klavoie89 's review for:

An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
4.5
funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
As someone who complains rivals-to-lovers is an under appreciated trope, this was a fun, cozy read. 

There were several things I enjoyed, including:
  • The writing and especially the dialog. Their banter was believable and fun, and watching them challenge each other while also falling in love was a different type of love than regularly shown (the intellectual attraction) which I appreciated.
  • The characters were well built out. Their motives made sense, I actually bought into a marriage of convenience, and their actions were consistent while also having personal growth. 
  • The turn the book took when I thought it was marching towards an obvious third act miscommunication. I’m being intentionally vague to not have spoilers, but I was prepared to be annoyed and instead was oh so pleasantly surprised. 
  • Last but not least, all the small details. The entire story was based around literature academia, all the little elements like footnotes, obscure references, and not commonly known literary terms helped make the story both come together and pop. 

I did have a few issues that ultimately lowered my score. First was Sadie’s always fighting personality, especially targeting her rage at those she saw as more privileged than her. I understand why she was that way, but putting my personal dislike aside, I don’t understand that even when she started to see Jonah as a person beyond his father, why didn’t change her behavior and sentiments towards him accordingly. Secondly, the pacing seemed a bit off, especially the end (rushed). Third, the entire Chess storyline. I’m sure we will learn more in a future book (Chess and Isamu seem almost guaranteed) but it was just so unnecessary to hurt Sadie like that for so long. 

Thank you to Jodie McAlister, Atria, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.