This book caught my eye on Netgalley and I was excited. Alas. I am so disappointed. I got to Chapter 6 and could go no further. I felt like I was reading about high schoolers not grown adults. There were bits of writing that made me physically cringe. “Why do you hide your youngest? Where is my best friend?” I’m sorry what you’re like a few years older than her why are you talking like that? And then Paisley the FMC, 22 years older, seems like she’s mentally 15. Let’s mommy and daddy dictate whether she can stay at college or not. Says things like, “he growled, like a legit growl and since he wasn’t a nature sprite with an animal familiar it took me by surprise.” This is her dad she’s talking about. Next up is a sibling character “he gravitated toward you and was überprotective.” I’m sorry what? “You’re right about this being a trigger for her”
“Don’t you remember our last days?” -Who talks like this? Nobody.
There was no way to stay immersed in this book.

Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve is an intense enemies to lovers romantasy I would recommend to any seasoned romantasy reader or someone who is just getting their feet wet in the genre, I really loved reading this book and look forward to more from Jaymin Eve. Thank you Net Galley for this ARC!!

Absolutely loved it! such a fun, fast-paced read with a great mix of magic, mystery, and romance. The main character is strong, witty, and easy to root for, and the magical world feels exciting and full of surprises. Jaymin Eve does a great job keeping the story engaging—there's always something happening, and the twists keep you hooked.

The chemistry between characters is great too, with just the right amount of tension and heart. If you enjoy books with powerful magic, found family vibes, and a heroine who doesn’t back down, this one’s for you.

If you’re like me and crave stories that whisk you into a moody, magical world filled with secrets, slow-burn romance, and powerful self-discovery, then Spellcaster is a gem you’ll want on your shelf.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

🧙‍♀️BOOK. REVIEW🧙‍♀️
(A big thank you to @htphive and @mira for the free copy!)
SPELLCASTER by Jaymin Eve
3/5 🌟

SPELLCASTER was entertaining and fun. It might have been a little rough around the edges, but it shows promise in the rest of the series, and I'm definitely interested in picking up the next novel.

The book follows Paisley, a 22 year old witch who has just come into her powers and is starting freshman year at a magical institute. There, her family's nemesis, Logan, has transferred to the school. And he's powerful and coming for Paisley (a little double entendre for you 😉)

Please read if you enjoy the following:

🪄 Dark Academia
🪄 Broody MMCs
🪄 Enemies-to-lovers with a touch of mystery
🪄 Powerful FMC without the key to unlocking their great power

I absolutely loved everything about this. We have strong FMC, a very Xaden MMC, found family. Ugh, everything. The magic was fun, as well as the dark academia vibes. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!!

An elemental Hogwarts with monsters and bad boys haunting the night…

Starting freshman year is scary for anybody but for Paisley its made worse by learning that her family’s archnemesis Logan is also attending. As a powerful spellcaster he is leagues ahead of her magic wise but perhaps he holds the key to unlocking the mysterious of the past as well as her untapped potential. With monsters hunting her every move she may not have a choice but to lean on Logan if it means keeping herself and those, she loves alive.

I am not quite sure where to begin with this one, it has all of the elements I enjoy but for some reason it felt like we were just skimming the surface on something that could have been better. The magic is fine though I feel like we don’t know a lot about how it all works which isn’t too terrible since Paisley is unfamiliar with her own talents so we too felt left out of the bigger picture. I feel like there is going to be more in future books with the necromancy element but like her family’s secrets there was quite a lot left hanging at the ending.

Paisley is fine she feels very two dimensional to me but then again, I feel as though they all do. Each character checks off a box and we aren’t given a lot to really flesh them out , we also are introduced to so many characters amongst her classmates and the elders so there is a lot of moving parts and not as much depth. I am all for smut but man this book felt like all it could talk about was how everyone wanted to have sex with a majority wanting Logan but apart from being described as pretty there was nothing else there, no charm or wit that you may see in a character like this instead he pops up when needed and broads and then disappears just as quickly. There was no heat in their scenes and for an enemies to lovers it felt like Paisley spent more time reminding us they hated each other than really building that tension which was disappointing.

This one took me longer to get through which is a shame and most likely not a series I will be returning to fully but I might google spoilers to see if I had anything right when it comes to the mystery.

This is a witch college paranormal fantasy where the college students go to learn more about their different affinities and hone their crafts. Paisley is our FMC and she is one of five children and also the youngest. While all of her siblings have blossomed into their affinities early she has not. She is a late bloomer, but she came into her power, but doesn’t know her affinity. Either way she has been accepted to the most prestigious of the witch colleges. Oliver’s siblings go there and her dad even is a professor there. Once they arrive, they find out that their family enemy has a son that will also be transferring in. Logan is a spellcaster. One of the most powerful types of warlocks.
I will say that overall I liked the story there was some things that I did struggle with, but I like the concept and as the story progressed, I really wanted to see where it ended up going. It was a bit predictable, but I still thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. And I definitely plan on reading the subsequent book(s) released in this series as they come out. I do like the others that this author has put out and you know that she delivers.

Prepare to be absolutely spellbound! Jamin Eve's Spellcaster is a five-star explosion of intense enemies-to-lovers chemistry, thrilling magical intrigue, and a pace that will leave you breathless. From the very first page, you're plunged into the captivating world of Weatherstone College, where danger lurks in the shadows and trust is a luxury no one can afford.
The atmosphere of Weatherstone is deliciously dark and mysterious. Eve masterfully creates a sense of foreboding with the college's ominous rules – don't walk the halls late at night, don't disturb the ancient magic, and most importantly, never trust a spellcaster. These warnings immediately set the stage for a world where power is volatile and secrets abound.
Our protagonist is instantly relatable, thrown into a world she's connected to by legacy but struggles to navigate with her unpredictable magic. Her arrival at Weatherstone and the immediate clash with Logan Kingston, the wickedly alluring son of her father's enemy, is pure electric tension. The warnings to avoid him only amplify the undeniable pull between them, and Eve expertly crafts their interactions with a delicious blend of animosity and undeniable attraction. The flirtation between hate and obsession is palpable, making their every encounter crackle with anticipation.
But Spellcaster is so much more than just a steamy romance. The undercurrent of dark energy stalking the protagonist and the terrifying monster attack inject a thrilling layer of danger and suspense. The unpredictable nature of the magic at Weatherstone, rooted in necromancy and battle, feels genuinely perilous, raising the stakes with every twist and turn.
The forced alliance between our protagonist and Logan is the stuff enemies-to-lovers dreams are made of. The dynamic between them is scorching, filled with reluctant trust and undeniable chemistry. The tagline "to fight a monster, I'll need a monster" perfectly encapsulates their dynamic and hints at the complex relationship that unfolds.
Jamin Eve has crafted a romantasy that ticks all the boxes – a compelling protagonist, a swoon-worthy and dangerous love interest, a richly imagined and perilous magical world, and a plot that keeps you hooked until the very last word. Spellcaster is an absolute page-turner, and I devoured it in a single sitting. If you're looking for a book that will leave you breathless with its heat, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, look no further. This is a definite must-read and an easy five-star recommendation! I'm already desperate for more from this world!

Spellcaster was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2025.

Eve is one of those authors who is an auto-buy author. Every series I've read from her gets better as the story unfolds.

Spellcaster didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the pacing, the storyline, and the close family ties. It felt like a big hug in a lot of ways.

The FMC, Paisley, Pais for short, is a kind and thoughtful FMC with a penchant for getting in trouble. I enjoyed watching her growth in this book.

The MMC, Logan, is your typical bad boy that every girl wants to be with. I have a feeling book two will be significantly more focused on Logan, but for now, I'm intrigued!

Overall, I gave this book a solid 4 star. It was enjoyable and had all of the makings of a great series from Jaymin Eve. I have a feeling as this series progresses, it will become one of my favorites from her.

I only rated it 4 stars because 1) I figured out the plot early on and 2) While this was New Adult, it read a little like a YA novel with spice. Regardless, it was a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much to Jaymin Eve, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Adult dark academia & wizardry school vibes.
I need more!!! I seriously hope this is a multi-book series. Because I will read them all.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy.


Goodreads: Brenda (Jadore_2Read)

Recently accepted into the prestigious Weatherstone College, Paisley is not so sure she belongs. Her magic hasn't exactly manifested yet, and all her siblings and friends seem to know exactly which element they draw magic from. Not only that, but her father's enemy's son, Logan, a powerful spell caster, just transferred and she's pretty sure he's out to do her harm. When monsters start appearing and dark magic is at play, Paisley senses old forces are stalking her and is forced to turn to Logan for help. Their hatred tows the line with flirtation as they work together to discover Paisley's magic, as well as uncovering decades old secrets that have the potential to save the school.

This is Zodiac Academy meets Ninth House - dark, college romance, academic setting, elemental magic, and a slow burning tension. Paisley's group of friends and siblings was a highlight, and the mysterious family secrets and dynamic draws you in. Logan and Paisley were enemies by default, and there's definitely a sense that there is more to their history than meets the eye. Plenty of "who hurt you?" moments, and dangerous situations. This is a modern romance/fantasy (though the college feels more ancient), with modern language/slang, technology, style, etc. You'll definitely be drawn in to the history of the school, the elemental magic system, and the growing tension. You will absolutely be left with questions at the end, so be ready to add book two to your TBR!

Thank you #NetGalley for the eARC of #Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve!

I need therapy. I knew that the ending was going to kill me. Paisley and Haley foreshadowed it, and I want to slap them both, and then I want Jaymin Eve to hug me while I cry.

Spellcaster is set at Weatherstone College, a prestigious magical school. Paisley Hallistar (one of five Hallistar children) is a 22 year old witch and strongly believes she’s not supposed to be at Weatherstone because she hasn't found her affinity. In fact, she's convinced she was only accepted because her father is a professor and all four of her siblings are already students. But, surprise surprise, Paisley's magic is volatile. And then there’s Logan Kingston—tattooed, Italian transfer student, Hallistar family enemy, and quite possibly the most delicious MMC I’ve read all year (honestly, I may like him better than Xaden Riorson...a la *gasp*). He heals her. Saves her. Asks for consent in quite possibly the best way ever. Calls her *precious* (which somehow works?). Think “I’ll burn down the world for you but also I’m your sworn enemy.”

It’s like dark academia made out with enemies-to-lovers and had a spicy little romantasy dream baby.

The world-building? *Chef’s kiss.* Elementals, necromancers, nature sprites, and spellcasters. The magic system? Lush and political with high stakes.

Everything written in this book felt like it was designed specifically to my taste. The paranormal academy romance that has some urban fantasy vibes with all different magics is my own personal brand of book crack. I'm obsessed with the family secrets, mystery of her and broody love interest's past, and just the broody love interest in general. I will be raving about this one for a while!

The vibes were vibin in this book guys ✨ not only is this cover stunning but this story surprised me in the best way possible! I was not expecting this book to get intense and that cliffhanger tho! Getting me more excited for the next book ✨

The tropes were amazing as I love a good enemies to lovers with some magic system and this is a college setting but a witch college setting. This vibe for sure gave me zodiac academy, city of gods and monsters and Harry Potter for sure. It gave all the right feelings as I was reading. I was picturing it in my head as I was reading which is a plus for me and knew from there I was going to like this book.

4.25 Stars

I really enjoyed this book and I was hooked from the prologue. I think the world and magic system is very intriguing and the suspense and tension built within the plot as the story went on helped keep me interested until the end. I really like the relationship between Paisley and Logan, and I can see this shaping up to be a nice emotional slow burn.

A few issues I had with the book was that the timeline of events was a little weird. Time passed in a nonlinear fashion so a lot of key development in Paisley’s friendships and in her training her newfound power was not explored as much as it could have. I also think that because of this all the reveals happen in the very last chapter, and besides the actual major revelation at the end, I wasn’t too shocked by everything that was revealed. The author leaves very obvious clues about the reveals and I think the foreshadowing could have been a bit subtler.

I was really immersed in the world and I’m looking forward to reading more of Paisley’s story. There are a lot of mysteries in the book that l’m curious about, and I can’t wait to read the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Jaymin has crafted an extremely addictive and thoroughly entertaining adventure into the world of witchcraft. From the moment you open its pages until the very last word is read you will be immersed in this world filled with unimaginable power and terrifying creatures beyond your imagination. Jaymin is a master at creating universes that you get completely lost within, not wanting to come up from air until you’re done. And this book is no different. From the second I opened this story I was mesmerized with the world she created and the characters within. I sped through it cover to cover in one sitting completely zealous in my need to finish the story. I was physically unable to put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. Food? What’s that. Water? Who needs it. This story though, I could not survive without finishing.

And once I was done, once that last word was read, I was bereft. Jaymin chucks you right over the edge of a cliffhanger that will leave your jaw on the floor, and your mind reeling. Was I aware this was more than likely a duet if not a trilogy? No. Should I have considering Jaymin does not write anything that’s not? Yes. Am I still annoyed with myself that I now must wait who knows how long for the next book? Yes, yes, I am. Even knowing that I must wait for the next installment I would not have missed out on reading this. This story is categorically my favorite read of 2025, and I wouldn’t have overlooked it for anything. Now please excuse me while I rock in the corner waiting for book 2 to be released because I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. Dang you Jaymin for being such an amazing writer and producing the most gratifying reads.

The story follows the journey of a young woman named Aria, who discovers her magical abilities at the age of twenty-two and receives an acceptance letter to the prestigious Weatherstone College. However, her magic is unpredictable and she struggles to meet the high expectations set by her family legacy.
Aria is a relatable and likable protagonist. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add depth to the story. In particular, the relationship between Aria and Logan, the son of her father's enemy, is complex and intriguing. The tension between them is palpable and the chemistry is undeniable, making for a compelling romantic subplot.
The magical system in "Spellcaster" is unique and well thought out. The idea of unpredictable magic adds an element of unpredictability to the story and keeps the reader guessing. The dark energy that stalks Aria's footsteps adds an element of danger and suspense, building to a thrilling climax.
Overall, I really recommend this book, the world-building, character development, and magical system make for an engaging and entertaining read.

I have recently been in a romantasy mood and can atest that Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve needs to be on your list! There are so many wonderful subtopics addressed throughout the story that you really need to pay close attention for. The characters themselves are also very compelling in their own way that, despite their trials and tribulations, you cannot help but to cheer for them till the very end. I will say though, the romance in this story did not completely sell me. The chemistry between the main characters felt a little flat and not all-around convincing. I felt like they needed something more added to their attraction of one another to immerse me in their relationship. Otherwise, the plot itself will keep you hooked across every chapter. I will definitely be reading the continuation of this series and hope the romance elevates a bit more.

This was a really cute Book. It was well worth the read. Thank you for letting me read it. The author did amazing with this story.

Okay, so I ate this book up. There were so many tropes that had me curious as to what this book may be about. And it did not disappoint.

The story definitely starts off a little slow, but it becomes more charming and interesting as you read further on. I'll admit that in the beginning the characters speak and act younger than they are (their twenties), but I feel like we saw glimpses of their maturity and character growth throughout the book which was nice as the reader to see!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!