Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 E.L James sure can keep a secret! This novel, Grey, came out of the blue and was such a pleasant surprise! I thought it was a prank at first, but after very little time to anticipate, here it is! Now, I am one who resisted the first wave of the 50 Shades craze because I just didn't have an interest in bondage and whips and chains and what not. My attitude was "No Thanks! I'll pass on this one." 
 But when Charlie Hunnam was cast as Christian for the movie, being the huge Sons of Anarchy fan that I am, I decided to read the novel to see what the fuss was about and was instantly and unapologetically hooked. I read all three novels back to back at least three times in a row. When I finally decided to put the series down I still longed for a connection to that world so I began reading all the fan fic I could get my hands on. Some of it was godawful but I was so curious about Christians POV that I was willing to brave all the bad grammar, convoluted internal thought processes and whatever else those enthusiastic fans cooked up. 
 EL James' version, however, is so refreshing and consistent and deep. All aspects of this story felt natural and not forced or contrived. 
 For me, part of Christian's appeal was the mystery surrounding him. Why is he behaving this way? What happened to him? Does he even know why he does the things he does? Despite his asshole-ish behavior, he was always so endearingly sweet and attentive toward Ana. He adored her and it was obvious to me the first time I read 50 Shades that this man was on the ride of his life and didn't know what to do with himself around this young woman. She unknowingly consumed him completely. Now, reading Grey, it just confirms that Ana's behavior was just as confusing to Christian as she found his to be. She unwittingly had all his emotional walls come crashing down just by being herself. What's more is the fact that he was rapidly falling in love with her and didn't even know what was happening to him! 
 I didn't think it was possible, but I love this story even more now that I have read Grey. Even while rereading this story that I've read half a dozen times already, there's something about Christian Grey that still speaks to me deeply. I find myself simultaneously wanting to make out with him and just cradle him in my arms and comfort him. His passion, strength, intelligence, competence in all things and his sexual prowess were perfectly balanced out by his wounds, insecurities, doubts and fears in this novel. Reading his perspective did nothing to radically change my understanding of his character. If anything it solidified Christian as one of my all-time favorite romance heroes and validates all the success these novels have accomplished. Grey is not a revelation, the mystery that is Christian Grey has already been solved. Reading his point of view adds yet another layer of richness to an already perfectly imperfect tale and just whets the readers appetite for more. Now we are left wondering when the release dates will be for the next installments and pray that EL James won't make us wait too long. As Christian likes to say, "We aim to please." And pleased I am. Five stars.