Personally, I liked the books, and yes they make JA/Travis seem boring. The writing was not amazing or anything, but for me the author hooked me and I really did become invested in the story and the characters.
This book can definitely be offensive for some people. There is a lot of dominate/submissive sex involved, so if the reader is not able to move past that to the love story, and the connection, vulnerability, etc. woven within than it probably would not be enjoyable.
I actually could go on and on about this book, because I really did like it, and I have a tendency to analyze everything, so I paralleled that all of us have dominate/submissive tendencies within relationships, sexually, or in other ways. There is also, a lot about surrendering yourself to another person, a willingness to open yourself to pain to find safety, etc. I also did like all the kinky sex, it really was very sexy and intense.
Christian Grey and Anastasia were from different worlds that came together. When they came together their chemistry was hot, and I loved how Christian always took his time. Let's just say they experience each other in every way possible, and it is a wild ride.