A Curriculum of Secrets  (Paperback, Anoushka Speville)

Layla, a bright and ambitious young woman raised in a modest neighbourhood in Baltimore by her single mother, secures a prestigious grant to attend an Ivy League university. Her mother, shunned by her family after an unplanned pregnancy, was taken in by an understanding aunt and worked tirelessly to ensure Layla’s success. This grant is the culmination of years of sacrifice and determination. Despite living close to campus, Layla chooses to reside at the university to focus entirely on her studies. Upon her arrival, she meets Kaycee, a confident second-year student, and Brooke, her friendly roommate. Together, they form a bond that helps Layla adjust to college life. Layla’s world takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ash, a charismatic and enigmatic professor who awakens feelings she’s never experienced before. Torn between her dedication to her studies and her growing attraction to Ash, Layla embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating the challenges of academic life, relationships, and the dreams she has worked so hard to achieve. Very quickly, a dark cloud comes to overshadow this idyll; Ash became uncontrollably jealous and possessive. This is a story of ambition, love, manipulation and abuse.