Fifty Shades hits bookstores in paperback

TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - April 3, 2012 - The best selling book that's making a lot of people hot and bothered, is now available in trade paperback from Vintage books. EL James's #1 bestselling ebook, Fifty Shades of Grey will hit bookstores across North America today.

First published in May 2011 by a small online publishing company "these books have become a word-of-mouth sensation," said Anne Messitte, publisher of Vintage Books. "There is a palpable sense of excitement about the Fifty Shades trilogy, with demand for the books growing on a daily basis and interest in the author approaching fever pitch." Devoted readers have come to cherish the immersive experience of James's erotic work, referring to Fifty Shades of Grey as "The Book." The New York Times said, "Fifty Shades of Grey, an erotic novel … described as 'mommy porn' and Twilight for grownups, has electrified women … who have spread the word like gospel on Facebook pages, at school functions and in spin classes", while the Toronto Star calls it "Lady Chatterley's Lover for the Twitter Age …. a worldwide literary phenomenon." 

"I've heard from so many readers trying to find these books in their local bookshops and libraries," says author EL James, a London-based former TV executive. "It is gratifying to know that they will now be widely available in North America and around the world."

The books follow the adventures of bookish college senior Anastasia Steele who meets the dangerously handsome Christian Grey - who, in his late 20's is already a billionaire, humanitarian and corporate mogul, and has singular erotic tastes. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana's quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too -- but on his own terms. When the pair embark on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey's secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Anastasia's adventures continue in Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, both available in bookstores as of April 17^th, 2012. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, Fifty Shades of Grey is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

For media information, please contact Sheila Kay, 416-957-1570, [email protected]

For a copy of the book cover, please contact Anne Robinson , 416-957-1487, [email protected]

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