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

Camilla 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.

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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…