Yeah, I will step out and say I loved it.
Was the writing great...nope. Was it an accurate portrayal of BDSM...yes and no. It was an accurate view of two damaged people attempting it.
I admit, I do NOT think Christian ever crossed over into abuse. Did he have a crap load of demons, oh yeah, but when Ana leaves, he lets her, every time. He NEVER ONCE ignores her safe word! Actually that is one of the big fights they have...he is so upset that she did NOT use it. He thought she understood the rules and she didnt...or at least didnt feel comfortable enough to use her safe word which is a problem.
I loved they psychology behind the book...Christians past really drove him to his future. He very likely had some kind of attachment disorder. He channeled that into very strict and controlled relationships after being well, molested, and brought into the world by an older woman. I have talked to several people involved in therapy and psychology and they liked it as well from that point.
I also like that I dont feel Ana came across as the "savior" and that he changed just because of a woman. It was a whole series of events coming together, he had lots of professional help as well. She gave him the motivation to try...and yes, that is believable.
Their relationship was messy. There were ups and downs. He acted like an ass at times, she acted very wishy washy and confusing at times.
For those who saw abuse etc in this...did you read all three books?
I am usually pretty frustrated with books that make a controlling jealous ass into a hero. SO many YA books do that. This one though, I admit, I dont think that is how he came across....it wasnt oh look, he loves me so much! It was oh look, something is REALLY wrong here.
Twilight....I HATE that series. Drives me bonkers. Read it three times thinking maybe I was just in a bad mood but no, ick. 50 Shades, yep, love it. I dont think the "sex scenes" are really that sexy because well, they really arent. They are a symbol often of their vulnerabilities and motivations and a lot of other stuff happens during them. For people who never read erotica I can get why they think it is...for people who like erotica I can see why if they go in thinkning this is erotica they would be let down...but I would never classify it as erotica or romance.
Was the writing great...nope. Was it an accurate portrayal of BDSM...yes and no. It was an accurate view of two damaged people attempting it.
I admit, I do NOT think Christian ever crossed over into abuse. Did he have a crap load of demons, oh yeah, but when Ana leaves, he lets her, every time. He NEVER ONCE ignores her safe word! Actually that is one of the big fights they have...he is so upset that she did NOT use it. He thought she understood the rules and she didnt...or at least didnt feel comfortable enough to use her safe word which is a problem.
I loved they psychology behind the book...Christians past really drove him to his future. He very likely had some kind of attachment disorder. He channeled that into very strict and controlled relationships after being well, molested, and brought into the world by an older woman. I have talked to several people involved in therapy and psychology and they liked it as well from that point.
I also like that I dont feel Ana came across as the "savior" and that he changed just because of a woman. It was a whole series of events coming together, he had lots of professional help as well. She gave him the motivation to try...and yes, that is believable.
Their relationship was messy. There were ups and downs. He acted like an ass at times, she acted very wishy washy and confusing at times.
For those who saw abuse etc in this...did you read all three books?
I am usually pretty frustrated with books that make a controlling jealous ass into a hero. SO many YA books do that. This one though, I admit, I dont think that is how he came across....it wasnt oh look, he loves me so much! It was oh look, something is REALLY wrong here.
Twilight....I HATE that series. Drives me bonkers. Read it three times thinking maybe I was just in a bad mood but no, ick. 50 Shades, yep, love it. I dont think the "sex scenes" are really that sexy because well, they really arent. They are a symbol often of their vulnerabilities and motivations and a lot of other stuff happens during them. For people who never read erotica I can get why they think it is...for people who like erotica I can see why if they go in thinkning this is erotica they would be let down...but I would never classify it as erotica or romance.