A review by jmcclelland17
Elemental Affections by Jaime Ryanne

inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

📚 Element Affections by Jaime Ryanne📚

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨Tropes✨
🔥Second Chance Romance
🌊Magic
🔥Academic Setting
🌊Forced Proximity
🔥Top tier spice
🌊Intelligent, capable FMC

✨Initial Thoughts✨
I enjoyed this book so much! I especially loved how the author combines magic and science. As a woman in STEM, I found this so unique and refreshing. Our FMC, Anadae, turns 30 during this story and it’s so wonderful to see a mature, intelligent, capable woman who finds her voice and pursues her passions. While this book has excellent, top tier spice, there’s also so much substance to this story. Our MMC, Ezzyn, while I don’t love all of the choices he makes throughout the book, I do love how obsessed he is with Dae. He really was lovable despite the questionable choices he makes. 

What makes this story stand out is not only the magic being tied to science, but the characters. On the surface, this could just be a cute, spice romantasy. However, at the core of this story is the characters, specifically Anadae. Anadae is finally breaking away from her family’s lofty and unfair expectations of her. She was persuaded to enter into an arranged engagement with a man who belittled her and emotionally abused her. Anadae breaks away from the comfort and familiarity at 29 years old to go back to school for magic so she can do some good for the world. She wants to find and grow her potential even if it means being disowned by her influential family. She shows a strength of character that is inspiring. Dae constantly insists she does not need to be rescued and proves it. Despite her misgivings and old insecurities, Dae carves out a path in magic and becomes successful in her own right. 

✨Pros✨
  • Smart, capable, lovable FMC.
  • MMC who is obsessed with the FMC in the most delicious way.
  • No cringey nicknames!!
  • Fantastic spice scenes.
  • Magic combined with science.
  • I love the forced proximity!
  • The way the second chance romance was done reminded me of Jane Austen’s Persuasions and I LOVED it!

✨Cons✨
  • I don’t love the third act break up, but I understand the intent behind it.

Thank you to The NerdFam for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this book.