Ball Boy

Boy Batter #1

by Raquel Riley

There’s no crying in baseball, unless you want the one thing you can’t have… your coach. ~Austin Healey It all started with a kinky video about a baseball player and his coach. A coach who happened to look just like mine. Now, I can’t get Coach Wolfe off my mind. He’s all I can think about. Teaching me, touching me, praising me for being the good boy I am. Unfortunately, he won’t do any of those things, not as long as I’m his student. But I’m eighteen and about to graduate. ~Marcus Wolfe I would love to have a boy of my own again. A boy who is honest, loyal, obedient, and generous. A boy just like… Austin, who happens to be too young, and completely off-limits . But Austin doesn’t understand limits. He is determined to make a conquest of me. My defenses are wearing thin. I’m only a man, and a man can only take so much. Ball Boy is an MM baseball sports romance with an age gap, power imbalance, and praise kink. This coach/student pairing can be read as a standalone but contains characters from the already published Family Sins Duet .

Genres: Sports, M M Romance, BDSM, Sports Romance, Erotica, M M Sports Romance, Baseball

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2023

Reviews

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School]]

Warning to any readers who may interested in this book.

This couple does not stay exclusive. In the novella Wild & Wicked They have a foursome (MM+MM) with another couple from Son of a Sinner. Personally I am not a fan of sharing nor like seeing couples I have read in the past who were monogamous suddenly sharing in future stories. It is not my cup of tea at all. I know there are many who feel the same way I do so I wanted to post a warning to future reader. Unfortunately it has impacted my feelings/past enjoyment of this duet.



“You’re mine. My Coach. The man who was meant to love me and belong to me. I’m not letting you go. Ever.”

We first met Austin and Marcus in Sins of My Father Duet, and I was hoping we would get their story. While not as taboo as Wild and Penn’s relationship, it is definitely on the more forbidden side. We get an age-gap, and power imbalance (coach x student) and their relationship starts in the final weeks of Austin in high school, or rather, Austin begins to pursue his coach.

We have Austin, who is the all-star pitcher for his high school baseball team. He’s the golden boy with a promising college baseball future and potentially reaching the major leagues. Austin is the closest but knows who he is what he wants, and that is Marcus Wolfe. His desire and need for him is strong, and he relentlessly pursues his coach. Marcus does not have any romantic feelings for Austin but knows and adores his sunshine of a star player. He deeply cares for him and tries to push him away. However, Austin does not give up, and Marcus slowly starts to fall for him too.

Austin needs praise and wants to be Marcus’s boy. I loved the chemistry and their dynamic. There’s a bit of kinky play - Austin is needy and loves praises, and there’s some interesting bedroom play, but it’s all super sweet while being super steamy. I also loved how Marcus wanted to take care of his boy in every way and fulfill all his desires and fantasies. Their relationship was just so sweet.

Pride in my submission. Pride for pleasing him so deeply. Pride in my bravery.

“Just how I like you best. And when you feel like that, you rely on me harder, trust in me deeper, and secretly, we both know you love the way it makes you feel.”

“I think you can do better than that, can’t you? You can let go with me Austin, let go and fall into your fantasy. Be the filthy dirty sweet boy you dream of being in your fantasies when you’re alone in your room at night. Tell me everything you’ve imagined. There’s no limit, nothing is too much.”

I liked how they didn’t let the external conflicts and pressure impact their relationship too much. They did nothing wrong - and while it’s totally justifiable for a parent to be upset - they do show that their relationship is real and there was nothing nefarious going on before despite their community thinking otherwise and turning against them. However, their love for one another is strong and they didn't let anyone get between them.

I also loved the cameos and enjoyed seeing Wild and Penn again. We got to see the other side of the incident from their book, which I liked.

Overall, it was a super sweet age gap story! I was really looking forward to their story and enjoyed it a lot! I see this is book one in the series, so I look forward to what will come next.

[hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

“My golden boy—golden hair, golden skin, a golden arm, golden record, and a heart of gold. My ball boy.”

austin & marcus😩🥵😍

so cute! the tropes were perfection. hella age gap, forbidden relationship goodness, daddy/boy dynamics, lots and lots of praise kink, they were literally obsessed with each other! and the smut? raquel always knows how to write hot sex scenes 🥵

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly anticipating this book, and it did not disappoint. It exceeded my expectations and left me with an overall filthy sweet vibe, which I'm all for! If you've read The Family Sins Duet, then you already know how the story ends, but it was fun getting to see how they got there. Marcus and Austin are so hot and sweet and perfect for each other. I loved every minute of their journey. It gave me so many feels! Definitely recommend if you're into MM baseball sports romance with a coach/student pairing, age gap, power imbalance, and praise kink. It's a hot, fun read!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so excited for Marcus & Austin's story since reading about them in Family Sins Duet, their MM romance is a horny yet emotional & sweet, Forbidden love b/w Coach & his star pitcher! I loved Austin, Marcus, the story 😍. Devoured my #ARC in 7hrs!

Austin is 18 (graduating soon!), had his realisation that he's gay but keeping it secret. He's the golden boy, good student & player, charming, a sweetheart & a total praise slut. But also stubborn & bold, going after what he wants. Especially after the video which charged his fantasy & started it all.

Marcus is 36, high school coach, responsible, protective, caring. He gives his all to the job, but feels so lonely. He tried so hard to resist Austin. But as Layers peel & they actually got to know eachothe, once he's no longer a student? 🤫😉 Man, M's so filthy, they both are. So freaking hot together 🥵. Their kinkiness elevated the sexy times even more 🔥.

We got quite the ride with this story, the sweetness, a lot of horny & thirst, emotional punches, life together 🥰. Then Penn & Wilder cameos steal the show for few last chaps lol! I just love to see the friendships so much 😍. I'm glad there's more in this series! RTC.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5+/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😊😏🥰🤫🥵😍🥺😭🤭😅😳🤯💕🏏
4) Steamy scenes: 4.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 3/5 (initial resist, then mostly external)
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Forbidden love, Coming out) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5

[My Dark Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo this was spicy 🥵

Raquel just has this ability to come up with these great lines that are somewhere between perfect and funny which makes her books so enjoyable to read 🔥

Austin is the star senior baseball player who has come to terms with his sexuality and turns his fantasy of a daddy into a pursuit of his much older hot gay coach.

Their interactions are so genuine, lovely, funny and Austin is cheeky AF and being very obvious about wanting his coach. All the innuendos had me smiling from ear to ear.
Marcus tries to resist Austin as much as possible but in the end gives in to their attraction to each other.

This was such an enjoyable and hot AF read 🔥

4,5 ⭐️
4 🌶️

(ARC review)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC COPY BOOK REVIEW **

“It gave me the courage to come forward, because if there’s even the slightest chance that I could be with you, I don’t want to miss it because I was a coward.”

I stayed up well into the morning to finish Ball Boy..I have been wanting Marcus and Austin's book since I met them a few months ago when I was reading Penn and Wild's the Family Sins duet..y'all the wait was soooo freaking worth it...and boy did I love these two..Austin, him and his sweet cinnamon roll self...finding out things about himself..coming into self realizations..with his dad being his hero..and his best friend going by his parents ideations..he was scared to bring his truth to those around him...noticing and accepting his attraction to older men..more specifically to his coach, Marcus...and this boy went to chase and the flirtation that he definitely did not hold back on..he got bolder it got closer to graduation and afterwards...the night of his final game..he goes after one of the things he truly wants..and takes that step...and they both get what they are craving..Austin getting Marcus..and Marcus getting that perfect boy he has been longing for..While things change in ways that Austin and Coach ends up both hurt from outside sources..moments between him and Coach get even heated and they fall even more for each other.

"I would do anything for him, give him anything, be anything, for his pleasure, his happiness."

Y'all Raquel has a way of bringing some fun into the smexy times one of the things i freaking love about her books..from body parts..🤣..to food...🥵...in her past books..but my God this woman brings the new meaning oiling a baseball glove...how to hold and play with a bat...and Sweet Jesus..that doubleheader..😮‍💨🫠...

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book that I have read in a row with a ‘praise kink.’ I’m not sure of the parameters of this desire as everyone likes praise. I read that a praise kink isn’t including praise in a relationship, it is the focus of the relationship and that the kink or fetish is a necessary part of the scene to achieve sexual arousal and fulfillment.
In the book ‘His Boy to Cherish’ the submissive MC needed huge amounts of praise and affirmation to feel secure and wanted and the Daddy partner was willing to supply it.
The same in this book, the younger MC got a charge of endorphins from praise from his older partner.
For me, this story was like perfection for all the chapters of the pursuit by star baseball player Austin for his high school coach. Player was of legal age, but the coach knew it was inevitable that he would get fired.
This is the stuff that newspaper stories are made of, and a MM coach/player relationship is more rare than an MF or FF coach/player relationship, I think. I can’t remember news of an mm sports coach/player sexual relationship, but I only follow sports in headlines, except for tennis.
I felt for this couple when the s**t hit the fan. The story went down a bit for me, as their relationship continued amidst Austin’s parents rage at Coach Marcus. That seemed somewhat unrealistic and Marcus showing up to help Austin move into his dorm while the parents are doing the same was just flat out unreal. I was waiting for bloodshed.
I’m still reading the book and want to see how it ends. This has been a super good story and I’m enjoying it.
*** Oh, boy. A New Year’s Goodreads resolution for me: Stop writing the review before the book is over, because no matter how good a read it is, writers can run out of plot and start using filler; go off the rails with tangents in a plot; change the dynamics of a relationship or the personality traits of a character so that the relationship doesn’t read the same. Guess what happened for about the last third of this book? All of those book ruining tropes. It was like reading a different story. The author even included chapters devoted to two new characters who moved next door to the MCs, a clunky plot device. That the couple was in an ultimate taboo relationship was too much of a plot addition for what should only have been a story about Austin and Marcus. Austin had some personality changes that differed too much from how he was in the first chapters, maybe from too much influence from neighbor boy. It was just a different read and not in an excellent way as the beginning chapters are.
I am lowering the stars from five to 3.5.
I apologize to those who were kind enough to read and Like my earlier review.

[E.L. Ough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!! I loved it!! You can always count on Raquel to give you a hot flush or 10!!!

I just loved Austin, he’s sweet and dependable, but boy does he know what he wanted and what he wanted was Coach!
He was relentless in his pursuit but not forceful. He knew he wanted a daddy and he knew it was Coach who was going to be the one to take care of him.

Coach Marcus, tried his best to not cave into Austin and his charm, but let’s face it he had no chance 😂
He was a daddy, and he knew Austin would make the perfect boy, but once he gave into him his life was complete.

This book was spicy, but it had all the feels and care that comes with a Daddy/Boy book. Marcus knew how to get the best out of Austin, not just in the bedroom. But I will say I won’t look at a bat the same way again 😏

They had some hurdles to get over and some neighbours to deal with, but they were the perfect match and dealt with it together.

I loved that the Family Sins men were introduced to this book because wilder is my baby I love him!!

Austin and Wild are such great friends, I love seeing them together, I’m hoping Raquel gives us more of their friendship (check out my other edit of them two)

If you’ve not read Family Sins and you like taboo go read that on Smashwords you will not be disappointed!!

⚾️MM Sports Romance
⚾️18 Year Age Gap
⚾️High School Pitcher/ coach
⚾️Praise Kink
⚾️Taboo Power Imbalance
⚾️Spicy
⚾️Daddy/Boy

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

The buildup of this story was so well done.

Lately, Austin, the star pitcher of the team, sees his baseball coach with different eyes. There’s an attraction he feels and can’t deny, or maybe better to say, can’t control. He approaches him time after time. Marcus keeps him at arm's length.
Getting more and more into coach space Austin feels like it could be mutual.
Marcus has so much trouble keeping Austin at a distance, the boy is a force.

What seems like a crush grows stronger and stronger. Marcus is the person Austin needs in his life.
The world around them has a completely different opinion, it made it all quite complicated.

That complexity made the story precious. They choose each other, whatever the consequences.
The Daddy Boy dynamic was super attractive.
Austin was born to be Marcus’ boy, he so beautifully gave himself. There are some delicious scenes, the further they come the more kinkier it gets.
Overall a strong solidly written, compelling narrative, the author crafted two engaging characters and gave them their well-deserved hea!

[Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great spicy fun delicious treat

I love both main characters

Wishing this was a series for the bestie and the other coach but otherwise I really enjoyed this

LOVE the age gap and forbidden parts of this I have no doubt I will be rereading this in the future

[ash-reads-romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiery and HOT! LOVE this taboo large age gap romance where everything is initiated by the naughty ball boy! Lots of romance and domesticity too as the back half of the book is full daddy-boy dynamic 😍 but that first half is pure seduction of the baseball coach and it's pure panty melting hotness

[camms.bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ball Boy

If you like forbidden sprinkled with tab00, this book is for you! I loved it. It was low angst and lots of love. It was a great read by one of my favorite authors!

[Aurora Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ball Boy" by Raquel Riley is a sizzling MM romance that delves into the world of secrets, desire, and love. The story centers around Austin Healey, a talented baseball pitcher and a dedicated student, who is deeply closeted about his sexuality. On the surface, he appears to have it all - sports prowess, academic dedication, and a strong bond with his father. However, beneath the facade, Austin's life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a certain video that awakens his deepest desires.

Riley's storytelling shines as she navigates Austin's journey from a reserved and closeted young man to someone who isn't afraid to take risks. His obsession with his coach, Marcus Wolfe, is palpable. What impressed me the most was Austin's fearless pursuit of what he wanted. He cornered his coach, aware that Marcus wouldn't report him due to his importance to the team. This boldness sets the stage for a passionate and clandestine romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Riley's writing style is a true highlight of this story. It's light, fun, and makes for a quick, engaging read. The narrative flows smoothly, and the dialogue between characters is both witty and engaging. The author effectively captures the tension and chemistry between Austin and Marcus, making their interactions steamy and unforgettable.

The progression of the relationship between Austin and Marcus is a rollercoaster of emotions. Marcus, the seemingly reserved coach, is eventually pushed beyond his limits by Austin's daring approach. While Marcus initially never considered Austin in a sexual way, the chemistry between them is undeniable. This transformation in their relationship is a testament to Riley's ability to craft complex characters and relationships.

In conclusion, "Ball Boy" is a compelling story that showcases the power of love, desire, and the courage to be true to oneself. It's a steamy romance that keeps you hooked with its direct and passionate characters. Raquel Riley's writing style is a true asset to the story, making it an enjoyable and satisfying read. If you enjoyed the author's previous work in "The Family Sins," you'll undoubtedly find "Ball Boy" to be another captivating journey into love and desire.

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Raquel Riley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been jonesing for Austin and Marcus's story since I read Penn and Wild's AGES ago. And it's finally out now. This was unbelievably sweet. We got to see Austin chasing his man. Some of his flirting techniques could have used some work but he made me laugh out loud and was successful so I guess no one can complain too much. And then of course, we got their HEA. It was great getting to see Marcus and Austin's side of the Penn/Wild incident and the WEDDING. Guh. So cute.

I do wish the "after" part - where Austin was in college - was a little more fleshed out with more detail. But ultimately this was a fantastic read and I'm so happy I finally got it.

Now I'm waiting for Baylor and Collins because YOU KNOW the tension between them is s t e a m y.

[Duffette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great age gap sports romance

I do enjoy a good age gap / forbidden romance. This was a fast paced romance between a coach & his star player. For Austin, this wasn't a slow burn. He had a sexual awakening that he laser focused on his coach. To say he was undeterred by Marcus trying to steer his flirtations elsewhere would be understating. Once Austin makes his mind up, it's game over. Marcus didn't want to give in, but after graduation, he couldn't say no anymore; Austin was just too perfect a fit for him.

The book is broken up into 3 parts. It flow pretty well, there are some time jumps. We start with Austin at 18 & end up when he's 20 to 21 by the end.

Overall, it was a great story. I do have some questions about Sean popping back up & I'm dying to see how Austin's career turns out post college.

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we got a glimpse of Austin and Marcus in the Family Sins duet, and now we finally get their story of how they got together! Austin was a persistent little shit, totally not what I expected from our initial encounter. And his thoughts?! What a nasty, filthy-minded young man he is! And, Marcus wasn't much better 🤣

Marcus and Austin were made for each other, from Austin’s praise kink and Marcus’ need for a new “boy,” their journey of spice and carnality will leave their passengers filled with lustful thoughts and a new outlook on baseball equipment. The power imbalance was discussed adequately and not overbearing. An enjoyable read, especially if you are interested in smut and vulgarity.

[Kimberly Dorris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin with this spicy, hot, sweet story? I fell in love with these characters in Raquel’s Family Sins duet and could not wait to discover their story. Austin is a naughty boy that just wants Marcus to realize how much he wants him, no matter the circumstances or consequences. Marcus has the patience of a saint and holds back way longer than I would have been able to given Austin’s persistence! The spice is unmatched in this story and even had me blushing! This is a must-read for all you naughty girls and boys!

*ARC copy received for review purposes*

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yikes, this was a super hot read🔥 I had been looking forward to reading Austin and marcus' story after meeting them in the son of a sinner duet and boy, it didn't disappoint. It can be read as a stand alone though. Marcus is a baseball coach for the high school team and Austin is one of his star players. After Austin comes across a porn scene involving a baseball player and his coach he suddenly sees Marcus in a different light and is determined to get him. Marcus tries to fight it as long as he can but once Austin graduates, all bets are off. I enjoyed reading about their journey. Yes, it was steamy but it was also full of sass and sweetness.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin is the pitcher for his high school team and Marcus his coach. Austin starts thinking sexually about Marcus and can't focus, flirting enough that Marcus notices. The eighteen year old chases and tries to seduce his coach until he succumbs. This book is so steamy hot, I had to catch my breath in places. The coach valiantly tries to resist but the cute temptation is too hard to resist. Penn and Wilder revisit here and Marcus and Austin have to stand up to everyone to find their happiness. Loved this book! I received a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this read. This author can take a touchy subject and make it amazing. I loved the two mcs and their love for one another. I think the author gave their kink of a subject daddy and ball boy a great justice. Austin and Marcus are cemented in my brain as a wonderful couple. Even with the age difference. It was a hea Like no other

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a buildup/slow burn in this sexy coach/player read. How could you not love Austin and Marcus! Loved this age gap/forbidden read in a new and exciting story!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin and Marcus had a tough time, but I loved how they stuck together through all of it. It wasn’t really angsty though, probably because of the strength of their relationship. There was plenty of heat, and it was often more creative than what I typically read. This book spanned several years with time jumps, so we really get to see the development and progress of their lives together, along with an HEA.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Hot

I loved this story even more than Wilder and Penn's. I just could not stop reading this. I was hooked from page one.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[book_reader_addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this kinky boy daddy book🔥 A student and his coach falling in love❤️ Low angst and high heat 🔥 Easy to read and sweet characters ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. i liked this until we got to the 3rd inning/part 3 of the story. then it just went downhill for me.

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin - the perfect golden ball boy! Whatever he sets his eyes on, he works hard and relentlessly to achieve - A+ student, A+ baseball player with impressive stats and captain of the school's team, A+ trail guide. Bright, curious and always looking for a new learning challenge, watching a kinky video gives him a new goal - to seduce the coach of the team. It starts like a game and slowly builds up into inferno. But inferno can't be controlled and the direction always predicted. Even though the relationship between Austin and Marcus starts when he is already 18 and both of them are consenting adults, relationship between a teacher/coach and a student is frown upon. I loved the slow build up, the gradual warm up between Marcus and Austin, the way their relationship changed into intimacy, the open communication that showed how mature and serious both of them were in developing a future together. Marcus' resistance didn't stand a chance with Austin's relentless flirting and he didn't put a big fuss, because he already knew deep, down how much he would love to have a boy like Austin. Not any boy - his golden ball boy, such a praise sl*t and naturally submissive, eager to please and learn how to be his Daddy's one and perfect. They paid a steep price to be together, because Marcus knew he was putting his career on the burner, crossing the line teacher/student, he wasn’t supposed to cross. But sometimes a big prize deserves a big sacrifice and they both went through the wringer to be together. For Austin this was also one of the most difficult life lessons - losing the pink glasses and seeing the reality in all its ugly glory - coming out, losing his childhood friend, learning to stand behind his choices. And Marcus? He totally deserved to be happy being such a genuine, good, selfless caregiver.
It was such an enjoyable read and between all the laughing moments were sprinkled little meaningful nuggets, that make a reader stop, think and remember.

[Loves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like "Family Sins" duet by the same author, the best thing here was the dirty-talk. Despite the fact I've finished this pretty quickly and liked the characters - mostly Austin, really - several plot elements were annoying:
1. The way calm adult conversations were avoided like the plague whenever they might have risked the relationship:

a. If Marcus would have told Austin he was risking his job by pursuing him, Austin would have quit doing that. Marcus never did.
b. Austin's dad could have explained logically why he objected to their relationship - he had reasonable reasons to be concerned that were not even related to power imbalance, but he'd conveniently chosen to throw a tantrum instead, so Austin could safely ignore him.

2. Some of the sex scenes developed into a long and tedious list of instructions from Marcus, that rendered them ineffective.
3. Baseball. Way too much baseball.

[DMCechak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ball Boy - Batting Practice!

‘I could see it, though, the unique qualities in him that set him apart from others, the very qualities I looked for in a partner. Qualities that would make him the perfect boy. Austin had a strong mind and was as determined as anyone to succeed, but he was subservient to the core, a total people pleaser. It was the perfect mix—drive and deference.’

Marcus and Austin are Coach/player characters who are finding it hard to stay away from each other. As their relationship quietly and secretly develops, each find needs that the other meets.

Raquel Riley creatively ties in these main characters with others from another of her books, which further adds to the tabooish artistry of these stories.

Ball Boy is book 1 in the Boy Batter series, which will lead us into more MM baseball romance!

[Mark van Tol · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started off promising. But after the two officially get together, they don’t really grow as a couple, and the author’s focus gets lost. When the author introduces Penn and Wild in the third section, I almost forgot why I had found the story interesting in the first place. I couldn’t see why Austin wanted to stay with Marcus so much because the only evidence that they wanted each other was them saying it. The vow renewal at the end also fell flat because we never got to see the actual wedding. The parents’ shift in support of the couple came out of nowhere. I think the author started with a solid premise but backed away when she thought the consequences of her characters’ actions were too heavy. Austin and Marcus were also officially together by the halfway mark, so it was hard to pinpoint what exactly was the climax to the story.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a frowned upon almost illegal student to coach story. It starts when Austin gets this light bulb realization moment that he is gay. Not only gay but seriously crushing on his baseball coach. Since Austin plans on a career playing ball and due to his age, this isn’t something socially accepted. He chases and corners his coach to the point it becomes impossible for his coach to ignore this as a crush. Then something happens that makes them face what they are feeling. This is an intense story. There are plenty of times that could have changed their lives. I especially enjoyed the secondary characters of Penn and Wild. Their relationship added another layer to the story.