Sweet Hostility

The campus of Hudson University smelled like old money, rainy pavement, and elitism. Leila Rose fit into exactly none of those categories.

Leila has one goal this semester: keep good enough grades and stay invisible in her oversized hoodies. She doesn't have time for distractions, and she definitely doesn't have time for arrogant jerks. But when a chaotic morning collision causes her to splash boiling hot chocolate directly across the chest of a six-foot-two brick wall of expensive fabric and smoky cologne, her peaceful semester is officially incinerated.

Xavier Volkov, He is cold, intensely brilliant, and carries a last name that makes the entire campus back down. With his heavy silver chains, dark utility cargo pants, and sharp tattoo sleeves, he is used to absolute compliance. He expects an apology. Instead, Leila rolls her eyes, mocks his massive ego, and walks away. Xavier is furious.

Leila is unimpressed. But he universe has a twisted sense of humor. Not only is Xavier in her exact psychology lecture, but he chooses the desk directly next to hers. Now, trapped in forced proximity, their fierce academic rivalry ignites an absolute war zone. They despise each other's existence. Every interaction is laced with sharp sarcasm and pure hostility. But beneath the cold stares and bitter arguments, a dangerous, electric tension is building-and neither of them is ready for what happens when the hatred turns sweet.