Customer Reviews

Fifty Shades of Grey

5 star:		(164)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Christian Grey is the classic tortured soul that every girl would love to heal - but EL James doesn't make it easy for her heroine, or us. Her hero Christian Grey has plenty of redeeming qualities on the surface, but his secrets are truly terrifying and challenging. Ana's a great heroine, young and inexperienced, but not naive, and we sense she has a core of steel. We really believe she might succeed in humanising this intimidating, masterful man where all the women who went before her have failed. An addictive, engrossing, steamy romantic yarn.

I am not into BDSM stories, but I have to say that I really loved this one. This was one of those books that keeps you glued to the pages; staying up reading into the early morning. I found it to be very addicting which is really disturbing for me.

This is the love story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Christian is such a complex character. You love him and hate him at the same time and it's really confusing. He's the ultimate alpha male, bad boy with a very dark and disturbing desire to inflict pain. He literally gets off on it. He meets and falls for Anastasia. When they meet she is an innocent college student and happens to still be a virgin. This is their love story and its deeply disturbing. Our boy Christian has some serious demons and its making Ana think long and hard about their relationship. This is not your typical boy meets girl let's date and fall in love romance. He wants to dominate her and he wants her submissive. He comes up with a contract that he wants her to sign. She's torn between her love for him and her fear of him. She wants to know why he is so Fifty Shades of "f'd" up. She wants to get to the bottom of what happened in his past to make him need this type of relationship and why he hates to be touched. He introduces her to the "dark side" of his sexual habits and in his desire to keep her and make her happy, tries for the "vanilla relationship" she desires. Will Ana embrace Christian's dark side or will it be more than she can handle? The way he makes love to her is so erotic, steamy, sexy and scary all at the same time.

I know it does not sound like it, but there is a real love story there. Ana brings out feelings in Christian that he has never felt with anyone else. As crazy as it sounds, I have a lot of hope for these two and I am eager to read the next installment.

This story is magical! It may not be perfect by literary standards, but as far as pure enjoyment and joy, it's my favorite romantic story. Over the last two years ago, I have read well over a hundred books as well as many fanfiction stories and have a TBR pile that could bury me, but I have returned to this story for re-reads all the time!! I have never reviewed a book either, but for 50 Shades, I'm happily writing a five-star review. While it was still on the author's blog, I'd been known to re-visit this story for specific chapters, special scenes, or to hunt down one of a hundred favorite lines. Now as an e-book, it would be my desert isle keeper because it just never gets old for me. One small complaint: I was hoping after the professional edit, the opening chapters would be stronger, but they are still not a good indication of just how compelling this story becomes. After that though, so much unfolds between the two leads at such fast pace that my re-reads have been even more enjoyable than my initial one (which I did one chapter at a time as the author was writing it) I won't go over the storyline as other reviewers have done that, but I do agree with the reviews that describe this story as addicting and entertaining. Ana's "inner characters" are riotously amusing (and a new one shows up that wasn't in the fanfic version). Other favorite elements include, the music in the story that runs the gamut from Kings of Leon's, Sex on Fire to The Flower Duet by Delibes; the RRoP jeans (What it is about those jeans?); the email/texting dialogue which is pure brilliance. I liked all the "firsts" and the theme of "more". I also like the honesty between Ana and Christian (misunderstandings are my least favorite device) and the twisty/turny evolution of their relationship, which surprised and delighted me all the way to the end. Speaking of which, the ending of this first book is quite the cliffhanger. A *screaming while hanging off the edge* kind of cliffy, so be warned! I know how the next part gets started and its some of my favorite dialogue in this story, so I look forward to the edited version of the next book.

I won't say that I haven't rolled my eyes (which is a dangerous thing to in this story, ha!) at a few plot devices in 50SoG or haven't noticed all the British-isms that show up in this American setting. There is also a lack of sophistication in some parts of the story, but its the author's first work and, well, its mostly amazing so those things don't disturb me at all. The brilliant "bits" (see what I did there?) are so good that it's worth suspending my belief at certain points and forgiving the author's incorrect use of a term or two. You can tell the author was writing for the pure enjoyment of her unfolding story and she added a lot of fun or interesting elements for me to love. I am ready for the next one!

The sensuality factor is very high and yet tasteful in spite of pushing the envelope. I still get stunned by some of the steamy scenes and find I can't breathe until its over. Then I just mutter something like, "that s*** is hot"!

For those who loved Beautiful Disaster, I highly recommend this story because of the possessive Alpha lead and the intensity that builds up around the relationship. This is also written in the First person perspective, which I tend to like as long as there is a lot of action in the story, and boy is there. The description on amazon for 50SoG is oh so correct in stating it, "will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever".

It was really hard for me to put this book down. After I started reading it I realized that I had read this story before when it was on fanfic. I was glad to see that someone on fanfic actually had their story published. This story kept me intrigued from start to finish and I cannot wait for part 2 to come out. However, I do have to say that there were a couple of things that I noticed in the book that I did not like. I was not impressed that a book with so many grammatical errors was not edited (or appeared to not have been edited) before being published. I think getting a book published is a "big deal" and so before getting the book out to readers the book should be as close to perfect as possible. On fanfic I do not mind the errors because it is expected but in a published book there is no excuse for so many errors. Now, about Jose, I did not like that the use of the spanish language in this book. My native language is spanish (I was boen in Puerto Rico). I noticed a part where Jose calls Ana "carina" and I am sure that the correct word is "carino" which is a term of endearment like "sweetheart" and "carina" actually means nothing in the spanish language. Also, it was annoying how much Jose says "Dios mio" or something like that (I can't remember). I honestly felt like Jose was gay and it was hard to imagine him as a straight handsome Hispanic-American man. Anyway, aside from the grammatical errors I loved and enjoyed this book. I wish I could say more about the parts that I liked but I do not want to spoil it for those who have not read this story yet. If you have not read this story buy it, you'll enjoy it. It will definately keep you reading for hours trying to figure out the deep that secrets of Christian Grey. The author did an amazing job with this character.

"The only man I've ever been attracted to, and he comes with a bloody contract, a flogger and a whole world of issues."

That quote just about sums up the problems that heroine Anastasia Steele is up against in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. Ana is a sexually innocent 21-year-old on the verge of college graduation when she meets drop-dead sexy, 27-year-old multimillionaire business tycoon, Christian Grey. Christian becomes immediately fascinated by Ana, and begins to pursue her, even though he continuously warns that he's all wrong for her. As Ana succumbs to the powerhouse that is Christian Grey, it doesn't take her long to realize that no man, no matter how unbelievably hot he is, is perfect--and Christian is far from it.

While Christian is a dominant in the business world, he's actually a "Dom" in the bedroom, and proposes a contract based D/s relationship with Ana. Although Christian has had a string of these relationships (15 to be exact) before meeting Ana, he begins to make it clear to her through many avenues that she affects him in a new and different way than any other woman he has ever been involved with. Over the course of Fifty Shades of Grey, Ana begins to chip away at the hard, complicated outer shell of Christian, forcing him to admit things he's never told anyone, and causing him to break many of his own rules in the process.

Having had an incredibly disturbing and traumatizing start to life before he was adopted at the age of four, a subject he only barely broaches with Ana, Christian carries an unbelievable amount of emotional baggage that affects how he is in his intimate relationships.

Although Christian has many issues stemming from emotional trauma as a child, and doesn't really know how to have a "normal" or what he calls a "vanilla" relationship,

While Christian does some questionable things, is extremely controlling, and has a raging temper he doesn't seem to know how to contain at times, I was constantly left with the feeling that under all of his baggage, he's a truly decent man in so many ways. He and Ana butt heads throughout the story as he lavishes her with expensive gifts that she has an incredibly hard time accepting. In fact, his generosity is probably one of the biggest thorns in their relationship with her not wanting to take advantage of his wealth, and him not understanding why she can't accept what he can so obviously afford to buy her. He tends to be overprotective, and jealous, but even the way he comes across in those situations seem to stem from an honest place of deep caring. Being that "caring" is a word not previously in Christian's vocabulary, he spends a good amount of the story coming to terms with feelings he's never had for any other woman when it comes to Ana.

Over the course of the book, the two exchange many emails. While the idea of two characters exchanging emails or texts throughout a story seems like an easy way to just fill page space, it was one of the things that made this story really enjoyable for me. Ana and Christian use email to open up to one another, something both have trouble doing early on; especially Ana. And the emails in this situation seem to force them to be honest to each other in their face to face conversations as well.

The emails were also a way to see another side of Christian, a playful, flirty side that you don't always get to see on page when he's with Ana in person.

Although this book starts out making you think it will be heavy on the D/s, as Christian is an intense Dom, looking to start a D/s relationship with Ana, it is actually very mild in that aspect, and really not what the focus of the story ends up being about.

There are a couple minor issues I feel I should address. One is that Christian has such a dominant voice and presence in the story, that he seems far older than his given age of 27, not that a 27-year-old man can't be that dominant and sexy, it just took more effort for me to picture it. And there are a handful of over used phrases that became a bit overdone and a few British terms and phrases that just didn't fit with the "American" setting (the author is British).

I've read many differing reviews about this book and it seems people either love it or hate it because of the way it's written or the fact that the author originally published it as a Fan Fiction story, etc. But any issues I had were overlooked easily enough thanks to a plot that, whether realistic to some or not, kept my interest from page to page so much that I literally couldn't put my Kindle down or stop thinking about the story when I wasn't reading, and I think I credit that to the character of Christian. He's such an intense presence in every single scene, that I fell head over heels with him and all of his baggage. I wanted to slap him at times and hug him at others...a feeling Ana is constantly faced with throughout the story.

The end of this story was so intense and angsty (a major PLUS for me because I LOVE angst) that I was in tears by the end. Just a warning, however, I would have been extremely angry at the ridiculous cliffhanger if I didn't have the second book already waiting for me to read. So I suggest having book 2, FIFTY SHADES DARKER already in your possession before finishing book this book.

Even though I say this story ends up being less about D/s than I had originally thought it would be, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY does contain a few scenes that the lighthearted might not enjoy, but overall, if you're a fan of say, Maya Banks' Sweet series, you should have no problem with this story. I could easily see myself reading it again or at least browsing through my many pages of bookmarks!

I gave FIFTY SHADES OF GREY 4.5 Stars and 4 panties on the blog.

I love the FSoG series and have to respectfully disagree with any dislike of said series. Not everyone has the same taste or view as what constitutes as a good book and is likely the reason that the 3rd book, in the series, has landed on the New York Times best sellers list as scores of people, like me, love it too.

I'm an east coast college graduate whose favorite book is Jane Eyre. Perhaps that is why I've been so drawn to the Christian Grey character. I do love the brooding, self-loathing Byronic heroes.

My 2¢.

I wasn't sure how I felt when I started reading this book. I am not a fan of books written in 1st person, I find they limit the readers' knowledge of the story. However, after a few chapters, I was totally in love with the story and unable to put it down.
This entire series felt very much real. Ana and Christian's story was so unbelievably heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming.

This is a fantastic Author who was able to deliver a perfect 5 start story with each of her 3 Books!

I have nothing but good things to say about this author's work. Halfway through the reading of the first book, I purchased the entire trilogy. I haven't wanted to let go of the characters yet and hope that E.L. James does more with them in the future. I'm for sure an avid follower of her work now. "Capitavating" doesn't quite do the work justice. I'd give it Six Stars (6) for the entire collection.

Redonk Nutshell: An intense physical attraction between a shy woman and an indulgent man leads to a deep and complicated attachment

I came across this book through browsing around the Kindle store. After reading the premise and the reviews I was intrigued enough to add it to my library. I sped through it like a woman starved, incredibly grateful I had come across it. I knew nothing of this author or her previous work, and had no idea what the history of this series was. I'm excited to share it with you all, because I bet many of you will enjoy it.
A quick synopsis: Anastasia Steele is a few weeks away from earning her degree at Washington State University. When her roommate Kate gets sick with the flu, Ana volunteers to take her place to do an interview with the illustrious Seattle CEO Christian Grey. When Ana meets Christian she immediately senses a spark, an attraction so intense she finds herself struggling to keep her cool. When Christian shows up a few days later at her part time job, Ana entertains the notion he may share the attraction, though she's completely stunned that a man like Christian would have any interest in someone like her.

Christian is a very private man. Rich, brilliant and ambitious, Christan has no qualms about going after what he wants. And what he wants is Anastasia. The problem, however, is that she is completely ignorant of his lifestyle, a dark and secretive need to dominate. He tries to warn her away from him, but neither can resist the pull of their attraction. When he presents her with a legal contract detailing the depths of his expectations in their BDSM relationship, Ana is shocked. She's never partaken in any sort of physical relationship let alone a Dom and Sub one. But her feelings for Christian overule her worries, and she agrees to give it a try.

What we get is an emotional rollercoaster of sensual awakening. The attraction between these two is like gasoline to a raging fire. What really makes this story shine, however, is watching these two struggle with the emotional ramifacations of their blooming emotional attachment. It goes beyond physical, beyond the need to possess or dominate. And neither or them know how to handle it. It's dark, addictingly so. It's a character driven story where our hero and heroine get way in over their heads.

I really loved this story. I found myself drawing comparisons to Twilight a few chapters in - really, it's impossible not to. It's set in Washington state, our hero and heroine are mirror images to Bella and Edward, and the intense emotional and physical attraction to one another is remarkably similar. Some might be disappointed by this. I personally didn't mind. In fact, I found myself reveling in it. Afterall, how many of you out there are like me when reading the Twilight series and can't help but feel disappointed at the lac of erotic description. Yeah, well, I'm Raunchy Ryan - I have NEEDS. Fifty Shades of Grey reads almost like an super adult version of Twilight, minus the whole supernatural aspect.

After finishing this (and book two) I did some research into this author - because I had to know who this person was and why I was only just now finding her - and it turns out Ms. James got her start writing Fanfiction for....get ready for it...Twilight. HA! Suddenly it all made sense. I personally thought this was fantastic. I don't mind fan fiction - in fact I like it. What really made it for me, though, was the fact that Ms. James writes just as well, if not better, than Stephanie Meyer. The ridiculous teenage angst is replaced with brutally intense sensuality. The stalker-esque mannerisms of Edward are addressed by our Ana, and it's done in a way that had me laughing and giggling like a moron. I loved it.

So...a few things to bear in mind should you opt to pick this baby up. It's a series: Book one is a major cliffhanger, so don't expect any HEA's. Book two has something of an ending but we're definitely left wondering what's in store for book three, which has yet to be given a date of release. Be prepared for Twilight XXX. Whether or not you see this as s good or bad thing is most definitley subjective. I myself enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I'm earmarking this as one of my favorites for 2011. Fo realz. Hot, feisty, dark yet funny, and crazy emotional, Fifty Shades of Grey is fifty shades of fantastic.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
(currently only availble through Amazon or The Writer's Coffee Shop or iTunes)

Rating: B

Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 5/5

i was quite suprised with this story, it was definantly not what i had expected. it starts out sweet and innocent and soon turns to dark and dangerous. kind of out of my element with this book, buuuuut i have to say that it was worth my time. i felt very attached to ana and even though i didnt always agree with her choices when it came to christian, i still admired her strong demeanor. i am eagerly awaiting the 2nd book to this very interesting and intriguing story.