For What It's Worth


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Review: The Theory of Attraction (The Science of Temptation #1) by Delphine Dryden (novella)


13646578-1Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it's hard to connect with a man who doesn't seem to know she exists...

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it's not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn't expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of "lessons."

Cami soon discovers Ivan's schedule isn't the only thing he likes to be strict about—he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She's shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation.

Goodreads | Author | Amazon

Source: Freebie download on Amazon

Review:
All I really needed to hear was “nerd hero” and  I was in…add in Kindle freebie and I snapped up The Theory of Attraction immediately. I’m all for sexy times but I hadn’t realized this was a BDSM novella. Think The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon (but hotter) + BDSM = The Theory of Attraction.

I don’t read much BDSM/domme/submissive. It doesn’t really appeal to me and it was no different with this novella. However what I did love were the characters.

Ivan is completely awkward in social situations to the point of being rude while Cami is independent, confident and bubbly. Watching them come together and take on such different roles in the bedroom was fascinating.

The sex itself didn’t do anything for me (like I said, I’m not a fan of domme/submissive relationships – if you are then you’ll love this novella even more) but the reasons why this lifestyle appeals to Ivan did. For a guy who is so analytical and unable to have normal conversations or just do something spur of the moment, BDSM provides a level of control that allows him to approach sex scientifically within defined parameters with verifiable results. It was just an interesting way to approach the subject that I hadn’t thought of before.

There’s quite a bit of background and development in a short span of time so you believe in the HEA but I do wish we got to see a little more of Cami and Ivan outside of the bedroom. Their encounters are especially sweet and funny when forced into social situations. Their dynamic is always shifting. Cami's in control outside the bedroom, while Ivan is in charge during sex - but even then he starts changing a bit - taking risks. He starts to let go of some of that control with Cami and I would have loved to read more & see him grapple with that.

Final thoughts: The Theory of Attraction was a heck of a lot steamier and outside my comfort zone than I had bargained for but I still enjoyed it and especially Cami and Ivan. I wish it was longer but I say that about most novellas…

13 comments:

  1. I snapped this one up when someone was raving about it on Twitter and mentioned that it was free. The characters were fabulous. I wasn't expecting the BDSM. I don't mind it but if that's the ONLY kind of sex the characters are having...*shrugs* I liked Ivan and Cami, though!

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    1. I got it for the same reason and I felt the same as you.

      I just can't get into that kind of sex. Especially dominant and submissive. It's a real turn off for me but I did really enjoy the story and characters.

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  2. You do realise I'm never going to be able to look at Sheldon in quite the same way ever again.

    Alas not a book I can see myself reading good characters are not. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  3. Sounds like it was definitely worth the price!! lol

    PS. Love the holiday picture of Figment!

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    1. Free is always good.

      Thanks - that was from when he was young and innocent lol

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  4. "Think The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon (but hotter) + BDSM = The Theory of Attraction." --- Best tag line ever! I have this and now I can't wait to give it a try.
    Great review!

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    1. I think you would like this one. Too hardcore with the sex for me but still cute.

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  5. I have no idea how Sheldon and BDSM could possibly end up in the same context, but now I'm desperate to find out!
    Off to download.

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    1. Ivan reminded me so much of Sheldon. He has ZERO social skills lol

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  6. I'm not a huge BDSM girl myself. However, Sheldon? LOL Free? I'm so there! LOL Oh yea, you know exactly what to tell me to get me to try one of these. :)

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    1. I hate all that ordering around with BDSM lol but if you can get past that (although it's a huge part of the story) it's a fun read.

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  7. I really felt like Ivan had Aspergers. I agree that they crammed in a lot of character development into a pretty short book...

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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