I just finished reading this book for the second time this week and loved it all over again. The story has everything I crave most in a romance...a tortured hero that is smokin' hot and jealous as hell, a heroine that sometimes allows herself to be taken care of and isn't always acting ridiculous trying to prove her independence, a vindictive ex that (finally!) gets what she deserves, a little mystery, a lot of great sex (spiced up with some "kinky fuckery") and a HEA with another book to follow! It just doesn't get any better than this!

Fifty Shades Darker is E.L. James' 2nd book in her Fifty Shades trilogy. While the first book Fifty Shades of Grey is a great read and introduces us to His Awesomeness, otherwise known as Christian Grey, it is also a much darker story. Seduced at age 15 by a friend of the family, Christian's sexual expertise at age 27 is strictly limited to the only type of relationship he has ever known...that of Dominant & Submissive. When Anastasia Steele interviews Christian for a college newspaper, he is instantly taken with her. Ana is quiet, docile and beautiful..everything Christian wants in a Submissive. So he proposes a contractual deal with her; but for once in his adult life, Christian isn't getting what he wants. Book #1 lays the early groundwork for the tumultuous relationship these two find themselves in through both books. As Christian freely admits to, he is "fifty shades of fucked up" and Ana doesn't disagree. Even so, their sexual chemistry is palpable and their encounters rock right off the pages! (Gawd, what I wouldn't give...) Add to this, their bantering (done best through their emails to each other) is just so damn cute you will be left with no choice other than to love the heck out of them both!

Note: Reading Fifty Shades of Grey first is an absolute must to truly understand and appreciate Christian & Ana's entire story, so don't embark on this amazing journey haphazardly and start with Book #2. (That would give Christian twitchy palms!)

So while Book #1 gives you the beginning of Christiana (haha), Book #2 Fifty Shades Darker focuses on the strengthening of their relationship, as Ms. James takes you to the heart and soul of their union. Although Christian and Ana are polar opposites, you won't have to suspend disbelief to accept their relationship as the author thoroughly fleshes these two characters out. You will witness first-hand how love triumphs over sexual preferences, extremely different lifestyles, outside interferences and all of the other idiosyncracies that would normally provide just cause to terminate a relationship. You will cheer right along with Ana's "inner goddess" who throws caution to the wind when it comes to claiming her man outright. Coming together is a hard-fought battle for Christian and Ana but staying together will be forever. If you really love romance, then this is one special, adorable couple you can't possibly live without knowing!

5+++++ stars

PS: Once again, have the tissues handy for there are some truly poignant scenes!

Laters, baby.


Christian Grey