Computer programmer Camilla Novak works at the University and lives in geek central, an apartment complex housing many of the university's brilliant, single, and socially awkward male scientists. Cami is happy to be one of the complex's social hubs, feeding the guys and joining in their gaming. She's quietly controlling the stalker-like habits she's developed towards her handsome but clueless next door neighbor and friend, Ivan Reynolds. He's pretty rigid about his routine so she knows when she can join him in the garden or catch him as he starts and finishes his run.

When Ivan faces a tricky situation at work he turns to Cami for help. His job may be in jeopardy if he can't manage the social graces, particularly when it comes to fundraising. As Cami comes up with lessons to teach Ivan the how and whys of social interactions she learns that it's best to tap into something that Ivan understands well. What she inadvertently stumbles into is Ivan's dominant nature that he primarily displays in the bedroom with a submissive. That take charge seduction skill can come in very handy in any social setting if done right. When he starts applying it in the bedroom with Cami, it's done very, very right.

THE THEORY OF ATTRACTION is fun and sexy. It could be difficult to like Ivan given his rigidity and literal-mindedness but Delphine Dryden infuses him with a sexy, albeit geeky, charm. Though at times clumsy given his social weaknesses, his caring and respect for Cami is evident. For her part, Cami is confident, straightforward, and strong. The way they the slip into the dominant/submissive relationship feels natural. Though Cami is the submissive, she never comes across as weak. Ivan's intellectual approach to understanding human interaction is sweet and I enjoyed watching that light bulb go off as he figured out how to make it work.

Book Summary

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...