The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Camilla and Ivan's story



The Theory of Attraction (The Science of Temptation book 1)

by Delphine Dryden

Book Blurb:
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..

Intensely hot! LOVE! A great premise for an erotic story. The Theory of Attraction was an outstanding read for me. 

I was attracted to Ivan and all his introvert glory. He is brilliant in the lab or as a professor but just like a lot of highly intellectual geniuses, he was socially awkward. I was so attracted to Ivan's personality. No games with Ivan. No guessing or making assumptions. He is not the type of man a woman would ask, "Does my butt look big in this?" because his unwavering honesty would truthfully tell you that your butt was big and he'd have no qualms about softening the blow. He doesn't "get" how you are not supposed to interrupt people's conversations or lie to spare people's feelings. Just the thought of a crowded room full of party-goers would make him sweat. 

Cami is a sweetheart. I really liked that the book started where Cami and Ivan have been neighbours and friends for over two years. As such, the author spares the readers of a crammed in-depth history of Ivan and his "condition". Instead we are treated to Cami's first person point of view detailing her crush on Ivan and all of his quirks. 

When Ivan approaches Cami with his request of seeking social training for a very important fundraising, I just knew this was going to be good. I got all giddy and couldn't wait for the training to begin. To my utter and complete surprise a delicious turn in the story occurs where the training ended up being more of a D/s story. Instead the training ended up more Ivan giving Cami instruction on being his submissive. I absolutely loved the lead up to the training. The date at the movie, the whispers in her ear, the placement of hands at the theater, the dinner and the drive home. It was anticipation at it's best. 

Now for the best part of the story...the hot erotic play. It was excellent and exciting. Some of the best I've read. It was not dark BDSM and Ivan made an excellent Dom considering his read on people. The author did a great job early on in The Theory of Attraction to tell the story of how patient Ivan was with explaining detailed instructions on a complicated video game to a new player or when he is in his teaching element for the university. So when the time came for Ivan to change into his Dom persona, he did an exceptional job and very believable.  

The only time I did an eye roll is when Ivan told Cami something about his biggest fear. Honestly, that part of the story was lame and it would have been a perfect read except for that one part. 

Regardless, one of my favourite fun reads so far this year. 

Teasers: "I wanted to make Ivan Reynolds completely lose his shit. Barring that, I would settle for Ivan making me completely lose my shit, which seemed a lot more likely."