audiobook review: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Andrew Shaffer

Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Fanny Merkin (aka Andrew Shaffer) 

Read by: Allyson Ryan

July 10, 2012

Tantor Media Press

Adult | Parody 

Source/Format: Edelweiss/Galley

Rating: ★★★★★

Young, arrogant tycoon Earl Grey seduces the naïve coed Anna Steal with his overpowering good looks and staggering amounts of money, but will she be able to get past his fifty shames, including shopping at Walmart on Saturdays, bondage with handcuffs, and his love of BDSM (Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick)? Or will his dark secrets and constant smirking drive her over the edge? 

REVIEW: 

 

First off, let me say… I LOVE THIS BOOK. Or well audio book. I’ve only read the first three chapters of the actual Fifty Shades of Grey, but I was really excited for this parody because I LOVE parodies. And Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Andrew Shaffer is hilarious, hilarious, hilarious. I busted up laughing in the first few paragraphs. 

I loved Allyson Ryan’s reading for Fifty Shames of Earl Grey. She changes her voice during the dialogue, not in an annoying way, and rather consistent. I really loved her Earl Grey voice. Loved loved loved. It’s so raspy and low and I could listen to that voice all day, which makes me seem weird, BUT LOVE IT SO MUCH. Don’t judge.

As for the actual story, I liked that Andrew Shaffer seemed to have condensed all three books into this parody. And while I haven’t read the original trilogy (though I’ve read THE original saga? Lol) I do know what the three books are about, and I looove that it’s all condensed. It’s short and gets right to the point. And without me having to wade through 1200+ pages of pure crap (hey, I’ve read parts of Fifty Shades; I am allowed to judge based on those chapters.)

Plus, he sticks really close to the most basic things: the contract (which is a quiz in this one) BDSM (but stands for Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick), the pregnancy, the helicopter crash scene, etc. All while making it hilarious and to the point.

I’m listening to the audio book as I’m writing this review, because like I said, I LOVE it. Funny thing is, I’m on chapter twelve and Earl Grey gets tailored condoms… because he’s so big, ha ha. Which chapter twelve is one of my favorites. I was laughing so hard all ten minutes of it. Also, yes, it is a sex chapter. But once you read/hear it, you’ll understand. :P 

I love that Earl Grey is “Team Jacob.” Just think about that for a minute. Because he’s modeled after Edward Cullen? Okay then. 

I just really love this one. I want to buy a copy for my shelves and an audio copy for my ears because YES, it is that amazing. I also would recommend this one to Fifty Shades of Grey fans. Because parodies are fucking awesome, that’s why. And you definitely should read this one—regardless if you’ve read the original (I don’t mean Twilight in this case) or not. It’s funny, and well, everyone needs a laugh once in a while.

Go ahead. Pick up a copy. You know you wanna.