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Authority Issues
He was her high school bully. Now she’s his college professor, and he’s about to learn one hell of a lesson.
Shea Hunt has an attitude problem that started when he was a kid. When he’s fired for insubordination and returns to college to pursue his dream career, there is one class standing in the way of him getting into business school: an intensive writing course. And the professor teaching it just happens to be a girl he teased mercilessly in high school.
Dr. Zara Ames can hardly believe her eyes when one of the students in her intensive writing class is none other than her high school bully. It’s hard to put those painful memories behind her and offer him the extra help he needs to pass the course.
When the two grow closer than either anticipated, will Zara’s bid for tenure be thwarted by her lecherous department chair? And will Shea prove he’s never quite gotten past his authority issues?
This standalone contemporary romance novella is a bully romance all grown up, featuring characters in their forties and a plus-size/curvy heroine.
Shea Hunt has an attitude problem that started when he was a kid. When he’s fired for insubordination and returns to college to pursue his dream career, there is one class standing in the way of him getting into business school: an intensive writing course. And the professor teaching it just happens to be a girl he teased mercilessly in high school.
Dr. Zara Ames can hardly believe her eyes when one of the students in her intensive writing class is none other than her high school bully. It’s hard to put those painful memories behind her and offer him the extra help he needs to pass the course.
When the two grow closer than either anticipated, will Zara’s bid for tenure be thwarted by her lecherous department chair? And will Shea prove he’s never quite gotten past his authority issues?
This standalone contemporary romance novella is a bully romance all grown up, featuring characters in their forties and a plus-size/curvy heroine.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Alexander
58 books337 followersPhoebe Alexander writes #sexpositive #bodypositive erotic romance featuring compelling plots intertwined with passionate, fiery encounters. She believes that real, relatable characters can have even steamier sex than billionaires, rock stars, and the young and lithe-bodied. She also advocates for ethical non-monogamy through her writing.
Phoebe lives on the East Coast with her husband, sons, and multiple felines. When she's not writing, she works as an editor and consultant for indie authors. She also volunteers her time running a 3000-member indie author support group. Free time is her single greatest fantasy, and if she happens to have a moment she spends it at the beach, traveling, shopping or...wait, who are we kidding? That's about all she ever gets a chance to do.
Phoebe lives on the East Coast with her husband, sons, and multiple felines. When she's not writing, she works as an editor and consultant for indie authors. She also volunteers her time running a 3000-member indie author support group. Free time is her single greatest fantasy, and if she happens to have a moment she spends it at the beach, traveling, shopping or...wait, who are we kidding? That's about all she ever gets a chance to do.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 5, 2022
Phoebe Alexander has done a wonderful job in writing about fat bullying in high school and revenge later on in life. Shea Hunt terrorized Zara Fowler all throughout high school in order to fit in and be part of the popular kids in high school. In reality, he had a secret crush on the chubby, nerdy girl who always had a book in her hands? Does the story sound familiar to some of you because it clearly resonates with me and Phoebe does a great job of writing this story for all of us to try to remember our days in high school!
We see flashbacks of Zara and Shea in high school as they were and get to see an emotional side to him that Zara did not know he had.
The steam is perfect and not too over the top. A pleasant read overall
We see flashbacks of Zara and Shea in high school as they were and get to see an emotional side to him that Zara did not know he had.
The steam is perfect and not too over the top. A pleasant read overall
January 31, 2023
BOOK:-AUTHORITY ISSUES BY PHOEBE ALEXANDER-A CURVES BOOK CLUB AUTHOR
BOOK REVIEWER-OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS
A novel on Shea Hunt's return to college after a fire for insurbordination to continue his dream career in business.The story build up to his meeting Dr. Zara Ames a girl he teased and bullied while in high school who turns out to be his supervisor.We see Zara and Shea in the story get into a relationship amidst several authority issues between themselves and Alan her department Chair.Authority issues looks at the authority of who was in control or incharge in a sex activity between a male and a female;Shea's authority issues of wanting to go against authority and those above him;Shea wanting to follow Zara to see Alan her Chair if there was any threat so he could act again using and practicing his authority issues;sexual abuse and authority issues of having to pull through old boys network of school authorities ;amongst others.It discusses a wide range of topics from body shaming; weight management and food portion control;debates and arguing for or against; publication criteria in the academic world;what a dossier emtails;co authored papers;punctuality as a student;protective sex and condom use;blackmail;betrayal;conspiracy;when the stumbling block to progress is conspiracy;sexual abuse in schools;parenting and stress handling children; amongst others.It raises questions on whether as a teacher or lecturer,a scary first impression instilled respect for you in the students;whether one could be said to seduce another when on the least sexy outfit or whether at that point sex is consensual,infering the parties getting what they both wanted out of a situation; whether a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease was actually living or in a prison sentence;whether a divorcee can still find a sexy intelligent local man worthy of her time after a break and getting back on the groove;whether to get law enforcement or school officials in the know or resort to blackmail in case of sexual abuse and whether blackmail is in itself just looking at the circumstances;menstrual pain issues and whether it's enough defense for a leave of absence from school by a student; amongst others.
BOOK REVIEWER-OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS
A novel on Shea Hunt's return to college after a fire for insurbordination to continue his dream career in business.The story build up to his meeting Dr. Zara Ames a girl he teased and bullied while in high school who turns out to be his supervisor.We see Zara and Shea in the story get into a relationship amidst several authority issues between themselves and Alan her department Chair.Authority issues looks at the authority of who was in control or incharge in a sex activity between a male and a female;Shea's authority issues of wanting to go against authority and those above him;Shea wanting to follow Zara to see Alan her Chair if there was any threat so he could act again using and practicing his authority issues;sexual abuse and authority issues of having to pull through old boys network of school authorities ;amongst others.It discusses a wide range of topics from body shaming; weight management and food portion control;debates and arguing for or against; publication criteria in the academic world;what a dossier emtails;co authored papers;punctuality as a student;protective sex and condom use;blackmail;betrayal;conspiracy;when the stumbling block to progress is conspiracy;sexual abuse in schools;parenting and stress handling children; amongst others.It raises questions on whether as a teacher or lecturer,a scary first impression instilled respect for you in the students;whether one could be said to seduce another when on the least sexy outfit or whether at that point sex is consensual,infering the parties getting what they both wanted out of a situation; whether a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease was actually living or in a prison sentence;whether a divorcee can still find a sexy intelligent local man worthy of her time after a break and getting back on the groove;whether to get law enforcement or school officials in the know or resort to blackmail in case of sexual abuse and whether blackmail is in itself just looking at the circumstances;menstrual pain issues and whether it's enough defense for a leave of absence from school by a student; amongst others.
July 12, 2023
Zara and Shea went to high school together where Shea and his friends bullied Zara for being overweight. Fast forward 25 years and Zara is an English professor and Shea is starting his life over going to college and ends up in Zara's class. Neither acknowledges that they remember the other from school and Shea is failing his assignments and asks for help, the sexual tension is high but Zara is thinking of how to find revenge while Shea is trying to find forgiveness.
This was a fun short read and the poetry was lovely. I did find that even as a fellow educators I couldn't relate much to Zara finding pleasure in giving Shea bad grades. Some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy but I did love the development to body positivity and talking about how difficult a journey that had been for Zara. There were a couple parts that didn't match up like when Zara said she never had kids because her ex had a low sperm count but then talking about birth control later said that she couldn't get pregnant. The mysterious back stories felt a bit drawn out even for such a short story but overall I enjoyed it for a spicy novella, probably the best of the professor/student trope since it felt a lot more palatable with a nontraditional student and their past dynamic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun short read and the poetry was lovely. I did find that even as a fellow educators I couldn't relate much to Zara finding pleasure in giving Shea bad grades. Some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy but I did love the development to body positivity and talking about how difficult a journey that had been for Zara. There were a couple parts that didn't match up like when Zara said she never had kids because her ex had a low sperm count but then talking about birth control later said that she couldn't get pregnant. The mysterious back stories felt a bit drawn out even for such a short story but overall I enjoyed it for a spicy novella, probably the best of the professor/student trope since it felt a lot more palatable with a nontraditional student and their past dynamic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
Authority Issues is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, later in life, curvy girl gets her hunk, second-chance romance. Zara is a smart, sassy, confident, and curvy English professor. Shea is a hunky security guard and college student trying to complete his MBA. He and Zara went to high school together. He bullied her but secretly had a crush on her. The hurt stayed with Zara for a long time. Now, 25 years later, she is his professor for the last class he needs to complete. Will she get her revenge? The two have a lot of baggage, hurt, and unresolved issues from the past, but as they work together, love blooms. Zara learns to let the hurt go, and Shea tries to make amends and asks forgiveness. But as their relationship grows and Zara is up for tenure, a shady co-worker tries to blackmail her. Can these two get their second chance? Can they both realize they are worthy of love? I absolutely adored this couple and story so much. I really identified with Zara, and Shea's past just broke my heart. Their chemistry was pure fire, and we did get a happy ending, but I was sweating it. I loved it so much!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2023
You can overcome!
Excellent novel.
I loved Zara the heroine, the underdog through high school. Yet, forward is where she was going even with lack of supportive family. She got there, and did it well.
I loved her first thought in the book as an adult 25 years later, how she is a bit sadistic her first day of a new semester. This frankly cracked me up, and also gives us an idea the kind of growth this woman has achieved!
Shea, okay, I have to say it, Bless his heart. The poor boy was a lost boy, but the man with all that happened in his life became so much more, slowly, very slowly, but he is making every effort and cares.
Together, there is so much squeezed into this novel, for both characters. Not all good, but not all bad.
I loved how the author was succinct. So much explanation was packed in without the verbosity of may other writers.
Yes, there's a hea, but getting there is a process, and this author descriptively gave us what we needed to understand.
Frankly, I loved this book.
Excellent writing!
Karen
Excellent novel.
I loved Zara the heroine, the underdog through high school. Yet, forward is where she was going even with lack of supportive family. She got there, and did it well.
I loved her first thought in the book as an adult 25 years later, how she is a bit sadistic her first day of a new semester. This frankly cracked me up, and also gives us an idea the kind of growth this woman has achieved!
Shea, okay, I have to say it, Bless his heart. The poor boy was a lost boy, but the man with all that happened in his life became so much more, slowly, very slowly, but he is making every effort and cares.
Together, there is so much squeezed into this novel, for both characters. Not all good, but not all bad.
I loved how the author was succinct. So much explanation was packed in without the verbosity of may other writers.
Yes, there's a hea, but getting there is a process, and this author descriptively gave us what we needed to understand.
Frankly, I loved this book.
Excellent writing!
Karen
July 31, 2023
Zara and Shea reconnect in the craziest way nearly 25 years after high school- she's his intensive writing professor and he's a not-so-traditional college student. Life has worked out much differently for them both, though they both went through divorces and have struck out in the love department. She remembers him as her high school bully while Shea remembers that too, but also the secret crush he had on the now beautiful and curvy PHD. The book is a pretty quick read, written really well, and walks through their relationship (both past and present) in a realistic way that many in a similar age group (like myself) can relate to! It was a nice break from the normal NA romance set and I enjoyed every minute!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2025
I'm glad Zara didn't let the horrible experience at high school affect her in a bad way; she embodied who she was, even though painful memories still linger.
She's an accomplished, tough teacher whose students have great academic results.
Shea faces more than one tragedy in his life. It's all because of his one mistake, according to him. He carries guilt all his adulthood. After all the failures, he wants to do something meaningful. In order to achieve that, Shea ends up in Dr. Zara Ames' class.
Sparks fly with unpleasant consequences.
In order to heal and move forward, there is forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She's an accomplished, tough teacher whose students have great academic results.
Shea faces more than one tragedy in his life. It's all because of his one mistake, according to him. He carries guilt all his adulthood. After all the failures, he wants to do something meaningful. In order to achieve that, Shea ends up in Dr. Zara Ames' class.
Sparks fly with unpleasant consequences.
In order to heal and move forward, there is forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2025
This is a standalone book with bully romance in it but on the shorter side for me with less than 200 pages so it was easier to read in 1 sitting. This book struck a chord with me with Zara being bullied in high school by Shea so that he could fit in with the poplar kids but he always thought she was cute. Time jump to 25 years later and both are completely different people who have each gone thru their own challenges. Both had divorces and him going back to college and finding out that she is his professor. I enjoyed this spicy professor/student taboo troupe and that it was refreshing as the FMC was the person of power/authority within the story. It was nice to see the characters grow and the HEA was chef’s kiss.
September 8, 2022
Can The Past Truly Be Forgiven?
I really enjoyed this book. If you love a bully romance with redemption than this is a book to read. Shea made Zara's high-school life a living nightmare. Fast forward to present day & who should walk into her class but Shea. He needs to pass this class in order to get in to business school. The feelings that Shea stirs within Zara is causing a war to rage inside her-act upon those feelings or ignore them?
With a degenerate department chair threatening her tenure what will Zara choose, work or a HEA with Shea?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. If you love a bully romance with redemption than this is a book to read. Shea made Zara's high-school life a living nightmare. Fast forward to present day & who should walk into her class but Shea. He needs to pass this class in order to get in to business school. The feelings that Shea stirs within Zara is causing a war to rage inside her-act upon those feelings or ignore them?
With a degenerate department chair threatening her tenure what will Zara choose, work or a HEA with Shea?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
Fantastic!!!
Hold on tight as you will be sucked into the story of Zara and Shea quickly and forcefully, in the best way. Authority Issues is a great story about two forty year old people who had gone to high school together and had a complicated history because of it. But what is revealed will suck you in deep and make your heart pound harder as your eyes tear up. Be warned that there are possible triggers in this story but nothing too bad.
I thing Phoebe Alexander gives the reader a fantastic book which is well written, has great characters that are flawed, complicated and have depth, and packs an emotional punch with a lot of sizzling hot chemistry added on top.
Hold on tight as you will be sucked into the story of Zara and Shea quickly and forcefully, in the best way. Authority Issues is a great story about two forty year old people who had gone to high school together and had a complicated history because of it. But what is revealed will suck you in deep and make your heart pound harder as your eyes tear up. Be warned that there are possible triggers in this story but nothing too bad.
I thing Phoebe Alexander gives the reader a fantastic book which is well written, has great characters that are flawed, complicated and have depth, and packs an emotional punch with a lot of sizzling hot chemistry added on top.
September 5, 2022
The tables have turned for Shea and he finds himself at the mercy of one he bullied in high school! This may be a short story, but it is packed with drama that draws you in and have you cheering for these two. It gives the underside of Shea and what he was experiencing that caused him to act the way he did in high school. This is a well written story that is descriptive with characters that are dynamic and had me connecting with them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2022
Former Bully
My rating: 4.5
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No cheating
No Cliffhanger
Very sweet story no matter the past, but also steamy hot.
Both characters were great in their interactions. There is some drama and suspense in the plot of this forbidden story.
The ending was beautiful and so romantic.
I will definitely read more from Phoebe Alexander.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 4.5
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No cheating
No Cliffhanger
Very sweet story no matter the past, but also steamy hot.
Both characters were great in their interactions. There is some drama and suspense in the plot of this forbidden story.
The ending was beautiful and so romantic.
I will definitely read more from Phoebe Alexander.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2024
I couldn't put this book down. I read it all in one sitting. The FMC is tortured by a bully in high school but got away from him. Years later, following a set of unfortunate turns in his career, he returned to school, college this time, and finds the woman he had bullied relentless in HS was his professor. The story is engaging and loved the fact that the two MCs were older. A twisted second chance romance. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2022
Shea has always had an attitude problem, he terrorized one of his classmates, Zara, now as an adult he has lost his job insubordination. He decides to back to school to obtain his dream job and guess who holds his future in her hands, Zara. Shea secretly had a crush on Zara back in high. Can he get her to see beyond how he treated her in high school?.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
December 15, 2023
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I am so excited to read more.
A bully romance that took 25 years to come full circle! Talk about fate and karma!
When you see your high school bully sitting in your lecture hall and you know you have all the power, it’s time for revenge! Well that was the initial plan…. Funny how things change!
A fun and heartfelt read. I loved the characters and the way that the story flowed. Can’t wait to read more!!
A bully romance that took 25 years to come full circle! Talk about fate and karma!
When you see your high school bully sitting in your lecture hall and you know you have all the power, it’s time for revenge! Well that was the initial plan…. Funny how things change!
A fun and heartfelt read. I loved the characters and the way that the story flowed. Can’t wait to read more!!
November 30, 2025
This was a fantastic later in life second chance romance!
We meet Zara (MFC) an English proffesor and Shea (MMC) when he returns to college to finish his degree. Having not seen each other in 25yrs, and with power dynamics now shifting, its a roller coaster of emotions as they come to terms with what happened years ago and the direction they want to take now.
Heartfelt story with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We meet Zara (MFC) an English proffesor and Shea (MMC) when he returns to college to finish his degree. Having not seen each other in 25yrs, and with power dynamics now shifting, its a roller coaster of emotions as they come to terms with what happened years ago and the direction they want to take now.
Heartfelt story with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2022
Love.this book.Zara.a.English professor is surprised when a bully from high school is in one of her classes.Shea when he realized who she is wonders of she remembers him.Zara.in high school put up with alot from Shea and his mock friends.
I love how MS Alexander brings in the body positive theme into this book and how these two finally figure out what's important in life.
I love how MS Alexander brings in the body positive theme into this book and how these two finally figure out what's important in life.
January 8, 2023
Shea Hunter has returned to college to finish his degree. His professor is an old college classmate that he used to bully. Dr. Zara Ames recognizes him and doesn't want him in her class. Shea really had a crush on her in high school and that's why he was always seeming to bully her.
Zara has problems with her boss at school as she is trying to get her tenure.
Zara has problems with her boss at school as she is trying to get her tenure.
March 16, 2024
Aside from the usual trope (enemies to lovers) and small town girl and boy second chance, this story had a very credible plot with unfortunate events that happen in peoples lives that impact their self worth and esteem. A lovely story with lovely characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2025
This was a great story about a girl who got bullied by this boy who twenty-five years later becomes his college English professor. Life has definitely had its ups and downs for these two, but they find each other back into their lives. Will things end up differently this time? Worth a read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
Shea was Zara’s high school bully. Now, she’s a college professor and he’s in her class. And their chemistry is flammable. This was a fast paced, short, entertaining read. It was a beautiful love story. *this was a complimentary copy and this was my honest review*
September 7, 2022
This is my first time reading Phoebe Alexander. I wasn't disappointed. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2023
When shea returned to college he never thought in million years his professor would be Zara the shy nerdy girl from high school he and his friends who made her life a living hell. Can a leap of faith taken by Shea & Zara turn out to be pure heaven for them both.
August 11, 2023
The Author did a very good job of leading you to the couple (Zara & Shea) and some other extra characters! The book lets you know and learn their past! I got this as an ARC but, that didn’t influence this review!
September 28, 2025
Shame was Zara’s bully in high school 25 years ago, now she’s his teacher at college. A steamy read with these enemies to lovers as they face life’s battles in their early 40s.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2023
Zara is the girl you've always cheered for, Shea is the guy you've always wanted. These two make you happy for them as individuals and wowed as they make their way to each other.
August 4, 2025
Good read! Good spicy level. Good storyline. Very believable and relatable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews