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Got Your Back
Dave Durand was used to meeting men at the local clubs and bars.But all he had to show in his search for love was a steady string of shallow losers and superficial players.Time for an intervention.Enter Grady, his acerbic and protective terrier whose self-appointed "job" is saving Dave from himself.This whimsical and heart-warming short story celebrates the love between a dog and his man.And, the dog's humorous telepathic efforts to finally land Dave the one "keeper" he deserves.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2010
74 people want to read
About the author
William Neale
15 books45 followersWilliam Neale lived in Cleveland, Ohio with his partner of over a decade. Relatively new to the world of contemporary m/m romance, he spent over thirty years as a successful corporate communications executive, ad man, and PR "spin doctor."
Knowing how to "make up the truth" prepared him well for his next career as an author. William made no apologies for the fact that his books and characters are often larger than life. A William Neale novel invites you to a fantasy - to a place where you can dream and hope that indeed, happily-ever-after can and does exist.
Those who seek brutally "real," gritty, and angst-ridden life stories probably won't find them in a William Neale book. "That's okay," said Neale. "Not everybody wants or appreciates a feel-good story. As for me, reading has always been a wonderful escape from reality. Even as a child, I loved the fantasy of becoming Peter Pan, Huck Finn, or one of the Hardy Boys."
Knowing how to "make up the truth" prepared him well for his next career as an author. William made no apologies for the fact that his books and characters are often larger than life. A William Neale novel invites you to a fantasy - to a place where you can dream and hope that indeed, happily-ever-after can and does exist.
Those who seek brutally "real," gritty, and angst-ridden life stories probably won't find them in a William Neale book. "That's okay," said Neale. "Not everybody wants or appreciates a feel-good story. As for me, reading has always been a wonderful escape from reality. Even as a child, I loved the fantasy of becoming Peter Pan, Huck Finn, or one of the Hardy Boys."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 20, 2013
Wow! What a truly wonderful and delightful little story. If I didn't have to pay a huge pet deposit, I'd run out and get me dog right now.
Yeah, the story had its bittersweet moment and I'm no one to reveal spoilers, but trust me, it's a good, good, feel good story. I love William Neale and am so grateful for his amazing talent at storytelling. I know the writing/reading community lost an amazing voice with William's passing. I'm only happy that we have his works to keep his voice and spirit alive.
Where ever you are William, I know you are telling the best stories ever..... <3
Yeah, the story had its bittersweet moment and I'm no one to reveal spoilers, but trust me, it's a good, good, feel good story. I love William Neale and am so grateful for his amazing talent at storytelling. I know the writing/reading community lost an amazing voice with William's passing. I'm only happy that we have his works to keep his voice and spirit alive.
Where ever you are William, I know you are telling the best stories ever..... <3
July 14, 2020
Lovely story, except last few words, i just can get those out of my head, although it is life
October 26, 2012
A short but touching tribute to a beloved pet
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Grady (who is a dog) makes a lot of sardonic comments about Dave that are amusing and make for a sweet, playful dialogue between owner and pet.
- Lars and Dave (the humans) are both wonderful and sweet. There’s not much depth to them, to be blunt, but in a story that’s this short (353 Kindle locations), there’s not room for characters with a lot of complexity.
CONS:
- Dave begins the story with a very low self-esteem, and I questioned whether or not he’d be able to buck up as quickly as he does within the span of this short a story.
- Sometimes Grady’s thoughts are directed toward his owner and sometimes they’re just musings directed at the reader. “You’re receiving my text messages, Dave, but I can’t keep sending ‘em all night” is followed closely by “How many times have I had to save his [butt] that way? But, that’s my job. Look out for my dude and save him from himself.” As a result, sometimes it takes a second to figure out who Grady is talking to.
Overall comments: I don’t have any hardcore complaints about this, but it didn’t blow me away either. It’s sweet but very short; I finished it in probably about half an hour. There’s a bit of very light, very tentative romance, but don’t be fooled: the main character here is not one of the men. It’s Grady the Dog.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Grady (who is a dog) makes a lot of sardonic comments about Dave that are amusing and make for a sweet, playful dialogue between owner and pet.
- Lars and Dave (the humans) are both wonderful and sweet. There’s not much depth to them, to be blunt, but in a story that’s this short (353 Kindle locations), there’s not room for characters with a lot of complexity.
CONS:
- Dave begins the story with a very low self-esteem, and I questioned whether or not he’d be able to buck up as quickly as he does within the span of this short a story.
- Sometimes Grady’s thoughts are directed toward his owner and sometimes they’re just musings directed at the reader. “You’re receiving my text messages, Dave, but I can’t keep sending ‘em all night” is followed closely by “How many times have I had to save his [butt] that way? But, that’s my job. Look out for my dude and save him from himself.” As a result, sometimes it takes a second to figure out who Grady is talking to.
Overall comments: I don’t have any hardcore complaints about this, but it didn’t blow me away either. It’s sweet but very short; I finished it in probably about half an hour. There’s a bit of very light, very tentative romance, but don’t be fooled: the main character here is not one of the men. It’s Grady the Dog.
April 17, 2011
Overall
This was a cute story told mainly from the perspective of a dog. I enjoyed the concept and the overall story, but the writing left something to be desired at times. While it wasn't a waste of time, I wouldn't have wanted to spend more than I did on it, which is sad, because I think it had a lot of potential.
Strengths
Grady. Easily my favorite part of the story, the writing in the italic bits indicating Grady seemed well written, witty (with a touch of snark) and still caring. Grady loves his owner with all the devotion of a dog, but that doesn't mean he can't get frustrated with him! In the short space we have to get to know everyone, I fell in love with this sparky dog. Very sweet.
Weaknesses
Dialogue. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. I couldn't imagine two men talking like that to one another, especially after having only known each other a week. Part of me wonders if the desire/need to keep this story short make the dialogue get bunched together, but it felt awkward to me. This goes along with some of the internal dialogue/internal actions that happened. After the natural flow of Grady's mental dialogue, the humans felt like cardboard cut outs.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
This was a cute story told mainly from the perspective of a dog. I enjoyed the concept and the overall story, but the writing left something to be desired at times. While it wasn't a waste of time, I wouldn't have wanted to spend more than I did on it, which is sad, because I think it had a lot of potential.
Strengths
Grady. Easily my favorite part of the story, the writing in the italic bits indicating Grady seemed well written, witty (with a touch of snark) and still caring. Grady loves his owner with all the devotion of a dog, but that doesn't mean he can't get frustrated with him! In the short space we have to get to know everyone, I fell in love with this sparky dog. Very sweet.
Weaknesses
Dialogue. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. I couldn't imagine two men talking like that to one another, especially after having only known each other a week. Part of me wonders if the desire/need to keep this story short make the dialogue get bunched together, but it felt awkward to me. This goes along with some of the internal dialogue/internal actions that happened. After the natural flow of Grady's mental dialogue, the humans felt like cardboard cut outs.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
March 2, 2011
Dave is quite the pushover-slut, and Grady's little comments - which I'm guessing are supposed to be cute/funny - just came across to me as a bit snide and/or degrading. The new man in Dave's life came across as so unimportant to me that I can't even really recall his name, and am too lazy to scroll through my hard-drive and find the story again to check. =/
All in all, just kind of disappointing.
All in all, just kind of disappointing.
April 13, 2011
Damn, when a 19 page short story almost makes me tear up, its a damn good 19 page short story..
Its about Dave, a guy who lives with his best friend, his dog Grady. Grady is almost the main character, and I loved his thoughts!
And when Dave's love interest has a Scandinavian background, how can I not love it, huh? He's called Lars for Gods sake! Perfect! :)
A sweet story!
April 16, 2011
I thought this was a lovely little story about Dave and Grady (his dog). It was funny (with the anthropomorphism of Grady) and actually had me tearing up a little at the end. MRL Press have this as a 10 minute read, and it is, but to make me laugh and tear up in 10 mins gives this book the right to 4 stars.
May 2, 2015
This was a wonderful tribute to a beloved pet. Grady was the star in this book as far as I’m concerned. Hearing part of the story through his doggy voice with hints of wit and sarcasm made for a unique and memorable novella. Grady really did have Dave’s back and Dave was lucky for it. Loved this little gem!
December 23, 2011
Got Your Back is a heartwarming story that had me loving it from the first page. It's a very crisp and witty short story that is very light on the angst (that's a plus). The story is so strong that it outweighs whatever slight imperfections there may be in the writing. In a one word summation of Got Your Back I'd say "Adorable."
I give Got Your Back four stars.
February 3, 2012
This is a wonderful book that i discovered as a free e-book for the nook. Read the foreward, usually I skip these, but it explains alot before you delve into the story. It's not very long, but this author packs a lot of heart into a short read. It left me wanting to read more about the dog and his master.
Want to read
November 28, 2012This is a cute short read about Grady, a dog who loves and is protective of his owner David. David is afraid to love and jumps into bed with men who only want sex with no relationship. Grady is one smart dog tries to telepathically tries to steer David in the right direction and he hopes in doing so his guy will find friendship, love and a wonderful relationship with the man of his dreams.
February 6, 2011
Very short, cute story of Grady, a terrier, who wants his owner Dave to quit going for the wrong guy and find the keeper, the one to keep forever. You hear Grady through telepathy. He is sarcastic, funny, is a slutnfor a pig ear and loves his Dave. It was bittersweet at one point, and so sweet.
April 15, 2011
2.75 stars
This was a fairly cute short story. The premise was very interesting, but the writing was not very effective. I think this had much potential to become even just a novella with a properly fleshed out plot and characterization.
This was a fairly cute short story. The premise was very interesting, but the writing was not very effective. I think this had much potential to become even just a novella with a properly fleshed out plot and characterization.
April 5, 2012
I really liked this story. I'm not really a dog person but the dog in this story was great and I liked that he was looking after his owner, Davie, and giving him advice telepathically. It made for some good laughs while reading.
February 12, 2011
Super Cute! Grady was adorable with his messaging to Dave. Great short read!
April 3, 2011
A charming short romance with a gentle bittersweet ending. Delightful.
April 13, 2011
This was a very cute short story. I absolutely adored Grady. His commentary made me laugh out loud. I'd love to see a longer more in depth story with Lars and Dave.
April 19, 2011
Well written short.
William Neale brought me smiles, laughs, sighs and tears in this short story. I'll be looking for more of his work.
William Neale brought me smiles, laughs, sighs and tears in this short story. I'll be looking for more of his work.
April 29, 2011
Very cute and sweet little story. I think I need a dog like this one.
May 5, 2011
Loved this. Enjoyed the doggy dialog. Great short story!
July 7, 2011
Cute story about a dog helping "his human" find love. Unfortunately the dog was the best part of the story.
September 10, 2016
Hilarious and sweet. Loved it.
April 13, 2012
I smiled the entire time I read this story. It was the dog.
October 10, 2012
This book was hilarious especially the parts told from the dog's POV.
November 14, 2012
Short story with an interesting narrator, cute, heartwarming and a tiny bit bittersweet.
November 5, 2013
super cute
June 27, 2014
It was sweet and lovely. Charming. :D
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews