WIP: Work in progress. WIP it up Wednesday is a hop where writers share portions of the project they're working on with readers. I really like the idea because it allows me to share something that's still in the creative stage as well as work behind the scenes as a prompt to keep me writing.
Today, I'm sharing an excerpt from my first book in the Corbin's Bend series, A Simple Misunderstanding, where I tackle the problem of recognizing and addressing spousal abuse in a liberal spanking community. The community's residents right to privacy is paramount, and sometimes rough play can produce bruises that appear similar to abuse. So, as long as both partners deny any problems exist, the community can't take action. To do so would jeopardize the very foundation of what they've struggled so hard to build.
He came to her rescue when she needed him most, almost to lose her when she disobeyed him.
In this scene, which occurs in Chapter 3, Gerald Douglas (Jerry, who is the Corbin's Bend veterinarian) suspects Eleanor Benson (Elly) is being abused. So, he's asked her mentor, Kelli Stevens, to check on her. Both submissives and dominants are assigned mentors in Corbin's Bend to help them with any issues or questions they might have about the domestic discipline dynamic. Elly, who vehemently denies her husband Arthur abuses her, has not been entirely honest with Kelli
Elly was
vacuuming the living room carpet when the doorbell sounded. Muffin gave an
excited little yipping noise, which meant someone she knew and approved of was
at the door. A glance at the clock informed Elly it was after 2 PM.
“Muffin,
quiet.” Elly turned off the machine and wiped her hands on her jeans before
pointing to the spot Muffin usually occupied when Elly cleaned. “Lie down.” Once
the dog obeyed, she held up an index finger and gave the command, “Stay.” She then
went to answer the door. Kelli Stevens, a short, curvy redhead with a touch of
gray at her temples, and Elly’s mentor, stood outside smiling in her kind and
gentle way.
“Hi, Elly.”
“Kelli. I
didn’t expect you to visit today. Did I miss an appointment?”
“No, dear. Of
course not. I was nearby and thought we might have a chat, if you aren’t too
busy.”
Elly glanced
back at the living room. Would Arthur approve of her entertaining a guest while
she was in the midst of cleaning? Probably not. Appearances. “Perhaps it would
be best if—”
“Only for a
moment. I don’t want to keep you.”
“It’s not
that. It’s just….” She ran a hand down her jeans. “I’m not exactly dressed to
receive company.”
Elly believes she's responsible for her husband's firm discipline, and thinks if she just tries a little harder things will be better between them.
M/F Domestic Discipline in Colorado.
Blurb:
Though Arthur and Eleanor Benson have been practicing domestic discipline for three months since their wedding, he insists moving to Corbin's Bend, where domestic discipline is the norm rather than the exception, will revitalize their marriage. Elly has doubts, but since Arthur is the undisputed head of their household, they move. However, once Arthur becomes immersed in a community where spanking is not only permitted, but encouraged, his personality undergoes a dramatic change. Accusing his submissive wife of being lazy, disorganized and disobedient, he employs creative methods of pain and humiliation to mold Elly from the imperfect woman he married into the perfect woman he desires. And Elly finds herself a virtual prisoner in her own home, accountable only to the man who rules her life with a cane.
In his years as a vet, Jerry Douglas has seen what abuse does to animals, and he recognizes those same signs in Elly Benson during her daily escape to the dog park with her tiny poodle. Jerry steadfastly supports the tenets of domestic discipline and enjoys the freedom Corbin's Bend offers its residents, but he remains fiercely protective of anyone in need of a champion. And when he witnesses evidence of harsh handling, his instinct is to rush in and rescue. Problem is Elly Benson is a married and consenting adult who insists all her bruises and welts are nothing more than a simple misunderstanding between her and her husband, until the day Arthur Benson takes his authority and discipline one-step too far, endangering Elly's life.
A Simple Misunderstanding is available at the following locations.
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| Muffin. How can you say "no" to this face? |
I also have a page on my web site where I am offering a sample of the first three chapters. If you're interested, visit either the Spanking Romance or A Simple Misunderstanding page in the Over 18 section of my website.
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for visiting. Now go visit the other authors and see what they're sharing by either clicking one of the links below, or visiting WIP it up Wednesday.
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for visiting. Now go visit the other authors and see what they're sharing by either clicking one of the links below, or visiting WIP it up Wednesday.
I loved this story Kathryn. It truly tugged at my heartstrings. Your snippet makes me wanna go back and read it all over again ☺
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dog. :-) Love the snippet. I also love the fact that you are addressing BDSM versus abuse. Look forward to reading more from you.
ReplyDeleteOooh... look at that face. I love our pooches... great snippet, as usual.
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact that she thinks she isn't dress appropriately for guests tells me something is wrong. Great snippet.
ReplyDelete