The Carpenter

by Robin Stone

One blizzard, one small bed, two ex-lovers. What could go wrong?

Broken-hearted Grant retreats to a cabin in the woods to work on his master’s thesis and escape the sadness of a recent breakup. A blizzard is on the way, but Grant has food, books, and a cozy fireplace. But when a loud knock jolts Grant from his chair, he’s stunned to see his intense ex-boyfriend, Adam…

Adam wants to win back Grant’s love, but it won’t be easy. Harsh words were spoken during their breakup, and Adam’s struggling to heal from his wounded past. Grant wants to start a family, but Adam can’t imagine being a father…

The men cooperate to stay safe and warm during the blizzard, but they can’t deny their feverish attraction. They discuss a future together, but old hurts surface. Can Adam and Grant resolve their differences and have the future they always planned, or will this weekend be their final goodbye?

The Carpenter is a 20,000 word standalone M/M Erotic Romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

50 pages, ebook

First published May 16, 2017

About the author

Robin started writing stories when she was five years old. She wrote essays, articles, and over a million words of non-fiction before turning to fiction in 2011. She watched romance authors having way too much fun, and after writing her first romance, she was hooked.

Her imagination is filled with painters, landscapers, and carpenters. Robin's books are emotional stories that keep readers coming back for more.

Robin lives near Boston and likes reading, travel, and eating good chocolate. She loves hearing from her readers. Visit www.robin-stone.net to see a list of her books and sign up for her newsletter.

The Landscaper Series
The Landscaper
Landscaper in Lust
Landscaper in Love
Landscaper in Paradise
The Landscaper’s Christmas

The Bullseye Club Series
Evan's Wish
Liam's Desire
Drew’s Choice

No Limits Series
Sharing Darcy
Sharing Courtney
Sharing Alex

Standalones
Delivery Man
Toy With Me
The Painters
The Carpenter
The Mechanic

Collections
The Blue Collar Collection

Cocky Hero Club
Brazen Player (Audiobook)

Reviews

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Grant and Adam. They were together for years but recently broke up and Grant decided to rent a cabin in the woods to try and work on his thesis. When Grant arrived at the cabin, it was snowing and it looked like it was going to get worse. After a little while, there was a knock at the door and Adam was there. Adam came to talk to Grant and soon it became clear they were snowed in. Adam told Grant he was ready to talk things through and it was clear both men still cared a lot about each other. There was a strong attraction and they couldn't help themselves. Grant hoped Adam would talk afterwards and over the days they were stranded, they had no choice but to talk. I really loved this story. It was clear they really loved each other and i think they both wanted a family, but Adam was so scared he wouldn't be a good father because of his own father. I thought this was a sweet love story and i think they needed to take time apart to decide what they really wanted. Good one.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant and Adam had been a couple before we meet them and in a way this makes this a second chance story or a rebuild. Adam is the carpenter and Grant is a grad student with dubious building skills. In this story they find their way back to one another. It is a quick, somewhat steamy read that made the afternoon go by and left me smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Adam and Grant have hit a rough patch in there relationship. And Grant thinks a weekend away in the mountains to clear his head and finish his thesis will help. But Adam isn’t giving up without a fight. So stuck together they have to figure out if they can move forward or their relationship is over.

You will love these two men, and their love for each other is beautiful!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an intense book. Amazing fun sexy characters. Action packed plot. Tons of drama and suspense. Great chemistry. Loved the back and forth banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So passionate

Grant goes to a cabin in the woods during a blizzard to escape. He has just broke up with the man of his dreams and he just needed some space. But when he gets there he might of bitten off more than he could chew. The blizzard is bad and if he is honest with himself he isn't ready to handy this by himself but it is too late now, he wont be able to drive back home. So when there is a knock at the door he is amazed to see Adam. His heart melts when Adam explains he knew there was a blizzard coming and he didnt want Grant out here alone plus now they had to talk. Grant had no choice but to stay and listen, talk about the problems that broke them up. Because a blind person could see that these two still love each other.
WOOHOO WOW this is super hot. what a love story so much passion. Their love for one another shines through the blizzard.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/13/2020)! 🎁

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing I didn't like is that instead of discussing his feelings with Grant, Adam just took off. I loved that they did work out their problems and ended up reconciling. I don't know if they weren't stuck in the blizzard if things would have worked out the way they did. I think that Grant gave into Adam a little too quickly. I know that he loved him with all his heart but he should have let Adam work a little harder for forgiveness. The sex was scorching hot.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rudy Red]

The Carpenter was a wonderful story of forgiveness, strength, acceptance, compromise, and love. Stone did an amazing job of creating characters with heart, depth, history, humor, tenderness, accountability, feeling, and morality. The emotional connection that is obvious in these pages helps keep the reader engages and wrapped up in Adam and Grant's story throughout. Both Adam and Grant have said things they regret, wish they could redo. When fate leaves them snowbound, will they overcome their differences, or is it really the end?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book for me just could not get into it. The writing is well done just did not click with me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath-of-fresh-air read. Only one misspelled word and some spacing problems caused by word processing repagination. But, a welcomed, smoothly moving plot. Grant is a graduate student; Adam, his ex, is a carpenter. After four years together, they split mainly because Grant wants children, but Adam does not. Of course, each one longs for the other. Grant is stuck in a Vermont blizzard to finish his work for a master's degree. He is surprised when Adam shows up to try again. Grant has been hurt; Adam is lonely. During the breakup period, Grant's sister has twin girls who Grant adores. Unbeknownst to Grant, Adam has been speaking with the sister and has met the girls. Children make miracles. We experience the blizzard with both guys, the problems and the memories made. We get a happily-ever-after with just enough make-up sex and eventual understanding. Well worth the time to read an amazing story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a carpenter - a big gorgeous fellow like Adam? I'd be just like Grant - all over him! This is a second-chance love story, and it may just be the steamiest MM romance I've ever read. Most of what makes this short and sweet novella work is the relationship between Adam and Grant. It's clear that despite the break-up, they truly love each other. And when a blizzard traps them together in a remote cabin, it's the constant undercurrent of an ordinary life together, of shared memories and habitual little intimacies, that fuels the sexual tension and makes it clear to both men that they can't possibly be over. Grant and Adam are both believable and likable. They work through things the way committed lovers do. They consider things from the point of view of a life together, rather than 'what's in it for me'. Their love/sex scenes are beautiful, sweet and scorchingly hot, perfectly described by the author's spare and evocative prose. Robin Stone writes some of the most moving and engaging erotica out there, and The Carpenter is one of her very best. There aren't enough stars in the rating system for this one! I received an ARC of this book. This review expresses my independent opinion.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance romances, and this one was so good . I loved the characters, and I had just the right amount of backstory to understand what was fully going on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written, but I just don’t feel like anything was really resolved. Adam and Grant talk a lot about needing to talk and then end up having sex instead. And Adam’s constant jibes early on (plus showing up uninvited) just didn’t sit well with me.

[Mainely Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded in a blizzard, our main characters have a seriously sexy second-chance at love following the breakup of a four-year relationship. Fixing his relationship is the only thing on Adam's mind as he travels to a cabin in the woods during a blizzard to find his ex-boyfriend, Grant. When Grant went to the cabin for solitude and to work on his thesis, he expected the cabin to be fully stocked and on arrival, he was ill prepared for the blizzard he faced.
Adam and Grant were very different individuals and their differences extended to more than body build and occupation. Grant works full-time and is working on his master's degree. He considers himself plain and boring while he sees Adam as better, funnier, hotter. The tension between the two was continuous, both emotional and sexual. Although a slow starter, I truly enjoyed the conflict and particularly the resolution.
I will admit that I had a difficult time keeping things straight in the beginning of this short story. I'm not sure if it was because the names were so common, the characters weren't completely introduced or the flashback from current to recent past events contributed to my confusion. Certainly, the reason for the breakup wasn't made clear from the start. This was the author's intent but I feel that it didn't completely set the stage for us to understand the character's motivation.
Grant wants children, a family while Adam tends to refer to Grant as a man-child who needs his care, his love, and physical attention. Traumatic childhood events and Adam's relationship with his father lead him to believe that he wouldn't be a good parent and possibly has a potential for violence. This was the wedge leading to the breakup.
During the blizzard, both men discover the synergy that they have together, that they both have learned from their relationship and subsequent breakup. A tattoo helps to convince Grant that they are on the road to their HEA.
Although I did find the beginning confusing, once I joined Adam and Grant in their blizzard setting, I came to know them and truly enjoyed their story.
A Kindle Unlimited 3.5 star read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An M/M from Robin Stone? Yes, please!

I liked Adam and Grant--the forced proximity aspect of their story was fun, and the ending adorable and satisfying. And the smexy scenes? Well, they definitely didn't need that fire in the cabin, if you know what I mean ;)

My one issue with the story is that the reconciliation felt a bit too easy for as final as their breakup seemed at the beginning of the book. It felt like Grant (whose POV we get here) should have had more internal wrangling over getting back together with Adam, and the two of them definitely should have had more of a conversation about why they broke up and how things would be different now (there is a conversation, but it is very, very brief and superficial).

Though both of those things would have taken page time away from those smexy scenes, so... ;)

Ultimately a fun read, if not as emotionally satisfying as it could have been.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Cee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

ღ´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ "...it’s never too late to fight for what you love."

Shuddering in my boots, words elude me. I faint for second chances books. The MCs already have an idea about whom the other person is. It is all about re-winning the heart of the one who means the world to you.

In The Carpenter, we meet Grant, the voice of the book, a businessman who is at the tale end of finishing his thesis. His four year affair had ended and he needs time to recover, all because his ex cannot commit to starting a family.

Escaping to a cabin in the woods, he thinks he has it put together until a knock on the door proves him so wrong. Not only is he not capable of making it alone, he is confronted by the one person he was trying to escape, his ex, Adam.

When the two get trapped in the cabin, wits and ingenuity are all that is needed to survive. Unfortunately, Adam wants answers and Grant wants him gone girl. This sweet, short tale held me captive and in a small cabin, it forced both men to be real and talk. Each was able to express feelings and thoughts and reach a satisfying conclusion, hint, hint. The author was able to convey so much emotion and rekindling in so little pages. I felt fulfilled.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey everyone I just finished reading this book by Robin Stone . .she is AWESOME and I love her stories . ..Sooo this book is about Grant and Adam they been together for 4 years . .Grant wants to take their relationship to the next level . .But, Adam has issues that he needs to deal with . They had a fight and Adam leaves . . Grant is sooo hurt that he leaves to spend some time alone in a Cabin . .This book has Blizzard , arguments , making up and resolution . .it was awesome to read and it deals with real life issues that people have . Great job Robin Stone can't wait for your next one and thank you for sharing . .

[Violet Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Carpenter

Give I A Try

This book is hard for me to review because I want to like it but it just didn’t work for me. I don’t know why to be honest. I’m going to make a guess that it was the author’s writing style but not sure. I like the characters of Grant and Adam. I also like the setting of a cabin in a blizzard. And Finally, I like that Adam follows Grant to the cabin after they have broken apart. With all of this being good it took half way into the book for me to be able to get into the story. So, with that being said I would still say give the book a try because even a great book is not going work for everyone. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A turning point in a couple's life
The story is good, simple, well written and tells a piece of life in a couple about an important decision, having already led to their separation, but that can lead to their final break-up although they love each other. The story is very tender emotionally and extremely hot sexually.
After his separation from Adam, his carpenter boyfriend since 4 years, Grant decided to go to a cabin in the mountains despite a blizzard, in order to finish his thesis. However, Adam joins him so they lay their feelings and see if they can consolidate their future together. The blizzard intensifying, they find themselves trapped all weekend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have no place to go, sometimes all you can do is listen. Grant chose to complete his Master's thesis in a solitary cabin in the woods while he works and mourns a recent breakup. Weather forecasts a snowstorm, but he has food and wood, so he can handle it. Until, Adam, the ex shows up. Grants wants to start a family growing and moving the relationship forward. Adam is carrying some heavy baggage from his past. Grant's baggage is not as heavy, but it influences his behavior. You would think being stuck in the woulds would give the men time to talk. Then again a cabin during a snowstorm can be a little romantic. Will these two men stop long enough to listen? Good story. The tension is so strong, you want to listen for them. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[K Fly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was packed with tension and heat from start to finish. Adam and Grant made my heart soar with the love they shared. It was so sweet you couldn't help but root for them. They were two completely different personalities that fit so well together. One who was well educated and book smart another who was a craftsman who was great with his hands and outdoors smart. Two very different men who were like two halves of a whole. I have been in love with Robin Stone since The Carpenter series but I must saw here first attempt at MM was absolutely amazing. I'm forever a fan!!! One-click it, you don't wanna miss this!

****I voluntarily left a review after receiving an advance copy*******

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review. I loved Robin's series "The Landscaper" so I was looking forward to this story. My favorite aspect of this book is that it involves two men that are already a couple but dealing with struggles. Most books are people falling in love so this was a nice change. It is a shorter read than I expected but it is a good length as it only covers the timespan of a weekend plus an epilogue. Although I like "The Landscapers" series more (because I think it goes into more character development) I enjoyed this story. I love Adam and Grant and they definitely have some sexy moments. Overall an enjoyable read.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another wonderful story by Robin Stone. Grant and Adam are a couple but after a huge fight, Grant leaves to go be alone and work on his thesis. The cabin is okay but Grant is still in love with Adam. When a knock at the door startles him, he finds Adam on the other side, determined to make things right again. Hurt feelings are still hanging but will both men work through them to be together again? I love second chance stories and this one is a short but heartfelt story of trying to make a relationship work. I love Grant and Adam.

[Avid Reader 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good make up story. Both characters are likable and the author gives us just enough background to give this story a bit of meat. The sex is very well done and quite hot. The actual making up is understated and not drama laden. Thank you, dear author. The author drew two characters who are perfect for each other. I could feel the love coming off of the pages.
I look forward to reading more from this author.

I am voluntarily reviewing the advance reader copy I received from the author.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !! This is one hot sexy romantic book and author Robin Stone at her best...I just loved the story of Grant and Adam and there make up sex after a five week separation. Of course there`s more to it than just sex, these two men have a special connection and Robin Stone has captured the essence of love between two men. I found this book addictive and rather moorish .....if that`s at all possible. This Author certainly knows how to get the juices flowing. I for one love her books and highly recommend this one.

[Neta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this book and I really liked it! As a short story, I loved the fact that even if the plot and sex was rather fast, because they are a couple that broke up recently and got back together it was believable and realistic. I like the blanket scenario and snowed in theme and loved the sexy connection these two have. Their conflict felt like a very real thing for a couple to go through and fit the length of the story well. The writing was good, this is the first book by Robin Stone I’ve read and I was pleasantly surprised.

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet m/m romance. This is actually the first book by Robin Stone that I have read. I loved the both of the main characters, Grant and Adam. I loved how Adam wanted to take care of Grant and make sure he was safe. i guess it's really sort of a second chance romance, in that they had broken up for a short period of time. if you want a quick read with some sweet romance give this book a try!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both characters are very likeable, and I was rooting for them to resolve their differences and get back together. The relationship between the two is very believable, as is the situation in which they find themselves.

The sex isn't as frequent as in Robin's other books, but it's just as steamy! You'll wonder if Grant and Adam are into being watched because you'll want to stop by the cabin in the woods to check out the "scenery".

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy second chance romance between Grant and Adam. The author does a great job building the tension and pulls you in with all the emotions as well as the fiery hot passion. She brings the story to life with her descriptive writing and vividly detailed scenes. It moves quickly and smoothly and I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Soccergypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I volunteered to read an advance reviewer copy of this book. **

It's no secret that I enjoy reading Robin Stone's erotica so I was excited to delve into a story based solely around a M/M relationship. I was not disappointed. This tale was able to be both genuinely sweet and feverishly hot. The tender romance was endearing and the erotica oh-so-enticing.