Books: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James (2011)

Srsly?

I feel like I've been had.

Books: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James - revisited

The first ten chapters are utter crap. I fought through it because of Bacardi Girl's recommendation. I'm actually glad that I did because somewhere into chapter 10 Christen Grey develops a personality and Ana Steele evolves into a much less Bella-esque character. The sex was great, of course. James writes it pretty darned well. But even better than that is the flirtation with Grey's past and the collision between Ana's wants and Christen's needs. How are these two kids ever going to make it work? Because Ana is a rather broadly drawn character it's easy to put yourself into her shoes and ask the question: what would Jesus I do? Mediating on the give, take, and compromise of any relationship, let alone one with such challenging parameters was fascinating.

The ending is abrupt and a little under developed, but it's overall an entertaining read. For all the hoopla about the BDSM and the sex, I've read old school romance novels that contain just as much kink. The trappings are what get people knotted up, I think, but it's really not all that controversial.

Either way, positive experience. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.