Jewel Bonds Series by Megan Derr

Kaeck is a poor, shy, mage, barely able to afford attending the famous Valker Royal University of Magic and Combat. His life is work and school, leaving him too busy to have fun, or even make a single friend. When he goes to check his mail one day, however, he finds a letter from a secret admirer. Though he can't help but think it's too good to be true, he clings to the idea that someone sees him as far more than the quiet, shy student who never stops working... moreKaeck is a poor, shy, mage, barely able to afford attending the famous Valker Royal University of Magic and Combat. His life is work and school, leaving him too busy to have fun, or even make a single friend. When he goes to check his mail one day, however, he finds a letter from a secret admirer. Though he can't help but think it's too good to be true, he clings to the idea that someone sees him as far more than the quiet, shy student who never stops working. Then a chance meeting with one of the most beloved and popular students in the school builds into a friendship, and soon Kaeck finds himself caught between a man he doesn't know, and a man clearly in love with someone else… less

Selsor's only dream growing up was to be a mage, to bond with a warrior and drive back the monsters in the Territories, and live the life his parents had so loved. His dream is shattered, however, when he displays no magic despite possessing the ability to use it. In the aftermath of failing yet another test while all his peers succeed, Selsor is bullied relentlessly—and lashes out with uncontrolled magic, accidentally killing an innocent bystander... moreSelsor's only dream growing up was to be a mage, to bond with a warrior and drive back the monsters in the Territories, and live the life his parents had so loved. His dream is shattered, however, when he displays no magic despite possessing the ability to use it. In the aftermath of failing yet another test while all his peers succeed, Selsor is bullied relentlessly—and lashes out with uncontrolled magic, accidentally killing an innocent bystander. He is banned from using magic for life, his mage jewels blackened, and thrown out to survive on his own. Years later, a pariah slaving away at an inn in the middle of nowhere, he finds his life disrupted by a strange, bold and arrogant knight who has come to solve the mystery of the rain that has not stopped falling in the village for months… less

Riot faithfully served his lord for two decades, putting his mage skills to use helping to fight the beasts in the Territories and to make the lives of the castle inhabitants easier. When his lord dies, he is replaced by a younger man with no interest in retaining a man of Riot’s age and old-fashioned notions... moreRiot faithfully served his lord for two decades, putting his mage skills to use helping to fight the beasts in the Territories and to make the lives of the castle inhabitants easier. When his lord dies, he is replaced by a younger man with no interest in retaining a man of Riot’s age and old-fashioned notions. His position lost, his belongings confiscated, with barely any coin to his name, Riot flounders in a world that seems to have no place for him, desperate for whatever work he can find—but adamant he will not break the rules he has lived by his entire life. less

A fantasy story about a studious mage who is completely oblivious to his patient, determined, if somewhat awkward suitor. This story stand completely alone, but is set in the same world as 'An Admirer'.