by Madison
Fifty Shades of Grey, the first in a trilogy, has been described as, um, well, “mommy porn.” In a nutshell it’s the story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. She’s a graduating college senior, an innocent virgin. He’s a young billionaire humanitarian who enjoys domination and bondage.
It’s hard to believe it started out as a self-published e-book, which by the way was inspired by Twilight, but written for grown folks. The erotic romance became such a hit that the British author reworked it into three books, which then were picked up by an Australian-based publisher last year. I believe Vintage Books a division of Random House picked up the American rights, and the rest they say is history.
If you haven’t at least heard of the book and the hype surrounding it, you’ve been living under a rock. From the Today show to, can you believe it? Ellen De Generes, has been promoting or discussing it on their show. The amount of free publicity it has gotten has been a publicist’s dream! I personally have not read the book, but yet I’m curious, but not so curious as to buy the book. I actually think I’m resisting because of the buzz.
What are your thoughts on this erotic romance phenomenon, that’s taken the world by storm? And in keeping with the erotic theme, comment and enter to win CAPTIVATED by Lauren Dane or BLOODRIGHT by Karin Tabke.
Click the covers for reviews and/or book details and buy links.
I read all three books within a week. So YES, it’s totally worth the hype!
I’ve passed by that endcap a million times at my local B&N. I just can’t bring myself to read it completely. I’ve browsed the first pages of each book and just can’t get past the Stephenie Meyer level writing and to top it off, I realized that I won an eARC of the 3rd book when it was originally pubbed by a small press. I took one look at the beginning and wondered how the heck I was going to endure 500 freaking pages of horrible writing.
When people discover something totally different that they know nothing about (ahem Dr. Drew), they see it as a threat or totally shun it. The thing is, stuff like Christian and Anna’s situation happens but no one is writing immediate press releases about it. Controversy is good, free publicity is good even when it’s bad. But it does sort of hurt other authors who are actually good in their craft and genre but have never had any type of recognition like EL James. Some authors actually live the lifestyle they write about and I’m totally down with that because it makes their writing authentic. I could rant about this for days but I’ll stop here.
I may be a bit biased since I’m a fan of Tiffany Reisz and if you want hot erotica that pushes the limits, she’s the woman to read.
I’m like you, I’ve heard about the book but I am not planning on buying it or reading it in the near future. Too much hype! I’ll eventually pick it up at a yard sale.
I actually read it last year when it was still in its Twilight Fanfiction form. It was published a chapter at a time, and updated every few days if I remember right and called Master of the Universe or something like that (it wasn’t my fave but it was all the rage in fandom). The characters were Bella and Edward all human in an alternate universe. All the other usual suspects were there Alice, Emmet, Jasper, Rosalie etc etc. And it was obvious, to me at least, that all the characters (human) got their inspiration from their Twilight counterparts. Bella was clumsy and shy, blushed at the drop of a dime while Edward was dark and broody yet couldn’t get enough of Bella.
Because it was posted a little at a time online I think it was easier to read, and the fact that it was “fanfiction” I didn’t really mind that the writing wasn’t the best that I ever read and it was heavy on the smut and unrealistic behaviors and scenarios.
I am actually shocked at how huge it has gotten since then. I never thought it warranted such praise, but maybe it was heavily edited and changed around since it was published?? I can’t believe it’s about ten bucks when a lot of people have read it for free not that long ago. It wasn’t worth it to me to have downloaded when it was fanfiction, but I know some who have. I just didn’t think the writing was anything special, and I’ve read similiar works by much better authors who don’t get nearly as much credit. And this genre is not new, but from what you hear on the news and media its this brand new shocking thing. I wouldn’t buy a copy now and I wouldn’t reread. What is really weird is that it is Young Adult level writing and depth but with a totally Adult level topic.
I don’t know how it got so huge.. other then to think it had to have been hugely helped out by the large amounts of people who read it on Fanfiction and loved it.
I have not read 50 shades, and I really have no desire. I think there are better books out there that would catch my interest.
I have read them. The best way for me to describe them is as a compelling train wreck of a book. They are not well written, I wouldn’t recommend them yet I still bought and read all three. Puzzling.
I have not read 50 Shades of Grey and I don’t plan to read it, either, because all the sources/reviewers I trust have not had good things to say. But hopefully this book’s success will lead these new readers to other books in the genre. I think there are some fabulous authors writing erotic romance.
I have not read these books. I haven’t understood what all the hype is about. There has been lots of great erotic novels out way before these hit the market.
I just purchased them for our library since the hype began we have had so many requests that I couldn’t keep putting it off. I am going to read them. I looked up over banned books over the centuries as well and this is not the first controversial book of this type~ In 1746 “Fanny Hill” was also banned for the same reasons
The last person I talked to who had read it, did not recommend it. I guess if it was given to me I would give it a try but I’m not running out to get it. I think the shock value for some people is what brought it to the forefront lol.
I have not read the books, but have read several reviews from readers who have stated the books are badly written. I think the hype is from readers that aren’t avid readers like many of us. Does that make sense?
When I saw all the hype about these books, I began looking for the details so that I too could jump on board with these books. However, the more I read reviews and comments the more I figured that it probably wasn’t worth my effort. There seems to be a consencus that they are really not all that well written, just sensational. I also learned that part of it was due to being into S&M and bondage, which I don’t need for a good read. I really do enjoy an erotic read, but not S&M or bondage. I am pretty convinced that I will skip these and stay with the authors that I know better. would, however, LOVE to read CAPTIVATED by Lauren Dane or BLOODRIGHT by Karin Tabke.
I haven’t read them yet and don’t plan to anytime soon. First of all I am not going to pay $10.00 for a book I already know isn’t written well. I have too many authors That do write very well that I want to buy a book from. Maybe in a couplr of years when the books are way cheaper I might try them out, but not right now. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
My TV is rarely tuned to anything besides the Disney channel, so I hadn’t heard of the book until people at work started mentioning it. Knowing how much I read, and the genre that I enjoy, many assumed I had already read it, and couldn’t believe I hadn’t. With all the hype, I went to the Barnes & Noble website to get some more info and was amazed by the reviews I read there. After reading those, I didn’t want to spend the $9.99 on something I wasn’t completely sold on, so I opted to download the sample and decide from there. I can’t comment on the entire book, but what few chapters I did read were poorly written, and at what seemed to be a grade school level. As an aspiring author, I was shocked that something of it’s ilk was so widely publicized and talked about by everyone under the sun. When I found out it was an Erotica, I was even more blown away. Very rarely do amazing mass market romance novels get any kind of face time, and I found it defeating that something like this was getting so much play in the news. I’ll reserve my final judgement for when I actually do read it, but that will have to wait until my name rises from 762 on the library’s waiting list!
I’m not offended by erotica or S/M books, but I am annoyed by someone who knows almost nothing about BDSM writing books about it that become so popular and give the entirely wrong idea about what a BDSM based relationship is really like. There’s better erotica out there for me to read, so I do. However, I did watch a really hilarious interview with E.L. James where she said that what she basically did when writing the books was write down every random fantasy she had ever had and try to give it a plot, and she didn’t expect anyone to ever even want to read it, let alone the thing become a bestseller. She is completely shocked that anyone thinks she has talent. It’s funny and makes me like her.
I have heard good and bad about them, so haven’t decided whether I will read them.
I read a sample and that was enough for me. The writing was too terrible to go on. I agree with the first poster. If you want well written BDSM that will make you think, read Tiffany Reisz.
I find it hilarious that people think erotic romance is something new. I’ve been reading it for years and have no desire to hop onto the 50 Shades bandwagon. It is similar to the Twilight phenomenon where everyone thinks she created the genre. The obsession with something trendy will pass. Hopefully there will be lots of new erotic romance readers that will discover all of the great authors out there.
I read all three. I will admit, the beginning of the first book did make it seem as if it was poorly written – but I kept reading anyway. I don’t know if the writing got better or if I got so caught up with the characters that I overlooked it. I enjoyed them and would recommend them.
I love reading erotic romance, I have been a reader for many years from thug books 2BDSM books, I am a hopeful romantic that has a wild kinky side lol! I have read all 3 gray books, they r not the best books written but was fun 2read! I enjoyd hearg ppl who r not in the lifestyle reaction towards the book. Someone said I Didn’t know ppl really did those things lol!! The book made suburban tired woman want 2have kinky sex! That in it self was worth the $30 they spent on the book!
I read the first one pretty quickly. Some of it really bothered me:
1. Her innocence and just going along with BDSM like it was just a normal progression in her life.
2. Describing his good looks Constantly! Yeah we got it! He’s good looking!
3. He’s stalkerish!
I did read the second. I’m stuck on the third. Lost interest in them as a couple.
I haven’t read this book yet. It seems people are interested in the book because of how popular it seems and they want to see if it’s as good as they’ve heard it is.
Do not waste your time on this series!
Its absolutely ridiculous that this book would get so much positive attention by the media. It is poorly written, the characters are not well described and the plot is something a teenager would come up with. The book actually sounds like a teenager wrote it! It’s written in first person, the word “I” is constantly used, as well as references to the heroine “biting her lip” “gasping” etc. No offense to the author as I’m happy for her success. Yet it has to be said, she is not a good writer, this story is an embarrassment to the Romance/Erotica genre.
The sad thing is, the Erotica genre has some great authors, very talented authors who don’t get nearly this much attention for their work. I would say just the average romance novel is better then this book. On Amazon “50 Shades of Grey” shows at 3 1/2 stars but when you take time to read the comments, you see 1 star reviews on most everything. Really though, the reviews speak for themselves on this book. The public that has been duped into reading this series has been sadly disappointed.
Now there is talk that they are going to be making it into a movie and I’m absolutely horrified! I will never understand how a book like 50 Shades of Grey can make it as a “Best Seller” in a market that is already flooded and overwhelmed with erotica and romance that is so much better then this book could ever be.
Maybe butb inrathgervreadv lauren Dane books whoo
I have no interest in the series. It has been over hyped and those books rarely live up to the hype. I am also not interested in the story. I like to see growth and development in characters and some sort of an engaging story. This just doesn’t sound like it will deliver. I wasn’t impressed with the author in any of the interviews I have seen. She seemed to be “along for the ride” with the publicity and didn’t have much meaningful to contribute to the conversation.
I’ve read all books and I have to say it’s very good and sweet. It’s not only have erotic story but also the drama. Who can resist Christian Grey? He has all the girl’s man-fantasy. Annabel is a sweet but strong woman. That’s my first BDSM story that I’ve ever read. I really like the second book.
I have yet to read any of them. The reviews I’ve read so far mostly say they aren’t wrth the Hype. But eventually I know I will read them. Now just out of curiosity.
Carol L.
I haven’t read the books and have no plans to do so in the near future. Too much hype. I’ll find them cheap down the road.
I read some of the first one and just couldnt get thru it. I realize and understand the premise of the trilogy – and you have to make the books good reads for you. My daughter loved it. I think you either love it or hate it.
My daughter read the first one and is now reading the second one I think. She likes them but I read some reviews and some people love them and others are underwhelmed. I think the hype does put me off so I haven’t really made any effort to read them.
I think is worth the hype, they’re really good! So, yes, go for it!! 😀
Have I read it? Not yet. (But I am curious about what all this hype is about.)
I am glad that Fifty Shades has broken into mainstream — but I have to agree with Monica and Liz that there are better-written erotica out there.
Which is why it’s good that a lot of blogs/book-related websites, have done posts that offers alternatives to Fifty Shades. I hope this puts a spotlight and gives recognition to authors who have dedicated themselves to crafting good erotica.
Mommy porn, ha! I don’t plan on reading 50, the story line just doesn’t grab me. Though I enjoy an erotic book every now and then and have for years. So it is funny to hear people talking about these books like it is a brand new thing. I was reading it before the 50 craze, and will be reading it after they have all moved onto the next big thing.
I have not read the books and I am not sure if I like the plot line. I know it is getting a lot of hype, but I have other books in the genre that seem more interesting.
I haven’t and I don’t plan to. I have enough problems with Bella; I don’t care to read about her BDSM adventures.
I haven’t read the books and I don’t plan to, especially after reading the reviews on Amazon. I don’t think I would like the stories.
Read the books. They are no more expensive than any other novels out there in romanceland. I read constantly, I reread the books I like/love constantly. I have reread this series multiple times. The novels are only superficially premised on Twilight characters or plot lines. I loved Twilight, too. This book fits the bill for those who like a slightly naive, unwordly, but educated, vulnerable girl, who finds lust and love in a (slightly) older, much more wordly alpha. I know many, many women, all of us highly educated, who admit to liking the fantasy of a powerful, rich man to sweep you off your feet and take care of you. Obviously, not the real world, but as fantasy – it works great here. So there’s sex in the book – shocking? No, we all read romance novels that are replete with it, this book has a lot of sex. It’s FANTASY, people! You don’t have to have book club about the book, you don’t have reenact scenes with your husbands/BF’s – I mean its in your own little heads what you think about the books, you don’t have to discuss with your friends whether you enjoy or not this type of sex or lifestyle. Read the book for the story, not the writing style. You are not reading Nabokov! It’s not great literature, but so few of the romance books are. I read for the emotions a book evokes – and you get a lot of emotions through this roller coaster of three books.
I read many forms of romance novels – warm through erotic. This book is really no different that say those of Joey Hill, Lauren Dane, Maya Banks, you name it. I also enjoy Lisa Kleypas, Stephanie Laurens, Loretta Chase, Courtney Milan, etc. Their books have similar vulnerable heroines and alpha males and you all jump at reading these (even despite Stephanie Laurens inability to write noun – verb sentences). I read PNR and fantasy. You take a chance on a book connecting with you – its a book, not a life long commitment. Read it, or don’t. But please please please, with anything you do – have an opinion if you partake of the experience.
Comment about CONTENT of a book ONLY if you read it.
I’ll read it when I can read it for free. Library only! I wouldn’t even book swap it. There’s way better books and authors out there to spend my money and time on. Now, I love Joey W. Hill! She writes about S&M and bondage in her Vampire Queen series is simply amazing!! I’ll buy anything she writes. I have to agree with the poster (infinitieh) few up from mine. I have a ton of issues with Bella as it is let alone about what her sexy time is like. To. Much. Information. Do. Not. Want. Nor Care.