Jodi McAlister is no stranger to the world of academia, nor the romance genre. As a senior lecturer at Deakin University in Melbourne and a researcher of love through the lens of pop culture and fiction, Jodi is an expert in both fields. She blends her academic background and research in her upcoming romance release, An Academic Affair. Full of steamy tension, biting remarks, and swoon-worthy moments, this charming book invites you to explore the developing dynamic between two feuding academics and the harsh reality of being in the field. Here is everything you need to know before the book drops on November 11!
Synopsis
Academics Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been rivals for 15 years. From disagreements on literary interpretations to biting personal remarks, the pair have been at each other’s throats throughout their entire educational careers. When a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity opens up, Sadie and Jonah desperately need it for their own personal reasons and, consequently, decide to take advantage of the partner hire clause. All they have to do is get married. The two rivals must put aside their disdain for each other and convince their families and coworkers that their marriage is real. But as they grow closer, they realize they didn’t account for the feelings that begin to flourish between them.
An Intense and Dreamy Romance
“‘Let’s face it, Fisher,’ I said, tapping my credit card against the reader. ‘I was born to be your ex-wife.’”
— Jodi McAlister, An Academic Affair
Rivals to lovers and fake marriage? Yes please! All Sadie and Jonah have ever done since their undergrad years is argue and bicker. So, watching them navigate married life is as funny as it is intense. How their feelings for each other emerge is different but equally passionate in the end. This book is an absolute must-read if you enjoy snappy quarrels that turn into intense longing and admiration and ardent declarations of love.
A Look Into the Reality of the Academic World
“Here’s a piece of advice about academia: if you’re interested in secure and stable employment with a career progression that pays you a living wage, don’t go into it.”
— Jodi McAlister, An Academic Affair
As the feelings between Jonah and Sadie deepen, Jodi points out the tough reality of the academic world. The main reason the two rivals compete for this job position is because of the lack of stable career opportunities within the academic field. Jonah and Sadie’s account of the field demonstrates that no matter how qualified you are, how many years of experience in casual teaching you have, or how much research you have published, securing a stable job is an arduous feat. In the acknowledgements, Jodi points out, “Just about everything that happens in this book [except for the fake marriage proposal] has either happened to me or someone I know.” While romance is at the heart of this novel, the grueling truth of the academic world is just as significant to the story.
A Portrayal of Family Issues in Various Forms
“‘My family is poison,’ I said. ‘I’m poison.’”
— Jodi McAlister, An Academic Affair
Sadie’s and Jonah’s families could not be more different. Sadie’s only family is her fierce, protective older sister Chess, who will go to the ends of the earth for her. Meanwhile, Jonah’s family is entirely dysfunctional due to his arrogant dad and the combative environment he and his siblings grew up in. Despite their families being opposites, they both encounter difficult issues that force them to rebuild their relationships with their family members or lose them forever.
Final Thoughts
An Academic Affair is more than just a cute rom-com — it provides a look into the tribulations of the academic world and familial relationships. That said, the romance between Sadie and Jonah is precious, tender, and oh-so-swoon-worthy! I recommend you read this if you enjoy the academia aesthetic, emotionally profound characters, and, of course, charming romance stories!
You’ll love An Academic Affair if you enjoyed these books:
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Bookstr’s An Academic Affair Dream Cast:
Elle Fanning as Sadie Shaw
Based on the authenticity and emotional depth she has shown in her previous works, Elle would perfectly portray Sadie’s wide range of emotions, from her biting wit to her heartbreaking sorrow. With a ginger wig and an Australian accent, she would be a perfect Sadie!
Mike Faist as Jonah Fisher
Mike Faist has that scholarly, handsome look to him that is perfect for Jonah. Mike could easily juggle Jonah’s character in both his cardigan and tweed forms, and, based on his performance in Challengers, he would absolutely pull off Jonah’s intense yearning. All he needs is a good Australian accent!
Final Score: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 2/5
If you’re interested in An Academic Affair, you can preorder it on Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon! Thank you to Atria Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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For more books like this, check out our Love is in the Air: Contemporary Romance collection on Bookshop.
