Trickster

Finger Licking Monsters #2

by Layla Fae

When Trickster curses me, my life shatters. I can’t work, can’t cook, can’t even touch my face or body. His perverted joke makes my existence unbearable. And when it seems like I’ve hit rock bottom, it gets even worse. My nemesis kidnaps me.
I am trapped in his military compound filled with supernatural soldiers, and Loki hounds my every step. He deceives me with words of affection, playing tricks on my mind and heart. I try to resist him… but it’s hard to look away.
The powerful god with a playful smile slithers into my heart like a snake. He burrows deeper and deeper with every seductive whisper, until I discover the hate I feel for him burns as hot as desire.
Soon, it becomes more than passion. After Loki saves my life more than once, fighting hellish beasts with his magic and wit, I am ready to accept his courtship.
But then it turns out his enemies are not the only monsters after me. Loki’s appearance is a lie. And even though he makes my heart beat like it’s in love, I will never give in to him again.

This is a paranormal romance novel with a HEA and adult content. It is a standalone. Each book in this monster romance series follows a different couple.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Monsters, Enemies To Lovers, Monster Romance

271 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2023

About the author

Sign up for my newsletter: here.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.

Reviews

[book bruin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another unique and fun monster romance, but it also had more serious moments as well. Even though the book can be read as a standalone, I think readers will enjoy it more if they've read Draco first, since that is where we first meet Calli and Loki.

I loved the chemistry and banter between Calli and Loki and how playful and sexy their interactions were. The bets were the perfect way for them to get to know each other while also staying true to who they were. The war with the Magic Council plays a huge part in the story and pushed this one a bit into the romantic suspense category. A lot of page time is spent fighting the council as well as introducing secondary characters. Unfortunately, I did feel that this took a bit away from the main romance and made the book a bit too long. This also made the ending feel rushed, but I did like how Calli's "gift" was worked into the final battle. She was a fierce heroine and it was fun to see her rise up and come into her own in this magical world. I'm unsure if I want to continue with the series since the next book, Falling for Mr. Hyde, is supposed to be darker kink and lots of dub con situations, but if anyone can get me to read it, it's Layla Fae.

Content Warnings from the author -
Spice CWs: spit play, hate intercourse with clear consent, seduction, shapeshifting peen, peen roulette, flavors, forced Os, betting for spicy favors, plant play, monster (fur, fangs, size difference, monster peen, knotting).
Action CWs: magic fight scenes, grisly magic-inflicted wounds, a torture scene where the baddies torture one of the main characters.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become obsessed with Layla's writing this past year and WOW...Trickster is my new favorite of hers. Best part is that it was a full length novel, as I'm always wishing her books were longer.

This is a follow up to Draco, which released last year, and follows the trickster god Loki and his mortal muse, Calli. They get off to a VERY rocky start, as Loki basically curses Calli with a gross take on the Midas touch and then later kidnaps her. Loki hides his vulnerability behind near constant smoke and mirrors and fancy tricks, while Calli hides hers by being a mega bitch lmao. Loki is a SIMP for her and I had a great time watching them go toe to toe in their sexy little games.

Highlights:
- sour candy flavored equipment
- c*ck roulette
- knotting

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

October 2023
Kindle edition

Picked this one up because I want to read Hyde and if it was anything like Draco, there would be a hint or intro into him. I was right.

This one did not go how I expected it. Kidnap romance, sure. The punishment left running and seeming abandonment into war, I didn’t see coming. I liked Calli and Loki, a surprise since I couldn’t stand her in Draco. They played the game and that was the rolling theme.

Not so sure about the colour scheme thing. Everything was green and gold, along with the constant reminder everything was green and gold.

I liked Kang and the rest of the support/army. The council were hideous. More shape changing cocks and various sex spices. I did like the betting chips and the fact after everything is over they still play their games.

The worm was gross. It reminds me of 9-1-1 with the tape worm coming out of his…nope. Just nope. Brain bleach. Worms in bodies are gross.

I’m curious about Hyde. That cover. Wow. Sorry Loki. You were rush read but I need duality.

[Ohoyo Tohbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a difficult review to write. I think the best way to say it is that I did not enjoy this book at all. However, it was through no fault of the author. She thoroughly warned me at the start about the content. I chose to continue reading because I wanted to get through this series. I thought I could handle the content with the appropriate trigger warnings. Turns out, I really did not like it and I probably should have skipped over this one and gone straight to the third in this series. I don't want to bash the author at all. She was clear. Her story was good. It was decent. I just didn't like the subject matter. Technically, I feel that the position of the FMC coming to love the MMC was just kind of sprinkled in towards the end and did not have a legitimate buildup to make it seem real. It was almost like an afterthought. "Oh! I guess I'm in love after all!" :/ Aside from that one misstep, the rest of the story was well thought out, contained a dense and active plot to keep the flow going, and honestly I think the MMC was just written a lot better than the FMC. That said, I did genuinely like her anger and vindictiveness and her courage. I related to that a lot. It felt like there was more that could have been explored behind her reasoning of being the way that she was, rather than glossed over and left for the reader to decide. But maybe that was the author's intention in the first place. I felt that we had a much, much clearer view of where he was coming from, and why, than we did with her, by miles. We knew why he was the way he was. We didn't really know why she was the way she was. Before the two years of the prior book, we didn't have any backstory on what formed her personality and characteristics. That felt like a mistake. Moving on, I did not like the bugs or the t o r t u r e scenes, but again, I was adequately warned. I did so very much enjoy his vulnerability. And that line about how he was hoping he would see her there at the end??? Gah, that gutted me and made me feel like sobbing in the best way. For me, it was the best part of the book. Lastly, just using one chamber of the revolver was a miss, especially, especially!!! considering the theme of these books as finger licking... :/ I actually wanted to give this two and a half stars but it appears I'm limited to just whole ones. And as this did not deserve a full three, it got a full two. In the end, I do really like this author and I am off to start Book 3 right now with higher hopes.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calli (h) is in serious trouble with her former boss, Draco, dragon shifter and chef, over the theft of his secret ingredient when Trickster/Loki (H) steps in offering to gift her with a very sticky curse. She’s unaware that the magical being has claimed her and that by doing so she’s in very real danger. Loki protects her by kidnapping her to his compound where he seems to take great delight in tormenting and teasing her, as much as he wants to seduce her. AS Calli gets to know Loki and his friends, she starts to see things differently, especially as things heat up between the two. Lots of magical action, adventure and danger with fighting, warfare, killing and torture – that made me shudder btw. The hot and steamy factory is so out there – Calli’s initial curse, hate sex, special peens and flavors, peen roulette to keep things interesting, and so, so much more. For those who’ve read some of my other review, you may know I’m not a huge ‘magic’ (nothing too HP) but I do sometimes make exceptions and this one definitely falls into the exception category – just too delicious for me not to read.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars and 4 spice

Layla Fae’s Trickster character is completely unique. Determined to have Calli as his lover, he goes about it in the worst way possible by first cursing her and then kidnapping her while he’s in the midst of a war 🤦🏼‍♀️ His seduction games are strange and frustrating but even when Calli loses - does she really? Shapeshifting peen, fun flavoured fluids, and c0ck roulette to name a few perks 👀

I really enjoyed what a pest Trickster was 🤣 Calli was at times completely charmed by him and then he’d make a wager that snapped her back to reality. He likes playing games and being cheeky but he definitely has a heart of gold. I loved the dynamic between them and how Calli eventually realised her unique skill could be used for the greater good. She was the perfect partner in crime for him and played along beautifully in his games even when she didn’t know what the end goal was.

I can’t quite put my finger on what it was missing for it to be a 5-star book for me, but it was really close. I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone who likes monster romance!

Thanks to the author and BookSprout for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

[tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Think hard while you have my kneeling at your feet. I don’t kneel often, and not for anyone. Not until now.”

When I saw that Layla Fae was writing a new book about Loki I might have freaked out - just a tiny bit. I absolutely love him and finding out that one of my favorite authors was writing a book with this infamous trickster god was just icing on the cake. And wow was it a good cake.

I loved every second of this story. I loved the wagers/bets and games Calli + Loki played, the teasing and arguing… the chemistry between them was written SO well and it was so much fun to read. When I saw Loki mentioned in Draco I immediately got excited, and I was *not* disappointed. The characters were amazing and I was invested in their story from start to finish.
The extra characters that were introduced were really cool too! I really hope we get to see more about them in the future.
I know I’ve mentioned in the past that I am not a fan of a ton of action and battles/wars but the scenes in this book had me on the edge of my seat. My eyes were glued to the page the entire time and I was definitely hooked and (im)patiently waiting to see what happened next.

I loved seeing a bit more of this world and the magic system and everything. I thought the writing was great (of course), the spice was good, I laughed (and almost cried) a few times, and I genuinely could not put this down. I almost read it in one sitting! I cannot wait to see where this series goes next! Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a fun read with lots of tricks, a little kidnapping, incredible characters, magic, and special peens ;)

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Layla Fae's books are always a wild race in the best way. This one was no exception! Loki is a trickster god who witnesses a human woman crossing a dragon shifter which leads him to being fascinated by her. When the dragon shifter plans to punish her for crossing him, Loki steps in to "save her" and that's how their story begins. From there the story is a strong enemies to lovers with a lot of banter, begging, and pining. I was worried that I wouldn't understand everything since I hadn't read the first book in the series but you definitely do not need to read the first one before Trickster.

Personal recommendation: Just imagine Tom Hiddleston when reading this book. You are welcome.

As always with dark romance and erotica: check trigger warnings.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this had everything. Steamy romance, games, banter and everything else you can think of. I have loved every single one of Layla's books. I understand this is vague but to it's hard to go in to detail without spoilers..just read it. This is my favorite of all her books so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Benoit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Consent issues, dnf.

[Olivia Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Calli ruined it for me

This is my opinion and i might be a little wrong about her because i didnt finish the book or read the book before it. but i just couldnt bring myself to finish reading because i got sick of Calli and her idiotic and selfish decisions.

Im convinced she fully expects zero consequences to be attached to her actions, she walks into situations with an opinion already formed and refuses to take into consideration that she is not the only victim in the situation.

she’s a bitch to literally everyone she meets, but wants people to not be a bitch back to her 😭 she’s just too inconsiderate, selfish, naïve, and foolish for me to continue reading. Kang was incredibly right when she labeled her TSTS, because she is too stupid to survive. even with the knowledge of everything going on she tries to escape the safety of Loki’s place and give away valuable information that would help the enemies defeat Loki and his people.

loved Loki though, thats who the two stars are for😭

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lordy Lordy. I love this new series. I was already gonna be a fan because it is from the Queen Layla Fae but every book just gets better and better. Loki is just hilarious and as much as I hated Calli in the last book, I loved her spunky attitude in this one!

[TheReaderVert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish for More Than it Was

Sigh. This is a Layla Fae story through and through. I was hoping she would play it straight and give us something different from her playful comedy short novels but this book is your standard fair:
Over-the-top declarations ✅
Weird-shapeshifting peen ✅.
Spunk with flavor ✅.
Outrageous fantastical action situations ✅.

Loki was amazing. Absolutely amazing but Layla was so frustrating to read I almost DNF several times. Kang called her TSTL and it didn't take long for me to agree. She was always so hot-headed making the wrong choice. Even when there seems to be some progress Layla just sends them three steps back and it takes a while for her to get with the program. The pacing of the novel felt off because of the back and forth. They didn't reach some progress until close to 50% of the book

This is a monster romance so expect Loki to be more than meets the eye. Loki was the perfect MMC. As the reader we see his evolution through romance was a pleasure to experience and read.

[Jenifer]

This was a fun story in the Finger Licking Monsters series involving Loki, a trickster god, and Callie a human. While Callie isn't fully human, she possesses powers as a conduit. We saw her briefly in Draco's story as she is the one who stole his secret sauce. We start the story with her going to confront him to receive her punishment. However, Loki swoops in to rescue her, sort of, and from then on it's a non-stop game between the two of them fighting their growing feelings, more her than him, and realizing that hate can be just as much of a turn on as love. While these two are having fun getting to know each other, there is a magical war going on all around them involving the magic counsel. This felt like a much more involved story than Draco's was, but Draco's set a huge groundwork for this magical world that us mere mortals live in. Can't wait to see what is next in this series, as it'll be deliciously, pun intended, good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookBratt1890 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone rated this below 5 stars, THEY ARE LIEING! Darn it Layla Fae!! Just as soon as I thought I had this author pegged, having read most of her monster romance short stories, she goes and absolutely blows my freaking mind! I'm using a lot of exclamation points because I'm so riled up after binge reading this story. It was a wonderful, spicy adventure with enticing descriptions of the characters and worlds within. Add to that Loki, and the type of person it would take to be considered his match and you have this unique tale. Stop reading this review and order your copy, I promise you won't regret it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady P ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Negative surprise that I loved this book, but I didn't know just how much I would love it. Fae has mastered the art of blending the absurd with the heartfelt, and Trickster is another well-crafted addition to her spectacular collection of monster romance books. I screamed several times while reading it and delighted in seeing more of Fae's trademark humor peppered throughout. Spice is nice (2-3/5 spicy bois), but the standout is the treat of mental eye candy from the expansion of the world you get to visit (since the titular character is a god).

This one is such a TRIP. Read it immediately (after Draco if you hadn't read that absolute majesty yet either). 20000000/10 stars. I am eagerly waiting the next one in this series.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

IF YOU DNF'D DRACO, just skip on over to Trickster. This was such a nice surprise! A significantly better read and a lot more fun. It has great spice and a really good story, and the characters are well written and likable.

I didn't know if Calli would be redeemable from the first book, but with how much I disliked Draco, I was praying she would not be another total tool. And, thankfully, Loki made me see her the way he did, and I adore her now. Loki is one of my favorite book characters this year. He was deep and fun and just everything I wanted him to be, except I may have preferred him a bit more violent 😅 but that's just a personal preference for the dark romances I usually read.

This was really good. Very excited to read about Hyde now! 😍

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that was a fantastic interpretation of Loki, and felt his personality stayed true to his character throughout the whole book. Calli wasn't a character that I thought I would like, just because how she was portrayed in book 1 w/Draco. I feel it was a risk that paid off because almost immediately I decided I liked her after all. I won't say they ever fully explain that whole mess of a situation, but it doesn't really matter, or if they did explain I just didn't catch it. Anyway, very entertaining and I couldn't put this down. I hope there are more than just 3 in the series in the future.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calli has been cursed and kidnapped by Loki and has no choice to play his games. She has no idea what is really going on as Loki is like an onion, you peel back a layer and something new is revealed.
This book is not what I expected, don’t get me wrong, I expected a cheeky chappy of a Loki but, not the heart warming (real) version of Loki. This is a great book, with heart.
There are games, hot scenes, heartfelt scenes, fighting for your life scenes and makeup scenes.
This is a great story and definitely worth reading.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This one blew me away. It has so many different moments that were crazy to read. We meet Calli in the first book in this series and she is not a nice person. I think that is what draws Loki to her. This has a enemies to lovers feel but honestly it's more extreme that than. We get a ton of secondary characters that are just as amazing as our leads. Action, suspense, gore, drama, steamy times and an amazing HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trickster: An Old God Romance is Loki and Calli's slower burn, enemies to lovers HEA. Cursed with the Midas touch Calli's life is non stop spiraling.The Trickster Loki amused himself and thought to make her need him. Now she's kidnapped and angry and he's pulling out all his tricks to try to make her want him.
I definitely recommend this one. I personally was surprised at how much I enjoyed this! I really liked the unique storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loki in Love

Calli is a mortal who once betrayed a dragon and was uniquely punished for it. Loki is, well, Loki, the Trickster god. These two start off with Calli HATING Loki and Loki both taunting Calli and lusting for her. Along the way, there’s a trip to Vegas and an epic battle, plus some steamy bedroom shenanigans. I loved how these two fought, against each other, then together and for each other. This story was rich, with plenty of great side characters, and gripping, especially the grand conclusion. A wonderfully enjoyable read.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would it be like falling for a god, especially one like the trickster like Loki? Cali is getting use to Loki's world that is so different from her human world. The book is well paced, there is witty banter, sizzle, steam, drama, and more. This is the second book in the Finger Licking Monsters series and they are both currently available to read with Kindle Unlimited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LiLu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!!!

I loved this story. I do suggest reading Draco first. There are magical things that will be better understood if you do. This was a longer story than normal, with many evolving parts. It was serious and then funny, dramatic yet silly, and truths hidden in the tricks. I enjoyed the way the story developed into a very unexpected romance, with a hint of a possibility of more stories to come. It kept me captivated until the end.

[Misty Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

This book has the best banter between a couple that I agree with e read in years. This is it first books my Layla Fae and I read this series out of order but I’m going back through it now. I loved the way this was written. To write so many games and tricks between a couple and keep up with them it quite amazing. Five stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ and if I could give more than that I would. The world building deserves 10 stars just by itself.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly a slow burn romance, but there is a slowness to it as Calli gets used to Loki's world. And as they get to know each other properly and not just in a stalker way. There is plenty of action though and it is an interesting set-up with the war.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling enemies to lovers style romance and Loki and Calli were sure a great match. He really favoured his tricks, and his curiosity led him to pursue Calli. Soon enough, the love started to flow but watch out for the action scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat and all the emotions you'll run through while inhaling this book ;) Good fun!

[Nay Pla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinfully enjoyable

After reading Draco I was not sure how calli was going to be redeemable but Layla made it
work. Loki's character was fun and entertaining. I'm thinking they might be my new favorite couple. Some trigger warnings: as with all Layla's books bodily fluids, some non consensual restraint and multiple "O's are well written.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than expected

I didn't think I would like this story since Loki irritated me, but it was better than expected. He's a trickster with a dark sense of humor and Calli hates all things paranormal. The storyline was great, the hot scene were hot and the plot ending wasn't predictable.

[Irene （running out of HR to read） · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fun to watch them fight with each other.But I still don't get how FMC change her angry to falling in love, it just more like give in.I know she's enjoying fighting/playing with MMC, however that doesn't mean falling.🧐
This is like one of my friend dating a guy that I don't like but she seems happy, so I have to tell myself it's about her not me.🤧