When Sadie Harper arrives at the prestigious Oakridge High School as the new literature teacher, with her charisma and unconventional style, she quickly wins over her students... and earns the disapproval of Clare Donovan, her strict and perfectionist department colleague. While Sadie thrives on chaos and spontaneity, Clare clings to order and discipline. From the very first day, their personalities clash like two opposing forces destined never to see eye to eye. However, when they are forced to work together, they soon realize that the differences that separate them also have an undeniable pull. Their rivalry turns into a reluctant partnership filled with heated debates, lingering glances, and a tension neither of them can ignore. What starts as a battle of personalities soon transforms into something deeper that threatens to break down the carefully built walls around them. Is it just competition, or is there something hidden between the lines, waiting to be uncovered?

Lilith Hawthrone is a 20 year old psychology student with a complicated heart and more issues than she likes to admit. She feels too much, thinks too hard, and often drowns in the weight of her own empathy. She's curious, emotionally intense, and carries unresolved wounds especially the kind only a mother can leave behind. Valentina Salvatore is a 30 year old CEO. She works hard to build her career and keep things running smoothly. At the same time, she loves deeply but carefully, making sure her feelings go to the right person. She has learned to protect her heart and waits for someone who matches the way she feels. Where Lilith is full of feelings and unpredictability, Valentina has her life sorted out. They come from different worlds and have different ways of living, but what if that's exactly why they fit?

Ivy Williams didn't come to Heartfelt University for drama. She came to pass her classes, chain-smoke her way through the stress, and stay out of trouble. Then she met Professor Sinclair. Cold, condescending, and infuriatingly attractive, Sinclair seems to have made it her mission to ruin Ivy's life one lecture at a time. But Ivy gives as good as she gets-and the more they clash, the more the tension starts to twist into something else. Something neither of them is ready for but both of them want far too badly. Sharp words turn into slow glances. Power plays turn personal. And soon, the only thing more dangerous than their rivalry... is what might happen if it stops. [wlw]