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The Science of Temptation #2
The Seduction Hypothesis
(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights
Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.
Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…
Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…
Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.
Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…
Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2013
24 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Delphine Dryden
38 books369 followersI write contemporary and erotic romance, and sometimes steampunk romance! To contact me, go to my website or find me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 7, 2013
What a fun read!
This is the sequel to Ivan and Cami’s book the theory of attraction.
Ben and Lindsay use to be together.
Then they broke up.
From lack of communication
She wanted “something” more, but only hinted at it. She just couldn’t tell him what “it” was
He thought she had the “hots” for Ivan, the way she looks at him and the way she obeys him.
The jealousy got too much for him.
They both still pine for each other but Ben doesn’t know how to win her back.
Ben and Lindsay join Ivan and Cami, Lin and Ed on a trip to BeastCon (think Comicon)
When they get there things really get interested.
Lindsay is obsessed with a character from a BDSM Graphic Novel “Balls ‘n’ Chain” and that is who she is dressing as for the BeastCon best dressed competition.
Something like this
That's the closest I could find that won't get me reported.. Hopefully!
While wandering around the exhibit she comes across the “Balls ‘n’ Chain” stall, they are all dressed up except for Sub Red She is not at the convention. Lindsay is offered her place for the convention. She jumps at the chance.
Ben decides that he needs to ask Ivan what his secret is. Ben wants Lindsay back badly. Ivan and Cami tell Ben all about the world of BDSM and how they think that is what Lindsay wants.
The Nerd that Ben is- he sets off straight away to start researching, a lot of sites Ivan told him, blogs, porno’s and also reads the “Balls ‘n’ Chain” graphic novels.
So he becomes “Dominant Ben”
He gets Lindsay alone and sets to the BDSM as he would an experiment.
Forming hypotheses, testing things out, observing and making inferences. Drawing conclusions all over Lindsay’s hot little body.
And then it’s just FUN!
Well nothing really..
I’m pretty sure this book is not to be taken “seriously”
Yeah great hot sex, but it’s silly and sexy and nerdy and just plain fun.
Sex scenes are HAWT, BDSM is tame. Not extreme tied up ropes orgasm control, beatings kind of thing etc
As they both learn what to do in the situations. They are able to giggle about things while doing them.
Everyone has to learn somewhere right?
So why only 3 stars? I just didn't love them as much as I did with Cami and Ivan.
This series is great!
*Arc copy courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is the sequel to Ivan and Cami’s book the theory of attraction.
Ben and Lindsay use to be together.
Then they broke up.
From lack of communication
She wanted “something” more, but only hinted at it. She just couldn’t tell him what “it” was
He thought she had the “hots” for Ivan, the way she looks at him and the way she obeys him.
The jealousy got too much for him.
They both still pine for each other but Ben doesn’t know how to win her back.
Ben and Lindsay join Ivan and Cami, Lin and Ed on a trip to BeastCon (think Comicon)
When they get there things really get interested.
Lindsay is obsessed with a character from a BDSM Graphic Novel “Balls ‘n’ Chain” and that is who she is dressing as for the BeastCon best dressed competition.
Something like this
That's the closest I could find that won't get me reported.. Hopefully!
While wandering around the exhibit she comes across the “Balls ‘n’ Chain” stall, they are all dressed up except for Sub Red She is not at the convention. Lindsay is offered her place for the convention. She jumps at the chance.
Ben decides that he needs to ask Ivan what his secret is. Ben wants Lindsay back badly. Ivan and Cami tell Ben all about the world of BDSM and how they think that is what Lindsay wants.
The Nerd that Ben is- he sets off straight away to start researching, a lot of sites Ivan told him, blogs, porno’s and also reads the “Balls ‘n’ Chain” graphic novels.
So he becomes “Dominant Ben”
He gets Lindsay alone and sets to the BDSM as he would an experiment.
Forming hypotheses, testing things out, observing and making inferences. Drawing conclusions all over Lindsay’s hot little body.
And then it’s just FUN!
Well nothing really..
I’m pretty sure this book is not to be taken “seriously”
Yeah great hot sex, but it’s silly and sexy and nerdy and just plain fun.
Sex scenes are HAWT, BDSM is tame. Not extreme tied up ropes orgasm control, beatings kind of thing etc
As they both learn what to do in the situations. They are able to giggle about things while doing them.
Everyone has to learn somewhere right?
So why only 3 stars? I just didn't love them as much as I did with Cami and Ivan.
This series is great!
*Arc copy courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
July 18, 2013
Geekfest meets BDSM in this kinky erotic romance. This is a sweet quirky and amusing romance. The reader is taken on a tour of science-fiction slash comic convention through the eyes of a horny couple discovering BDSM.
Lindsey is still heartbroken over an abrupt breakup with her boyfriend, Ben. She's not exactly sure why Ben dumped her, but she suspects it's because of her newfound interest in BDSM. Lindsey figures out the missing piece in her life when she starts reading a BDSM comic, Balls N' Chains.
This story is above all, cute and pretty dead on for how some couples find themselves speeding forward into the BDSM lifestyle. It's not uncommon for one in the pairing finding this desire and dragging a sometimes unwilling partner into this freaky depraved fun. Lindsey is the aggressor in this scenario. She's actually pretty typical to find nowadays. I'm constantly meeting dissatisfied females in a relationship they want to spice up. These females sometimes spring it upon their lover in graphic detail or they try through subtle hints. Lindsey chooses the later method and it blows up in her face. Ben thinks it's some kind of test and goes overboard in what he believe Lindsay wants to hear. This is a key point - the lack of open communication in this relationship is already a problem which BDSM will only exacerbate if not addressed immediately.
What Lindsey goes through in this story is not too different from what we call "sub frenzy". She's learned this new thing and she wants to try it all. She dives in hard with very little research other than a smexy comic book. This sets her up for disappointment because she wants to be a sub. She needs a Dom and Ben falls woefully short. Ben is immediately competing against a fictional Dom from a comic book no less. With dominating not being Ben's natural inclination, it's already intimidating to try and meet up to Lindsey's desires.
This entire scenario is appalling accurate and something I see time and time again. I feel badly for these newbie dominants completely out of depth and with little guidance. Unless the male is already confident, this could crush them. Ms. Dryden does a great job showing this very realistic scenario down to Ben's concerns of fumbling and tripping.
The BDSM scenes in this story are light and erotic. There are more toys involved then actual D/s scenes going on. Even though there is constant mention of a dominant demeanor exhibited by several males in this story, I didn't feel it. There isn't a case of showing dominance. There is more kinky accoutrements to engage a BDSM feel. For a D/s situation to translate into actions in a story, isn't not easy.
The main characters Lindsey and Ben are sweet and consistent with those interested in science fiction and comic books. The supporting characters are interesting as I haven't read the first book. I'm now interested in reading the first one because Ivan intrigues me. He is what Sheldon from The Bing Bang Theory might be if he were to be a dominant.
The story is at times confusing because the point of view switches between Ben and Lindsey. I would recommend Ms. Dryden to stick to one point of view in each chapter. Several pieces of her dialog are quite memorable as she entwines it with geek-speak. My favourite from Ben -
"I always knew you were a pervert. I just needed to grow up enough to realize that was a feature, not a bug." (Location 1761)
This geekfest tale is recommended for kinky readers who also enjoy comic books.
*provided by NetGalley
Lindsey is still heartbroken over an abrupt breakup with her boyfriend, Ben. She's not exactly sure why Ben dumped her, but she suspects it's because of her newfound interest in BDSM. Lindsey figures out the missing piece in her life when she starts reading a BDSM comic, Balls N' Chains.
This story is above all, cute and pretty dead on for how some couples find themselves speeding forward into the BDSM lifestyle. It's not uncommon for one in the pairing finding this desire and dragging a sometimes unwilling partner into this freaky depraved fun. Lindsey is the aggressor in this scenario. She's actually pretty typical to find nowadays. I'm constantly meeting dissatisfied females in a relationship they want to spice up. These females sometimes spring it upon their lover in graphic detail or they try through subtle hints. Lindsey chooses the later method and it blows up in her face. Ben thinks it's some kind of test and goes overboard in what he believe Lindsay wants to hear. This is a key point - the lack of open communication in this relationship is already a problem which BDSM will only exacerbate if not addressed immediately.
What Lindsey goes through in this story is not too different from what we call "sub frenzy". She's learned this new thing and she wants to try it all. She dives in hard with very little research other than a smexy comic book. This sets her up for disappointment because she wants to be a sub. She needs a Dom and Ben falls woefully short. Ben is immediately competing against a fictional Dom from a comic book no less. With dominating not being Ben's natural inclination, it's already intimidating to try and meet up to Lindsey's desires.
This entire scenario is appalling accurate and something I see time and time again. I feel badly for these newbie dominants completely out of depth and with little guidance. Unless the male is already confident, this could crush them. Ms. Dryden does a great job showing this very realistic scenario down to Ben's concerns of fumbling and tripping.
The BDSM scenes in this story are light and erotic. There are more toys involved then actual D/s scenes going on. Even though there is constant mention of a dominant demeanor exhibited by several males in this story, I didn't feel it. There isn't a case of showing dominance. There is more kinky accoutrements to engage a BDSM feel. For a D/s situation to translate into actions in a story, isn't not easy.
The main characters Lindsey and Ben are sweet and consistent with those interested in science fiction and comic books. The supporting characters are interesting as I haven't read the first book. I'm now interested in reading the first one because Ivan intrigues me. He is what Sheldon from The Bing Bang Theory might be if he were to be a dominant.
The story is at times confusing because the point of view switches between Ben and Lindsey. I would recommend Ms. Dryden to stick to one point of view in each chapter. Several pieces of her dialog are quite memorable as she entwines it with geek-speak. My favourite from Ben -
"I always knew you were a pervert. I just needed to grow up enough to realize that was a feature, not a bug." (Location 1761)
This geekfest tale is recommended for kinky readers who also enjoy comic books.
*provided by NetGalley
April 22, 2013
Eh... This book was kind of dumb, but honestly, I expected that... A nerdy BDSM book. It isn't really BDSM, its like a play version. Who knew comic-con goers were so slutty??
It was crazy that all of a sudden, he could "become a Dom".... You don't just become a Dom. You're either Dominant or you aren't...
I must admit, the sex was pretty hot! But I couldn't help but envision Ben as Dr. Leonard Hofstader from Big Bang Theory... hence the GIFs :)
Lindsay was annoying... here is this guy, trying to be what you like and apologizing and you have sex and then are confused when he thinks you are "getting back together"...
...Dr. Kuthrapali does have a point.....
Most of all, nothing really happened in this book!!! A comic-con... they have sex... that consumed 200 pages... Would recommend to my fellow nerds for a good laugh, but that's really all.
It was crazy that all of a sudden, he could "become a Dom".... You don't just become a Dom. You're either Dominant or you aren't...
I must admit, the sex was pretty hot! But I couldn't help but envision Ben as Dr. Leonard Hofstader from Big Bang Theory... hence the GIFs :)
Lindsay was annoying... here is this guy, trying to be what you like and apologizing and you have sex and then are confused when he thinks you are "getting back together"...
...Dr. Kuthrapali does have a point.....
Most of all, nothing really happened in this book!!! A comic-con... they have sex... that consumed 200 pages... Would recommend to my fellow nerds for a good laugh, but that's really all.
June 11, 2013
Geeks + BDSM!!
I love the concept of this book (I’m a fairly nerdy girl myself!) and I enjoyed most of the story… wildlife biologist Lindsey and her ex-boyfriend Ben are forced to endure a long RV ride together on their way to a comic book convention with their friends. Plans had been made before they broke up and now they are stuck with each other.
At the convention, Ben and Lindsey start to explore BDSM. Lindsey had mentioned the topic before when they were dating, but Ben quickly shot her down. Now he realizes what he threw away, so he’s willing to give it a try. I think this is where I had some issues with the book. It kind of felt like Ben was playing a part or pretending to be a Dom. It wasn’t his nature. I just didn’t get that “vibe” from him, even during the sex scenes.
Overall, it’s a good read. The writing is solid and the storyline is fairly unique.
ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the concept of this book (I’m a fairly nerdy girl myself!) and I enjoyed most of the story… wildlife biologist Lindsey and her ex-boyfriend Ben are forced to endure a long RV ride together on their way to a comic book convention with their friends. Plans had been made before they broke up and now they are stuck with each other.
At the convention, Ben and Lindsey start to explore BDSM. Lindsey had mentioned the topic before when they were dating, but Ben quickly shot her down. Now he realizes what he threw away, so he’s willing to give it a try. I think this is where I had some issues with the book. It kind of felt like Ben was playing a part or pretending to be a Dom. It wasn’t his nature. I just didn’t get that “vibe” from him, even during the sex scenes.
Overall, it’s a good read. The writing is solid and the storyline is fairly unique.
ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2013
I'll cut to the tl;dr chase: We need more books like this one.
I'm not saying that because this was Nobel Prize-contender literary fiction, but because The Seduction Hypothesis is what's missing from so much of the erotica coming out right now: smart, funny erotica written for smart women (and men as well).
When the story opens, Lindsey, our erstwhile heroine, is on her way to a con with a group of fellow smart people: grad students, comic book nerds, scientists... In other words, my kind of people. Lindsey is a big fan of Ball and Chain, a fictional graphic novel series with a BDSM theme. When she shared her interest in the novels with her boyfriend, he balked, leading to their breakup. Of course, they'd already made plans to attend the con together, so there they are, heading to the con with the same group of friends, where Lindsey plans to cosplay her favorite character from the series.
While there, she meets the creators and is asked to fill in as her favorite character. And when ex-boyfriend Ben sees her in costume, well, he has to confront his own feelings about what Lindsey might have been asking and how he feels about it himself.
The Seduction Hypothesis is a quick, fun read, but most of all, it's exactly what I've been looking for. For starters, it skips over the trope that every Dom out there comes with his own Barbie Dreamhouse Dungeon all ready for the spanking. It acknowledges that people come to the world of BDSM at their own pace, and sometimes after balking at it at first. It shows more of the give and take necessary for a couple to really find their way with this type of relationship -- i.e., it's more than checking things off on a pre-printed checklist.
Best of all, the book features people who might really exist. Sure, Lindsey has a smoking body (as does Ben), but they are TOTAL DORKS. Ben stumbles his way through everything. They are at a con. Most of their conversations have to do with all manner of nerd-like things. I'm willing to bet that more people who read erotica can relate to these characters than the ultra-suave mega-rich characters currently overpopulating the genre.
Give me a nerd in cosplay attire any day of the week. And more in this series, please.
I'm not saying that because this was Nobel Prize-contender literary fiction, but because The Seduction Hypothesis is what's missing from so much of the erotica coming out right now: smart, funny erotica written for smart women (and men as well).
When the story opens, Lindsey, our erstwhile heroine, is on her way to a con with a group of fellow smart people: grad students, comic book nerds, scientists... In other words, my kind of people. Lindsey is a big fan of Ball and Chain, a fictional graphic novel series with a BDSM theme. When she shared her interest in the novels with her boyfriend, he balked, leading to their breakup. Of course, they'd already made plans to attend the con together, so there they are, heading to the con with the same group of friends, where Lindsey plans to cosplay her favorite character from the series.
While there, she meets the creators and is asked to fill in as her favorite character. And when ex-boyfriend Ben sees her in costume, well, he has to confront his own feelings about what Lindsey might have been asking and how he feels about it himself.
The Seduction Hypothesis is a quick, fun read, but most of all, it's exactly what I've been looking for. For starters, it skips over the trope that every Dom out there comes with his own Barbie Dreamhouse Dungeon all ready for the spanking. It acknowledges that people come to the world of BDSM at their own pace, and sometimes after balking at it at first. It shows more of the give and take necessary for a couple to really find their way with this type of relationship -- i.e., it's more than checking things off on a pre-printed checklist.
Best of all, the book features people who might really exist. Sure, Lindsey has a smoking body (as does Ben), but they are TOTAL DORKS. Ben stumbles his way through everything. They are at a con. Most of their conversations have to do with all manner of nerd-like things. I'm willing to bet that more people who read erotica can relate to these characters than the ultra-suave mega-rich characters currently overpopulating the genre.
Give me a nerd in cosplay attire any day of the week. And more in this series, please.
June 4, 2013
I hate to give a book two stars but this one just did not do it for me. The sex was hot...but sex alone does not make a good book... unfortunately. So the gist of this book, we have two nerdy exes who are going to what amounts to a comic convention. They happen to have friends in common so they have to ride together in an RV for sixteen hours.
Lyndsey and Ben broke up when Ben decided that he wasn't ready for a more serious relationship in his life. Lyndsey always felt like something was missing. She discovered a new world in one of her comics about BDSM. She approached Ben about it and he quickly shut her down. Now on a road trip with Lyndsey Ben is realizing just what he threw away.
Lyndsey is new to the lifestyle and finds a few friends to help her along the way. Ben does the same, because he is not letting Lyndsey go without a fight.
Ben realizes that to get Lyndsey he must become a Dominant to her submissive...
Throw in bit of this...
And a bit of that...
and you have The Seduction Hypothesis.
So my question is, can someone just "decide" to become a Dom? Even with some small tendencies, is that enough to build a D/s relationship? I don't think so. There were also a few other problems with this book. It was a bit confusing at first. I am not an unintelligent person but there were a few large words that my dictionary didn't even know. Really necessary? No. Things also skipped forward a bit fast. The back-story was dispersed throughout and it became a bit confusing.
Overall, not my favorite.
2 Shiny little stars.
Lyndsey and Ben broke up when Ben decided that he wasn't ready for a more serious relationship in his life. Lyndsey always felt like something was missing. She discovered a new world in one of her comics about BDSM. She approached Ben about it and he quickly shut her down. Now on a road trip with Lyndsey Ben is realizing just what he threw away.
Lyndsey is new to the lifestyle and finds a few friends to help her along the way. Ben does the same, because he is not letting Lyndsey go without a fight.
Ben realizes that to get Lyndsey he must become a Dominant to her submissive...
Throw in bit of this...
And a bit of that...
and you have The Seduction Hypothesis.
So my question is, can someone just "decide" to become a Dom? Even with some small tendencies, is that enough to build a D/s relationship? I don't think so. There were also a few other problems with this book. It was a bit confusing at first. I am not an unintelligent person but there were a few large words that my dictionary didn't even know. Really necessary? No. Things also skipped forward a bit fast. The back-story was dispersed throughout and it became a bit confusing.
Overall, not my favorite.
2 Shiny little stars.
May 6, 2013
In the second book of the Science of Temptation series, THE SEDUCTION HYPOTHESIS, Dryden pairs together wildlife biologist Lindsey and Ben. Lindsey enjoys reading a comic that is more graphic and deals with BDSM. She gets turned on by it and when she decides to attend a fan convention and dress up as one of the characters, Ben begins to see her in a different light. As a couple, they had it good, but it could have been better and that is explored more fully in this book.
While I liked both characters, I don’t think I really connected with them. There wasn’t anything that really resonated with me and I wonder if that’s just the characters or the writing. I liked it, but it’s not necessarily my favorite BDSM read. The chemistry is there, but not as strong as I would hope for in a Dom/sub relationship.
I enjoyed seeing Ivan and Camilla again in this book and seeing updates on how they are doing. If you like the idea of nerds and BDSM together, then this could be something for you. Unfortunately for me, I think the idea of it seems more compelling than what I’ve seen so far in the series.
*ARC provided by Netgalley
May 9, 2019
Fun premise, great steamy read! Ben got a hair too Neanderthal a time or two for my taste but I overall liked him and Lindsey together and was glad the convention gave them the excuse to figure things out and get back together.
July 28, 2015
Sweet, and sexy!
If you like characters who are on the geeky side, then add a little eroticism and you've got this short little story with unique characters and situations.
November 18, 2013
this review was originally published at DearAuthor.com
Dear Ms. Dryden:
The Seduction Hypothesis is the sweetest book I’ve ever read involving stainless steel butt plugs and a spreader bar with a set of neoprene ankle cuffs. The hero Ben is just adorable. A few months ago he stupidly broke up with his now ex-girlfriend Lindsay because he’d panicked, an act he’s regretted since the moment he did it. Now, the two are on their way to BeastCon–sort of nerd convention for fans of comics/games/anime–and Ben is going to use the next five days to get her back.
It takes Ben just a few hours riding to Phoenix with Lindsey for him to realize she is turned on big time by the erotic graphic comic she’s reading, Balls ‘n’ Chain. Ben knows just how she’s feeling.
In the single issue he’d read, the girl called Sub Red had worn a shiny black sleeveless catsuit thing unzipped almost to her navel, with suicidally high-heeled boots. Halfway through the comic, the pants had been replaced with short shorts for some reason he couldn’t recall.
He’d read that entire issue with a painful hard-on, put the comic aside and never touched another one for fear he’d explode. It was actually more potent than porn in its effect on him, but he felt horribly guilty for getting turned on by the stuff. He wasn’t supposed to be aroused by the idea of hitting girls on the ass with whips. Or his hand. Or any of the rest. He couldn’t understand why Lindsey, who seemed as progressively feminist as all the other girls of their circle, wanted to read something so misogynistic. True, there were as many women giving the beatings in Balls ‘n’ Chain as receiving them. But shouldn’t that be beside the point? Even the Dominatrices were objectified into sex objects. Hell, everyone was objectivized into a sex object.
He’d told her as much, maybe even scolded her a little, the next time she’d tried to show him a panel from the comic.
Ben, who really is a total peach pie, is also very smart. (A grad student in history. Sigh.) As he thinks about himself and Lindsey, he begins to understand that the whole Master/Slave dynamic is just the thing he needs to, well, master, in order to be the guy Lindsey wants. In fact, not only does he want to be that guy for Lindsey, he wants to be that guy for himself. So, when they get to Phoenix, Ben embarks upon a well-thought out and very sexy totally in charge seduction of Lindsey. It’s the nicest, hottest, campaign to get a girl out of her Slave Leia costume I’ve ever read.
The Seduction Hypothesis is a great book. It’s funny, emotionally engaging, and full of fabulous dialogue. As Ben begins to begin to be Master Ben, he runs everything he’s doing by Lindsey. This endeared him to me. It’s not enough for Ben to realize what Lindsey wants, he’s such a good guy, he talks her through why they weren’t like this before, and how, now, it’s all going to be different.
At the convention, Lindsey, who looks a lot like Sub Red, is recruited to stand-in for–actually, be tied up as–Sub Red at the Balls ‘n’ Chain booth. Ben finds her after she’s done her first shift.
“Did that guy paddle your ass? Or spank you, or flog you, or any other variation of that?”
Lindsey shook her head against the tug of his fingers, her mouth suddenly too dry to speak. She was breathing too fast, practically panting. If Ben slid a hand between her legs right now she’d go off like a bottle rocket.
He seemed to give a lot of thought to what he said next, stating it slowly and clearly as though he wanted there to be no misunderstanding.
“I can’t stop thinking about doing all that to you. Not just the spanking, either, a lot more. A lot. If anybody is going to do that stuff to you, I want it to be me. Nobody. Else.”
She was so accustomed to thinking of him as cute, as harmless. The kind of man who would never hurt a fly. Softly focused, with his sandy hair and indeterminate hazel eyes, vacillating about his career. She’d never seen this version of him until last night’s assertive kiss, this razor-sharp Ben who knew what he wanted and seemed potentially ruthless about getting it.
But still. “Just because you think that’s what I wanted you to do before?” The music shifted gears, growing louder, and the bass drum throbbed through her bones in a maddening primal beat.
Ben shook his head and leaned closer, until their lips were almost touching. “No. Because the thought of putting you over my knee and smacking your perfect butt until it looks like my handprint’s tattooed on there makes me so hard I can barely walk. It made me hard before, too, but I was a fucking idiot and thought I had to feel guilty about getting turned on by shit like that. I’m willing to work on my guilt issues if you’re willing to let me take you up to that hotel room right now and violate you eight ways from Sunday.”
Oh, oh, oh…
Oh, oh, oh is right. This book should come with a fan or a teeny tiny portable air conditioner.
I loved everything about this book. The secondary characters–Ben and Lindsey get helpful tips from Ivan and Cami, the couple from the first book in Ms. Dryden’s The Science of Temptation series, The Theory of Attraction–are effectively rendered and add humor and nuance to the novel. The convention is described in fascinating detail and gives the story an ideal context. Ms. Dryden’s writing is wonderful; she shifts easily back and forth from Ben’s and Lindsey’s perspectives, giving each a clear and interesting voice.
For me, this book was a perfect romance read. The Seduction Hypothesis is a kinder, sweeter book than its predecessor, The Theory of Attraction. This novel has lots of hot, kinky sex in it but is first and foremost a love story. The BDSM in it is just one part of the lovely relationship between Ben and Lindsey. The two use their altered sexual dynamic to improve their already strong bond. As Ben tells Lindsey, “I always knew you were a pervert. I just needed to grow up enough to realize that was a feature, not a bug.”
Ms. Dryden’s latest gets an A- from me.
Dabney
April 20, 2013
The first thing that made me consider reading this book is the cover and the title. Of course the description played a vital part. Actually it described the kind if story I like. A couples that has broken up but the want to be with each other and trying to make that happen. Plus BDSM which I had not read for a while and I was craving for it. I got my fill ;)
I didn't know that it's sequel to Theory of attraction (which I had really liked and I should have guessed form the way the way both titles are written that there must be a connection). I like the Big Bang Theory characters gang in a book idea and their personalities make the characters even easier to like.
I expected something more from the book and even though I didn't get it I still found it a good read. It was easy, it wasn't tiring and boring. Maybe if it was a tad kinkier and had a little more possession it would get one more star. It was nice to see Cami and Ivan again. I would like to read the graphic novel the characters are talking about too...
I recommend this book to almost everyone. If you don't like BDSM don't read it.
I didn't know that it's sequel to Theory of attraction (which I had really liked and I should have guessed form the way the way both titles are written that there must be a connection). I like the Big Bang Theory characters gang in a book idea and their personalities make the characters even easier to like.
I expected something more from the book and even though I didn't get it I still found it a good read. It was easy, it wasn't tiring and boring. Maybe if it was a tad kinkier and had a little more possession it would get one more star. It was nice to see Cami and Ivan again. I would like to read the graphic novel the characters are talking about too...
I recommend this book to almost everyone. If you don't like BDSM don't read it.
December 8, 2019
Ugh. Good parts - wonderful discussions about consent, good description of dealing with the emotional/mental dissonance of "This is the worst and is terrible... But I love it." Bad parts - UGH don't give me a bunch of evolutionary biological theory that, huh, just happens to uphold the patriarchy! I'm down with women being bottoms and being into dominant men. That works for you? Great, super. BUT DON'T try to sell me that it's based on evolutionary biology. Just don't! I hate that garbage. This book would've been way more interesting if she was the top.
December 9, 2014
I loved book 1 in this series, The Theory of Attraction. Unfortunately, this hero doesn't know what he's doing and the hero and heroine are learning together.
I also don't usually like second chance romances but I gave it a try because book 1 was so amazing.
This book bored me. Read Theory of Attraction instead.
I also don't usually like second chance romances but I gave it a try because book 1 was so amazing.
This book bored me. Read Theory of Attraction instead.
February 17, 2014
3 "kinky comic loving" stars. All the nerds unite and go to a comic book convention. Only they can find away to make that hot! LOL! And it was!! I didn't like this one as much as I did the first book. Still a good quick, hot read. Very fun! Moving on to book 3...
November 1, 2022
Quick review for a quick read. I received this as a galley several years ago and never actually got around to reading it until now. "The Seduction Hypothesis" is one of three novellas in the "The Science of Temptation" series. Each story can stand alone, so starting in the middle didn't bother me for picking this up. This highlights Ben and Lindsay's story - two former lovers who had broken up but happen to be going to a fan convention. Lindsay really likes Ben, but she doesn't like that he's unavailable to take risks in the way she wants him to - not just in life but also in the bedroom. Ben sees the convention as his way to win Lindsay back, but he doesn't quite know how. It isn't until he's talking with his peers that he finds out what Lindsay wants from him. And the relationship that they're exploring? Lindsay as a sub with experience and want, while Ben is a dom who is finding his way.
I thought this was just okay. There were times when I really wanted Lindsay to be concrete about what she wanted and it wasn't exactly fair to Ben to keep him in the dark about it. Ben, on the other hand, was trying to embody what he thought Lindsay wanted - some of it worked while other parts really just came across as being slightly a jerk (He wasn't sure when to turn his roleplay on/off, among other things). At the very least by the end of this story, they both figure things out to a point where they can proceed together, which I appreciated. "The Seduction Hypothesis" was just the right length to have their respective conflict arc, but unfortunately it didn't work for me as well as I hoped it would for the development. (And I'm a person who appreciates geeky people getting together - I was hoping it'd be my jam!)
I'm curious about the rest of this series, so I'll definitely pick it up to review. It may be that this particular couple didn't work for me, but I do want to see what the other couples do in this respective series, and it's a short one.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
I thought this was just okay. There were times when I really wanted Lindsay to be concrete about what she wanted and it wasn't exactly fair to Ben to keep him in the dark about it. Ben, on the other hand, was trying to embody what he thought Lindsay wanted - some of it worked while other parts really just came across as being slightly a jerk (He wasn't sure when to turn his roleplay on/off, among other things). At the very least by the end of this story, they both figure things out to a point where they can proceed together, which I appreciated. "The Seduction Hypothesis" was just the right length to have their respective conflict arc, but unfortunately it didn't work for me as well as I hoped it would for the development. (And I'm a person who appreciates geeky people getting together - I was hoping it'd be my jam!)
I'm curious about the rest of this series, so I'll definitely pick it up to review. It may be that this particular couple didn't work for me, but I do want to see what the other couples do in this respective series, and it's a short one.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
May 6, 2013
My Review:
I really, really enjoy the books in this series. I reviewed the first book last year (you can find my A rated review of it HERE). This is the second book in the series. They absolutely work as stand-alones although you get to see quite a bit of the couple from the first book in this one and it's fun to see how their relationship has progressed. What I love about these books is that the characters in them are so unlikely.
In this book we have Ben and Lindsey. They dated and were really serious, until Ben saw how Lindsey reacted to Ivan. Ben never thought he was good enough for Lindsey and has some self-esteem issues when it comes to their relationship so he broke up with her. They are both struggling with that decision, but before they broke up, the entire group of friends decided to take an RV on a 19 hour drive from Houston to Phoenix for a comic-con. At this point, they've both invested the money and don't want to back out even though it's bound to be really awkward and uncomfortable.
Through events at the comic con and drive there, the couple from book #1 realize that Lindsey is really curious about BDSM and more than likely a sub. They recognize the struggle between Lindsey and Ben, so they put a bug in his ear about what really may be the issue between the two of them.
I really enjoyed this because Ben is a normal guy. He sooo doesn't want to admit how much the BDSM aspect turns him on because he feels like that isn't right and politically incorrect. No girl wants a guy to admit that he likes subjecting them, so he denies it and that precipitated his break-up with Lindsey. She feels like he's condemning her because that's what she really wants, but can't find the courage to actually tell him that. But as he begins to explore this world, he finds his inner Dom and it was fun to see him become more aggressive and self-confident through that. Ben had a great transformation through this book.
Lindsey is a little bit more difficult. She's finally decided what she wants in her sexual life. I loved the visuals of her as Sub Red, one of the comic book characters that she dresses up as. She could have saved both her and Ben so much trouble if she'd just been honest with him, but I can understand her reluctance/shyness. I also understand her concerns that Ben may just be playing with the idea. She's been hurt by him and it's so hard for her to trust him again.
Like I said, this book and series is just pure smexy fun. The entire book this time takes place at the comic con...and I loved the nerdiness of it all in contrast to these guys who truly are big, bad Doms. It's awesome and makes the book so much fun to read. I can't wait for more in this series. (I really hope there are more to come.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I really, really enjoy the books in this series. I reviewed the first book last year (you can find my A rated review of it HERE). This is the second book in the series. They absolutely work as stand-alones although you get to see quite a bit of the couple from the first book in this one and it's fun to see how their relationship has progressed. What I love about these books is that the characters in them are so unlikely.
In this book we have Ben and Lindsey. They dated and were really serious, until Ben saw how Lindsey reacted to Ivan. Ben never thought he was good enough for Lindsey and has some self-esteem issues when it comes to their relationship so he broke up with her. They are both struggling with that decision, but before they broke up, the entire group of friends decided to take an RV on a 19 hour drive from Houston to Phoenix for a comic-con. At this point, they've both invested the money and don't want to back out even though it's bound to be really awkward and uncomfortable.
Through events at the comic con and drive there, the couple from book #1 realize that Lindsey is really curious about BDSM and more than likely a sub. They recognize the struggle between Lindsey and Ben, so they put a bug in his ear about what really may be the issue between the two of them.
I really enjoyed this because Ben is a normal guy. He sooo doesn't want to admit how much the BDSM aspect turns him on because he feels like that isn't right and politically incorrect. No girl wants a guy to admit that he likes subjecting them, so he denies it and that precipitated his break-up with Lindsey. She feels like he's condemning her because that's what she really wants, but can't find the courage to actually tell him that. But as he begins to explore this world, he finds his inner Dom and it was fun to see him become more aggressive and self-confident through that. Ben had a great transformation through this book.
Lindsey is a little bit more difficult. She's finally decided what she wants in her sexual life. I loved the visuals of her as Sub Red, one of the comic book characters that she dresses up as. She could have saved both her and Ben so much trouble if she'd just been honest with him, but I can understand her reluctance/shyness. I also understand her concerns that Ben may just be playing with the idea. She's been hurt by him and it's so hard for her to trust him again.
Like I said, this book and series is just pure smexy fun. The entire book this time takes place at the comic con...and I loved the nerdiness of it all in contrast to these guys who truly are big, bad Doms. It's awesome and makes the book so much fun to read. I can't wait for more in this series. (I really hope there are more to come.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 23, 2013
I don't know about you guys, but when I picture geeks, I certainly don't imagine Doms. In fact, I imagine topping them and making my little nerd boys my personal whipping toy. But Delphine Dryden brings out a new kind of Dom that tickle our senses and lighten our imagination. Not as ruggedly handsome or tortured as the Doms we're used to, but handsome all the same; and utterly smart they'll make your inner geek swoon. The Seduction Hypothesis is the second book in Delphine Dryden's Science of Temptation series and follows Ben and Lindsey as they attempt a second chance at love.
As far as the story goes, it was pretty entertaining. Ben, Lindsey and their fellow geekmates attend a convention in Phoenix, Arizona where Ben, after having caught on to what Lindsey Truly wants in a relationship, proceeds to show her he can be everything she needs. But Lindsey's not sure if he's just doing it for her, or if it's what he wants as well.
I thought Ben was really cute whenever attempting to bring out his inner Dom. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments, but I still felt as though he wasn't at his full GeekDomness. Truth be told, I didn't believe he was truly a Dom at all. To me he was more the loving bf who is willing to do anything, no matter how outrageous it might seem, just to please his woman. And what's not to love about that? I just wasn't sold on the idea. He was still cute though ;)
With Lindsey, I had a little more trouble connecting with because I felt as though she was trying to change Ben to suit her needs. Plus she had communication issues, and in any relationship, BDSM or Vanilla, that's a major fail to me. Had she been more straightforward with Ben, they wouldn't have broken up in the first place and he wouldn't of had to guess what she wanted while having to ask their friends, Ivan and Cami.
I didn't feel the connection between the main characters as I'd hoped I would, especially because they had history. Other then that however, I still enjoyed reading the book and seeing Ivan again. Now HE is my one and only GeekDom ;) If you like nerds and a good spanking, I think you'll really enjoy reading The Seduction Hypothesis. It's not your typical Hero novel, but these nerds will make you swoon just the same!
*A copy was provided by the author for review purposes. As always all opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way for this review.*
June 20, 2013
This review will post at www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com
(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights
Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.
Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…
Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…
Ben wants Lindsey back, he knows he screwed up when he broke up with her, but he isn’t exactly sure how to get her back at first. That is, until he see her in her costume as one of the characters in her favorite new comic, one that’s based on BDSM. Ben at first doesn’t think he is ever going to be into spanking or taking control of Lindsey, or he doesn’t think that until he actually tries it and loves it.
Lindsey is curious about the BDSM lifestyle and even tried to get Ben to experiment with her when they dated but his reaction back then made it clear to her that he wasn’t into it. When Ben shows his Dominate side to Lindsey she can’t help but want him and bad. Sex between them was always good, add some spanking and some restraints and it is out of this world! She is worried that once they return home, things will end again between her and Ben, or will they finally get back together?
I am falling in love with this series. I have said it before and I will say it again, but I never knew a bunch of geeky guys can be so damn hot and sexy! The sex scenes are smoking hot. This book is funny too. I loved seeing that Ivan and Cami, from the first book The Theory of Attraction, were a part of this book as well. I can not wait to see what else is in store for this sexy bunch of geeks in the future. Fans of the TV show The Big Bang Theory, will love this series!
(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights
Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.
Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…
Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…
Ben wants Lindsey back, he knows he screwed up when he broke up with her, but he isn’t exactly sure how to get her back at first. That is, until he see her in her costume as one of the characters in her favorite new comic, one that’s based on BDSM. Ben at first doesn’t think he is ever going to be into spanking or taking control of Lindsey, or he doesn’t think that until he actually tries it and loves it.
Lindsey is curious about the BDSM lifestyle and even tried to get Ben to experiment with her when they dated but his reaction back then made it clear to her that he wasn’t into it. When Ben shows his Dominate side to Lindsey she can’t help but want him and bad. Sex between them was always good, add some spanking and some restraints and it is out of this world! She is worried that once they return home, things will end again between her and Ben, or will they finally get back together?
I am falling in love with this series. I have said it before and I will say it again, but I never knew a bunch of geeky guys can be so damn hot and sexy! The sex scenes are smoking hot. This book is funny too. I loved seeing that Ivan and Cami, from the first book The Theory of Attraction, were a part of this book as well. I can not wait to see what else is in store for this sexy bunch of geeks in the future. Fans of the TV show The Big Bang Theory, will love this series!
June 3, 2013
When I read “The Theory of Attraction” last year I was charmed by that “Big Bang Theory goes BDSM” story. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to request this book for review when I found it on NetGalley. I was very ready for more “geek discovers kink” in my life and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed by this book at all.
Ben and Lindsey’s story in this – rather short – book was fun as well as realistic. These two characters have been a couple in the past which means that we didn’t get that “oh my god they’ve known each other for all of two seconds and look what they’re doing” moment. From the very start of this story it is clear that these two people still have feelings for each other despite the fact that their break-up was heartbreaking. I loved the way Ben discovered his interest in kink and just went with it. The fact that he makes a BDSM crib sheet to make sure he lives up to Lindsey’s expectations of what a Dom is and does makes him all the more adorable:
“Key tips for fledgling Doms. When in doubt, make her wait, and establish a safe word before play. The most important fuck is the mind fuck.”
And it may not have been easy for Ben, but he does manage to follow through on that particular instruction only to discover that indeed:
“Delayed gratification is everybody’s friend.”
Lindsey’s doubt about getting back together with Ben, despite his apparent interest in what has become for her an essential part of any future relationship, was realistic. And I’m really grateful that the resolution to that issue didn’t involve endless drama, as it too often seems to do in stories these days.
I could have done with this book being a little bit longer just as would have loved to spend some more time with Ben and Lindsey. This club they intend to visit and the training sessions they want to attend sound like great fun, but I’m going to have to imagine them.
Overall this was a fun, sweet and sexy story and I know that I will be looking for the next “The Science of Temptation” title as soon as it becomes available.
Ben and Lindsey’s story in this – rather short – book was fun as well as realistic. These two characters have been a couple in the past which means that we didn’t get that “oh my god they’ve known each other for all of two seconds and look what they’re doing” moment. From the very start of this story it is clear that these two people still have feelings for each other despite the fact that their break-up was heartbreaking. I loved the way Ben discovered his interest in kink and just went with it. The fact that he makes a BDSM crib sheet to make sure he lives up to Lindsey’s expectations of what a Dom is and does makes him all the more adorable:
“Key tips for fledgling Doms. When in doubt, make her wait, and establish a safe word before play. The most important fuck is the mind fuck.”
And it may not have been easy for Ben, but he does manage to follow through on that particular instruction only to discover that indeed:
“Delayed gratification is everybody’s friend.”
Lindsey’s doubt about getting back together with Ben, despite his apparent interest in what has become for her an essential part of any future relationship, was realistic. And I’m really grateful that the resolution to that issue didn’t involve endless drama, as it too often seems to do in stories these days.
I could have done with this book being a little bit longer just as would have loved to spend some more time with Ben and Lindsey. This club they intend to visit and the training sessions they want to attend sound like great fun, but I’m going to have to imagine them.
Overall this was a fun, sweet and sexy story and I know that I will be looking for the next “The Science of Temptation” title as soon as it becomes available.
June 6, 2013
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
While this is the second in a series this book stands alone. This is a book of love and erotica with a science spin. This series proves nerd are sexy. Lindsey is just realizing that she has the tendency to be a sub and while she is still in love with her ex-boyfriend when she hinted about it he thought she was joking but now he realizes she is serious.
What is different about this book is the guy is not a Dom who has been living this life for a long time and turning his girlfriend on to it like so many books are now. They are both new to the experience and yet he is willing to try it and finds he likes it. I enjoyed that part of this. I liked that both were coming out of their shell at the same time. I enjoy this authors writing and if you enjoy a quick erotic romance this is the one to pick up (and don’t forget the first in the series either The Theory Of Attraction).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
While this is the second in a series this book stands alone. This is a book of love and erotica with a science spin. This series proves nerd are sexy. Lindsey is just realizing that she has the tendency to be a sub and while she is still in love with her ex-boyfriend when she hinted about it he thought she was joking but now he realizes she is serious.
What is different about this book is the guy is not a Dom who has been living this life for a long time and turning his girlfriend on to it like so many books are now. They are both new to the experience and yet he is willing to try it and finds he likes it. I enjoyed that part of this. I liked that both were coming out of their shell at the same time. I enjoy this authors writing and if you enjoy a quick erotic romance this is the one to pick up (and don’t forget the first in the series either The Theory Of Attraction).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2013
In The Seduction Hypothesis Lindsey and Ben are headed to BeastCon with their friends and it is a bit awkward as they are no longer a couple. Lindsey still lusts after Ben but if he wants her back he is going to have to work for it. He wants her but before he can figure out how to get her back he has to figure out why they broke up in the first place. With the help of some old friends (Cami & Ivan from The Theory of Attraction) and new, some role playing, and some honest communication Ben gets Lindsey to give him a chance at the convention but is this a hook up or a new beginning?
Nobody writes Geek Love like Delphine Dryden. A little kink, some romance and a whole lot of geeky goodness I loved this book! This story is funny, quirky, sexy and an outright blast.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Nobody writes Geek Love like Delphine Dryden. A little kink, some romance and a whole lot of geeky goodness I loved this book! This story is funny, quirky, sexy and an outright blast.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 18, 2013
I actually really like this novella! I loved the first book in this series, The Theory of Attraction, and quite enjoyed this as well. It's like Big Bang Theory meets BDSM. I love how nerdy it is while being so freakin HOT!
I love the transformation that Ben went through for Lindsey, to make her happy. Gandalf would be a happy man if he knew the things Ben did with his staff! All in all, this was a steamy, quirky, nerdy read that I truly enjoyed!
ARC provided via Netgalley and Carina Press!
I love the transformation that Ben went through for Lindsey, to make her happy. Gandalf would be a happy man if he knew the things Ben did with his staff! All in all, this was a steamy, quirky, nerdy read that I truly enjoyed!
ARC provided via Netgalley and Carina Press!
May 21, 2013
Love this series. Many are calling it Big Bang Theory meets BDSM, and that's totally the vibe I get from it, too. Sexy fun and nerdy heroes plus lots of humor. <3 Plus, I like that this book is BDSM but not all dark, dark, dark. I enjoy a good dark story, but BDSM can be fun and light too. And in real life, Doms are going to make mistakes, especially new ones. So when Ben doesn't know exactly what to do or his plan doesn't exactly go as he thought it would, it's very realistic and human. My only complaint about the story is I wish it had been a full novel instead of a novella because I wanted more. :)
August 4, 2013
I bought this one from Kobo.
Loved it. Hot and sweet. The story was both real and lovely. I really enjoyed the hero, Ben, figure out that he could be the lover that Lindsay needed. That he didn't have to be an alpha-hole to enjoy some kinky sex. Seeing Lindsay and Ben talk - imagine that, romancelandia - talk through why they broke up, then make grown up decisions was so satisfying.
I also really enjoyed seeing Ivan and Cami from the previous book, The Theory of Attraction.
Loved it. Hot and sweet. The story was both real and lovely. I really enjoyed the hero, Ben, figure out that he could be the lover that Lindsay needed. That he didn't have to be an alpha-hole to enjoy some kinky sex. Seeing Lindsay and Ben talk - imagine that, romancelandia - talk through why they broke up, then make grown up decisions was so satisfying.
I also really enjoyed seeing Ivan and Cami from the previous book, The Theory of Attraction.
April 15, 2013
I hadn't realized that I had already read the first book in this series, although it can be read as a stand aone, until I started in and remembered that I really did not like the first book and while this one was slightly better, it just isn't my cup of tea. I try to give all genres of romance a shot, but I'm getting tired of the BDSM genre and need to take a break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2013
Delphine Dryden is making science and geeky men hot and sexy as hell. For all those women out there into super smart men who like going to Comic Con-like conventions, history, and obsessively researching everything - Ben's your guy. Even if you're not into that, he could win you over. Hot damn. Loved this. Super hot sexy times.
May 10, 2013
This one wasn’t as well written. The characters were okay.
May 17, 2013
Rating: C+ ... Heat: Hot
December 20, 2020
Because I had hoped this novel would be as sexy, tight, and short as the first book in the series, I decided to sandwich reading it in between finishing an intense gothic horror novel (Mexican Gothic) and starting a seriously heavy family saga (The Dutch House). Just to give my brain a little light candy. While the 97-page ebook fulfilled its limited purpose quite nicely, it didn’t quite fulfill my hopes for it.
The second installment of the trilogy features the previously unnamed girlfriend who was utterly charmed at a barbecue by the dominant male character in the first installment. The entire geeky Houston six-pack is on a road trip to BeastCon in Phoenix, where the female main character is offered an opportunity to sub in as a “booth babe” for her favorite character in a beloved BDSM themed graphic novel. This serendipitous turn of events sparks an exploration of her interest in BDSM with the male main character, who is also inexperienced in these matters. Although the relationship between the two had been recently dissolved, they both still feel strongly for each other; therefore, they both consider this exploration as a means to repair and cement their broken relationship.
Normally, this set up of a vanilla couple beginning an exploration of kink would totally be my catnip because it is such a different premise than the usual trope of a Dominant alpha male initiating a new submissive female. But it wasn’t really well done. Perhaps it would have been better had the point of view remained with the female character instead of shifting between the two characters. Because we get the male character’s point of view, we see what’s going on behind the scenes and aren’t fully invested in the ride of surprise and delight that the female character takes. I really would have preferred to just stay with her and gotten deeper into her issues, motivations, and experiences rather than have both points of view presented. For example, the treatment of her internal conflict about wanting the kink was entirely superficial and resolved too easily. It bubbled up and was rationalized away, while her fear that the male character couldn’t commit to her was given far more page time. Despite the journey that the couple takes in the course of the novel, I didn’t get the feeling that either had fundamentally grown or changed.
Overall, I would recommend the first installment in the trilogy over this one. However, if you’re sucked in by the publisher’s blurb and are just looking for a bit of geeky brain fluff, this one can be read as stand alone.
The second installment of the trilogy features the previously unnamed girlfriend who was utterly charmed at a barbecue by the dominant male character in the first installment. The entire geeky Houston six-pack is on a road trip to BeastCon in Phoenix, where the female main character is offered an opportunity to sub in as a “booth babe” for her favorite character in a beloved BDSM themed graphic novel. This serendipitous turn of events sparks an exploration of her interest in BDSM with the male main character, who is also inexperienced in these matters. Although the relationship between the two had been recently dissolved, they both still feel strongly for each other; therefore, they both consider this exploration as a means to repair and cement their broken relationship.
Normally, this set up of a vanilla couple beginning an exploration of kink would totally be my catnip because it is such a different premise than the usual trope of a Dominant alpha male initiating a new submissive female. But it wasn’t really well done. Perhaps it would have been better had the point of view remained with the female character instead of shifting between the two characters. Because we get the male character’s point of view, we see what’s going on behind the scenes and aren’t fully invested in the ride of surprise and delight that the female character takes. I really would have preferred to just stay with her and gotten deeper into her issues, motivations, and experiences rather than have both points of view presented. For example, the treatment of her internal conflict about wanting the kink was entirely superficial and resolved too easily. It bubbled up and was rationalized away, while her fear that the male character couldn’t commit to her was given far more page time. Despite the journey that the couple takes in the course of the novel, I didn’t get the feeling that either had fundamentally grown or changed.
Overall, I would recommend the first installment in the trilogy over this one. However, if you’re sucked in by the publisher’s blurb and are just looking for a bit of geeky brain fluff, this one can be read as stand alone.
May 3, 2018
Ben and Lindsey broke up because she was interested in branching out sexually and not very communicative and Ben could sense Lindsey's growing unhappiness and bailed before dealing with it. Now they're at a convention together and Ben suddenly notices Lindsey's fascination with BDSM. He's determined to win her back and steps up to the plate to be her very first Dom. But Lindsey decides she wants this lifestyle for good and isn't so sure Ben is on the same page. She's convinced he started this only to make her happy, and that's not enough for her anymore.
I'm not really big on kink like this. I don't mind it, but it doesn't do much for me. I do better with BDSM lite, but I'm not sure I'd call this "lite." There's plenty of "slave" and "master" and other tools of the trade in use and more than that, Lindsey wants it to be everything. When the girl claims that she doesn't think vanilla sex will work for her anymore, the story ceases to be BDSM lite. But that wasn't my biggest issue here. My biggest issue and which had me ready to throw my damn kindle is the fact that in order for Ben to win back the woman he loves, he has to completely change his personality. She doesn't just want someone who's more assertive in the bedroom, she wants him to be alpha all the time. And original geeky Ben, who was just fine as he was (and she actually made him ashamed of it with one comment) and she claimed to love him as he was. But then the first moment he appears confident and assertive and she can't get enough of him. She didn't want Ben, she just wanted a Dom and Ben stepped in for it, so she fell in love with the new and improved Ben. I absolutely HATED that the hero had to change who he was to get the heroine's love. And also hated knowing that if he hadn't agreed to completely change his personality, she would have left him and found another guy to dominate her (she actually asks Ivan and Cami for help with that after she's broken up with Ben). I just don't think she really loved him. And frankly, none of that is particularly romantic, which makes the scenes just sex scenes.
I'm not really big on kink like this. I don't mind it, but it doesn't do much for me. I do better with BDSM lite, but I'm not sure I'd call this "lite." There's plenty of "slave" and "master" and other tools of the trade in use and more than that, Lindsey wants it to be everything. When the girl claims that she doesn't think vanilla sex will work for her anymore, the story ceases to be BDSM lite. But that wasn't my biggest issue here. My biggest issue and which had me ready to throw my damn kindle is the fact that in order for Ben to win back the woman he loves, he has to completely change his personality. She doesn't just want someone who's more assertive in the bedroom, she wants him to be alpha all the time. And original geeky Ben, who was just fine as he was (and she actually made him ashamed of it with one comment) and she claimed to love him as he was. But then the first moment he appears confident and assertive and she can't get enough of him. She didn't want Ben, she just wanted a Dom and Ben stepped in for it, so she fell in love with the new and improved Ben. I absolutely HATED that the hero had to change who he was to get the heroine's love. And also hated knowing that if he hadn't agreed to completely change his personality, she would have left him and found another guy to dominate her (she actually asks Ivan and Cami for help with that after she's broken up with Ben). I just don't think she really loved him. And frankly, none of that is particularly romantic, which makes the scenes just sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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