Fifty Shades Freed

"When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian's singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all--love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana's deepest fears turn to reality."

*May Contain Spoilers*

E L James introduces the characters readers have come to love, in her third book in the Fifty Shades series, Fifty Shades Freed, as Mr. and Mrs. Grey. Throughout the previous two novels readers have formed a strong connection with Christian and Anastasia: a bond that will be challenged as the newlyweds struggle to find their "happily ever after." 

As readers delve into the pages of Fifty Shades Freed, they see more of what drives Christian and why he feels as if he must protect Ana from the world they live in. As plots to ruin the happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Grey are revealed, their relationship hangs in the balance. Readers have a chance to see Christian and Ana as a singular unit, creating a thicker bond from the separate connections readers have formed with both of them. 

The plot promises the ups and downs of marriage, even though for people like Mr. Grey and his family, they are much more extreme. While it seems someone is trying to sabotage the Grey family, Christian must learn to rely on Anastasia, as his wife. And as all readers know, that won't be an easy feat for Mr. Grey and, as expected, Anastasia will always take things into her own hands. 

Whereas the previous two novels were about the characters themselves, trying to love each other for who they are inside. This novel pairs them together, facing the cruelty that is the world around them. Their success depends on them depending on each other and fighting against that which threatens to tear them apart. 

Fifty Shades Freed is the story after the end, and readers will love what E L James has set Christian and Ana up against. Definitely a must read for all of the Fifty fans. 

Fifty Shades Freed 

on Amazon

rating: 5/5 cups

Fifty Shades Darker

"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, Ana cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Ana learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must confront the anger and envy of the women who came her, and make the most important decision of her life."

* May Contain Spoilers *

In the first novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, by EL James, the reader came to know Anastasia. Much was revealed about her personality, goals, hopes, dreams, and fears. But in book two, Fifty Shades Darker, shifts the focus on to Christian and suddenly the reader is introduced to a shade of Mr. Grey no one knew existed. 

Fifty Shades of Grey introduced Christian as a f*ed-up-control-freak-sexual-slave-master. While, on the other hand, Fifty Shades Darker introduces a whole new proposition, no contracts involved...well maybe one, towards the end.

Christian promises Anastasia that he will give her the "more" she wanted. And suddenly he becomes a f*ed-up-control-freak-sexual-slave-master-who-asks-permission-and-tries-to-give-hearts-and-flowers. But along with "more," Ana wants to know who he is, and how he came to be that way. Thus, the blooming of Christian's character. 

Readers finally learn what happened to Christian as a child and how he coped with that at such a young age. Who helped him, who thought they helped him, and who cares for him more than he realizes. Readers discover the view Christian has of himself and that allows them to connect deeper with his character. EL James also gives the readers a peek into Mr. Grey's psyche, letting Anastasia discuss Christian with Dr. Flynn, his therapist. 

All the disconnection that readers felt with Christian throughout the first book, has disappeared. The main focus of this novel is the connection with Christian which allows readers to better understand Ana's sweet Fifty Shades. Perhaps, they'll even have an opinion change. I know I did. 

Fifty Shades Darker

on Amazon

rating: 4/5 cups

WWW-Wednesday (2)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
Midnight Sun by MJ Fredrick and I plan on finishing it today! :) Modern day pirates taking over a cruise ship sailing toward Antarctica with a love story? Oh yes.

02. Recently Finished:
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin and although I was a little disappointed with the missing main characters, it was a good novel. :) One more book to go for Spring into Reading 2012.

03. Reading Next:
Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James and I'm eager to learn what happens between Ana and Mr. Grey. Started the series, so I have no choice but to follow it all the way through to the end. :D