Right off the bat, I have to say this, and I cannot stress it enough: If you're considering reading this series, I encourage you to be opened minded if BDSM and erotic romance isn't your typical fare (and book number two is not nearly as BDSM as the first, not even close). It's not mine, and I am so glad I gave this trilogy a shot. This is one of the most moving love stories you can ever read. It's intensely erotic and sexy at every turn, but that passion is piqued by the meaning and essence behind Ana and Christian's relationship. To see that type of passion emanate from a couple despite all they endure for one other is nothing short of heartbreaking--and heartwarming, and romantic, and just plain hot--all at the same time. This entire story is really about unconditional love, how far you'd bend, compromise, or try to understand the one you love, and to what lengths you'd travel to commit to that person. It's about faith, trust, patience, and selflessness.

*Spoiler Alert*

Just FYI: When Christian's mom confronted Elena at his birthday party with the colossal bitchslap, I swear I flew up from the couch like a madwoman with a fist in the air and a victory shout. It. Was. Awesome. But I digress...

Fifty is back in book two, bossy as ever (never far), but he is an entirely different character in this book, and from the moment he reunites with Ana, he's a changed man. The prologue and what you learn about him as the story progresses is heartbreaking. The pictures and talk of his abuse are palpable and at times very hard to read. His transformation is amazing. I especially loved Ana in this installment. She had to be the strong one, fight for what was hers, show Christian that she believed in him and in their relationship, and she just really grew up. The sexy banter between the two is back, as are the witty, laugh-out-loud e-mail exchanges. Still, this installment was more serious and had plenty of swoon-worthy moments. The ending blew me away and was not at all what I expected. As for the cliff hanger for book 3, well...things are about to get much more interesting.