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Strange Attractions
Determined not to repeat her mother's mistakes, high school dropout and unrepentant heartbreaker Charity Wills jumps at the chance to attend college for free. There's just one little catch...
She must travel to the estate of reclusive physicist B.G. Grantham, who likes to play sex games as exotic as the particles he studies-and is obsessed with the thrill of being refused the one thing he craves. But Charity is more than up to the challenge-especially when Eric Berne, her sexy "keeper," lends a hand.
Behind the locked doors of Grantham's isolated mansion, the games begin. So does the education of Charity Wills-who's about to discover that the possibilities for sensual indulgence are beyond anything her wildest dreams ever allowed...
She must travel to the estate of reclusive physicist B.G. Grantham, who likes to play sex games as exotic as the particles he studies-and is obsessed with the thrill of being refused the one thing he craves. But Charity is more than up to the challenge-especially when Eric Berne, her sexy "keeper," lends a hand.
Behind the locked doors of Grantham's isolated mansion, the games begin. So does the education of Charity Wills-who's about to discover that the possibilities for sensual indulgence are beyond anything her wildest dreams ever allowed...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 5, 2004
24 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Emma Holly
93 books1,269 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 25, 2013
To say this book is full of
would be a total understatemnt. Sexual tension is all part of the sex games they play at B.G. Grantham's estate. This story has a very dark and unique plot with lots of twists, turns and mystery. The sexual dynamic between Charity, Eric and B.G. is one of the best I've ever read.
would be a total understatemnt. Sexual tension is all part of the sex games they play at B.G. Grantham's estate. This story has a very dark and unique plot with lots of twists, turns and mystery. The sexual dynamic between Charity, Eric and B.G. is one of the best I've ever read.
July 3, 2013
*looks around slowly*
so, um...yeah, I kind of read that...
it was quite educational, I would say, and I loved the interaction between the characters.
I also liked that all physics thing, and theories (some of which I learned of).
it is well written and all, realy, and it was interesting enough that I kept reading even after I realized what it was about.
but
as for the whole three of them loving each other, it was still clear she had better chemistry with one of them.
and, I know it is erotic romance but really, it felt more like moving from one sexual tension and scene to the other. I would say that at some point it started to feel way too much, and I found myself a bit bored. (another reason why I liked the pages spent on physics theories).
maybe, these things aren't for me, I'm not sure...I'll have to find out...maybe it's about needing things and good taste- an interesting plot and character development (it's not that tgey weren't developed as much as sometimes they felt a bit well, shallow?)
mixed with some sexual attraction.
I don't know, it was a nice read. I even thought of stating it was worth 3.5 stars, but while writing the review I was clarified it's a solid 3 stars for me.
nice read, light and sexy. for those who want lots of smutt, I'll say there is nothing to complain about. like I said, very educational.
plus, I think it's preferable to fifty shades of grey any day. :)
so, um...yeah, I kind of read that...
it was quite educational, I would say, and I loved the interaction between the characters.
I also liked that all physics thing, and theories (some of which I learned of).
it is well written and all, realy, and it was interesting enough that I kept reading even after I realized what it was about.
but
as for the whole three of them loving each other, it was still clear she had better chemistry with one of them.
and, I know it is erotic romance but really, it felt more like moving from one sexual tension and scene to the other. I would say that at some point it started to feel way too much, and I found myself a bit bored. (another reason why I liked the pages spent on physics theories).
maybe, these things aren't for me, I'm not sure...I'll have to find out...maybe it's about needing things and good taste- an interesting plot and character development (it's not that tgey weren't developed as much as sometimes they felt a bit well, shallow?)
mixed with some sexual attraction.
I don't know, it was a nice read. I even thought of stating it was worth 3.5 stars, but while writing the review I was clarified it's a solid 3 stars for me.
nice read, light and sexy. for those who want lots of smutt, I'll say there is nothing to complain about. like I said, very educational.
plus, I think it's preferable to fifty shades of grey any day. :)
December 18, 2008
This is a weird book. The premise is peculiar but I can go along with it: a reclusive genius physicist, BG Grantham, and his best friend and lover, Eric, put together a game whereby they carefully screen a couple of candidates, choose one, proposition them and invite them to BG's mansion for a month of sexual games, after which the candidate will be fully funded to go to university. Eric chooses lovely Charity, who turns their games on their head and falls for both men, while learning about physics and electrons and time loops.
Let's be honest, the premise is bizarre and not entirely successful. I wouldn't care, except that the physics stuff really dampens it and the side-plot of mystery, ghosts and espionage is confusing and distracting. Shame there isn't much to be distracted from. I've read a couple of Emma Holly's books and they were really good, with great chemistry and steamy sex scenes and simple but believable plots. I didn't find the sex scenes particularly enthralling or even very passionate, so there wasn't anything for the book to hang on.
There's nothing wrong with Holly's writing or character construction, it's the content that's the failure. A dismal, disappointing, boring read. But the men were interesting and hot ;)
Let's be honest, the premise is bizarre and not entirely successful. I wouldn't care, except that the physics stuff really dampens it and the side-plot of mystery, ghosts and espionage is confusing and distracting. Shame there isn't much to be distracted from. I've read a couple of Emma Holly's books and they were really good, with great chemistry and steamy sex scenes and simple but believable plots. I didn't find the sex scenes particularly enthralling or even very passionate, so there wasn't anything for the book to hang on.
There's nothing wrong with Holly's writing or character construction, it's the content that's the failure. A dismal, disappointing, boring read. But the men were interesting and hot ;)
March 28, 2015
An aptly named book. A reclusive physicist, sex games, and intrigue. A little quantum physics, some freaky happenings with a lot of sex and love thrown in. Emma Holly rocks in the erotic genre.
October 6, 2017
I read this for a book club. It was not feminist, but I am told the science checks out.
July 4, 2020
While I enjoy reading erotica, I simply could not get into the plot or the characters. I guess this one just wasn't for me. Sorry!
November 30, 2014
Damned good! Not just good, but damned good!
While I have never read Holly's works before, I was absolutely amazed at how wonderful a writer this new-to-me author turned out to be.
Erotica is a fascinating genre all to itself, and it can be equally amazing to witness true good writers of such in action. Being such a controversial type of fiction is tough enough, especially considering the fact that so many erotica authors either write in purple prose, or turn their works into one endless sex scene after another.
Such extremes make it difficult to weed through the badly written works, but finding the gems of this form of writing makes such all the more enjoyable! Holly is truly a gifted writer, possessing the fascinating ability to create very dynamic, well formed characters. BG, Charity, and Eric were a trio cast that had my imagination in raptures! They were real people with varying depths; they were fun and unique to read about.
The plot, likewise, was remarkably well constructed, containing the right amount of passion, exploration, and heat demanded of erotica without lowering itself to just porn-status material. The writing, likewise, flowed so exceedingly well, forming itself to create an amazing novel!
And, best of all, the book's ending was assuredly happy and well done- and believable! I am absolutely going to explore more of Emma Holly's works, for she has impressed me to a boundless end!
While I have never read Holly's works before, I was absolutely amazed at how wonderful a writer this new-to-me author turned out to be.
Erotica is a fascinating genre all to itself, and it can be equally amazing to witness true good writers of such in action. Being such a controversial type of fiction is tough enough, especially considering the fact that so many erotica authors either write in purple prose, or turn their works into one endless sex scene after another.
Such extremes make it difficult to weed through the badly written works, but finding the gems of this form of writing makes such all the more enjoyable! Holly is truly a gifted writer, possessing the fascinating ability to create very dynamic, well formed characters. BG, Charity, and Eric were a trio cast that had my imagination in raptures! They were real people with varying depths; they were fun and unique to read about.
The plot, likewise, was remarkably well constructed, containing the right amount of passion, exploration, and heat demanded of erotica without lowering itself to just porn-status material. The writing, likewise, flowed so exceedingly well, forming itself to create an amazing novel!
And, best of all, the book's ending was assuredly happy and well done- and believable! I am absolutely going to explore more of Emma Holly's works, for she has impressed me to a boundless end!
December 15, 2010
As part of our RA work at the library, we are reading through different genres. December's genre? Erotic fiction. I struggled to find something that was ridiculous (Storm Watch) or pseudo-intellectual bs (Sexual Life of Catherine M). Many web resources mentioned Emma Holly as an author that is a good writer and measures high on the spicy factor. The plot of Strange Attractions was a little kooky and involved a brilliant and hot physics genius, his best friend/lover/employee and Charity. They end up playing some sort of sexual game in the genius' mansion when they aren't being distracted with ghosts, string theory and electromagnetic theory (or something). The storyline is a little over done, but the characterization is well done and the writing style was pretty good. The sex scenes are very graphic, but all done happily consensual and romantic feelings are also explored. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a romance and not afraid of the sizzling sex.
March 20, 2008
I had a 'strange attraction' of my own to this book - my first full-length Emma Holly tale. I don't want to give anything away, but it's not too much of a secret that this is a menage story, pretty much from start to finish, though more is going on than just that. Now, I wouldn't consciously choose a M/M or F/F book to read, and I'm not into sharing partners,especialy simultaneously, but it was the characters that made this enjoyable for me. You just couldn't help but like the heroine, the hero, and the hero! There was so much genuine affection expressed and more romance than some straight "romance" novels I've read! So, will I read Emma Holly again? Probably. No, definitely - I have another book of hers in my TBR pile!
June 8, 2010
Dear god this is dull. It's got a fabulously awful plot premise, sex on every other page and it is dreadful.
Once again, Schroedinger's poor cat is hauled out of its box to show that the heroine (Charity Wills!) has the ability to learn things. Is there no other science topic available?
I stopped reading when one of our heroes--the Bill Gates-type recluse with his own little Harrad Experiment as a diversion--realizes that Charity is special because she is a "natural student". No, really.
It's not sexy, it's not funny, it's not getting read.
Once again, Schroedinger's poor cat is hauled out of its box to show that the heroine (Charity Wills!) has the ability to learn things. Is there no other science topic available?
I stopped reading when one of our heroes--the Bill Gates-type recluse with his own little Harrad Experiment as a diversion--realizes that Charity is special because she is a "natural student". No, really.
It's not sexy, it's not funny, it's not getting read.
June 2, 2008
Really strange.
July 1, 2012
Read this for my book club to fill the romance category, but found it to be surprisingly entertaining. Yes, it's erotic fiction, but the author is as focused on the emotional component as the sex.
June 15, 2019
Not surprisingly if you’ve read the synopsis, this was a weird, weird book. I wonder if I might’ve been more wowed by it if I’d read it when it first came out. The descriptions of BG’s amazingly high tech house seemed pretty tame with current technology, which is not the author’s fault, but goes to show that not everything ages well.
Charity was kind of a flat character, more useful as a foil for the men around her. I didn’t find the ultimate resolution that satisfying, either, but I won’t spoil it here. The book held my attention but wasn’t as good as the previous one I’ve read by this author (Ménage).
Charity was kind of a flat character, more useful as a foil for the men around her. I didn’t find the ultimate resolution that satisfying, either, but I won’t spoil it here. The book held my attention but wasn’t as good as the previous one I’ve read by this author (Ménage).
June 13, 2024
The book was 99% smut and 1% plot. Get a fan or towel when reading this one, y'all. Our FMC Charity is involved with our male main characters, B.G. and Eric, who are also involved with each other. The chemistry between these three was fine as it could get seen as it was mainly physical on all accounts. In my view, the plot was a bit rushed, and that's not saying much, seeing as the plot was basically non-existent. I guess this was fine if you're looking for a good time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
This book is spicy in all the best ways. The characters have honest feelings for each other and everything is consensual. There’s a really lovely threesome situation with two men who care about and are intimate with each other and the woman who comes into their relationship. No trigger warnings to speak of, just very sex-positive and fun.
September 8, 2019
Idk what it was, perhaps the whole quantum physics stuff, but I just couldn’t get in to this book much. It’s not that it wasn’t decently written as it pertains to storyline/plot and the characters were well written it just never grabbed my complete interest & ran away with my imagination.
February 21, 2019
I got up to 72% on this one and finally gave up. I've read other books by this author and loved them. Maybe my tastes are changing, but this one didn't do it for me.
Read
October 25, 2020No es el momento
August 29, 2008
This is an erotica novel, so if that's not your thing, stop reading now.
Like all erotica novels, it's based on an entirely impossible romantic scenario, but with much more creative sex scenes. Emma Holly, the writer, is especially gifted at mixing a happily-ever-after sappy romance with very hot sex scenes.
In this novel, a genius reclusive rich physicist named B.G. runs his own version of Fantasy Island on a wooded, Northwestern estate. His best friend and lover Eric helps him. Together they choose a subject, then pay the person a lot of money to come play their games with them on the estate. This time, they pick Charity, who probably would have done it for free if she'd known in advance how much she would like it. Secretly, B.G. is trying to engineer Eric and Charity into falling in love because he wants Eric to be happy and thinks that's what he needs. There's a silly subplot about a spy who is trying to steal B.G.'s research, but I think it's just a throw-away to add some intrigue. There's some m/f/m menage, m/m, light bondage, and spanking, though all of it was a little tamer than I expected from this author. A little more suggestive and a little less graphic than I expected.
Like all erotica novels, it's based on an entirely impossible romantic scenario, but with much more creative sex scenes. Emma Holly, the writer, is especially gifted at mixing a happily-ever-after sappy romance with very hot sex scenes.
In this novel, a genius reclusive rich physicist named B.G. runs his own version of Fantasy Island on a wooded, Northwestern estate. His best friend and lover Eric helps him. Together they choose a subject, then pay the person a lot of money to come play their games with them on the estate. This time, they pick Charity, who probably would have done it for free if she'd known in advance how much she would like it. Secretly, B.G. is trying to engineer Eric and Charity into falling in love because he wants Eric to be happy and thinks that's what he needs. There's a silly subplot about a spy who is trying to steal B.G.'s research, but I think it's just a throw-away to add some intrigue. There's some m/f/m menage, m/m, light bondage, and spanking, though all of it was a little tamer than I expected from this author. A little more suggestive and a little less graphic than I expected.
January 15, 2010
I like Emma Holly's books she does a great job writing erotica and what is nice about this book is that you have a story that is more than porn.
Now about that story, well the character development was a little off. I wanted her to flush out Eric and BG more. The female character, Charity I never really got into her story. In my opinion the love stories involving her were shallow and not much emotion. However, the two male characters, had a really sweet love story. The M/M love story I totally brought into.
I think the biggest miss for me the theme of quantum physics, in short it is the idea of alternate realities, creating your world through awareness of your power to do so through the power of the mind and unlocking its potential. I think perhaps Ms. Holly concepts of physics was a little sketchy and it hindered the plot not helped. Having said that I will state that Emma Holly described the electron experiment correctly
So if you like M/M/F and a steamy story this one would serve its purpose, but if you are looking for romance I would suggest you try one of her other stories.
Now about that story, well the character development was a little off. I wanted her to flush out Eric and BG more. The female character, Charity I never really got into her story. In my opinion the love stories involving her were shallow and not much emotion. However, the two male characters, had a really sweet love story. The M/M love story I totally brought into.
I think the biggest miss for me the theme of quantum physics, in short it is the idea of alternate realities, creating your world through awareness of your power to do so through the power of the mind and unlocking its potential. I think perhaps Ms. Holly concepts of physics was a little sketchy and it hindered the plot not helped. Having said that I will state that Emma Holly described the electron experiment correctly
So if you like M/M/F and a steamy story this one would serve its purpose, but if you are looking for romance I would suggest you try one of her other stories.
August 12, 2012
[Addendum to my review two years after first written: for those to whom I've been saying there is much better out there than the Fifty Shades books, I really should be giving them this title as an alternative.]
Emma Holly has made a wonderful achievement in this book. She has written an erotic romance so good that I will read it again and again, without the use of any suspense or paranormal elements. This talent of hers deserves recognition, I enjoyed this book as much as any I've read by Jayne Ann Krentz or Nora Roberts.
A side benefit is that one of her characters did a better job of explaining quantum physics theory to me than any college professor or tome I've ever encountered before.
If one is a romance fan who is uncomfortable with erotic romance, this is the one to try to change your mind, if one can keep an open mind about the nature of happily-ever-after.
Emma Holly has made a wonderful achievement in this book. She has written an erotic romance so good that I will read it again and again, without the use of any suspense or paranormal elements. This talent of hers deserves recognition, I enjoyed this book as much as any I've read by Jayne Ann Krentz or Nora Roberts.
A side benefit is that one of her characters did a better job of explaining quantum physics theory to me than any college professor or tome I've ever encountered before.
If one is a romance fan who is uncomfortable with erotic romance, this is the one to try to change your mind, if one can keep an open mind about the nature of happily-ever-after.
October 10, 2011
I do love Emma Holly's writing because I find her characters just so darn likeable. They get on with it and don't have all this tortured miscommunication and angst driven, repetitive inner dialogue which is more often than not very off putting, painful and intelligence insulting. Charity is down to earth, has a moment of contemplation about being with 2 strong, smart men but doesn't get bogged down, she is strong without being unbelievable and hey she takes those 2 guys on (plus a little more) and gets down with gusto. B G and Eric are opposites, have a strong bond and are lovely together and better still with Charity thrown into the mix. The sex is excellent and adventurous, the subplot(s) is enough to keep you turning those pages, there is M/M action as well as M/F/M so if guys together bothers you you may be barking up the wrong tree with this book, as for me I love it so bring it and I'll keep on reading.
December 20, 2010
"From one of the best writers of erotic fiction around comes the hot novel of a young woman's sensual education at the hands of a reclusive professor who's adept at erotic mind games."
Mildly entertaining. My first foray into oficially labelled erotic fiction -- not taking into consideration the books my parents hid from me in the second row on our bookshelf, when I was a teenager. All things considered I might have enjoyed Fanny Hill, Henry Miller or Charles Bukowski more. My interest started fading about halfway through. Don't get me wrong, the erotic bits were erotic enough. But it got a bit repetitive and I was sorely lacking an engaging storyline. The surprising bits about quantum mechanis were the most interesting parts of the book. So, yeah, ok. Might pick up another one at some point. But I am in no rush.
Mildly entertaining. My first foray into oficially labelled erotic fiction -- not taking into consideration the books my parents hid from me in the second row on our bookshelf, when I was a teenager. All things considered I might have enjoyed Fanny Hill, Henry Miller or Charles Bukowski more. My interest started fading about halfway through. Don't get me wrong, the erotic bits were erotic enough. But it got a bit repetitive and I was sorely lacking an engaging storyline. The surprising bits about quantum mechanis were the most interesting parts of the book. So, yeah, ok. Might pick up another one at some point. But I am in no rush.
May 16, 2016
This was much more than I expected. I thought this would be a story similar to In the Flesh, with two complicated men in a relationship, and they (unsuccessfully) add a female. In the Flesh was not a romance with a satisfying HEA. I read Strange Attractions regardless because the excerpt intrigued me. It is a really good story - the two men are interesting and complicated, especially the genius physicist. The lead female is great too. The quantum theory added into the plot is just on this side of realistic. And the HEA was sweet. I’m so glad the story didn’t devolve into dysfunctional woe-is-me stuff. Definitely recommend. Cannot tell at all that this was written 11+ years ago.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
May 19, 2015
La narración de la autora me gusta, pero la traducción mal hecha en la versión que tengo me hizo quedarme un poco fría.
La historia de Charity es bastante interesante, desde un puesto poco deseado de trabajo a una situación de ménage con experimentos incluídos, aunque después esta situación se vuelva bastante real. Y los especimenes masculinos que acompañan no pierdan la oportunidad de hacer a Charity feliz. Eric es un amor, demasiado romántico y a la vez indeciso para su propio bien, y B.G. con su deseo de conseguir lo mejor para los demás dejándose de lado resulta tierno a la vez que triste. Por suerte, todos saben al final como llegar al corazón del otro. Recomendable
La historia de Charity es bastante interesante, desde un puesto poco deseado de trabajo a una situación de ménage con experimentos incluídos, aunque después esta situación se vuelva bastante real. Y los especimenes masculinos que acompañan no pierdan la oportunidad de hacer a Charity feliz. Eric es un amor, demasiado romántico y a la vez indeciso para su propio bien, y B.G. con su deseo de conseguir lo mejor para los demás dejándose de lado resulta tierno a la vez que triste. Por suerte, todos saben al final como llegar al corazón del otro. Recomendable
October 19, 2013
2,5 stars, this is a geeky book.
this is a special story about a smartass scientist and domineering personality BG, who is doing a top secret experiment. He recruits Charity, knowing very well his friend and long time partner has a thing for her as He made him choose her.
It was a really confusing read for me , but in the end, i think BG was afraid to loose Eric, but he also wanted to make Eric happy. So can Eric have it all, Charity and still keep BG by the side?
i am not into menages, but the menage scenes were easy to read and erotic.
this is a special story about a smartass scientist and domineering personality BG, who is doing a top secret experiment. He recruits Charity, knowing very well his friend and long time partner has a thing for her as He made him choose her.
It was a really confusing read for me , but in the end, i think BG was afraid to loose Eric, but he also wanted to make Eric happy. So can Eric have it all, Charity and still keep BG by the side?
i am not into menages, but the menage scenes were easy to read and erotic.
March 7, 2008
Emma Holly is my fave erotica author....and although I still rank Top of her Game as my number one (because it feeds my cowboy fetish a bit), this book is a really close second. There are some very hot scenes. Be forewarned...if you are turned off by a little male on male action, you may not love this book. The male action in this book is very sensual and well-written so I thought it was a great addition! Especially since I think that is sexy and you can't find that much of anywhere!
August 7, 2016
Points for originality! And science. This one certainly takes off in an interesting direction, adding a (rare) almost sff element to the story. Nothing about this one is remotely real-world, but that actually works out to its benefit. Holly creates three interesting characters and actually draws believable, real feeling from them in the midst of a somewhat ridiculous backdrop. It's a rare sexy book that makes me think, but this one did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews