Theory of Attraction

by Cleon Lee

Ethan Roberts is a TA and the resident gay Don Juan of St. Phillips University. Getting tired of one-night stands, he decides to pursue a serious relationship. However, the only guy he really wants is Aaron Marcus, a shy and nerdy Sociology TA.

His upbringing and his past relationship have made Aaron Marcus insecure and paranoid. He thinks Ethan is just another guy who wants to make fun of him with his over-the-top courtship. However, his perception of Ethan changes when Ethan takes him home and takes care of him after Aaron gets drunk in a bar.

It is up to Ethan to reassure Aaron that despite Ethan's inexperience in relationships and Aaron's neuroses, they can make their relationship work.

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, Romance, M M Contemporary, Contemporary, Short Stories

117 pages, ebook

First published August 11, 2012

About the author

Although a cynic at heart, Cleon Lee is passionate that the stories she reads and writes have happy endings because she believes the world needs more optimism.

Her physical self is located in country in South East Asia, but her family and friends think she lives in a castle in the sky.

Reviews

[Bookwatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute quick romance! I hope there is the possibility of more!

So, dear reader of this review, allow me tell you (without spoilers! I swear!) why I liked so much this romance, and the reason it's a 4 stars.

Let me start talking about the cuteness of the main characters,
Aaron and Ethan

errrr... nope, they are human.. but well, that was the cutest imagine I found, so it's just to illustrate how CUTE both are to the reader!

Ok, I will start talking about... Aaron Marcus the shy PhD student!
[image error]
How can I describe him without spoil anything? Better start saying he is reeeeeeally shy, and a big geek, that have problems to interact with people

Majoring in Sociology, he also find time to deal with high-risk teenagers without home. So imagine how stressed he is, writing his thesis and dealling with teens that 90% of the times reacts like this to all Aaron efforts


Yeah... poor Aaron!

Ethan Roberts, in the other main character and well... I can describe him using one illustrated example... because... he is... hot


Searching for a teaching assistant position he will meet Aaron and...


Ethan will see something in the shy and geek PhD student that will make him want him... with all his forces... he want Aaron... can't stop think about Aaron... and do you think Aaron will react celebrating that there is a HOT stud that want him???

Well... you must read to know
TEASER! I'M A TEASER I KNOW!!!

so without spoil the story, I can say it's all about it....
Ethan... doing the IMPOSSIBLE to reach the shy guy he want


and Aaron, worried with his thesis and work ignoring Ethan, because he don't care the hottest guy of the university want him

(yeah it's something you will ask yourself over and over!!! Why he don't care???)

Anyway... I know you will want a hot man/man action IMMEDIATELY


but... my advice is... relax...


Because YES it's a romance.... and I ADORED it... but things must happen in the right moment... but... I guarantee something for you...
A VERY sweet love story!



4 stars, . It's not a 5 stars IMO because maybe there should be less secondary characters. It's a short-story, and there are so many secondary characters that distract me from the MAIN couple... the lovely Aaron and Ethan. I was obsessed with them!
and you know... obsession is hard to deal with

So any detail about other character wasn't what I was wanting... but it's a personal reason, the need of more focus in just the two main characters.

I start this review saying I wish there will be more!. The end is a "real" end, so don't worry, there is an end, but I REEEEEEEALLY would love to see more of their lives... and know... how things will really go from that point on... so I will keep asking for more... and bugging the writer



Great JOB!, 4 stars!

PS: ARC provided by the Author/Editor,
no compensation for this review (it's my honest opinion)

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Aaah ... opposites attract :).

Ethan Roberts is the resident gay Don Juan -- he's charming, he's smart, he has the looks that can make other people weeks in the knees, women and gay men alike. Aaron Marcus, on the other hand, is introverted, shy, socially inept, but very kind hearted (he's very much involved as a volunteer in a LGBTQ Youth Center).

Personally, I'm still not sure what attracts Ethan to Aaron in the beginning. I know that it is said that Ethan is tired with the usual one-nighters -- but there are not enough of interaction for Ethan to pursue Aaron. In fact, in the beginning, Ethan is intrigued with Aaron simply because "Aaron is a nerd -- and Ethan never dated a geek before".

I think if Ethan is written to be more involved in Aaron's volunteer work, for example, it will be a lot better. That way Ethan can see Aaron in his 'element'. It gives more basis to his attraction. Aaron is more believable, in his bewilderment with a sudden interest from Ethan. 'Why does this perfect specimen suddenly gives him flower and chocolate?' is Aaron's reaction.

HOWEVER, what I love about this, is how it takes time the relationship to happens (ALWAYS appreciate that, thank you!). Ethan shows his appreciation for Aaron, by taking care of Aaron when the shy guy is drunk. Then Aaron is the one who is making the move, when he realizes that Ethan really is a nice guy. Even afterwards, their physical interaction doesn't happen until about the last 1/5 of the book.

I also feel that the university life is quite vibrant here. From the talk about their research up to the charity ball to find benefactors for grants. IN FACT, when Ethan tells Aaron, "I'm reading Patton's Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods", I smile WIDELY, because THAT'S the book I READ last semester *hehehe*.

The secondary characters, while not many, are quite interesting too. Especially Aaron's friend, John (who apparently has a Daddy, and that Daddy is ready to give Ethan pain if Ethan ever hurts Aaron *grin*) or Ethan's bi-sexual and hump everything with legs friend, Herbert.

While it might lack a little emotion for me to have that attachment to the characters, it is still a pretty good contemporary romance -- and quite sweet without being over the top.

My favorite quote:
Professor Yates glowered at him. "I hate balls, charity or otherwise."

PS: ARC given by the author -- there are no benefits or promise for money or even chocolate or ice cream made for this advanced review. Just so you know :)

[Deeze · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one never really got off the ground for me. I loved the idea, but sadly I felt no real connection to either Aaron or Ethan.

The basis was there, with Aaron’s insecurities and the boys he helped, but I never felt like we got the real story. Instead we get glimpses of things and then they are brushed aside as if they are unimportant.

Great potential, but never made it work for me.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
Aaron is a TA and so is Ethan, and they are both gay, other than that they don't have much in common.
Ethan is self confidant, good looking, outgoing. Aaron is neurotic, socially inept and full of insecurities. Ethan (for some reason, I'm not quite sure of) has taken an interest in Aaron and tries to woo him and court him, very unsuccessfully.
Aaron is a good guy, but he doesn't trust jocks, good looking guys and seems to think Ethan must have ulterior motives for wanting to date him.
After Ethan proves himself a good friend and they start spending more and more time together, Aaron finally gives into his wants and starts a relationship with Ethan.
I liked the geek aspect, I liked the slowly getting to know each other and the insecurities they both had, I just sort of wanted more of Aaron's backstory, why he is so prickly and I would have loved to see a bit more, just to be sure, it was a HFN and I wouldn't have minded a little more of a HEA.

[Kinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would have been better with an epilogue! Although this is definitely NOT a Happy For Now (HFN) so that alone makes me cheer. Ethan, is that gorgeous guy we all know where everything comes easy. He is well off, intelligent, popular, great personality and can charm anyone. Aaron is a geek on a tight budget and low self esteem. He fears Ethan may be toying with him but the courtship was just too adorable.

[L-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good novella length story. While I liked Ethan, I had a lot of trouble warming up to Aaron. Aaron was just a little too cold and antisocial for my taste. Ethan spends the whole story putting himself out there and getting shot down. I was getting bummed out for him and frankly, the description of Aaron (both physically and personality-wise) wasn't really enough for me to see what all the fuss was about.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars. Sweet m/m romance about a hunky teaching assistant who becomes fascinated with one of the other more geeky teaching assistants. Alas, the object of his interest rebuffs him and flees at every opportunity. Unfortunately, the choppy style (not enough sentence opening variety) started to wear on me after a while, but that's something that may improve with more writing experience.

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that Ethan and Aaron took a while to get to know, and a little bit of effort to understand, but it was well worth it. In many ways my understanding of them grew as they got to know each other better and that was a rather interesting experience. I liked both of them from the start, and the "challenge" for a Don Juan-like character like Ethan to convince a nerd like Aaron to go out with him was not inconsiderable.

Ethan seems like a pretty clear-cut character. He likes 'the chase' more than being in a relationship, he is self-confident, and his reputation as master of the one-nighter precedes him. Except – he is no longer that interested. Meeting Aaron makes him think. Not only is he attracted to the sociology TA, the guy gives him a run for his money – in a good way. Ethan finds out how hard it is to change people's perceptions. Good thing he's a stubborn man!

Aaron may be nerdy and on the shy side of withdrawn where his own relationships are concerned, but he knows what he wants. He is no pushover, and that made me like him a lt. Luckily for Ethan, he is also fair, and even though he makes Ethan fight for every inch, he does give him a chance. That is far more than many people would do! The fact that he works with underprivileged kids just made me love him all the more; it proves he isn't just a "theoretical sociologist", he practices what he has learned.

This story, while talking about some deeper truths like overcoming prejudice and supporting the values of tolerance and acceptance for people with very different personalities than our own, is also a lot of fun to read. If you like opposites figuring out they are actually attracted to each other. If you enjoy a nerdy guy and a Casanova battling it out, and if you can't wait for them to become a lovign couple, then you will probably like this book.

[Lasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

What an utterly delight debut novel from Cleon Lee. Theory of Attraction was a great read from beginning to end. Sick and tired of angst, shifters and drama, then this slice of life story is right up your alley! The author had me hooked when the two men started talking qualitative and quantitative research methods as a method of subtle foreplay!

Ethan and Aaron are graduate students and both are TA's in their respective departments working on their PhD's. They meet at a job interview and Ethan is immediately attracted to shy, nerdy Aaron; but Aaron won't give Ethan the time of day. Over the course of their gradual friendship, Ethan woos Aaron (flowers, chocolate) and finally wins the guy over, but its not easy.

What I loved about this novel was the tone and pacing. Sweet, yet spicy when needed, but overall the fact that one of the protagonists had to work for a date was beautiful and unique. There was no insta-love, bondings or even immediate sex. Theory of Attraction is a true romance novel and I ate up every single page.



Author provided ARC copy for this review.

[Yuu Sasih · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

Cute story. An adorkable Sociology student met The Uni's Don Juan? Very cute, indeed.

This story maybe a bit too short for my liking, but I really like the pacing, it's not too rushed despite the pages. But really, this story deserves more pages (and more conflicts) because both Ethan and Aaron have their potential! And the ending! It's so cute but I want moooooooooaaaaaarrr!!

Wonder if the author's gonna make a sequel? But anyway, well done, Kak Cleon! especially with that tiny sneak peak into introversion and DSM V. Strike through my heart! lol.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't enjoy this light romance. Ethan is friendly even charming and warm character. You can only adore him, but Aaron..., he was cold, unfriendly or even shy and socially inept. He could at least act friendly while talking with Ethan, but no, he had to act like an ass. Even if you don't like someone, you can at least act polite. Anyway this wasn't story for me.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable debut novella, I really loved the characters and the slow build in the story. I thought it was very well written and just very enjoyable. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am going to expect a sequel for this book, cause it really ended too quickly.

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sammy Goode · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

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 advisor, 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.

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story of the young academicians of St. Phillips University. Opposites attract, likable characters, awkward pursuits, slow burn and all that jazz, this tale hit me at just the right moment when I need it! :)

[jules0623 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like this trope but I really disliked Aaron. There's socially awkward then there's just plain asshole and Aaron appears to be the latter.

[Debby]

belom ada mood aja ngebaca nya... DNF yah..... mungkin suatu saat akan ku baca lagi.... entah kapan.