Summary
Now thatFifty Shades of Greyis on Netflix, it might have prompted readers to visit (or revisit) the books, but there are plenty of other book series to scratch the itch after reading E.L. James' erotic book series. TheFifty Shades of Greybooks (and movies)exploded onto the pop culture sceneand ushered in a new era of erotic literature and kinky romance.While it had its detractors, and plenty of valid criticism about the toxicity of the relationship, it was still an enormous hit – the bestselling books of the decade.
That said, readers should be forewarned: Like theFifty Shades of Greybooks,some of the series on this list are problematic, so read with a cautious eye.Some definitely do BDSM better, in a healthier way that’s truer to the lifestyle. Others, however, should be read purely for the erotic scenes and not for any relationship or life lessons.
15 Best Movies Like Fifty Shades Of Grey
The Fifty Shades movies have become quite the phenomenon within their genre, but plenty of other great films explore similar themes & stories.
10The Christian Grey Series
E.L. James
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the best book series to read afterFifty Shades of Grayis…Fifty Shades of Gray. Some readers may not know this, butE.L. James released a trilogy that’s theFifty Shadesstory but told from Christian’s POV.The three books –Grey,Darker, andFreed– are generally much better received than the original trilogy, with their Goodreads scores reflecting as much. In general, they’re a little better written with a more interesting protagonist. For those who loved theFifty Shadestrilogy, the best way to revisit that feeling may very well be to reread, this time through Christian’s eyes.
9The Twilight Series
Stephenie Meyer
The next-closest thing toFifty Shades of Graythan reading the follow-up trilogy is reading the books that inspired them.Fifty Shades of Greyoriginally started asTwilightfanfic, but eventually,enough was changed for legal reasons that they became the books known today.While the BDSM element is obviously missing from Stephenie Meyers' rather chasteTwilight, the dynamic of the cultured and wealthy love interest with a possessive, controlling streak is well-documented in the books. Those who also like the trope of the mousy, plain girl catching the eye of the (on paper, at least) perfect guy will also really likeTwilight, if they haven’t already read it. Maybe it’s time for a reread.
8A Court of Thorns and Roses Series
Sarah J. Maas
It was thanks to theCourt of Thorns and Rosesseries by Sarah J. Maas that the concept of the spicy romantasy (and the word itself) really picked up steam a few years ago. While the firstACOTARbook was published in 2015,it was in the past few years during the pandemic that BookTok got ahold of them and blew up their popularity to new heights.The erotica is very erotic, with some readers criticizing the books for having perhaps a bittoomuch sex. If the spicier scenes were your favorite parts of theFifty Shades of Greybooks, thenA Court of Thorns and Rosesis sure to scratch that libidinous itch.
7The After Series
Anna Todd
To be frank, there was some debate about whether to include theAfterseries by Anna Todd on this list. There’s no other way to put it: theAfterseries is more toxic and unhealthy than theFifty Shades of Greyseries. Similar toFifty Shadesitself, theAfterseries started out as fanfic on Wattpad, this time about Harry Styles of One Direction. If you’re into messy drama and passionate romance between two young people, however, then theAfterseries can be an entertaining read for you. Be forewarned, though:Tessa and Hardin sometimes make Ana and Christian’s relationship seem healthy and balanced. Just keep that in mind as you read.
Fifty Shades Of Grey Books & Movies In Order
The popular Fifty Shades Of Grey book series has been adapted to the screen, but there’s a specific order you should read and watch the series in.
6The Eighty Days Series
Vina Jackson
Sometimes in a romance book, you don’t want realism,but perfectly beautiful, talented, passionate people.Vina Jackson’sEighty Daysseries has all that and more, and, as a bonus, there are half a dozen books in the series and a few short stories to keep the seduction going. Summer is a talented violinist in a passionless relationship, but when she meets the suave university professor Dominik, his passion for her music ignites a part of her she’d kept leashed. Those who are into female protagonists exploring their darker, kinkier desires will surely like theEighty Daysseries. There’s a nice balance of romance and sex, so readers get a bit of both.
5Crossfire Series
Sylvia Day
In book recommendations likeFifty Shades,theCrossfireseries by Sylvia Day comes up frequently.The consensus among those who read and enjoyedFifty Shades of Greyis that theCrossfirebooks are very similar toFifty Shades, but the writing is stronger and the dynamic between the characters is healthier. Granted, both the lovers can be quite toxic thanks to their troubled and abusive upbringings, but the character development is far stronger and the pair actually make an effort to work on themselves and their relationships. The sex scenes are well written and hot, so there’s a good balance of story and sex between the pages.
4Salacious Players Club Series
Sara Cate
TheSalacious Players Clubseries by Sara Cate, starting with the first book,Praise,is also a complementary series that comes up often among the readership when discussingFifty Shades of Grey.This one has the eroticism built right in: the male love interest is the owner of a sex club that allows people to safely explore their most private desires and kinks. Things get more complicated when he hires his son’s ex-girlfriend as his secretary. For those who love the boss-secretary power dynamic or a slightly older male protagonist, Praise will fulfill those niches. The BDSM and kink are explored in sexy, interesting ways, too, which is always a bonus.
3Masters Of The Shadowlands Series
Cherise Sinclair
Fifty Shades-inspired books love to set part of the action in sex clubs, and it’s easy to see why: BDSM and kink rein supreme. Such is the case with theMasters of the Shadowlandsseries by Cherise Sinclair. It’s a very lengthy series, with at least 15 books so far. Masters differs from most of the series on this list in thatit follows a new protagonist every book, but all revolves around the bondage club, Club Shadowlands.Each book has a new master and a new student, keeping things fresh and kinky for readers. They’re quick, seductive reads for those who are more into the erotica than the story.
2The Stark Saga
J. Kenner
A hot, rich entrepreneur with a dark past and a control freak problem. A beautiful woman he’s set his sights on. A contractual proposition that leads to an intense relationship. Sound familiar? TheStark Seriesby J. Kenner has quite a few beats that overlap withFifty Shades, including the rich boss/submissive subordinate dynamic. This time, though,the submissive female protagonist has some dark secrets of her own.There’s less kink and BDSM in the sex than one might expect, but the erotic scenes are still hot and the love story is honestly earned. It’s a nice balance of love and lust, with neither beating the other out.
1The Club Wyld Series
Violet James
The last book series on the list, theClub Wyldseries by Violet James, s another that leans heavily into the sub-dom, BDSM dynamic of the characters. While protagonist Rebecca willingly enters the submissive lifestyle at the club, she finds it’s not like she thought it would be and instead involves a lot of pain and abuse. UnlikeFifty Shades of Grey, however,Rebecca gets herself into a proper BDSM relationship with a new man,and the series explores the lifestyle and sex with more nuance and respect than the E.J. James novels, which have been heavily criticized for its “BDSM” not being a BDSM relationship at all, but simply abuse. Those who love the insta-love trope, too, will find much to enjoy in the quick, breezy reads.
