The Adversary's Surrender

A Steamy Enemies-to-Lovers Dark Academia Romance with Forced Proximity

A PR expert sent to discover Danwood's secrets.. The professor who won't let her. One Secret Society. One conspiracy. No way out clean.
An enemies-to-lovers second chance forced proximity gothic dark academia romance with scorching tension and a guaranteed HEA.

Isabella Bloom curates her family’s legacy. Now they’ve sent her to Danwood to inventory its secrets—and she can’t afford a conscience. Especially not him. The professor she shared one reckless, unforgettable weekend with.

Dr. Samuel Ives knows every stone of Danwood. He won't let the woman who disappeared on him sanitize the truth for a board vote—no matter how much their current war feels like an encore.

But someone powerful is hiding more than just historic assets. A secret conspiracy is looming, and the rot reaches deep into Danwood.

When the audit turns dangerous, their only option is a partnership that could cost them everything—her family, his career, and the hearts they’ve already gambled once.

Some alliances are forged in daylight. Theirs is sealed in shadows.

✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Forced Proximity
✓ Dark Alliance
✓ Family Secrets
✓ He Falls First
✓ Slow Burn → Scorching Heat
✓ Gothic/Campus Conspiracy

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Steamy (three open-door scenes) Tone: Angsty Suspenseful Witty POV: Dual POV, Third Person Ending: HEA guaranteed Content Notes: Off-page suicide of a secondary character, family dysfunction, institutional corruption

Perfect for fans of Gothikana, Simone St. James, and readers who want The Secret History with a steamy romance at its heart.

One-click now and descend into the conspiracy. Some surrenders are worth the fight.