At Manster College, monster professors guide students in the fine art of fitting into human society--easier said than done. Professor Gormley Grimn didn't choose the Gorgon life-the Gorgon life chose her?sort of. Born a human, Gormley led an uneventful existence until graduate school, when she was cursed by the jealous fiancée of her study partner. Her only recourse was to leave her husband and son and become a professor of chemistry at Manster College, teaching young Gorgons, trolls, and other monsters. It's a sexless and secluded life?until she falls into a lusty affair with Dean Ormr Snaakemon-half smooth-skinned man, half smooth-scaled snake, one hundred percent hottie. They tell themselves snakes don't get attached, but the attraction is undeniable. Besides, Gormley is overdue for some fun-and Ormr is more than happy to oblige. They even start partying with the trolls at the local bar! Life as a cursed Gorgon finally doesn't seem so bad.

When, a hostile intruder from the Purity League suffers a fatal mishap in Gormley's chemistry lab, the college Board of Trustees insists Gormley tutor her Gorgon students in the art of "civil Defense" at the request of an anonymous backer who is offering a possible financial opportunity. But there's a problem, Gorgon powers don't work as described in classical mythology. Instead of turning instantly to stone, men are more likely to have accidents such as falling onto soda dispensers and getting attacked by stray dogs. Added to the fact that Gormley is far from an expert wielding the ancient powers. And even if she did know how-she isn't sure it's the right thing to do. After it becomes clear that The Purity League wants to stamp out all monsters, Gormley is no longer able to hide in the darkness, but it leaves the most important question of all: Should Gormley stick with her no-killing-just fit in principles, or join forces with the Knobbers-a group of demigods, including the woman who cursed her? And is Ormr going to stay by her side, or is he a snake in the grass?.