An Academic Affair is a delightful standalone paperback romantic comedy by author and academic Jodi McAlister. Blending fake marriage, academic rivals, workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and slow-burn chemistry, this charming contemporary romance is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, and Christina Lauren. Filled with witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and irresistible tension, this feel-good romance proves that even the smartest people can't always predict where love will lead.

For thirteen years, Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have competed for the same academic opportunities, challenging each other every step of the way. Now, when a coveted university teaching position becomes available, both desperately need the job for very different reasons. After discovering the position includes a partner-hire opportunity, Sadie proposes an outrageous solution: if they legally marry, they could both secure their dream careers. It seems like the perfect arrangement—strictly practical, completely temporary, and absolutely not romantic. But as they navigate life together, their long-standing rivalry slowly transforms into undeniable attraction. With careers, hearts, and carefully laid plans suddenly at risk, Sadie and Jonah must decide whether their fake marriage has become something wonderfully real.

An Academic Affair Paperback – A Fake Marriage Romance Full of Wit and Heart

Packed with clever dialogue, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, An Academic Affair is a heartwarming romantic comedy that celebrates ambition, second chances, and finding love where you least expect it. Set against the backdrop of university life, this smart and emotionally satisfying romance combines academic charm with swoon-worthy chemistry, making it a perfect choice for romance readers, book clubs, and anyone who loves fake dating and enemies-to-lovers stories.

Product Details

Title: An Academic Affair

Author: Jodi McAlister

Format: Paperback

Series: Standalone Novel

Genre:

• Contemporary Romance
• Romantic Comedy
• Women's Fiction
• Workplace Romance

Pages: 384

Dimensions: 1 x 8.2 x 5.3 inches

Publication Date: November 11, 2025

Features:

• Standalone romance novel
• Fake marriage romance
• Academic rivals to lovers
• Enemies-to-lovers romance
• Slow-burn romance
• Workplace romance
• Forced proximity
• University setting
• Witty banter
• Book club favorite

Author Biography

Jodi McAlister, PhD, is an Australian author, academic, and senior lecturer specializing in writing, literature, and popular romance. She is the author of An Academic Affair and the Marry Me Juliet trilogy, and currently serves as president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance. Her novels are celebrated for their intelligence, humor, emotional depth, and irresistible romantic chemistry.