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Sexual Misconduct #2

Underneath It All

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Avery was unexpected but exactly what I needed. She gave me hope again, made me feel things I thought died over a decade ago.

I was reverting back to the man I used to be. The man who destroyed lives to keep the one person who meant everything to him.

My secrets were piling up. I didn't know how long I'd be able to maintain it all.

But I knew I'd do anything to keep her.
There was only one way to hold on to her. I had to let her see who I was underneath it all.

Warning: This is an erotic serial and contains explicit sexual content and language. This is Part Two. Insomnia, Sexual Misconduct Volume I, must be read first.

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2014

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468 people want to read

About the author

Bethany Bazile

13 books656 followers
Bethany Bazile reads, writes, and lives in the Northeast with her husband and two amazing kids. Her passion for writing was born from a love affair between books and music. She loves books that draw her in and won’t release her until she’s inhaled every word, panting with excitement. Then she realizes the sun came up, but the loss of sleep was so worth it. When she isn't reading, she’s conjuring up steamy love scenes and hot romance stories to share with fellow romance lovers. She can’t function without her cup of coffee and operates on a vampire-like time-frame.

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5 stars
118 (31%)
4 stars
156 (41%)
3 stars
74 (19%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Books & Vodka Sodas.
1,123 reviews128 followers
July 20, 2014
The second installment of The Sexual Misconduct series has finally come! I have to say I am very on the fence about this series. For one, EVERYTHING about Xander's behavior towards Avery is, well, unhealthy. I was so hoping that her skills as a doctor would help him, but she appears to be just laughing it off and enjoying his chest pounding and random screaming fits if another man so much as blinks at her.

I feel like, she would be more willing to help him through that part of himself rather then see how many times they can get the hump on, while in Cali. Although, hot, for me its not proving love to me. I love Avery as a character, I think she is level headed, and realistically charmed by this dude. I would be also--when I was 17 - 20 years old though lol

As a whole the series isn't terrible. Where characters in other books display possessive behavior towards their women, they don't get as shouty and angry as Xander does. They approach it in a way where any rational male that is in love would.

I know that this series is pretty much written. Based on the revelation in this series, I can't help but feel she should either say, "BUBYE!" or offer to actually help him through his issues with anger and work the relationship out. Neither are conductive to a romance serial series so I'm pretty sure a whole lot of drama is gonna spill out before this series is over!

*I received a FREE copy via The Book Enthusiast Promotions*
Profile Image for Laurie H.
58 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2014
4 stars out of 5 because it was too damn short!! Only 84 pages. A quick read but my, Oh my, what an enjoyable one. And then.....there's another cliffhanger!!!

We now know what Xander's secrets are and why his mother acted so oddly when she and Avery met. We still have a lot of unanswered questions that will hopefully be answered in installment number 3.

Xander and Avery have a very hot and steamy romance going on but also a little unhealthy. When Xander is upset, angry, jealous, paranoid, etc he does the only thing he knows to do to cope.....have sex. The "L" word is now out in the open with those two so what will they do with it?

I will read Volume III to see where this thing goes.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews160 followers
July 13, 2014
Lie to protect.

Lie not to destroy.

Lie to keep Avery happy.

This is Xander’s reasoning when he starts on his slippery slope of falsity. In Underneath It All, volume 2 of Bethany Bazile’s Sexual Misconduct serial, Xander’s secrets are slowly being revealed: some to Avery and all to readers, and we are also starting to see the man underneath the Hollywood star and tortured soul. He’s in deep with Avery, and all of his illogical tendencies are manifesting. The Xander of 12 years ago is controlling and manipulative, and when he feels like things are slipping from his grasp…things he wants, he takes desperate measures to hold on. But what happens when Avery learns all of his secrets? She may be just as desperate as he is to be together as a couple, but she’s a black and white person who knows the difference between right and wrong. She’s trained to help others, but how can she help herself if she doesn’t try to see underneath the man she knows she loves? Secrets and lies always surface regardless of how much people try to bury them, so it’s only a matter of time before Xander’s life, once again, spirals out of control, and when that happens, Xander and Avery will never be the same.

In volume 2, readers are given more insights into what happened to cause Xander’s insomnia. He wants to show Avery that he trusts her to know who he really is, so he provides her with the details from twelve years ago, but there’s more to tell. Xander’s not ready or willing to unload all of his truths, which is causing him to go off kilter a bit in terms of his obsessive tendencies. The hot sex between Xander and Avery continues, but Xander is using it as a way to avoid his deeper issues, and Avery is allowing him to do so.

There is a definite conflict of interest in Avery’s decision to remain Xander’s therapist as well as his lover, and when she takes on another client who can share insights into Xander’s situation, Xander’s paranoia increases. And then there’s the bomb that’s dropped at the end of the text and Xander’s decision of what to do with the information. All of this sets the stage for the resolution in Lie to Me.

It will be interesting to see how everything plays out in the final installment. Avery’s reaction will either be Xander’s undoing or his redemption, and at this point, knowing the type of person Avery is, I don’t see it ending well for him at all.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Monica Cullip.
314 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2014
Underneath It All

Bethany Bazile

This story was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is the second installment in the Misconduct Series.

The first segment left on with a bit of a cliffhanger as we realize that Gabriella the stripper, that Xander was sleeping with at the start of story one, the one who gave him the business card for Avery is actually her roommate, little innocent Ellie. Wow, what a secret these two have to keep now. Avery will be devastated to know the truth. But it does provide for some very awkward situations when Xander and Ellie are in the same room.

Avery and Xander continue to get close to one another, physically and emotionally. She is able to get him to open up to her and explain the reasons behind the nightmares. She is understanding him a little bit more now knowing the reason for his demons and works to help him work through the guilt that he is feeling.

There feelings for one another deepen and they are soon exchanging “I love You’s” They are quickly becoming the centre of each other’s lives. Their love is deep and all consuming. The sex between them is frequent and very hot as their deep commitment to one another is shown in their lovemaking.

But all is not as quiet and calm as it appears. Best friend Marcus has been digging into the past of our favourite Dr Avery and what he finds will blow the lid wide open on their relationship. It might be the end. It just might be something that neither one of them can find the courage to get past.
Profile Image for Brittany L..
136 reviews
July 16, 2014
Four Stars for the Cliffhanger Queen

oh my gosh. The way this series kept me on the edge of my seat, practically begging for another chapter, never wanting the page turning to end, is simply amazing

Seriously, I cannot wait until the conclusion of this series, I honestly have the same questions as Xander.. and even though I am totally 100% team Xander, I don't think it's looking too good for him right now. FINGERS CROSSED FOR XANDER!



Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,010 reviews431 followers
July 14, 2014
This is the second part of a three part series. First two books ending in a cliffhanger.

Really enjoyed this book. Was so glad Xanders secret from his past was revealed and my heart went out to him. Love Avery although I think she should give him a kick in the behind for his behaviour!! Loved the chemistry between these two characters.

Looking forward to part three. I wonder how this relationship will progress and if Xander will be truthful with Avery.
750 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2014
OMG totally amazing short read, just when I thought the first installment was a.azing here comes the second. The cliffhangers are great, they keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting for the next installment of the series to come out.
Profile Image for Romance4thebeach.
161 reviews13 followers
June 2, 2019
Holy mother of all dirty talkers! It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, Insomnia, so I sort of forgot that our main character Xander is the king, nay the emperor, of dirty talk. He also takes the term “alpha-male” to an all new level, but not necessarily in a good or healthy way. This book definitely had more substance than the last one, and although there was still a decent amount of build up in regards to the plot, there was less of it. I actually enjoyed that there was less build up because it consistently held your interest throughout, whereas nothing really happened in the first book until the last few pages. I’ll tell ya one thing though, the author definitely likes dirty talk and cliffhangers.

In the first book Xander definitely demonstrated his proficiency in the arts of dirty talk, but the eventual sex between him and Avery was kind of quick and unsatisfying. Well, for me anyway. They seemed plenty satisfied. But cheese and ricecakes did they go at it in this one! He alpha-maled the crap outta her, and she was pretty alpha-female (is that a thing?) herself. He would become a raging fit of jealous testosterone every time another man interacted with her, and Avery would also seethe with resentment whenever another woman attached herself to Xander’s arm. Seriously, the two might as well have just gone ahead and peed on each other to mark their freakin’ territory. It would actually probably be the best solution for them, because I personally know I wouldn’t step near a guy who smelled like piss.

We never really learned much about either character in Insomnia, just that they both had secrets. However, in this book Xander really opens up to Avery about where his nightmares stem from, and we are sort of offered a glimpse as to why he is so possessive and controlling when it comes to women. That being said, we still don’t learn much about Avery, which was extremely annoying. Here is Xander, opening up like he’s on Oprah Winfrey’s couch for crying out loud, and yet Avery remains tight lipped to the very end. Even after the two exchange “I love yous”, she doesn’t share how she ended up in foster care, or how her life was affected because of it. Out with it already woman!

There is another big reveal at the end of this book, which was definitely an OMG moment, but less climactic than the first one. Even though it’s been a while since I finished book one, I remember after reading it I was like, “Holy shit, where’s the next one!”. Now, I’d say I’m mildly intrigued to find out how all of the lies and deception between our various characters will come together in the final installment of the series. You pretty much know it’s gonna blow up in a nasty way.

See full review on romance4thebeach.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Rachel.
799 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2017
**SAME REVIEW FOR ALL BOOKS IN SERIES**

Sexy actor and shrink have chemistry

I actually liked this mini series. Sexy scenes and good underlying secrets that expose themselves in last installment. Would have liked to see different cover model, this one didn't live up to my vision of Xan. Also would love to see more after issues were resolved in ending.
246 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2017

Too much soap opera drama and sexfest. Not enough story. Very disappointed. Final straw was the "let's heal everyone even though they don't deserve it" bullshit. Please don't start going all hippy.

4 reviews
April 6, 2018
Love it

This book is 6 stars not even 5. I'm going straight into book 3. Can't put it down. To be continued
Profile Image for Suzie Q.
282 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2018
Cliffhangers are good.

I have not been able to put this series down. It is captivating. I’m anxious to see how it all ends. I’m rooting for Xander.
1,020 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2014
I struggled as to what I should rate this, and I'm comfortable saying I'd give this solid three stars (even 3.5) for I "liked it." I did enjoy the overall trilogy and am glad I read all three books back to back. I received a complimentary copy of the first book, Insomnia, through NetGalley from the publisher/author for an honest review. I was relieved the next two books were already published so I could get the full story rather than in delayed pieces. I'm not absolutely sure I would have continued after the first book, but am glad I hung in there.

I had a hard time connecting with Avery and Xander at the beginning. I'm not opposed to insta-love stories, but I was super surprised to realize three months went by and felt I missed their real emotional depth/connection beyond their physical relationship. Sometimes it felt like that was all there was between them. BUT there are no complaints about their chemistry. They author did a great job crafting a connection between the two that left me with no doubt about their uncontrolled passion for each other.

Once we learned more about Xander, his abrasive and in your face behavior lessened. Of the two main characters, I really liked him the most and felt like we get a full picture of him emotionally. Avery continued to be a struggle and I felt like there was a depth of emotion missing about her past in the foster homes and her painful struggles after her parent's death. Panic attacks were mentioned briefly once, but I wanted more to understand how she dealt with the life she was handed. We knew how her past shaped her to be the adult she became, but it felt like several times we were on the emotional cusp of getting down what makes her tick.

Hands down I know what bothered me the most was Ian and his intrusion into Avery's life to get at his brother. And maybe this is why I struggled with Avery. Ian's jealousy and spitefulness for Xander climaxes in the third book and I kept shaking my head wondering how Avery could let him manipulate her by being her "friend." Why did she hug him or let him comfort her?? We saw these moments through Xander's point of view, and wonder if we'd had hers it would make more sense as to why. I never felt Ian's sincerity even to the end.

There are multiple things I liked about these books. The writing was very well done. This was my first book/series by the author and it won't be my last. Xander's character really developed over the books and there's no doubt the chemistry between him and Avery was explosive. We had short glimpses into the side characters; enough that made me want to learn more about Ellie, Marcus, and yes - even Ian because I want him to redeem himself. I hope we get more about each of those characters, and in the process see Xander and Avery's relationship progress.
Profile Image for AerinLuvs.
283 reviews16 followers
October 26, 2014
4 ★★★★

The second installment after Insomnia begins right where Vol. 1 ended!

So, this one is all about lies. We've found out a big lie about Xander, and he's determined to keep Avery Shaw, M.D., and his increasingly obsessive relationship with her. She isn't just a random Fuck. Xander makes the leap and reveals what causes his nightmares to Avery. It's pretty serious and we can understand why he's sober now.

In this one, we don't find out much more about Avery, other than the fact that she is not very good at keeping her boundaries with Xander.

Then near the end, we find out a big key to Avery's past, and also Xander's past, and how their pasts are tied together!

Marcus and Ian have more of a role in this installment, and both men are attractive and tall with blond somewhat messy hair.

Xander and Avery are falling hard for each other and are basically inseparable and Xander brings her with him to the Academy Awards in L.A.

I would have given this 4.5 stars, but I found a few editing errors in my retail copy of this book. "Were" should have been "we're", and there was a totally new word, realist, which should have been "more real" or even "real-est"...the word "realist" completely changed the intended meaning of the sentence.

191 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2014
The cliffhanger in book one left us holding our breath as to what is going to happen now that Xander and Ellie have met and there is more to their history than meets the eye. In this book we are also given more insight into Xander’s past, his relationship with his brother and his history with Jessica, his ex-wife. Avery made a trip to L.A with Xander for an awards show, where she met Marcus and also was thrown into the world of paparazzi and fame.
After returning home after the LA trip Avery felt that something was off, that something had occurred when Xander met with Marcus. But she wasn’t going to push him; she would wait until he was ready to share.
The chemistry was still very present between Avery and Xander, it was HOT!!!! The tension between Ellie and Xander added an increased stressor for Xander to deal with. When more information about the past is revealed, Xander has to decide when is it ok to lie and when do you need to put it all on the line. This book was WONDERFUL; it is a short and quick read with SO MUCH passion, intrigue and suspense it keeps you on your toes. I can’t wait to see what happens in the third installment in the series.
Profile Image for Becky.
155 reviews
August 11, 2016

So the story of Xander and Avery continues as the first book ended the second picks right up where the first one left off. I truly liked the storyline but my only wish is that it was one book instead of a total of three. I felt like it was kind of hard to remember who some of the characters were and the storyline. But besides that, it was worth the read.

Avery is still trying to get into Xander’s head and he is still trying to hide his past. He finally did start to open up to her. When he does, he lays a big surprise on her. She didn’t know how to take it and she was trying to wrap her head around his news. In volume II, you will get to see a little more into the past of Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious himself.

“I mean I’m controlling and manipulative. I become consumed when I feel something for a woman.” This quote alone describes Xander perfectly.

I am looking forward to the next volume in this series. I can’t wait to see what other secrets will be reviled and if Xander finally tells Avery the whole truth.
Profile Image for Jill.
349 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2016
Holy bananas, Batman! Another brain bursting cliffhanger conclusion. *sigh* My heart goes out to Xander. He is in an impossible situation. But I sure didn't feel like that when this book started. His strategy for managing the crisis that unfolded at the conclusion of Insomnia is just plain foolish and his method of dealing his co-conspirator is almost cruel. I found myself asking "is this the same guy I panted over in Book 1?" I felt like I was bouncing around a pinball machine during the first portion of this story. I wasn't sure who I liked, who was crazier or how these people could have so many orgasms in a single day.

The combination of their sexual hunger for one another, their sorrow from previous personal losses and their emotional desperation amounts to a heady reading experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. My heart pangs for both Xander and Avery and I just hope that they can survive the conclusion of book 2 because it is almost beyond comprehension.
Profile Image for Sandra Love.
Author 11 books276 followers
July 13, 2014


Overall Rating 4.5 Stars!!

OMG the cliffhangers are going to be the death of me. I loved this short book so much. It left off where book 1 end and boy this book so far is my favorite. The author really knows how to entertain her readers. I was not able to put it down, I had to know what was going too happened. The last book ended in a shocker.
Xander has a troubled past and in this book you find out what it is. And it is most definitely an OMG moment. Again I loved all the characters they are well written in. The plot was amazing believable. I really have grown to LOVE this author, I think she is brilliant and amazing. This short story is packed with lots of steamy sex between Avery and Xander and it even has a little suspense. A MUST read!!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,694 reviews50 followers
August 25, 2014
This is part 2. Part 3 is already released, so you even though Underneath It All doesn't complete the story, you don't have to wait for the conclusion

Avery is still trying to figure out what Xander's secret is that causes his nightmares. Their relationship has grown stronger and Avery is healing Xander by being with him. He's in love with her, and she him.

Avery goes with him to California for him to accept an award for a movie he helped produce. While there, Marcus, Xander's closest friend and business partner, tells him something from Avery's past that could tear them apart.

Excited to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,382 reviews121 followers
August 22, 2014
Wow! I thought the reveal at the end of Insomnia was big. That was nothing compared to the revelation in Underneath It All.

Xander is in big trouble. All of these lies are snowballing and he is going to be crushed under the weight of it all. Forget about losing Avery. He needs to come clean to more than her. He needs to pay for his mistakes. Only then will he start to heal. I'm also curious what role Xander's mother played. Lots of pieces to put together still.

I'm really not liking Xander right now but excellent story!
Profile Image for The Lusty Literate.
724 reviews39 followers
August 3, 2014
4 Stars | White Hot Steam

Wow. This serial gets hotter and hotter! This second installment truly burned up my e-reader. I loved it!

I didn't admire Xander beyond his prowess in INSOMNIA, however in this installment his appeal grew exponentially. In addition to being a dead sexy stallion in possession of phenomenal bedroom skills, Xander slowly revealed his humanity and heart in UNDERNEATH IT ALL.

With it's fabulous plot movement, delicious angst and mind blowing sex- I'm hooked & can't wait for more!





Profile Image for Readingzmything.
613 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2014
4 Stars! This is the second part to the (Sexual Misconduct) series. Told from a dual POV, this story is filled with a torchered, dirty talking sexy alpha male, a strong heroine, lies, deception and some REAL steamy sex scenes. Little by little Xander's secrets are being revealed. How will Avery handle the truth when it all comes to light? I can't wait to read the third and final instlallment of the ( Sexual Misconduct) series.
Profile Image for Selipperydickdip.
581 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2015
Well if things were bad for Xander in the first book they have gone to shit big time in this one ...
he appears at times to be cold, slightly psycho, crude and demanding but with an abrasive sexy core - which makes me want to continue reading to see where and if the light will ever shine upon him... cause surely even he deserves a break and someone who will love him regardless.

Love the way Bethany Bazile writes ... awesome!!
Profile Image for Ja Ma.
359 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2015
A HUGE cliffhanger.. need to know. Also, I think Avery is the worst therapist ever! Talk about conflict of interests.. how can she be the therapist of her boyfriend AND his brother when she knows how strained their relationship is? That´s just stupid.. and she wants to help Xander with his issues without aproaching THE issue, that´s just ridicoulus.. SHE SHOULD KNOW BETTER!
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,606 reviews45 followers
August 26, 2015
Decididamente esta história é uma sucessão de acontecimentos surpreendentes uns atrás dos outros.
Depois do segredo com a Ellie, mais um que surge: como pode o Xander contar à Avery que ele é o responsável pela morte dos pais. Não pode, e é assim que ficamos pendentes para a terceira parte da história ...
COmo reagirá a Avery quando todos os segredos forem revelados?
Profile Image for Randi.
371 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2014
This is one of those series that the plot thickens at the end of each book. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed volume 1 and 2. I hope volume 3 is just as good. Has everything from alpha male to independent woman.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books110 followers
July 10, 2014
It always starts a little slow...but then it grips me and keeps me on the edge of my seat, leaving me wanting more when it's over...except it's not over and I'm just left here...hanging!

Full review to come with my tour date on 7/14!
Profile Image for Pamela Washington.
Author 10 books135 followers
January 29, 2015
another must read!! I couldn't put it down! what a page turner it was!! :-) things wasn't going to go for Xander!! and the sex scenes!! I love them!! I give this book 10+ it's a page turner and it will have you wanting more!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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