the streets and ran amuck of a very wealthy man. Chase was beaten and hospitalized in Billings, his bank accounts were cleaned out, he was evicted and left with nothing. On top of all of that, his best friend, James, has disappeared. Chase made his way to Texas in hopes that perhaps James headed there, but in exchange, Chase got beaten again and put back in the hospital. The only good thing that's happened, although Chase isn't so sure of that, is meeting Josh, Nick, Adam, Les, and the rest of the family. Chase doesn't know what to make of these people. He's never met anyone who helps someone for nothing and it's confusing him.
Ah, Xavier. Too bad he's stuck with a very sick freak of a brother, Randy. Xavier opened the Xxchange to be a place for the GLBTQ crowd to have a safe bar and nightclub to come to. Somehow, it's become scuzzy over the last few years, and Randy abusing his influence as the owner's brother hasn't helped matters. When Randy goes one step too far with Billy, Xavier's friend and employee, that's the end of being the good older brother. Because Billy has been more like a son to Xavier in the six years he's worked at the Xxchange. Billy is bouncy, cute, always happy and optimistic, so anyone hurting him will suffer Xavier's wrath. Having an FBI agent, Liam, show up after the police and ambulance have been called, and show an inordinate amount of interest in Billy, just puts the cap on Xavier's crappy night.
So, I was wondering how exactly the author was going to coordinate Chase and Xavier meeting. Well, first Xavier runs into Josh at the hospital (*snort*), while Xavier is mad that Liam seems to be holding up Billy's discharge, and Xavier is actually feeling a little empty nest syndrome at the thought that someone else is going to be taking care of Billy. It turns out that Chase is at the hospital getting physical therapy and, thus, Chase and Xavier meet. Which doesn't go very well. Chase has a huge issue with being seen as weak, in any shape or form, so Xavier finds him snarling at Josh. Of course, Xavier sees beyond the attitude to fear and shame which just makes him more intrigued with Chase. And so begins a very interesting dance between these men.
What made Chase and Xavier's love story even hotter, for me, was that it took them the longest before anything physical occurred. Therefore, there was a long, slow buildup of heavy duty sexual tension that, when it happened, just exploded and left me reeling. Yum. Chase is unfamiliar with making love, having only done one-offs his whole life in the attempt to keep everyone at arms length, so Xavier caring for him, even in bed, confuses the heck out of him. It also makes Chase even more appealing as I just wanted to hug him and protect him. I wanted to wrap my arms around Xavier, too, but a lot of that emotion came because he was so awesome in understanding Chase and loving him. Both of these men carry emotional baggage around, but watching them learn to trust one another and love was wonderful.
I really enjoyed this installment and not just because of Chase and Xavier. The author introduced the characters who will factor into the upcoming books, i.e., Billy and Liam, and James and Glenn, having part of their story lines wrapped into this book which succeeded in making 'A Bit of Me' even more interesting and exciting. I am so looking forward to the next installment. Thank you, Bailey!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Chase hasn't had a happy life and the latest indignities he's suffered have left him with nothing. As a PI in Billings, with pretty much one friend, James, he did a good deed to get a predator off the streets and ran amuck of a very wealthy man. Chase was beaten and hospitalized in Billings, his bank accounts were cleaned out, he was evicted and left with nothing. On top of all of that, his best friend, James, has disappeared. Chase made his way to Texas in hopes that perhaps James headed there, but in exchange, Chase got beaten again and put back in the hospital. The only good thing that's happened, although Chase isn't so sure of that, is meeting Josh, Nick, Adam, Les, and the rest of the family. Chase doesn't know what to make of these people. He's never met anyone who helps someone for nothing and it's confusing him.
Ah, Xavier. Too bad he's stuck with a very sick freak of a brother, Randy. Xavier opened the Xxchange to be a place for the GLBTQ crowd to have a safe bar and nightclub to come to. Somehow, it's become scuzzy over the last few years, and Randy abusing his influence as the owner's brother hasn't helped matters. When Randy goes one step too far with Billy, Xavier's friend and employee, that's the end of being the good older brother. Because Billy has been more like a son to Xavier in the six years he's worked at the Xxchange. Billy is bouncy, cute, always happy and optimistic, so anyone hurting him will suffer Xavier's wrath. Having an FBI agent, Liam, show up after the police and ambulance have been called, and show an inordinate amount of interest in Billy, just puts the cap on Xavier's crappy night.
So, I was wondering how exactly the author was going to coordinate Chase and Xavier meeting. Well, first Xavier runs into Josh at the hospital (*snort*), while Xavier is mad that Liam seems to be holding up Billy's discharge, and Xavier is actually feeling a little empty nest syndrome at the thought that someone else is going to be taking care of Billy. It turns out that Chase is at the hospital getting physical therapy and, thus, Chase and Xavier meet. Which doesn't go very well. Chase has a huge issue with being seen as weak, in any shape or form, so Xavier finds him snarling at Josh. Of course, Xavier sees beyond the attitude to fear and shame which just makes him more intrigued with Chase. And so begins a very interesting dance between these men.
What made Chase and Xavier's love story even hotter, for me, was that it took them the longest before anything physical occurred. Therefore, there was a long, slow buildup of heavy duty sexual tension that, when it happened, just exploded and left me reeling. Yum. Chase is unfamiliar with making love, having only done one-offs his whole life in the attempt to keep everyone at arms length, so Xavier caring for him, even in bed, confuses the heck out of him. It also makes Chase even more appealing as I just wanted to hug him and protect him. I wanted to wrap my arms around Xavier, too, but a lot of that emotion came because he was so awesome in understanding Chase and loving him. Both of these men carry emotional baggage around, but watching them learn to trust one another and love was wonderful.
I really enjoyed this installment and not just because of Chase and Xavier. The author introduced the characters who will factor into the upcoming books, i.e., Billy and Liam, and James and Glenn, having part of their story lines wrapped into this book which succeeded in making 'A Bit of Me' even more interesting and exciting. I am so looking forward to the next installment. Thank you, Bailey!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 15, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Chase has had a hard life and it has only got worse in the last few months. He now has nothing at all and his only friend is missing. When he meets Xavier he finds it difficult to handle the attraction. Xavier has troubles of his own; his brother is losing control and Billy has met someone who he could love. When he meets Chase, Xavier thinks he may have just met the man for him.
This story has a great story-line that keeps you reading. Chase is only in the mess he is in because he helped a friend. But saying that, he probably would have done it anyway. He is recovering from a severe beating when he meets Xavier and although he is attracted to him he holds back as he has trouble trusting people. Xavier will go at whatever pace Chase wants and between the two of them they manage to sort out their problems with the help of their friends.
I really liked how this story paced its self and was filled with enough conflict to keep it hopping. The hurt that Xavier feels over his brother is well portrayed and his feelings about losing Billy are all too true and described very well. Chase’s fear of getting close to people is understandable and his worry for his friend is brilliantly done. The relationship between Chase and Xavier is well done and not rushed or over the top and the sex is red-hot.
I will recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, a bit of danger, hot sex, hot men, a fantastic story and great taste in authors. I personally can’t wait for Billy’s story and then I am hoping for James and Shearing’s story.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Chase has had a hard life and it has only got worse in the last few months. He now has nothing at all and his only friend is missing. When he meets Xavier he finds it difficult to handle the attraction. Xavier has troubles of his own; his brother is losing control and Billy has met someone who he could love. When he meets Chase, Xavier thinks he may have just met the man for him.
This story has a great story-line that keeps you reading. Chase is only in the mess he is in because he helped a friend. But saying that, he probably would have done it anyway. He is recovering from a severe beating when he meets Xavier and although he is attracted to him he holds back as he has trouble trusting people. Xavier will go at whatever pace Chase wants and between the two of them they manage to sort out their problems with the help of their friends.
I really liked how this story paced its self and was filled with enough conflict to keep it hopping. The hurt that Xavier feels over his brother is well portrayed and his feelings about losing Billy are all too true and described very well. Chase’s fear of getting close to people is understandable and his worry for his friend is brilliantly done. The relationship between Chase and Xavier is well done and not rushed or over the top and the sex is red-hot.
I will recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, a bit of danger, hot sex, hot men, a fantastic story and great taste in authors. I personally can’t wait for Billy’s story and then I am hoping for James and Shearing’s story.
August 7, 2016
2014 Re-read:
This one seems like it introduces a bit of a departure, although I am not sure in what way. Part of it might be connected to this parallel thing happening – with Billy having his romance in the backdrop of this one and also finishing it a lot earlier than the main guys here, even before his book comes around.
As it stands, I’d much rather read about James next, but that will have to wait another volume. Billy’s is among the shorter ones, though. After both of those, then, the only one in the series I haven’t read before, and a triad at that. We’ll see how it turns out.
Before I hopelessly derail myself, back to this book.
Chase turned out unexpectedly sweet once we were inside his mind. I actually really like him. And Xavier matches him for sweetness, although not in the same way. Together they’re sugar. (In the good way.) Love the devotion that develops as fast as all the other relationships in this series have.
Mostly these romances appear to be love-at-first-sight, or even more than that, seeing how usually the guys get turned on simply by the other person’s presence – even without knowing they’re there and some distance separating them. And then they turn into full and committed and forever-type relationships within short spans of time (or at least not that many meetings).
However! This is what makes it fluffy, and – as fluff goes – this type is a balm to twitchy nerves. All reassurance and happiness. Well, and tons of sex, but I can deal. I’m thinking that the detailed writing and the intensity and sense of time passing, even if it isn’t actually that much once you think things over, really help make these stories feel entirely unrushed.
So yep, I’m still a mostly happy camper.
I might even consider being interested in Billy now. Never thought I would, based on what we saw of him in the previous book.
2012 Review:
Funny how it goes. In some small (and progressively diminishing) way this story’s theme approximated the last I read (Sub-Mission). Anyhow I liked it much better here and the solution was entirely different. Not “teaching submission” to the traumatized guy but respecting his triggers and finding ways around them.
And oh yeah, we’re back with Ms Trauma as the author. This time? Well, compared to others of hers that I’ve read it was fairly tame, I guess.
Xavier had only fairly normal life issues, plus a brother who hated him, but no deep scarring.
Chase, interestingly enough, turned out a lot less intense and annoying than he’d appeared to be in the previous books where he’d shown up now and then. I actually really liked his inner workings and the way he never tried to lie to himself, even when it would have fit the profile. It was nice to watch him soften his defences towards everyone, not just Xavier, and learn to be treated kindly. As for his trauma, yeah, that bit was very bad, but again nowhere near the levels we’ve seen before. And he managed not to have been raped. >.>; I know. It’s just that with some authors you almost expect that to be part of it when there’s been some form of torture.
Which brings me to another thing. Billy had his romance begin and end (happily) during this volume. And James will have his turn fully in the book after that, even though it seems most of the groundwork has been laid.
This is a bit odd for me. Parallel stories never really thrill me, because even if I know either way that things will end happily, actually seeing it before getting to watch it happen in detail is a bit… eh.
But Billy’s a riot, so this might be fun, and Liam seems just really nice. And immediately smitten.
Looking forward to the book after that one, too. It sounds interesting, if trauma-laden.
One other thing? Sex.
It was funny. Every time a perspective or character switch occurred I thought, “Okay, the sex scene is over now for sure.” But it went on. And on. And on again. It wasn’t really a bad thing, just not what I kept expecting. No skipping of anything at all, at least for the greater part of the book. If one part ended with the one guy leering and coaxing the other into the bathroom after heavy sex, the next chapter followed right there in the bathroom, detailing the next bout of sexual activity.
And to be honest, it got a bit too much. At some point I just don’t need another sex scene or even just stress on how those two eye one another up. Just a lil excessive here, is all.
It was still a fun read. :3 Onwards!
This one seems like it introduces a bit of a departure, although I am not sure in what way. Part of it might be connected to this parallel thing happening – with Billy having his romance in the backdrop of this one and also finishing it a lot earlier than the main guys here, even before his book comes around.
As it stands, I’d much rather read about James next, but that will have to wait another volume. Billy’s is among the shorter ones, though. After both of those, then, the only one in the series I haven’t read before, and a triad at that. We’ll see how it turns out.
Before I hopelessly derail myself, back to this book.
Chase turned out unexpectedly sweet once we were inside his mind. I actually really like him. And Xavier matches him for sweetness, although not in the same way. Together they’re sugar. (In the good way.) Love the devotion that develops as fast as all the other relationships in this series have.
Mostly these romances appear to be love-at-first-sight, or even more than that, seeing how usually the guys get turned on simply by the other person’s presence – even without knowing they’re there and some distance separating them. And then they turn into full and committed and forever-type relationships within short spans of time (or at least not that many meetings).
However! This is what makes it fluffy, and – as fluff goes – this type is a balm to twitchy nerves. All reassurance and happiness. Well, and tons of sex, but I can deal. I’m thinking that the detailed writing and the intensity and sense of time passing, even if it isn’t actually that much once you think things over, really help make these stories feel entirely unrushed.
So yep, I’m still a mostly happy camper.
I might even consider being interested in Billy now. Never thought I would, based on what we saw of him in the previous book.
2012 Review:
Funny how it goes. In some small (and progressively diminishing) way this story’s theme approximated the last I read (Sub-Mission). Anyhow I liked it much better here and the solution was entirely different. Not “teaching submission” to the traumatized guy but respecting his triggers and finding ways around them.
And oh yeah, we’re back with Ms Trauma as the author. This time? Well, compared to others of hers that I’ve read it was fairly tame, I guess.
Xavier had only fairly normal life issues, plus a brother who hated him, but no deep scarring.
Chase, interestingly enough, turned out a lot less intense and annoying than he’d appeared to be in the previous books where he’d shown up now and then. I actually really liked his inner workings and the way he never tried to lie to himself, even when it would have fit the profile. It was nice to watch him soften his defences towards everyone, not just Xavier, and learn to be treated kindly. As for his trauma, yeah, that bit was very bad, but again nowhere near the levels we’ve seen before. And he managed not to have been raped. >.>; I know. It’s just that with some authors you almost expect that to be part of it when there’s been some form of torture.
Which brings me to another thing. Billy had his romance begin and end (happily) during this volume. And James will have his turn fully in the book after that, even though it seems most of the groundwork has been laid.
This is a bit odd for me. Parallel stories never really thrill me, because even if I know either way that things will end happily, actually seeing it before getting to watch it happen in detail is a bit… eh.
But Billy’s a riot, so this might be fun, and Liam seems just really nice. And immediately smitten.
Looking forward to the book after that one, too. It sounds interesting, if trauma-laden.
One other thing? Sex.
It was funny. Every time a perspective or character switch occurred I thought, “Okay, the sex scene is over now for sure.” But it went on. And on. And on again. It wasn’t really a bad thing, just not what I kept expecting. No skipping of anything at all, at least for the greater part of the book. If one part ended with the one guy leering and coaxing the other into the bathroom after heavy sex, the next chapter followed right there in the bathroom, detailing the next bout of sexual activity.
And to be honest, it got a bit too much. At some point I just don’t need another sex scene or even just stress on how those two eye one another up. Just a lil excessive here, is all.
It was still a fun read. :3 Onwards!
August 20, 2013
Meet Xavier and Chase.
Xavier is the owner of a bar; Chase is newly out of the hospital, between jobs so to speak, lost his money to a crook, and trying to find his best friend James that is missing.
Both men are tops, and Chase has some issues to work through, especially trust issues.
I actually liked the way the author chose to work through these things, and it didn't just affect their relationship, it also showed in Chase's relationship to other characters in the book.
Maybe a bit heavy on the sex, but the scenes were well written, and fit into the story, and didn't throw my out trying to find the next plot point.
November 19, 2014
I didn't particularly like Chase slowly turning from a hard-ass to a blubbering emotional twink but, apart from that, I enjoyed this story a lot. The main character's pasts could've been more comprehensive and talked about but it wasn't much of a point of contention. It worked okay even if not perfectly and it didn't make me lose my enjoyment at all. I did expect more of James though because he was such a good part of Chase's life and was a little disappointed we learned so little about them as best friends. Also the romance developed way too quickly. It started normally slow but then went way too fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
Reread: downgrading this to two stars because it makes me so irritated. This couple was interesting. It could have been a great story if the author wasn’t trying to weave it around other couples and their stories. The first half is just nonsense because it jumps around so much.
November 29, 2012
This was my one of my favorite books in this series. Two very alpha men with difficult pasts getting together. Love broken heros.
January 31, 2012
Note: Xavier is not a Dom but a Top. Not the same.
March 7, 2012
Sex to plot ratio was skewed a bit heavy towards the sex in this one.
January 17, 2013
My new favorite of the series.
November 12, 2013
Good story.
The intimate side of Xavier and Chase's relationship didn't go in the direction I assumed it would.
The intimate side of Xavier and Chase's relationship didn't go in the direction I assumed it would.
June 14, 2012
Loved Xavier and Chase's story. The Love in Xxchange series are a great read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews