The Love Hypothesis meets The Hating Game in a new standalone romcom from New York Times acclaimed author and romance academic Jodi McAlister.
From rivals in the classroom. . . to partners in real life?
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have known each other for fifteen years – and they’ve disliked each other for every one of them. It started with a minor altercation in an undergrad literature class, but as their academic careers developed, so did the intensity of their arguments. By the time they graduate with their doctorates, they’re embroiled in a full-on rivalry.
So when a position comes up that Sadie and Jonah are both perfect for, their ongoing enmity explodes into a red-hot competition. But as Sadie fights to secure her future, she realises there might be a way for both of them to get their dream job. There's just one catch – they'll have to get married first.
When things get personal, though, Sadie will have to keep her eye on the prize. A fake marriage isn't worth jeopardising her real career over, is it?
What did I think?
An Academic Affair is the first Jodi McAlister novel I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the academia setting and the longstanding rivalry between the two main characters who are clearly meant to be together.
Sadie and Jonah are rivals who can't seem to escape each other. The hand of fate is working overtime to push them together but their academic brains are refusing to see what is meant to be. When they both go for the same job, Sadie has an idea that means they could both get what they want and she goes one better than fake dating by coming up with a fake marriage plan.
What Sadie doesn't know is that the reader is privy to Jonah's thoughts (and cute footnotes) and he loves her! The footnotes do interrupt the reading flow a little but it makes the academia theme more authentic. Whilst Jonah is being honest about his feelings for Sadie (on the page, at least), Sadie is keeping her cards close to her chest. Of course the fake marriage puts them in such close proximity that they have to accept their feelings for one another, but who will be the first to show their hand?
The author has an academic background which makes the way that Sadie and Jonah are treated in the workplace quite shocking. Their intellectual property is brazenly stolen and I was absolutely furious on their behalf. Just as well Jodi McAlister has written such a lovely love story to put out the flames of my fury.
Completely charming and incredibly romantic, An Academic Affair is a delightful novel that had me rooting for the main characters to be honest with each other and to grab hold of their happy ending.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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