From the publisher:
From the “masterly” (The New York Times) Jodi McAlister, a charming new romance about two English professors who embark on a fake relationship…only to discover that it may be harder to pretend than they realized.
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals since they first crossed paths as undergraduates in the literature department thirteen years ago. Now that a highly coveted teaching opportunity has come up, their rivalry hits epic proportions. Jonah needs the job to move closer to his recently divorced sister and her children, while Sadie needs the financial security and freedom of a full-time teaching position.
When Sadie notices that the job offers partner hire, however, she hatches a plot to get them both the job. All they must do is get legally married. It’s a simple win-win solution but when sparks begin to fly, it becomes clear that despite their education, these two may not have thought this whole thing through.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Abby Jimenez, An Academic Affair pairs Jodi McAlister’s “smart, scorching, and emotionally resonant” (Freya Marske, author of A Restless Truth) writing and academic background to prove that she’s one of the smartest rom-com writers working today.
“Full of humor and emotion, this brilliant novel will have readers crying one moment and laughing the next, then racing to read McAlister’s (Not Here to Make Friends) backlist.” —Library Journal (starred review)
“Refreshingly unique [….] Endearing characters, challenging careers, and heartfelt romance make McAlister a writer to watch.” —Booklist (starred review)
“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
“The couple’s chemistry is well worth the wait. Readers will be pleased.” —Publishers Weekly
This was my first read by this author, and I’m officially hooked. This was such a clever, unusual premise – fake dating and fake marriages abound in the romance universe, but I’ve never heard of a partner hire before. I work for a university that has some married professors, although I’m not sure if the school actually offers this benefit. It definitely worked here, though.
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been rivals since college. Now, both are English professors with different specializations, competing in an academic landscape where full-time, tenured positions are increasingly rare. Money is tight for both of them, so when a single job opening emerges that could suit either one, their rivalry flares back to life. Who knew academia could be so cutthroat?
Jonah needs the job to be closer to his sister, a single mom who relies on him for support. Sadie needs it because her specialization is rare and is offered at only a few institutions. When she learns that the school offers a partner-hire option, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Jonah—one that could secure them both positions. He’s immediately on board, and before long, these longtime enemies are hurtling towards love.
What lingered with me was the way Jonah’s calm, unwavering devotion slowly breaks through Sadie’s defenses—showing her she doesn’t have to sacrifice her ambition to have love. The emotional resolution felt honest, satisfying, and truly earned.
This is a smart, well-written romance set in an academic world that feels authentic. The author clearly knows this environment, and the characters read like real academics—complete with neuroses, imposter syndrome, and fierce competition. I devoured this in a day; it was fast, fun, and deeply satisfying. Highly recommend!
1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
AN ACADEMIC AFFAIR by Jodi McAlister. Atria Books. (November 11, 2025). ISBN: 978-1668092330. 384p.
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