Title: Theory of Attraction
Author: Cleon Lee
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Buy Link: Buy Link Theory of Attraction
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Length: Novella
Rating: 3.25 stars
A Guest Review by Sammy
Review Summary: Two opposite worlds collide and realize that each has a great deal to learn about their potential for love.
Blurb: Ethan Roberts is a TA and the resident Don Juan of St Phillips University. Tired of one-night stands, he decides to pursue shy, nerdy Aaron Marcus, a sociology TA, in the hopes of forming a serious relationship. Insecure, paranoid Aaron, however, thinks Ethan is just toying with him. His perception of Ethan changes the night he gets falling-down drunk and Ethan takes care of him. Will Ethan be able to reassure Aaron that his intentions are honorable?
Review: Opposites most assuredly attract. In the case of Aaron, a nerdy, wounded, poster boy for low self-esteem and Ethan, a hot, sexy and fairly confident Teaching Assistant, not only do they attract but they can, in rare circumstances seek to heal the other.
Theory of Attraction explores the premise that there does indeed come a time in a man’s life where one night stands and shallow relationships grow stale. Ethan is bored in many ways and when he stumbles upon Aaron while interviewing for a coveted post as a TA, he realizes just how empty his life has been. However, Ethan is not used to being rebuffed and Aaron does so in spades.
Thus begins a journey for both men. For Ethan, it is an unsettling realization that his glib, suave style will not work–he must dig deep and become as real as possible in order to capture the attention of Aaron. For Aaron, moving beyond the betrayal and hurt of a previously disastrous relationship has to take place in order for him to trust another man enough to open his heart to him.
All in all, this was a sweet and interesting story. The two characters were poignantly real and their interactions together were delightful–you saw them unfold and discover not only each other but themselves–their potential.
However, as compelling as these two men were, the side characters and, at times, the storyline itself, suffered from inconsistencies and underdevelopment. I felt that the lesser characters were more plot devices to move the story along rather than people whose lives impacted our MC’s.
I was uncertain of why the author chose to include certain scenes like the conflict Aaron had with his adviser, Professor Yates. I realize it was there to set up the charity ball but it simply did not move the story along for me–it was unimportant to the overall plot.
There were also certain moments where the story leapt ahead–left me a bit confused as to where we were. Minor characters were introduced and then never mentioned again. I felt like the author had a bigger story to tell–a more fully developed one that would have answered many of my questions and allowed this burgeoning love story to grow at a better pace.
All in all, Theory of Attraction had great potential to be a solid story but there were a few too many gaps for my liking. However, the story is a sweet romantic tale of healing and beginning love. So I leave the choice to you dear reader. Pick this one up for a moment of sweet escape, you might enjoy some time back in the classroom.
