Christian Grey is a stalker. He immediately becomes possessive of Ana - before they're even a couple. His manipulation/intimidation of Ana begins right on their first date. He takes her back to his hotel when she's too drunk to give consent. He begins to use threatening language and control before they're even in a relationship. Isolating her from family and friends. He doesn't adequately prepare her for what she's getting into and he manipulates her into agreement. He has no consideration for her emotional or physical well-being when taking her virginity. No respect for Ana's wishes. One rule for him, another for her. Manipulation. Control. Possession. Rape. Open threats. Using sex as a weapon. You want space? Well you can't have it. Nothing in her life is as important as HIS desires. Coercive consent. Emotional manipulation. Using threats to keep Ana under his control. Constantly expecting Ana to be at his beck and call. Another reference to wanting to actually hurt her... In chapter 18, Christian and Ana are discussing his desire to spank her again. When Ana asks if he's going to hit her, he replies: "Yes, but it won't be to hurt you. I don't want to punish you right now. If you'd caught me yesterday evening, well that would have been a different story..." So, basically, had he seen her the previous night, when she forgot to call him, he'd have hit her in order to actually hurt her, rather than as a part of a sexy, consensual BDSM scene. That's called physical abuse, guys. And it's so far away from being sexy, I don't even know what to say to you anymore.

I am a major reader, and while I had no interest in this book, I couldn't help but give it a read to see what all the hype was about. Rather, I should say try and read this book. Now, I knew going into it what the subject matter was, that didn't phase me, it was the writing. It read as if a middle school student wrote it- no offense to middle school students- but it just seemed like it was so poorly planned and executed. The characters were not only detestable, but also underdeveloped, unrelatable, and really just bland. On top of all that the writing style was poor. The grammar and general prose lacked any skill or thought. Ugh. Not a good read.

Ugh ugh ugh. I would give it 0 stars if I could and go on all day about way in which these books stink. They are terribly written and filled with so many grammatical and spelling errors. The characters are not relate-able or endearing, and the story was boring! The sex scenes were repetitive and yawn worthy. I really don't see the appeal.

I kept falling asleep during this book.
its poorly written, a 4 year old can right a better story.
Author would use the same words over and over.
Dull Dull book, way over rated.

Poorly written, dull and unbelievable story, sorely in need of an editor ... but the WORST was how it was marketed as an "adult Twilight." Teens and pre-teens looking to extend their Twilight fantasies would be tricked into this sad version of porn.

All I can say is I'm glad I borrowed it, not bought it. I love to read, and I read a lot, as well as a lot of genres. Love steamy books too. This, however, was not my cup of tea. Not because of the content, but I just didn't care for the characters. I struggled to get through the book, and could care less what happened to the characters, so didn't mother to read any of the rest of the series.

If i could rate something into the negatives, this would be it. Horrible dribe. I don't care about the scandalous content, that's fine by me, but the writing style!! Lord. The fact that this woman is making millions for writing such terrible s**t while fantastic authors get nothing for their masterpieces hurts my soul.

I wouldn't say "Worst book ever" but I am truely sad I wasted my time on this book. There was NO story, plot, excitement or intelligence at all. I found "Ana" annoying, whiny and I just wanted to punch her and her "Inner Goddess" in the face. It was poorly written, and I did not enjoy it at all.

NOTHING happened. There was no point to the whole book. The "sensual" parts seem to be the only thing that makes this book sell. And if that's all your after.... get a Playboy or look online for some risqué reading that is probably better writen and more believable.

I will not be reading the rest of the books because I couldn't care less about these characters and there is no story to look forward too. Total waste of time and money.

Al the talk was about this book, on facebook, with friends etc. So, I really wanted to read it. I didn't get through much when I decided to give up on it. My initial impression, was the read was boring and very poorly written. I kept going on thinking it would get better. Just a few chapters in, I gave up. Just couldn't continue. I have read better books in kindergarten. I am sure eventually the book gets juicy but there is more to a book that just a few highlights.. very disappointing.

I fell for all the hype but couldn't even get through the first of this over-marketed trilogy. The writing is disappointing and the characters unbelievable. I was left disappointed with this glorified "Harlequin"-type book. I'm all for fantasy lit for moms but this was highly deceiving.