50 Shades of Summer Reading

By SheSpeaksTeam Jun 20, 2012

Are you dreaming of a cool iced drink by the pool or is it the lure of a brightly colored beach towel next to a shimmering ocean that has you daydreaming? Well the chances are your image of summer relaxation also includes a book or two. Do you still enjoy the feel of paper books for your summer page-turner or will you be downloading your reading to a nook, kindle or ipad.

Many women have already read this year's stealthy British blockbuster 50 Shades of Grey, and conversation has now turned to the sequel 50 Shades Darker and the actors that will play the lead characters in the movie. But if you are looking for a book that will stimulate you in a different way, you are probably in need of some quick recommendations.

Save yourself the last minute grab-a-book in the airport, check out our starter list for the new releases below and add your own suggestions and recommendations in the comments.

If you have read 50 Shades of Grey...Who would you cast in the leading roles of Ana and Christian?

SPRING FEVER, by Mary Kay Andrews

This is an easy summer read that begins years after a divorce and introduces some strong characters that are not focused on the predictable exes drama but instead the simple realisation of life and relationships. The book does a great job of bringing you close to their 'reality' in a near and readable story. Spring Fever was written byMary Kay Andrews who also wrote Summer Rentals.

GONE GIRL, by Gillian Flynn

This story is dark and enveloping. The characters and the situation are rich and inviting and then the plot takes some wonderful twists where the details of a 5 year marriage suddenly become less and less clear and the plan to find a missing wife reveals some disturbing truths and an unpredictable ending.

KISS THE DEAD, by Laurell K. Hamilton

A female U.S. Marshal tracks down a teenage girl that is abducted by vampires. Her unexpected discovery when she finds the girl is a group of unwilling vampires who don't wish to live the vampire life and serve a master. The dynamic of the U.S. Marshal and the vampire community creates a great read for those who like Vampire stories.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER, by E. L. James

The romance of Ana and Christian is continued through the eyes of Ana. The story is still playful and details the characters in a carefully woven plot and sub plots that bring readers up close and maybe uncomfortable in revealing how Ana and Christian move through their lives together.

UNBROKEN, by Laura Hillenbrand

From the author of Seabiscuit this is a true and heroic account of a young athlete who worked hard to be a runner in the Berlin Olympics. But Zamperini's destiny changed with World War II when he was forced to keep himself and a pilot alive on a raft for an incredible number of days only to be captured and sent to Japanese War Camp where his fame became a tool for propoganda and Zamperini became a focus for unthinkable tortures. An amazing and inspiring story, well written.

Please share the books that keep you reading this summer!

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Comments

by nosey1 | BISMARCK, ND

Jun 22, 2012

Jenifer love Hewit and Matthew McConnahe

by breezy123 | IRVINGTON, AL

Jun 22, 2012

I absoultly loved 50 shades of Gray!! It is such a good read! The other one looks like a really good read!

by karen4533001 | ELMWOOD PARK, IL

Jun 22, 2012

I finished the trilogy. Would have preferred more plot, less mommy porn, but I guess that was the whole idea. I think it must be my age, but the lives of the characters reminded me of the reality shows we see on TV every day--rich young kids jetting around the world, spending money like there is no tomorrow.

by mwebster76 | Hartford, WI

Jun 22, 2012

I'm having a hard time getting into 50 Shades. Having escaped an abusive 10-year marriage, I can't imagine finding any pleasure in being dominated by any man. Maybe someone should write a book about Grey and his Mrs. Robinson who indoctrinated him.

by tdhedrick | BUTTE, MT

Jun 22, 2012

I am starting the summer by reading and re-reading the classics. I am starting with Charlotte Bronte. I have not found enough substance in the newest releases as of late.

by cables3 | KANSAS CITY, MO

Jun 21, 2012

Super loved all 3! I don't understand all the negativity... no different than any other authors in this genre. If you don't like them than don't read!

by Phall24 | Bel Air, MD

Jun 21, 2012

I love to read and have read a number of best sellers. However, I will NOT be reading "50 Shades of Grey" after learning that it contains explicit sex scenes. As a Christian, I can't condone this book. There are too many other good books out there.

by Islesfan | MASSAPEQUA PK, NY

Jun 21, 2012

If you are looking for a light contemporary romance, Jill Shalvis has the lucky harbor series out. They are perfect beach reads. the first book Simply Irresistable is quiet good as is book #4 lucky in love. No need to read all of them or in any order, each one is a standalone read. Nice, cozy romance, slightly hot.

by Islesfan | MASSAPEQUA PK, NY

Jun 21, 2012

I read book one of the trilogy and liked it, found it to be a page turner & very easy to read, I read 50 shades darker and felt it went off track near the end with the psycho boss stalker, did not bother to pick up 50 shades freed because i just didn't care about the characters anymore. It seemed like it was turning into a bad tv drama with every plot device thrown in for good measure. i'd cast the male lead with Ryan Gosling because he's such a changeling, although i think Bobby Ryan the hockey player fits more with his background. As for casting Anna, I think a young Drew Barrymore would have been perfect but she's a bit old to play a 22/23 year old.

by loveandcoffee | ALBION, NY

Jun 21, 2012

I'm trying to get my hands on Two Kisses For Maddy. About a father raising his daughter after his wife dies 27 hours after giving birth. Just reading the back gave me chills!

by eeprice | jupiter, FL

Jun 21, 2012

Having just finished the first two "Fifty Shades" books I CANNOT imagine how they can bring these books to the screen as the allure of the books is the steamy sex- they just can't show that in a movie theater. And as for the casting, i wish Anne Hathaway were a little younger(Ana is only 21 in the book) as she would be great. I do not know any actor that is as drop dead gorgeous as Christian Grey is described in the books

by FunnyMomVicki | Wauconda, IL

Jun 21, 2012

Just read the first Fifty Shades of Gray, on the second book and will buy the third!! Love the books, it has made me fallen in love with reading again!!!! I am excited to read the other booksrecommended here!

by zenfulwoman | West Babylon, NY

Jun 21, 2012

I must be living in the caves because I didn't even hear of it

by nataliew2 | Seattle, WA

Jun 21, 2012

Highly recommend Gabriels Inferno by Sylvain Reynard!

by Jewels12 | RACINE, WI

Jun 21, 2012

50 Shades is fun to read, but it's poorly written. The characters aren't believable and it's nut much of a story. One of the best books I have read recently is The Fault in our Stars, by John Green. Although it's about teens with cancer, it's is wonderfully written and hilarious. You will laugh more than you cry.