The Carpenter

Workplace Encounters #4

by Serena Yates

Tom Halderson is a carpenter in desperate need of a big project to save the financially troubled construction company he inherited from his father. Tom is a better carpenter than a businessman, and worse yet, Tom’s estranged brother suddenly demands his share of the inheritance. When Matt Langford hires Tom to renovate his house, things begin to look up. A safari guide, Matt plans to restore and sell the home his grandfather left him and return to his exciting life in Africa. He is not about to let his sudden—and powerful—attraction to Tom persuade him to settle down—not after infidelity destroyed his own family. But adventurous Matt is exactly what Tom’s life is lacking, and Tom is determined to show Matt what could be between them.

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

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 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

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the book supported my team with an "Y" for the Spell challenge.......

2.5 stars

[A.J. Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to Serena's Workplace Encounter series and I must say this is the most emotionally developed and mature of these works. I also love The Chauffeur.
In both these books, Serena draws 'afflicted' characters very well. In The Chauffer, she addresses physical disfigurement.
In this story, the 'handicap' is sexual abuse and its crippling aftermath.
Her portrayal of Tom's struggle is both cativating and convincing. I was surprised at how strongly I reacted to this storyline and loved it.
Thomas is a survivor but dealing with this trauma which presents itself in inappropriate ways (which in real life, it does).
He is also dealing with a black sheep brother who leaves Tom in a financial mess.
Into his life comes Matt, a confident,successful man who wants his family house renovated so he can sell it. He hires Tom who is brilliant at his job but an emotional wreck.
Once again, Serena has picked an intriguing, unusual career for her workplace encounter. This time it's carpentry (hence the title) and I felt the author was very comfortable with this choice of career. I even learned some things!
I believed every moment of the book and rooted for the characters even when I got mad at Thomas for allowing his brother to bully him.
Tom and Matt have a lot to overcome...oh I love the angst!
These men feel very real and this fast-paced, wonderful story satisfied my romantic nature.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abuse comes in many forms, but sexual abuse under the guise of love is one of the most vile. Taking a situation where there should be complete trust, where one should feel safe, and turning it into a controlling, selfish, painful, degrading act is something no one should ever have to endure. Unfortunately, Tom Halderson in 'The Carpenter' by Serena Yates is in this unforgivable situation, having been abused by his ex-lover. Tom is coping as best he can with the lasting negative effects of his bad experience. For one thing, he's vowed to avoid intimate relationships in the future; but it's causing Tom a great deal of loneliness and insecurity, at least until Matt Langford comes into his life. Matt believes that he doesn't need to share it with anyone else. However, when they meet, their rules about avoiding commitment are soon forgotten.

Tom is a lovable, handsome, artistic, upstanding young man who is suddenly thrown into running the family business after his father dies. Although he's not completely prepared to do so, he tries his best to fulfill his family obligations and keep the business running. Because of an abusive ex, Tom's left with low self esteem and excruciating self doubt. Through Matt's patience and understanding, Tom begins to realize that loving someone doesn't have to include dominance, fear, and humiliation. He begins to blossom. Slowly but surely, he regains his self confidence and works his way through several complicated issues, many of which are caused by his hateful brother.

Matt's personality is completely different from Tom's. He's self assured, successful, outgoing, and influential. As he and Tom get to know each other, he begins to realize how lonely he is and how much more will be possible with Tom in his life. He and Tom discover that they have a great deal in common besides their interest in the house Tom is restoring for Matt. However, Matt notices distressing signals in Tom's behavior that trouble him, such as his overreaction to being touched, his unnatural fear of anger and recrimination, his fear of being controlled. However, Tom's insecurity in the bedroom is something that must be dealt with before they can move on. Matt helps Tom understand that deferring to his lover, agreeing to let him take the lead, is quite different from being dominated and forced into doing something. Matt is also wise enough to know that it will take time to undo the damage which has been done. Matt's slow and easy approach to helping Tom rebuild his self confidence and learn to trust his heart again is perfect for the situation which is why it is so successful.

'The Carpenter' is the fourth installment of the 'Workplace Encounters' series. It's scripted with Serena's distinct touch – well written, great characters, lots of angst, passion, a moral and, of course, a happy ending. I think it was quite brave of her to take on such a difficult subject and she does a wonderful job of portraying the negative effects of sexual abuse, taking us through the healing process of Tom's hard work and Matt's nurturing, ultimately leading to Tom being whole and both of them being happy. I'm certain that Serena's fans will love this story and that it will be a great introduction to her work for new readers. Thanks Serena for another great, meaningful story.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online

[Aerin · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the fifth book in this series, I'm starting to think this author's writing style doesn't match my preferences. When reading a series, I expect progress when it comes to writing, but most of all, I want the stories/books to be diverse if they're not related. The books in this series are not related and can be read independently, but they're not diverse nor original.

Tom is the owner of a construction company, a carpenter at heart, whose brother is causing irreparable damage to his already financially compromised business. Tom is hard to connect with, because he's the big guy who blushes at the drop of a hat, who's very innocent, and whose credulity resembles that of a 10 year old child. He's also a doormat and completely spineless, and while some people love MCs like that, I prefer mine with a bit more personality. The dialog between him and Matt, his new contract, is predictable, awkward and somewhat cheesy. I had a hard time believing in them as a couple and the plot was not good enough or exciting enough to make up for that; I was bored and I had a hard time staying focused while reading this story.

Matt is older than Tom, but that doesn't explain why he needed to take charge and take care of Tom's problems for him. It's not like they knew each other for a long time, their relationship was barely a week old when Tom's brother put in motion his evil plan to destroy Tom's business; Matt's desire to take charge and fix Tom's problems made Matt seem a bit creepy. That coupled with the cheesy lovey dovey dialog made for some awkward reading.

I'm still hoping for some improvement and some originality, and I might get my wish. The next book in this series is pretty good so far, so I'm holding my fingers crossed.

[Serena Yates]

Rereleased on June 17, 2015, this is a second edition with a few extra scenes, but the story is the same. Workplace Encounters is inspired by men meeting at work - but still 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" is mostly not yaking place there.

This story is about Tom, a carpenter in desperate need of a few big projects to save the construction company he inherited from his father. He is in trouble because his older brother, Derek, who vanished five years ago, has returned and wants what he thinks is his part of the inheritance. Matt Langford is a safari guide who inherited his grandfather’s house when his mother committed suicide. He plans to have the dilapidated house renovated so he can sell it, and move back to his adventurous life in Africa. The immediate attraction he feels for Tom completely derails him...

If you are interested, you can read an excerpt and purchase the e-book at Dreamspinner Press, All Romance, or your "local" Amazon store.

I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first gay "Mills & Boon". So far it's a sweet story but the author lays it on a bit thick with Tom - I understand how long it can take to get over emotional and sexual abuse, but I found myself rolling my eyes at how pathetic Tom was at times. I'm sure the character will appeal to many, but I prefer my protagonists to have a little more spine.

Having said that, the storyline was interesting and it was a fun, quick read. Tom finds his courage in the end, he solves his problems in a fine display of self-confidence and they all live happily ever after.

This is a fine book to read on a beach, or on an airplane.

[Andrew Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story. I loved the entire premise. I almsot thougth the author had written this story for me because I have done some of the same work. Well done!!!

[Serena Yates]

Released on July 2, this is the fourth book in my Workplace Encounters series; inspired by men meeting at work - but still 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 Tom, a carpenter in desperate need of a few big projects to save his company. He inherited his father’s construction company and he is in trouble since his older brother, Derek, who vanished five years ago, has returned and wants what he thinks is his part of the inheritance. Matt Lanford is a safari guide who inherited his grandfather’s house when his mother committed suicide. He plans to have the dilapidated house renovated so he can sell it, and move back to his adventurous life in Africa. The immediate attraction he feels for Tom completely derails him...

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story centers on Tom Halderson, who is struggling to keep his late father's construction company afloat as well as deal with his greedy and vindictive brother Derek. Aid comes in the form of Matt Langford, who wants the house he has inherited remodeled and hires Tom for the job. Tom and Matt's relationship develops over the course of the book as the two men deal with the attraction they feel for each other,the ghosts of Tom's past as a result of the abuse he suffered from a former lover and the very real threat posed by Derek.

The Carpenter is now my favorite of the Workplace Encounters series. What I particularly liked about The Carpenter was the fact the men did not fall instantly in love; they took their time. Even though it was Matt's intention to leave Colorado as soon as possible once the house was renovated and sold, he did not push Tom.  

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give it a 4.5

Another great addition to the series, this one dealing with the survivor of sexual abuse. Ms. Yates did a great job expressing Tom's pain and anguish over what happened to him. She did an equally nice job showing Matt's tenderness in allowing him the time needed before their relationship turned physical.

She took this terrible problem, added in Derek, his creepy brother, and juggled it together with some great secondary characters, vivid descriptions, angst, passion and some blistering sex.

I liked these two and they make a great couple...perfectly opposite in almost every way.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Matt and Tom. Tom seems to be battling life on every front and Matt has become much more than a client. It was wonderful to see the two men work together to find the best way to move forward both in business and love.

[Andrea Goodell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first in this series, and I wasn’t lost so I’m positive they are all stand alone.

When reading the blurb, I was charmed by idea that Globe setting Matt wouldn’t budge and wanted to know what Tom would do to persuade him.

Tom was given a company he really doesn’t want and a home when his father passes. Over the last couple of years him and his business partner have tried to make the business successful and doing a fair job until Tom’s brother shows up out of the blue and demands a share in everything. We skip ahead several months, Tom has now fired the brother, business is failing and Tom is beside himself.

Matt, is back in America to renovate a home he inherited and then leave again.

Matt was a strong, charming character, that we really didn’t that much of a background on. But for the present he seemed very loyal and willing to be patient and understanding to Tom and what was happening. And honestly if it wasn’t for him taking charge Tom would have crawled under a rock.

Tom, I get he was supposed to be this recovering abused victim, they never said the ‘R’ word but mental sexual abuse without R is a thing. But by about halfway through the book, I was ready to hand him a backbone. Enough of playing the passive card and stand up for yourself and the company. I literally was groaning when they were talking about the different ways to stop Derek and he was well, no… this and well no that… COME ON!

The story itself I also felt was a little too over the top, I get revenge against the dead father. But unless I missed it, we never really found out why, was it just revenge? Seems so much just for that. Involving other companies, city council, press, etc. there just seemed like there had to be a bigger issue going on than simply upset because the father was right about the marriage destine to fail. Which it did.

When Tom and Matt weren’t fighting the bad guy, the play time was fun, and you could see way Tom wanted to come out of his shell for Matt. I just we had more of them being them and less Tom being a victim and more a what he should have been, the romantic lead in a book.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A struggling builder falls for his client. Add an evil scheming brother, a homophobic father and past domestic abuse and a simple plot becomes rather complicated.

I really liked Matt as a romantic lead, battling to help Tom. I find period home renovations fascinating and this offered up some great property porn. I didn’t really warm to Tom, though, and this is really his story. The combination of his abusive relationship and the way Derek treats him made Tom more victim than romantic lead for most of the story.

I also felt that the Derek storyline was a little overblown. He wants the company so he destroys it? It didn’t make much sense to me.

Beyond the drama, this is a simple romance. The men are hot and the sex is hot. Although the relationship feels rushed in parts, the connection between the two men is sweet.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.

[Inked Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ThreeStar
A struggling builder falls for his client. Add an evil scheming brother, a homophobic father and past domestic abuse and a simple plot becomes rather complicated.

I really liked Matt as a romantic lead, battling to help Tom. I find period home renovations fascinating and this offered up some great property porn. I didn’t really warm to Tom, though, and this is really his story. The combination of his abusive relationship and the way Derek treats him made Tom more victim than romantic lead for most of the story.

I also felt that the Derek storyline was a little overblown. He wants the company so he destroys it? It didn’t make much sense to me.

Beyond the drama, this is a simple romance. The men are hot and the sex is hot. Although the relationship feels rushed in parts, the connection between the two men is sweet.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

Sarah

[Morgan Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom takes over the construction company from his father, though it isn’t his dream. His evil brother Derek returns to take the company from him and when he’s rebuffed, tries to sabotage things.

While trying to keep the company afloat Tom meets and falls for Matt, a new (rich) client.

Tom has had some significant abuse in his past relationships, the trouble with the company and his brother, but together he and Matt find their way to happiness.

**

As with the others in this series, this is a fairly light read with some darkish moments. I liked the storyline well enough, though I thought Derek’s character acted in ways that didn’t make sense. I also felt the dialog and communication between Matt and Tom was a bit stiff and awkward.

In general, if there had been a bit more showing and less telling this could have been a better read.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was quite good. The dialogue was a bit odd and forced at times but overall it was a reasonable short read. This is the 3rd story of this series i have read where the underlying theme seems to be that families are horrible and treat you like crap. Because of this, I think it's time to move on.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant little read with lovely characters and a relatively interesting plot. It had a lot more emotional depth to it than most of the previous books I've read by Ms. Yates, which was very nice to see. I'm already trying to decide which Workplace Encounter book to read next ;)

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had party a pulling plot, but still there was so many holes in the plot, with Tom's bad brother and Matt's father, that I couldn't enjoyable the HEA. Serena Yates, fast paced, writing style isn't for me. This book was a disappointment.

[Sadonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of an abused man who forges a relationship with a customer for his construction business.

[Morgana_lefay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workplace Encounters book 4

[Lillyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed we didn't get to know what finally happened to the brother in the epilogue.