Review: The Carpenter by Serena Yates

Title: The Carpenter (2nd Edition)

Author: Serena Yates

Pages/Word Count: 120 Pages

At a Glance: The Carpenter is a well written story about relationships, a quick and enjoyable read for a weekend afternoon.

Reviewed By: Lana

Blurb: 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.

Review: The Carpenter is a sweet, workplace romance between two men who find love where they least expect it.

The story follows the usual formula of a carpenter, Tom, who gets a remodeling job that he needs in order to keep his business running. His client, Matt, needs the house he’s inherited renovated so he can sell it and move on. I’ve read countless stories with this plot line, but I still like it, and this one delivered. I like the dynamic between a blue collar, rough around the edges guy, being with a polished professional.

At their first meeting sparks fly, but neither wants to overstep. Tom doesn’t want to screw up his chance at a contract, and Matt isn’t looking for a commitment. Throw in a homophobic brother who is determined to sabotage Tom’s business, and hot and steamy sex, and you have an entertaining story.

As I said earlier, The Carpenter is a bit formulaic, but I really enjoyed Tom and Matt’s developing relationship. They complemented each other, and I was rooting for them to have their HEA.

The Carpenter is a well written story about relationships, a quick and enjoyable read for a weekend afternoon.