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Workplace Encounters #11
The Plumber
A Workplace Encounters Book
Hard work and long hours have made Will Kovar’s business, Total Plumbing Solutions, a success. When he’s called to fix a bathroom at the Safe Home for Girls and Boys and sees how tight money is for the charity, he’s happy to donate his time. Meeting the home’s manager, Steve Hayes, is an added bonus, especially when Steve invites Will to dinner to thank him for his generosity. Will learns Steve’s wealthy family isn’t happy about his choice to make a career in social work, but neither man expects Steve’s parents to leave eighteen children out on the street to prove their point. Will is determined to help Steve figure out how to provide a safe and happy home—for both the children and themselves.
Hard work and long hours have made Will Kovar’s business, Total Plumbing Solutions, a success. When he’s called to fix a bathroom at the Safe Home for Girls and Boys and sees how tight money is for the charity, he’s happy to donate his time. Meeting the home’s manager, Steve Hayes, is an added bonus, especially when Steve invites Will to dinner to thank him for his generosity. Will learns Steve’s wealthy family isn’t happy about his choice to make a career in social work, but neither man expects Steve’s parents to leave eighteen children out on the street to prove their point. Will is determined to help Steve figure out how to provide a safe and happy home—for both the children and themselves.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2015
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books770 followersI’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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 28, 2015
The best part about this book was that the two MCs actually communicated. Like, you know, adults. Who can actually adult in a romantic relationship.
The worst part - it was just too darn short, at only 92 pages on my Nook. I would have liked to have seen the solution during its implementation, would have liked to have seen their romance continue blossoming beyond the ILY. Yes, yes, we got closure in the epi, and it was all neatly explained, but I wanted more, dang it.
I quite liked these characters, both Will (The Plumber) and Steve, I liked how they handled themselves in business and in their privates lives, and I liked very much how their romance unfolded. They seemed well-suited to each other, even if Will is a bit of a workaholic, and needed Steve to remind him occasionally, that all work and no fun makes for a very dull Will. I liked the dates they had, and the intimate moments actually furthered the relationship, instead of being gratuitous in nature. Their relationship progressed naturally and organically, and I liked that they teased and challenged each other.
I liked the contrasting images of Will's parents, who certainly aren't perfect, but who get it right after taking a long, hard look at themselves, and Steve's parents, who are both despicable human beings, and who really ticked me off.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet, well-written romance, set against a blue-collar background, with two very likable MCs, and a nicely done supporting cast. As this was my first foray into this series, I can't speak about the other books, but I think this one is well worth your time.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The worst part - it was just too darn short, at only 92 pages on my Nook. I would have liked to have seen the solution during its implementation, would have liked to have seen their romance continue blossoming beyond the ILY. Yes, yes, we got closure in the epi, and it was all neatly explained, but I wanted more, dang it.
I quite liked these characters, both Will (The Plumber) and Steve, I liked how they handled themselves in business and in their privates lives, and I liked very much how their romance unfolded. They seemed well-suited to each other, even if Will is a bit of a workaholic, and needed Steve to remind him occasionally, that all work and no fun makes for a very dull Will. I liked the dates they had, and the intimate moments actually furthered the relationship, instead of being gratuitous in nature. Their relationship progressed naturally and organically, and I liked that they teased and challenged each other.
I liked the contrasting images of Will's parents, who certainly aren't perfect, but who get it right after taking a long, hard look at themselves, and Steve's parents, who are both despicable human beings, and who really ticked me off.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet, well-written romance, set against a blue-collar background, with two very likable MCs, and a nicely done supporting cast. As this was my first foray into this series, I can't speak about the other books, but I think this one is well worth your time.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 30, 2015
“To find true happiness in life you have to follow your heart and intuition. You have to be who you are, and design a lifestyle and career that fulfills you no matter what that entails or what people say about it...” ~ Melchor Lim
Some parents expect their children to live not only their own lives but the lives they have planned for them. Instead, parents should be more concerned with raising their children to be independent and decisive and support their children by honoring their choices whether or not the parents agree with them. Will Kovar, of 'The Plumber' by Serena Yates, owns a very successful plumbing business; Will works long, hard hours to improve it any way he can. Unfortunately, his parents don't consider it a worthy profession. His parents haven't been able to accept that Will is gay either. His mother still thinks if she can just find the “right girl” for him, the “problem” will be solved and Will and his wife will provide her with the grandchildren she craves. Despite the fact that Will has repeatedly told his mother that it's not going to happen, she still persists. When Will answers a service call, he meets Steve Hayes, manager of Safe Home for Girls and Boys, Will's life takes on a promising new direction.
While working at the Safe Home, Will explains some of what his work entails while also showing a sincere interest in Steve's job. Since the home is a charity, Will only charges for parts and considers the rest of his fee as a donation to the home. If Steve hadn't already been impressed with Will, his generosity definitely wins him over. After the repairs are done, Steve asks Will out to dinner as a thank you for a job well done and for being so considerate. Since both of their jobs are very demanding; neither has much time to date. Going to dinner is a perfect opportunity for them to get to know each other. Steve and Will have a great time and make plans to meet again in the future. In the meantime, Will is approached with an opportunity to bid on a huge project with the potential of being quite profitable and good for the reputation of his company. Will isn't told much about the project because the land sale hasn't been finalized but doesn't consider it a deciding factor and signs the papers saying he's interested.
After their first real date and their spectacular goodnight kiss, Steve is even more fascinated with Will than before. Because Will is such a workaholic, their dating doesn't go especially smoothly, but when Steve “interrupts” him at work, Will is all smiles. He knows he works too much and welcomes the break. Unfortunately, Steve has worse things to deal with. The house they are living in is going to be sold from under them in order to make room for new condos. It's time to search for another place to live and their small budget is not going to give them many choices. When Steve discovers who is behind the buyout and why, he's furious. Adding insult to injury, he overhears Will talking to someone about him having contracted to do the plumbing for a project which is ahead of schedule. Steve panics; he's appalled to even entertain the idea that Will may have known, all along, what the project involved, but even knowing the misery it would cause Steve and his kids, still wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to make a lot of money. The future of their relationship hinges on Will's explanation and what his decision will be now that Steve is aware of the situation.
One of my favorite parts of Serena's books are her characters, and, in this case, it's truer than ever. Will and Steve are men who haven't been deterred when they meet opposition from their families about their job choices and how they want to live their lives. They are generous, trustworthy, and brave. They know what they want and are not afraid to go after it. They are the kind of men who make my heart flutter. Will and Steve do not play games. Their honesty and maturity are very refreshing. Serena also gave me a concise overview of Will's job as a plumber, providing me with new information without it sounding like a dissertation. I have more appreciation for the often messy and always welcome assistance those in the plumbing profession offer me. If you like stories about plumbers, safe houses, social workers, unwanted children, and mature, sexy men, you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Serena, for bringing together two wonderful men.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Some parents expect their children to live not only their own lives but the lives they have planned for them. Instead, parents should be more concerned with raising their children to be independent and decisive and support their children by honoring their choices whether or not the parents agree with them. Will Kovar, of 'The Plumber' by Serena Yates, owns a very successful plumbing business; Will works long, hard hours to improve it any way he can. Unfortunately, his parents don't consider it a worthy profession. His parents haven't been able to accept that Will is gay either. His mother still thinks if she can just find the “right girl” for him, the “problem” will be solved and Will and his wife will provide her with the grandchildren she craves. Despite the fact that Will has repeatedly told his mother that it's not going to happen, she still persists. When Will answers a service call, he meets Steve Hayes, manager of Safe Home for Girls and Boys, Will's life takes on a promising new direction.
While working at the Safe Home, Will explains some of what his work entails while also showing a sincere interest in Steve's job. Since the home is a charity, Will only charges for parts and considers the rest of his fee as a donation to the home. If Steve hadn't already been impressed with Will, his generosity definitely wins him over. After the repairs are done, Steve asks Will out to dinner as a thank you for a job well done and for being so considerate. Since both of their jobs are very demanding; neither has much time to date. Going to dinner is a perfect opportunity for them to get to know each other. Steve and Will have a great time and make plans to meet again in the future. In the meantime, Will is approached with an opportunity to bid on a huge project with the potential of being quite profitable and good for the reputation of his company. Will isn't told much about the project because the land sale hasn't been finalized but doesn't consider it a deciding factor and signs the papers saying he's interested.
After their first real date and their spectacular goodnight kiss, Steve is even more fascinated with Will than before. Because Will is such a workaholic, their dating doesn't go especially smoothly, but when Steve “interrupts” him at work, Will is all smiles. He knows he works too much and welcomes the break. Unfortunately, Steve has worse things to deal with. The house they are living in is going to be sold from under them in order to make room for new condos. It's time to search for another place to live and their small budget is not going to give them many choices. When Steve discovers who is behind the buyout and why, he's furious. Adding insult to injury, he overhears Will talking to someone about him having contracted to do the plumbing for a project which is ahead of schedule. Steve panics; he's appalled to even entertain the idea that Will may have known, all along, what the project involved, but even knowing the misery it would cause Steve and his kids, still wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to make a lot of money. The future of their relationship hinges on Will's explanation and what his decision will be now that Steve is aware of the situation.
One of my favorite parts of Serena's books are her characters, and, in this case, it's truer than ever. Will and Steve are men who haven't been deterred when they meet opposition from their families about their job choices and how they want to live their lives. They are generous, trustworthy, and brave. They know what they want and are not afraid to go after it. They are the kind of men who make my heart flutter. Will and Steve do not play games. Their honesty and maturity are very refreshing. Serena also gave me a concise overview of Will's job as a plumber, providing me with new information without it sounding like a dissertation. I have more appreciation for the often messy and always welcome assistance those in the plumbing profession offer me. If you like stories about plumbers, safe houses, social workers, unwanted children, and mature, sexy men, you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Serena, for bringing together two wonderful men.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 30, 2015
4 Heart Review by Kat
This is my third book in the Workplace Encounters series by Serena Yates. I have learned to look forward to these releases. They are a fast, fun read of realistic men and their journey to their own HEA. The last two had some form of physical danger involved. This book was a change in that it involved more emotional family drama instead.
I have to say that the Sunday dinner was a refreshing way to have parents come around for their son when they really needed to. It was wonderful to not only see Will’s parent’s eyes opened to his life but how they accepted Steve and his profession so openly and encouragingly. It was just what they both needed. Having worked with “at risk” students for many years, I could see how Safe Home would have been a welcome alternative placement for some of those students. The love and devotion to these children was genuine and so needed. I just wish we had more places like this for our “discarded” youth. These are the “hard to place” kids that need the love and attention the most. Bravo for Ms. Yates to bring this need to the forefront in her novel.
It was sweet to watch these two wonderful men approach each other and how they evolved as they tried to figure out what the other one wanted or needed. What I liked was that there wasn’t instant love and fall into bed but a slow, cautious journey of discovery and acceptance of each other. They were both new to the whole dating game and relationship needs but they did so in an honest and open style that I enjoyed. These are two men I could see myself admiring. I loved how Will’s quirky office assistant, Jane, not only took great care of him but encouraged their evolving relationship. The only downfall I experienced was that they did not show you the last four months but it was more of a recap. I would have liked to have seen how Steve’s fellow workmates reacted when he finally “came out”.
I will be anxiously anticipating the next in this wonderful series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This is my third book in the Workplace Encounters series by Serena Yates. I have learned to look forward to these releases. They are a fast, fun read of realistic men and their journey to their own HEA. The last two had some form of physical danger involved. This book was a change in that it involved more emotional family drama instead.
I have to say that the Sunday dinner was a refreshing way to have parents come around for their son when they really needed to. It was wonderful to not only see Will’s parent’s eyes opened to his life but how they accepted Steve and his profession so openly and encouragingly. It was just what they both needed. Having worked with “at risk” students for many years, I could see how Safe Home would have been a welcome alternative placement for some of those students. The love and devotion to these children was genuine and so needed. I just wish we had more places like this for our “discarded” youth. These are the “hard to place” kids that need the love and attention the most. Bravo for Ms. Yates to bring this need to the forefront in her novel.
It was sweet to watch these two wonderful men approach each other and how they evolved as they tried to figure out what the other one wanted or needed. What I liked was that there wasn’t instant love and fall into bed but a slow, cautious journey of discovery and acceptance of each other. They were both new to the whole dating game and relationship needs but they did so in an honest and open style that I enjoyed. These are two men I could see myself admiring. I loved how Will’s quirky office assistant, Jane, not only took great care of him but encouraged their evolving relationship. The only downfall I experienced was that they did not show you the last four months but it was more of a recap. I would have liked to have seen how Steve’s fellow workmates reacted when he finally “came out”.
I will be anxiously anticipating the next in this wonderful series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 22, 2015
3.5 stars
Read
October 21, 2015The Plumber is out today, 21 October 2015. It's a totally NEW Workplace Encounters story, never published before. It's about Will Kovar, a plumber who runs his own business, and Steve Hayes, manager of Safe Home for Girls and Boys in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Hard work and long hours have made Will Kovar’s business, Total Plumbing Solutions, a success. When he’s called to fix a bathroom at the Safe Home for Girls and Boys and sees how tight money is for the charity, he’s happy to donate his time. Meeting the home’s manager, Steve Hayes, is an added bonus, especially when Steve invites Will to dinner to thank him for his generosity. Will learns Steve’s wealthy family isn’t happy about his choice to make a career in social work, but neither man expects Steve’s parents to leave eighteen children out on the street to prove their point. Will is determined to help Steve figure out how to provide a safe and happy home — for both the children and themselves.
You can find the book at:
Dreamspinner Press
All Romance EBooks
Amazon US and other Amazon sites
Enjoy!
Serena
Hard work and long hours have made Will Kovar’s business, Total Plumbing Solutions, a success. When he’s called to fix a bathroom at the Safe Home for Girls and Boys and sees how tight money is for the charity, he’s happy to donate his time. Meeting the home’s manager, Steve Hayes, is an added bonus, especially when Steve invites Will to dinner to thank him for his generosity. Will learns Steve’s wealthy family isn’t happy about his choice to make a career in social work, but neither man expects Steve’s parents to leave eighteen children out on the street to prove their point. Will is determined to help Steve figure out how to provide a safe and happy home — for both the children and themselves.
You can find the book at:
Dreamspinner Press
All Romance EBooks
Amazon US and other Amazon sites
Enjoy!
Serena
November 22, 2015
Will is a plumber and a workaholic. Steve is a social worker who runs a home for Children. Will’s family won’t accept that he’s gay. Steve’s family wants “more for him” than being a social worker.
Though it’s hard, both men work crazy hours, these two guys make the time to be there for one another. When Steve’s home is threatened, they team up to find a solution. Through their steadfastness, they show one another’s families just how wrong they are and how to open themselves up for new “truths”.
**
There is nothing technically “wrong” about this story other than it was very bland. There was no sexual tension. Once they met they began dating. When there was trouble, they discussed it and sorted it out. When there was trouble with work they teamed up and found a good solution.
I just felt no spark from this story. The characters were nice, their romance was sweet, but there wasn’t anything compelling to it.
Though it’s hard, both men work crazy hours, these two guys make the time to be there for one another. When Steve’s home is threatened, they team up to find a solution. Through their steadfastness, they show one another’s families just how wrong they are and how to open themselves up for new “truths”.
**
There is nothing technically “wrong” about this story other than it was very bland. There was no sexual tension. Once they met they began dating. When there was trouble, they discussed it and sorted it out. When there was trouble with work they teamed up and found a good solution.
I just felt no spark from this story. The characters were nice, their romance was sweet, but there wasn’t anything compelling to it.
October 28, 2015
Sweet and Actually Believable
This might be the best of all the ones in this series if only because the characters are so cool. I loved plumber Will, who is a businessman as well as a plumber, and whose life turns inside out when he meets social worker Steve, whose life turns upside down when he meets Will.
It's a very laid back and smooth journey through a North Carolina community where these two men come together by accident and grow together through sheer determination. Wonderful hors d'ourve.
This might be the best of all the ones in this series if only because the characters are so cool. I loved plumber Will, who is a businessman as well as a plumber, and whose life turns inside out when he meets social worker Steve, whose life turns upside down when he meets Will.
It's a very laid back and smooth journey through a North Carolina community where these two men come together by accident and grow together through sheer determination. Wonderful hors d'ourve.
April 23, 2016
Didn't howlingly hate, but DNF'd because it wasn't worth my time. The guys had the behaviour and mannerisms of people in their late teens, not men in their 30s. Other characters in the story ... Did not behave the way people do. I ended up having zero interest in the romance. I wish I adored this author. She's written so many books.
November 14, 2015
3,5 stars
August 5, 2019
Extremely cute and very sweet. These guys are great together and I enjoyed their story immensely.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews