Just to be clear I am reviewing the entire trilogy. 
 Erotic fiction is not my typical read, but I've heard so much buzz over this series, I had to see what it was all about. I would summarize this series by saying: take the Twilight series, remove the vampire aspect, and add some graphic, steamy sex scenes and you pretty much get the Fifty Shades series. And just like the Twilight series, I didn't have many great things to say about it... and yet I couldn't seem to put these books down. I read the whole trilogy in three days. 
 Sexy, worldly, wealthy, controlling, BDSM enthusiast Christian Grey seduces sweet, innocent, beautiful, and of course virginal Anastasia Steele. She's constantly in danger, and both needs and resents Christians protection. Sure there's much sex between two people who must have the shortest refractory period ever... But a complex relationship between two likeable characters develops. And yes, Christian and Ana are totally over-the-top as far as realism goes, but the characters remained true to themselves throughout the trilogy. The series is punctuated with pithy e-mail banter, typical and not so typical relationship ups and downs, and a supporting cast of characters that will keep you smiling. 
 I strongly disliked the epilogue :(view spoiler)[the oh so happy ending was too much for me. Babies not interfering with your kinky sex life, best friends becoming sisters-in-law, blah blah blah... A bit too much cheesy happiness for this cynic. (hide spoiler)] 
 So- if you're looking for a brilliant piece of literature... Fifty Shades is not for you. But if you want a quick read and a guilty pleasure than I would say this series lives up to the hype.