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Love and Lab Extractions
Lab Partners, Love, and Visions of the Future Strailer is a young elf who loves friends and fun. When the lab instructor pairs him off with Lilliana "The Ice Queen," he hopes his charms can melt her icy exterior. Lilliana is a young elf who likes things just so-her hair, her stuff, and her assignments. She realizes Strailer is as handsome as he is funny, but she knows he's not the one for her. She's seen visions of her future-including her love life-and she knows Strailer's not in it. When the elf of Lilliana's dreams arrives in Valley Glen, it's not as perfect as she had hoped. He brings chaos that could upend all of their futures. Will Lilliana find the heart to do what's right or leave Strailer holding the bag?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2023
19 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 5, 2025
I received this YA Fantasy book as a ARC and let me just tell you I was not prepared for how good it was! It’s such a cute and cozy read.
March 19, 2025
This was a pleasant little YA novella, an easy bedtime read
July 5, 2023
I received a free arc of this book. I thought it was a great low stakes YA fantasy story. The main characters were extremely likeable and the story was a bit easy to predict but well written 👌
July 9, 2023
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5
Love and lab extractions is a sweet, clean YA story and is definitely a good read for a teenager or any adult who likes clean fantasy. It focuses on Lil (fmc) and Strailer (mmc) who are two school elves. It took me a beat to get into this book, I have to admit but once I got into the flow it’s an alright read.
I really liked that Lil is smart, she’s focused on what she wants, even if her Ma is a little pushy on her performance. I think sometimes Lil could come across a little too strict with certain aspects- like rewriting things because it needs to be perfect, but it’s easy to understand why when her Ma pushes for that perfection. That being said, she was far too intelligent to end up in the situation she did and it did annoy me that she ignored that things she knew weren’t right because of something she’d seen in a vision. She puts far too much emphasis on those visions, I’m glad that the ending helped her understand that it isn’t always a good idea.
Stray is more of a happy go lucky kinda kid, he’s popular and is a massive flirt. He gets sweeter towards the end of the book but there are a couple instances in the things he said where I kinda cringed. Initially his behaviour is a little obsessive and I think it needs a little push to be more wholesome which, I think was the intention. It does get more so towards the end though, especially when he realises what’s happened with Lil.
I liked how easy it is to get into, it really is an easy cosy read and the chapters are fairly short. That being said, I do wish there was a little more world building going on. There’s mention of dragons/ pixies etc and it would have been really cool if this could have been brought in a little more. A little more development between the MC’s would have been great too.
3.5/5
Love and lab extractions is a sweet, clean YA story and is definitely a good read for a teenager or any adult who likes clean fantasy. It focuses on Lil (fmc) and Strailer (mmc) who are two school elves. It took me a beat to get into this book, I have to admit but once I got into the flow it’s an alright read.
I really liked that Lil is smart, she’s focused on what she wants, even if her Ma is a little pushy on her performance. I think sometimes Lil could come across a little too strict with certain aspects- like rewriting things because it needs to be perfect, but it’s easy to understand why when her Ma pushes for that perfection. That being said, she was far too intelligent to end up in the situation she did and it did annoy me that she ignored that things she knew weren’t right because of something she’d seen in a vision. She puts far too much emphasis on those visions, I’m glad that the ending helped her understand that it isn’t always a good idea.
Stray is more of a happy go lucky kinda kid, he’s popular and is a massive flirt. He gets sweeter towards the end of the book but there are a couple instances in the things he said where I kinda cringed. Initially his behaviour is a little obsessive and I think it needs a little push to be more wholesome which, I think was the intention. It does get more so towards the end though, especially when he realises what’s happened with Lil.
I liked how easy it is to get into, it really is an easy cosy read and the chapters are fairly short. That being said, I do wish there was a little more world building going on. There’s mention of dragons/ pixies etc and it would have been really cool if this could have been brought in a little more. A little more development between the MC’s would have been great too.
July 6, 2025
Cute, cozy fantasy. A bit of a slow start, but it really grew on me. The ending was absolutely FANTASTIC though. I didn’t really like Strailer for a lot of the book, but he really won me over there at the end. 😂
November 23, 2023
A cute elfish romance following two individuals that couldn't be more different than oil and water.
Lilliana is a perfectionist. She rewrites her papers multiple times to make sure that her handwriting is always legible. She always does assignments day in advance so she can turn in her absolute best. She avoids group projects like the plague. That is, until she is forced to do a project with the grades notorious flirt, Strailer. But when she starts spending time with him, she realizes that there is much more to him then that meets the eye. Just as her feelings for him are beginning to grow, she receives a vision that pushes her away from him. When a mysterious stranger comes to town, Lilliana and Strailer's relationship only becomes more tense. Will Lilliana find the strength to follow her heart's desires, or will she force herself to give up on Strailer to maintain her image of perfection?
"Love and Lab Extractions" is the prequel to the "Valley Glen Elves" series and let me just say I am hooked! I love Su's writing style, the world they have created, and the romance was phenomenal! I received this book for free after signing up for her newsletter, but I am most definitely going to check out the other books as they release.
I really relate to Lilliana as a person, so it was easy for me to like her from the get-go. I to am a toxic overachiever that always strives to do my best, does way too much work during group projects, and finishes my tasks days in advance. And when Strailer entered the scene? I knew I was going to love this book! Strailer was such a good book boyfriend. Yes, he's quite flirty, but he's also caring, compassionate, and quite hilarious. It made me so mad that Lilliana resisted her feelings for him, but the build up and the tension was so good that I'll forgive her.
I love how every elf has unique powers that are limited to each individual. Lilliana gets visions of the future and Strailer can move things with his mind. The fact that everyone had different abilities keeps it fresh and I found that I never knew what powers they would possess. I could see this being a major part of the main series.
Overall, I just found "Love and Lab Extractions" to be so darn enjoyable! The romance is top tier, the worldbuilding is amazing, and I didn't dislike any of the characters (minus the one creepo, but that's to be expected). I can't wait to get more of this series and will totally recommend this book to people who can't get enough fantasy romances!
Lilliana is a perfectionist. She rewrites her papers multiple times to make sure that her handwriting is always legible. She always does assignments day in advance so she can turn in her absolute best. She avoids group projects like the plague. That is, until she is forced to do a project with the grades notorious flirt, Strailer. But when she starts spending time with him, she realizes that there is much more to him then that meets the eye. Just as her feelings for him are beginning to grow, she receives a vision that pushes her away from him. When a mysterious stranger comes to town, Lilliana and Strailer's relationship only becomes more tense. Will Lilliana find the strength to follow her heart's desires, or will she force herself to give up on Strailer to maintain her image of perfection?
"Love and Lab Extractions" is the prequel to the "Valley Glen Elves" series and let me just say I am hooked! I love Su's writing style, the world they have created, and the romance was phenomenal! I received this book for free after signing up for her newsletter, but I am most definitely going to check out the other books as they release.
I really relate to Lilliana as a person, so it was easy for me to like her from the get-go. I to am a toxic overachiever that always strives to do my best, does way too much work during group projects, and finishes my tasks days in advance. And when Strailer entered the scene? I knew I was going to love this book! Strailer was such a good book boyfriend. Yes, he's quite flirty, but he's also caring, compassionate, and quite hilarious. It made me so mad that Lilliana resisted her feelings for him, but the build up and the tension was so good that I'll forgive her.
I love how every elf has unique powers that are limited to each individual. Lilliana gets visions of the future and Strailer can move things with his mind. The fact that everyone had different abilities keeps it fresh and I found that I never knew what powers they would possess. I could see this being a major part of the main series.
Overall, I just found "Love and Lab Extractions" to be so darn enjoyable! The romance is top tier, the worldbuilding is amazing, and I didn't dislike any of the characters (minus the one creepo, but that's to be expected). I can't wait to get more of this series and will totally recommend this book to people who can't get enough fantasy romances!
December 30, 2024
The fun thing about reading YA as an adult is seeing how gloriously human teenagers are. This book took me back to when I was in high school and made some questionable decisions based on what I thought was best for me; when it comes to matters of the heart, it can be difficult to think straight. “Love and Lab Extractions” had a certain nostalgic quality to it filled with important life lessons.
When elves Strailer and Lilliana reluctantly pair up for a group project in one of their classes when they’re the last two without a partner. Although they’re polar opposites, something unexpected sparks between them. But when Lilliana is confronted with visions of a romantic future that incolve someone else, will she follow her heart or play it safe by adhering to the future she’s seen?
Cozy YA fantasy book filled with elves and magic! I’m not the target audience for this book since the characters are a lot younger than I am, but I think this would’ve been such a great transition into the fantasy genre as a teenager. I know the author will be releasing another book about Strailer and Lilliana set a few years later, and I’m excited to read it! :)
When elves Strailer and Lilliana reluctantly pair up for a group project in one of their classes when they’re the last two without a partner. Although they’re polar opposites, something unexpected sparks between them. But when Lilliana is confronted with visions of a romantic future that incolve someone else, will she follow her heart or play it safe by adhering to the future she’s seen?
Cozy YA fantasy book filled with elves and magic! I’m not the target audience for this book since the characters are a lot younger than I am, but I think this would’ve been such a great transition into the fantasy genre as a teenager. I know the author will be releasing another book about Strailer and Lilliana set a few years later, and I’m excited to read it! :)
July 5, 2023
Love and Lab Extractions is a really cute story. Lilliana is a very dedicated student who has visions and Strailer is more laid back and is able to use kinetic magic. The two are paired up for a lab project. Early on Lilliana has a vision of her and a boy not from their village going to a dance and she seems happy with him. Strailer is aware of her visions but is wary of them especially when she ignores her other feelings because of what she sees in her visions.
While this is written for teen/YA I still enjoyed Love and Lab Extractions. I do wish we got a little more back story on “Vision Guy” but with this being a prequel who knows what the future holds.
I received an ARC from the author to review.
While this is written for teen/YA I still enjoyed Love and Lab Extractions. I do wish we got a little more back story on “Vision Guy” but with this being a prequel who knows what the future holds.
I received an ARC from the author to review.
July 7, 2023
I received a free ARC.
These characters do have chemistry :) Love and Lab extractions follows Lilliana and Strailer through their time together at Valley Glen's equivalent of high school. Lilliana is smart, motivated, and precise. Because of this, others in her classes view her as cold and distant. Strailer is easy going, kind, and charming - the quintessential popular guy. They have to partner up for a lab class and Lilliana has to decide whether she follows the feelings that are developing between Strailer and her or follow the possibilities of her vision of a future with a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.
I really liked this book! It's a very cute story that is well written. I definitely recommend it!
These characters do have chemistry :) Love and Lab extractions follows Lilliana and Strailer through their time together at Valley Glen's equivalent of high school. Lilliana is smart, motivated, and precise. Because of this, others in her classes view her as cold and distant. Strailer is easy going, kind, and charming - the quintessential popular guy. They have to partner up for a lab class and Lilliana has to decide whether she follows the feelings that are developing between Strailer and her or follow the possibilities of her vision of a future with a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.
I really liked this book! It's a very cute story that is well written. I definitely recommend it!
July 16, 2023
I received a ARC for a honest review. While this isn’t my typical genre, this book was such a nice easy feel-good read! If you are looking for some thing that sticks true to the young side of young adult genre, this is it. This book had all the fun first time love, butterflies, and romance, while still keeping things very PG. The author was inclusive in the characters, and does a great job of giving you insight into both the main characters’ minds. It it was a pleasant palate cleanser from the dark fantasy/gothic horror that I typically read. Great for the young person, young at heart, or inner child. If you want some thing easy to read, easy to digest, and geared towards 13 through 18, I think this is a great choice.
July 17, 2023
Great book overall. This was a fun and easy read. The romance was cute and angsty, like every YA - teenage romance. The heroics that Strailer tries to do is quite adorable.
The book does leave some things slightly unexplained, like why each elf has different abilities and how that comes about. Doesn’t really explain the housing/ buildings other than canvas dome.
There were a few instances in the wording that were a bit off. No male teenager will refer to themselves as acting “totally uncool”. There are other ways to word things without using the new slang kids have these days.
Overall; this really was a great book. I can see myself rereading it, as well as recommending it to my teenage cousin.
The book does leave some things slightly unexplained, like why each elf has different abilities and how that comes about. Doesn’t really explain the housing/ buildings other than canvas dome.
There were a few instances in the wording that were a bit off. No male teenager will refer to themselves as acting “totally uncool”. There are other ways to word things without using the new slang kids have these days.
Overall; this really was a great book. I can see myself rereading it, as well as recommending it to my teenage cousin.
February 25, 2024
VERY CUTE!! This young adult romance takes place in a small Elf village. Two students ger assigned as lab partners on a major project. The are complete opposites, but end up getting along well and beginning to like each other. Of course these are elves so each has a special magical gift. Lilliana's gift is visions. She put a lot of weight in these visions and has one about a boy coming to town and taking her to the spring fling. Lillian believes this is her true love and doesn't see his faults. Several elves warn her he is bad for her, but she doesn't listen. Tolian gets her in trouble. Her friend and lab partner Strailer takes the blame to protect Lilliana. Read the book to find out what kind of trouble and how things end up!
May 17, 2024
Lilliana (The Ice Queen) pairs with Strailer as a lab partner for a crucial class assignment, as he's the only remaining candidate, and the instructor won't let her do the assignment alone. As they work together, they fall into an easy friendship. However, she's certain their friendship won't go any further because she's had a seer's vision of her Spring Formal dance partner.
This Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romance is charming. How the relationship grows is splendid. The new arrival's role in the story is central. The results of her relationship with her vision's boy are almost catastrophic. Nonetheless, the end is excellent.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
This Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romance is charming. How the relationship grows is splendid. The new arrival's role in the story is central. The results of her relationship with her vision's boy are almost catastrophic. Nonetheless, the end is excellent.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
July 22, 2023
Lilliana is a high achiever - good grades, capable, and maybe a little stuck up. Definitely not fun-loving Strailer's type....though there's something about her that sparks his interest. When they're paired as lab partners, they both learn about chemistry in more ways than one. A straightforward, low spice romance, the fact that it's a fantasy is minor at best. A quick and cozy read, I enjoyed this book, but I wished it had more world building and fantasy elements. Both main characters frustrated me at times, but it's a younger YA, and I thought the choices made sense even if I wanted to shake them. 3⭐️, a light and fun read.
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July 23, 2023I received an ARC copy of this book. It is a low stakes clean YA fantasy book. It was a quick and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lil is the perfectionist that doesn't quite fit in and has her life all planned out. Stray is the happy go lucky guy that everyone wants to be around. The back and forth between tbese 2 when they are paired for a lab assignment is entertaining. Throw in a not so great guy and denial of feelings and you have a good story.
I believe this book is a prequel for the author but it was missing some world building. It mentions pixies, unicorns, ans dragons but doesn't elaborate. There is also imperial law but in doesn't go much into life outside the Glen.
Lil is the perfectionist that doesn't quite fit in and has her life all planned out. Stray is the happy go lucky guy that everyone wants to be around. The back and forth between tbese 2 when they are paired for a lab assignment is entertaining. Throw in a not so great guy and denial of feelings and you have a good story.
I believe this book is a prequel for the author but it was missing some world building. It mentions pixies, unicorns, ans dragons but doesn't elaborate. There is also imperial law but in doesn't go much into life outside the Glen.
July 24, 2023
Mary Stephenson Su creates a stunning lab-partners-to-lovers prequel story about a fascinating couple.
The Elves of Valley Glen is a beautiful universe full of magic, romance, friendship, and elves (obviously). This quick read is a can't-put-down story that illustrates how even in a fantasy world of wonder, not everything is perfect, especially with teen elves trying to succeed in the world. One thing that I wish was that the book went more in-depth with the characters and world. But even then, I still give this a five-star read!
You do not need to read the first book in this series to read this one--I didn't (But I definitely will now)!
The Elves of Valley Glen is a beautiful universe full of magic, romance, friendship, and elves (obviously). This quick read is a can't-put-down story that illustrates how even in a fantasy world of wonder, not everything is perfect, especially with teen elves trying to succeed in the world. One thing that I wish was that the book went more in-depth with the characters and world. But even then, I still give this a five-star read!
You do not need to read the first book in this series to read this one--I didn't (But I definitely will now)!
August 23, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review. My overall rating is a 3.5/5. The writing and story were good, but I found the plot to be easily predictable.
This is a clean YA fantasy romance and has a cozy feel to it. The characters are like able, but could use a bit more fleshing out to give them some depth. I would also like to see some more world building.
The ending seemed a little rushed to me. I’d love to see more of the home relationships and friendships of the main characters as well more about the Peacekeeper HQ.
Overall, I recommend this one if you are looking for a quick, cute read.
This is a clean YA fantasy romance and has a cozy feel to it. The characters are like able, but could use a bit more fleshing out to give them some depth. I would also like to see some more world building.
The ending seemed a little rushed to me. I’d love to see more of the home relationships and friendships of the main characters as well more about the Peacekeeper HQ.
Overall, I recommend this one if you are looking for a quick, cute read.
July 24, 2023
This was a very cute read with an adorable romance. The world is so cool, too, and I would have loved to just wander around and explore for a while. Outside the main romance, the characters and relationships felt a bit underdeveloped, and I would have liked more about why the antagonists did what he did. Overall, highly recommend if you want a light and fun story with some nice feels. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book and am posting a review of my own free will. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book and am posting a review of my own free will. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2023
I received an ARC for this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is a cute, clean, fun, and well written YA fantasy story involving elves. Lilliana is very intelligent and reminded me a bit of Hermione Granger from Harry Potter at times with her book smarts.
There is no spice in this novel. If you are looking for this type of content then this is not the book for you.
Strailer is the perfect male distraction that Lilliana needs. This book is good for anyone who likes elves, fantasy, and clean romance. Happy reading.
This story is a cute, clean, fun, and well written YA fantasy story involving elves. Lilliana is very intelligent and reminded me a bit of Hermione Granger from Harry Potter at times with her book smarts.
There is no spice in this novel. If you are looking for this type of content then this is not the book for you.
Strailer is the perfect male distraction that Lilliana needs. This book is good for anyone who likes elves, fantasy, and clean romance. Happy reading.
July 9, 2023
This book is perfect for those that love fantasy and romance, whether you like YA or more adult novels. This was a very nice pallet cleanser between books but one that still held substance. I read it in just a few hours and the cutesy feels along with the eloquent writing made me feel like I had been transported into their world! It is story of love that can happen to anyone but in a world that allows you to escape our current one. I definitely recommend the read!
July 14, 2023
I received a free ARC for this novel. I’m giving this 4/5 stars as I enjoyed the read but wasn’t completely blown away to give it 5 stars. This is a cozy fantasy romance that was quick paced with likable main characters. I really enjoyed the dual perspective between our main characters. I also love a good grumpy/sunshine trope which I think played really well here. If you’re looking for a cute and cozy but quick read, I would definitely recommend!
January 29, 2025
Once again I couldn’t put one of Mary’s books down. The only downside to this book is that I need more of there relationship 😭. Poor Strailier that’s all I’m going to stay besides that he is just so cute and man does he have patience. Lilliana is just so oblivious that is really cute to watch her realize everything. The other lover had me screaming and watching to punch him so much 🤪. This book is a very long slow burn but it’s cute 9/10 ( cause I need more and longer books 🤪)
May 13, 2025
Love and Lab Extractions is a quick and cozy read - expect magical students, romantic tension, predicting the future, and entanglement with the law.
The story is told from to perspectives: the "Ice Queen" Lilliana who often gets glimpses of the future, and flirtatious Strailer who takes things more seriously than people assume. We get both sides of their growing friendship which gives insight into their anxieties and frustrations, and while often I find this technique annoying as it spoils some of the tension, I thought it worked well here.
This is a cute and quick read, and I'll be checking out the next book in the series.
The story is told from to perspectives: the "Ice Queen" Lilliana who often gets glimpses of the future, and flirtatious Strailer who takes things more seriously than people assume. We get both sides of their growing friendship which gives insight into their anxieties and frustrations, and while often I find this technique annoying as it spoils some of the tension, I thought it worked well here.
This is a cute and quick read, and I'll be checking out the next book in the series.
July 18, 2023
Very sweet and cozy read. I receive this as an Arc and it has so many amazing things hidden with in. Not to be afraid to be smart, stand up for yourself when you need to and don’t be afraid to be honest no matter the consequences. It was a little slow for my own personal reading taste but it was still a beautiful story with a fun magical twist to high school I haven’t read yet.
July 20, 2023
I was happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, even though I don't think I'm the target audience.
It's a light heart YA romance with likable characters in a High School setting. I really like the main characters, Lilianna, and Strailer (+ his little sister is such a cutie that I wish there was more of her). Also, more Nikko, please ;)
This book was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads.
It's a light heart YA romance with likable characters in a High School setting. I really like the main characters, Lilianna, and Strailer (+ his little sister is such a cutie that I wish there was more of her). Also, more Nikko, please ;)
This book was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads.
July 20, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
It’s a sweet book that’s aimed towards teenagers. It’s clean with no spice and no language but still tells an adorable little romance tale of two elves falling in love. This book is perfect for those who want a lighthearted soft fantasy read.
It’s a sweet book that’s aimed towards teenagers. It’s clean with no spice and no language but still tells an adorable little romance tale of two elves falling in love. This book is perfect for those who want a lighthearted soft fantasy read.
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming love story!
I don't read "teen drama" often, but this one was a perfect read for Christmas. The right amount of angst, innocence, playfulness and feels.
I ended up rooting hard for the two main characters,
I don't read "teen drama" often, but this one was a perfect read for Christmas. The right amount of angst, innocence, playfulness and feels.
I ended up rooting hard for the two main characters,
January 1, 2024
This book was absolutely adorable.
The protagonists were incredibly cute together and the story and world were really interesting. In the end, the story went in a direction I wasn't expecting but it was really good. I just couldn't put the book down!
I will definitely be getting the other book set in this world. Both the world and the author's writing style won me over!
The protagonists were incredibly cute together and the story and world were really interesting. In the end, the story went in a direction I wasn't expecting but it was really good. I just couldn't put the book down!
I will definitely be getting the other book set in this world. Both the world and the author's writing style won me over!
July 9, 2023
Love and Lab Extractions was an incredibly cute cozy read. The main characters were extremely likable and the story flowed beautifully! Parts were a bit predictable but sometimes with a cozy fantasy story that’s exactly what you need. This story was a fast read and is definitely worth your time.
July 10, 2023
ARC reader, here! What a fun romp into the world of teenaged elves! I could relate to Lilliana’s overachiever vibe! I did want more development BUT I see that it’s a prequel, so Su leaves us wanting more. And I’m here for it! Great story! I can’t wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews