Diana Fenwick doesn't usually hate people. Preferring books and ironic detachment to the messier business of romantic life, she's unused to both violent emotions and the people who inspire them - which makes her sudden and complete loathing for Maximilian de Feur, a close friend of her brother in law, a shock. She hates Max. Hates him so much that she can't resist irritating him every chance she gets - why, it's almost become an obsession.
And Max, rather than remaining coolly remote from the tension, seems all too keen to participate in the crackling, opinionated exchange of views. It's all, in a strange way, quite fun... until things suddenly come to a head, and Diana's left battling unexpected sentiments. Such startling passion should be ignored. It can't lead to anything good. But now that she has a taste for more than Max's insults, appetite is slowly growing into craving - and Max, much to his own surprise, is just as desperate as Diana to explore what could come from such an unexpected attraction...