Belinda LaPage

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is certainly one of the best books that Belinda LaPage has written. And LaPage has written many outstanding works. The book contains all of the elements that make reading LaPage so much fun and so rewarding. First, there is her amazing sense of humor. The ironic comments are constant. Any event, especially it seems in the most erotic moments of a sexual encounter, could be an opportunity for LaPage to interject some cleverly crafted comedic remark. Then there is her marvelous use of metaphors, some of which were hilarious, and many of which brought greater understanding to the narrative. The most obvious is the very title of the book, “Blind Obedience.” Who is it that is obediently following? Seemingly the cuckold, Simon. But perhaps not him alone. Might it not be the blind Dominatrix, Becca, who is driven by her need to enhance her sex life? Is it all of the novel’s characters’ lust that makes them blind to all norms? Maybe it is just love, which is, after all, blind. Personally, the metaphors that I appreciate the most is the commuter train and Saturday morning walks. From Becca and Simon’s first meeting to the penultimate scene of the book, they flirt, commit to, and confirm their amorous devotion to each other on a train and their strolls through the park. Two companions on a journey of love. Of course, there are spectacularly erotic sex scenes. LaPage is a master of enveloping her readers in the pleasures of sex. The sex is also deeply arousing for the reader. The final scene of the book is one of the best sex scenes I have ever read. It is not only erotic; it also reveals completely the persons that Simon and Becca have become and the true nature of the fantasy that they share. Finally, one of the frequent techniques that LaPage uses is foreshadowing. We are all creatures of habit; only changing the patterns of our lives slowly. Not surprisingly, similar events happen in our lives time and again. Further, some events in the past carry profoundly rewarding emotional meaning for us and we strive to repeat them for the pleasure that they can give. Thus, literary foreshadowing is based in the reality of human existence. But it also builds tension for any reader of LaPage’s works, because we know that much of what we are reading about early in the story will appear later. We are constantly wondering what it actually portends. What will it reveal about one or more of the characters? Will it be for better or worse for the characters? I especially enjoyed a specific scene from a cuckold video that Simon is watching in very beginning of the novel. It is replicated faithfully in the last paragraph of the novel. But it has changed from a stumbling block in the love life of Becca and Simon to their loving gift to each other and to their future.

Becca and Simon are deeply in love. They share intimacies, they respect each other’s qualities, their strengths and weaknesses. There is no censuring of their partner’s persona, only acceptance and profound appreciation for what each has done for the other during the time that they have been together. Becca is blind. She has had persons take advantage of her because of it. However, Simon not only did not do so, but he protects her against the dangers of the world. His behavior has allowed her to live her life more fully, knowing that he is there for her. Simon is Becca’s “wonderful man.” Simon knows that he is ordinary in looks and demeanor. But Becca wants him to be part of her life. He is fulfilled by being of service to this strong, beautiful woman. He strives every day to hold onto his good fortune. As with most of LaPage’s work, the heroine, Becca, is more fully developed. But this novel contains, in my opinion, the most fully developed portrait of a man, in the person of Simon. LaPage always reveals to us the thoughts of each of the characters, so we know not only what they do, but what they think they are doing and why they think they are doing it. It’s enormously enlightening. Of course, every author would like the characters in the story to be realistic. LaPage succeeds completely. At their cores, the persons in the novel are warm, caring individuals. Though like any of us, their fears, frustrations, and misperceptions do at times overwhelm their essential goodness, causing them to be less than kind. That only made them believably human. It certainly did not make them any less likeable. When the book ended, I felt as if I had lost close friends.

The crux of the story is that Becca and Simon’s sex life is good but both of them are less than satisfied. Becca sets out to resolve that issue because she wants both of them to enjoy more that aspect of their marital life. Thus begins a journey of many months as Becca’s tries multiple ways to improve their sex life. Both spouses change significantly during the trip, there is much bruising of their emotions along the way. As Becca grows as a person, she becomes liberated from her fears. Eventually, she chooses to become both a Dominatrix and a hotwife. For the reader who has reluctance to read about Dominatrix behavior, beware. Becca is often unfettered in her control over Simon. There is verbal humiliation, harsh punishments, belittling, pegging, and enforced chastity. But if you like that sort of thing, or, at least, can tolerate it, there is a wonderful story to enjoy. In the end, both partners are freed from the issues that held them back from being their true selves. They have helped each other to do so. Power has shifted between them and there is the fulfillment of a shared fantasy. Their love for one another has profoundly changed, but it still very deep and, I think, will be unending. The story is so deeply human and so powerfully erotic.

I cannot recommend this novel enough. Read it. You’ll learn more about yourself.… (mais)