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Back-Up
John Caldwell was working undercover to bring down a drug lord when he's caught between his past - former partner Zack Maine - and his current partner Troy, who has a long-time bond with Zack.
When they are all trapped overnight in a snow-bound cabin, can they set aside their differences and be back-up for each other?
When they are all trapped overnight in a snow-bound cabin, can they set aside their differences and be back-up for each other?
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2012
33 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Webb
32 books633 followersT.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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 12, 2012
Free story that was a bit too complex and too many characters to be that short.
I kept thinking it must be a sequel or short belonging to another story, but I don't think it is.
I kept thinking it must be a sequel or short belonging to another story, but I don't think it is.
April 20, 2013
Hells Bells, my fingers are hurting from all this typing, and the less said about my poor, tired eyes the better 
!! A decent short round-robin story from Tom before 'Second Chances' made him into the author we all know and love today!
This is the story of police officer John, his ex Zack and Zack's twin Troy. Complicated...keep your wits about you...but of course my requisite HEA...woohoo!!
!! A decent short round-robin story from Tom before 'Second Chances' made him into the author we all know and love today!This is the story of police officer John, his ex Zack and Zack's twin Troy. Complicated...keep your wits about you...but of course my requisite HEA...woohoo!!
June 26, 2012
This is an interesting idea gone wrong, it was messy, rushed and incomplete.
I think i need to stress this again:
THIS REVIEW IS HIGHLY ON SPOILERS.
Alright let's continue.
Besides the idea of gay twin cops is a little too long shot, characters were highly childish in their behavior, they weren't described, we only know Zack and Trey are twins but we don't actually know how they look like or how old are they, John neither, there were things unexplained (Why were Troy and Zack estranged, or why Zack wasn't taking care of his son, or even how the hell had Zack had a son and were was the mother? shouldn't she have been notified his son was recovered and in the hospital? was she dead?).
John and Zack weren't healthy for each other, if you ask me they probably broke off a month after the ending, after another stupid fight, John says the only thing he did was telling Zack "isn't he hot?" (thought at this point I'm not sure, seems some authors wanted us to believe it was more) and then Zack went and go with the twink, because he wanted to show John he didn't own him they broke over that but they had been having a lot of fights, then Zack never told he hadn't actually fucked the kid and let John go believing he had fucked the twink, but when he received the invitation he dropped everything and went to John, like, all along it had been a case or pride, like who would cave first and talk to the other, here is when i thought: F*ck no, this is stupidly childish are they in 8th graders or something?, finally when they decide to "go steady" again the fuck in the hospital like teenagers.
I didn't saw a change or a realization, let alone a grow or something that could tell me they would correct past mistakes and have a better relationship, they had serious issues that needed to be addressed, sadly they weren't but for a very short story we have two sex scenes (that is you ask me I would have happily trade for some maturity-grow in the characters).
I think i need to stress this again:
THIS REVIEW IS HIGHLY ON SPOILERS.
Alright let's continue.
Besides the idea of gay twin cops is a little too long shot, characters were highly childish in their behavior, they weren't described, we only know Zack and Trey are twins but we don't actually know how they look like or how old are they, John neither, there were things unexplained (Why were Troy and Zack estranged, or why Zack wasn't taking care of his son, or even how the hell had Zack had a son and were was the mother? shouldn't she have been notified his son was recovered and in the hospital? was she dead?).
John and Zack weren't healthy for each other, if you ask me they probably broke off a month after the ending, after another stupid fight, John says the only thing he did was telling Zack "isn't he hot?" (thought at this point I'm not sure, seems some authors wanted us to believe it was more) and then Zack went and go with the twink, because he wanted to show John he didn't own him they broke over that but they had been having a lot of fights, then Zack never told he hadn't actually fucked the kid and let John go believing he had fucked the twink, but when he received the invitation he dropped everything and went to John, like, all along it had been a case or pride, like who would cave first and talk to the other, here is when i thought: F*ck no, this is stupidly childish are they in 8th graders or something?, finally when they decide to "go steady" again the fuck in the hospital like teenagers.
I didn't saw a change or a realization, let alone a grow or something that could tell me they would correct past mistakes and have a better relationship, they had serious issues that needed to be addressed, sadly they weren't but for a very short story we have two sex scenes (that is you ask me I would have happily trade for some maturity-grow in the characters).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2012
If this were a longer work, perhaps it would have worked better. As it is now, it's a complex spy book wannabe. Well, at least it's free. I think. I forget.
August 26, 2013
2.5 stars. This had a lot of potential, but it has so much happening so fast, by the time I caught up with what was going on, it was over. I would have liked to have seen more of this in a full-length story.
January 11, 2015
Not bad but not my favorite Webb either.
Maybe it was just....too short?
Maybe it was just....too short?
December 18, 2012
Perhaps just a bit too involved, and too many characters for a novella to gain an immediate understanding or relationship with the characters. I felt like a landed in the middle of a series that started way back when.
It's fast moving, lots of action, some sexy m/m moments and rather entertaining. I liked it, but would have rather not spent more than the first half trying to figure out what was happening.
It's fast moving, lots of action, some sexy m/m moments and rather entertaining. I liked it, but would have rather not spent more than the first half trying to figure out what was happening.
August 7, 2012
Dear me...first--I need more of this story--it was explosive, action packed, thrilling and intense. You are thrust into the lives of John and Zack two undercover agents who are estranged lovers yet who lust and love still.
This story, a result of a round robin amongst some very fine writers, sizzles with sexual tension and heat and is a top notch crime novel in the making.
Alas it is waaaay to short! There is so much action taking place that at times, it can be confusing but T. A. Webb and his fellow cohorts in crime are very adept at pulling this story back from the brink of disaster each time.
The main actions centers around John who has been working with one twin brother while yearning after the other who was his former lover. They are set to bust a drug ring cartel lord until Zach, former lover arrives at the cabin unannounced and throws a monkey wrench into the plan landing all three of them as hostages and in danger for their lives. However, Zach has a secret of his own which breaks the situation wide open and makes John see what he felt was Zach's betrayal in a more truthful light.
This story has such great potential but is much too short to satisfy all the questions that arise as a result of the reading. However, if this is the caliber of work Mr. Webb can put out, I look forward to more--much more from this author.
This story, a result of a round robin amongst some very fine writers, sizzles with sexual tension and heat and is a top notch crime novel in the making.
Alas it is waaaay to short! There is so much action taking place that at times, it can be confusing but T. A. Webb and his fellow cohorts in crime are very adept at pulling this story back from the brink of disaster each time.
The main actions centers around John who has been working with one twin brother while yearning after the other who was his former lover. They are set to bust a drug ring cartel lord until Zach, former lover arrives at the cabin unannounced and throws a monkey wrench into the plan landing all three of them as hostages and in danger for their lives. However, Zach has a secret of his own which breaks the situation wide open and makes John see what he felt was Zach's betrayal in a more truthful light.
This story has such great potential but is much too short to satisfy all the questions that arise as a result of the reading. However, if this is the caliber of work Mr. Webb can put out, I look forward to more--much more from this author.
October 7, 2012
As my grandmother was fond of saying: 'this made neither sense nor moss'
Either my download failed dramatically, or else the story is meant to be full of half-written, incomprehensible sentences that have no beginning and no 'link' to anything that has gone on previously. I simply couldn't understand it. And by 'no beginning' I mean just that.
This is a brief extract:
==(space and new paragraph)
ache indicated feeling coming back to his half-frozen fingers. Sure, he knew he escalated the arguement by throwing him at the guy, but he didn't think Zack would act on the challenge. Fuck, it
(Space and new paragraph)
they were solid, but he'd thought wrong. 'Then what do you want Zack?'
(space and new paragraph)
brief moment before he replied. 'I told you a long time ago.........==
That is only a small sample. Other reviewers must have had a 'complete' version, or perhaps I am missing something? Perhaps it is meant to be like this? But somehow I don't think so.
Either my download failed dramatically, or else the story is meant to be full of half-written, incomprehensible sentences that have no beginning and no 'link' to anything that has gone on previously. I simply couldn't understand it. And by 'no beginning' I mean just that.
This is a brief extract:
==(space and new paragraph)
ache indicated feeling coming back to his half-frozen fingers. Sure, he knew he escalated the arguement by throwing him at the guy, but he didn't think Zack would act on the challenge. Fuck, it
(Space and new paragraph)
they were solid, but he'd thought wrong. 'Then what do you want Zack?'
(space and new paragraph)
brief moment before he replied. 'I told you a long time ago.........==
That is only a small sample. Other reviewers must have had a 'complete' version, or perhaps I am missing something? Perhaps it is meant to be like this? But somehow I don't think so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2013
The story wasn’t bad, but it was immensely confusing as to who were the good guys, who were the bad guys, who were the good guys pretending to be bad guys, and who (if anyone) were merely innocent bystanders. Not helped by having identical twins involved.
(Later—)
While updating my home library database I realize this is a round-robin story. My confusion is therefore much more understandable, and isn’t entirely the fault of The author since there were nine hands in the pot rather than one.
(Later—)
While updating my home library database I realize this is a round-robin story. My confusion is therefore much more understandable, and isn’t entirely the fault of The author since there were nine hands in the pot rather than one.
May 7, 2013
I finished it, so it was a better than a lot of books in my kindle. The characters were really immature, to the point of the drama being downplayed because they were busy bickering among themselves instead of paying attention to the life or death situations going on around them.
Every conflict was resolved easily with a surprise twist. But other than that I enjoyed it. The characters while childish, were also funny. I liked them. And the plot while not tense, had enough drama to fill several soap opera episodes. It was a quick entertaining read.
Every conflict was resolved easily with a surprise twist. But other than that I enjoyed it. The characters while childish, were also funny. I liked them. And the plot while not tense, had enough drama to fill several soap opera episodes. It was a quick entertaining read.
March 12, 2013
Quick read good action story hot m/m sexy time. But these short stories just lea.ve me wanting so much more of them
June 14, 2014
A bit soap opera like fun!
July 23, 2013
As a group writing exercise, Back-up is very good. As a short story, though, I kind of felt jerked around by the plot, 'cause it seemed like every five minutes, something completely new and unexpected was happening. It was a wild ride, sometimes fun and sometimes slightly unpleasant. I'm giving it 4 stars for effort.
One thing, though. The warning at the beginning of the book says, "While there is no consummation of sex shown in the story, this is a very sensual tale." That statement is misleading. While there is no - um - penetration in the story in real-time, there is a graphic flash-back sequence. I'm not complaining, just mentioning it for those who concern themselves with the "heat level" when deciding whether or not to read a particular book.
One thing, though. The warning at the beginning of the book says, "While there is no consummation of sex shown in the story, this is a very sensual tale." That statement is misleading. While there is no - um - penetration in the story in real-time, there is a graphic flash-back sequence. I'm not complaining, just mentioning it for those who concern themselves with the "heat level" when deciding whether or not to read a particular book.
August 12, 2013
"Back-up" by T.A. Webb is a story of gay love & a sting gone wrong involving a drug dealer. The story begins when John Caldwell runs into ex-lover Zack Maine at a cabin where he's supposed to be meeting his current boyfriend Troy (Zack's twin brother) to set up a sting operation to catch a drug dealer. When Troy arrives the brothers argue which causes a major problem when the guys they're supposed to catch show up. From there, Webb's tale is one of a bit of violence & more quick information about the sting & whose involved in what. The ending actually is a bit cheesy as Troy & John make love in the doctor's lounge at the hospital once they realize everyone is going to be all right, but overall this isn't a bad per se short erotic gay novella.
November 16, 2012
The MCs names were all so similar that I had trouble remembering which one was which. It was too much in such a short story and it happened too fast. I only made it halfway before I had to accept that I had no idea what the hell was happening and the struggle to keep the characters straight was too much. It might have just been me, I was trying to read it before bed so maybe I was too tired to follow something this complex.
May 22, 2013
I'm not sure what a round robin story means or if more than one person was responsible for this, but this did not work. Too many cooks (authors) spoils a story potential although I did smile at John's wistful momentary fantasy of having both brothers (twins). At least it was free. Webb's novel Second Chances on the other hand is very good so read that instead.
January 26, 2014
2.75 Stars- but when it's free I always round up on the actual star rating.
So I enjoyed the action factor in the mm romance, but I didn't have time to embrace any of the characters. Since it is such a shirt story you don't really learn any individuality of any of the characters so once it was identical twins, a lover, a partner and their are all cops and all involved it was a bit of a cluster in my mind and I could remember who was who.
Otherwise, it was an enjoyable super quick read.
So I enjoyed the action factor in the mm romance, but I didn't have time to embrace any of the characters. Since it is such a shirt story you don't really learn any individuality of any of the characters so once it was identical twins, a lover, a partner and their are all cops and all involved it was a bit of a cluster in my mind and I could remember who was who.
Otherwise, it was an enjoyable super quick read.
September 11, 2014
Oh wow. What a comedy of errors this was. So soapy - rife with myriad plot twists and little bombs of information dropped throughout this extremely fast paced short story. This was just so awesomely bad. How many clichéd storyline reveals can we have in 17 short pages? A TON. Terribly wonderful, wonderfully terrible, not sure which. Not sure if it was supposed to, but all of the craziness had me giggling, cackling and snorting. For that, it earned its three stars.
June 4, 2012
Sometimes "round robin" books can work well but I think this one suffered from the too many cooks syndrome. The story itself was very good but maybe it would have benefited from a single author with more planning and definitely would have been better as a longer novel than as it is as a novella. It was however still an enjoyable read even if not totally satisfying.
April 14, 2013
Hmmm, short stories are often difficult to pull off for one of three reasons. Either the plot is too complex, the plot is entirely TOO SIMPLE, or the writer gets carried away and ends up with half of a full length novel instead of a short story. I must say that the first description best fits this...collaborative effort.
May 26, 2012
LOVED it! What an awesome "round robin" story! Great job Tom Webb, Lee Brazil, Patricia Logan, Sara York, Rawiya, CR Guiliano, Lavinia Lewis, Havan Fwllows and Jane Amanda Smith!!! I am so proud of you all!
October 21, 2012
There was not enough of the relationship between the characters. The sex scenes were gratuitous and the ending was "been there - done that"
This story had a lot of potential, but it was not realized.
This story had a lot of potential, but it was not realized.
February 20, 2013
This was a great idea. I liked the story but there was way too much going on for such a short story. I would love to read this tale rewritten as a novel with the plot and the characters fully developed.
June 22, 2012
Available in Kindle format.
This is a nice short read. Brought together in a nice twisting plot.
This is a nice short read. Brought together in a nice twisting plot.
June 23, 2012
LOVED IT! WANT MORE:-)
Read
September 1, 2012I would bet the authors had great fun writing this!
October 27, 2012
Horrible. All over the place, hard to follow. Horrible.
November 5, 2012
Enjoyable read although I found that some points got a bit jumbled and I had to go back a couple time to make sure I knew which character was speaking. Nice rap up, HEA's are my fav.
November 21, 2012
The relationships felt a bit superficial and I couldn't connect with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews