There’s no denying that the success of Fifty Shades of Grey, the bestselling romance novel by E.L. James, has inspired a whole new era of paranormal romance. But while the craze for bondage gear has certainly caught on, the demand for real-life kinky sex hasn’t quite taken off yet. That is, until now.
Following the huge critical and commercial success of Fifty Shades of Grey, literary agent Jane Friedman saw a gap in the market and helped pioneer a new sub-genre: the subversive vampire rom-com. In true Friedman fashion, her debut novel, Darker, explores the murky world of BDSM and the restraints that love puts on relationships.
“I wanted to explore the darker side of Fifty Shades, the side that most people didn’t get to see,” Friedman told the New York Times. “The romance is something that everyone can understand, but the kinkier pieces are more difficult to capture.”
The result is a sexy and subversive tale about a Dominated woman, Anastasia Steele, whose desire to submit to a dark and dangerous lover brings the world of BDSM into her professional and personal life. As with any great romance, the lines between personal and professional begin to blur as Ana’s growing attraction to her handsome and dominant employer, Christian Grey, threatens to unleash a slew of sexual relationships both safe and kinky. Can Ana bring balance to her personal and professional life, and secure her place in the heart of a man whose sexual demands she must meet?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already familiar with the world of Christian Grey and Ana Steele. The first book in the trilogy will take you back to the early days of their acquaintance, when Ana’s curiosity about BDSM led her to try out a lifestyle she otherwise despised. Since then, the charismatic entrepreneur has played an important role in Ana’s life and professional development. Even now, as the characters prepare for the second book in the trilogy, the questions of who will be Dom and who will be sub are still very much present. But while Christian’s role as Ana’s Dom is a central theme, the power dynamics between the two are certainly not. For as Ana becomes more experienced and confident in her relationships, she begins to question whether a Domina’s loyalty is ever truly secure.
Why Are People Into BDSM?
For many, the appeal of BDSM is in the submissive’s need to follow the Dominant’s orders — and obey them. As a Domina, Ana will have complete control over her submissive’s life, including where they live, what they eat, and when they have sex. There’s also a certain thrill to be gained from knowing that your every desire can be fulfilled at any moment by your willing partner. Whether through role-playing or domination scenarios, the idea of submitting for a handsome and powerful man gives many women a fantasy that comes true. For others, BDSM provides a form of intimacy that is both intimate and sensual. Still others see it as a way to explore their sexuality, or even as a form of self-discovery.
But even for those who enter the lifestyle purely for kink, BDSM does have its challenges. While the dominant controls the submissive’s every move, obedience can still be difficult to maintain. For those who are looking for a long-term relationship, the level of commitment needed may not be for them. And for some, the stigma that comes with being in a ‘non-traditional’ relationship can be a major turn off. That is, until they realize that they’re enjoying the lifestyle and value the benefits it brings. For those who are curious about trying BDSM, the first step is to try it out with a therapist, who can help you identify the underlying causes of your anxiety — be it power dominance or a feeling of inadequacy — and give you the best possible advice on how to proceed safely and effectively.
Will This Book Make It to Number One on The New York Times Bestseller List?
The anticipation of fans and critics waiting for the answer is almost as great as the release itself. Is Darker going to be the next big thing on the romance shelf? Does it even deserve a spot next to the megahits of a novel world? As with any new sub-genre, people are going to have their opinions about Darker — and they are going to have them strongly. What’s important is that we take the time to listen to what those opinions are, and consider whether or not they are sound. If you’re reading this, you’re already familiar with the world of Christian Grey and Ana Steele. As with any great romance, the lines between personal and professional begin to blur as Ana’s growing attraction to her wealthy and dominant boss threatens to unleash a slew of sexual relationships both safe and kinky. But while Christian’s role as Ana’s Dom is a central theme, the power dynamics between the two are certainly not. For as Ana becomes more experienced and confident in her relationships, she begins to question whether a Domina’s loyalty is ever truly secure.
Is Darker the best book in the trilogy? Is it even in the running for a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List? Only time will tell — but for now, its place on the top of the heap is assured. While the success of Fifty Shades of Grey certainly isn’t a fluke, it’s clear that the appetite for kinky romance has been awakened. With its portrayal of a happy and contented bondage enthusiast, Darker presents a rare opportunity for those who are curious about exploring BDSM, or for those who are already experienced and looking for something new.