Daunted by young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. Christian proposes a new arrangement to Anastasia and they rekindle their affair. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her feelings about the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

"The most relentless, deeply disturbing thriller writer since Jeffery Deaver and Gillian Flynn, for years, best friends Sarah and Jennifer kept what they called the "Never List": a list of actions to be avoided, for safety's sake, at all costs. But one night, against their best instincts, they accept a cab ride with grave, everlasting consequences. For the next three years, they are held captive with two other girls in a dungeon-like cellar by a connoisseur...

"I know I'm never going to change. I was born in the darkness, and that's exactly where I'll remain. Rome is sweet, gentle, and vanilla. But I'll change all of that. I'll show her who I really am. And slip that black diamond onto her finger."--Back cover.

Boston billionaire Braden Black has one hard limit in the bedroom, and his lover, Skye Manning, begs him for it. He may be able to buy her anything, but he can't give her this... and he is starting to worry their relationship can't continue. When Braden asks Skye why she desires something so dark, she becomes convinced that his limits are tied to a secret from his past.