*No spoilers in this review by someone who isn't in the BDSM lifestyle*

Fifty Shades Darker is the second book in the Fifty Shades trilogy by EL James. Now I know these books were being raved about by everyone, however, I didn't hear about it until it was on 20/20. As I'm sure you can guess "vanilla sex" can always be improved and as part of that segment 20/20 had on some other relationship types which I found interesting. So I decided to read the books and see what the buzz was about.

This book picks up where the first one left off at a huge climax. There are several events that happened in this book that are a huge deal for the characters. People have good things and bad things to say about the author as well as the sex and everything else. I have nothing but praise for this book. I know for sure I'm not an amazing writer so I only judge on how much I liked it or not.

The stories made me feel that I was living like the proverbial fly on the wall with Christian and Ana. I really did feel like part of their world. I read all three in about 72 hours and after they were over I regretted finishing them so quickly. I consider that a great book, when it makes me feel like I'm a part of their world.

All of these books made me laugh and made me cry. I felt for the most part how the characters were feeling in the story. Any book that makes me feel things is well written as far as I'm concerned.

The sex was very steamy and though I wasn't acting like some of the women that were poked fun at in the SNL skits I was definitely intrigued and aroused by it. I would in no way say it is any kind of guide or manual for the BDSM community or lifestyle. I also don't think you need to have any kind of issues or problems to be intrigued by BDSM as some think the books seem to say.

Overall I think this was the best book in the series with lots of suspense, love, and steamy sex. I would (and have) recommended this series to anyone who expressed any kind of interest in it and that didn't tell me to immediately shut up.

Still love this book! I feel like it was the strongest of the series. In fact, I'm going to go and read it again.