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A review by gwenc0423
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Grateful to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have competed academically for as long as they have known each other - from their times as undergrad, through their PhDs, and then as adjuncts - so it comes as no surprise that they are competing with each other for one of the very rare professor jobs posted in their field. When Sadie is chosen for the job, she doesn't find any satisfaction in having beaten Jonah, since the job would be in the same town as his sister, whose husband had recently abandoned her and their three children. Sadie proposes (literally!) that she and Jonah take advantage of the partner hire clause in her contract, so that they could both have secure positions at the university.
The concept of the story might seem far-fetched to anyone not familiar with the academic job market, but this felt like a really clever take on a marriage of convenience trope. The dual POV was used effectively and it was a very charming addition (and completely true to the characters) to have footnotes. The romance was very sweet and Sadie and Jonah's perspectives felt distinct. There was minimal spice. Overall, it was fun and largely well-executed, but there were a few places that fell a bit short (for example, all this build up about a woman who Jonah's brother had a similar competition situation with, but when she is introduced she becomes friends with Sadie and is their union rep, but with several mentions about the previous relationship between her and Elias, it felt... weird? I was waiting for something else to happen). Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys the Ali Hazelwood steminist romances given the university setting.
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have competed academically for as long as they have known each other - from their times as undergrad, through their PhDs, and then as adjuncts - so it comes as no surprise that they are competing with each other for one of the very rare professor jobs posted in their field. When Sadie is chosen for the job, she doesn't find any satisfaction in having beaten Jonah, since the job would be in the same town as his sister, whose husband had recently abandoned her and their three children. Sadie proposes (literally!) that she and Jonah take advantage of the partner hire clause in her contract, so that they could both have secure positions at the university.
The concept of the story might seem far-fetched to anyone not familiar with the academic job market, but this felt like a really clever take on a marriage of convenience trope. The dual POV was used effectively and it was a very charming addition (and completely true to the characters) to have footnotes. The romance was very sweet and Sadie and Jonah's perspectives felt distinct. There was minimal spice. Overall, it was fun and largely well-executed, but there were a few places that fell a bit short (for example, all this build up about a woman who Jonah's brother had a similar competition situation with, but when she is introduced she becomes friends with Sadie and is their union rep, but with several mentions about the previous relationship between her and Elias, it felt... weird? I was waiting for something else to happen). Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys the Ali Hazelwood steminist romances given the university setting.