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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Incredible. I could not put this down, and was so drawn in literally before even the end of the prologue.
The characters are so dynamic, their love starts as a true rivalry and is a slow-burning marriage of convenience, and the plot is so interesting. I’ve never been in the world of academia, but the way it was written about struck the perfect balance between being so clearly a love for the author (+ characters), and also showcasing many of the problems in the field that need to be addressed.
I loved the way the dual POV was handled - each character’s personality really shown through their writing style, and the chapters matched. Also, I didn’t realize I wanted a love story to unfold in footnotes, but it turns out I absolutely did.
This is going to be a book I’ll be thinking about constantly, and will be recommending to everyone I know.
There’s nothing I can say that will hold up to how good this book was - just pick it up and give it a read!
I can’t wait to see what comes next - I’m hoping maybe Chess x Isamu?
I was provided a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Gosh, I loved this book!! It’s clever and sexy and adorable. It’s a little bit The Hating Game, it’s a little bit You Between the Lines, but it’s still a totally unique story (and set in Australia, which is uncommon in romance and was wonderful). Sadie and Jonah are longtime academic rivals who engage in a marriage of convenience for career reasons, and you can guess how that works out for them.
What I really liked about this book is that even though you have to suspend a little bit of disbelief as with any romance novel, ultimately the characters did have valid external reasons to make the decisions they did. McAlister did a great job of developing their characters and helping us understand their motivations. We get to see their relationship evolving and deepening over a very long period of time, and it makes the payoff even more satisfying.
The side characters were also great and added to the story/character development. I finished the book desperate to read sequels about three other possible couples in this world, and I really hope McAlister writes them.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I really liked about this book is that even though you have to suspend a little bit of disbelief as with any romance novel, ultimately the characters did have valid external reasons to make the decisions they did. McAlister did a great job of developing their characters and helping us understand their motivations. We get to see their relationship evolving and deepening over a very long period of time, and it makes the payoff even more satisfying.
The side characters were also great and added to the story/character development. I finished the book desperate to read sequels about three other possible couples in this world, and I really hope McAlister writes them.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fifteen years of rivalry, endless bickering, and now… a fake marriage?
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals since undergrad, trading barbs through doctorates and faculty drama. But just as they start to make peace, a coveted university position opens up, pitting them against each other once more. Then one of them gets the job and discovers it comes with partner hire. Could this be the solution to job stability for the both of them? The catch - they have to get married! (Strictly for professional gain, of course.)
Because a fake relationship won’t get messy… right?
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister had me hooked from the first page and is hands down one of my favourite rom-coms of the year (and maybe ever). I was already half in love with Jonah by page three—he’s jumped straight onto my book boyfriend hall of fame.
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals since undergrad, trading barbs through doctorates and faculty drama. But just as they start to make peace, a coveted university position opens up, pitting them against each other once more. Then one of them gets the job and discovers it comes with partner hire. Could this be the solution to job stability for the both of them? The catch - they have to get married! (Strictly for professional gain, of course.)
Because a fake relationship won’t get messy… right?
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister had me hooked from the first page and is hands down one of my favourite rom-coms of the year (and maybe ever). I was already half in love with Jonah by page three—he’s jumped straight onto my book boyfriend hall of fame.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book!! I thought both MCs were really cute and their story was super sweet! I also love books based out of Aus/NZ and the academia setting was refreshing. Jonah footnotes were really well done and added much wanted info and value to the story.
My one critique is that I feel some of the more minor plot points were just left unanswered which I didn’t like. Also the miscommunication trope with her sister lasted WAY too long.
Super cute and fun. 3.5-4 stars ⭐️
My one critique is that I feel some of the more minor plot points were just left unanswered which I didn’t like. Also the miscommunication trope with her sister lasted WAY too long.
Super cute and fun. 3.5-4 stars ⭐️
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a sweet romance!
Sadie and Jonah are academics who have been going head to head for 15 years.
After they both apply for the same job, Sadie proposes a deal with Jonah.
I simply adored reading how Jonah realised he was in love with Sadie, and how she, too, finally worked out that she needed him as more than just a sparring partner.
I loved how this book was self-reflective in a lot of ways. The footnotes – thank you, Jonah – were a fun little addition.
I would absolutely recommend this if you love a romcom.
This book does not contain a third act breakup.
Sadie and Jonah are academics who have been going head to head for 15 years.
After they both apply for the same job, Sadie proposes a deal with Jonah.
I simply adored reading how Jonah realised he was in love with Sadie, and how she, too, finally worked out that she needed him as more than just a sparring partner.
I loved how this book was self-reflective in a lot of ways. The footnotes – thank you, Jonah – were a fun little addition.
I would absolutely recommend this if you love a romcom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
funny
lighthearted