Queen B’s Decree: I loved the idea of academic rivals that have been in each other’s orbit for over a decade. And despite them being rivals…they were roommates and co-taught classes. Both Sadie and Jonah were basically marshmallows inside, even though they tried to hide it.
While I loved their banter and bickering, I think what made this a five star read for me was both of their relationships with their siblings. It just…hit me in the feels. Jonah and his desperation to help his sister and desire to reconnect with his brother. Sadie and her emotional tangle after a major fight with her supportive sister. It all just felt so real and as an older sister, it resonated with me.
I think the narration is another facet that made this story so memorable. David Berry and Marny Kennedy just had the right amount of emotional depth (and oh mylanta, their accents!).
Overall, An Academic Affair was a story I couldn’t stop listening to and I’ll definitely be watching out for more from Jodi McAlister.
Book: An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary
Plot Devices/Tropes: fake relationship