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A review by jennifer__
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Solid beach read. The dynamic between the two is believable for an enemies-to-lover set in modern day, meaning it never gets so childish it makes you question the cognitive development of the author. But I felt like both moments in which they realise they love each other were well-timed but ultimately not greatly flashed out. Jonah at least mentions his crush for Sadie right away but I still felt like him realising he’d always been in love with her kind of came out of left field. Similarly, Sadie spends a lot of time thinking about how Jonah is the only person she has left and I didn’t feel like the transition from “only person I have left in the world” to “person I love regardless” wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked it. But I loved their dynamic and the marriage of convenience plot was done really well given the modern setting.
Overall, the author wrote their connection beautifully. It is never that physical. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but I always find it extra annoying when the FMC waxes poetics about the guy and he only thinks about beautiful and sexy she is. Sadie and Jonah’s dynamic is instead so grounded in their understanding of each other. Even when they recall meeting each other for the first time, it is never really about the looks - which was refreshing (maybe I read too many crappy books this year, idk).
Overall, the author wrote their connection beautifully. It is never that physical. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but I always find it extra annoying when the FMC waxes poetics about the guy and he only thinks about beautiful and sexy she is. Sadie and Jonah’s dynamic is instead so grounded in their understanding of each other. Even when they recall meeting each other for the first time, it is never really about the looks - which was refreshing (maybe I read too many crappy books this year, idk).