REVIEW by Amy: Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades Trilogy #2) by E.L. James (@e_l_james , @Miss_UofK)

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

After reading Fifty Shades Of Grey, I couldn’t wait to embark on, Fifty Shades Darker. I loved this book equally as much as I did the first, and discovered I couldn’t put it down until I had read every last seductive word. If you have read the first, you know we were left hanging at the end, so for me, I had to read the second installment without regard to any question of my liking it or not.

In the beginning, E. L. James gives us a peek into Christian Grey’s dark and haunting childhood which explains why he is indeed ‘Fifty Shades,’ understanding without a doubt, why he is the way he is. Why he does the things he does. What he desires, and needs, and the reasons behind them. Essentially, he is broken, in more ways than one. We also celebrate Fifty’s birthday and it is a party not soon forgotten, without question, my favorite part of the book.

Anastasia had come to a crossroads in Fifty Shades Of Grey, and we dove head first into her decision, as it proved to be more difficult than she could have ever imagined. However, when one makes a choice, we are left to ponder, what if I had chosen the alternative? Would the outcome have been different? Better or worse? Ana struggles with those exact questions and no matter how difficult the decision, we discover it was the right one. For her not choosing the way she did, it may have cost her the one things she desires most.

Someone from Christians past surfaces dangerously close, proving that every rose has its thorn. For me, it wasn’t a matter of if, but when. This gives Ana an unwanted glimpse into Christians Dominant lifestyle. Secondly, Christian is forced to introduce Ana to a ‘significant someone’ from his past. Two someone’s you ask? Yes, two indeed. Ana reluctantly learns details of their ‘relationship,’ and is not happy to say the least. This significant other however, is persistent, rude and opinionated, and repeatedly meddles in their relationship, and is put, rightfully so, in her place. Amen to that. As expected, jealousy once again rears its ugly head, in more ways than one. I found Ana’s actions to be warranted and justified, and would have reacted much the same way, in both situations.

Just when you think Christian Grey can no longer surprise you, he does precisely that with the unexpected. Again. And yes, once more. Enough said. Ana is as equally unpredictable, and surprises even herself.

As always the energetic, vivacious, lively Katherine Kavanagh, Ana’s best friend, stumbles onto some rather private evidence, and has serious questions for Ana. Kate however, is not the only one to be enlighted. Situations occur bringing topics to the surface that both Ana and Christian are left to endure.

There are many twist and turns in Fifty Shades Darker, some good, some expected and some not so expected. I very much enjoyed reading Fifty Shades Darker, and joining Christian and Ana on their path to self discovery. E. L. James also prepares us for book three, Fifty Shades Freed. With that, we discover an event that occurred, initially thought to be an accident, was in fact malicious, spiteful and full of nothing but revenge. Reading Fifty Shades Freed will be evident as you conclude the last page.

As always, I must share a few of my favorite Christian Grey quotes:

“Whatever you do concerns me. Tell me.”

“I have spent all my adult life trying to avoid any extreme emotion. Yet you…you bring out feelings in me that are completely alien. Its very…unsettling.”

“I’m anything but fine. I feel like the sun has set and not risen for five days, Ana. I’m in perpetual night here.”

~Oh Fifty, how you have captivated us so!~

*Be sure to check out the music highlighted in this Trilogy. I found the music to be very much a part of the story, appropriately fitting when particularly mentioned. Listening to the music while I re-read specific chapters gave each scene deep, intense, and passionate significance. I highly recommend if you are open to all types of music genre, as am I. In fact, a must.

I give Fifty Shades Darker 4 Twitchy Palms!

Laters baby.