Title: Ana Adored
Author Name: Anastasia Vitsky
Publication Date & Length: Feburary 28, 2015 – 226pgs
Shy Ana has two secret passions: she loves other women and she has always harbored an intense fascination with all things “spanking.” Unfortunately, her current girlfriend, Peyton, has no interest in indulging what she refers to as “sick and deviant” fantasies.
But when their latest argument becomes one black eye too many, Ana’s had enough. Finally finding the necessary courage and strength of will, she orders Peyton out of her house and out of her life. Break-ups with abusers are never easy or painless, and in the emotionally chaotic aftermath of hers, Ana turns to the only friend she has – a woman she met online more than a year before on, of all things, a plant forum.
Miranda is everything Peyton is not. She listens. She understands. She accepts. And when she unexpectedly offers Ana a plane ticket to fly out to Ohio and meet with her, face-to-face for the very first time, Ana doesn’t hesitate for long. She packs a bag and goes on vacation; ten days, prepaid, at the Castle, the most infamous BDSM resort in the world.
On the surface, everything seems so perfect and magical. But Ana isn’t at the Castle long before she realizes she isn’t the only woman with secrets. Miranda Hardwick, the Castle’s most feared and respected Mistress, has a few secrets of her own.
As the lines between fantasy and reality and friends and lovers begin to blur, both women quickly realize that if their blossoming relationship is to survive, they’re going to have to put their secrets aside – Miranda, with her strange “emergencies” that keep calling her away, and Ana, with Peyton, who just won’t accept a life without Ana in it.
This novel was slower-paced than most of Ms. Vitsky’s work. I was drawn into it immediately, but the rhythm of the story was somewhat inconsistent. That may be due in part to the length. That said, it was a good read that gave me a lot to think about.
As is usually the case with Ms. Vitsky (and why I like her writing so much), there’s an ongoing theme of sin/redemption and remorse/forgiveness. I liked the way Peyton’s version was juxtaposed with Miranda’s and the careful analysis of how both women affected Ana at a deep level.
I loved the wild, wonderful cast of supporting characters. They were every bit as important as the two main leads. The various goings-on in the Castle and among the staff had me hanging on every word just to see what would happen next. I found myself wishing they were real people I could meet.
Most of all, my favorite part was the open, honest way Ana reflected on her journey toward accepting the parts of herself she’d kept hidden. I loved the message that no one is wrong or broken or should ever feel ashamed for their needs and desires.
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
I am a multi-published author of F/F DD fiction, an active blogger, and a coordinator of various events to bring together writing, reading, and kink communities. Look for events such as Christmas in July, Advent Calendar, and Spankee Doodle Dandy.
My current releases include The Vengeance of Mrs. Claus (12/8/12), Desire in Any Language (1/18/13), and Editorial Board (3/2/13) from Blushing Books.
My newest release, The Way Home (Kat and Natalie, Volume One), came out 3/6/2013 and reached #31 on Amazon’s Top 100 list for F/F fiction.
I love to hear from readers!
