Stained Hearts

I love his series. Each book just gets better and better but Galen had me with bad boy seeing the light in Galen's redemption. Tom steals the series. He is an older man, been married to the one love of his life for over twenty years and loses him to cancer. Yes, I cried. and Parker Williams doesn't let it go with the funeral... no there are notes Brian has left Tom throughout the story to help him move on. so I cry each time this happens, or Tom talks to Aiden. And Aiden is a young artist that hasn't had life easy. disowned by his parents, bullied in school and nearly every time he is on his own. so more ugly cries. See why I say keep the tissues handy. now is this a sad book? no not really. It is about a man that has lost his love and finally finds new love but has to fight the demons in his mind first.
It's a beautifully written, heartfelt story that gives you all kinds of feels. I highly recomend it.

When I finished ‘Galen’s Redemption’, book two in this series, I knew in my heart that it was the best story Parker Williams had written… to date. ‘Stained Hearts’ just might be in the same class. I knew Tom’s story was going to be tough for me to read because it wasn’t that long ago that my own husband, my beloved soul mate, died and I was all alone. Parker captured all the emotions so beautifully without dragging me down into despair and he unerringly understands the pain of loss and the unimaginable depths there are to grief. Even more important, however, is how much the story focuses on moving forward and not giving in to the pain no matter how much Tom may have wanted to at times. ‘Stained Hearts’ is an ode to love and it’s a story I will cherish forever.

It has been over a year since Brian passed and Tom is finally starting to move forward, leaving the house, spending time with his family and friends… learning to live again. He’s at Lincoln’s diner one day when he’s introduced to Aiden and his sister, Olivia. Olivia used to be Galen’s assistant and was instrumental in getting his father arrested for sexual harassment while Aiden and Noel know each other from college. Aiden has a disability involving his legs which no one but him seems to have a problem with, at least not within the group of people who love him. A huge majority of this story is seeing Aiden learn to grow up and actually become the adult he claims to be. It’s not weak to ask for help but because of how his parents treated him and then casting him aside when he came out as gay, Aiden has a bad tendency to try to push people away before they can leave him. Watching him grow in this story was refreshing and an example of the power of the human spirit.

The very best part of this final book in the series was the love between Tom and Aiden. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, and I devoured every moment between them. The way Brian found a way to reach out to Tom even after he was gone was incredible and brought back my own similar memories. The author threw a little extra drama in at the end which I can admit I cursed him (softly and under my breath) for—but even then, Parker made it all flow so beautifully.

An absolutely gorgeous story that reminded me how important love is and that, once again, the family you make together is often far better than one you are born into. Thank you, Parker, for making this finale book so amazing.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

POV ~> Singular first-person (Tom)

Cover – The cover shows a man with kind eyes and a little aging with crow’s feet and greying of the temples and chin hairs. A stain glass window with a broken overlay pane is in the background & it seems to symbolize how shattered and damaged the men featured in this book will be. The synopsis promises a hopeful yet heartbreaking story.

Possible triggers: Death by cancer, bullying and violence towards a disabled person
Warning: Do not read this book in public, you may be subject to several scenes that cause ugly crying and you will risk being looked at oddly (I'm just sayin').

This is an age-gap romance between a young man suffering from a physical disability and an older man that recently became a widower.
Tom's husband of 20 years, Brian, died of cancer. But he knew Tom well enough to know that in order for Tom to move on and find happiness, he’d have to do something before he died.
Aiden has a disability that effects and weakens his legs. The age difference (approximately 20 years) is brought to the forefront often but never in a negative light.
Healing and acceptance are a big part of this store. Each guy bringing out an inner strength in the other.
It was, as I’d hoped, a heartwarming and heartbreaking story from start to finish &, although I did not quite feel the depth of their bond as I had with other couples in this series, I did enjoy their story and ending.
Mild to moderate predictability. Solid conclusion. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.175 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

Stained Hearts is a beautiful story. Told from the first person point of view, Tom Kotke pulled me in. I ached when he ached and loved when he loved. I was so glad when He and Aiden found their way to each other. I reread the first two books to prepare for the third. Parker Williams did an excellent job throughout the whole series. I heartily recommend Stained Heart as a to be read book. Great Job!