Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Fifty Shades Darker by E L James




Daunted by the singular 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.

This book is intended for mature audiences. 


Published & Release Date: Random House, September 16, 2011

Time and setting: Washington and Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

Soooooo, I just finished listening/reading to Fifty Shades Darker, I have not enjoyed it quite as much this second time around. I am not sure if it is due to the narrator, or I am just seeing the glaring problems with the writing. I have caught myself doing what so many others have done. Looking up how many times certain words and phrases have been used. The first time I read this book back in 2012, I could not put it done. This time, I have had to take breaks and internalize the story to move past the issues with the mechanics of the writing.

Since there may be some readers who have only read the first book in this trilogy, I am including a short synopsis. Fifty Shades Darker starts with Ana and Christian apart, with Ana so devastated over their break-up that she cannot eat or sleep and can barely function at her new job. She is all alone because her friend Kate is still off on vacation, and Ana does not want to call her mother or Ray, her stepfather, because she knows she will totally break down if she does. She fears she will not be able to stop crying and move beyond what has happened.

On the fifth day, Ana receives an email from Christian asking her if she needs a ride to her friend, Jose’s, art exhibition. She had completely forgotten her friend’s show, and since Christian got rid of her VW, she does not have any transportation. Even though the last thing she should want to do is see Christian, the familiar aching pull in her belly makes his offer irresistible. While she fears seeing him again, she says yes and that begins the renegotiation of their relationship.  

After the show, they have dinner and Christian tells Ana he is willing to try a relationship with her that is not a Dom/Submissive one. Although, she knows he is ‘fifty shades of f****d up’, she cannot resist giving him a second chance.

Will Christian be able to sustain a relationship that is not based on his alternative lifestyle, or will he realize that he is just too damaged to deserve Ana’s love?

I enjoyed their reunion and Christian’s determination to have a relationship with Ana without the BDSM components. This shows incredible growth in his character arch and a willingness to enter uncharted waters so to speak. His desperation to get her back pulled at my heart strings. However, I just think it happened a bit too quickly and that Ana is way too willing to forgive and forget.

I also like the plot twist with the ex-submissive. I thought it added some suspense and moves the story forward. It also shows Christian in a better light when he so tenderly cares for the troubled young woman. Now the part with Ana’s boss is quite predictable, but interesting nonetheless. In case you have not read this book, I will not give any more details.

What I particularly like about Ana’s character is that she is not afraid to confront Christian when he—in essence—is having one of his tantrums. His jealousy is beyond endurance, and Ana has the patience of a saint. Her compassion is to be admired in my estimation.

I want to mention the SEX. It is hot, hot, hot! Some of the scenes are so erotic I needed a fan to cool myself and my Kindle down. I have to give a lot of credit to Ms. James. She can definitely write erotic, imaginative scenes to say the least.

If you can get past the writing problems, this is another compelling story with a heroine who has so much loyalty and determination, she begins the journey of bringing the hero into the light kicking and screaming like a two year old. Well, on the final book of this enthralling trilogy. Happy reading!
 


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