Elemental Affections

Valley of Sylveren #1

by Jaime Ryanne

A driven mage. A brooding prince. And a second chance at love…or heartbreak.

Anadae Helm is done with being her family’s political pawn. After nearly three decades, the water mage is determined to forge her own path and further her studies. Cut off from her funds, she’s forced to become a research assistant to a handsome former tutor who only sees her as the pushover she once was.

Prince Ezzyn Sor’vahl believes his duty is to save his kingdom from the magical poison corrupting the land. Finding promising university researchers like Anadae is his only goal. The standoffish prince has no time for love, but when a masquerade party ends with a night in her bed, everything changes.

Furious that any hint of favoritism might ruin her chance to prove her worth, Anadae swears off romance. Yet as she researches a cure for the magical poison and becomes invested in helping Ezzyn’s people, their walls start to crumble. Can their budding feelings survive their ambitions, or will it be too late to pursue the life—and love—of their dreams?

Elemental Affections is the first cozy fantasy romance novel in the Valley of Sylveren trilogy. If you love magical universities, spicy second-chance romances, and a hint of angst wrapped in plenty of banter, dive into Elemental Affections!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Adult

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Scarlett Kouyou · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤Romantasy with perfect amount of spice
🖤29 year old FMC (going back to school to a magical university to figure her life out)
🖤34 year old MMC (fill-in professor at said magical university)
🖤 Wickedly hot, intelligent and fiercely loyal MMC
🖤 Sassy yet kind and determined, type A FMC
🖤 Magic university with cozy light academia vibes
🖤 Second chance romance
🖤 Non-binary rep
🖤 ANGST
🖤 Betrayal
🖤 HEA

I am incredibly impressed with the way this book was written. I found myself constantly wanted to hurry up with whatever I was doing so I could sit and continue reading this book. I loved the slightly “older” representation of characters was someone who is 32 and is also rediscovering what life means to them, this book brought me a sense of belonging and solace; universities aren’t only for 18-22 year olds, dammit! Haha
I also loved the addition of a non-binary character, they were beautifully written. Representation is incredibly important.
I loved that this Romantasy wasn’t just about romance and falling in love with someone else but it was also about the FMC falling in love with herself and her own mind and capabilities. I felt she really struggled loving herself and really wanted to make sure she was appreciated and valued for her own thoughts and contributions at school and in her life. And I felt she went through a completely realistic and relatable experience discovering that she can and will love herself. Which is so fiercely important.

[Emilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 stars, rounding up

I was really excited to get into this cozy fantasy, where our characters are in their 30s, we have elemental magic, and a Prince who wants nothing more than to save his kingdom.

Anadae, or Dae, attends this university against the wishes of her (ex) fiancé and her family, to develop her budding magic that she is made up to be instinctually gifted at. It just so happens that her crush from many years ago, Ezzyn the Prince of Rhell, is a guest instructor at the university, and eventually she begins working with him on a project to figure out a cure to a poison that is spreading across his lands.

Interesting premise, but it just did not hold my attention. I understand this was a second chance romance but I don't even fully understand why these two were attracted to one another to begin with. Ezzyn is constantly pushing Anadae away and she just...forgives him?? (similar to her sister that was a jerk to her and just showed up one day and Anadae just instantly forgave her). I wish the magic system was more fleshed out. Besides party tricks, we don't see very much of the magic happening in this book or how it's actually used as part of society.

This would be good for the STEM person in your life...who isn't me. There are just lots of experiments and doing things and redoing things, which makes sense - but it also just feels like nothing is happening.

Again, this book wasn't bad - I just didn't connect to it.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As 2024 comes to a close, one of the books I’m finishing out the year with is Elemental Affections by Jaime Ryanne. A huge thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted eARC! Check out Elemental Affections on its release date: January 7, 2025.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️

If you like a low spice, cozy fantasy romance, then Elemental Affections is for you!

I enjoyed the magic system established in this story, a blend of magic and science. I also really enjoyed that the FMC was 29, instead of the younger FMCs that most current books feature.
___________________________________________

A driven mage. A brooding prince. And a second chance at love...or heartbreak.

Anadae Helm is done with being her family's political pawn. After nearly three decades, the water mage is determined to forge her own path and further her studies. Cut off from her funds, she's forced to become a research assistant to a handsome former tutor who only sees her as the pushover she once was.

Prince Ezzyn Sor'vahl believes his duty is to save his kingdom from the magical poison corrupting the land.Finding promising university researchers like Anadae is his only goal. The standoffish prince has no time for love, but when a masquerade party ends with a night in her bed, everything changes.

Furious that any hint of favoritism might ruin her chance to prove her worth, Anadae swears off romance. Yet as she researches a cure for the magical poison and becomes invested in helping Ezzyn's people, their walls start to crumble. Can their budding feelings survive their ambitions, or will it be too late to pursue the life-and love-of their dreams?

Elemental Affections is the first cozy fantasy romance novel in the Valley of Sylveren series of interconnected standalones. If you love magical universities, spicy second-chance romances, and a hint of angst wrapped in plenty of banter, dive into Elemental Affections!

🖤 interconnected standalone
🖤 family politics
🖤 second chance
🖤 academia setting / magical college
🖤 science & magic system
🖤 cozy read
🖤 fantasy romance

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

** ARC REVIEW**
2.5, steamy ~explicit smut scenes~

Anadae is accepted at Sevryn, a school where she can hone her elemental mage magic, which comes at the perfect time because she's also trying to evade an engagement...

When she gets to school, she finds out that her old tutor (hotty obv), is celeb shotting a seminar class. Will they be able to save the land from the poison using their combined magics? Will they touch?? Time will tell.

I am a sucker for a magic school, and while I found myself cruising through this book, it didn't engage me as much as I'd hoped.

Thank you Nerd Fam for the ARC in return for my honest review <3

[Savannah (chapters_of_mayhem) · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book my initial reaction was “HUZZAH a book that doesn’t involve a teenage FMC.”

Anadae is great. I really liked her character, I found her to be extremely relatable and her anxieties and doubts completely made sense based on the backstory and world building we are given.

Brint is a ginormous douche canoe. We’ve all met someone like him so it was easy to have an instant emotional association with his character.

Ezzyn left me wanting more. I get his character, the ego, the entitlement and the sense of duty but I just felt like he lacked depth and sincerity. I struggled with his character a lot throughout the story.

The plot was great, loved the concept and the academia setting. I’m a sucker for a magical academy of any kind and thought the scientific analysis converted to the fantasy setting was really fun.

To be completely honest this would have been a higher rated book for me if not for the first sex scene which is very arguably sexual assault?? She has no idea who he is so cannot consent while he knows exactly who she is and thinks he can have his fun and be done with it?? This is also not mentioned in the triggers (yes I checked). It threw me off for the rest of the book.
While I don’t have any trauma regarding this topic this could be incredibly upsetting for those expecting a standard cosy fantasy book.

Thank you to Nerd Fam for gifting me this ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[Rachii Reads ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy academic fantasy. Y’all know how much I adore Emily Wilde and this genre in general, so I was excited to start this. The main characters were likeable and I like (as I always do) the tenacity, growth, and determination from Anadae. The plot was interesting and the timeline moved quickly + skipped over unimportant events and periods of “waiting” (thank you!!!). The author has a really solid concept, plot, and characters. The writing was smooth and clear, but sometimes felt flat and uninspired. Overall, I enjoyed! 💕

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy magical fantasy. I really enjoyed the academic setting. Also, the FMC is 29 n going back to school to forge her own path after ending a political marriage. She was ready to take charge after being a pawn for so long. The MC's were enjoyable. For me the book was a little slow but it picked up and think it is a great start to the series.

Thank you @thenerdfam for the gifted ebook.-Ash

[RachelZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elemental Affections follows Anadae, Dae, Helm as she attends a university against her family's wishes after breaking off an arranged engagement. There she finds out her guest instructor is her once fling, Ezzyn Sor'vahl, is teaching and she becomes his assistant. Together they are working for a solution to Ezzyn's kingdoms problem; a magical poison that is corrupting the land.

Elemental Affections is a low stakes, cozy romantasy book in the Valley of Sylveren series which is an interconnected standalone series.

First, I will say, I loved that the characters are in their 30s and Dae is finding herself. I think it is great since we do not often see that with the romantasy genre. I liked the university setting, mentor/mentee relationship of Dae and Ezz. I also really enjoyed the play on STEM within a magical world setting. It was overall a quick and easy read, and Jaime Ryanne is a very good storyteller.

However, there are some things I think was a miss in the book. It is supposed to be a second chance love story, but we don't really understand what Dae and Ezz's relationship was prior to the events of the book. Dae only mentions a crush? I think that was a miss since I was under the impression that second-chance love tropes kind of go through what happened previously. It is also kind of insta-lovey which is fine if you like that trope, but I personally do not. There was no angst or descriptions of WHY Dae liked Ezz so much.

Would I recommend Elemental Affections, yes. I would be interested in reading the rest of the interconnected standalones once they are released.

Thank you to NerdFam for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[JensBookishWays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam Book to be released January 7, 2025!

I requested the eARC of Elemental Affections because I love cozy fantasy books!

This story follows Anadae, an almost 30 year old woman who, while striving to please her parents, has been trapped in a loveless engagement formed only to create an alliance between her family’s company and her fiancé’s family’s company. She finally finds the courage to end her engagement and go back to school to focus on becoming a mage. She is accepted to her school of choice, Sylveren, and leaves against her family’s wishes.

While at school, Anadae runs into her magic tutor from years prior, who also happens to be a Prince, Ezzyn. He is angry with her for giving up on her magic years ago to become engaged and a socialite. His initial resentment gave me Gideon vibes from Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli.

The story continues on through their eventual collaboration on research that later applies to environmental issues found in Ezzyn’s home land.

This book was a quick read with a good amount of spice. The story is told in the third person with dual POV. The side characters are interesting and there is a real sense of found family in the Valley at Sylveren.

I liked reading about an FMC who is in her late 20s/30s and I completely understand her fears of failure and inadequacy after going back to school following a large time gap.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves fantasy stories with low risks and minimal battle scenes. The scientific research discussion was interesting and should appeal to anyone with a STEM background who understands the intellectual and financial hurdles of conducting research.

Overall, a 4.25 star read for me.

[briebriereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My last book of 2024! 💙

📚 Elemental Affections
✍️ Jaime Ryanne

If you like:
✨Cozy Fantasy with an Edge
✨Intricate Magic Systems
✨Magic School
✨Spice
✨Second chance
✨Banter

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Hear me out.. the first 2 chapters are there’s terms and things you need to understand but once you get to Chapter 3 you can expect a complete change of pace.

You’ve got Dae (your FMC) attending school a little late in life because she wanted to do right by her family. But then she’s had enough of that. So, she leaves her arranged fiancé and she goes to magic school despite it being against everything her family wants from her and the family business.

Dea runs into Ezz (that’s your MMC - who’s also a prince) and after a masquerade ball with some glamour techniques from our little banter prince, things get a little spicy. Did I mention they had a kissing incident in the past? Well, they do which may be making feelings a little complicated.

Add some more chaos to the story, and the ex financè has decided he also wants to show up to this school.

Buckle in for a wild ride of emotions. You’re going to experience a range of emotions.

Honestly you need to read the rest because the spice was.. spicinnn. The banter was .. bantering.

I can’t tell you everything because you need to read the book yourself but just know I stayed up until late hours of the night fighting my sleep because of this book.

Book releases 1.7.25, which is so soon! Add it to your TBR, throw it in your cart! You can preorder through Amazon or Barnes and Noble… literally right now.

Link to book info: https://www.jaimeryanne.com/books

[✨Kathryn✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anadae has spent her life being the dutiful daughter. Ditching her passion to help with the family business. Agreeing to a loveless arranged marriage. She’s had enough of sitting on the back-burner. Frustrated with her life going nowhere, she applies to Sylveren University despite opposition from her parents and her now ex-fiancee, and against all odds gets in. Starting over and escaping her family is more complicated than she planned.
Ezzyn Sor’vahl is many things, a prince, a scholar, an adept mage. Spending the summer teaching in his brother’s stead was not part of his plan, but he’ll sacrifice anything to save his kingdom, including his own heart.
I did not love this book. I think it’s cozy aspect is very nice, but I find flaws in the character construction and development, and how it all ties the plot together. The romance feels very forced – I cannot believe that these two characters would last beyond the contents of this book. Brint’s character was ultimately superfluous and just made for unnecessary chapter filler. I dislike the fact that while we’re supposed to see Ezzyn as a love interest, he is no less abusive and toxic than Brint. He actually kind of sucks. The only time that our FMC find any true empowerment, it is after the MMC tells her she’s great – even in the beginning when she’s picturing her tutoring lessons. I would’ve appreciated it more if the plot focused on her internal journey of self-worth rather than her self-worth in relation to men who want to f*** her.
Thank you to NerdFam for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly shocked at how much I loved this book. I have to admit where I was bored for the first few chapters - I honestly didn’t know what to feel about the main characters, and it felt like the story was beginning in an info dumping way, which I know is so hard to not do for a new world building story (so this wasn’t a huge deal at all, just somewhat boring to read through).

But BOY let me tell you - I was so surprised that about half way through this book, I kept getting so mad every time I had to put it down! There was something so subtle about how this book gripped me and before I knew it, I was literally falling asleep with my kindle in my hands in bed because I was just trying to read it and find out what happens next to two truly lovable main characters. There isn’t a named character I even dislike in this story (yes, even Brint, he’s got a place and time), and I think that is so impressive for an author to write truly no bad or annoying characters and to make me this invested in each one - even if they have a smaller part.

Long review short: read this book. The love, the magic, the relatable anxieties - it’s just a wonderful mix of all I didn’t know I needed in a book, and really truly enjoyed reading.

[Eliise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

Thank you, NerdFam, for the ARC!

"Elemental Affections" is a fantasy romance that transports readers to the enchanting world of the Valley of Sylveren. It's a tale of magical universities, spicy second-chance romances, and a touch of angst wrapped in plenty of banter.

I really enjoyed the magic system and the FMC. I loved the fact that the characters are more so in their 30s and how the FMC was still learning new things. I'm so tired of authors always having their characters in their early 20s. The overall plot was pretty fun. Additionally, the dialogue between characters was very well done. I could vividly imagine the tension and suspense at times, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

However, I really didn't like the MMC. At points, he was okay, but he mostly irritated me. I also hated the dialogue during the spicy scenes, which meant I had to skip over them because my eyes refused to cooperate and give that info to my brain. Despite my qualms with the MMC, the book's charming setting, engaging plot, and well-crafted dialogue made me still like the bood and I would still probably read the next books as well.

[KMart Vet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I snagged this one because of the art on the cover. Love the art style!

And it did not disappoint. Cozy Academia is such a great subgenre that needs more attention. I loved the environmental science and magic blend. It's such a unique concept and something that is dear to my heart. I LOVE when books go just a little bit nerdy.

I enjoyed watching our heroine as she distances herself from her old life and makes one of her own. I like how there is attention given to the delicate circumstances and complex personal situations in this story. My only complaint is that despite her career success, she's so morose over her live life, it feels cheapened. I understand what the author was going for - a career isn't everything and we all need love - but I didn't like how heavy handed it was. Though it was brief and Dae soon moves on to achieve her goals. Still really enjoyed it despite my personal hangups!

Very unique, cozy, and spicey! Perfect for a nice winter read when it comes out in January.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!

[Sam’s Sagas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this eARC from The Nerd Fam. The beginning was a bit rough to understand. It was dropping a lot of names and places and ethnicities, all fantasy names without really explaining much about the places or why the ethnic descriptions was really relevant? The concept of magic though in this is actually pretty fascinating. With Anadae attending the university (turned 30 during the story) she felt a lot of relatable emotions. After dealing with a lot of emotional abuse from her family and fiancé, it only makes sense as to why she’d have so much self doubt and lack of confidence in herself. Starting back to school late in young made her doubt her abilities and it was amazing seeing her heal herself and realize she’s smart as hell. Her theories and research about her magic and the poison in Rhell was amazing. Her and Ezzyn were cute together despite the miscommunication here and there. I did want some more information though? Like it seemed there were some unexplained parts or plot holes that I was hoping to get more info on later, but didn’t? Maybe when book 2 comes out (although it’s about 2 other characters), it’ll explain a bit more about the poison on the land? And maybe more info that was lacking in book 1.

[Erika | ErikasLiteraryLabryinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! If you read books like Emily Wilde and An Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love I’d compare it to this, with Elemental Affections having more of an Atlas Six writing style and a lot more spice. It’s very much a cozy academic fantasy with spice, and a really good plot!

I love the relationship between Dae and Ezzyn, and although they both made me mad at different parts of the book, that’s what makes them feel like real characters.

The World itself is very rich with nuisance and at some points I almost felt like I needed a glossary, and my eyes started to glaze over the words. However I didn’t feel like it took away from the experience and I was able to understand and enjoy the plot!

I would read the next book! I’m excited to see how the plot shakes out and more about the next couple!

Thank you to Nerd Fam for the gifted copy, all thoughts and opinion are my own.

[Nira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally an FMC who is almost 30! I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy fantasy read!

Anadae is 28 years old, a talented water mage who had to give up her studies to be a instrument for her wealthy parents’ political gains, to be engaged to the insensitive and pig-headed Brint Avenor.

She finally finds her voice to stand up to her parents, breaks the engagement and applies to further her magical education leading to her parents cutting all ties with her.

At the university, she once again cross paths with her childhood crush - a hotheaded fire mage and Prince of the Rhell kingdom, Prince Sor’vahl. Their last meeting many years ago did not end well, however, with her parents cutting her off she’s forced to take a research assistant position with him.

Will Anadae create her own identity or will her past catch up to her?
Will this rekindle their love for each other or drive them apart?

Thanks to The Nerdfam and the author for an early review copy!

[a collective of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elemental Affections is a great, fast paced, spicy read set in a fantasy world with magic. It has second chance romance, royalty, and student teacher (not age gap, 4 years).

Anadae feels trapped in a loveless relationship set to be married due to familial obligations. Both coming from prominent families and the marriage would be beneficial mostly for everyone else, but not Anadae. So she secretly applies to Sylveren University to study magic and become a mage. Her speciality is water and she wants to use her abilities for environmental restoration.

Dae only wants a new start and to follow her own pth. She gets accepted to the University and is offered a research position with Ezzyn. Their past comes back and feelings rekindled.

I like that the main characters are in their 30s and the Asian rep. I recommend this read!

I received an eARC from The Nerd Fam. My opinions are my own.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a cosy romantasy to curl up with after a 700 page epic?!

I want to start by saying how refreshing it is to read a book from this genre where the MC’s are in their late twenties/thirties. Also, there’s some great non-binary rep! 🤌🏻✨

The author blends both magic and science, making the system really unique. Politics are really important in a fantasy, and I always prefer it when the romance comes secondary — this was a lovely balance of the two.

Ezzyn and Andae were well rounded MC’s and their second chance, slowburn romance was a compelling one to read. Though, I loved every scene with the side characters! I love to see a hilarious best friend on the side lines.

Anticipating what happens in the Kingdom of Rhell in book two, to see if it ties up all those questions that have left me wanting more.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anadae is a human mage who is taking her life back from the expectations that had been placed on her. Previously compliant in the role her family had pushed her into Ana realizes she isn’t happy and that she wants to attend an Academy to pursue her magic. Once she arrives to the Academy she finds her friend, a blast from the past, and that someone seems to have followed her there. The book follows her as she learns to put herself first and discovers how capable she was all along.

The magic system seems fun and unique, albeit confusing at times. I love that there is an older FMC as well as the blend of magic and science.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, but I did take issue with the way the main characters were first intimate… namely the fact that he knew who she was and she didn’t know who he was, coupled with the fact he was in a position of power over her. In addition to that she had clearly stated that she did not want to do that and how important going to the Academy was for her, then he turns around and puts all that in jeopardy. Perhaps if neither of them had realized who the other was it would’ve felt more consensual. I liked the concepts in the book but that part cast a shadow over the rest that I couldn’t fully get past.

Thank you Nerd Fam for the Ebook!

[d_uhreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I don’t want to hurt you again,” he said. “But I don’t know how to love you the right way. How to choose.”
- Elemental Affections by @jaimeryanne_writes

I am absolutely loving this wave of romantasy books that have characters that are older. I feel so represented.

Showing strong, confident, and older main female characters is so important, and @jaimeryanne_writes
does just that in this story.

Our main character may be nearing her thirties, but that doesn't mean she can't learn a thing or two.

Academic settings, political intrigue, magic meets science, a sharp tongue prince, and enough spice to buckle in any knee...what more can you ask for ?!

[Ashley Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked Legend & Lattes but wanted academia and spice this is the book for you. This book checked off so many boxes for me. It was cozy, there was research and magical science, romance and spice.

I liked the FMC. Dae was finally finding her voice and wanting a change in her life. She knew what she needed. She just had to get past that voice in her head and those around her telling her she wasn't enough.

This book was definitely about finding yourself. It was a healing journey for the characters. Sometimes you have to make changes in order to move away from what is holding you back. Most of the time those changes are hard and take you out of your comfort zone.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy yet cozy academia read full of emotion and magic!

I won’t lie the cover pulled me in for this one and the description… yes please! I enjoyed the story and loved the characters!

Anadae was easy to relate to. I enjoyed her struggles and how she fought to find the confidence and strength within herself.

Ezzyn was dedicated to his country and would do anything to save his people. I enjoyed his loyalty and determination.

The story was a fun cozy read that had loads of great tropes like second chance romance, cozy vibes, magical school, elemental magic, banter, secrets, lies, hidden identities, spicy scenes, pining, family and ex drama, and loads more!

[Ashley Bombard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the magic system in this book. Not everyone like politics but I believe it helps with the world building and give this story more plot. Anadae finds she doesn't want to follow her families politics and wants to pursue magic. She's forced into an engagement but when she breaks free and is accepted to Grae University she gets to find herself again. The spice in this book does not disappoint. I highly recommend this as a fantasy read.

[Karen | karentalksbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

this book checks off the cozy romantasy aspects i like to see: broody mmc, taut tension, pretending to ignore their feelings 👏 i enjoyed the academic setting and liked the dual pov chapters in third person. both ezzyn & anadae were well-rounded, and i ate up their romance. the masquerade scene was hot!!!

i also love supportive side characters, and eunny (anadae’s bestie) is a wonderfully funny one. ezzyn’s brothers are also hilarious. i’m excited to see where book 2 goes!

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was full of great banter, academic setting, and slow burn enemies to lovers. I loved the way everything was set up, and that she was going back later in life despite her parents wishes.

I love the feeling of found family and belonging somewhere even if it may not be the easiest or most straightforward path.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a middle book for me, not good not bad just there. But sometimes you need that

[Baylee taylor]

DNF (for now maybe) I wanted to love this book so much but I just couldn't get into it: maybe I will try again in the new year!
Thank you nerdfam for the E-ARC!

[rereadqueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elemental Affection by Jaime Ryanne

ARC REVIEW

"...We didn’t study this at Grae U, and I like seeing how your mind works.” A beat of silence followed her admission. Heat rose in her cheeks as she realized what she’d said. “Because it’s informative,” she blurted out. “For me.”
His lopsided smile had turned into a full-blown smirk. 😏 “You like my mind,” he teased. Dae groaned.
“I take it back.” “You think I’m brilliant.”
“Arrogance isn’t a good look on you.” His smirk somehow widened.

This book is about Dae going back to school to become a mage and to follow her dreams. She is leaving behind an ex fiance and family business. Dae reconnects with Ezzyn, who happens to be the Prince of Rhell, which Kingdom has been poisoned from a passed war. Ezzyn is currently a temporary instructor for the university, and Dae becomes his lab assistant. Dae once had a crush on Ez and is now rekindling that fire as they are working in close proximity. The story has lots of drama and twists and turns, which kept it entertaining.

I did, however, struggle in the beginning to get hooked by this book, but gradually, I enjoyed it. I did struggle with the lack of build-up and tension between the characters. I wish there was more sexual tension and tease. The spice was good but felt rushed when it appeared out of nowhere sometimes.

If you enjoy books with poisoned kingdoms, searching for a cure and science experimenting in the field with a sprinkle of politics and magic, this is for you.

This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to seeing where this story goes.

[Gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded to 4.

If you’re after a cosy, magical read with light academia vibes, this one might just scratch that itch—but for me, it fell somewhere between good and great. 🌟 Set in a magical institution, the story follows Dae, a determined FMC breaking free from her family’s political expectations to forge her own path. Her journey brings her face-to-face with her former tutor, sparking a second chance romance filled with banter and chemistry. While I enjoyed parts of this, there were a few bumps along the way that kept it from being a full hit for me.

Let’s start with the good: Dae is a strong, relatable protagonist, and her moments of rebellion—like blackmailing Brint, the absolute walking red flag of a partner—had me cheering for her. 🙌 And while the story didn’t blow me away, the banter and natural inclusion of non-binary representation were definite highlights. Those little touches brought depth and charm to the story.

On the flip side, the worldbuilding was *intense*. Without a glossary or clearer explanations, I felt a bit lost in the opening chapters, as though the author expected me to already know the ropes. It was a slog at times, but once I got my bearings, I could appreciate the effort behind crafting such a rich setting. Unfortunately, there were moments—especially Ezryn’s actions after the masquerade ball—that left me feeling disconnected and dampened my enjoyment. (If you know, you know.)

Overall, I’d rate this a solid **3.75 stars**, rounding up because the cosy vibes and unique elements carried it through. While it didn’t fully wow me, it had its moments—and if you’re into magical institutions, light academia, and a touch of romance, it’s worth checking out. Just be ready to work through the worldbuilding upfront! 🌟✨