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Table of Contents
About The Book
The Love Hypothesis meets The Hating Game in a new standalone rom-com from New York Times acclaimed author and romance academic Jodi McAlister.
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?
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?
About The Author
Photograph © Manda Ford
Jodi McAlister, PhD, is an author and academic from Kiama, Australia. She is the author of An Academic Affair and the Marry Me Juliet trilogy. She is currently a senior lecturer in writing, literature, and culture at Deakin University in Melbourne and is the president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance. For more, visit JodiMcAlister.com.au or find her on Instagram @JodiMcAlister.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Australia (June 4, 2025)
- Length: 368 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761109379
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Raves and Reviews
'The couple’s chemistry is well worth the wait.'
– Publishers Weekly
'Nerdy romance fans have a new academic pairing to obsess over in McAlister’s An Academic Affair, a literary love fest packed with rivals-to-lovers tension and just the right amount of slow-burn spice ...The burn is slow, the consent is deliberate and caring and the chemistry is undeniable. Fans of Ali Hazelwood will find plenty to love in McAlister’s brainy, big-hearted romance.'
– The Observer
'This is the gold standard for academic rivals to lovers! Utterly immersive and filled with sharp, nerdy banter and long-time yearning, An Academic Affair is a delicious, steamy portrait of two people who make each other better in every way. I’m jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time – I wanted to stay in Sadie and Jonah’s world forever.'
– Katie Naymon, author of You Between the Lines
'An Academic Affair is an absolutely delightful modern marriage of convenience that works on every level. The tension and pining between Jonah and Sadie had me internally screaming for them to just kiss already! The insight into the world of academia felt incredibly real and relatable and I loved watching both characters sort out their careers and family lives while they also sorted out their feelings for each other. This is the kind of book you will gobble up in one sitting!'
– Falon Ballard, author of Change of Heart
'Witty and nuanced, this slow-burn rom-com earns every emotional beat.'
– Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): An Academic Affair
Trade Paperback 9781761109379
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Author Photo (jpg): Jodi McAlister Photograph © Manda Ford(0.1 MB)
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