After finishing the highly recommended 'Fifty Shades of Grey', I immediately purchased the second book of the trilogy, 'Fifty Shades Darker'.

Fifty Shades of Grey ended with Anastasia and Christian apart. The sequel then begins with Ana working for a publishing house, constantly thinking about Christian. They are soon back in touch and Christian realises that he has to change his outlook and sexual beliefs for the sake of Ana. Ana is a very tough character and struggles with the idea that Christian has bought the company she works for, but is relieved when he 'deals with' her frightening new boss who then crops up later in the story. One of Christians ex - submissives also appears wanting to know how Ana managed to 'get' Christian, but she didn't. Christian also deals with her, which Ana finds hard. Throughout this book there are email exchanges between the couple as she finds this is the only way Christian will communicate with her. They are amusing and witty exchanges , but the titles to the emails are also well written and amusing. I found this book far less focused on the characters of Anastasia and Christian. More characters were introduced and the story was more action packed and less focused on the sexual part of their relationship although it is still a massive part. I found out more about Christian and got clues to his past, which may explain his previous behaviour. Anastasia develops a strength during the story that women everywhere must be proud of - she is tough, yet caring and emotional. She is confused and very loving and I felt Christians character softened through his love for her. The bond with both characters develops quickly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it only after the first book has been read. The writing is still not outstanding but I think much better than the first.