When I started the first book I was less than impressed by the writing style. I wanted to kick the crap out of the "internal" goddess, cheerleader and conscience. Their nagging really bogged down the story. However, after the first 100 or so pages I learned to ignore them. The simplistic writing style gave way to a mix of big words and more complex themes. After a while I was surprised by the words used by the author, or Anastasia who narrates. It was a pleasant surprise that held the book together.
Somewhere between page 100 and 150 the erotica begins. Simply stated, if you don't want to read about sex, don't read these books. They are heavy and rather graphic compared to standard women's fare. However, I eventually found the first two novels to be an almost educational experience. They are, in fact, one complicated love story. The books are almost a how-to in bridging the gaps in dysfunctional relationships. We have the very broken man and the rather inexperienced woman trying to make it work. What sells this concept is the fact that they have problems and talk them out. Who would have thought the racy sex book was really about talking your problems out?!?
I have read interviews with the author where she says that women everywhere are thanking her for making it okay to try new things. I felt like these books made it okay to talk about things, problems, ideas, fetishes, etc. Most women spend half their lives (sometimes longer) learning to tell their significant other what they want but these novels tell us it is okay to talk about what we want, even if it is a little taboo.
All that said, the first two books were a raving success. In the interest of NO SPOILERS, I will only say that the third book had more drama than I expected or desired. The final resolution was Good (with a capital G). Again, the talking is key. And the point of view shift, if read correctly, reveals just how much change occurred in this series. Very well done from a psychological point of view.
Ms. James, I must thank you and curse you for publishing the hopes, dreams, fantasies and nightmares of women all in one series. Thank you for starting the discussion and changing the tide, both in fiction and the lives of the women you reach..
