50 Shades Darker is the next book in the 50 Shades trilogy that many love and just as many hate. If you have read book one and have read (or even watched) Twilight, you probably already picked up on how it was derived from Twilight fanfiction. You also may have the impression that all BDSM relationships stem from similar things that Christian went through. This is not true. It is important to keep in mind that this is just for fun, relaxation and a little bit of erotica mixed wish suspense. It is merely a story, fiction at that.

After book one we were left with Anastasia deciding that she cannot submit herself to Christian in the way that he so desires, craves and is used to. She goes on to work at her new job at a publishing company. But like many love stories, they can't stay away from each other. Soon Christian is attempting to make plans with Ana and have a serious talk with her about their situation. He has started to develop feelings that he never knew before, feelings he didn't think he was capable of or that he was able to receive in return. They agree to meet up, have dinner and she allows him to escort her to Jose's art show. Passion is reignited and Christian makes a new proposal to Ana that she feels she actually can do. This new proposal involves them both working together, a little bit of compromise and a lot of understanding and support as Christian begins to give his trust completely to Ana and open up to her. He is able to share feelings and events from his past to Ana, something that even his therapist was unable to do. His family couldn't even reach into his soul this deep, but there is something about Ana that takes him over and really starts to help him heal.
Along with the rekindled passion between our main characters, Kate finds love in the arms of Christian's brother. Kate's brother and Christian's sister also have some luck in the dating department.
Christian proposes marriage to Ana but she is reluctant to agree; she just has to find out more about her mysterious, troubled man.

There are some passionate and steamy sex scenes in this second book but there is also repetition and some not so hot scenes. The kinky factor is kicked up a slight notch in this book but still nothing extreme or shocking. Ana learns more about his kinky side and what she likes and doesn't like.
Christian remains obsessed with Ana, interfering with her job and doing some things that some of us ladies would just find as "crossing the line". Ana voices her opinions on his behaviors but he insists he is only trying to protect her, because that is his job and what is most important to him.

Old ghosts surface for Christian. Ana finds out some dark secrets. She is once again conflicted.

Christian celebrates his birthday and Ana shocks him by giving him the best gift he has ever received and everything that he wanted. We are left again in suspense at the end when Christian is late returning home from a trip in his private copter. If you're like me and just HAVE to know the end, you will be on book three as I am.

Being a part of Eden, I know that this portrayal of BDSM isn't the norm. I can also see how those that participate in the lifestyle can be offended by the trilogy. I just want to say to keep in mind that this is just a story, it is made to be suspenseful and erotic and the author chose to throw some BDSM into the mix.

It isn't a great masterpiece of literature but overall it is an OK story. The sex isn't very explicit or kinky but after book one I am reading because of the plot; the suspense. I'm sure there are much better erotic novels out there but I feel this one has it's place. Coming from a couple that is pretty much vanilla I can say that it peaked my interest in the use of soft restraints and hand cuffs as well sensory play.

This was yet another fast read for me because the plot had me pulled in. Things do get a little more kinkier in the character's relationship in this book. You will notice some repetition spilling over from book one in some scenes and some of the things the characters say. While it isn't the hottest erotica out there, the passion, lust and love between the characters is enough to feel. Not all scenes will leave you hot and bothered. More about the plot is revealed and pretty much all the reasons behind Christian's BDSM style and reason for it. You are still left wishing for maybe something a bit more kinky and hot but the plot was enough to satisfy me and have me halfway through book 3 now. Again, I own this on my e-reader and will be keeping it on file.