Review: Fifty Shades Freed

     

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Description:

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. 

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. 

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past. 

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Thoughts:
This was a satisfactory ending to an incredible trilogy. As the third book, there were still lots of ups and downs, and plenty of nail-biting moments. Christian and Ana are continuing to learn how to deal with one another. I love Fifty and I enjoyed the bonuses with Fifty's POV. They show how far he has really come since he first meets Ana. In the end he is a lot happier and has healthier ways to deal with his issues, but inside I think he is still the same old bossy, over-protective Fifty. This was just as difficult to put down as the first two! 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor:  !!!!!
*Notes:  Adult language and situations.  BDSM elements. 

Review: Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Description:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book Fifty Shades Trilogy.  It is like a longer book divided into three parts and must be read in order.  If you have not read Fifty Shades of Grey, go do it now.  You'll thank me.  While the first book was mainly Ana trying to give Christian what he needs, this one is Christian trying to give Ana what she needs.  Ana is learning more about Christian and he is trying hard to make things work.  Their relationship is intense and complicated and emotional.  If you are looking for a read that will get you all twisted up and keep you up late at night, Fifty will do it!


My Rating:  *****
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes:  Strong language and BDSM elements

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Description:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Thoughts:
Fifty Shades of Grey is a dark, intense, moving love story about two very different people who are attracted to each other from the start.  Christian has some pretty awful things in his past, although we don't have the whole picture.  He knows Ana is too innocent for him, but can't seem to stay away from her anyway.  There are some BDSM elements and this is an erotic story, but the focus is on the relationship.  Can they make it work?  Can she give him what he needs and still be true to herself?  There are some lighter moments as well.  I enjoyed the e-mail banter. I could not put this down and need the next book immediately. 

My Rating:  *****

Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes:  Strong language 

Where to get it:



Barnes & Noble



Where to find the author:
E.L. James
Twitter


Update 4-13-12 ***spoilers***

I originally wrote this back in January, before Dr. Drew, before it was sold to a big publisher, before the movie talk. Since this is my most popular post, I thought I would update with a few more thoughts.

Let me just say that the "mommy porn" thing drives me crazy. Yes, it has kinky sex in it. A lot of books do. You can find plenty of recommendations for them if that's what you are looking for. Not here, though, because it's not really my thing.

Dr. Drew's comments really irritated me because it was clear that he hadn't read the book. Ana has all the power in the relationship. Their relationship is not violent. Ana is a strong-willed character.  Too strong-willed, really, to be the sub Christian is looking for. When she thinks she can't handle what Christian needs, she walks away. Christian even tries to be more vanilla for her.

Yes, Fifty Shades started out as a Twilight fan fiction story called Master of the Universe. I was one who waited patiently for updates. Does it have anything to do with Twilight? Not really. Character names and descriptions. Vague things like hero things he is too dangerous to be around heroine but can't stay away. I am not one who has a problem with authors using fan fiction as a starting point for an original work.

Is the writing perfect? No. But if the story is told well enough, the writing can fade into the background and not be that important. I happen to like a story about a tortured hero who figures out he is good enough to be loved. I don't need everything to be realistic, that's why it's fiction. What can I say? I am a sucker for a Happily Ever After.

Here are links to my reviews of Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, the other two books in the 50 Shades Trilogy.