AAR

[Claire]

I just read the first three chapters on amazon and I'm thinking of buying it. I didn't know it was originally Twilight fanfic but that doesn't bother me. I think it's really good! It reminds me of the old school Harlequins ...sure there's a lot of stereotypes but it's like putting on an old pair of comfortable shoes. Mind, I haven't got to the bdsm parts. It's interesting that no sex has happened yet and it's chapter 3. I like a little build up. This book seems like a refreshed version of what I've always loved about romance...

Btw, I found out about the book because it was on the Today show this morning. Dr Drew Pinsky actually kind of said this book was dangerous ...like maybe women will want to go out and I guess be victimized?! It's fiction! I can't believe he thinks women can't discern reality and make believe.

[xina]

[LikesBadBoys]

Sounds like Dr. Drew is making the same arguments people have been making about romance for years (that's it's going to confuse and corrupt the women folk), but with a focus on abuse. He sold his soul to MTV, so luckily I tend to think that most people take what he says with a grain of salt anyway.

I guess I don't get how this book is more controversial than any other books that have very dark heroes, although I do understand how some of the language is on the cusp, especially when Christian has moments where he will express a desire to do certain things that he doesn't necessarily do to Ana. The desire itself is a bit disturbing, and more so if some of the things that are said and done are taken out of context.

I enjoyed the books and didn't really see the Twilight parallels until people started pointing them out. That's probably because I never made it past chapter one of the first Twilight book. I don't see the capacity to enjoy this book as any way indicative of ones reading palate either; there are a lot of people who still believe people who enjoy romance have no taste. It's unpleasant to see even a glimmer of that kind of argument applied here according to what books/genres of romance people enjoy.

For my part, I certainly don't feel the need to justify my enjoyment by citing books I've read. I'll just say my tastes are varied and I consumed this entire trilogy within a few days; it goes to the keeper shelf. As another mentioned, it's certainly not without flaws; you really have to suspend disbelief about some of the HEA of the secondary characters. I was able to look beyond that because I liked the main characters and found the writing style quite humorous throughout, Britishisms and all.

[doriko]

Thanks LikesBadBoys, you've captured my thoughts exactly (and more eloquently than I could), especially this:

[jaime]

I just read that the trilogy sold over 100'000 copies. That makes me despair for the reading taste of the masses, hee. Also making me LOL is one paper calling it "mommy porn" - can I call it navel gazing whiny porn?

[LikesBadBoys]

[jaime]

I have to say one thing I do like about this trilogy is the covers, especially the first one, very classy looking and elegant in a simple way.

[mirole]

You can read about all the publicity the trilogy is getting in today's news on Dear Author:

http://dearauthor.com/features/industry-news/friday-news-deals-new-deals-50-hitting-all-the-papers

I am glad about the fact that so many women have the same reaction to the book as I.

Like Doriko, I'd like to thank LikesBadBoys for expressing her thoughts on the books phonomenon so eloquently.

For those who are on the fence as to whether to read it or not, I strongly recommend you read it and form your own opinion.

[xina]

[Yulie]

[LikesBadBoys]

[Yulie]

[Linda in sw va]

[xina]

[quote="Yulie"]

[xina]