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The Swap

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When layoffs hit Jim LaRue’s company, his first concern isn’t for his own job, it’s for his friend and co-worker, Tommy Graves. Tommy’s coming off a bad year, finally made better by the purchase of a new house. Losing his job would mean losing the house, however, and his newfound lease on life. Jim can’t let that happen to the man he’s secretly come to love, so he proposes a swap to his boss—forfeit his own job to save Tommy’s.

Now suddenly out of work, Jim reluctantly accepts a job helping Tommy remodel his house. Having the work is great, but it also chafes Jim’s pride to be employed by his friend, and creates one of several obstacles in their budding romance.

Can Jim and Tommy get past their differences and finally make this swap work in their favor?

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2010

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83 people want to read

About the author

Devon Rhodes

65 books202 followers
I have always had my nose in a book and my head in the clouds!
Now I'm finally doing what I love as a career.
When I'm not lost in my imagination, you can find me in beautiful Oregon and at:

My Website: http://www.devonrhodes.com/
My Blog: http://devonrhodes.blogspot.com/
Blog with TA Chase: http://devoandtata.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devon.rhodes

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for CrabbyPatty.
1,712 reviews194 followers
August 7, 2021
3.5 stars. "The Swap" is a quick read about friends and co-workers Jim and Tommy. When the workforce needs to be reduced, Jim - who's always had "a soft spot—hard spot?—for a certain blond machinist" - asks to be laid-off instead of Tommy. Tommy's realization that he was attracted to men (or what is just Jim?) had been the death knell of his marriage, and he has just closed on a house that he hopes will be a fresh start for him.

Jim and Tommy quickly find themselves in the midst of a very steamy relationship as they work to renovate Tommy's new home. I like how we get both Jim and Tommy's POV throughout the story, but seriously these two men need to USE THEIR WORDS and communicate! The HFN ending feels way too rushed and hurried along, as Jim and Tommy still have a LOT of issues to resolve.

At the end of the day, I liked "The Swap" for its interesting plot. I wouldn't mind having this story expanded to novel length and seeing how Jim and Tommy navigate a life together.

I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Profile Image for Nikyta.
1,459 reviews263 followers
July 20, 2011
I quite enjoyed this one. It was cute, sweet and short. Just the perfect book I needed after reading something I didn't totally enjoy.

I loved Tommy and Jim. Tommy is one of those cute guys who babble when they are nervous (I love those guys!) so I fell in love with Tommy right away. Jim was extremely sweet, willing to give up his job because he didn't want Tommy to (1) be stuck without a job since he just bought a new house and (2) have Tommy start getting depressed again since Tommy is just now starting to liven up after his divorce.

I really, really liked this one. The only thing is, it's too short. I think it needed a few dozen more pages and while I liked the story with the sexual tension, I still wanted more of these guys. I wanted a few questions I had to be answered. Like 'What's going to happen now?' those types of answers.

All in all, definitely recommended. I hope Ms. Rhodes is thinking of writing a sequel because I'd love to have more of Tommy and Jim.
Profile Image for Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥.
1,224 reviews146 followers
October 24, 2016
Can I first just say how much I dislike the cover models. Eww they don't really match the two guys that are in my head. I don't really like them. As far as the story goes, I think it had alot more potential then this. I think the author could have explored more on Tommy's divorce. What happened? I really would have liked some backstory on Jim and his shenanigans. For a friends to lovers trope I thought it was okay. I would have liked to see them talk more about what they each want. I mean, once Tommy found out certain things, he kinda just let it all go because of Jim and his swooning. I did appreciate the history between the two, and maybe I'm more of a let's talk a couple of things out kinda girl, but Jim just went in with the kill time and time again. The blurb is pretty much self explanatory. I did like it well enough and look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,382 reviews156 followers
January 9, 2013
Cute story. I never really felt much of a connection with the characters and things seemed to happen way too easily. It was an enjoyable book for when you need something short and easy going.
Profile Image for Diverse.
1,179 reviews53 followers
October 26, 2016
This is a short, sweet, truly feel good, romantic novella. Jim is a really awesome friend. I don't know many, if any, people who would do what he does for Tommy. Theirs is a beautiful friendship.

Tommy really couldn't afford to lose his job. It would absolutely be the end of his hopes and dreams. He's been going through so much and everything is starting to look up for him. So when Jim loses his job in place of Tommy's so Tommy won't lose everything it's huge!

With Jim now being out of work you see him helping Tommy out with his new house and with that their friendship grows and changes into something else.

I loved Tommy. He was so adorable and his stuttering when he was nervous was endearing. Jim and Tommy's friendship is a solid thing so when there's the thought of romance it's a bit scary and I get that. You don't want to ruin an already amazing thing.

I liked this short story it's fun, beyond sweet, and it's a quick read. This is what you read when you need a pick me up. Well done.
Profile Image for Erica Chilson.
Author 42 books438 followers
October 21, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Angsty Stars.

Whew, what a deliciously angsty novella. Recently finding Devon Rhodes' books, I'm a fan of the author's writing style. Added to the fact that Rhodes packs so much into so few pages, giving an entire story without falling into instant gratification.

As a reader who doesn't have a ton of time on my hands, I want small bursts of entertainment. The Swap was exactly what I needed today.

Jim is a selfless, caring man who did something amazing for his friend, Jimmy. Jimmy is enthusiastic and friendly, deserving all the happiness he can find. Tension. Fear. Emotion. Heat. Without giving the storyline away, a selfless act draws the men together in a sweet yet lovely way, with a healthy dose of steamy between-the-sheets action.

Recommended to those who love a complete MM story but don't have a weekend to dedicate to the journey.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,239 reviews489 followers
September 12, 2014
2.5 stars
I don't know what exactly is wrong with the story, but it just doesn't really work for me. Maybe I can't feel the connection with either Jim or Tommy? Maybe I just don't see enough attraction that pulls both men to each other? Even the ending seems vague. My problem, I guess, since everybody else seem to love it *shrugs*
Profile Image for Chris.
2,882 reviews209 followers
September 11, 2010
Very good m/m romance about two machinists who've become good friends over the several years they've worked together. When one is laid off at the same time the other buys a house that needs fixing up, things start to get a bit complicated.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books768 followers
October 27, 2016
Two strong, macho men who are both in the closet – yet secretly admire each other and might be interested in more than being friends. Two guys who are stubborn and not the best communicators to put it carefully – yet they are so clearly suited to each other. This could be a recipe for disaster, or, as turned out to be the case for me, a recipe for a very entertaining story.

Jim and Tommy have been friends for a while, they work together in the same construction company, and when layoffs hit, Jim decides to argue for Tommy to stay on instead of him. For one, Tommy has been with the company longer and needs the money since he has just gone through a bad divorce and has bought a house. Also, Jim doesn’t want their boss to play favorites just because they are close personal friends. When Tommy hires Jim to help with restoring the house, their problems start.

Money and friendship does not easily mix, and these two hard-headed guys are the proof. Part of the problem is that they begin to explore a physical relationship at the same time and things get muddled. But the real issue is that neither of them is completely honest about what else is going on in their lives and when things come to a head, it almost separates them for good. If it weren’t for the physical attraction winning out, they’d still be fighting. As it is, I found the lack of a resolution (i.e., a discussion of what was wrong) worrying, but I guess the fact that they make up by falling into bed together and promise to “talk later” is realistic for who they are.

If you like stories about macho men who prefer physical communication over verbal discussions, if you think that two men who are friends can become more as they fumble their way out of the closet, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read that is set mostly in the bedroom, then you may like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for D..
217 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2017
This book basically had no plot. It had a tiny bit of setting, and then they were in the bedroom for the rest of the book. That’s fine if that’s what you like, but I found it uninteresting. They barely talked, and it was like two guys grunting at each other to communicate before sleeping with each other, on a loop.

As you can probably guess there was no character development and nothing to really get me invested in either man or their relationship. The writing style was good, but there was nothing in the plot that really captured my attention. The drama was forced and everything was solved too easily, and it was just a really bland book for me.

I wish the community would do something to categorize books into plot heavy, sex centric, etc. or something. Some people just like one type, and some people may want to read different ones at different times. The summaries of books do little to clarify what kind of book it is.

This book is getting a lot of good reviews on goodreads, so maybe other people will like it but in my honest opinion it wasn’t all that great. You can easily find other novellas that are sweet and simple while still executing a well written plot with developed characters.

Originally posted at justlovereviews.com
Profile Image for Blackmermaid.
457 reviews
July 23, 2017
3.5 stars

I liked this short friends to lovers story. It was so sweet what Jim did for Tommy. I would love to see an expansion of this story or a sequel in the future as I would love to see their live together.
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
December 1, 2016
This review was written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/11/review...
3.75 Stars

Jim LaRue’s job wasn’t on the line at his best friend’s machine shop, but he offers to swap his layoff to spare his work mate and buddy, Tommy Graves. Tommy just went through a rough divorce and he is under contract to purchase a new home in the coming weeks. For Tommy, a layoff would devastate those plans and cost him more than just his income.

Tommy is a man in transition. He’s recently realized that he’s gay, which led to his bitter divorce. He’s still closeted, and he’s frighteningly attracted to his pal, Jim. He makes the first move on Jim, in a moment of elation when he learns he’s not getting laid off. Learning that Jim’s gay should be make it all easier, but it doesn’t. Tommy’s upset that Jim has SO many secrets, and Jim’s too fearful of his family’s expected reactions to consider leaving the closet, despite his attraction to, and affection for, Tommy.

That said, these guys are friends, and Tommy wants to help Jim out by hiring him to manage the rehab on his new home. Jim wants Tommy to agree to stay with him while the remodel happens, but it’s not Tommy’s plan. Instead, they get together by fits and starts, with more misunderstandings and one modest step toward commitment.

For me, the book seemed hot and cold. Jim’s desire for Tommy is quixotic, while Tommy wants a real relationship. Jim’s reticence was based on fear, which only fades once he experiences a tiny bit of acceptance in his social circle. It may have been “real” but it wasn’t very romantic. The novella moves at a pace that’s faster than the romance, I thought, and the end came a bit too quick for me. It seems like a Happy For Now ending, with many loose issues, particularly Jim’s willingness to be the open and honest partner Tommy needs. So, while it ended hot, I was still too cool to fully enjoy the book. It’s the beginning of a series, it seems, so we’ll probably see Tommy and Jim work through their issues over time. This is a second edition release, and I can’t comment on any changes as I didn’t read the first edition.
Profile Image for Natosha Wilson.
1,274 reviews15 followers
October 21, 2016
It is amazing just how clueless these two men are. They are completely oblivious to why is front of their face.

Tommy and Jim are both so attracted to the other that sparks are flying off of each other and it is a wonder they have not set anything on fire yet. But they are both too blind to the fact the other feels the same way. Not to mention the fact they spend all their time together as it is but then when Tommy gets the nerve up to do something about that attraction Jim ends up pushing it and Tommy away and making it out to only be a stress induced kiss. As IF!!!

What makes them even more clueless is when they do finally start to get together they let stress and crap start to come between them even more. Both men let the other hurt their feelings and their pride and then instead of working on the issues they put if off again because it is just not important enough to talk about. Of course making up with each other to begin with is important but to leave it hanging between them like they do is a disaster waiting to happen.

Both men sacrificed for the other without realizing it and then both men are two proud to realize they both did something to help each other out without the others knowledge. But what makes them both crazy is instead of looking at what they have done for the other in a positive way, they let their pride get in the way and in the end hurt each other more.

This was a good, quick read but I really felt that it missed out on the follow through at the end of the book. There was an abrupt ending that left me feeling like there was more of a story to tell but that was not the case. That is really the only negative thing I have to say about this book and wish that Devon would have given more insight into if they was truly going to work things out in the end instead of leaving the story kind of hanging.

Regardless this was a good, wuick read and I enjoyed it. Look forward to more books by Devon Rhodes in the future.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
November 27, 2016
The Swap by Devon Rhodes has the story of Jim, a man who is deeply in love with his seemingly straight friend Tommy. When the company that Jim and Tommy works for downsizes, Jim could keep his job after all the boss is a best friend of his. But he knows Tommy just closed on a house, and is finally getting his life together. Jim cannot take Tommy's job away. I loved that Jim is kind and sweet. He is willing to do whatever he has to in order for the man he loves to be happy.
Tommy when he finds out what Jim did, he hires him to renovate his new house. The chemistry between Jim and Tommy is explosive. I really got attached to the both of them in this story.
My one fault in this story is the ending. It is very unresolved and open. I like my stories to be a little more happily ever after than this one. This is a more sorta happy for nowish kind of book. Over all great writing and I would love to read more from this author in the future.
Four Twinkling Stars
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,065 reviews516 followers
December 1, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


For me, the book seemed hot and cold. Jim’s desire for Tommy is quixotic, while Tommy wants a real relationship. Jim’s reticence was based on fear, which only fades once he experiences a tiny bit of acceptance in his social circle. It may have been “real” but it wasn’t very romantic. The novella moves at a pace that’s faster than the romance, I thought, and the end came a bit too quick for me. It seems like a Happy For Now ending, with many loose issues, particularly Jim’s willingness to be the open and honest partner Tommy needs. So, while it ended hot, I was still too cool to fully enjoy the book. It’s the beginning of a series, it seems, so we’ll probably see Tommy and Jim work through their issues over time. This is a second edition release, and I can’t comment on any changes as I didn’t read the first edition.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.


Profile Image for Candice.
2,946 reviews135 followers
April 14, 2014
Read on 4-13-14

2.5 Stars

My daughter woke up in the middle of the night sick :( I had just finished a book and was getting ready for bed myself. I couldn't fall asleep because she kept waking up, so I decided to pick up a short.

I finished this around 4:15am, so it could just be that I was tired or not really paying attention because I kept checking on my kiddo? I am not sure, but this just didn't work for me.

I liked it up until...it ended? I don't know. There was zero communication, in my opinion. Didn't Jim WANT to know the reason behind Tommy's divorce? Why not ask? Is Tommy just going to forgive him after the whole "let's be honest" discussion and Jim still kept things a secret?

When it ended, I thought it could have used another chapter or so.

Maybe I will read this again and have a different opinion.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
October 26, 2016
I really was into this book. The Characters are all so interesting and I really loved Tommy and Joe both. I loved how they both had secret crushes, and how Joe gave up so much for Tommy. The story was really interesting and man though the sex was slow built when we got it at 75 percent it was smokin! And then the story just ended. It was like reading along and suddenly slamming on your brakes. I was disappointed. Not because of it being a bad thing but because i wanted more. so much more. I think this would have been even better in a full-length Novel.

If you like friends to lovers, coming out of the closet, straight to gay or gay for you and some really hot man-sex this is definitely for you
Profile Image for Deanna.
159 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2016
When The company Jim works for is forced to layoff all but two people in his department he swaps his job for his friend Tommy's. Tommy is getting ready to settle on a house and losing his job could mean losing out on the house as well. Jim makes the deal with his boss without Tommy's knowledge. Jim has lusted after Tommy for a while but Tommy is just starting to realize his feelings for Jim are more than friendship.

Tommy, not willing to lose anytime with Jim, hires him to work on his house remodel. The more time the two spend together, the more they realize they have some serious decisions to make.

Cute short story that can be read in one sitting. Love the premise of it and can see it easily being made into a full length novel.
Profile Image for JoAnna G.
677 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2016
This was a cute, fun book. Tommy and Jim work together. Tommy is one of those shy awkward stay in the background people. He babbles when nervous. It was endearing


Jim is a stand up guy, and gives up a lot for Tommy. When Jim finds out they are laying off some people, he goes to bat for Tommy. In doing that Jim gets laid off instead. Jim says he needs it more and he Jim can fend and do ok without a job for the time being.


They become more, it happens kind of fast so we don’t get to see them enough together. This was a really fast read. This is the first book I have read from this author. I look forward to more.
Profile Image for kasjo_peja.
459 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2010
Sweet, but way too short - it didn't even rich the moment where they realized fully what they felt for each other. The first sex scene ('all the way sex') was the end of this novella. Nevertheless the writing was pretty good, as D.Rhodes' is usually, so I'll give it 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,902 reviews48 followers
April 15, 2011
Well written story about a couple of friends finally discovering deeper emotions after one sacrifices his job for the other. Sweet, sexy and quite entertaining.
Profile Image for Ro.
3,124 reviews16 followers
March 6, 2011
I liked the characters, just wish there had been a little more to the story
Profile Image for Valentina Heart.
Author 22 books305 followers
July 31, 2011
This was 4 stars for me until the ending where the story just cut off in, what seemed to me, the middle of the story.
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