Never Kiss a Fae: Elemental Fae Complete Series

by Lexi C. Foss, J.R. Thorn

My one piece of Never kiss a stranger.

See, I kind of kissed this sexy man at the bar on a dare once, and it turns out he’s a Royal Fae destined to be my mate. Now I’ve been dragged to the Elemental Fae Academy to control the powers I unlocked that night.

So kissing? Yeah, that won’t happen again. Nope.

Lesson learned.

Except, I kind of kissed Titus, too. And, well, now, I’m in a world of trouble. I keep burning things down, flooding dorms, and I’ve attracted the campus mean girl brigade.

This Fae Realm is a nightmare come to life. Truly.
But there are dreams here, too.

Sexy ones.

And they’re in the form of five Elemental Fae mentors. They’re supposed to help me control my powers, but who’s going to keep the elements from controlling me?

Never Kiss a Fae is the complete series collection of Elemental Fae Academy and Elemental Fae Queen.

Genres: Fae, Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy, Why Choose, Paranormal, Magic

1137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Lexi C. Foss loves to travel and write in supernatural worlds. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre, but she dabbles in contemporary romance when she needs a break from the darker side of her mind.

Coffee is her addiction, swimming is her passion, and she has a not-so-secret adoration for eclipse chasing.

Lexi can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Dev 鹿子 ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 81%
This series started off interesting but the plot was lost in all of the spice.
5 bonds is a lot to keep up with.
Maybe I’ll come back to it later.

[Dru · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 72%

I rated a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because the spice was spicing, but I didn’t care about the plot anymore. Kept reading for the spice.

Also listened to the audiobook (because it was on sale), which helped A LOT having each male character have their own narrator, and in duet style narration. Couldn’t save the plot though.

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 4/5 ————-> This was 3 (technically 4, but the 4th one is a standalone) books in one. Claire goes to the fae realm where she finds out she controls all five elements. Meaning she could potentially (does) have five mates. She navigates learning to control her elements while trying to figure out what’s going on with the “plague” her mother “created”. Remember, she has 5 mates. There’s a lot of smut in this one. Some parts better than others. And we don’t slut shame in this house, so the more the merrier. Ends with a HEA.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Overall**
My only beef with this series is that it’s over. This is one of the harder book hangovers I’ve experienced and it seems to be here to stay. I want more of this world. I also want it made into an epic film series I can binge-watch over and over again. Amazing series.
Will paste in individual reviews for each installment below.



*****Book One*****

Claire is ripped from her human world—the only one she knows—and thrown into a world where fae and magic are very real. This book does an excellent job of finding balance between her disbelief and culture shock and her eventual acceptance that this new world is indeed real.

As it happens, it’s also slow-burn on the ‘steam’ side of things. While the groundwork is laid perfectly for multiple attractions, and there is some insta-attraction and insta-feels, it plays out at a very comfortable pace that doesn’t make it feel like insta-love. It just fits perfectly for the elemental fae culture, which the authors depict perfectly. If you’re not sure how you feel about reverse harem, or don’t get the ‘why choose’ concept, this book and part of Clarie’s plight is a great place to start.

Character development is advanced. Characters’ individual voices are strong and consistent and you get to know the different personalities and backgrounds easily as this is so well woven into this novel and everything else going on.

Despite this taking place in a non-human realm, it’s still highly relatable. The Elemental Fae Academy is complete with cliques and mean girls, for example, and while the culture is different the intrapersonal interaction is basically what you might expect from such an environment.

The steamy scenes are like no others I’ve read, as the authors manage to work the elements in, making it not just hot, but also intriguing.

The world-building here is perfect. I’m not new to J.R. Thorn, I’m actually a huge fan. But I hadn’t gotten around to reading Lexi C. Foss yet. This book definitely made me realize it’s time to prioritize reading more Foss, as there’s no way either author involved here is capable of producing anything less than awesome. As a reader, I feel extremely lucky that the two have joined forces.

Note:
I listened to this book and the narrator is amazing! Most audiobooks annoy me and I rarely finish them. This one, I never wanted to turn off.

5 addicted stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


*****Book Two*****

Book Two does give a recap for anyone just coming in and you could do this and get by for sure but Book One was SO GOOD! I do not recommend skipping it.

Right off the bat, this book is so juicy, with one major character’s status uncertain. I’m easily absorbed right back into this exciting world and loving every second of it. There’s still a bit of ‘culture shock’ going on here, and it’s presented hilariously. The authors’ ability to pull me into this world, remember every detail and work in humor around what seems to be a brewing war is admirable.

Book 2 ends on a bit of a cliffie, so you’ll want to have book 3 ready. Better to just buy the whole set and spare yourself. ;)


5 still-very-addicted stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


*****Book Three****

I NEEDED to start this book the second I finished book 2; and was not disappointed. It picks up right where book 1 leaves off and doesn’t waste any time getting into the dilemma, mystery, drama, impending doom/war and … it’s still really hot.

And that INSANELY GORGEOUS cover?! Is not just a pretty cover … it fits perfectly.

And still, as chaos ensues, the talented authors work in little details and I find myself also enjoying how Claire and her mates sort of fall into being and considering one another as family. This series has so much going on and I’m still living for it … long after having finished it.

It evolves just perfectly enough in a way that has the stakes escalate a bit, has Claire growing and her mates’ powers, etc. as a result … it’s really well done and I can’t help but admire the authors. Definitely will be reading all I can from both.

Now, onto Foss’s Midnight Fae Academy series because this world is a drug and I’ve got to have more.

5 stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


*****Book Four****

AHHH!
I’d been dying to read this book ever since the authors teased the cover around Thanksgiving of 2019. Finally, I’ve been able to get my hands on it, and despite the long wait and very high expectations, it did not disappoint.

Both authors are completely brilliant creatively, and as writers. The story is well-imagined and the characters—there are MANY—all manage to be true to what we’ve seen thus far. This book manages to tie in with the "Fortune Fae Academy" and "Midnight Fae Academy" worlds (Covers & links below—READ THEM if you haven’t, you’ll not be sorry.)

This book also manages to leave me dying for J.R. Thorn’s Candela, which is coming next year. We get a better glimpse at Lance, who I expect we’ll be seeing a lot more of.

A truly festive read that I might just need to read every year. Manages to pack in beautiful moments, very steamy scenes, humor, adventure and more. You do not need to read the Elemental Fae Academy trilogy, but I strongly recommend doing so and getting to know the characters better before taking on this one; it’ll make those little funny moments even more hilarious.

Editing is on-point, no distractions noting and the book design—WOW! Seriously, this might be the prettiest book I’ve ever seen.

5 very-excited stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️






Midnight Fae Academy: Book One


Elemental Fae Academy: Book One


Candela

[jenn_loves_2_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
4.5🌶️
4🎧

This duet narration was just what I needed to get me out of the funk I was in! It was entertaining and spicy and had a unique spin on elemental magic and fae. Definitely recommend if you want an escape from reality.

[Perle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped after book 3 (80%)
But globally I give a 3.5 stars to the 3 books I read
I was really over it during book 3 but book 1 and 2 were nice
But I really can’t get myself to read the following book set in the future (maybe one day)

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series of fae fantasy romances has some excellent tropes. I enjoyed the human hybrid mate story, the elemental and supernatural powers, and the reverse harem and found family. The sizzling scenes with lots of new adult content were too many to call this a romance. It read more like smut. Book one was interesting, and I loved the storyline. Book two was more predictable but still intriguing. In book 3, I felt like I was reading sizzling scenes with no actual storyline of build-up to the action and adventure scenes. Book 4 has fantastic holiday and seasonal vibes but only serves the purpose of finishing off the series. However, it did provide a great happy ending. This series is very sizzling hot, with an overabundance of bedroom scenes. I enjoyed the book's academy, the fated mates part, and Claire coming into her elements. But it needed to be more relaxed and less focused on the reverse harem.

Elemental Fae Academy book one

Part one

This story seems to be the introduction to the overarching series. Claire, a human, is whisked away to the Fae lands and told she has elemental powers. She finds out about her family history and a curse, as well as two opposite Fae men. They are all elemental, but she is special.

The blurb for this book is definitely intriguing. It makes you chuckle and contains so many tropes I love that I can't wait to jump into it. We start with Exos, who is at a council meeting of the Royal Fae of sorts, trying to determine one Fae-human's life. I find it very strange they are discussing her. However, there is some history between her, her mother, and their society. We do get the inference of magical powers in the Fae with elemental magic, which is aptly described for the series. I like the balance between spirit, fire, water, and others. I also enjoy the bit about the phrophecy.

Claire is a new adult college student about to have her life turned upside down. Celebrating her birthday with friends at a bar and liquid courage leads to a dare that gets even more enjoyable. You have to love elemental powers.

Claire's introduction to the fantasy world isn't smooth. But oh boy, does Exos have his work cut out for him. After a rather eventful morning, we now switch to Titus's perspective. It may take more than one Fae to contain Claire's elemental powers. She will be one heck of a heroine when she figures them out.

Claire is much more timid now that she is in the Fae realm than when we first saw her character in the bar. Exos has his heart in the right place, but his etiquette keeps him from being overly friendly. Titus is a little gentler, more like a good cop, bad cop with these two.

Ah, we get more revelations about this curse that her mother had something to do with. Exos and Titus heat things up with Claire, and this book gets new adult steamy. This book begins to read more like a reverse harem.

Part two

The harem in this book continues to grow, and we have added a new mentor. Vox is an exciting addition but needs to be fully incorporated. The first part of the book is longer than the second. This story is more about finding out who is targeting Claire and why. She comes into her supernatural elemental powers and controls her elements. The book is steamy.

Elemental Fae Academy Book 2

This story is mostly about Claire's coming into her elemental powers, her circle of fated mates, and very sizzling scenes as they bond. There is lots of new adult academy stuff as well as some action, adventure, and a who-does-it suspense. I enjoyed reading about Claire embracing her new reality and becoming a heroine.

The prologue of this book is very different from the first, with the story continuing where it left off. This book starts off steamy. I find it interesting that Cyrus, Exos's brother, steps into the picture. Now, Claire seems to have a guardian and trainer for her five elements.

We also have Sol with Earth and Vox with Air in the mix, so these characters are more complex to read. Okay, I take that back. The moments between Titus and Claire are sizzling, and not just because of the fire element. All the elements come together when she needs them most, even the men who swore not to be mated.

This action-packed book is suspenseful about who did it. But while that is resolved, we finally get the sizzling reverse harem scenes. Claire eventually embraces her Fae side to the fullest and transcends into something else entirely. The villain in the book makes sense, but what's coming, and how will they defeat her?

And the truth bomb that drops on the epilogue leads us into the next book.

Elemental Fae Academy Book 3

This book begins with Claire right where the last one left off, processing the truth bomb. However, things soon turn normal for these elementals. There are lots of sizzling scenes, new worries, competitive men, and, of course, Claire in the middle of it all. I did like the focus on Exos and Sol.

Part two

We get a change of scenery for this part of the story. This one focuses more on Vox, the air elemental. This story has some holiday vibes to it as well. This ends with more questions to unravel and more sizzling scenes. This book primarily has a minor storyline and many bedroom activities.

Part three

We are back on earth investigating dark magic. Their investigation brings us back to the academy, and this part of the story is more of a rescue operation. The foe we thought was the issues in the story has changed to a different villain.

Part four

The battle commences, and we finally see the Queen take shape. I'm kind of surprised she didn't get a chance to bond with the last fated mate and last element, but she is still one heck of a heroine.

Part five

Ah, we finally get that last reverse harem-fated mate elemental bond, and we finally get the revelation of Sols' damage. This story ends with hot, sizzling scenes and the completion of the reverse harem.

Elemental Fae Queen

This story is a bonus addition to the series. It is a standalone story but interconnected to this author's Academy series and others.

This book begins with Cyrus and is a holiday story. My goodness, the author makes the holiday vibes sweet but also steamy. They all seem to have other things on their minds. Pretty much, these stories are just sizzling hot with some storyline. I guess the storyline is elemental procreation. I'm not sure why we need the details, but I guess it adds to the fantasy.

Part two

Claire becomes pregnant. There is no real surprise there with all the new adult steamy scenes. This book has some exciting fantasy dynamics to it. I like the differences between Fae and Human. While I enjoyed all the seasonal and holiday feels in this part of the story, as well as the loving family, there was just too much predictability and sizzling scenes.

[saint · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly liked book 1 so much, but it all went downhill for me

the storyline was intriguing at first, but after a few chapters, it started getting v predictable, repetitive, and seriously boring

our fmc is supposed to be powerful yet she continuously let these men dictate her actions and fine, yes they're supposed to be her mentors as well, but they didn't her teach her shit so as far as I'm concerned, she should've left their asses, followed her instincts as she was doing and she would've solved all ts in one book

the mmc's felt so stifling like god let a woman breathe, and the sex? I've read why-choose romances where the story takes place in one book, that has exceptional sex scenes, all without whatever weird ass scenes these were
they were v weird and it was honestly too much (and that's coming from me)

it was basically sex, her being smothered by 5 morons, and absolutely giving nothing when you're supposed to be powerful

[Shoe Lover · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version, and the multiple voice actors used for the multiple different main characters were the best thing about this book. When that is the best compliment a person can give a book, that doesn't say much for the writing. The authors tried to make the villain a mystery but it was very obvious from the beginning which made the main characters appear especially stupid every time they missed the clues and didn't put 2 and 2 together. It really wasn't difficult. The constant ramblings and whining of the mfc really put me off her. The authors had her going off on tangents in her head so much that had those been taken out (please!), the series could have easily been pared down to 2 books, most likely. These ramblings served no purpose to the book, were often recaps of what we already knew, or were just the character doing a long rendition of the what if? game. It's super boring to read and even more boring to listen to.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fave of the fae series

From 76% on, I’d give it about 4.25 stars. Before that, solid 3. It just felt like the literary equivalent of walking around in circles. I started at the Hell Fae books (first I’d ever read by either author), then moved to Midnight Fae, so knowing the big bad kind of soured everything, but that’s totally a me error. It still felt so, so cyclical. One tiny inkling of plot progression, immediate chapter of spice. Rinse and repeat. As an avid, ferocious reader of spicy romance, there was too much of it here. I know, I know. It feels blasphemous to say that. But it really made the books drag on and on and on. I think this could’ve been a duet with EFQ still as the holiday bonus. I definitely have a lot of pages bookmarked, and overall the characters are solid, this just wasn’t the series for me.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

- 1 star for book 4

I read the different academy series in reverse order. The authors recommend that you read the first 3 books in this series then the Midnight Fae series before book 4.
I first started with the Midnight series, but abandoned it because the first few chapters were tedious. I finally read it after I read the Hell Fae series and it definitely was worth reading after the slow start.
This series is really great through the first 3 books. Book 4 is just an extended epilogue with extra sex and zero plot. I would have given the trilogy 5 stars and skipped book 4 if it wasn’t included in the set.

[Katari Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would sum this book up in a word: disservice. So many authors latch onto a “favorite mates,” in reverse harem books. One mate is selected to be the primary focus, while the other mates fade into the background. The “favorite material,” is almost always the biggest a-hole. This tendency makes books predictable. For me predictable books are either abandoned or skipped over. As author’s make it too easy to know what will happen. I hated the end of the fourth but book and all of the fifth book for this reason. The book could have been so much better with more effort to keep the mates evenly focused. This is the last Lexi C Foss book I’ll ever read

[Christa P]

Marking this as complete series as read since I haven’t picked it up in a year, but left off/DNF at about 60%. I read the first book or two (can’t remember now) and marked them as read & rated them separately as part of my 2024 reading list—just wanted to remove this from my currently reading list while also noting where I left off in case I decide to start reading it again in the future.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fae Queen

From halfling to fae queen all in a kiss from a mystery guy. Claire Journey is going to be filled with danger and love as her elements find mates with five men. A great box set.

[3rd Coast Dweller · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is well-written romantasy, and then there is "fairy smut". This is the latter, IMO. The plot (excluding the sex) is very YA. Insta-love/mating with 5 different men who all instantly think she is amazing. Oh, and yeah, she's the most powerful fae ever. Come on. A DNF for me.

[Sammykay · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 80% I enjoyed the first part of the book. But close to the end, I completely lost interest. Was just trying to finish it but couldn't. I got annoyed with the same thing over and over again. A need plot in my "romance," which was gone towards the end.

[Tegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I loved so much of this series but some parts needed to be left out with the constant repetition. The characters were fun and the romance was good. Definitely felt immature at times. Glad I finally finished.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I love this series. Having the entire series in one place is convenient and allows for easier binging. I love Claire and her guys.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed some light comedy silliness outside the bedroom

[NicholeCaprio · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like zodiac academy I think you will like this

[NatalieLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened via Audible • fantastic narration voices!

[Vann Gilbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get in to it. May try at a later time but probably not.

[Yana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish even the first book. The heroine was overly dramatic and the story was boring.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

wild ride

Is it hot in here or just me. Once I got past the stigma in my brain! Not sure I could handle the heat like Claire!!!Loving how all these series intertwined.

[Mel's__journal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. The story and world building were fun. What was really good was the voice actors. They were amazing!

[Katherine Rae Fox(Author) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi c. Foss never disappoints.

[Jay Cee]

Complete Elemental Fae Academy series

[Cortney]

I could not STAND the baby names the men in this series had for our heroine.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s got potential with interesting concept at first, but then the story expands all over the place.

[Michelle Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t love this series at all. It was annoying.