Well, thanks to the popularity of our previous 50 Shades Withdrawal post (thanks, Google), I was given even more fabulously sexy book recommendations. So I’ve read a few SEVEN more on the list and thought it was time to share! And in case you care, I have read a few other books on my must-read list in between all the romances, including In The Kingdom of Men (great story but no closure), The Shoemakers Wife (loved it) and The Tea Rose (really loved it).
As you may know, I interviewed Bared to You author Sylvia Day a few months ago. It was so lovely to chat with her, and to be totally honest, reflecting upon all these books I’ve read (which are all kind of blending together) Bared to You has risen to the top of my list. I’ve re-read it several times and I am beyond excited for the sequel Reflected in You, which will be released on October 2nd. Can’t wait!!
Ok, let’s get down to business! And don’t forget to check out Part 1 , Part 3 and Part 4 of this list!
Thoughtless and Effortless by S.C. Stephens
Thoughtless and Effortless follow the love triangle between Keira and the two men in her life, Denny and Kellan. Keira follows her long-time boyfriend Denny, a seemingly perfect Australian, across the country for his dream job, where they move in with his friend from a past life, Kellan, a sexy, budding rock star with lots of groupies. While Denny is away on business, Keira turns to Kellan for emotional support. While nothing physical happens right away, she’s definitely having an emotional affair, which then turns into a really hot physical affair. I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this series. The books definitely focus on Keira’s emotions over cheating, which can be difficult to read. You don’t want to feel bad for her for cheating, but yet you do feel for her struggling with the guilt. I didn’t find Keira that annoying (I know some people did), but I don’t think she’s as strong as some of the other female characters. But luckily reading about sexy, brooding Kellan and his desire for Keira makes up for any other annoyances! Effortless continues the story as Kellan’s band, the D-Bags, go on tour and the toll that takes on his relationship with Keira. Then Denny comes back into the picture to stir up more drama. And the story will continue with a third book in the series, Reckless.
Strangers by Barbara Elsborg
This story is about Kate Snow and Charlie Storm, two very damaged people who meet unexpectedly during a failed suicide attempt. I know, sounds morbid, right? I’m not going to lie, it is a bit morbid and sad, but also strangely witty and very passionate. Kate wants to end her life due to major rejection and feeling like she failed herself, and Charlie is a reckless celebrity, an actor who’s an addict on a path of self-destruction. But somehow they cling to each other and manage to trust each other and find total emotional redemption. Which is of course aided by a very hot, lustful, needy (and very creative) sex life!
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
When I downloaded this book, I didn’t realize it was YA, so I was expecting more sex something a bit different. But, it’s really well written, and for a YA book, there is a lot of emotional drama the characters have to deal with. After her father’s death, Layken moves to a new school her senior year, where she meets Will, her hot next door neighbor. On their first date, he takes her to a poetry slam. (Do these actually exist? I had never heard of them before.) So…I really can’t say much more without giving away a major spoiler, but they run into a dilemma that’s very similar to Aria and Ezra (for you PLL fans), and the book focuses on following your head vs. your heart, in this sweet, steamy and emotional romance. And, of course, there’s poetry! There is a sequel to this one, Point of Retreat, which I haven’t read yet. Should I?
Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day
This is not a contemporary romance like the others, but Sylvia often refers to the characters in Seven Years to Sin as the inspiration behind Bared to You. And since I loved Bared to You, I had to read this one! In this very hot Regency romance (and the first historical romance I’ve ever read), Jessica and Alistair have both dealt with some sort of abuse in their pasts, and have been pining over each other for years. Finally, on a 6-week boat trip across the Atlantic, Alistair makes his move and seduces Jessica. Their romance is not as tortured as the modern-day versions, Eva and Gideon, but it’s just as passionate and seductive, and is actually very sweet.
Love Unrehearsed (ARC of the first four chapters) by Tina Reber
This one isn’t officially released until August 31. But Tina Reber was kind enough to share the first four chapters on her website! I read through them VERY quickly and was so excited to continue the story of Ryan and Taryn. It picks up right where Love Unscripted left off, and Taryn is thrown into the craziness of Ryan’s world when she follows him to L.A. for the premiere of his latest movie. There is plenty of drama in the first four chapters, and of course, a lot of sexiness, so I’m excited that August 31st will be here soon! (I hope that’s the actual release date, there seems to be some confusion on Goodreads.)
The Reluctant Dom by Tymber Dalton
Ah, the elusive Reluctant Dom. I felt the need to read this one because it was, until recently, not available on the Kindle and was going for like $999 on Amazon. I mean, really? But I knew it was going to be released eventually, and it was often discussed on Goodreads as one to read if you liked 50 Shades. More because of the BDSM, less because of super hot romance. (FYI, I prefer the latter.) It’s an emotional story about unconditional love, and definitely provides a lot of insight into the BDSM lifestyle. Leah is a childhood abuse victim, and her husband of 20 years, Kaden, becomes her Dom to help control her pain and provide structure for a “normal life.” They have a very loving marriage and their life is turned upside down when they find out Kaden is dying. Kaden asks his lifelong friend, Seth, to take his place as Leah’s Dom, which means introducing him to a lifestyle he knows nothing about. This is a love triangle that somehow works!
Just FYI, I’m already planning a Part 3, featuring Reflected in You, the Untouchable series (Untouchable, Unforgivable, Untraceable) and The Sinners on Tour series (Backstage Pass and Rock Hard). Should I add anything else to that list??
Jaclyn
posted on 8.23.12 at 4:07 pm
You need to add The Redhead series by Alice Clayton. A third book is scheduled for early 2013. Love love love the humor and sexiness.
http://aliceclayton.com/
Summer Daniels
posted on 8.23.12 at 4:47 pm
Yes! Add the Summer’s Journey series to the list. A TRUE romance / erotica series about a just turned 40 regular woman seeking out some new and exciting times in her life after a long marriage ends in divorce.
Okay … I might be a little biased – since I wrote it!!
Come check out our WTRAFSOG (What to read after Fifty Shades of Grey) page on FB for some great reader recommendations and author promotions. It looks like we might hit the 10,000 fans mark sometime this evening or tomorrow!!
https://www.facebook.com/WhatToReadAfter50ShadesOfGrey
All the best … great suggestions …
Summer
Ashley
posted on 8.24.12 at 9:17 am
Summer, I posted this link to your FB page, if you don’t mind sharing it as well! I will certainly check out Summer’s Journey for Part 3 of this post!!
Robin
posted on 8.23.12 at 11:37 pm
The Bowen series by Elle Aycart are really good, it’s More Then Meets The Ink and Heavy Issues. Heavy Issues was especially good
Jessica
posted on 8.23.12 at 11:47 pm
I have just finished the New Species Series by Laurann Dohner and I have to say I loved them all! I am a new reader and cannot stop, I am on, maybe a book a day….. So any pointers on some great reads is appreciated! The Eden Trilogy by Nicole Williams was a great series as well! Thanks in advance for any other pointers!
Ashley
posted on 8.24.12 at 9:16 am
So many new reccs! I don’t know where to start!!
C. Lewis
posted on 8.24.12 at 9:11 am
If you like Effortless and Thoughtles, you must read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire – loved it! Also, the Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan is phenomenal. And, don’t miss out on Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde – wow is all I can say on that one!
All three of these authors have follow up books due out shortly. These were books I literally could not put down! I would read while fixing dinner, waiting to pick up my kids not to mention staying up until 3 in the morning to finish them!
I guarantee you will LOVE them!
Ashley
posted on 8.24.12 at 9:16 am
C. Lewis, I reviewed Beautiful Disaster in Part 1 of this post, so I did like that one! I’ll check out the others for sure!
thestripedelephant
posted on 8.24.12 at 10:14 am
Never heard of this…may have to read after 50 Shades. I’m in the middle of the 2nd book!
Tanya
posted on 8.24.12 at 1:53 pm
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My 50 Shades withdrawal has led me to so many other brilliant and steamy and haunting and OMG books! Bared to You and Gabriel’s Inferno/Rapture have been my favorite so far – but I can’t wait to dive into these new recommendations! Love your posts – I think you’re fabulous!
Ashley
posted on 8.24.12 at 2:09 pm
That’s a great compliment Tanya!! Thank you!!
Amy
posted on 8.24.12 at 4:45 pm
Ahh can’t wait for reviews of the Sinners books (Backstage Pass), those sucked me right in! What about Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn, I LOVED that book!
Rachel
posted on 8.27.12 at 10:14 am
The Rough Riders Series by Lorelei James is also a must read!
Melanie
posted on 8.29.12 at 12:05 pm
I rather liked the Wicked Lovers series by Shayla Black. Steamy!
Melissa
posted on 8.29.12 at 5:50 pm
Read Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn!!! Great quick sexy read:)
Katie
posted on 9.4.12 at 11:12 am
Try Haven Of Obedience… Ive not read it yet but its top of my list when I finish ’50 shades’. Ive just finished the first and i’m waiting for my sister in law to pass on ’50 Shades Darker’ Im already looking for books to read once ive finished as ive just find out im very much enjoying this style of book, Prior to ’50 Shades’ ive only read books on addiction and drugs so this is all completely different, but great, to me!
Ashley
posted on 9.6.12 at 4:50 pm
I haven’t heard of Haven of Obedience! I’ll add it to the list for sure!
Erin
posted on 9.4.12 at 6:46 pm
Here is my list I posted on FB Notes. I need to my own update since I’ve read another 5-10. Discovery of Witches series should be top of your new list though.
Ashley
posted on 9.6.12 at 4:49 pm
I have a lot to add to the top of the list! I think I need a Part 5 now!
Mandy
posted on 9.9.12 at 7:00 am
Great work Ashley!
Have you read the following:
1. The Secret Lives of Emma by Natasha Walker
2. Destined to Play by Indigo Bloome
3. Dark Secret by Marina Anderson
4. Eighty Days Yellow by Vina Jackson
5. Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Fanny Merkin
They are all ok reads, nowhere near as good as Fifty Shades or Bared to you, but there ok.
Lauren Romero
posted on 9.12.12 at 6:21 pm
Because you are mine series is pretty good by Beth Kery! It’s made of 8 little books! And wicked Burn is good too by the same author!
karinska
posted on 9.24.12 at 2:49 pm
Switch by Megan Hart
Lynne
posted on 10.3.12 at 8:41 pm
Did you know there is another book titled Beautiful Disaster by Laura Spinella? I actually came across it while I was looking at Jamie McGuire’s book. I decided to give it a try. I LOVED it. The two main character’s are Flynn & Mia. You will fall in love with Flynn, I did.
Ashley
posted on 10.3.12 at 8:51 pm
I had no idea!! I’ll check it out!
Chandra
posted on 10.7.12 at 8:22 pm
You should check out Honor Student (Honor Series) by Teresa Mummert. This series reminds me of Fifty Shades. I think you will really like it.
Kay
posted on 10.9.12 at 12:20 am
Check out ‘On Dublin Street’ by Samantha Young. I have read Thoughless, Effortless, Easy, Bared to you, Reflected to you and all the Fifty’s, of course!.. So far, On Dubblin Street is one of my favorite.
Ashley
posted on 10.9.12 at 9:38 am
Kay, I just read On Dublin St and I’m adding it to my Part 3 post, hopefully later this week or early next week!
Lori
posted on 10.9.12 at 7:03 pm
You should try throwaway by heather Huffman. It was a free ebook on my iPad. It was amazing.
Kay
posted on 10.10.12 at 12:48 am
I’m looking forward to read part 3 of you blog… Thanks!
Nicole
posted on 10.10.12 at 1:02 pm
I bummed into this site when I was asking Tina Reber about a 3rd book for Love Unrehearsed. I’m glad I found this blog! Thanks all!!!!!!
Ashley
posted on 10.10.12 at 1:05 pm
Glad you found me Nicole! Stay tuned for a Part 3 post next week!
Lilly
posted on 10.12.12 at 2:10 am
Just posted on the original pt. 1. And then I found pt.2 I have like 5 books on my queue list so far!!keep them coming!!
Candice
posted on 10.26.12 at 4:48 pm
Trying reading wicked burn… Just like you I had major 50 shades with drawl and since then downloaded the nook app and have countless numbers of books but have also fell in love with many new characters… Wicked burn was an amazing read and I think you might enjoy it also read pleasures of night…
Angie
posted on 11.6.12 at 8:59 pm
I just got done ready Fade into you, Fade into me and Fade into Always be Kate Dawes. Short reads and hot…..Love all these recommendations!
csue
posted on 2.2.13 at 11:38 pm
Found a new trilogy called This Man…and it has my eyes wide open waiting for the 3rd in the series! Author, Jodi Ellen Malpas, knows how to tell a sensuous story, fleshes out
her characters, and i couldn’t put it down! I believe Amazon has the first two in the series, if it was on audible, I would be listening to it all night.
Ashley
posted on 2.4.13 at 1:47 pm
I’ll have to check these out!!