Lincoln’s Park (Links in the Chain #1) by Parker Williams

266 Pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

A Links in the Chain Story

Lincoln Merriweather was born an entitled brat with a silver spoon lodged so deep, it might never have come out. At the BDSM club or in business, Lincoln was a storm, blowing in and disrupting the lives of everyone he touched, until the day he met a man who peeled away the tarnished layers to expose a decent person.

Lincoln found—then lost—love. 

Since then, he’s tried to atone for his past, including walking away from his family’s wealth. He opened a diner, hiring people to work for him that he would have spit on before his epiphany. He’s found peace, which he’s about to lose to a hazel-eyed man.

Noel Simmons wound up on the street when his parents discovered he was gay. His path leads him to Lincoln’s diner, where he asks for a job. He’s thrilled when Lincoln agrees to hire him, but finds his new boss perplexing. Can anyone be this kind and decent?

What starts out as business becomes something more. Noel discovers he needs Lincoln in order to feel safe. Lincoln needs Noel to complete him. But when Lincoln’s past gets in the way of his present, will the two have a future?

Review

This is a most wonderful book; a delightful love story about two men who couldn’t be more different if they tried and yet are absolutely perfect for each other.

Both Noel and Lincoln live with holes in their hearts when they first meet. Sure, on the surface, Lincoln has a firm grip on his life and how he lives it, while Noel is struggling to survive the loneliness resulting from his parents’ rejection, but underneath it all, both men are desperate for someone who will truly see them, understand them, and cherish them.

And it is both men who build each other up in this story too. Again, at first glance it would be easy to say that it is Lincoln who ‘saves’ Noel. And the dominant role he plays in their relationship seems to strengthen that impression. But, those who pay attention, will notice that love and support are a two-way street here. As much as Lincoln allows Noel to grow and gain confidence, the opposite is true too: Noel gives Lincoln a purpose in life beyond his diner.

I love watching these two men as they got to know each other, fell for each other, and found their way together. Whatever problems and obstacles they encountered, they were never the result of either of them doubting or challenging their growing relationship. And together, they can face the world in ways neither could on their own. Noel’s act of defiance, strength, and independence near the end of the book made my heart sing. It was such an awesome way to illustrate how much he has grown.

While this story has BDSM undertones, and there’s a definite D/s dynamic to the relationship between these two men, this is not the main focus of the book (although it does add a wonderful edge to the sex scenes. Js).

There is pain, hardship, loss, and even despair in this story. But first and foremost it’s a story about love and hope. About finding your own family when the one you were born into deserts you, and about the strength which can be found and gained once you find your tribe and the person who owns your heart.

Wonderful, touching, uplifting and memorable, I recommend Lincoln’s Park to anyone who enjoys a story that will make their heart happy. Personally I can’t wait for the next books in this series.