Review by galleytrot - The Science of Attraction

galleytrot 's review for:

The Science of Attraction by Jay Hogan

3.75

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

FIRST READ: Apr 2024

SECOND READ: May 2025
FORMAT: Digital, Audio

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 3.75 / 5⭐

TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 4 / 5⭐
FINAL – OVERALL: 3.75 / 5 ⭐

In this book, Julian is managing Lane Station to the very best of his ability while his father meddles and undoes Jules' progress instead of focusing on his recovery. When Liam arrives as Paddy's rehab specialist, waltzing in all, "I'm here and I'm queer; get used to it, or get worse - I don't have to be here, and good luck finding better," Jules' closeted-bisexual takes notice of the man in a big way. With Jules at risk by his father's unyielding bigotry, and with Liam's work requiring him to travel extensively for weeks to months at a time, there's no room for anything more than exploration between the pair of them, but the heart isn't always satisfied with a fling.

So this review is a bit difficult to pin down, because my thoughts on it are scattered in a thousand different directions. A lot happens in this book, and while most of it I was heavily on board with, other things couldn't grab my attention for the life of me. I wasn't always satisfied with where the many loose threads tied up, and the epilogue came flying in where I felt could have gone for a little bit longer. I just don’t think this story had an actual resolution to it that wasn’t yada-yada’d in said epilogue.

Ultimately, I thought Paddy's character growth/development (or oftentimes, complete lack thereof) was extremely realistic, to a disheartening degree. People don't change overnight, and pushback of any sort can cause them to double down. It's exhausting, it's endlessly frustrating, but it's honestly refreshing when an author has the balls to be as true to the probable reality of a situation as Hogan is here. Far less interesting was anything to do with Liam's sister and nephew - I'll be honest, I'm not exactly what they added to the story in the first place.

This book has representation for gays and bisexuals. There is otherwise little else in the way of diversity.

The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.

This book contains:

misogyny, toxic masculinity; chronic illness (Parkinson’s, long-term effects of stroke, rheumatoid arthritis); homophobia, biphobia; past parent death; blood, injuries (bloody nose, cuts/gashes, bruising, bullet wound, broken collarbone); bullying, mention of outing; mention of vomiting; alcohol use; animal death (casual fishing for food); assault (off-page); past attempted sexual assault of a minor; and, accidental rifle discharge.

Content Warnings