The Ship Engineer

Workplace Encounters #3

by Serena Yates

This edition is no longer available. The book will be re-released by Diversity Novels.

Can a straight-laced ship engineer and a happy-go-lucky musical dancer find enough common ground to discover a future together?

Nathan Kappas is a ship engineer who prefers the predictability of machines to people. He has just been promoted to second engineer on a mid-size cruise ship, hoping to become first engineer within the next few years. During his first day on his new ship, the Sapphire, he runs into his new crew mate Harper Quade, a musical dancer who is full of life and is very good with people.

Nathan has no idea what has hit him, but the attraction is immediate and they quickly become inseparable. But then Harper's abusive ex-boyfriend appears and threatens everything they have achieved together...

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, LGBT, Ebooks, Erotica

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

I’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.

Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.

I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.

I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.

Reviews

[A.J. Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this and I can't endorse it more. I loved Nathan and the fact that he had perfect looks and an imperfect personality made for a compelling character.
He is a man who also has a big secret that I won't reveal here, but I must say it did surprise me. It only added to the mystique of cruise ship travel and his possibilities of romance.
There was enough information on the inner workings of the ship engineer's life to make this story interesting and different, without it weighing down the narrative.
There is a lot packed into this tale and the elements of surprise, drama, a stalker and a wonderful romance really held me. Loved it!
I could easily see this as a movie and was impressed with the beats of the story. Very well paced and believable.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

These guys were just so sweet. I would recommend it for when you want a sweet romance with some hot man on man action (not a lot of sex but there was plenty IMO). Although I liked the previous two books they are not connected so you don’t have to read them first.

I loved Nathan; I think because I like nerdy intellectual guys that are uber sweet but don’t even know they are sweet.

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's useful for challenges.... 🙈😂

2.5 stars

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often people struggle through life with the feeling that something important is lacking. Yet, at the same time, they try to convince themselves things are ok or worse yet, think their life is as good as it's going to get. When someone reaches this point, they need help seeing beyond it and the best motivation I can think of is falling in love. When that special someone comes along, everything takes on a new meaning. When you can see your potential through loving eyes, it encourages you to strive to see what your lover does. You want to be better, not just for yourself, but for each other. Through their unconditional love, Nathan Kappas and Harper Quade of 'The Ship Engineer' by Serena Yates, gain the courage to reach for new heights, not only to improve their relationship, but to better themselves as well.

Nathan is competent, serious, intelligent and detached. From the beginning, he seems to be holding back, not allowing himself to feel emotions. He thought that made things easier for him, but it only isolates him more. Nathan is quite capable in his position of ship engineer, but is weak when it comes to interacting with others. He thinks people are too unpredictable. Unlike the elements of his job which remain constant; people are always changing. When Harper enters his life, he shows Nathan how important it is to learn to interact with others, which leads to a happier life for both of them.

Harper's bubbly personality is infectious. I loved him immediately. He's kind, loving, intelligent and ambitious; however, his kindness is sometimes misconstrued as weakness, causing others to take advantage of him. Until he meets Nathan, he's never had anyone appreciate how truly special he is. No one before Nathan provided him with the healthy emotional support he needs to thrive. The love affair between Nathan and Harper is poignant and passionate. Their trysts are not only very fervent, but are tender and loving as well.

Serena's descriptions of life on a cruise ship were informative, properly setting up the scene, without being overly detailed. I loved her accounts of the beautiful sights and sounds Nathan and Harper experienced on their tours, so much in fact, that I wished I had been there with them.

I enjoyed 'The Ship Engineer' a great deal. It was passionate, exciting, emotional and intense. It's a great story to read especially when your spirit needs uplifting and your heart needs to be reassured of the special beauty which can be found in a loving relationship.

The second release of this story is as good as the first, which I originally read in 2011. The story is very similar to the original, but the subtle changes Serena made with this version gave the story a smoother pace and clarified dialogue and circumstances, making it more descriptive and easier to follow. The relationship between Harper and Nathan seemed even hotter and more emotional than before. I was, again, impressed with these men's ability to trust so easily considering that neither of them had had that experience before. Rereading the book reinforced how supportive and nurturing Harper and Nathan were to each other. I also appreciated the examples of the characters before and after they became a couple. For example Nathan's encounters with the children; one before being with Harper and another afterward. His different reaction between what happened before and after made it quite obvious that Harper had helped bring out Nathan's good side.

For those of you who haven't read the story, I'd like to recommend that you do so, especially if you like a good romance with great characters, and a happy ending. I also recommend to those who read the original to read it again. I enjoyed the story even more this time than the first and you may do so as well. Thanks, Serena!

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Morgan Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan is a socially awkward, virgin! who starts a new job on a cruise ship where he meets the very outgoing Harper. Harper is a performer who gets a job on a cruise ship, escaping an abusive ex.

There is very little angst between Nathan and Harper as their relationship develops and grows. It becomes clear to Nathan that Harper means more than a ship-board romance when he is kidnapped by his ex.

Like the previous books in this series we get a unique look at a profession – in this case working on a cruise ship – and a quick, but sweet love story between two men.

I thoughtthe story was cute, the sex nice, the romance sweet, the editing good but I found the dialog to be a little stiff and awkward.

3.5 of 5 stars

[Serena Yates]

Rereleased today, on 13 May 2015, this is the fourth book in my Workplace Encounters series; inspired by men meeting at work - but definitely staying away from the so-called office romance. This series looks at all types of workplace, even the occasional office may play a role, but the 'romance part' is guaranteed not to take place there.

This story is about straight-laced ship engineer Nathan Kappas, who (literally) runs into happy-go-lucky musical dancer, Harper Quade. The sparks fly, but can they escape Harper's mysterious stalker and find enough common ground to discover a future together?

Upcoming books in this series include the rerelease of The Truck Driver in June, and a NEW story, The Baker, in July.

I hope you enjoy Nathan and Harper's story!

Serena

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Finally the pattern has been broken!!! I’m so happy that nobody lost their job in this book as it happened in all 3 previous books in this series, it makes for a nice change of pace. I liked this novella, it was light and the pace was good, it makes for a great read when you’re in the mood for something sweet and without a ton of angst. And virgin alert!!!!

Nathan and Harper’s attraction is pretty much instant, and I liked that because the chemistry between them seemed genuine. Nathan is not very good at being social and communicating with people, while Harper is a social butterfly and chose his career accordingly. The ship engineer and the actor/dancer/singer…an unlikely duo by all means, but they worked together, and I enjoyed how different they were from one another.

Harper’s stalker, the crazy ex from hell made for a nice diversion from all the loving and sexing these two were doing, even if it wasn’t entirely believable. How did the crazy ex find out where Harper was working now to start with, since his job on the cruise ship was pretty much a last minute decision? And even though the author tells us how rich the ex is, who would waste so much time and money to stalk someone around the world? Like I said not believable but entertaining nonetheless.

The relationship between Harper and Nathan was too insta-love for me. And Nathan was a 25 year old virgin; again, I can’t wrap my head around that to be honest. Kids start having sex in their teen years and I don’t believe Nathan’s socially awkward behavior would stop him from getting laid when he is as good looking and we’re lead to believe. *shrugs*

This was a pretty good story, the best in this series so far. I hope the next books stay away from the unemployment theme as well.

[❀~Amy~❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I feel bad for this review seeing how everyone else here really like it, but this was just kind of ok for me. I liked both MC well enough, but had a few issues with the story itself.

We are introduced to Nathan as someone who has very horrible people skills. He promises that he will work on this issue if his employer gives him the promotion that moves him to the ship Harper is on. Of course, once he gets to the new ship and meets Harper, this vanishes. There is next to no mention made the rest of the story about his people skills issues, which are supposedly so bad that he is a virgin in his late 20's. He has no issues with Harper, in fact they wind up in bed astonishingly fast. As someone who often has no idea how to talk to people and is awkward around others much of the time (like Nathan is supposed to be), I can tell you that meeting someone you're attracted to usually makes this issue worse, not better.

Harper, on the other hand, has had several abusive relationship in the past. You would think that would make him hesitate, at least a little, to jump into bed and then move in with someone new. Nope, jump in he does. I also hated that his abusive ex-boyfriend managed to find him on the cruise ship, mid-cruise to abduct him. How in the world he accomplished this, when Harper states that when he took the job on the ship he just disappeared without telling anyone where he was going, is a complete mystery. It is never explained and that majorly bugged me.

I'll give one or two more of the series a try before I give up completely, since I bought them all.

[Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm only giving this story a 3 because the two main characters were so sweet together. In truth I didn't even finish it. Again it's a story that seemed to be written by someone with the maturity of a teenager. Someone who took their dreams and their high school pain and put them in a book without the wisdom learned from getting past such challenges. I don't mean to be insulting, but one of the main characters is carefree fun loving dancer who's been beat down and cheated on by every man he's dated. He runs away from the last one and walks into the perfect relationship. I'm sorry but that just doesn't happen. One does not attracted abusive relationships, run away from their problems and find what they are looking for, because where ever you go, there you are. You bring yourself with you. That person wouldn't remain so carefree either. Also the other main character is smart and intelligent but socially inept, and finds a partner that is his complete opposite. That doesn't happen either. Opposites do attract but the mixture is usually explosive. People forget the joy is in the journey yet writer's like this one tend to skip the journey altogether, like there are magical cures for all their problems. This is what I wanted when I was 13, now I know that getting there is half the fun. Instead in this story, every thing is solved by finding a knight in shining armor.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbed in his work and with limited people skills, Nathan Kappas joins the crew of a luxury cruise ship, the Sapphire, as second engineer. Nathan's life becomes much more interesting when bumps into Harper Quade, who is on board to entertain passengers on a 110-day schedule from Los Angeles via the South Pacific and South Africa to London. The romance that blossoms between the two men on the cruise evolves in a believable way. While there is an instant attraction between them, the characters are give time to learn about each other and to develop, which I liked.

The Ship Engineer is the third book in Serena Yates’ Workplace Encounters series and gives me good reason to read the first two books, which I had overlooked. It isn't always smooth sailing for Nathan and Harper on the Sapphire, but it is a very satisfying journey.

[Serena Yates]

Released today, on April 2, this is the third book in my Workplace Encounters series; inspired by men meeting at work - but definitely staying away from the so-called office romance. This series looks at all types of workplace, even the occasional office may play a role, but the 'romance part' is guaranteed not to take place there.

This story is about straight-laced ship engineer Nathan Kappas, who (literally) runs into happy-go-lucky musical dancer, Harper Quade. The sparks fly, but can they escape Harper's mysterious stalker and find enough common ground to discover a future together?

If you are interested, you can read an excerpt and purchase the e-book at Silver Publishing.

I hope you will enjoy reading this book, and its future sequels, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. The characters are so believable, they are "real" people.

I loved Nathan and Harper. Nathan working through his insecurities and his inexperience in relationships was a joy to read. Harper with his outgoing personality and a tiny bit of sass was the perfect partner for Nathan.

The book as it all...romance, a stalker, dealing with past relationships, trying to deal with a current relationship and dealing with people who get in the way.

I loved this book and will wait "patiently" for the next installment.

[pbj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The writing is good, the characters are sympathetic, but it did utilize two of my most disliked m/m cliches.
A: The mysteriously still virginal but fine with his sexuality, late 20's to mid-30's, attractive gay man. I'd like to know where all these guys come from who have no hang-ups about sex but just haven't managed to EVER have any.
B: The crazed gay stalker. Why, why, why? I know they say there are only so many stories to tell, but please, stick a fork in this one, it's done.

[Heather♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the details about life on a cruise ship and thought Harper and Nathan were great together. Harper was such a ray of sunshine and even though Nathan wasn't a people person, there was never any doubt how much he cared about Harper. A loving relationship was new to both of them and it was wonderful to see them take that tender journey together.

[Gaa-chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet and simple

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit on the overly sweet side, but good if you want something light and not overly drama filled.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just one of those book where not a lot happens. Seems like the whole point was to explore Nathan's inexperience. Not that Harper was having trouble indoctrinating Nathan. Got to say though for someone who was in an abusive relationship I just feel as though Harper moved REALLY quickly and clearly hadn't learned anything in his previous attempts at finding someone.

Oh well, it was a quick short read.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the sex was hot and I liked the dynamic between the two main characters, I thought the dialogue was awful, there was too much saccharine-sweetness, and some of the plots were too contrived to keep me interested (the abusive ex, the "kidnapping," etc.). I might give the others a try, but so far, I'm not too impressed with Yates.

[Brenda Maldonado · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story didn't quite work for me. The 30 year-old virgin, the cabin switcharoo, the insta-love...all of these pulled me out of the story. I am usually good about suspending disbelief. Maybe it was just not a good day for me to read this book.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan doesn't have great people skills and Harper is great at making friends. Both end up working on the same ship and they hit it off. They have to deal with some things but they get through it together and find their way to smooth cruising.

[Bobbette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between the two MCs, but the author left Bryce as a loose end. It would've been nice to know what the cruise line did to him for his actions.

[Chappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but a little cheesy and heavy on the insta-love.

Nathan the quiet virgin ship engineer meets Harper the dancer on the run from a crazy ex-boyfriend.