I don’t often post book reviews here, but I couldn’t wait to share about this delightful gem from fellow author Anastasia Vitsky, Seoul Spankings. First, I’m utterly smitten with Ana’s writing. She delivers the kinds of stories that I can read in a single cozy afternoon, but they’re far from the sort of lazy day brain candy I usually choose for those times. Every one of her books leaves me emotionally and intellectually satisfied.
Seoul Spankings has many of my favorite elements: Two strong, independent, intelligent women; steamy but not over-the-top sensuality; and a great plot. There are also some excellent tension and power dynamics as well as cross-culture themes.
I don’t want to say too much, because it’s short enough that almost anything could be a spoiler. However, one thing I want to point out is how well Ana wrote her bisexual character. This story is a perfect example of how even common tropes can be turned on their ears and used wisely.
Indigo is a complicated woman. The word bisexual never appears in the text of the story. While I do love to see characters identify that way, I didn’t feel it was necessary and would have detracted from the actual plot. It would have felt more like a political move than something authentic. Indigo didn’t need to say she was bisexual; it was simply a fact of her life. I appreciated that the reverse wasn’t used, either—she never made any statements about not liking labels or refusing to identify. It was no more necessary to her character development than it would have been for Hyunkyung to announce she was a lesbian (or announce that she was rejecting that label).
I particularly appreciated that Indigo never needed to “prove” her sexuality. Again, she was simply herself. There wasn’t any reason for her to have multiple partners within the story because it was clear from her thoughts and feelings about her past. Even better, Hyunkyung never questioned her on it. Indigo was never required to prove she wasn’t going to get cold feet and leave for a man.
Her previous relationship wasn’t a healthy one. While this could be seen as “bisexual baiting” (implying that obviously her relationship with a man couldn’t have been good because she’s really meant to be with a woman), it didn’t read that way to me. Her thoughts and feelings about her previous partner felt realistic, and at no point was there any judgement on her. The relationship with Hyunkyung was never painted as a magical cure for Indigo’s wounds. It was its own entity, part of her life but not the sum total of it, just as her previous relationship was.
My rating: 
Seoul Spankings is a delightful read, and I hope you’ll give it a chance to find a special place in your heart. For more discussion of the book and to chat with me about bisexual characters, come hang out with us at the book launch party on Facebook this Sunday at 2pm EDT.
Broken-hearted when her live-in boyfriend impregnates her best frenemy, Indigo Adams accepts a one-way ticket to Seoul, SouthKorea, and a challenge from her Great-Aunt Matilda: Forget that boy. Go and make something of yourself.
Bruised from an international public relations nightmare as the new heir to the multi-billion-dollar Han Incorporated, Hyunkyung Hanseeks positive publicity in the form of a wedding. She consults with Madame Eve to find a nice, well-behaved Korean American with bilingual and bicultural skills.
Instead, Madame Eve sends Indi, a naïve philosophy major graduate working for minimum wage at the local pub. Enraged to find Indi can’t speak one word of Korean, Hyunkyung orders her sent home on the next plane to Spillville, Iowa.
Then Hyunkyung shakes Indi’s hand, and the sparks fly. With all of her professional responsibilities, how can Hyunkyung allow herself to fall for the wrong woman? How can Indi feel attraction for a woman who despises her?
Seoul Spankings offers a light-hearted romp through the perils and joys of navigating an intercultural romance. Certain to delight all fans of a happily ever after with a kinky twist.
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About the author:
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. She has recently confessed to enjoying her new hairbrush in addition to the beloved spoons. She can be found at governingana.wordpress.com and on twitter @AnastasiaVitsky.
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