These Ivory Hearts

Rivals turned reluctant colleagues. Enemies turned something far more dangerous.

When Dr. Avalon Jeffries discovers that her old nemesis, Jensen Zamora, has been hired into her department, it feels like fate's cruelest joke. Their history is full of academic battles, sharp words, and the wreckage of a toxic mutual ex - and Ava has no intention of forgiving or forgetting.

But the more they clash, the harder it becomes to ignore the heat simmering beneath every argument. In classrooms, crowded hallways, and behind office doors, sparks fly until denial is no longer an option. Jensen is still infuriating, still stubborn - but she's also brilliant, disarmingly kind, and nothing like the villain Ava once believed her to be.

As old grudges unravel and secrets come to light, Ava has to decide whether to keep her walls intact or risk everything for a love that might finally be worth the fight.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, academic rivals, and forbidden workplace romance, These Ivory Hearts delivers crackling tension, witty banter, and a slow-burn that will leave you breathless.

Read this if you like:Enemies-to-Lovers RomanceSlow-Burn RomanceWorkplace / Academic RomanceDisability Representation & Neurodiversity in FictionFound Family / Family & Caregiver Themes10 reasons to read "These Ivory Hearts," in case you need them:1. "You're a piece of shit, Zamora! Where am I supposed to go? It's like..."

2. "I hate drunk people with every part of my being."

3. "We broke up, Talia. I want you to get home safely, but once you do, I don't want to see you again,"

4. "You will honor any and every accommodation request that lands on your desk, because Dr. Grove and I have worked hard to make sure our department is a safe space for all of our students,"

5. "For the first time in possibly your entire life, you don't have to figure it out alone."

6. "Secrets only hurt when they get out,"

7. "I want to come with you because I want to spend time with you. I want to meet the people you love and take up space in your life. And if I have to pretend that it's purely academic so that you'll say yes, then so be it, but we both know it isn't."

8. "We hate each other," I say, my voice breathless and light.

9. "Ask the question, Zamora!" Jenn shouts from beside Floyd, and everyone laughs but Ava, who looks like she might start crying any second.

10. "Dr. Avalon Jeffries, will you marry me?" I ask her, and I expect there to be a moment of hesitation, but there isn't.