Bella and Edward do have a unique connection, which is later explained as some sort of destiny crap. But their “you smell so good” thing is also explained as a chemistry between them that other vampires have also experienced, though usually they wind up eating the person because they smell so delicious. Edward is so rigidly moral that he’s able to resist eating her, which leads to the discovery that she is actually his Twue Wuv. So their reactions to each other are unique, mostly because a) she finds out he’s a vampire and doesn’t care, unlike most people, and b) he has the self-control to be around her and not eat her. It’s not because he’s hypnotizing her. It’s fate, baby.
I don’t see the plot hole you’re pointing to. I’m giving the books a bad rap because they glorify unhealthy romantic teen relationships.