Mira thought she wanted a spanking. What she got was love.
On her own for the first time, Mira is studying abroad for her translator’s certificate. Unfortunately, the heady excitement of dance clubs, late-night parties, and endless shopping quickly distracts her from her educational goals. Mira’s advisor offers her private tutoring, but the combined pressures of culture and language difference threaten Mira’s progress at school. She is unable to get her act together until she makes a discovery that horrifies and tantalizes her: in her new country, corporal punishment is a way of life. The secret to her academic success just might also fulfill her wildest, unspoken dreams.
Cookie queen, wooden spoon lady, and champion of carbs, Anastasia Vitsky specializes in F/F fiction. She hates shoes and is allergic to leather. When not writing about women who live spankily ever after, she coordinates reader and author events such as Spank or Treat, Love Spanks, and Sci Spanks. Her favorite event is Ana’s Advent Calendar, a month-long celebration of books, community, and making a difference. She is too afraid to watch Doctor Who, but she adores The Good Wife and anything with Audrey Hepburn. In her next life, she will learn how to make the perfect pie crust. She can be found at governingana.wordpress.com and on twitter @AnastasiaVitsky.
This is more or less a prequel to "Mira's Miracle" but can also be read as a standalone.
The writing quality is high, as it always is with Vitsky, and I don't think just anyone could write this as well as she does. The story is about a young woman coming to understand her desire for spanking/discipline, how she is deeply troubled by it but also fascinated and the actions she takes to indulge these new desires. The focus of this discipline is expressed in a tutor (or teacher) to student relationship.
The two leads are also non-white so bonus for ethnic diversity.
I've read a lot of Vitsky's novellas at this point and this one is somewhat different from the others. Mira is the protagonist and she's more immature than any other lead I've read of hers thus far. Because of this, I found Mira to be less likable but, at the same time, I think this is what the author was going for so mission accomplished.
Mira's discipline comes from her teacher but they do not have a traditional romantic relationship and never do. Mira has a crush on her tutor and there is love between the two but it's not a reciprocal "two women in love" kind of thing...so I wouldn't say this is a romance.
And, as a warning, there is also a M/F rape trigger in this story that is fairly explicit, though not gratuitous, and some may find it disturbing. It's very important to the story and to Mira's character, though.
There is a happy ending for Mira and we see the teaser of relationship she enters into that then will springboard us to "Mira's Miracle".
This is still a good read but, for me, had a darker tone and the uh, well, not-traditional romantic element we've come to know in f/f romances...so it hit me in a different way.
I'd recommend in that it's good but not recommend if you're looking for a romance.
Mira is looking for love, but she doesn’t know it as that when we meet her at the beginning of Desire in Any Language, Ana Vitsky’s new short. Mira is studying abroad to be a translator. She enlists the aid of a part-time tutor, and one day when she witnesses the tutor rap the hands of a misbehaving student, the butters fly in her belly. But this is not your typical tutor-student spanking story. There are no plaid uniforms or older, wiser mustachioed curmudgeons with leather patches on their coat sleeves. In fact, Desire in Any Language stands out in the Spanking Romance genre as being quite atypical. Vitsky has shown incredible courage in putting forth a story that is not about THAT. I’ll get to her talent as a writer in a minute.
Mira loves her tutor—so much so that when the woman gets married, Mira finds herself distraught. Again, she doesn’t quite know why, because this is not about sex. It’s about Agape love, something that is simply not seen in this genre. All Mira knows is that she craves what she thinks this kind of attention from her beloved tutor will bring her, and as she continues to fall further behind on her work, and screws up to the point where she doesn’t earn her monthly scholarships, and risks possible expulsion, Mira and her tutor agree that some discipline is warranted. And it is given. The scenes are tame; almost fade to black. Again, Desire in Any Language is not about THAT. And it is incredibly refreshing.
Aside from this wonderful and unique story that will have you falling in love with Mira and the rest of the supporting characters, Vitsky is a top-notch writer. Her prose are clear and extremely intelligent, and she is among the rare writers who respects her readers enough to not spell every little detail out, allowing the reader to paint their own unique and vivid picture of the location and the characters. We are not told where the story takes place (somewhere in Asia, based on some of the language and the characters on the cover of the book), nor do we know what Mira or the other characters look like. That is up to the dear reader to figure out. Again, incredibly refreshing.
Ana’s work stands above the rest in skill and intelligence, and I highly recommend this book, and the author.
For Mira, studying abroad to become a translator, life should be about studying and trying to pass her classes. Instead, she spends too much time partying and not enough time hitting the books. Then she discovers that her tutor – a woman just a few years older than herself – has a way of refocusing her students’ attention. The Rod of Love. Mira is horrified at first, but then fascinated by the prospect of being caned, and her discipline gradually takes on deeper meaning as does her relationship with her tutor.
Desire in Any Language deserves to be in a class of its own within the spanking fiction genre. To relate the plot and story cannot begin to describe the uniqueness and literary quality of this novel. Yes, literary. Anastasia Vitsky writes beautifully of flawed, but sympathetic characters while weaving a universal story of friendship and love. While by no means a sad story, an underlying moodiness pervades this book, a current of melancholy that propels the story and Mira on her path of self-discovery.
Desire in Any Language should be on everyone’s reading list, whether or not one reads spanking fiction.
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.
Well this is my second spanking book to read by this author and I am going to have to give this book 4 1/2 stars or wine glasses in my case. At times I felt as though the main character kept trying to not pass her classes so she could be punished. Which after I spoke to the author she explained to me that she thought she could get spanked for the wrong reasons instead of for the right reason. So that made sense to me. There is one scene in the book that I know most people would say oh my goodness why would she write that, but I was glad she wrote it in the book. Because to me it seemed as though the author was making a point as to be careful who you want to spank you! It may not be all sugar and spice. The reason I gave this book 4 1/2 stars is because I would sometimes had to go back and re-read a page to understand what was going on within the story. This spanking book is a good one that would be good for introducing one into spanking! This is f/f spanking, there is no vulgar language
I truly loved this novel. It is a uniquely honest story of a young woman coming of age in a new country while perfectly capturing her vulnerability, insecurity, and self doubt as she learns who she is, what she's made of, & comes to terms with her needs & desires. It was a beautiful story that left me longing for more.
Did you ever lust after a professor or teacher? In this book, Mira is an exchange student living in South Korea. She is being coached by a slightly older female who takes on the disciplinarian role. The book did a good job of showing how being in an exchange program could work. It was fascinating learning a bit about the Korean culture. I specifically enjoyed learning about the "dreaming" while the mother is pregnant. This is something I've never heard of before and I find learning about other cultures fascinating.
I am mixed about this book. I enjoyed the f/f theme as well as the discipline. That is pretty hot. What I didn't enjoy was the first person perspective of Mira. This is because I was under impressed by Mira. Her procrastination and excuses were annoying. I'm not sure why she was even mentioned to be a super star or rock star. She's more a prima donna. Never once in the book did it come across as her being able to deliver what she needed to deliver. Yes, she did turn in her homework assignment with the translation - but it was juvenile interpretation. It's probably my own pet peeve, but this type of character, I just want to slap upside the head. They waste their potential and for unknown reasons, people give them more chances. Since I didn't like the character it caused me to not enjoy the book.
I still ended up enjoying the book for cultural education and the theme of caning and spanking discipline. The writing style appealed to me too. It was a smooth and easy read. The descriptions of places were clear and easy to imagine. This book is recommended to f/f readers who enjoy discipline from an authority figure.
The best way to describe this story is: subtle. This is not in-your-face erotica by any means. There aren't any descriptions of people, places, or things. There are no long, drawn-out details about the characters themselves or any ! All of that is left up to your own imagination! It wasn't something I was used to but I found it very appealing in this story! Ms. Vitsky writes in a way that allows you to easily conjure up your own images with this slow, simmering erotic tale. Recommended to all those who get turned on (or think they might get turned on) by spanking and/or being spanked. ;)
As a side note: I love the cover! Equally pretty and hot!
I am usually a M/F reader. So this was a stretch for me to read. But I am so happy I let go of my insecurities and doubts, long enough to read this wonderful author's work. It was amazing! Even though it was F/F story, it was not what I had expected. It was very tastefully done. And it showed so much of the main character's vulnerabilities that I was able to empathize and relate. I want what she wants- maybe in a different setting. But desires, no matter the setting- are still desires. I loved her first person POV. (normally, I am not a big fan). And I appreciated her ease and grace with the words she put on paper. I still may not be reading very many F/F books. But I will keep reading Ana's books. Because they speak to me. I can't wait to read the next story.
Well, I am thoroughly de-virginized now. My Anastasia Vitsky f/f cherry has been popped and I enjoyed it immensely. I've heard so much about this wonderful author I just had to take advantage and read her story!
It was a perfect mix of sweet seduction, spanking, wicked activities and loads of emotional connection. For the first half of the book I devoured each page, turning and turning without taking a breath. I can't wait to read the second book and read more of Mira and see her new adventures!
I am definitely putting Anastasia Vitsky on my must read list and hope to happily devour more of her books in the near future.
Female/female spanking fiction. Can it get any better? I am repeatedly joyful to have found Anastasia's blog and books. I love how she utilizes first person perspective in her stories. As a lover of learning- in addition to female/female spanking :D- I loved how the story was layered with details around the main character's learning of Chinese. The teacher/student relationship was entrancing, beautiful. The "rod of love" was a wonderful touch!
This is a beautiful book about characters with real depth and subtle nuancing. The book explores Mira's desire and intrigue for discipline, which she finds through her kind-hearted tutor. Their relationship does not venture into erotic, though there are undercurrents of sexual tension. If you're expecting hot and heavy girl on girl, you won't find it, but what you will find is a depth and deliciousness uncommon to spanking fiction.
Whoa *fans face* this one made me blush a few times. I enjoyed the author's writing style as it was clever and enjoyable to read. This is my first story with spanking and it was presented very tastefully- would have like more background and description on the main character though. Hot cover! (Also would have liked more Hana) Overall- fun & quick read.
It actually was a DNF for me, so the next book will be as well and it is the same character. Coming off the previous two stories, this was completely off topic and style and not what I was looking for and it was all mysterious and vague. Just not in the mood or liking the development of the story or the character
It took me some time to get into this story. It doesn’t take place at the Castle and I didn’t know where it was, until I googled one of the foreign words. I also had to read several pages before I knew if the main character was male or female. The local culture is very unfamiliar and I had trouble getting use to it. I liked Mira though, even if she’s immature and I don’t understand her decisions.
I’m going to be completely honest here. This is, more or less, my first F/F story that wasn’t just five pages. I was hesitant to read it because while I’m intrigued by the F/F genre, I don’t want erotica. I want romance. So, I was afraid that this book would lean more towards erotica than romance. In that, I was slightly correct but only because while this story ISN’T erotica, it neither is a romance. It’s more about self-discovery and accepting your desires, urges and ultimately yourself.
Mira is an exchange student studying to become a translator. Unfortunately, she’s not very good at school. When she sees her adviser punishing a student who misbehaved, Mira becomes strangely fixated on the weapon used for the punishment. With Mira’s infatuation with her tutor and the ‘rod of love’, she slowly starts to let her studies go but when her tutor leaves Mira to get married, Mira completely falls apart; hurt to be left and confused about her feelings of being spanked. When her adviser returns, it pushes Mira to attempt her deepest desire but also forces her to seek what she desperately needs.
This is an interesting tale of how Mira is trying to cope with her sudden desire of being spanked. On top of that, it’s hard for her to admit that she feels connected to her female tutor. She’s not looking for sex or lust, she’s looking for love. She wants to be held, cared for and cherished. It’s extremely hard for her to admit that she may be a lesbian and that there may be other women in the world she’s attracted to than just her adviser. She’s also confused on her desire to be disciplined, which causes her to make some rash and stupid choices that really could have gotten her killed, if she wasn’t so lucky.
Which brings me to the few issues I had with this one. Mainly, the fact that it took almost the whole book to learn the tutor’s name really irked me. For a majority of the story, it’s either ‘she’, ‘her’, or tutor with barely a mention of the adviser’s name (aside from a joke about how it sounds close to a bad or inappropriate word, I think… I’m not quite sure on that). Beyond that, I’m still confused on where exactly Mira is studying. I feel as if it is somewhere with an Asian culture but it’s never mentioned where and that left me unable to understand most of what Mira was talking about.
Besides that, I felt like Mira was very irresponsible and immature. For someone who came to another country with a dream of becoming a translator, she’s doing a very bad job of actually obtaining that dream and it wasn’t because she was trying to work through her sudden fixation on spanking. Even before she learned what the ‘rod of love’ was, she didn’t really care about her schoolwork, which made me constantly question how she could have been admitted into the school’s program in the first place and why she was even there anyway. Her constant response to her teachers/tutor when she couldn’t do anything was “I’ll do better next time” yet she never had any intention of doing that (she mentions that she knows she probably won’t do better next time). Aside from that, Mira read more like a 16 year old than a girl who has already finished college and is in her twenties (I’m guessing that’s her age). So, it was hard for me to really connect with Mira because she didn’t have many redeeming qualities, IMO.
Overall, though, with the last chapter or so of this story, I became intrigued by Mira and where she was heading. She made some horribly idiotic decisions that were very naive and childish but I feel as though her meeting Hana at the very end might be the key to balancing out her self-destructive nature she was starting to develop. So, I’m curious what’ll happen from here; will Hana give Mira what she desires or will things just get worse for Mira? With the way Mira acts, I’m kind of guessing things will get worse before they get better lol.
I found Desire in Any Language to be simultaneously sweet, terrifying, and ultimately, a relief. I think this mirrors the main character's journey throughout the book.
WHAT I LIKED --------------- * Mira - the main character. Childlike innocence on the edge of blossoming with self-discovery. I just wanted to snuggle her up and pet her.
* The way the story wrapped me up and pulled me through the same emotions Mira experienced. The author has a deft hand for putting the reader in an emotional space without over-steering.
WHAT I WISHED WAS DIFFERENT --------------------------- * With the tagline that Mira "found love", I expected the whole book to be a romance where Mira built an intimate relationship with a lover. Instead, it is about Mira's journey to self-discovery, that ultimately will allow her to admit what it is she looks for in a lover. It's a well-told journey that sets the stage for the lover relationship that *will* develop. However, I was surprised when the book ended, and I had gotten so little of that burdgeoning love relationship with Hana.
This book is rather short, especially if you are a fast reader. You might want to make sure you are in a position to purchase the sequel (Mira's Miracle) as soon as you finish this one.
FourStars This was a very well-written short story/novella. Its genre is a bit hard to place because it’s certainly not a romance or erotic piece. It’s a coming of age, a coming into being, a finding authenticity of one’s self piece. The story flowed nicely and well; however, at the end I was left unsatisfied. There wasn’t much a conclusion and it left me with an odd sense of why did I even just read this? I’m really not sure why, but the lack of conclusion left me on uneven ground.
I loved the details to language in this piece. Anyone who has studied a foreign language in any depth can relate. There is detail here that helps carry the piece along in other areas. The characters are fully formed and definitely relatable. I found Mira’s true to life issues (excluding Mistress Susan) to be very realistic. As for Mistress Susan, it’s not that I found it unrealistic, I found the reactions after the fact unrealistic and unexplored when I think they should have been explored to some extent.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
"As we fall into our beds that night, I can only think one thing.
Does she believe in love?"
Sometimes you read a book and wonder whatthe heck you just read, this is one of those. The characters have no character at all, no development and no plot. Yipes.
I just saw this was a novella to a series, maybe that's why.