Review: Sexy and Smart
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2014
** 3.5 stars **I discovered The Science of Temptation series at RT2013. I really appreciate the cleverness in the title, and hoped to read it sooner rather than later. Well, that didn't happen, and before I knew it, book three was up on NetGalley. I was still interested, and decided to give the entire series a go in one shot. I'm glad I made that decision because I thoroughly enjoyed the series.The Science of Temptation series has often been described as BDSM meets The Big Bang Theory. I think that is a great description, besides the fact I found these characters to be far more appealing. I would also say that the series is more "BDSM-lite". Yes, it does play an important role in the series, but for me, the stories focus more on people who happen to enjoy the lifestyle instead of the lifestyle running them. To put it a little more plainly, the characters enjoy aspects of the D/s life, but it doesn't define them. Outside of the bedroom, or club (the scenes of which were more interesting/entertaining than sexual), you'd hardly know.In The Theory of Attraction we have Ivan seeking help from neighbor Cami in being less socially awkward. Cami sees Ivan as her gorgeous but serious neighbor. But she soon realizes that Ivan's serious nature translates into a controlling man in the bedroom (or club), a man who becomes the Professor. Cami saves Ivan in the real world; Camille submits to the Professor. I liked seeing this man who is easily frazzled in situations he cannot control, become a dominant man who takes back control in the most pleasing manner. Their relationship was endearing, and I loved seeing them continue to bond and develop a closer relationship throughout the series.If you're looking for stories that a sexy and very real, I encourage you to give this series a try.Favorite Quotes"You're already pretending to be my date. So focus on that part. Are you going to be a boyfriend? Or are you going to be some guy who's hoping to get...um, get me to go out a second time?"The Friday evening traffic occupied his attention for a few minutes before he finally answered. "Were you going to say 'laid' and then changed your mind?"Crap, so much for being subtle. "Yep.""That one. I'll be that one."He called it taking but I felt as though he were giving me these things, these actions, like pieces of himself. Challenging me to receive these odd gifts, because they were all he had to give. His attention, his regard. His respect, which was the strangest thing of all, because I had expected to feel degraded at some point in all this and instead I felt valued beyond measure. Cherished. Strong.