50 Shades later

I don't like the follow the crowd (I think I've mentioned that before) so it took quite a while for me to give in but I've been and done it!
The 50 Shades Trilogy by E.L. James has been all over the social network sites for months. Everyone seems to be reading it, have read it already or can't wait to read it. Not since Harry Potter has there been such a hoo ha about a book series. Women everywhere are raving on about Ana and Christian. Anyone would think that never before has there been this much kinky sex in a book!
Well now I've read all three books, I can honestly give my opinion...
I downloaded this trilogy onto my Kindle on Monday morning and I just finished the third book a half hour ago. I read a lot and I am a fairly quick reader but to polish off three books in three evenings is good going even for me. This highlights how easy these books are to read. I wouldn't say I found them engrossing (like some people!) but they flowed well and kept my interest. Yes, there is a lot of sex and some of it is kinky but it is also repetitive. The author continually describes Ana's libido as her "inner Goddess" and this rankles after a while. Constantly using the same vocabulary to describe her characters (Christian is so mercurial!) also raised my hackles quite a bit. However, the characters are very good and the storyline is okay.
With all the postings on Facebook and Twitter, I had certain expectations of what the books were about, I expected to hate the Christian character but instead found him sympathetic and interestingly complicated. Ana is also quite likeable although not as believable. I don't think anyone really thinks that someone who kept their legs crossed for twenty-one years would be so quick to lose all inhibitions. Okay, it's fiction so, in theory, you can make the characters do whatever you want. However, this sudden turnabout in character made me uncomfortable. It was too convenient.
Do not believe the hype though. These books are not just about sex. Aside from the dominance / submission, sex toys and orgasms, there is actually a story here. It is a story we have read many times in many formats - It has a classic Love Conquers All.
I am sure that most women will find the books enjoyable and titillating. I am also sure that most of the excitement around these books is from women that don't do an awful lot of reading. There is a lot of variety out there and a lot of erotic fiction if you look for it.
If you've read the books and thought they are the best thing you have ever read, then I honestly believe you are not reading enough. If you have been inspired to spice up your sex life or even better pick up another book to read, then I guess E.L. James' work here is done.