Second Chances

By: T.A. Webb

Narrated by: John Solo

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

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.

©2012 T.A. Webb (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

Good narration and a good GFY book

In this book, Mark Jennings seemed to be barely making it emotionally. His mom is dying in the hospital of liver disease, his boyfriend Brian Jacobs left him for another man and his nonprofit job was about to go belly up.
His only stress relief was getting a bi-monthly massage by a guy named Antonio Roberto.

During these massage therapy sessions, Mark and Antonio got to know each other. Antonio was going through a divorce with his wife and was scared to loss his son in a custody battle. Mark was dealing with the loss of his mom and the return of his boyfriend Brian.

Both were overwhelmed. Its no wonder both started feeling a little attracted to each other. But Antonio was straight and Mark would never cheat as he knows how that betrayal felt. But life has its own plans and Mark, Brian and Antonio's lives begin to mesh and we see that despite Mark's uncomfortable place, both guys genuinely care for him. Who will be Mark's HEA?

This book had a roller coaster of emotion. This Mark really needed a hug. It had sad parts and happy parts. I also really liked the family angle as well as the non-profit Hope home addition to this story. It still touches me that family can discard their own children because of who they love.

The writing was paced well, but the narrator wasn't quite right for this story. His faux southern accent grated my nerves at times, but then he'd forget he was supposed to have a southern accent and we were cool again. Over all, it was a good story. Little to no angst.

A Great Story

I really enjoyed this story. This story follows Mark and his life over the years, we follow him through relationship problems, new loves, loss, mourning, grief, coming to terms with life changes and ultimately learning that it's okay to give people second chances -- sometimes the best chance, is the second chance.

This story will elicit a wide array of emotions as you connect with Mark during his journey. Antonio is a great secondary lead male and it is wonderful watching him fall in love and come to terms with who he is..

The narration is also great -

Emotional!

Good m/m romance...not really a double listen kinda book...but enjoyable first listen. This book has many sad moments...(tears)!

Worth a sale I think...not a credit or buy...

Narration was ok...nothing grand..but decent.

What a Story

Any additional comments?

Bought this book when it came out and completely forgot about it. Then l saw an audio version for a reduced price at Audible (since l have the book) and forgot about that too. Yesterday out of boredom l decided to read it and boy, oh boy. What a wonderful story. It had me in tears, laughter, and happiness. Now l have to go and find some other books by Mr Webb. It always shows when an author put themselves in their work. From reading the author's bio it looks like Mark the main character has the same job in the book that Mr Webb had or has in real life. Sometimes experience beats research. Did l mention some very lovely and hot love scenes. Loved everything about this book. So many books in this genre have similar stories that it is always nice to find something that make you hang onto every word in the book and think about the story long after you finish. Highly recommended.

Beautiful story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, this is not insta-love, but a story of true love, friendship, family and loyalty.

Who was your favorite character and why?

??? sometimes Mark, Brian by the middle and Antonio by the end. I did love his dad and Robbie, most all of them

What about John Solo’s performance did you like?

His voice took some getting use too. I had not read the book yet, so I did not have a picture of Mark in my head. I think by the end, his voice was appropriate for the character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Love, Life and Loyalty!

Emotional story, better to read than listen

This is one of my favorite books and author. TA Webb writes wonderful, romantic dramas that always make me cry. When I read this I was bawling. I did not have that reaction while listening to it. Although the narrator does a fine job, he just didn't project the emotional element of this book. This is a story that takes place over 10 years and revolves around the lives of three men and their "second chances." A lot happens and it is complicated. I think this is one of those books better read than listened to.

Terrible

The only thing that could have made this worse is if it were written by a straight person intended for a gay audience.

Way too much vulgar language where it’s not needed.

Repeatedly “gay friend” “straight….” It’s clearly a gay themed book it doesn’t need to be driven home in every paragraph of every chapter in the book.

The gay erotica only took away from the story, it definitely didn’t add to it.

I don’t know if the authors story telling improved with his follow up books, but I’m not going to purchase them to find out.