REVIEW: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E.L. James

Series: Fifty Shades Trilogy (#1)
Format: Kindle Book
Publisher: Vintage 
Release Date: May 2011
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

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.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

(If you've read this series then you will understand why I have written the review in email format)

From: Cimmaron
Subject: HOLY CRAP! [Shouty Capitals]
Sent: March 17, 2012 06:43
To: Those Who Love A Good Steamy Romance Book

It's been quite a while since I was left handicapped by a book. E.L James intense and compelling romance between recent college grad Anastasia Steele and multi-millionaire Christian Grey is highly intriguing, deeply disturbing, overtly sexual and a completely addicting read. Ignore the bad press you might have heard or read about this series during the last few weeks. If you're a sucker for males with a tortured soul then YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK NOW! I'll try to be as objective or even coherent while writing this but I must say that my mind is still reeling from everything that goes down. In all honesty I was left thinking "OMG. WTF" but in a very good way.

I'd read some really great reviews about this book but I don't think I was prepared for the AWESOMENESS that is Fifty Shades of Grey. I must state that I'm not really a fan of BDSM and I've probably only read 3 or 4 erotica novels, ever. So I was a little apprehensive about reading this but boy am I happy that I did. Fifty Shades of Grey brought me to so many different planes which I thought was impossible from reading a book. Yes, Fifty Shades is essentially an erotica novel but the depths of the characters and subject matter almost eclipses all the sexy times [Don't worry…I said almost…this is still one VERY VERY steamy read].

The story moved along swiftly and I think I had to sit by the wall electrical socket at one point because there was no away I was putting my Kindle down till I finished the book. EL James throws in some humor via Anastasia and Christian's email exchanges [probably one of my favorite parts of the book...hence why I'm writing this review as an email] and the secondary characters were as likeable and appealing as our main character. I totally loved that Fifty Shades takes place in Seattle, Wasghinton [Shout out Washington State…. WHAAAT] because (a) Seattle is a very beautiful city and (b) its a place that I'm very familiar with, so while reading this I had a good visualization of all the places described.

Anastasia and Christian definitely make for a dynamic couple. The chemistry was definitely off the charts in and outside of the bedroom. Anastasia is your typical female romance lead, she's young, beautiful, innocent [virgin], smart, straight laced and courageous. What I really loved about Ana was that although Christian at first thought of her as a good "candidate" to be his next sub she's not one to easily fall into the position. Ana gave a good fight and defied a lot of Christians set of rules and demands. She's got a great questioning attitude and likes to analyze her thoughts, feelings and actions. Even though she's only 21 and inexperienced in bedroom activities, she was open to exploring Christian's BDSM world and what her own preferences were when it came to sex.

"Does this mean you're going to make love to me tonight, Christian?" Holy shit. Did I just say that? His mouth drops open slightly, but he recovers quickly. "No Anastasia it doesn't. Firstly, I don't make love. I fuck…hard."

“Why don't you like to be touched" Ana whispered, staring up into soft grey eyes. "Because I'm fifty shades of fucked-up, Anastasia”

As for Christian Grey…he's probably the most compelling male protagonists I've come across in a very long time. He's multi-facedet like a kaleidoscope. I don't think I can describe him in a just a few sentences. He's definitely handsome, sexy, sexual, and possessive. At the age of 27, he's Seattle's most eligible bachelor and is the Founder and CEO of his multi-million [maybe billions] company, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. But aside from his pretty face and inflated bank account, Christian is a young man haunted by dark demons that were brought on by a traumatic early childhood upbringing. Most females wouldn't want to touch someone like Christian, especially with the heavy baggage that he carries but I personally revel in it. I can't help but love damaged goods. It's really so hard to describe Christian Grey. He's intellegent, knowledge of books and music and very well traveled. You can hate him one minute but then he'll totally sweep you off your feet in the next.

“I belatedly realize he’s not asked me where I live—yet he knows. But then he sent the books; of course he knows where I live. What able, cell-phone-tracking, helicopter-owning stalker wouldn’t?”

Fifty Shades of Grey was a complete and utter surprise. It's definitely not your typical book club read but if you like reading about compelling characters, couples overcoming impossible obstacles and steamy loves scenes then I highly suggest you give the Fifty Shades series a chance. Some argue that EL James might not be the best writer [technical wise] but there is no doubt that Fifty Shades of Grey is highly entertaining. Yes, the subject of the Dom/Sub relationship is one of contravesy and others have pointed out that this book may promote violence against women but you have to understand that Ana is a consenting adult. Christian laid down the "ground rules" for the Dom/Sub relationship and allowed Ana to adjust some of his rules and demands as she pleased. It's a very heavy subject to discuss and I could go on for hours but it all comes down to personal preferences. At first I was a little uncomfortable and Christian's guidelines were overwhelming but once you get past all the "kinky fuckery", Fifty Shades of Grey was a very compelling read and you'll get caught up in Ana and Christians intense and passionate romance.

I do have to warn you that I was totally blown away by the first book but the second book in the series, Fifty Shades Darker totally obliderated me. We're talking about a nuclear bomb going off kind of oblideration.

Laters Baby,

Cimmaron x
Comepletely and Utterly Smitten, Book Blogger, www.talkingsupe.com