Thank you @jaymineve and @netgalley for the opportunity to review this eARC!

I must admit, loving Dark Academia as much as I do I went into this with my expectations tempered. Lots of people try to write magical Academies and only a few are successful in keeping you hooked, but Jaymin Eve really nailed it with this one.

The characters are awesome, the family vibes are immaculate, the magic system is solid and understandable. The tension is SWEET and HOT and I adore the MMC. Give me an all powerful tattooed man any day and watch him choose his moral compass. It's SO hot.

Logan is mysterious, super arrogant and hot. Its not left at that though, he reveals himself to be deeper and his interactions with Paisley are super entertaining.

Paisley is cute, a little naïve but not a pushover or a Mary Sue. She struggles a bit but she keeps her head on straight and I appreciate that about her.

Overall this story is long, but it is paced well. It's almost too fast, I had trouble with how quickly the time shifted in the book. It will suck you in and keep you on your toes. Highly recommends, I can't wat for the next installment.

I've recently gotten into dark academia and found Jaymin Eve, so when I saw and ARC that was dark academia, Jaymin Eve, AND witches, I immediately signed up.

I have so many thoughts after this one! (Keep in mind going into this that it is a series and the book definitely leaves you ready for the next.) I need to know Jaymin! I love a good take on a school for witchcraft, but this has some cool facets that I haven't seen in other reads- like delayed magic, how real life/covens work, and different affinities outside of just elements. I'm very interested in the world she's weaving here.

I am happy and sad I got this as an ARC from NetGalley, it was wonderful, but now I have to wait forever for the rest!

Spellcaster was very captivating from the beginning, the pace was good and I admired the family aspect to this book. The FMC gives off the impression that she has a knack for getting into trouble and that trouble seems to always find her. This book was very YA in my opinion, I was expecting it to be less. The MMC has you intrigued, just your standard bad boy living his best life vibes. I could definitely see where this book was going, so i wasn’t surprised! A good book for sure just again wish it wasn’t so YA.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The moment Paisley steps onto the grounds of Weatherstone College, she is surprised by ancient mysteries, and there is danger lurking around every corner. Her internal monologue dazzles with wit and charm, drawing readers into her thoughts as she navigates a legacy-heavy institution with quirky humor and heartfelt reflections on her mother. She struggles with her unpredictable magic, but her determination to find her power creates compassion for her, and you will find yourself rooting for her.

Logan Kingston is the dangerous spellcaster and son of Paisley's family's rival. Logan's reputation at Weatherstone further amplifies the intrigue, with tantalizing school gossip enhancing his allure. Paisley is experiencing spicy dreams of Logan that leave Paisley gasping for air, which creates the their first kiss worth the pay off. Their interactions sizzle with chemistry, moving from heated confrontations to irresistible attraction. The steamy tension between Logan and Paisley builds, making each shared scene intense.

Beyond the romance, the depiction of magical monsters, spells, and potion-making grounds the fantasy elements. Paisley's passion for herbs and potions provides fascinating details, adding depth to the story's magical aspects. As the sinister threats creep into the school, the escalating stakes are impossible to ignore. The monsters haunting Weatherstone raise urgent questions, and Paisley's reluctant alliance with Logan keeps them hunting to uncover hidden truths. This book was a crackling romantasy that will have you craving more from these two.


Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.

“Hear me now, Paisley Hallistar. There’s always only been one endgame for us. The journey might vary, but the end will never fucking change. Our endgame was written when you were four.”

•REVIEW•
First I want to say thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read this amazing book.

From the first chapter I was absolutely hooked! Be prepared to meet our new book boyfriend Logan in this book. As of right now this book is high on my list as one of my top favorite reads of this year.

From the first chapter we are taken in and brought on a wild journey with Paisley and Logan. It has childhood best friend turned enemies to lovers. The fact that they are complete rivals but have a history makes for an epic slow burn that keeps us wanting more.

The sibling dynamic is something that I honestly wished I had growing up and then the friend group? I wish I was lucky enough to have that as well. But back to Logan when I say he wins book boyfriend of the year I mean it. Mister big and bad warlock that wins hottest warlock of the year, to giving his hoodie to paisley, to here let me just kill this monster for you and keep you safe. What isn’t there to drool about with him.

The way that this book was fast paced to the point that you could finish it one day was just what I needed to get me out of my book slump. But let it be known at the end we find out some information but it ends on a cliffhanger that had me absolutely wanting the next book right this second.

Will I reread this book? ABSOLUTELY and I’m not one to reread books unless they captivate me and this book did just that.

Make sure you add it to your TBR and snag a copy of the special edition!

3.5/5 - Arc Read releasing September 2025
Dark Academia themed, with witches and warlocks. Slow burn, enemies to lovers tropes.
Paisley is a witch. Born in a family of witches and warlocks, she is the youngest of her siblings. Now of age to go to magic college, Paisley sets off the prestigious school to discover her powers and learn what affinity she has. There are the elementals, the necromancy witches and the spell casters. But on arriving to the school, she is informed that the son of an old family foe is also arriving to the school and that he will most likely try to end her. Thus starts the chaos that is Paisley's first year of college - monsters, magic, schemes and betrayals, all while fighting the chemistry she has with her supposed nemesis Logan.
I found this book started off strong, and then started to fizzle a bit. I wanted some more answers and resolutions, I wanted more actual romance between Paisley and Logan. I loved the drama, the protective MMC, and the quirky entourage. It was easy enough to understand and follow, maybe initially the writing was a little "young" or naive, but you kind of get used to the style. This is my first work by this author and I did enjoy it!

(3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨)

This one landed somewhere in the middle for me. It didn’t have enough world building and the characters often came across more like high schoolers, which made it a bit harder to connect with the tone.

That said, I did enjoy the Harry Potter vibes—especially the learning scenes and the variety of magical classrooms. I just wish there had been more action and fewer day-to-day tasks.

I also wanted more from Logan’s character—he popped in and out, but didn’t feel as developed as I’d hoped.
The best part? The ending. It delivered a solid twist that made up for many of the things I didn’t quite connect with. It definitely left me curious, and I genuinely can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.

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

Spellcaster is a fun, fast-paced read with dark academia vibes, a magical college setting, and a heroine figuring out her power. Paisley’s sibling dynamics were a standout. The romance is a true slow burn, the magic system is easy to follow, and while some side characters could’ve used more depth, I’m still hooked. That cliffhanger was rude, though.

TL;DR: If you like dark academia with heart, messy magical families, and a slow-burn romance that simmers under the surface, Spellcaster is worth picking up. Not perfect, but fun, fast-paced, and full of potential.

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC. All thoughts are mine.

I’d read this author before when I came across this, and since I liked her, I requested this. While all that’s true, it’s also true that I’m not a huge fan of YA/NA so I was a little reluctant to start it. After reading this, I’m sorry I wanted so long. Once I started this, I didn’t stop. Logan and Paisley are an interesting couple, especially as they sort of start out as seeming to be enemies. We still really don’t know anything about that exactly even at the end…and speaking of the end…O.M.G. It was quite startling, jaw-dropping, and exasperating, making me want the next one NOW. While this book isn’t perfect, it still held my attention all the way through the book, and it immediately caught my attention in the beginning, just what I like in a book. I can’t wait to read the next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary coy which I voluntarily reviewed.

If you’re craving a dark academia fantasy filled with magic, sibling bonds, and slow-burn tension, Spellcaster will cast its spell on you. With a magical school setting, a unique magic system, and layered character dynamics, this story hits all the right notes for fans of witchy reads with heart and grit.

Paisley’s journey is a compelling one, made stronger by her protective family, complex friendships, and a romance that simmers with just the right amount of enemies-to-lovers energy. The relationships feel authentic and grounded, especially the sibling dynamics and the tight-knit bonds formed at Weatherstone. Each side character stands out with their own distinct personality, giving the world texture and depth.

The writing is quick and engaging, with a pace that never drags. It’s the kind of book you devour in one sitting, eager to see how the pieces come together. While it’s not heavy on spice, the emotional intimacy and slow-burn buildup more than make up for it.

Jaymin Eve never misses! Spellcaster follows a young witch working through her first year at the most prestigious witch/warlock college that she never expected to be accepted into. Paisley is coming into her magic slower than expected and to top it off she’s also dealing with monsters and her dad’s enemy’s son transferring to her school? Logan is the mysterious broody hottest warlock of the year ;) (sorry Trevor) and i am absolutely obsessed with him! his nickname of Precious for Paisley and just him in general had me giggling and kicking my feet every time he came on page despite the fact that you’re supposed to be wary of him.

If you like dark academia, witches/warlocks, witch college, enemies to lovers, who hurt you, protective siblings, strong family dynamics you will love Spellcaster!!

Be warned though Jaymin Eves cliffhangers are brutal…they will always leave you wanting more immediately

Hooked from the first page. Absolutely loved it. This is my first book from Jaymin Eve (crazy I know) and now I need to read her entire catalog.

The FMC, Paisley, is a witch who’s just come into her powers and in her first year in college where her dad works, and her 4 siblings also attend. The MMC, Logan, is an enigmatic, extremely powerful warlock that has an inexplicable connection with Paisley. I loved getting to know these characters, as well as all the side characters, and can’t wait to meet them again in the next book. The unique magic system is interesting too. But if you’re looking for a super spicy book, this isn’t it. That’s not a bad thing though! I don’t know about you but I’m all about a slow burn, especially when it’s mixed with enemies to lovers. And Logan? Yummy. Green piercing eyes. Tattoos. Grumpy. Generous 😏. All the best book boyfriend things. Only negative is that this is part of a series and yes, there’s a cliffhanger. Impatiently waiting for the next one, but still recommend diving into this one as soon as you can.

4.5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️

Big thanks to HaperCollins for the copy. All opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Explosive chemistry, elite magic school vibes, and just the right amount of danger—Spellcaster is pure enemies-to-lovers perfection with deluxe-level packaging to match.

Jaymin Eve delivers a sizzling, suspenseful romantasy that blends dark academia with elemental chaos, all wrapped up in a love story that will have you obsessing over every glare, smirk, and forbidden touch. If you’re here for slow-burn tension, magical rivalries, and characters who toe the line between power and destruction—welcome to Weatherstone College, where the danger is as hot as the romance.

🖤 Why this one casts a spell:
Enemies-to-lovers done right. Logan and our fiery heroine clash with heat, wit, and history. Their bond simmers, spikes, and builds into something explosive—and irresistibly addictive.

Logan Kingston = elite book boyfriend material. Brooding? Check. Wickedly powerful? Check. Surprisingly respectful under all the grump? Oh yes.

Magic system with bite. Elemental unpredictability, necromantic history, cursed bloodlines—it’s dark, complex, and woven seamlessly into the plot without info dumps.

Weatherstone Academy is a vibe. Think: ancient ruins, haunted shadows, whispering spellbooks, and a student body full of secrets. The perfect setting for late-night duels and barely-contained attraction.

Deluxe edition eye candy. Sprayed and stained edges, foil detailing, and gorgeous aesthetics? A must-own for romantasy collectors.

🔥 Bonus points for:
"Consent is sexy" moments that actually are. Jaymin Eve doesn’t just bring heat—she does it with respect and emotional tension that makes the payoff that much better.

High stakes that feel real. There's always a sense that everything could fall apart, which keeps the pages turning and your pulse racing.

✨ Final thoughts:
Spellcaster is an unputdownable blend of fierce romance, shadowy mystery, and high-stakes magical politics. It’s sexy, smart, and hits every romantasy craving with precision. If you loved Zodiac Academy, A Shadow in the Ember, or anything with broody warlocks and badass witches—this is your next obsession.

Five stars. No notes. Just pure spellbinding bliss.

Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve was such a delightful book! The pacing was great, I was never bored while reading. I finished it in one sitting. The writing style was on the snappy side, so I flew through it. I really enjoyed that Paisley's family had some great characters, and the friends she made at Weatherstone were well developed with distinct voices. Can't wait to order this one in!

Spellcaster
By Jaymin Eve

This was a super cool story that I could not put down! I really enjoyed all of the characters and the magic system especially! I haven’t really read many Magic academia type books so this was pretty new to me but I really enjoyed it! I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment on the series because ooh that cliff hanger!!

Special thanks to the author and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this story as an ARC.

I wanted to like this book so much but it fell so flat for me. Immediately it felt like I was reading a YA trying to be adult fantasy and the use of modern slang really weirded me out. The interactions all felt forced and the dialogue just didn’t feel authentic in any part. There was no chemistry with the MMC and the hate for him felt soooo forced. She said she didn’t even remember him in the beginning but now she’s terrified of him? Idk just felt weird. Her siblings calling each other “sis” and “bro” constantly felt really weird and I just didn’t love the vibe all around. It felt like the characters should’ve been 16 and not in their early 20’s. The writing and plot just felt subpar and not at all what i was expecting from an adult fantasy.

Spellcaster was a delightful read! The pacing kept me hooked, and I loved the close-knit family dynamic — it felt like a warm embrace. Paisley (or Pais) was a sweet and relatable heroine whose growth was really satisfying to see. Logan was your classic bad boy, adding just the right amount of intrigue and tension. I suspect he’ll get a lot more attention in the next book, which has me even more excited. Overall, a solid 4 stars — Jaymin Eve has set up a promising series that I’m eager to continue!

Was it something truly extraordinary? Not quite.

The Spellcaster unfolds through the eyes of Paisley, a 22-year-old woman navigating life as the youngest member of an exceptionally gifted family. Her lineage is revered for its dazzling beauty, formidable magical talent, and razor-sharp intellect. They embody an almost unattainable perfection. And then, quietly existing in their shadow, there is Paisley.

Though she describes herself as attractive, her reverence for the ethereal beauty of those around her reveals a deep sense of inadequacy. Her powers remain elusive, and she sees herself as a weaker witch in comparison to her illustrious siblings. Despite this, she receives an invitation to an elite magical academy, the same one her siblings attend and where her father serves as a professor. She cannot help but suspect that her admission was earned not through merit but through the prestige of her family name.

At first, I found it difficult to form a strong attachment to the story. Paisley, as the central figure, felt somewhat passive, as though she were merely drifting through a series of strange and unexplained events. It often seemed that things simply happened to her rather than being shaped by her own choices. Yet what kept me engaged was not Paisley herself, but the vivid tapestry of side characters who surrounded her—particularly her remarkable family and, most of all, the enigmatic Logan.

While the pacing occasionally lagged, the underlying mystery of why these strange ordeals kept occurring compelled me to continue. And just when I thought I might set the book aside, the ending delivered a twist I could not ignore. The final page left me curious and craving more. I will, without a doubt, read the next installment—though I sincerely hope it offers much more of Logan.

3.5 stars rounded up
>> <i> ARC review </i>

⊹ ࣪ ˖ “To fight a monster, she’ll need a monster.”

Spellcaster is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers, romantasy. This book centers around Paisley Hallistar, a young witch who got accepted into Weatherstone, a magical academy. Unfortunately for her, the son of her father’s rival also attends Weatherstone, and of course, he’s also hot. In an incident with dark magic, Paisley finds herself asking her enemy for help. In a game of dark magic, love and rivalry, who will come out on top?

I really did enjoy this book. It checked all the boxes for me: dark academia, magic, family rivalry, even childhood friends. The one thing that I found it lacked was the enemies to lovers aspect. I would call it something more like reluctant allies to lovers. Also, the pacing throughout the book was on the slower side, but it did pick up at the end, which I enjoyed.

Features -
♟️ dark academia
🖤 “who did this to you?”
♟️ reluctant allies to lovers
🖤 slow burn
♟️ elemental magic
🖤 “fuck it” moments
♟️ family rivalry
🖤 dark magic
♟️ childhood friends to ????
🖤 cliffhanger

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I thought this was a fast and easy read.

I loved the way Paisley’s siblings were looking out for her towards the beginning of the book. I also enjoyed the interactions between Paisley and Logan. I just wish there had been more of them.

I will read the next book in the series, because I’m interested in where the story will go.