Green Light: An Academic Bully Romance

by Alacia Hale

Ramsey

Autumn Green is the bane of my existence. Showing up in a whirl of red hair and smart remarks, she ruffles every feather I have, somehow making me burn every time we end up in the same room.

Which is why I try to ignore her every chance I get.

Except when she suddenly shows up late for my bio class. The one I worked my ass off to get the TA spot in. The one I cannot lose.

I need to rectify the situation. Spending the semester together is not an option since avoiding each other would be impossible.

Either one of us drops this class, or something dire will happen…something neither of us is prepared for.


Autumn

After our first encounter, Ramsey Adams was supposed to get out of my life. Instead, he seems to be everywhere, showing up at the worst times and always ruining my mood.

We might go to the same university, but the likelihood of running into each other has always been slim.

Except when he turns out to be the TA for my new bio class. The class I need to stay on track for my degree. The class taught by my favorite professor.

Now Ramsey is demanding I drop the class just to make his life easier. And no way am I going to do that.

Looks like we’re just going to have to deal with each other. It’s not like being around each other is the end of the world…at least not the end of mine.

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

Alacia Hale is a contemporary romance writer with a penchant for messy and angst-ridden chaos characters. She loves writing stories filled with devotion, banter, and spice, a mixture that often leads down some intense and twisty paths. When she is not writing, you can find her drawing, travelling, or trying to keep another doomed plant alive. She currently lives in Upstate NY with her best friend, grumpy black cat, and a head full of fictional people.

Reviews

[Emily Knaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love bully tension that toes the line between “I hate you” and “I can’t stop thinking about you” then this book absolutely delivers!

Autumn… my girl. She walks onto campus thinking she’s finally getting a fresh start, only to run headfirst into Ramsey Adams, the one person she hoped she wouldn’t have to see. Her best friend’s older brother. Her childhood tormentor. The boy who made her feel like a burden and aggravated her more times than she can can count. Now, he’s the man who suddenly sees her a little too clearly.

Ramsey is every shade of infuriating. Cocky, cold, territorial in ways he has no right to be. He pushes every one of Autumn’s buttons, and the worst part is that she pushes right back. Their dynamic is pure gasoline; every argument, every stare, every accidental brush of hands feels like it’s one spark away from burning the whole campus down.

What I loved most is how the book balances the cruelty with vulnerability. Ramsay’s edge isn’t just for show; there’s history, guilt, and a whole mess of feelings he’s spent years burying. And Autumn refuses to be the girl he can walk over anymore. Watching her stand her ground, find her voice, and force him to confront what he’s done was cathartic as heck!

The miscommunication trope, pervy professor and the way Ramsey lashed out at Autumn (several times) were areas that I struggled with. Ramsey was very OTT and Autumn had a lot on her plate with her terrible parents. The ending also wasn’t for me. I’m so glad they got their HEA but it could have been left at that.

This is a book where the chemistry is messy, intense, and so addictive at times. It’s kind of romance that makes you want to yell at the characters and then hug them immediately after. Very emotional not just for Autumn but Ramsey too! Loved that he calls her Fall and the meaning behind it. All in all, a sold read if you’re looking for angst and banter with amazing spice!

A huge thanks to Alacia Hale for the early copy!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (ARC review)

I think I’m having a hard time rating “Green Light” because I wasn’t really into the first 20%. I’m not sure I’m a fan of their first introduction and Ramsey “bullying” Autumn when he’s a recent high school graduate and she 3ish years younger than him. The bully trope is already a 50/50 change of me being into and I don’t think I liked this basically college aged boy being so mean to this clearly younger girl he doesn’t even know.

That being said once you get past their interactions for the the last 3 years, I liked reading about the found family the Autumn has, I’m sure the other books in this series gets more into all their connections so while this is a standalone, it’s probably a better read when you know all the characters a little more. I liked how Mira (Ramseys sister) was supportive, it’s kind of nice to not have that secret looming over their heads since there was already enough internal back and forth they didn’t have the added element of having to hide anything.

It’s interesting reading books where the MC goes to therapy and is able to talk through his feelings with someone, which is helpful to not drag out miss communications and it helps Ramsey talk to Autumn after he’s had an overwhelming reaction from a conversation they’d have had.

I feel like this book really focused on their physical attraction (which makes sense with how the they started their truce), but it was very nice to see smaller moments like Ramsey making sure she ate and putting effort into finding things she’d enjoy doing on her birthday.

I liked that once they started to get together Ramsey wasn’t the one to run away and hide from his attraction and he was very good at being consistent with Autumn when she was second guessing herself and trying to distance her emotions to avoid getting hurt. It’s nice to see the guy being reassuring even if he wasn’t 100% what his feelings mean to himself yet.

(Side note but I’m going to be honest “sweetness” is not a nickname I’m a fan of, Witch and Fall were ok. And in my opinion “solid thing” referring to his heart “inside his chest” was said 20+ times and it just felt like a couple too many times with that specific wording. Both of these things aren’t “bad” they just stuck out to me while reading)

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enemies-to-lovers story done right. You can feel Ramsay’s hatred for Autumn after that initial spark fades. The disdain, the tension—it’s palpable. They are pure fire and gasoline, and Autumn never backs away from adding fuel to the flames. Their push-and-pull dynamic is addictive. They provoke each other constantly, but it never feels cruel or malicious—just two stubborn souls colliding.

Autumn is such a strong, compelling character. Life dealt her a truly awful hand: a terrible home life, a rough high-school experience, and then Ramsay being… well, Ramsay. Yet she holds her head high through it all. Her insecurities are valid and deeply rooted, reinforced by years of hardship, but she still finds the strength to stand firm. I admired her resilience so much.

And Ramsay—wow. He has so much growing to do. He’s full of anger and completely unaware of just how deep his attraction to Autumn runs. Even while insisting he “hates” her, his actions tell a very different story. The protective, possessive moments were everything. Watching him slowly realize he’s falling for her was incredibly satisfying, especially as he starts paying attention to Autumn and helping her challenge her own negative self-beliefs.

There were so many touching moments throughout this book, and I genuinely loved every bit of it.

And lastly—Mimi for the win!!! 💖

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review Imperium Coast book 2 (I have not read others in the series)
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Academic built romance
Ramsey -
Autumn -
Why did you move? ..."perfectly curated hiding place"?? What are you hiding from?
A mom shrieks and causes a stomach to sour and muscles to bunch. What happens in that house?
Body shaming is not ok.
Mean girls, jealous girls, insecure girls
You go Autumn!!
Ramsey, seen a therapist for anger management? stop light colors???
Oh, it's not just the mean girls being jealous, it is Ramsey as well...
Is the Green family not affluent or is it just kept on a tight hold from Autumn?
Creative way to get a gift
What's the "family secret"?
"fuller"? WTF is that supposed to mean!!?!?! 😠
Why is her nickname "witch" from him??
Why is it through panic/anxiety attacks he can be so loving?
Fine line between love and hate
Open door
"Satan's Nephew" 😂
"I insist your can't control me, and you hire a car to come get me and drop me off at your door? Like a fucking doordash order?" 🤣🤣
Birthday Adventure!!
I hate that you are right Ramsey, but go fight the good fight Autumn!
Oh shit!!! Is there a video of the desk incident????
I didn't think your mom could be more of a bi*ch Autumn, but clearly I was! 🤬
Go Mimi!! Go Mimi!!

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Okay if you come from Seeing Red you know I was in it for Harley moping around. I did read the Novella Seeing Red but did not Read book 1 True Blue. But I did go in knowing the characters so that helps.

We have our FMC Autumn ahead is a beautiful spicy don’t hold back attitude girl and I’m here for it. She unfortunately has been dealt with a shitty family but found her true family which are her friends. If you read Seeing Red you know her & Ramsey gave the will they won’t they vibes. Ramsey is our hotheaded MMC he struggled with anger management and Autumn is both his trigger and his calmness.

I just loved how they centered eachother. what started as hate quickly blurred into something else and I found myself quickly rooting for them. Sometimes I struggled with Autumns insecurities but I loved her spice and never backing down from Ramsey.

Hate her family I needed a bigger F U moment but her and her little sister came through! And so did her Mimi!

This is deff a found family and it was a captivating read and now I’m invested in these characters. Heart warming ending!

Add to your TBR; happy reading!

Spicey 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Found family
Plus size FMC
Best friends brother
College romance
Bully romance

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramsey Adams is so crass and she’s avoided him in the same university they attend until that is he shows up in her new biology class! Not only that but he’s the TA ,he’s wanting her to go ,turns her away which causes her all the more to stay put. Autumn Green is far from serene because not only is this class taught by her favourite professor. She’s needs it to complete her degree. He’s a bully and she can’t get onboard with him fully…Where does this go I bet you want to know …So do they decree and make it work? Does she shirk his advances or is a case of no not any chances no matter who dances first and with thirst ? Is it a case of thirst quencher and he does wrench her red hair and go there? Read and find out ,because this book by Alacia Hale will not fail to amuse without a doubt. It’s a perfect enemies to lovers trope and it’s told succinctly. Dope!

[Confuzedxneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, I didn't realize it was book 2 in the series. There were definitely some parts where I felt lost and didn't really know what was going on so definitely read the first book and novella before starting this.

Outside of that I really enjoyed the story itself. You have the easy to set off, bully MMC, the curvy, shy but willing to fire back FMC. You have 'rich boy, poor girl', a touch of forced proximity, while I wouldn't call it a slow burn there is definitely tension building between the two. I loved the push and pull the author created between them, the 'will they, won't they' was a real page turner. By the end of the book I was incredibly attached to the characters and have decided to go back and read the rest of the series.

[Cori Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with Ramsey and Autumn! From the very beginning you can feel the tension between these two. While they start at rocky (true hate to love for these 2), I loved watching Ramsey realize he was in deep with Autumn. At times I did want to smack him, but once he realized he had feelings to Autumn, things changed. Autumn was perfect for Ramsey and refused to back down. She came of shy, but our girl was incredibly fiesty and would push back any chance she could.

This had such great mental health rep! I love that Ramsey was so incredibly pro therapy and turned to his therapist when he needed to.

This is my first book by Alacia and I’m so ready to go back and read the novella and book 1. I am hooked on Harley and Mira and can’t wait to read their story!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww the ending had me all in my feels! There were times I wanted to absolutely throttle Ramsey for his jackass behavior, and while I'm at it, yes sometimes Autumn grated my nerves too 😅😂. But these two, the way they FINALLY figure out why their so fiery towards each other was awesome! Like yes, everyone else tried to tell ya, you dweebs 😂. Dr. Miller can go fuck himself, that dumbass 🖕🏼. I love how supportive Autumn's friends were, like especially with her shitty parents, that's absolutely good for her! Ramsey's nicknames for Autumn were too damn adorable!
Thank you @amhwrites for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ramsey and Autumn were really cute in this book. Ramsey started off as such a jerk. And Autumn was such a quiet person. Until you provoked her, then she was going to give it to you straight. I feel like this was not of an enemies to lovers. But either way, I really enjoyed reading it. I loved the banter and the way the two of them finally came together. It was a fun read, flowed beautifully, and held a perfect depth to the story. I hadn’t even realized this was the second book in the series. Thank you for letting me be a part of your ARC team.

[-♥ Keppy ♥- · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect pallet cleanser for me. At the beginning i loathed Ramsey and his attitude. Autumn is shy, yet she will bite ya right back if she is provoked. I loved that as the book went on we really see so much character growth from Ramsey and the way he feels about Autumn is swoon worthy. After everything Autumn has went through she might be the strongest woman I've ever read. If you want a slight bully romance with lots of tension this is the read for you!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance copy review!
I enjoyed parts of this book but struggled with others. I did enjoy the curvy FMC as a curvy girl myself. I don't think I particularly enjoyed the bullying from Ramsey but it was in the Trigger warnings so I knew it was coming. I loved how Autumn became best friends with Mira causing the forced proximity trope. overall all it wasn't my favorite read but I enjoyed it. Thank you again to Alacia Hale for the ARC!!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

e-ARC review

OMG this book was so cute. At first Ramsey seemed like such a douche and it was pissing me off but he slowly showed how much a gentleman he was. Loved every single trope in this book and the main couple ofc! I cant believe this was the second book in the series and it’s the first I read! I will be adding the first book in my tbr.

[Barbara Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's labeled as a bully trope, but it trully is an enemies to lovers and grumpy x Sunshine romance. Standalone, but could use an explanation of who some of the characters are if not reading the first.

[BookwormGrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book- it was the first by this author and I will definitely look to read others. I liked reading Autumn and Ramsey's story and discovering their characters, feelings and connection. An enemies to lovers is a trope I do enjoy and this was definitely not a let down.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book!