'Fifty Shades of Grey' mesmerizes female readers

Romance novels have been around for a long time, but the latest phenomenon gripping female readers is erotic fiction.

The novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" is mesmerizing women all over the country. 

The book has been dubbed "mommy porn" for a reason; it features bondage, domination, and sadism.

Perhaps more shocking than the sultry and lustful words written on virtually every page is the likelihood your mom, daughter, sister, even grandmother are reading it.   

“Hands down, the most surprising phenomenon in our company in the last 18 years,” says Lisa Mazurek, marketing director of Entrenue, an adult products distribution company.

She says within just a matter of weeks, the book has outperformed every other erotic fiction novel sold in the past two decades.

“It’s a permission slip for a lot of women or people to try something a little bit taboo,” says Mazurek.

That permission slip is boosting libido and spicing up bedrooms all over America.

“We like the forbidden… something ladies aren't supposed to be a part of. So, it's kind of fun to fantasize about that,” says Meghan Kriel, a therapist and “sex expert” for Fascinations.

This fantasy has increased the number of e-Reader downloads, which is the ultimate brown paper wrapping.

In fact, the trilogy has been ranked No. 1, 2, and 3 on the Amazon Kindle Best Seller list for nearly 50 days straight.

So, why the allure?

The main character, Christian Grey -- with his drive, ambition and goals -- is the big draw to women.

He's compassionate and he protects the book's main female character, Anna. "Women want to be protected,” Kriel agrees.

Then, there's the passion, which has translated into major profits.

“They're selling tons of products in the bondage and soft-bondage area,” says Mazurek.

Masks, handcuffs, ties… you name it!

“I think when you're so serious, so responsible in other places in your life, I think it's a beautiful escape,” says Mazurek.