A Review for Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L. James

Posted by Jess
Published Date: January 17th, 2012
Finished Date: February 20th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought 
Format: Kindle

The Blurb from Goodreads: 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.

The Review: "Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin's lamp all rolled into one"

To: Ms. E. L  James

CC: Christian Grey

Subject: A Review for Fifty Shades Darker

Date: 22nd February, 2012, 21.21
From: Jessica co Blogger at Book Passion for Life

Dear Ms. James,

I'm going to keep this short. This was a fantastic end to a fantastic trilogy, and to be honest, I'm sad that it ended. I'm sad that they'll be no more Christian Grey.  This series has truly been wonderful to read, I'll forever keep these books as some of the best reads of all time. 

Everything about Fifty Shades Freed was beautifully written, and written well continuing the story of Christian and Ana. Continuing their journey, discovering their feelings, discovering their demons, learning to accept one another, they both truly came together in this one. 

You, Ms. James, have created a wonderful trilogy that should be adored and wanted all over the world. As I said in my last review for Darker these books should be read and recommended. The ending was truly perfect, and the epilogue was beautiful, if not, a little longer than needed. None the less. The ending was perfect and I will forever love this series, and Christian Grey, who is by far the hardest man to forget about. It seems all men now become inadequate. 

I thank you once again, Ms. James.

Beguiled Fifty Shades reader Jessica co Blogger at Book Passion for Life

A Review for Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L James

Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 17th, 2012
Finished Date: February 20th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought 
Format: Kindle
Pages: 507
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The Blurb from Goodreads: 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.

The Review: I’m going to keep this review short and sweet because honestly, I think you already know how much I adore this series and Fifty Shades Freed was a perfect ending to an emotional and loving story – one that I’m grateful for reading.

Ana and Christian have truly been wonderful characters from the start and honestly, it wasn’t an easy journey. They each overcome their own personal demons and fears but by doing that, it brings them closer together. This book see’s their patience and love tested beyond belief and how they manage to stay strong through-out proves just how much they love one another. No one said these characters are perfect and they do make mistakes – but that’s life! And I love them all the more for it.

E.L James has created a truly fantastic series with fantastic character and ended the story on such a high note that truly touches your heart. It’s safe to say closure is the best ending for a book and boy does E.L James deliver.

Life is never going to be boring with Christian, and I’m in this for the long haul. I love this man: my husband, my lover, father of my child, my sometimes Dominant……my Fifty Shades. – Ana

A Review for Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E.L. James

Posted by Jess
Published Date: September 15th, 2011
Finished Date: February 18th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought
Format: Kindle

The Blurb from Goodreads: 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 the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

The Review: “This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.” – Christian

To: Ms. E. L. James

Subject: Review for Fifty Shades Darker

Date: February 20th, 2012, 08.42

From: Jessica at Book Passion for Life

Dear Ms, James,

Firstly, I'd like to thank you for bringing Christian Grey into my life. It seems now after reading Fifty Shades Darker and almost finishing Fifty Shades Freed, I can't seem to get Mr. Grey out of my head. He beguiles me, Ms. James. Plain and simple.  I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Grey, is a man worth loving and as his and Ana's story continued in book 2, I became infatuated with them both. Fifty Shades Darker is by far better than Fifty Shades of Grey. I can tell you that although I loved Christian in book one, I love him more now, because it's this book that we're introduced to a new Christian. A playful Christian, a hotter Christian, a sweet Christian. Let me make mention to Ana, she's stronger in this book, Ms. James. I like her strength, her will to handle Christian and all his mood swings. Do I believe she's sometimes the cause to his mood swings? Absolutely. She seems to antagonise him a little, leading to angry Christian. But that's OK. Although their relationship is one of pure love, and ultimately lust, I don't think I've read about any two characters more meant for each other than these two.  

I'm in awe of you Ms. James. In awe of how you've managed to create a story worth telling. How you've managed to create memorable characters. You, Ms. James are how other erotic writers should be. They should learn from you and create plot lines. You have a plot in your book Ms. James, I realise this should be a review for Darker but I'd mention that all your books have plots, they aren't just about the kinky f*ckery, oh no, you have a story to tell, and you tell it well. Extremely well, and I begrudge anyone who wishes to disagree with me. Because, frankly, Ms. James, this story, these characters, this setting its in a whole league of its own. And a story that should be read and recommended to each and every person (providing they're ages 18+, of course). Fifty Shades Darker has so much more than what Fifty Shades of Grey had, I especially enjoyed the charity event, the boat, and the club. It felt right to get out of Christian's apartment (sometimes ;)), out of his playroom and just see him becoming the 26 year old that he should be not the overly controlling CEO that we fell in love with to begin with. The ending to Fifty Shades Darker was perfect. So perfect. 

I'm sorry to ramble on Ms. James. But I had to make my sentiments known. I'd like to just say that if anyone who hasn't read your book they really should pick them all up. Right now. 

Thank you Ms. James.

Irrevocably in love with Christian Grey- Jessica co blogger at Book Passion for Life

A Review for Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E.L. James

Posted by Donna
Published Date: September 15th, 2011
Finished Date: February 18th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Kindle
Pages: 372
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The Blurb from Goodreads: 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 the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

The Review: Fifty Shades Darker is even BETTER than Fifty Shades of Grey and I’ll warn you, if you read this book be prepared for some very emotional scenes!
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With Fifty Shades of Grey ending on a huge cliff-hanger, naturally I dived straight into the next book and I have to say E.L James does not disappoint. This time around we see Christian and Ana reunite after some time apart and boy have things changed. Even though leaving was the worst thing Ana could have done at the time, it has now become the best thing, because Christian is willing to give Ana everything that she needs. Even if that means giving up the things he once loves.

I adored this book so much more than the first one. We see a whole new Christian and if it’s possible I love him even more. He’s still very possessive and very controlling but seeing how much he really cares for Ana in this book made me just fall apart. He is a young man who has suffered a horrid childhood and even when he becomes a teenager, he is introduced to a world filled with pain believing it is for the best. I loved watching Christian become the person he’s supposed to be, someone a little carefree, happy and most of all loved – and all this is down to Ana. Now Ana, really is a strong character. Never have I read about a girl so willing to take on a man with all his baggage but love him unconditional – it’s truly heart-warming and they really are perfect together despite their flaws.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the fact there were so many more fun times - the charity event, the boat and the club. Not only that but there are dangerous times too and within these events you truly capture the love between Ana and Christian. And most of all the emotional times and there are some heart-breaking scenes. And oh, oh the ending…..was PERFECT! And it was really nice to see Mrs Robinson get what she deserves.

If you haven’t read this series, then I’d highly recommend it! It’s one filled with pain, love, heart-ache and sure is one hell of a ride. I’ll leave you with some of my favourite quotes;

“This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.” – Christian

“Are you on your own?"

"No. There are six people staring at me right now wondering who the hell i'm talking to."

shit..."Really?" I gasp, panicked.

"Yes. Really. My girlfriend," he announces away from the phone.

holy cow! "They probably all thought you were gay, you know.” – Ana and Christian

“You wanted hearts and flowers,” he murmurs.

I blink at him, not quite believing what I’m seeing.

“You have my heart.” And he waves toward the room.

“And here are the flowers,” I whisper, completing his sentence. “Christian, it’s lovely.” – Ana and Christian

“I love him. Simple.” - Ana

A Review for Fifty Shade of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E.L.James

Posted by Donna
Published Date: May 26th, 2011
Finished Date: 16th February, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought - 2012 TBR Challenge 
Format: Kindle
Pages: 356
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The Blurb from Goodreads: 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?

The Review: Well, hello Mr. Grey! Wow, what a guy! 

I have to admit, I seriously didn't want to fall for Christian or this book and I have all my book friends to blame for convincing me to read this book. It's official - I'm addicted and obsessed with Christian Grey! 

Now if you don't know what this book is about, let me say; BDSM? Yeah! Shocked the hell out of me too. 

When I started reading this book I was hesitant, mainly because I honestly think a BDSM relationship is totally out of my comfort zone but once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I wasn't entirely convinced about my feelings for Christian until about 30% of the book and yes, the emails convinced me. You do see a playful side to him and Ana during the exchange of the emails, it was just what I needed to get emotionally attached to the characters and E.L.James she has created two fantastic characters in Ana and Christian. 

Ana is a quiet, smart and well preserved girl - one that has never really ventured out to explore her sexual side, because she's never found Mr Right. When she meets Christian she is instantly attracted to him - she is very cautious but intrigued too. Not only that but Ana is a very head strong woman, she knows what she wants and goes for it and as Christian continues to hide things from her, she continues to push and push until she gets what she wants.  And I honestly think she grows as a character through-out this book.  Christian, he's a mystery. It's pretty clear he likes to be in control. He likes everything done his way and a certain way. But really deep down, you're left with trying to figure him out. He's hot one minute and then cold the next. He's happy and then sad and all of this is down to is his unhappy childhood. But despite all this, there's just something about him, push aside the control-freakness and you get a gorgeous, intriguing and unpredictable young man. I promise you, you will love him too. 

Here's some of my favourite quotes;

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

“He grabs me suddenly and yanks me up against him, one hand at my back holding me to him and the other fisting in my hair. 
"You're one challenging woman," He kisses me, forcing my lips apart with his tongue, taking no prisoners. 
"It's taking all my self-control not to f**k you on the hood of this car, just to show you that you're mine, and if I want to buy you a f***ing car, I'll buy you a fucking car," he growls.” - Ana and Christian

E.L James manages to create a perfect blend of romance with hot, sexy and funny scenes - that will make any girl blush. Fifty Shades of Grey is truly an addictive read, one that I'd definitely recommend and I am so glad that this is not just a stand alone book. Only one book would have killed me so I'm thrilled to say.......I'm now moving onto book two! 

A Review for Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E. L. James

Posted by Jess
Published Date: May 26th, 2011
Finished Date: January 1st, 2012
Publishers: The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House
Format: Paperback
Genre: Adult/Erotica (18+)

Pages: 372

The Blurb from Goodreads: 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? 

The Review: "Did you just splash me?" "Yes." Holy shit...that look. "Oh, Miss Steele." He grabs me onto his lap, sloshing water all over the floor. "I think we've done enough talking for now."

Ah what can I say. I sort of want to keep this short and sweet, but I can't guarantee that will be the case. It's been a long time since I read anything remotely adult, and the first time since I read something classed as 'Erotica'. I wouldn't say Fifty Shades is erotica, it's more romance that has lots of hot sex in...almost every other chapter, and there are 26 chapters.  I picked up Fifty Shades mostly due to the rave reviews that it got. And it didn't disapoint at all. From what I could tell this book (before published) was on Fan Fiction.net under a Twilight fan fiction. Christian was Edward, and Anastasia was Bella. However don't let that put you off, Fifty Shades ISN'T remotely Twilight-esque. Yes, there are simlarities; Continental US, Sexy rich guy, shy naive girl, but that's about as Twilight as it gets. Fifty Shades is in a whole other world of it's own. 

I liked Ana from the first moment, she isn't whiny. I don't like whiny heroines. She's strong willed yet innocent in most things (sexual). Through out the book Ana grows and when she meets Christian (*fangirl scream) she becomes stubborn and determined to figure this obscenely rich (And I mean obscenely rich, he's like a Gazillionaire Entrepreneur) with a darrrrk secret. He doesn't like to be touched, but that doesn't stop Ana, from trying to get him to allow her to touch him. Christian, is albeit, a little stalker-ish, but he makes up for it in 'other' ways. And in the end Christian is completely and utterly swoon worthy. Trust me on this. There were times I wanted to punch him, a some times I was like 'UGH! You absolute control freak!' but as you'll soon find out, his control freak-ness comes with the lifestyle that he lives behind his closed apartment doors. 

Fifty Shades is the first BDSM relationship book that I've read, I thought I'd find it weird to read the sex scenes in Christians 'Playroom' but it wasn't, I generally looked passed the fact that he was controlling her and 'trianing' her to be his Sub. As I said in the beginning, Fifty Shades isn't really erotic, its just another romance story with a lot of hot sex every other chapter. It sort of got a little annoying reading a sex scene every other chapter, but I looked passed it, because the romance between Christian and Ana is one of complete and utter incompatibility, that it leaves you wondering whether this couple could last.

Fifty Shades, was sexy, funny and completely new to me! Most of the bits that had me out right laughing were the email interactions between Christian and Ana, those were incredibly funny, with each of them changing the 'Subject' line before writing something relating to it. Christian would sometimes change his signature that would relate to the said subject line. One email that got me laughing was this: "Sir, If you recall, I was going through the list when I was distracted and bedded by a passing control freak. Goodnight. Ana." LOL. Had me in stitches. 

The ending left me in utter chaos! I need the second book (I'm glad there's a second book that's already published), because that ending was incredibly heartbreaking for Ana, Christian and even me as a reader.

Anyway, I don't regret reading this book at all. I think everyone (well everyone OVER the age of 18) should read this. It's funny, sexy, hot and it has it all. Unlike most 'Erotica' novels, this one has a plot, romance and a story. It's not a book you'll likely to forget anytime soon. And if you don't fall for Christian (even with his Dom side to him), then there is something seriously wrong with you. Go read it, you won't regret it.