Growing Memories

Valley of Sylveren #2

by Jaime Ryanne

A shy gardener with a secret. The ex-healer who broke him. And an enchanted plant that could make their love bloom…if old wounds don’t bury them first.

For Eunny Song, magic is the enemy. At least, hers is, which is why she’s convinced everyone that her magic is gone. The former healer is content to run a repair café where she only fixes things, not people.

Ollas Nevin blames himself for Eunny’s bitterness toward her magic, but he’s never had the chance to make amends. The shy horticulture professor hopes his return to Sylveren University will provide a fresh start with the woman he’s loved since boyhood.

When Eunny’s shop collapses and injures Ollas, she insists on lending a hand during his recovery. Together for the first time in years, their closeness causes the magic plants at the heart of their past to wake. In the warmth of the greenhouse, feelings start to grow alongside the foliage—and secrets become impossible to keep. The plants could be the key to stopping a cursed poison ravaging a kingdom, but they require magic to bloom, and Eunny swore she would never touch the arcane again.

When the plants demand more than mundane care, will Eunny find the courage to face the past and reclaim the magic she used to love—and find new love too—or is the Healer Who Hurts beyond forgiveness?

Growing Memories is the second cozy fantasy romance novel in the Valley of Sylveren trilogy. If you love swoony slow burns, childhood friends-to-lovers, and magical STEM academia, don’t miss Growing Memories!

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Cozy, Romance, Magic

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2025

Reviews

[Scarlett Kouyou · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3🌶️

🖤Light Academia/cottagecore Romantasy
🖤Friends to lovers
🖤Plant daddy
🖤Slow-burn
🖤STEM
🖤Men who yearn, EARN 👏
🖤Healing Magic
🖤Political intrigue but HEAVY on the romance

(Spoiler free as always)
This is an interconnected standalone series, but I loved all the little Easter eggs from book one that were sprinkled into this next book. This book was swoony, adorable, and so much fun to read. I seriously CANNOT wait for book two already knowing how sassy one of the main characters is, it’s gonna be an ADVENTURE 😂🖤

Thank you so much to Jaime Ryanne for trusting me with this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This book leans fully into the cozy fantasy vibe, but it doesn’t shy away from heavy emotional work, and I loved that balance.

The premise had me instantly hooked: a healer who’s convinced her magic is dangerous, and the gentle, plant-loving academic who’s been in love with her forever. It’s such a soft, satisfying dynamic. Ollas is pure cinnamon roll and Eunny’s journey is one of slow, deeply earned healing. Her trauma is layered and thoughtfully written, especially as she navigates her guilt and disconnection from the magic that once defined her. The romance is full of quiet moments and second chances, with some surprisingly intense spice tucked in there. (Seriously, do not be fooled by the soft vibes; this book gets steamy.) I adored the science-magic crossover. The STEM elements really shine, grounding the magic system in our world.

That said, the pacing is very slow, which is obviously something super common in the genre. At times, I wished for a bit more movement, especially when it came to the family subplot. I normally love family drama, but some of those moments lacked the nuance I was hoping for. And while I appreciated the larger political stakes, they didn’t quite click for me emotionally. I was far more invested in the personal and watching Eunny and Ollas tiptoe around their history, tend to magical plants, and slowly rediscover both themselves and each other.

If you’re into cozy fantasies that aren’t afraid to get emotional, this is a lovely read.
Thanks to Behind the Pages PA and the author for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Trisha Zandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much that I want to read the first one in the series.

This is the second installment in the Valley of Sylveren series. When Eunny's repair shop collapses and injures Ollas, she feels nothing but guilt and offers to help him at the university with his classes. As she helps Ollas, magical chemistry isn't just happening with the plants they are researching...Eunny starts to have feelings for Ollas, but feels conflicted because of her guilt. She convinces herself that she's not loveable and she shouldn't lead Ollas on. Will she endure her self-hatred or can she learn to forgive herself and open up to love?

This high fantasy, cozy romance is something you should definitely add to your TBR!
Tropes:
*Banter
*Fantasy STEM
*Slow Burn
*He falls first
*Childhood friends to lovers
*Shy vs Feisty

Thank you for sending me an advance copy! I have written and posted this review voluntarily.

[Sian Atherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, cosy fantasy romance. It's an enchanting story that not only focuses on cute vibes it also delves into some really intense topics. It was a bit surprising, but it really fits in with the story.

Convinced she has magic that is dangerous, Eunny labels herself as the healer who harms. When her childhood friend Ollas, an academic with a love for plants, enters her repair shop, events are set in motion. Their past is complicated, but the undeniable pull between these two is electric as circumstances see them working together at Sylveren University.

This novel is heart-warming with healing at its core and the blossoming of new undiscovered things. I was in love with the story. Eunny is such a loveable and bubbly FMC, and Ollas is the perfect cinnamon role MMC. The dynamics between the two are so sweet, the mutual pinning for one another, and the shy way they tip-toe around one another had me smiling and paddling my feet. They are a couple that once they get talking, communicate with one another, they don't leave any loose ends - which I really liked. I was a little taken aback with the intimate scenes, which were more descriptive than I expected, but they don't take anything away from the plot or the slow burn.

Gransen needs acknowledgement. He was a brilliant side character and very easily stole a scene. I adored his character.

I got a little lost with the plant biology, which I was never really good at in school, so my brain frazzled a bit with the information, and I did a few rereads. That was the only aspect that affected my reading experience, as the flow stuttered a bit. But that's more my own problem, rather than a criticism of the book. There are some darker parts to the narrative as well that were different from other cosy fantasy books I've read, so I feel it did do something different with the genre, which I enjoyed.
____________
Favourite Quotes:

Everyone rides in on a white horse to help a friend.

“Remember that I never really lost my magic. That I have it and you don’t. I’m the Healer Who Hurts, and I won’t think twice about hurting you, Mother.”

“Offerings for my goddess.”

This dedication is beautiful:

For those who have forgotten their way. For those who have lost their community. For those who have had to make hard decisions about family. May you find these things again, whether reclaiming the old or starting anew.

____________
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

Thank you, Behind the Pages and Jaime Ryanne, for providing me with an e-arc of Growing Memories. It was such an enjoyable read. If you are a fan of cosy fantasy romance, I would recommend giving this book a go. It is a magical story and is a brilliant standalone that adds to the Valley of Sylveren trilogy.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Ryanne’s Growing Memories is a beautifully written second-chance fantasy romance that blends emotional healing, magical plants, and the quiet intimacy of rekindled love. With its greenhouse setting, heartfelt characters, and themes of forgiveness, it feels like the literary equivalent of stepping into a warm conservatory after the rain—lush, soothing, and alive with possibility.

At the center of the story are Eunny Song and Ollas Nevin, two people bound by a painful history. Eunny, once a healer, now rejects her magic, convinced it does more harm than good. Running her repair café allows her to nurture others in a small, safe way—fixing objects rather than people. Ollas, a shy horticulture professor, has carried both guilt and love for Eunny since their youth. His quiet hope for reconciliation provides a tender contrast to Eunny’s guarded bitterness.

When an accident collapses Eunny’s shop and leaves Ollas injured, the two are forced back into each other’s lives. What follows is a gentle yet emotionally charged reconnection, where old wounds resurface alongside buried feelings. Their time together in the greenhouse, surrounded by enchanted plants tied to their past, is some of the book’s most enchanting writing—romance and magic woven seamlessly into one.

The enchanted plants themselves are more than background—they embody both the couple’s shared history and the larger stakes of the narrative. With the kingdom threatened by a cursed poison, the plants could be the key to salvation, but only if Eunny confronts the magic she’s long denied. This parallel between personal healing and magical renewal adds resonance to the story, making the romance feel not just about two people, but about rediscovering hope itself.

If the novel stumbles, it’s in revisiting familiar beats of the second-chance romance trope. Some conflicts feel a touch predictable, particularly Eunny’s reluctance to embrace her magic and forgive Ollas. That said, the execution is heartfelt, and the cozy-yet-urgent atmosphere keeps the pages turning.

[ChellesOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Content warning: injury detail, trauma and ptsd, corrupt political machinations

Thank you to the author and their PA for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

Whilst this is marketed as a cosy fantasy, and has a very soft and wholesome friends-to-lovers romance that bubbles over into surprisingly quite explicit intimacy, I'd argue that the heavier topics, political machinations, corrupt corporations, and a poison threat take the stakes much higher than your typical cosy fantasy read.

I appreciated how plants rooted Eunny and Ollas in mutual healing. This pair required a slower-paced romance (though at times, I wished they had moved towards each other faster) because it allowed them to heal from their pasts and blossom into something beautiful. As I said above, I was a little surprised by the sexual scenes in this book being so descriptive, given the sweeter undertones of their relationship, but it worked well enough.

I didn't read the first book in this series (I was invited to pick this one up from the author's PA), and for the most part, it can be read without the initial knowledge of the first book, as the world-building was done well. Because there was a lot of time to focus on the magical greenhouse and cosy academia vibes, it established itself as its own story well. However, I did struggle a little to remain fully focused on this story, and I wonder if that was because I hadn't read the foundation of this world. Still, Eunny and Ollas' story is functional as a standalone.

As much as the soft romance was a core feature here, the characters shone well as individuals, and I'd go as far as to recommend Gransen as a delightful addition to this story. As a side character, he carried several scenes for me, and I appreciated him in this story; he was my favourite.

If you're looking for a cosy fantasy that also has dark, political themes, then this will be a good book to pick up.

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incident a few years prior to the beginning of the book and the Valley of Sylveren series causes Eunny to be afraid of her magic and as a result, she denies herself usage of the magic. As a result, she creates a shop called Song’s Scrap with the idea being that items can be fixed and can be done so without magic. In the meantime, her childhood friend, Ollas Nevin, and the one who had the mishap with Eunny’s magic, is returning to Sylveren University as a horticulture professor. Both of them blame themselves for the incident but what happens when Eunny’s shop collapses and injures Ollas?

I fell in love with Eunny Song when I initially met her in Elemental Affections. When I found out that Growing Memories was going to be focused on her I was elated; this book does not disappoint! It felt so good to be returning to the Valley and to Sylveren University especially as I’m also going back to work (I’m a teacher by day). Eunny and Ollas’ interactions are so fun to watch especially as they grow into their relationship (the burn is real!) and work through their multiple layers of feelings for each other and themselves as individuals. Outside of their relationship the supporting characters are hilarious. While secondary in nature, they do actually support Eunny and Ollas in various ways - there are cameos and there are one or two new characters too.

I really appreciate the flow and beauty of the words on the pages here; the story is gorgeous and I love the world that is being expanded while also being focused. If you’re looking for a novel to take you into the fall, or you want something that is cozy but spicy, or you just want a good time, I highly recommend the Valley of Sylveren series!

Thank you so much to Jaime Ryanne for gifting me this ARC, I really am grateful for this opportunity! All opinions are my own.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eunny’s scrap shop falls apart due to rain and rot and hurts her childhood friend Ollas. After hurting him years ago, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t lose his job and offers to help him while her shop is under repair. Ollas agrees hoping that maybe this will finally be the opportunity he has to tell Eunny what really happened in the past and also finally tell her how he feels about her.

I adored this story!!! The romance was everything! It’s a friends to lovers romance, and maybe even a bit of second chance seeing as Olly didn’t get the chance to tell Eunny how he felt in the past, but now he does.

It’s a bit of a slow burn because Eunny seems oblivious to Olly and his feelings, but enjoys teasing and flirting with him. And when they come together finally, it’s like boom! The steamy parts were hooooot!!! I mean Ollas is this awkward, shy gardener, but in the bedroom…shewwwwww! 🥵 Let’s just say those moments were 👌🏻

Aside from that, there’s a lot of growth and forgiveness that these two have to learn, not only to each other, but towards themselves. It was almost frustrating with how Eunny was at times, but it’s hard to forgive yourself when you know or thought you knew you were in the wrong. And so their growth was a beautiful thing to see, and how supportive Olly was the entire time too, choosing Eunny every time, something she hasn’t really truly had, thanks to her terrible mother.

Once again, loved the relationships in this book. I just adore the friendships and how they seem to keep growing in each book.

The pacing in this book was much better, but I think it’s because it focused on one area, which was the two MCs working together in the greenhouse.

I do still wish there was more world building, but the romance and story make up enough for it to still be an enjoyable and cozy read.

I look forward to the next book! Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Memories is such a soft, heartwarming, and quietly magical story that I didn’t want to put down. It’s a friends to lovers romance set in a world that feels both comforting and full of wonder. The magic system, rooted in (in this book at least, I haven’t read the first book) plants, memory, and healing, was so creative and beautifully tied to the characters’ personal growth—it made the whole book feel rich and immersive without ever being overwhelming.

Eunny and Ollas were a joy to follow. I loved how layered their relationship was, with just the right amount of angst and longing mixed with sweet, slow-burn chemistry. Their past felt real, and their journey toward healing and reconnection was deeply satisfying. I also really appreciated how trauma and forgiveness were handled with care and softness.

And can we talk about the setting? Sylveren and the magical greenhouse gave me all the cozy academia vibes I crave in a fantasy romance. I honestly wish I could spend a day just wandering around that world.

Genre wise, I know this is said to be a cozy fantasy and while there are plenty of cozy vibes and elements, I wouldn’t classify it as a cozy fantasy. The stakes, especially at the end, just felt too high. Cover-ups, big corporation dirty dealings, a poison that threatens to destroy a country, these things are not typical, for me at least, in a cozy fantasy.

If you're into fantasy, magical plants, friends-to-lovers romance, or stories that focus more on emotional stakes than big battles, I highly recommend this one. Growing Memories left me smiling, and I’ll definitely be checking out more books in the Valley of Sylveren series.

4.5 mysterious sprouts out of

[Gosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Growing Memories" by Jaime Ryanne is the second book in an interconnected standalone series, featuring a friends-to-lovers couple: Eunny and Ollas. She’s feisty, he’s shy—and he’s been in love with her for as long as he can remember. Imagine that poor boy’s suffering! All he had to do was get burned by her magic, wait six years, and then rescue her from a collapsing house just to get noticed. Talk about slow-burn 😅

I enjoyed this book, although I had some trouble keeping my focus at times. I didn’t read the first book (it’s not really necessary to follow this one), but I think I would’ve been more invested in the political conflict and academia plotlines if I had more background. Without it, I had to push through a few scenes.

The main couple is kinda cute. I didn’t totally buy the chemistry—the romance felt a bit off to me—but as individual characters, they worked. My favorite, though? A secondary character named Gransen. He was so well-written... I loved that guy and honestly need more of him in my life.

The pace is slow, with strong cozy vibes. There’s a lot of gardening and a touch of green science. And yes, there’s spice—though it takes a while to show up. When it does, it’s quite explicit.

I might give the first book a shot someday. The universe and regional conflicts seem interesting enough that maybe, with a different couple in the spotlight, I’ll have a bit more positive experience 🙂

Tropes:
cozy, slow-paced, he falls first, slow burn, forced proximity, friends to lovers, opposites attract, third-person, dual POV, magical STEM academia, elemental magic system, green-flag MMC, a part of interconnected standalone series, HEA

[Zaini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the e-ARC! Even though I’m a bit late with my review, I’m so grateful to Nerd Fam and the author, Jaime Ryanne, for giving me this opportunity.

First off—I loved the cover and the adorable chibi art of the characters. They completely stole my heart.

The book's setting gave me a mix of Hogwarts and Pride and Prejudice vibes—especially the campus and field scenes, like when she fell. It felt so cozy and immersive, like being on a little vacation surrounded by nature. I’m the type who can picture a whole movie while reading, and this book was perfect for that.

Ollas’s shy and awkward personality had me rooting for their love story right away. Eunny had her struggles, but I have to admit she did annoy me at times. Ollas was a total goner from the start and it was adorable when he went all red. He was struggling so much whenever she was around 😂

The beginning of the book was amazing for me, but towards the end, I found myself a little confused—possibly because I haven’t read the first book yet. I also felt the smut scenes a bit off (might just be personal taste).

Favorite character aside from the MCs? Gransen. 😉

And as for her mother… let’s just say I really was hoping she’d realize her mistakes. Alas, no.

Overall, I had an amazing time reading the book and would recommend reading the first book of the series first and then this book so that the plot becomes easier to understand.

Final rating: 3.5/5

[Krista Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an interconnected series of novels that can stand on their own and this book did the interconnection well but still felt like it could be its own novel (other than the ending where I now need to know what happens next!). This book picks up right where the last one left off, with still trying to find a way to cure instead of just contain what the poison that is making people sick. Queue 2 characters who are childhood friends crossing paths again and ending up in a situation where they must work together to research plants that may be the solution to their problems! I love a golden retriever male black cat female pairing and this book had that same feeling. I loved seeing the growth of overcoming her fears that was seen in Eunny and her developing bond with Ollas in a classic he falls first scenario. The magic system and world building in this book was also wonderful, I loved the cozy greenhouse vibes in a school setting it gave with an age appropriate professor relationship. I also loved the glimpses into the previous characters as well as near the end the set up for the final book! I can’t wait to see where this story leads next! My rating 4.4/5!

Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Memories is the second book in the Valley of Sylveren series of interconnected standalones, and it’s a perfect read for anyone who loves swoony slow burns, childhood friends-to-lovers, and a touch of magical STEM academia.

This beautiful story melted my heart as it follows Eunny and Ollas, childhood friends who navigate adversity, rebuild trust, and slowly grow a deep, lasting love. Their journey is tender, emotional, and incredibly relatable. One of the highlights of this book is the strong, supportive circle of friends who surround them—true found-family vibes that make the story even richer.

Jaime Ryanne masterfully balances humor, heartache, and romance. I laughed, I cried, I blushed—and most of all, I felt completely immersed in the warmth and magic of this world.

My most favourite line in the book that really made my heart melt is when Ollas says:

“It never would’ve worked,” he murmured. “She isn’t you.”

Highly recommended for readers looking for heartfelt romance with depth and charm. Thank you to Jaime Ryanne for trusting me with the e-ARC and for writing a story that truly resonates with the heart.

[Katelyn Delone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh man I loved this book Jaime! You produced perfection again just like elemental affections. This was the second book in the Vally of Sylveren series and it did not disappoint!! We have a shy plant boy who has many different layers shy with the girl he likes, but then he has his professor side, then we have his not so shy other side 😏 plant daddy for sure seems like a fitting name. Then we have our girl Eunny who’s still trying to punish herself for the past which she never needed too! In book two we become one step closer at finding a cure for the poison that is spreading Dae&Ez did their part in book 1 and in book 2 we have Eunny and Ollas who further along that process and I can’t wait to see what book 3 will bring. On a side note I hate Eunnys mother just as much as she does can’t stand the woman!! This book had me laughing and raging at certain moments but man it was all so worth it at the end. Did it mention the spice? Plant daddy definitely serves for his goddess. 🫣 if you don’t have this on your TBR you need to go add it! Coming to you on August 7th you want to be caught up in this world it’s just too good not to be. 🥰

[Kay Stunts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing memories is the second book in the Valley of Sylveren series, but it could be read as a standalone. There is an overreaching theme of stopping a disease that is spreading through one of the countries, but each book focuses on a different set of characters and the development of their relationship.

Eunny can’t forgive herself for hurting Ollas even though he doesn’t blame her. Forgiveness is the main theme throughout the book as Eunny tries to make up for what happened years ago by helping Ollas while he is hurt. Their relationship is a little slow to develop because Eunny tries to keep her distance emotionally.

The story moves at a slow pace and other than the relationship development and character growth, not a lot happens in the book until the last ten or so chapters. While I enjoyed watching both Eunny and Ollas grow and learn to accept the things they can’t change and even be able to forgive themselves for something that was out of their control, I do wish there would have been a little more of a story line surrounding the disease and what they are doing to help with it.

[Chapters_and_chai_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world that Jaime Ryanne has created is beautiful, whimsical and warm.
I absolutely adore this series!

GROWING MEMORIES is book 2 in the valley of Slyvern series of interconnected standalones which is set in a magical academy surrounded with enchanted gardens, gentle spells, and cozy academic chaos which had me hooked from the first chapter.

Over the course of the story Eunny and Ollas develop a dreamy friends-to-lovers romance that unfolds with tension and the kind of slow burn that gave me butterflies, and I couldn’t help but root for them from beginning to end.

Jaime Ryanne's writing is soft, warm, and immersive, and it wrapped me up in a world of warmth and comfort that I didn't want to end.

Growing memories is perfect for those who love:
-soft, character-driven fantasy
-slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance
-magical plants + science vibes
-cozy academia settings.

I would like to say a big thank you to the author for kindly sending me the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I can’t wait to read what happens in the next one!

[Haley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Memories is a great slow burn, enemies to lovers story for anyway that is itching for a slower, cozy read.

This book is part of an interconnected standalone series, and even though I read it without picking up the first one, I still absolutely enjoyed this!

Eunny and Ollas’s journey tugged at me. Once close as children, life pulls them apart—only to bring them back together to face challenges, mend broken bonds, and rediscover one another. It's a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever believed in second chances. A key pinpoint strength for me in this book was the close-knit group of supporting character that just enhanced this story I think to perfection. I always chase a great story with these types of dynamics in characters and complete found family moments.

I loved how this story made me feel so many emotions within it's grasp. There are moments to laugh, feel tender, feel the heat and even anger, definitely anger at times. However, in the end I could not get enough and will be running back to the first one.

Thank you, Jaime Ryanne for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Nikolett Berkiné Varga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Memories is a delightfully sweet, heartwarming, cozy slow-burn fantasy romance—perfectly blending friends-to-lovers charm with magical STEM academia. Eunny and Ollas are such a cute pair; their connection feels both tender and genuine.

Eunny’s journey really resonated with me. After the trauma she endured six years ago, she lost not only much of her magic but—more painfully—her faith in herself. Watching her slowly rebuild that trust, in both her own abilities and in Ollas, was moving and satisfying.

And Ollas? A total green-flag hero—kind, supportive, and caring without ever being overbearing. Just quietly, steadily wonderful.

The political intrigue added depth without overshadowing the romance, and the greenhouse scenes were pure joy—vibrant, cozy, and so much fun to picture.

Thank you, Jaime Ryanne, for this ARC! Such a lovely, gentle romance that truly grew on me—even if I occasionally found my focus wandering at the start. By the end, it felt like a warm hug I didn’t want to leave.

[Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of cozy fantasy novels, I felt so happy to get to read this book! I enjoyed it all through. This is a second book in series, but independent one, so no need to read the first book before this. (But now I want to read that one, too!)

After an incident causing not to be able to use her magic, healer Eunny Song works in Song´s Scrap, a place for practical repairs for all kinds of things but living. Sadly, the old house needs repairing itself and collapses suddenly.

Ollas Nevin, her childhood friend and the horticulture professor at Sylveren University happens to be visiting the repair café right in the time and saves her. However, he has been loving Eunny since just a boy.

Eunny feels horrible hearing Ollas had injured and being unable to manage his works, so she offers to help. Working side by side in the greenhouse, might their relationship also become warmer?

I loved the characters and the setting, it was indeed a lovely, easy read. Definitely recommending this sweet and fun book.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!

[Ashley LaPorte · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the college city of Sylveren, Eunny’s scrap shop has become in need of its own services. After an earthquake forces her old friend Olias to injure himself as he help her escape the shop she volunteers her own strengths to help him carry through with his grovetending research to see if they can assist others in curing the diseased grounds plaguing the city over.

This sequel was a nice insight to another perspective of the campus and how everyone is working together to try to cure this growing concern of diseased land that doesn’t seem to stop its spread. The banter between Eunny and Olias was cute and the will they wont they was almost infuriating at times. The twist that shows how much Eunny was tied to this project was upsetting and made me glad that Eunny was able to find her strength to fight back against her own enemies, causing her to see that her magic is worth embracing and using it to create instead of harm helped her come full circle.

Excited to see how it wraps up with the next book!

Tropes:
✨friends to lovers
✨ elemental magic
✨ healing magic
✨ PTSD
✨ family fueds

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! Ollas is literally so precious and sweet and I adore him and he’s also an animal in the best way. I went back and forth on Eunny a lot in this. I liked her a lot until about halfway through the book and then from like 60-75ish percent I was like omg she’s the most selfish person alive but after that I really liked her a lot again. Zhenya is so funny and chaotic and I loved her. Gransen was so hilarious and extroverted and I loved the way he acted. Bioon is an freakin’ nightmare of a person and especially as a mother and sister. I really loved the way Ollas and Eunny’s magic had to work together to achieve what they were trying to achieve. The spice in this was really hot even though there wasn’t that much of it. That epilogue🥵 This was a really well-rounded and engaging story and the characters were really compelling. I look forward to book three!

I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!

[Steven T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation in the series, but can be read standalone.

- strong female MC that is witty and independent, yet has weaknesses that are visible in the story
- sweet ( cinnamon roll?) and very devoted male partner
- friends to lovers
- one side longs, yet unrequited love. I saw “one side yearns, other learns” to fit well into the dynamic.

This second in the series starts off with a faster pace for storytelling, but the relationship is a slow burn. Chemistry hits early though, so it feels like it has small payoffs constantly until we reach that relationship climax a bit into the book.

Similar to the first story, the characters are “older” with Eunny still trying to find her spot in life and Ollas starting his second career in life, now the university. It is fun to see relatable aspects of life here, especially when it comes to family turmoil but really focusing on that wonderful feeling of found family.

Highly recommend, and can’t wait until third book.

[Maddie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interconnected standalone that follows Eunny, a former healer, and Ollas, a horticulture professor, who are reunited childhood friends. I loved the STEM vibes of this romantasy and the way magic was portrayed was quite unique when it came to plants. This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones and I have not yet read book one (Elemental Affections) but I was able to follow the world and story quite well without that context. There is a bigger plot at play which makes me excited to go back and read the first book to see how it got to this point and to hopefully meet some of the side characters from this book in further detail. While there was action, the vibes still overall gave cozy fantasy in an academia setting (I have been reading a lot of dark academia recently and this was NOT that). I loved seeing Eunny’s growth over the course of this book and related to her healing background quite a bit as someone in the healthcare field!

Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the eARC!

[Camilla_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for an e-ARC!

This is one of those rare cosy-adjacent fantasies where there are still high enough stakes and intriguing political machinations in the background to keep you hooked in. The sweetest romance I've read in a while (they both CLEARLY like each other but need a push) rounded this off as a very fun cosy romantasy. I really liked the magic system, especially all the plant-based magic Ollas works with, plus the idea of essentially trauma making Eunny's magic unaccessible. I read this before I picked up the first in the series of interlinked standalones, so was worried I'd be missing some cues - but other than it being obvious certain characters had featured in the previous book, I wasn't lost or confused. I will 100% read the first though, as I'm so curious now what happened before!

[Augenee Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and throughly enjoyed it. It is a slow burn, friends to lovers story and is dual POV. The pacing was great and the plot was interesting. It is not a long book and is a easy read. I fell in love with their relationship, tho I did get irritated with Eunny at points but I understood how she was feeling. I just wished she would have knocked it off sooner, haha. This is book 2 of a series where each book is a interconnected standalone. I did not read book one and didn't feel confused but eventually would like to read the first book. This reminds me other interconnected hallmark stories like the Dream Harbor series but with magic and more excitement! I suggest this if you don't want something too heavy and would like a short Romantasy.

Thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted eARC.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! While it's technically an interconnected standalone, I would strongly recommend reading book 1 first. The context from book 1 really adds a lot! I do think that if I hadn't read book 1, I might have been a little confused - and definitely wouldn't have appreciated the character cameos as much.

I love the dual POV so we can see where each character is coming from. Their romance was written so well - I was so invested in them getting together and also completely understood the obstacles in their way. I also LOVED one of the side characters (Gransen) - he's both hilarious and instrumental in them getting together! Huge thank you to the author for the advance copy to read and provide my honest review for.

Read this book if you like:
- light academia (magical grad school)
- he falls first
- found family
- plant daddy
- black cat FMC / golden retriever MMC

[Smutty Professor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Memories is a cozy, heart-tugging romantasy that blends slow-burn romance, plant magic, and academia. Eunny is a former healer hiding from her past, and Ollas is a quiet professor with a longtime crush. They are thrown back together to research a cure for the land’s spreading blight. Their friends-to-lovers arc is soft, emotional, and full of healing for the world and themselves.

Even though this is book two in the Valley of Sylveren series, I had no trouble following the story without reading the first. The world building was done well and the hints of a larger conflict have definitely made me curious about book one. The plant-based magic felt really unique, especially paired with the academic setting.

If you’re into gentle fantasy, cozy vibes, and an emotionally grounded romance, this one’s worth picking up.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Behind the Pages PR and the author for the eARC!

Book two in the Valley of Sylveren series is a cozy, standalone fantasy romance centered around a tender friends-to-lovers story. We meet Eunny Song, once a gifted healer, who has buried her magic after an accident left her best friend, Ollas Nevin, injured. Since then, she has closed herself off and has hidden her magic from herself and her friends. She is determined never to harm anyone again.

Ollas is sweet and quietly devoted. He blames himself for what happened that day. He’s now a teacher at the Sylveren University teaching about plants, as he has some plant magic. He has loved Eunny for years but has never found the courage to confess his love. Where Eunny is feisty and guarded, Ollas is gentle and patient. He’s a true golden retriever MMC.

This is a heartfelt story of healing, forgiveness, and trust. Eunny must overcome her fear of magic and trust herself, while Ollas must risk rejection to speak his truth. Together, they learn that love, even when fractured, can still grow back stronger.

[Ana]

DNF @ 65%

First off, I loved the cover: super cute!! I also absolutely love Ollas! He is so so cute and a bit awkward in an endearing way. I liked the world building. I felt like it wasn't too confusing even though I didn't read book one in the series. However, I feel kind of disconnected from Eunny, especially with how she treats the relationship with Ollas once the tension broke. I wasn't really vibing with the internal monologue, and I kind of expected more growth from her since I was more than halfway through the book. I was getting mad at her because I could tell she was probably going to hurt Ollas, and I couldn't watch that happen to him 😭😭 He deserved better! And Eunny should go to therapy 😭

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the sequel set in the college city of Sylveren, Eunny’s scrap shop is damaged by an earthquake, leading her injured old friend Olias to need help. Eunny steps in to assist with his grovetending research, which aims to heal the diseased land threatening the city. The story offers a fresh perspective on campus life, focusing on collaboration to stop the spreading blight. Eunny and Olias’s playful, slow-burn romance adds emotional depth, while a surprising twist reveals Eunny’s deeper connection to the project. Ultimately, Eunny’s journey toward accepting and using her magic for creation rather than destruction marks powerful character growth.

Tropes:
• Friends to lovers
• Elemental magic
• Healing magic
• PTSD
• Family feuds