Review: A darker subject brought to light -
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 20, 2014
Another book in the Corbin’s Bend series.  This is a book that discusses a darker subject of spousal abuse.  Arthur is a man who is only concerned with his image and is determined to severely punish his wife, Elly, at the slightest tarnish to that image.  Though she wants to be a good, submissive wife, his abuse does not go unnoticed by the vet who practices in the Bend.  Jerry is a good man who dedicates his life to healing and caring for injured animals.  His heart is captured seeing Elly and knowing her distance is an attempt to keep her abuse secret.  He offers support and encouragement and finally breaks through her thoughts on what exactly is acceptable domestic discipline and what is way, way over that thin line.  When she is severely injured at her husband’s hand, she manages to get to the clinic with her loving pet, Muffin.  All bets are off as the protective dominant in Jerry is unleashed.  With his constant reassurance and promises of support from the entire community, Elly manages to face the truth and do what is necessary to begin the process of obtaining her freedom from Arthur.  When he once again attacks her in the local dog park, Jerry gives him a taste of his own medicine.  The community works together to expel Arthur and surround Elly with support.  Though it will take a long time for Elly to completely trust again, Jerry is the man she has chosen and he is more than happy to take on the responsibility – even when it comes to the point where he must prove that, while domestic discipline isn’t exactly pleasurable, it is a means to find release of guilt and start fresh.  Though the subject matter of this story was darker, I really appreciate the author’s handling of such a sensitive issue.  The abuse does exist in our ‘real’ world and it is nice to see the delicate subject being addressed.  It is always a risk to put your work out there and know that some readers will not attempt to see past the abuse to discover the healing available and I applaud Ms. Blake for her courage in dealing with the issue.  She did a very good job in writing this story where we all are truly rooting for the good guys.  I’d recommend highly.