Review: "Healing the Wounds" by M.Q. Barber (Neighborly Affection #3)


Changes are in line for the relationship shared by mechanical engineer Alice Colvin, messenger service owner Jay Kress, and acclaimed artist Henry Webb. What began as a seemingly limited engagement has now developed a sense of permanence for the three, what with Alice about to take up residence in the apartment that Henry and Jay live in. It may appear to be a simple thing, just moving boxes and furniture across the hall, but for Alice, it signals opening herself up to commitment.

While Jay appears to still be working through the unfortunate encounter with his former dominant, both Alice and Henry notice the changes in him and worry for his welfare. Henry's years of experience and his genuine love, affection, and respect for Jay allow him to care for his boy and provide him with the support that he needs, something that Alice once wasn't sure Henry was doing adequately. As she realizes that Henry will always put their needs and wants first, Alice falls even harder.

When Henry suggests a holiday away from the city, it is yet another turning point in the relationship. Their love, trust, and understanding is further strengthened and reassurances are made in the most idyllic and peaceful of places. However, will it ever be possible for Alice and, most especially, Jay to overcome the fear that they experienced with Jay's abuser and tormentor and will Alice truly be able to accept her place in their relationship and stop questioning her significance in it?

Healing the Wounds is the third book in M.Q. Barber's Neighborly Affection series and picks up where the second book, Crossing the Lines, left off. It was obvious that Jay still carried with him the emotional and psychological scars left by Cal Gardner, the sadist who brutalized him. Even after years under Henry's kind tutelage, it took one confrontation for everything that happened to freeze Jay in fear. Watching both Henry and Alice take care of him afterwards was touching and endearing.

After having read three novels in the series, I've become even more of a believer that Henry is the mind, Jay the soul, and Alice the heart in their triumvirate, but that doesn't mean that Henry is less sensitive or loving than the two or that they aren't as intelligent as Henry is. If anything Henry is able to best anticipate what either or both Alice and Jay may need from him, setting aside his own desires or needs. He's officially replaced Jay as my favorite, though Jay will always bring a smile to my face.

I admit it; Neighborly Affection has become one of my favorite series. Don't be surprised when I confess in a future review that it's one of my all-time favorites. There's just something about the story of these three people that simply makes me want to read more about them. There's steam and passion, yes, but the books are not limited to just these. Each book delves into their lives as individuals and a trio, and not just as dominant and submissives. Healing the Wounds gets five stars. ♥

Date read: 10 March 2015

Learn more about author M.Q. Barber here.

Grab a copy of Healing the Wounds on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

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