Second Chances

Second Chances #1

by T.A. Webb

Mark Jennings is at a crossroads. His finance job in the Atlanta nonprofit scene stresses him out, his mother is dying, and his relationship with Brian Jacobs has crashed and burned. He needs a distraction, some way to relax, and a massage seems like just the thing. He never expected his massage therapist, Antonio Roberto, to become his best friend.

Despite their differences—Antonio is a divorced single father—the two men forge a firm friendship that weathers Mark’s reconciliation with Brian and Antonio’s questionable taste in women. Over the years, Antonio remains constant in his support, though others in Mark’s life come and go through a revolving door.

When a young boy runs away from the group home where he works, Mark finds another door opening. Through it all he holds on to the things his loved ones taught him—about family, about friends and lovers, about life and death. Most importantly, he realizes that sometimes the greatest gift of all is a second chance.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Gay For You, LGBT, Family

200 pages, ebook

First published October 16, 2012

About the author

T.A. Webb is the writing name for the Mean Old Bear That Could. He's worked with people living with HIV/AIDS and with children in the foster care system for over twenty years, and took the smaller pay for the chance to make a difference for those who can't help themselves. After hours, he's the proud single papa of two (now three) rescue dogs, was born and raised in Atlanta, where he still lives, and is a pretty darned good country cook.

His sister taught him to read when he was four, and he tore his way through the local library over the next few years. Always wanting more, he snuck a copy of The Exorcist under his parents' house to read when he was eleven and scared the bejesus out of himself. Thus began a love affair with books that skirt the edge, and when he discovered gay literature, he was hooked for life.

To reach him, please email AuthorTAWebb@aol.com, visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authortawebb orhttps://www.facebook.com/twebb7813, tweet him on Twitter @TomBearAtl, or visit him blog at www.tom-webb.blogspot.com.

Reviews

[Dd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while,you come across something 
which reminds you......

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!


Second Chances by T.A.Webb is such a book.


It starts out as ordinary.With this guy who loves to curse.The story being written from his point of view,like a narration.

His mother is dying.His job is taking a heavy toll on him.And his long-time relationship with his boyfriend has ended,badly.

And then comes in the massage therapist Antonio, when Mark looks for a real,deep tissue massage to work out his tension.

That's how they meet.

From then on,Antonio becomes a fixture in Mark's life.

And everything else keeps changing.


Now as I told you,it was very ordinary at first.I tried but could not get the point of this story.I could not understand where it was headed.

But at some point,I'm not sure which,it all changed.

This seemingly ordinary story suddenly became something special....


....and I loved it.


Don't get me wrong,it has way too many flaws to be perfect.And neither did it blow me away.

What it did was worm its way into my heart,without me even noticing.

I do not even know when I started loving it.


Here, I discovered....

The power and beauty of a simple touch.

The power and beauty of forgiveness.

The power and beauty of sorrow.

Of just closing your eyes and letting go.


I sobbed....and sobbed....and sobbed.


I discovered....

Family.Friendship.Love.Courage.


And I discovered the power and beauty of....

L.I.F.E

-----------------------------------------------

Readers,if you say that it dragged,was a bit all over the place,a bit abrupt,.....I'll have to agree with you.

It was.

But I absolutely loved it.

So,if you're interested,read the other reviews,see the other ratings,and then make up your mind.

Because I find myself blind to everything but the beauty of this story.

I'm a wreck now.I hate crying so much.My eyes are red.

So,I'll take leave now.


That's all for now,Readers.

Goodbye!!

[Rosalinda *KRASNORADA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

RE-READ & BR MAY 2013 with Amaia, Pavlina, Shannon, Mona, Sue (Mistress), Jahayra, Lisa, Melissa. I missed you Anne!

I have no words to express how much I love this book, even more every time I re-read it.








Can't wait to read Robbie's story!!!


---------Previous review----------

***THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS GREAT BR***

♥ ♥ ♥ FIVE HUGE STARS!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Second Chances is probably my favourite M/M book, it was real, sweet, hard, hot, beautiful and many more adjectives that I could name. I just HATE MYSELF for waiting so long to read this one. I just discovered a new fave author (thanks Monique) and I cannot wait to read more of his stories.

This book tells us the story of Mark. He’s a guy who works in a non profit agency and his life is very stressful: he’s always busy at work, he’s mom is dying and his boyfriend cheated on him. His boss recommends him to go get a massage to relax his body and that’s how he meets Antonio.



Antonio is hot as hell and straight. He loves women, period.

”With me, you get a great massage for an hour and there isn’t any funny business”
I didn’t know whether to say Amen or Shit

Everything I want the world to be
Is now comin' true especially for me
And the reason is clear, it's because you are here
You're the nearest thing to Heaven that I've seen

They both become friends and they support each other as much as they can.

Mark’s family is just GREAT, most of it anyway because some of the members are just STUPID. Antonio doesn’t have a very close relationship with his family but he has a son called Jason and he loves him to death.
But Mark’s mom is about to die. Shit happens, right? I wouldn’t say this is a sad book, hell no. This is a book about HOPE, about finding positive things after all.

And I felt like I was Mark all the freaking time. T.A. just makes you feel like he’s writing his books based on your life even if you are way different from the characters, you just feel their life is your life. And it hurts because it brings you memories and you can’t help it, your wounds will re-open but the journey is sooooo beautiful that is so f@cking worth it. Because this book taught me that life is beautiful and worth it and you need to accept what is coming because better things will come no matter what. But you also need to accept that shit happens and you better deal with it.

It’s funny where the mind wanders when you’re waiting for death to take someone you love

But the show must go on and that’s what I loved about Mark, he never complained, he just accepted what life had for him.

He eventually forgives Brian, his ex and they are happy together but he never stops visiting Antonio. They saw each other every week, for a massage and to catch up on things. Every single week they were closer, they understood each other better, they supported each other…



And something happens but they both keep being good friends although they never stop teasing each other.

”You just ain’t met the right woman yet.”
“And you haven’t met the right man. Or maybe you have.”
“Oh, yeah. I met the right man, all right. A fucking miracle. An angel here on earth”

Let me tell you that Mark never cheated on Brian, EVER. I see it like he obviously felt very attracted to Antonio (and who isn’t?) but he was always HONEST with Brian. The thing is we have this wrong idea about non-real couples who live in la-la-la land and they just have eyes for each other. BULLSHIT!. When you are in a relationship things are not black or white, you don’t feel butterflies every single day after 20 years and you have doubts, you meet new people who make you have double thoughts, you are HUMAN. And Mark was human too.

I didn’t like Brian at the beginning of the book but I just don’t know how I started loving him. Ok, he made a mistake, we all make mistakes and we want to be forgiven. But he paid for that mistake and then he proved his love for Mark so I couldn’t help it and not only forgave me but I also fell in love with him. You get to know his past and you understand that is also needs love.

As the time goes by Mark gets a new job in Hope House, a place for children in foster care and we meet a very special person called Robbie. He was one of my favourite characters. This kid had a horrible life but he was always respectful and in need of love.

It took a village to raise a child, and it took a rainbow of colors to make them feel at home and comfortable

And their lives go on but as usual things and shit happens and everything changes. I know sometimes is hard but that’s life and we have to accept what’s coming. We need to be happy with what we have and we need to let go.



I know you guys won’t be disappointed with this book because you’re are gonna love the journey. You are gonna feel you are Mark and you’re gonna think that the author is talking about your life sometimes and that’s just awesome because you feel that you are part of the story.

But life will always give you a second chance and you need to grab it and make the best of it. Never look back and try your best to be happy.

”The guy who would do anything to deserve a man like you”

This book taught me about forgiveness, family, love, loss and second chances…

Come let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come let me love you
Come love me again




NOTE: As you already know we are starting an EPIC buddy read for this book on Monday 1st April. If you want to join us you just need to visit the thread and meet your fellow readers. It’s going to be AWESOME and I promise you guys will love the book:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...



This is the playlist in case you want to listen to these songs while reading:

Waiting for a Superman - Iron and Wine
The Pretender - Jackson Browne
Storms in Africa - Enya
Amazing Grace - Joan Baez
Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio
I'm Going to Stop Pretending That I Didn't Break Your Heart - The Eels
Broken - Lifehouse
Waiting for the World to Change - John Mayer
I'm Yours - The Script
Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
Fix You - Coldplay
At Last - Etta James
Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer
Who are You When I'm Not Looking - Blake Shelton
Storm - Lifehouse
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Takes My Breath Away - Tuck and Patti
Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
Our House - CSNY
Annie's Song - John Denver

BOOK 2 is probably being released this year, I’ll confirm the date as soon as I know. I CAN’T freaking wait for Robbie’s story!!!

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

EPIC buddy read April 1, 2013

3 stars.***Review posted April 2, 2013



My review contains spoilers.

First off I'm not really sure where I should start with my review. So, please bear with me when my comments are all over the place.

I am very sorry to disappoint a couple of my friends, but I think it's best to be honest. Second Chances is a full-in-your-face drama as well as a sob feast par excellence. Funny thing is, I was not as affected as I expected I'd be when I started reading the book. Also, the story pushed the sweet tooth too hard for my taste. As it was, the epilogue took a turn into Sapsville. Hence, I really believe it would have been good to tone it down a little bit. There was just too much melodrama and crying, at least for me. In fact, I finished the book, but along the way I lost count how many people died who were part of Mark and Antonio's lives.



I need to say that I could never warm up to Mark. You know he is a 'normal' guy with a 'normal' job. Let's face it, we are not talking about a badass biker dude or a gangster boss. We're talking about Mark. Mark who was working as a CFO for an agency (Hope House) that worked with kids in foster care. And before his engagement at Hope House he worked as a controller for a small nonprofit. Hence, I completely and utterly disliked his filthy mouth and choleric temper. Truth be told, I was thinking time and again "Dude, watch your language and rein in your temper!". A couple of pages into the story we know already that Mark is going to lose his mother, however, he has no shame whatsoever to cuss all the time. Another time he threatened to kill Brian's parents. I'm aware of Brian's shitty childhood, though I just have to wonder if this comment was necessary. Seriously, I didn't appreciate it.



At 5%
Well, man, I offer deep tissue, professional massage table, shower available. And by massage I MEAN massage. No happy ending stuff.(…)
The thing is that at the end of the first massage Antonio jerked him off. Stress reliever and all. Yeah, right.

At 19%
Antonio is sc@@@ing a married woman who has kids.
"(…) She's in town taking a break from the husband and kids and staying with me a few days," he explained. Wow. Virtual high five. He lost a couple of points here.

At 25 %
Brian didn't like anybody touching him. Those years he'd spent in foster care had damaged him in ways that hurt me to see. Made me want to track down some of those motherf@ckers who posed as caring, giving foster parents and beat them bloody.
Uh-huh. However, Brian didn't mind to cuddle with Mark (cuddling = touching). He didn't mind to cheat on him. Brian's "problem" should have been explored more. It left me somewhat unsatisfied.

The naked massage interludes between Antonio and Mark
I think it was very wrong not to tell Brian about their massages. It's lying by omission!

Now let me get to the part that made me so angry.
At 54 %; it was the first and last time I cried when I was reading this story.

Lights will guide you home, love.

I knew that something was off with Brian's health but his quick death came as a shock. I will go so far and say WTF?
You know I was always wondering what's worse. Losing a loved one suddenly (i.e. accident) or after a long journey of suffering (i.e. disease). No matter how you look at it, it plain sucks. It hurts big time. I'm familiar with both. Now let me get to the point. Mark gets the call, he rushes to the hospital and then wham! Brian dies. Where the hell was the build-up that led to his death? Within three (3!) Kindle pages he is…just gone. No explanations whatsoever except that he had a brain tumor and he wouldn't make a recovery after this final and very severe seizure. Geez, Baba was so mad! And I'm sure there was plenty of page time to talk about it. Unfortunately, though, it didn't happen. I'm sorry, but one talk about "Did you take your medication?" is just not good enough for me. What was simply too much as well was the fact that his death was indirectly related to Robbie. Not cool. I flat out refuse to be emotionally manipulated.

"I know you were looking for Robbie. It's okay. Don't worry about him. It's just you and me here. I wanted to see those beautiful eyes of yours one more time, baby. I'm ready. Are you ready?"

It's funny where the mind wanders when you're waiting for death to take someone you love.

Very true.



Now the road was clear for Antonio. All in all the plot was too predictable.


The Jason and Robbie case
Let me explain what rubbed me the wrong way. Jason is Antonio's son and Robbie is the homeless kid who found shelter at Hope House. Hope House is also Mark's employer. And Robbie was adopted by Mark's dad. Wasn't it very convenient that these two boys did end up as a couple? There was the whole shebang (talk about being out and proud). It was no surprise at all and the icing on the cake. Not. I mean, please, could it be any more obvious?

Mark's departure at 88 %: He was a drama queen in full force. Well done, Mark. Excuse me for being sarcastic. Oh, and Antonio was sobbing. *sigh*

The car drama at 92 % put the final nail in the coffin. Seriously? *rolls eyes*



What I liked

I moved to the bathroom and grabbed the bottle of lube and a condom. WE used to go bare, but I didn't know what he'd done and with whom. So, no glove, no love. And honestly, I heard all that shit about the sensitivity, blah, blah, blah, but my cock never knew the difference between skin and raincoat, because, really, it loved ass regardless.

That's very sensible.

Also, I liked the cover and the concept of a second chance at love. Though it is very unfortunate that the execution did not appeal to me.

Read the book and chances are that you'll end up loving it. It just wasn't for me.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK... IT IS A MUST READ AND TRULY AMAZING <3333

YAY... MY REVIEW IS BACK!!! WITH FULLY CLOTHED MEN... NOT QUITE KISSING!!!!!

THE LITTLE BUGGERS AREN'T GOING TO CATCH ME OUT THIS TIME!!!

This book is the very reason I love to read, and my words would never do this book justice, no amount of gushing or effusive prose could even begin to convey just how incredibly gifted T.A. Webb is, this is without doubt one of my top shelf 5 Star PLUS reads… It’s just Truly Wonderful!



This is not one of those books that gets your adrenaline pumping and has you shouting profanities, however I did want to knock a few heads together at times. It is not page after page of panty melting sex… although when Mark gets his growly voice on – HOLY HOTNESS, I certainly wouldn’t say no!

So what do we get from this novel? It is a Love Story, of Family, Friendship and Lovers, it tells of strength, faith, understanding, courage, forgiveness and second chances and it is profoundly moving and emotional and holds your heart hostage for the duration.The World can pass you by yet you are totally and completely captivated and engrossed. These characters become your best friends with all their pain and joy becoming your own. Their lives are painted in such vivid pictures before your eyes with every expression and quirk familiar, whilst all the time your heart is running through a gamut of emotions… and as for any friend you are there to hold their hand.

This tale is Mark Jennings to tell and I loved his voice, in fact I loved everything him, he is six foot two and and an extrovert who likes to be in control of the whole kit and caboodle… and he does it oh so well! He seems to carry the burden of responsibility for those around him but he is totally unselfish, caring and has such a considerate nature with a wicked sense of humour! He is not perfect and makes mistakes as we all do but I so wish he was a real person, cause I would really like him as a friend, he has integrity and honour and takes no shit, but he doesn’t give it either, fiercely protective of those he loves and is so full of compassion I just adored him.

This book is spread over ten years of Marks life and really I don’t want to go into the detail of what happens where and when despite the fact I have copious yellow highlights and notes on this book as it is quite an in-depth story, but at no time did it feel disjointed or uncomfortable to read, for me the pacing and the prose were perfect and you should discover it as I did, as part of your journey with Mark.

There are some other main characters I would like to touch on, mainly Brian, Marks lover, they had been childhood friends who’s relationship grew to love and together they experienced all their firsts in life. Brian was a pretty damaged character and his teenage years were not the stuff of dreams and in the beginning he was most definitely not my favourite character but I did grow to like him and found their relationship worked for them. Brian was a little weak for my liking but he was the perfect compliment to Marks strength.

Which leads us to Antonio.. now here we have the hotness factor…Hell Yes!!  Six feet tall, shaved head,  blue eyes and…. Mm hmm …Tattoos!  Oh, and he’s straight ...and just so happens to be a Masseuse, can you tell I really like Antonio? and also separated from his wife, with an eight year old son, Jason. Antonio is also Marks best friend and his past is littered with mistakes and shortcomings, he is  a man whore with no idea of the effect he has on women and doesn’t mind discussing his conquests with Mark who for obvious reasons wants to put his fingers in his ears and shout “la la la la” Antonio is one of life’s free spirits, genuine and  caring with no sense of peoples boundaries, not self conscious or inhibited in anyway. He also happens to be the only person that Mark can truly relax with, partly due to the massage but mainly because Antonio is a genuinely nice guy and someone Mark is not responsible for and when he askes a question Antonio’s eyes are full of interest and concern and Mark can for at least a little while turn off his control button and just be himself.

There are a whole host of family members, some of whom I would rather scratch their eyes out, especially the brother Sam and the Bible bashing sister, but Marks father and two of his sisters are beyond doubt stars as well as Antonio’s son and Jason and a kid from the Children’s home, Robbie.

So, this book is about, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE both given and received and  we see just how beautiful it is on every page, it’s not gushy and in your face sickly sweet, the words and sentiment have meaning and my joy and sadness and everything in-between was tied up with them and I was crying from laughing so hard, crying because my heart was breaking and then crying because I was happy! …I did a lot of crying and I suggest investing in a box of tissues!

Tom Webb is an incredibly gifted writer, he has treated us to a comedy and drama mixed with fabulously animated characters. This is not just highly recommended it just a case of, if you like m-m romance READ THIS BOOK!!!

For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook

[Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review as well as a personal letter to the author found at:
http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...

****************************************

* I was sobbing for 1/3 of this book...uncontrollably.
* I was drinking wine for 2/3 of this book...uncontrollably.
* I was getting my ass kicked for 3/3 of this book...uncontrollably.

It‘s impossible for me to review “Second Chances” because honestly, it hits SO CLOSE to home that I have zero ability to see from any perspective except smack-dab in the middle of it. No story has ever felt so much like looking into a mirror (well, if that mirror reflected back a version of myself as a gay man! Ha!) And though I feel 100% connected to the character of Mark, I also see bits of myself (as well as bits of who I want to be) in Antonio, Brian, Mark’s Dad, even the boys sometimes.

So many thoughts, emotions, and revelations came to me while reading that I felt overwhelmed...and altered...yes...life-changing...or more, life-affirming...

I can't say, nor do I care, whether the writing or the plot or the characterizations or the flow or even the mutherf’ing grammar were perfect or not. (I can't even question naked massages and sudden moves cross-country.)

For me, to me, within me...this is me (the me that I am, and the me I want to be).

Thank you, T.A. Webb...Tom...for this.

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Second Chance Stars

I think I would enjoy it more if it focused on just one couple! I mean maybe if it was just Mark & Brian’s story or Mark & Antonio’s story but maybe I’m wrong because this story wasn’t bad at all. The first half was more about Mark & Brian while Antonio was Mark’s best friend and when that happened to Brian I was heartbroken but then everything went well because Mark had Antonio and he made everything all right. I just wish the author wouldn’t have spoiled Robbie’s story in this book because now I’m less enthusiastic to read his story (don’t get me wrong, I def will read it). Told in single POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Second Chances" series and can be read as a standalone. It’s an emotional read, a bit angsty, a quick read, one of those good GFY stories, best friends-to-lovers story. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and hope you like it as well!

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book!!!



WOW.This book just rocked my World!!!!From the first page my heart was gripped,twisted,torn and then it was caressed and filled with joy.
Words just cannot convey enough of how beautiful this book really is!!!
Loved the writing and the love scenes were so intence!!!



Mark is trying to recover from the separation of Brian when his mother dies and leaves a huge empty hole in his soul.



I was kinda connected with Mark because he seemed to be such a reliable and gentle guy,trying to protect everyone while doing the best he could. TThinking about how he forgave Brian for cheating and gave him a second chance!!!Becuase thinking about your lover slept with someone else and overcome this is even more painful...


Brian had never forgiven himself for straying and spent his love and life with and for Mark.But life always takes some strange turns...One door closes and another opens...Mark finds one of the young boys he deals with at his job, Robbie, is homeless and now at the shelter for boys.His mom left him when he was twelve, and Robbie had to live on the streets using drugs and selling his body.He and Mark forge a friendship of love and respect.What should be a happy time.But soon another unexpected loss has Mark reeling..



What can I say about Antonio????Sorry Rosa I know he is your man but I like him a lot too!!! :D



This guy blew my mind away!!!I loved him even more than Mark.Antonio was something else and totally my kink with his tats and muscles.Yummy :D. hat I would have given to have a massage from him!!!
I loved how he was so open with his feelings.If he needed to work out what was going on in his head he went right on and acted on it.I could totally get how Mark and Antonio were with each other and how their relationship built.I loved how they were there for each other through the deaths, money troubles and taking care of Antonio’s son,Jason.







Tom has told a story about friendship,lovers, family and heart.Mark Jennings is a good man, kind, responsible, a loving son and brother.I
highly recommended to everyone!!!

FOR THE END :D




For more reviews you can check mine and Kristinas's blog. :D

my link text

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautiful story about love and loss and, of course, second chances.



I was a little hesitant to read this story, to be honest. Most of my Goodreads friends adored this story and a book with that amount of hype often doesn't live up to expectations. However, this book just blew me away.

As this was my first book by T.A. Webb, I was anxious to discover if his writing style meshed with what I like. What I loved was that his character were so vivid and so full of feeling. They felt raw and vulnerable and I was able to be really present in the story. That connection made the story so special for me. Unlike many of my GR friends, I didn't relate to this book on a personal level. I haven't gone through the things that Mark went through. However, I still felt so involved with the characters' stories that I found myself on the edge of tears for most of the book. It touched me in a way that few books can.

Outstanding job T.A. Webb! I'll be reading much more of his books in the future.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross-posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted

Even though many of my friends heaped enthusiastic reviews on this story, and I’ve read and enjoyed T.A. Webb’s reviews and know he’s a thoughtful guy who writes from the heart, I still put off reading this.

My mom died recently, so I wasn’t sure my somewhat fragile emotions would handle reading about a man who is losing his mother to liver disease and at the same time trying to get over the pain of betrayal by his cheating ex.

I’m so glad I put my misgivings aside and snagged a copy.

Told from the perspective of Mark Jennings, we are privy to his thoughts, feelings, memories, and reactions to the people and situations in his life. I really liked being in his head. Even though many of Mark’s thoughts and casual conversations were peppered with f-bombs and delivered with a subtle sense of humor, his life and his pain were very real and his character felt like a composite of people I’ve known. This made him so easy to relate to, and his experiences that much more heartbreaking and believable.

“You listen close, ‘cause I ain’t saying this but once. That boy is my family now. He’s got a home, he’s got people that love him. And don’t think we don’t know how to fuckin’ hide a body when we need to.”

Now who wouldn’t want a guy like Mark in their family?

This is a story of love, forgiveness, loss, and hope. It is a story of friendship and families, made and born. It is about imperfect people who made mistakes. It is told over a period of 11 years, so nothing ever felt rushed.

I loved the exploration of youth homelessness and foster care in the US.

A couple of gripes:

- Certain events were given only minor coverage when I would have preferred to witness them.
- Some events felt a little too easy, too contrived, and didn’t jive with the rest of the story.

I’m glad I finally read this story. Along with the many tears I shed were plenty of smiles. I’m very much looking forward to a sequel.

Thanks to Kukko from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about love, life, pain, healing, acceptance, forgiveness, and


I personally could not give this book less than 5 stars. It was such a beautiful story and it is going right on to my favorites shelf.

We start out meeting Mark Jennings. Mark is lonely. He is overwhelmed. He is grieving, and he is in pain. Not only has he just got out of a long term relationship, he is dealing with a stressful job and helping with his very sick mother.

Do all the right things, say all the right words to ease everybody else’s pain. Let everyone drain me a bit more every minute of every day of what little resources I had left. Take and take and take from me and never give back.

With everything Mark is going through, he is encouraged to do something for himself. So he does. he schedules a massage to help him relax. He meets Antonio, his masseuse. Antonio and Mark hit it off straight away. Antonio is not gay or bisexual. He likes women. But he has no problem with Mark being gay and they become close friends. Antonio gives Mark more than just a massage.



Mark gets back with his ex-boyfriend Brian, and his mother passes. His job changes, life changes, but he keeps going back to Antonio for massages. Over the years, they grow closer. Mark meets Antonio’s son, Jason, and Antonio meets Mark’s family and Brian. They are best friends. There is always something between them. Of course, Mark finds Antonio attractive(who wouldn’t???) but he never acts on it. His friendship means too much to them, plus he would never be unfaithful to Brian. I wasn’t crazy about Brian in the beginning of the book, but he redeemed himself. Everyone makes mistakes and he owned up to his. I loved his relationship with Mark. They truly loved each other and cared for one another.

The years pass, things happen... From 40-60% I cried. I sobbed. I was heartbroken.

I couldn’t take the funeral... It killed me. I can only think of 2 or 3 other books that have effected me like this. This line especially- I just lost it.
“Last but not least, remind Mark I loved him best and most.”

It really was an emotional roller coaster.


Through all the obstacles and changes in Marks life, Antonio becomes a constant. A best friend he can always count on. Eventually, their relationship changes...
“I love you and I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you and have been for a while. For years.”
And it made me so happy! My tears had dried and I had a huge smile on my face for a good part of the last 30%. And there were some scenes... holy wow- they were hot! Not just a little hot... a lot of hot!



Mark was a relatable character. You felt what he felt. Going through his journey was incredible. And Antonio... there was just something about him from the start. He was just hot, sexy and wonderful! As much as I loved and adored Mark and Antonio, I also fell in love with many of the secondary characters in this book. Robbie. Jason. Mark’s father. That man knew the meaning of unconditional love. If all parents were like him, the world would be a better place.

“All he needs is to know somebody wants him for something besides, well, you know what I’m talking about. For his heart, not what he can do for them. I raised you to know being different is okay, and nothing you could do would make me love you any less.”

The writing was incredible. The story was moving, beautiful and emotional. I laughed, cried, sobbed, smiled and when I finished, I was on a reading high. I was happy and content. A book you DO NOT want to miss out on! My favorite m/m book to date- I will for sure be reading more from this author!!!

My favorite line:



My Mark and Antonio...

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ 5 BEAUTIFUL AND HEARTWARMING STARS. ♥



Second Chances is a story about love, hurt, loss, friendship, family and forgiveness.

To say that I enjoyed reading every part of this story would be a lie, some parts were just tough to read, they were sad and heartbreaking. But in the end, all I can say is that this book made me FEEL, it moved me in a way I can't really explain with words and THAT is why I can't give this story anything but a five star rating.

I don't want to spoil the story too much for future readers so I'll keep my summary short...

At the beginning of Second Chances we meet Mark. On the verge of his thirtieth birthday, Mark is anything but happy with his life. In fact, he feels downright miserable. He just ended the relationship with the love of his life, Brian, his current job is wearing him out with a huge amount of work hours and to top it all, his mother has a terrible disease and she doesn't have much longer to live.

So, Mark decides to look for a way to reduce some of the stress he's feeling and that's how he meets Antonio. A very straight massage therapist.

"With me, you get a great massage for an hour and there isn't any funny business."

I didn't know whether to say Amen or Shit.

Because of their weekly massage sessions, Mark and Antonio soon become friends. Best friends even. They support each other through all of the messy parts in their lives and over the course of several years their friendship always remains intact. But then, their friendship starts to turn into something more. And as both of them are trying to discover what that more means, we, as readers, discover it along with them. We follow their journey, through the good times and the bad. It's a remarkable journey that will eventually life you with a huge smile on your face...

"I needed you to know I'm him. I'm that guy."
"What guy, babe?"
"The guy who would do anything to deserve a man like you."

Aside from Mark and Antonio, there are some other side characters that I absolutely loved as well. Mark's father, Robbie, Jason...they made this reading experience all the more interesting and meaningful.

"It's funny where the mind wanders when you're waiting for death to take someone you love."

With this story, the author really reminded me that life can be cruel, it can be harsh and unfair but at the same time, it also showed me that it's never too late to hope. There's always a chance for a better life; even in the darkest of our days.

This was my first M/M read and I must say I really enjoyed it. The writing was remarkable and managed to grasp my attention from the very first page till the very last one. When I started reading it, I had no idea what to expect but I can honestly say it surprised me in a very good way. I've discovered a new genre that I think is very much worth exploring further and if all the books in this genre are comparable to this one, then I think I'll be reading much more of them in the future.


*BIG thank you* to my friend Rosalinda for organizing the buddy read and for making me take notice of this story. Otherwise it might have taken me months or even years before I would have actually sat down and read this story and that would have been a real shame, because this story deserves to be read, it deserves to be talked about, cried over and shared with as many readers as possible. This book might not be for everyone, but to future readers, I can only say: give it a chance and hopefully you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did...

[♥Laddie♥ (Lee Lee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 - Why Am I ALWAYS The One Who Doesn't Love It??

I was on the fence about this book but it was getting so many glowing reviews that I decided to take a chance on it. It ended up being just...not for me.

1.) The word "fuck" in all of its glorious forms
I'm no prude about language but when in the first six or so pages the word fuck is used at least five or six times? That's just repetitive. Repetitive and distracting to the point of where by chapter three it was annoying me. I felt like it was supposed to be a character trait of Mark the main character but it was overdone. Way overdone.

2.) Wait...you mean that's not cheating?
So, Mark's been cheated on by his man and, without giving too much away, he's with someone at one point and thinking of what counts as cheating. Dual naked massages where Mark's rubbing a guy's balls and all up in his ass crack? Not cheating according to Mark. What's cheating? According to Mark, touching is not cheating unless it's his dick touching another man's ass. Uh huh. Oral sex; no dick in ass. Fingering; no dick in ass. Hand job; no dick in ass. Take notes men because none of what I just listed is cheating.

3.) Wait...that doesn't mean you're gay...apparently
Also, according to Mark, having your penis in another man's ass doesn't make you gay. Getting a blowjob doesn't make you gay. HAVING a dick in your ass or a dick in your mouth makes you gay. It's the true test of The Gay. This was a true flaw in Mark's character for me. It just struck me as ignorant. Maybe it's just me but, in my opinion, being in love with or attracted to another man is what makes you bi or gay. It doesn't matter who's catching, pitching, licking, sucking, thrusting or whatever.

4.) What makes a man a man
There was a definite idea in this book of what the main character (and maybe the author indirectly) thought made a man masculine. it...irked me. I think I saw where the author was trying to go with it but it rubbed me the wrong way. Also, I just kept flashing back to a scene where Mark thinks that he wants a man to do his deep tissue massage because only a man's hands are strong enough to really get into the muscles. It seems like a small thing but it was a real WTF moment for me.

All of those things up there really REALLY bugged me. This was the author's first novel, so I'm guessing that he's still perfecting his craft. I didn't find the writing strong enough or engaging enough to keep the things that annoyed me from taking over and ruining my enjoyment of the book.

I will say this, the idea for the book was a good one. I was intrigued by the idea of getting a second chance at love. I will also say that this first novel was better than a good number of stories that are out now. Depending on what the author's second book is about I just might read it.

[Nick Pageant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful book from T.A. Webb. I love this man's writing so very much. Each time I read one of his books I'm struck by the fact that they don't feel "written". It's much more like listening to a friend tell you a great story.

This story concerns Mark (or is it Tom?) a wonderful guy who goes through some serious hell to get his HEA. I shed a lot of tears reading this, but am now filled with the warm fuzzies and looking forward to book 2.

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Compassionate, Hopeful and Healing Stars

"To those that have scars and bumps and bruises on their souls, but stars in their eyes."





Life is an amazing gift and an unbearable burden. We get through the bad times by dreaming of better ones. We pray for a chance to fly, to escape, to love. And always to be loved back. For what we truly are. Not the brave front we show to the world, but the scared child that hides in our souls and only a mother's caress, can comfort it.



Mark carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and Antonio is the man that will help him with it.

Spanning 11 years of their lives, witnessing the moments that almost broke them and the pieces they left behind, we are living with these two men, as they are dealing with mundane, everyday things such as work and making child support, to life altering ones such as loss, grief, heartbreak, betrayal and the inevitable human nature of making the same mistakes, all over again.



We see them as friends and then confidants and finally lovers, in an emotional, realistic story and you can't help but laugh, cry and love along with them, as they redefine the concept family and their place in the world.

“Oh, yeah, I met the right man, all right. A fucking miracle. An angel here on earth.”



This is a beautiful story of acceptance. And a lesson in life. People feel threatened of what they don't understand and thrive on making others, feel ashamed of who they are.



Does this, make it wrong?? No, that makes it unique and a chance in happiness.

“At last my love has come along, my lonely days are over…”

I've never thought I would enjoy a book by a male author in the M/M genre so much. Thought provoking and arousing, dramatic and believable, a book that you don't wanna miss. My only complaint? I loved the ending don't get me wrong... but it seemed a little too convenient, too tied up with a pretty bow!

Overall, PUSH YOUR LIMITS, GO FORTH AND READ IT! And trust me, this is only my second M/M read; I get the way you are thinking!

As Mark and Antonio, learned... Life is too short for lost opportunities!



EPIC BUDDY READ ON MONDAY APRIL 1st!

Organised, by mia amiga Rosalinda and involving more than 30 AWESOME, AMAZING and just like me SLIGHTLY CRAZY people, among them some of my besties like Debra, Soraya and Marina, ALL TIME FAVOURITE REVIEWER Baba and some new awesome friends like Sarah the hottie, Mo, Karen, Christy, Ellelou, Deirdre..
Please, forgive me and nag me away if I forgot you!!!



Love ya, girls....

I really had no chance of resisting...

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly amazing, beautiful story. It grabbed me from the first page and would not let go. I laughed, I cried and I rooted like crazy for Mark to find the happiness he deserved. Yes, it's emotionally draining, but it's more than worth it.

Thank you, Mr. Webb, for writing this book. It's one I won't soon forget.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!! I'm smiling through my tears!

I'm having trouble forming anything coherent. Everytime I think of the events that played out in this book, especially one in particular, I find it hard to think, or for that matter breath. Sad and sweet rolled into one amazing read. So, for the most part while I was reading this book my heart felt like this...



but by the end of the book it felt like this...



*sigh* It drained me, but I'm a better person for having read it.

Very emotional, but at times also amusing, and this particular scene had me laughing out loud.

"The Colonnade was a landmark in Atlanta. Blue-haired ladies sat side by side with all the Midtown gay boys. The food was wonderful—what’s not to like about fried chicken, and yeast rolls and beef stroganoff made from scratch? But the crowd, that was why we were there. It rivaled anything on Golden Girls or Designing Women.

The last time Brian and I’d been there for dinner, there was a table of twinks and their mothers next to us. We’d just been seated. It was the middle of summer, and Atlanta in August—no fucking picnic. Anyway, this darling little blond boy looked at his mother as he fanned himself with the menu and said, “I have just been moist all day.”

Yeah, it’s that kind of place."

Love it!! The author knows how to tug at the heart, but also has no problem making fun of certain circumstances, not in a mean way, but in a way that has the reader appreciating the point he's trying to make. I'm definitely putting more of his books on my reading list!

That's it Monique...no more recs!! You're killing me, but I still love you and I loved this book!!

[T.A. Webb]

***May 26, 2013***

In celebration of Dreamspinner's Sixth Anniversary, please join me as I re-visit Mark, Antonio, the family, and most of all Brian for "Happy Anniversary, Baby".


This short can be found at http://dreamspinnerpress.com/blog/201... .

Thank you all!!

Tom



Wanted to let anyone who might like to know, I have a play list I used when I wrote the book. It's pretty much in order, so if you have a chance, enjoy. I use Spotify, but any music site will do.

Thank you all, whether you love it, hate it or are indifferent.

Tom

Waiting for a Superman - Iron and Wine
The Pretender - Jackson Browne
Storms in Africa - Enya
Amazing Grace - Joan Baez
Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio
I'm Going to Stop Pretending That I Didn't Break Your Heart - The Eels
Broken - Lifehouse
Waiting for the World to Change - John Mayer
I'm Yours - The Script
Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
Fix You - Coldplay
At Last - Etta James
Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer
Who are You When I'm Not Looking - Blake Shelton
Storm - Lifehouse
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Takes My Breath Away - Tuck and Patti
Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
Our House - CSNY
Annie's Song - John Denver

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★! Second Chances, book 1 (stand-alone). A journey of personal growth; Reflection, endurance & surrender; soul-deep friendships, heart-breaking loss & the healing power of love!

“He softened and looked at me. “Oh, yeah, I met the right man, all right. A f~cking miracle. An angel here on earth.” His voice was soft as cotton and his eyes shone like diamonds. What could I say to that?”

My sincerest thanks to Rosalind for organizing our buddy read and to T.A. and Amaia, Pavlina, Shannon, Mona, Jahayra, Lisa and Melissa!

T.A. Webb was kind enough to put together a Youtube playlist for us and though I loved many, many of the songs. The one I love the “best and the most” and feels very representative or Mark’s journey:
Click to listen to “Fix you” by Coldplay

Second Chances is very much a book about second chances in life; the family you were dealt, friendships that form and blossom, personal growth, making a difference, heart-wrenching loss and healing love.

The story spans over ten years. In its opening with meet Mark as he and his father and siblings are rallying around their dying mother. We also learn that Mark is recently broken up from his long-time partner, Brian after he caught him cheating. Mark is exhausted, frustrated and lonely even despondent. His boss suggests that he goes to get a massage. Enter Antonio, the masseur. They form a friendship that only grows stronger through the years. Mark and Brian get back together and Mark benefit from a special connection to both men.

The story follows them all, together with many other characters; family and friends, through life’s struggles; dealing with prejudice, set-backs and loss. But also joy and happiness; soul deep friendships, new beginnings, surprises and second chances.

Please note this book is not a triangle and it is not about cheating . As the story unfolds you will better understand these friendships and deep bonds. I will say no more, just read and let it unfold. Second Chances is best experienced.



This is Mark’s story and it’s told from his POV with lots of inner dialogue. He cares about his friends and his family and in the story follows him through over ten years of life’s ups and downs. I like many things about Mark, his caring and big heart, his strength and endurance, his unwavering loyalty and the growth he went through. But maybe due to the book spanning such a long period of time, I feel like Mark often withheld information for long periods of time so I felt left out quite a bit learning after the fact. I feel like I missed connecting with him at times.

Five words to describe Mark: Reflective, loyal, caring, in-charge and strong.

This story is Mark’s journey and I am pleased with the person he progressed into and happy where the story left him.

“Don’t f~cking leave me. Don’t break my heart.”

Brian had been abandoned as a pre-teen by both his parents because he was gay. Meeting Mark and being taking in by his family had truly been a blessing. His friendship with Mark grew and they spent a good ten years as partners before he cheated on Mark. He comes crawling back at Mark’s mother’s funeral and we get to enjoy them re-kindling their relationship. Brian has had to overcome much in his life and I enjoyed the person he grew into. I would have liked to know just a little bit more about him, but this is Mark’s story.

Four words to describe Brian: Gentle, nurturing, energetic and supportive.

“My love. My life. My husband. It’s been my great honor to love you…”

Antonio is the most complex and enigmatic of the three. Rough beginnings he opted to join the army and did one tour as a Ranger. Back in the US he got mixed up with illegal stuff, but when a one-night stand became pregnant he straightened out his life, married her only for the marriage not to work out. He is sharing custody of his son Jason and works as a freelance massage therapist. The friendship he and Mark forms was a joy to experience and I am also glad where this story took him.

Five words to describe Antonio: Charismatic, enigmatic, strong, compassionate and insightful.

I felt close to him, but somehow the energy was sensual but not… sexual. Erotic, yes, but I didn’t want to f~ck him.”

Second Chances has much joy as well as heart-breaking sadness, surprises and secrets. It’s Mark’s journey of growth and reflection, endurance and surrender.

“‘Last but not least’,” he read, “‘remind Mark I loved him best and most.’”

T.A. Webb is s wonderful storyteller. The story pulled me in and I found myself glued to the book needing to know what was next through twists and turns, ups and downs, surprises and lots of angst. I recommend you give Second chances a chance!

In closing a moment of silence for the loved ones who were taken from as all too soon:

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I…

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I…

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

~Coldplay

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

“He opened his eyes and looked at me. “Now I’m yours.”
I kissed him and whispered, “Yeah. Mine.”

***
Mark’s rating: 4 stars
Brian’s rating: 3.5+ stars
Antonio’s rating: 4+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The harsher the storm, the more beautiful the rainbow.



I'm giving Second Chances a 5-star rating because it is one of those books that really grabs your hair and forces you not just to look and see but to understand life as it happened and how it was lived by someone. Yes it is full of drama, angst, and sappy moments. But it is also thought-provoking and heart-achingly sweet.

This is life with its tragedies and victories and more tragedies.



Life is a bitch and in order to fully experience it, sometimes you have to be bitchier.



From the first few paragraphs, I really and honestly identified with Mark. His exhaustion, his barely-hanging there state, his fears, his doubts, and his set-aside needs were very familiar feelings. I wished I could've been there to say that everything's going to be all right in the end. I also felt like Robbie looking up to him. Wanting to be like him. Mark is a perfectly flawed role model. A human being. A child inside a rusted and dented armor. God, how You tested him. The why bad things happen to good people stuff. And it scared me that, darn it, it could easily happen to anyone. To me. Or to someone I know and care.

And maybe that's the reason why this story isn't for everybody? We read to escape the realities of our own lives but with this, uh-oh.



So yeah, fist-pump 5-stars!

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time]

DNF @ 24%

So....I think I'm the only one of my Goodreads friends to not like this book. But I just don't get the hype.

I don't know if it was the writing style or what, but I felt zero connection to any of the characters. I didn't feel the friendship developing between Antonio and Mark. I didn't feel any romantic connection between Antonio and Mark.

I certainly didn't feel anything between Mark and Brian.

And I'm sorry but there was no way Antonio was not gay. What straight guy gives another guy a hand job after a massage the first time they meet? NONE.

Sadly, this was just all kinds of no for me

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those book reviews that took me a long time (and a lot of caffeine) to put together. I started trying to write it after reading the last page of the book but in all honesty I was so emotionally charged all you would have got was a mass of incoherent ramblings. I swear I cant remember the last time I read something as moving as this story....one minute it's tearing my heart out and the next minute it's filling it back up.

Second Chances takes us on a roller coaster of a ride through the life of Mark Jennings, starting in October 2000 through to December 2011. The story is about Marks relationships with his family, his partner, Brian, his best friend Antonio. Antonio's son; Jason and a young guy in foster care named Robbie.

♫ How long have I been in this storm, so overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form, water's getting harder to tread with these waves crashing over my head. If I could just see you everything will be alright, if I'd see you the storminess will turn to light ♫

Oh my goodness where to start with this one without giving too much away?.....Well firstly I must explain that this is one book but it encompasses so many different stories. First and foremost for me it's a story about friendship and at the epicentre is the friendship that develops between Mark and Antonio. Mark is having a hard time in his life, his mum is terminally ill, his relationship with his boyfriend Brian has just broken down, the walls seem to be caving in and the stress is becoming too much.

"I just hoped that one day, maybe soon, breathing wouldn't hurt so much."

So one day he decides what he really needs is a massage, and that's where the gorgeous and very much heterosexual, divorced, single father Antonio walks into his life, and there he remains through all of Marks ups and downs.



But as well as the friendship between Mark and Antonio, there is also the friendship that develops between Mark and Robbie. Marks work in a home for foster children leads him to build a friendship with Robbie, a young man who has faced an unimaginable past and who needs someone to help him to find his way, let him have a second chance at life.

"Every fucking day you're my hero"

This is also a story about love. The love between Mark and Brian, love that doesn't always run smoothly but a love that definitely runs deeply, and when given a second chance can grow into something amazing.

"To my Mark, who showed me that love comes from fucking unexpected places, and who makes me want to be a better man everyday."



For me this was an intensely emotional book, from the start to the very end I went through so many emotions, one minute I was laughing, the next I was crying, and we're not talking a slight lump in my throat and slight tear in my eye, I am talking big ugly tears, so many tears I could have taken out shares in Kleenex, oh and then came the anger and frustration, quickly dissipated by some VERY hot and steamy sex scenes which had me running for a cold shower!

♫and I will walk on water, and you will catch me if I fall, and I will get lost into your eyes, and everything will be alright, and everything will be alright. I know you didn't bring me out here to drown, so why am I 10 feet under and upside down, barely surviving has become my purpose cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface ♫

What I truly loved about this book was that it was an MM romance written by an actual man!!! You may think me strange (and many do) but I find MM romance written by a man so much more believable and honest. I think its because I can trust that the feelings expressed in the book by the central male characters are feelings a man would have, and lets face it men and woman view the world of love and relationships so differently.

I also loved that the book was written from Mark's POV and although it was a deeply emotional read, it wasn't one full of unnecessarily drawn out angst or drama, and it wasn't sad just for the sake of being sad. It just felt very real to me, it felt honest, the fact that it wasn't a conventional love story where two people meet and fall in love and all is good and wonderful in the world and the butterflies never disappear.........



Blah, blah, blah...... Because love and romance aren't black and white, love isn't conventional, I would love to say I met my husband and after five years of a marriage I'm still spending my days singing and dancing like in the disney movies, but love and relationships aren't like that, shit happens and like anything in life if you want it to work and for it to be good, you have to work at it. In this book the author was honest about that and the writing allowed me to really feel Marks emotions, his pain, his loss, his anger, and his hurt together with his joy, his hope and his determination to take his second chance.

"I'm that guy" ....."what guy babe?"...."the guy who would do anything to deserve a man like you".

What is truly amazing is this authors ability to give me so many wonderfully dynamic characters in just one book AND have me care about them in a way that if felt like I knew them myself. And before any of you start to think that you're not ready to take a trip on this emotional roller coaster, what I will say is that this book was worth every tear, and every snotty tissue because without wanting to give the story away, every roller coaster has its intense and frightening lows but it also has its wonderful euphoric highs. I would highly recommend this beautiful love story and I would recommend that when you sit down to read it, you find a quiet spot where real life can be set aside and in its place put a HUGE box of tissues.

♫if I could just see you everything will be alright, if I see you the storminess will turn to light.....and I will walk on water, and you will catch me if I fall, and I will get lost into your eyes and everything will be alright ♫

It is a story about second chances, forgiveness, love, grief, hope but most of all it helps us to see that........

"Love comes from fucking unexpected places......" and.........

[Alvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE.

This is a really really good story!
This was different from what I was expecting actually. Different from the regular boy meets boy, boy fucks boy, boy falls in love with boy, boy and boy fucks lives happily ever after kind of story. It begins where Mark going home from visiting his dying mom in the hospital. His boss advised him to get a massage because Mark's so stressed out. And that's when he meet Antonio, a masseur and his future BFF and lover.

Mark & Antonio

This story goes through about 10 years of Mark's life. I'm a sucker for stories that expands a long time and this a really good one. The one that affected me the most was when Brian died. Mark saying goodbye to Brian was so heartbreaking. After that he had a moment with Robbie which got me more emotional. And when he and his dad talked about losing their SOs, I was gone! If I'm not in public that time I might have cried so hard.

I loved the characters! First of all, I appreciate so much that the MCs are not big dicked sexy ripped mofos. It made them really relatable which suited the vibe of the story, the story being close to real life as it was told.
Mark was likable. I loved Antonio so much! I loved that he ended up being Mark's bitch when they ended up together! Hahaha! I just love it. Macho bottoms...rarrr. Brian, I didn't like him in the beginning for obvious reasons, but I ended up loving him. MARK'S DAD! OMG! Best dad in the world . Mark's family, can I just say, here in my country a lot of people live in big families (my mom has a big family, she has 10 siblings) and I can say that I understand the LOVE/HATE relationship all relatives have. And I appreciated it being incorporated in the story. I notice that a lot of western M/M Roms doesn't include families so this is appreciated. I was very glad that Sam, Mark's asshole brother, ended up being supportive to him.

Why did I gave this only 4 stars? The story was quite predictable for me. :/ (Sorry!) I expected something will happen to Brian and also some of the things that happened. The only thing I didn't expected was when Antonio left Mark for California.

Overall this was a really really good and enjoyable read for me. Did I said that the ending was very very lovely? Unlikely to happen in real life (if it happens it will be so damn awesome) but I loved it. :D

A RECOMMENDED READ!
Enjoy! :D

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️&#x1f3a7;&#x1f4da; Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio – 2.5 stars. I wasn’t impressed with the performance

Story 2.5 stars round up even though I’m confused about how I really feel about this book.

How to explain this book??? Ugh! Well, I totally understand the mix reviews now. I have mixed feeling about it myself.

The story is over an 11-year period and starts in 2000. Most of the chapters started with a time jump, and of course there were flashbacks (not a fan).

The blurb pretty much gives a good idea about the story. Mark, who is gay, makes an appointment for a massage with massage therapist, Antonio, who is straight. They become friends and remain friends for about 75% of the book. During their friendship, Antonio falls in love with Mark. Mark is unaware that his straight best friend has fallen in love with him. There were quite a few heartfelt, and at times, heart wrenching moments. The last 25%, however, seemed rushed to me. The time jumps got bigger and there was a lot of OTT drama. The end was just too perfect, and there was a heavy dose of sappiness and cheese.


This was one of those books that had me in tears one moment and rolling my eyes the next. It was too much and not enough. Since I can’t be sure if I enjoyed it more than I didn't, I’m considering reading book 2.

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't for me. I felt like Webb got out his ideas book from the last five years, read some really great concepts he'd had for a story, and then threw them all in to the mix together.



On the first character death ("Let go. Just let go") I cried.

On the second character death ("You’re my heart and it’ll go with you. I’ll be here, and I’ll hold your hand, and you focus on me, and when you leave me, you won’t be alone. Don’t be afraid. We won’t be saying good-bye, baby. Just, ’til later.") I was feeling manipulated.

By the third death ("they shot him before I could get there and he died in my arms. On the goddamned street") I was mad.

It's easy to pull on our emotions in a story by killing people off in melodramatic ways, and leaving white roses on empty seats for those who are "missing in body, but here in all of our hearts". It seems like a cheap shot.

That doesn't even count all the rest of the stuff; junkie rentboy foster kid, asshole gay-hating family members, blended family angst: argh.


Such a soap opera. Not my book.

[★★Sara Lizzy★★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS
(although this book deserves more than just 5 stars!)

Okay, so I'd heard lots of people talk VERY highly of this book, so I figured I'd give it a try. People had warned me that it is sad in the middle, but NOTHING could have prepared me for the emotions I felt reading this book. I can honestly tell you that I'm not usually a person that cries during books (maybe on a very rare occasion) - but this book had me crying from 30% through approximately 60% quite frequently. For me that is the sign of a great book when it is written so well that it has someone like me crying like a baby when that just doesn't happen! Amazingly written book. If you haven't read it yet and like m/m books, I strongly suggest you read it (just have LOTS of tissues near by).

Let me start by saying this book takes place over the span about 11 years (from chapter 1 to the Epilogue), normally I can't stand when author's skip ahead in time on each chapter, but it flowed really well and worked nicely for this book.

When we first meet Mark, he's working for a small non-profit, his mother is sick and very close to dying and he is heartbroken because his ex-boyfriend Brian cheated on him and they are no longer together. He is under so much stress that he decides to try a massage and looks for a massage therapist, that is how he meets Antonio (he's a licensed massage therapist). From the very first time they met, Mark found Antonio attractive. Only problem is- Antonio says he's not gay or bi. Antonio is a divorced father of a boy named Jason (who is 8 years old at this point in the story). Antonio and Mark become very close friends and they often chat for hours on days Mark goes to have his massage.

Mark's mother passes away, and during the funeral Mark's ex Brian shows up. At first Mark objects to him being there, but when Brian says that Mark's mom would have wanted him there and loved him too, Mark concedes and lets Brian stay. We end up finding out that after they met back up at the funeral, Mark and Brian are dating again. I'll admit I was disappointed at that point that Mark just accepted Brian back after he had cheated, and I said so in my status updates and many people said "I was the same way", but they also said that something will happen that changes your opinion of Brian, so I reluctantly accepted their relationship and continued on.

Funds are lost for the non-profit Mark works for and he goes to work for Hope House, where he meets Robbie, and they get along from the very beginning. He's a 14 year old boy at this point in the story and his history is tragic and heartbreaking. He has trouble forming relationships with people, but he was attached to Mark pretty much from the beginning.

Around 30% in where it starts to get tough, we find out that Brian has had dizzy spells and has been passing out and not long after that Brian experiences a seizure that lasts about 5 minutes during dinner and apparently has been having them for some time. We know the doctors are running tests to try to find out what is wrong with Brian. But, us as readers don't find out for awhile what is actually going on. At this point, as people said I would, I had long since gotten over my irritation that Mark and Brian were back together. It was obvious that they were very much in love and it was sweet how caring and supportive Mark was with Brian when he was sick.

"I love you, Brian," I said. I saw the happiness, the love, the passion and excitement, and the sadness there, swirling around and dancing in the bright blues and silvers of his beautiful eyes.

"I love you too, Mark. So much, so very much," he moaned.

On a day that Mark is at Antonio's to get a massage, it starts to become clear to the reader (not so much to Mark) that Antonio has developed feelings for Mark. He has been talking about having feelings for someone but won't tell Mark about who it is. Antonio kisses Mark while he's at his house one night.

"I wanted to see what the big deal was. You're my best friend and I love you. And I know you're with Brian, but I just had to know what it was like to kiss you. To be with you that way. It didn't mean anything. Please, Mark, don't let it mean anything bad. I just wanted to know," he whispered.

When Mark returns home, he tells Brian what happened with Antonio. Brian says that he thinks Antonio is in love with Mark, but Mark just doesn't see it.

The Hope House has a picnic and Mark invites Brian as well as Antonio and Jason. Jason and Robbie form a bond right away which surprises Mark since Robbie doesn't connect well with others. It's during that picnic Robbie tells Mark something that just broke my heart.

"I wish I was yours. I wish I was your son and I could come live with you and Mr. Brian and have dogs like Lucy and Ricky. I'd try to make you really proud," he breathed.

Mark knew that wasn't possible even if it is something he would have liked to do. Over Christmas, Robbie wanted to go with Mark to his house to celebrate the holiday. It just wasn't possible for that to happen and when Mark returned after his vacation, he finds out that Robbie ran away from Hope House. He left Mark a letter before he left. Robbie felt like he wasn't wanted, he wasn't happy at Hope House and he was really upset over not getting to spend time with Mark at his home. Mark spent time everyday looking for Robbie in places where he thinks he could be and the one time he finds him, Robbie runs away because Mark says he can't come home with him and Robbie doesn't want to return to Hope House.

Around 55-60% into the book is when you really need to have tissues near by. I won't tell you exactly what happens or what the circumstances are, but it is tragic and it ends up with Brian on life support and Mark having to say good-bye to him when Brian briefly wakes up. Around this time we also find out what was wrong with Brian all along.

"Shh. Sweet, sweet baby. I'm here with you. I won't let you go though this all by yourself. Remember, we talked about this. I know you can see me, and hear me."

"It's just you and me here. I wanted to see those beautiful eyes of yours one more time, baby. I'm ready. Are you ready?"

Relief flooded his eyes. A single tear started to run down the side of his face. I bent down and kissed it away. I put my mouth right next to his ear so he could hear me. "My love. My life. My husband. It's been my great honor to love you and I only hope I was worthy of it."

He jerked a little at that and leaned his head toward my ear. I could hear a moan in his throat.

"Shh. We had a good life together. I'll miss you every day for the rest of my life. You're my heart and it'll go with you. I'll be here, and I'll hold your hand, you focus on me, and when you leave me, you won't be alone. Don't be afraid. We won't be saying good-bye, baby. Just 'til later."

Antonio tracks down Robbie and gets him to show up at Brian's funeral. Mark and Robbie talk after the funeral and I won't tell you what is said, but things turn out very nicely for Robbie and they come up with a solution for him so he doesn't have to return to Hope House or go back to where he was when he ran away.

Many months later Antonio finally confesses his feelings to Mark. And they decide to give a relationship between them a try.

"I can't promise you it'll be easy for me. That I won't be fucking scared off my ass. But I know this much." And he pushed me backward and climbed on top of me. "I love you, and I will do anything, everything, to be the man you deserve." ~Antonio to Mark

I won't say anymore, you'll just have to read the book if you want to know what else happens - I've said enough. I will tell you that Antonio and Mark have their ups and downs in their relationship, a few misunderstandings and a little heartbreak, but there is a HEA. This is a fantastic book and I'm so glad I read it!

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words that I can write that will do justice to this beautifully written book.
In my opinion this book-


This story isn't just a romance novel. This is a story about life. It's about the workings of a relationship, a friendship, and a family. One of the things I loved is that the story spans over a number of years. At the beginning Mark is dealing with the impending death of his mom and his relationship with Brian having fallen apart. After a coworker suggests he get a massage, he makes an appointment with Antonio. The two strike up a close friendship and were always there for one another. During this friendship there was always an underlying attraction between them, despite the fact that Antonio is straight. Brian and Mark reconnect and give their relationship another try. As much as I wanted to hate Brian for cheating- in the end I fell in love with him too and understood why Mark forgave him. Mark's ability to forgive and the way he took care of Brian was so touching it moved me to tears. I won't write anymore because I don't want to spoil the story for others.

This story made me ugly cry...


Made me angry at how unfair life can be.

And made me wish there were more parents out there like Mark's father.

This book also aroused me...

Warning: you may not want to read the spoiler, it has a bad case of TMI..I'll put it this way: the sex scenes between Mark and Antonio- made me change my panties. It was hot.

I would recommend this book to everyone. I think everyone would benefit from reading this beautiful touching story about second chances.

Mr Webb:


PS. I can't wait for Robbie's story!

[Sheziss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my.



Am I crazy or I'm seeing Antonio above there?

Almost a year ago I read this, and I need to review it :) . Soon.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances. Two common enough words flying solo, but when linked together form something so hard to give, find, and receive in life. Forgiveness, love, pain, and hope all come together for that special and rare second chance.

Readers meet an emotionally exhausted Mark Jennings in the midst of grief and anguish. Mark’s pain and anger from a shattered love paired with shock and loneliness of letting, watching someone we love go to death hits us right off the bat with one hell of a wallop! Almost every line and emotion hit home for me. My heart reached out for Mark, but also remembered and felt the hole in my life again. A very powerful introduction into Mark’s world. I really don’t want to spoil or discuss too much of the plot here. Just know the pages are filled with longing, love, death, sex, family, friends, work, and more—so much more. Life. This story is filled to the brim with life! From the highs and lows & bumps and joys through the years, we get to see and feel it all. So let me start with….

Antonio! :) Oh, Antonio. Mark initially meets Antonio on a professional level as a massage therapist. But over time, Antonio’s huge smile, love, and personality become a constant and welcome part of his life. Sparks, questions, emotion, and laughs capture a passionate friendship and bond that will make you smile from ear to ear. Their warmth and love is contagious! Antonio was a hard character to get a handle on though, which for me—made him brilliant! Life and people are not clear cut. They mess with your head and emotions. Easily understood characters and simple answers often bore me, so I liked him immediately. But some of Antonio’s actions yanked me right out of the story. I mean picked me up and *tossed* me right out of the book. Haha…Had me shaking my head muttering “but…what, wait…”. But it just shows the power of Mr. Webb’s words that I could fall right back into the world with a word or two. The complexities, questions, and puzzle pieces of Antonio were some of my favorite parts of this book. He definitely lived and jumped off the page with hotness, love, and in-your-face personality. A remarkable character that will stick with me. I loved him! Hell…I loved all of these guys!

T.A. Webb’s Second Chances is a warm embrace of a book. Filled with everything life has to offer. I’ve never felt such warmth radiating off of a book before. Warm touches, sliding, soothing, and hugging with such power and sexiness. The heat could go from relaxing to sexy in a heartbeat. Emotions swirled and jabbed between friends, family, and lovers. Honestly the power and glow of the emotions captured here in Mark’s story is dazzling.

Atlanta’s heat, pace, and food spiced up the pages with its own brand of warmth as well. My beloved beignets were even mentioned. Haha…Pillows of powdered heaven! I could feel the southern heat and boneless relaxation on the massage table. And I wanted to stay, sit, ogle, giggle, and gossip with the Twinks and blue haired ladies at the Colonnade again and again. :) Just a perfect setting to bring this big family of characters to life. Pulled me right in!

These pages are filled with hope and second chances for fathers, sons, siblings, lovers, and friends. A wonderful read to experience filled with so many characters and personalities to cherish and embrace.



For some reason this small, sweet line continues to make me smile and touch my heart weeks after reading this story.

”Sweet dreams, sweet man”……

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy Read with Gina, thank you sweetie...I know you loved the book too. This book was even better this time around for me, and it scores 5 stars, and bring on the dancing girls!!

Shortie review, so many good ones out there in GR land. Yet again, I worship at your feet Mr Webb....strangely, this keeps happening...so either I'm a complete nutcase ...or, the more likely explanation....you're a bloody good author!!

There were characters I loved....Mark, his dad, Antonio and Robbie were the stars of the book for me. Secondary characters too...Patty was wonderful, Jason (and yes, I'm waiting (im)patiently for his and Robbie's story!). How did I feel about Brian.....well, at first I had absolutely no sympathy for him whatsoever, but gradually he wore me down and the scene in the hospital with him and Mark was one of the most moving scenes I've ever read, and yes, there were lots of tears then.

So, to say that I was pleased at the ending of the book is a huge understatement!! There were tears of joy...yes yes, I know, I'm a complete sap!! Many, many thanks once again Tom, and I'm counting the days until 'Starry Knight' is released.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Tom for this outstanding book. I loved it so much.

I love Mark, the cute, mouthy bastard with a heart of gold. He's a good man, he's kind, caring, supportive, a loving son and brother. And he protects the ones he loves. And how he does it!

Mark will be one of those character's that I'll carry with me for a long time.

Long ago
I knew you,
And every memory I shared with you

And how painful sometimes it is to remember
Every Word, Every Day, Every Time I was with you

And how close I felt to something special
Something deep inside
You were a part of me
You had a part of My Soul, My Heart, My Mind

And how every day I got up 'cause of you
And everyday I couldn't wait to see you

And how sometimes late at night, I can't fall asleep
cause I wish you were here
And how I wrap myself so closely with that blanket you used

Just to remember
Just to feel something
to feel a part of you

And how sometimes I lay lavishing myself in tears
Waiting, Longing, Yearning
to feel your touch

Just to be with you
Just to hold you
Just to kiss you.....once

And how some mornings I wake up reaching out for you
but you're not there
And sometimes I imagine that you care
And how once in a while I fantasize we'll talk
once again

And how I wish I could take my second chance
to be near you...

(from 'My Second Chance' by Emily Rheault)

Sometimes there is a second chance. You just need to grab it with both hands and don't let it slip away. It may be your last...