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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
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:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level:
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay. Can we just - hugs book-
Anadae has decided to go to school for her because the life she was planned for just isn't going to work for her. With no support of her family as she walks away to pursue her dreams in environmental restorations with water element instead of earth as expected. She changes the direction of her life.
Ezzyn is determined to get this poison that is spreading through the earth nullified, but his element of fire isn't enough so his research continues.
The school of Sylveren brings these two together and that's where the story really begins. This storey was such a cute story. The warmth felt as Anadae explores her wants instead of her family's. The more you learn about both main characters, the more I fell for their personalities and the dynamic that grows.
Jaime you did an amazing job writing this story and weaving it in a way that I was all in from page one.
Anadae has decided to go to school for her because the life she was planned for just isn't going to work for her. With no support of her family as she walks away to pursue her dreams in environmental restorations with water element instead of earth as expected. She changes the direction of her life.
Ezzyn is determined to get this poison that is spreading through the earth nullified, but his element of fire isn't enough so his research continues.
The school of Sylveren brings these two together and that's where the story really begins. This storey was such a cute story. The warmth felt as Anadae explores her wants instead of her family's. The more you learn about both main characters, the more I fell for their personalities and the dynamic that grows.
Jaime you did an amazing job writing this story and weaving it in a way that I was all in from page one.
This cozy and spicy fantasy romance blends academia, magical stakes, and second-chance romance. The story follows Anadae "Dae" Helm, a determined water mage fighting to establish herself outside her family's shadow. She wants nothing more than to go to school to be a mage, but her family and fiancé do not want her to go. After years, she breaks off her engagement, attends a school for mages, and works as a research assistant.
Dae is relatable, yearning for independence and wanting more for herself. She is unsure of herself since she is older than other students and has stopped school for quite some time. Returning to school with mostly younger students would be very stressful. While at school, she has a course with Prince Ezzyn, her former tutor. He is carrying the weight of a kingdom due to a plague/poison that is spreading. He hides his vulnerable side until Dae breaks down his walls. It has elements of the grumpy sunshine trope as he constantly pushes her away and hides his feelings. Their slow-burn romance is filled with tension, misunderstandings, and eventual emotional payoff. The true story is of Dae's personal growth and building of her confidence. I could have just had a story about her.
The romance intertwined with a mission to save the kingdom feels meaningful to the story. Where the novel shines is in its "cozy" tone. Despite the high stakes, it remains a comforting read, with balanced, heartfelt character moments and a sense of hope. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle, where the research-focused sections could wear on a not-science-interested reader. The story picks up at the masquerade party, which is the moment that serves as the emotional turning point for the characters.
The supporting characters, while likable, are added to explore the character development. Some magical elements feel rushed and need a deeper foundation. However, these flaws don't detract significantly from the overall experience. I prefer my cozy fantasy to be less spicy, but that did not affect my review. I also love that the author had Ezzyn call another character a "knob," which I found hilarious. Again, I love that Dae had a natural talent for magic and was the stronger character. You will see her grow into the mage she longed to be. This book is a light fantasy that delivers romance with a dash of magic.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam
Dae is relatable, yearning for independence and wanting more for herself. She is unsure of herself since she is older than other students and has stopped school for quite some time. Returning to school with mostly younger students would be very stressful. While at school, she has a course with Prince Ezzyn, her former tutor. He is carrying the weight of a kingdom due to a plague/poison that is spreading. He hides his vulnerable side until Dae breaks down his walls. It has elements of the grumpy sunshine trope as he constantly pushes her away and hides his feelings. Their slow-burn romance is filled with tension, misunderstandings, and eventual emotional payoff. The true story is of Dae's personal growth and building of her confidence. I could have just had a story about her.
The romance intertwined with a mission to save the kingdom feels meaningful to the story. Where the novel shines is in its "cozy" tone. Despite the high stakes, it remains a comforting read, with balanced, heartfelt character moments and a sense of hope. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle, where the research-focused sections could wear on a not-science-interested reader. The story picks up at the masquerade party, which is the moment that serves as the emotional turning point for the characters.
The supporting characters, while likable, are added to explore the character development. Some magical elements feel rushed and need a deeper foundation. However, these flaws don't detract significantly from the overall experience. I prefer my cozy fantasy to be less spicy, but that did not affect my review. I also love that the author had Ezzyn call another character a "knob," which I found hilarious. Again, I love that Dae had a natural talent for magic and was the stronger character. You will see her grow into the mage she longed to be. This book is a light fantasy that delivers romance with a dash of magic.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam
3.75/5 ⭐️
So I’m glad I forced myself to keep reading. I almost DNFed after the first couple chapters. But it was entertaining. I got invested enough. However, it felt sort of half baked. Like I was confused about some aspects and others could’ve been fleshed out. Actually most of it could’ve been. It felt like we were only scratching the surface. Overall, would recommend this to others, but probably kit my first suggestion.
Thank you to the author and NerdFam for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
So I’m glad I forced myself to keep reading. I almost DNFed after the first couple chapters. But it was entertaining. I got invested enough. However, it felt sort of half baked. Like I was confused about some aspects and others could’ve been fleshed out. Actually most of it could’ve been. It felt like we were only scratching the surface. Overall, would recommend this to others, but probably kit my first suggestion.
Thank you to the author and NerdFam for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
I thought this was a really fun read!!
Anadae was a relatable FMC, with a strong-willed personality. After deciding she's tired of living her life for other people, she applies to the magic university to further her skills as a water mage. She calls off her forced engagement, upsetting her family in the process.
When she is accepted on a scholarship to the school, she decides to join the environmental restoration program.
Having been cut off from her family she accepts a research assistant position with her old tutor/girlhood crush Ezzyn.
While trying to prove her capabilities to everyone who doubts her, she also deals with her annoying ex fiance, her tense relationship with Ezzyn, and keeping up with her course load.
I really enjoyed the academic setting and the environmental focus of the story!
I also appreciated all of the different character dynamics and relationships. From her childhood best friend, to the growth in the sister's relationship, and the growing acknowledgement of her ability by staff/mentors.
I would recommend this for fans of cozy fantasy/ romance!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam
Anadae was a relatable FMC, with a strong-willed personality. After deciding she's tired of living her life for other people, she applies to the magic university to further her skills as a water mage. She calls off her forced engagement, upsetting her family in the process.
When she is accepted on a scholarship to the school, she decides to join the environmental restoration program.
Having been cut off from her family she accepts a research assistant position with her old tutor/girlhood crush Ezzyn.
While trying to prove her capabilities to everyone who doubts her, she also deals with her annoying ex fiance, her tense relationship with Ezzyn, and keeping up with her course load.
I really enjoyed the academic setting and the environmental focus of the story!
I also appreciated all of the different character dynamics and relationships. From her childhood best friend, to the growth in the sister's relationship, and the growing acknowledgement of her ability by staff/mentors.
I would recommend this for fans of cozy fantasy/ romance!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam
Elemental Affections by Jamie Ryanne was an absolute delight! I usually gravitate towards darker themes, but this book felt like a breath of fresh air. The magical system was straightforward yet captivating, and the plot was perfectly suited for it. It's an ideal read for romance lovers looking to dip their toes into the world of fantasy and romantasy.
The story was a beautiful blend of cute, heartbreaking, and humorous moments. The found family dynamic stole my heart, and the tutor/professor x student trope hooked me from the start. Though it had a slow beginning with the world-building and politics, once it picked up, it was a solid five-star read for me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eBook.
The story was a beautiful blend of cute, heartbreaking, and humorous moments. The found family dynamic stole my heart, and the tutor/professor x student trope hooked me from the start. Though it had a slow beginning with the world-building and politics, once it picked up, it was a solid five-star read for me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eBook.
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
Have you ever been on a long trip, and after you come home, you let that long breath out and feel relief? That is the feeling that Elemental Affections evoke in me. This book just feels like coming home… well, and having a little fun
2.5 stars!
This was one of my first books by this author and one of my first fantasy books of 2025. I did struggle in the beginning to get hooked by this book; I don't know if it's because I'm not used to reading books in third POV or if I just couldn't grasp onto the book how I wanted to.
However, I really did like Anadae and felt like she was relatable at times, but I had a really hard time connecting with the mmc. I feel like his character could've developed a little bit more.
Overall, the book wasn't a bad read; I just feel like it's not for me!
This was one of my first books by this author and one of my first fantasy books of 2025. I did struggle in the beginning to get hooked by this book; I don't know if it's because I'm not used to reading books in third POV or if I just couldn't grasp onto the book how I wanted to.
However, I really did like Anadae and felt like she was relatable at times, but I had a really hard time connecting with the mmc. I feel like his character could've developed a little bit more.
Overall, the book wasn't a bad read; I just feel like it's not for me!