How To Tame A Trickster Fae

Wild Oak Woods #1

by January Bell

He’s a gorgeous trickster Fae, and he holds the key to the only thing I’ve ever wanted— what could go wrong?

Joining the elite jewelry enchanter’s guild is all I've ever wanted... but nothing I create sparkles enough for them. After my latest rejection, I’m starting to think I’ll never be good enough, no matter how perfectly I enchant an emerald. Without their approval or a coven, though, my business is sure to go under, and all my dreams with it.

Then Caelan, a handsome Unseelie fae of the worst sort, shows up in my cozy small town, full of more charm than anyone I've ever met. When a group of dwarves start telling tale of rare gems in a nearby cave, though, I know exactly what I have to convince Caelan to use his Unseelie magic to lead me to the sapphires before the dwarves can get them. Enchanting a dragon sapphire is guaranteed to prove I'm good enough for the guild.

Driven by fear of failure, I bind Caelan to me with a complicated spell. Sure, it's a bit unorthodox, and maybe slightly unethical— but it's not supposed to make me fall for him.

The spell is definitely not supposed to make him fall in love with me... or call me his mate. But how can I tell where the spell ends and we begin?

How To Tame A Trickster Fae is a cozy, low-stakes, spicy monster fantasy romance, all set in the picturesque small town of the Wild Oak Woods.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Cozy, Romantasy, Paranormal

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2024

About the author

January Bell writes steamy sci-fi and fantasy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Combining pure escapism, a little adventure, and a whole lotta love makes for romance that's a world apart. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive content. Is there a character you would like to see featured in a future novel or novella? Don't be shy! She'd love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and cozy read! The romantasy was giving just enough plot to balance the romance and steam and I loved how the small village was so quaint; don't even get me started on all the adorable familiars. The overarching plot has so much potential to blossom in the next few books and I cannot wait to read the next one. This would be such a fun and simple read for fall and Halloween, the vibes were here!

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I'm ready to go ahead and move into the town of the Wild Oak Woods. Is there some land for sale?

This is a cute little escape into a whimsical world with sweet and spicy romance and small-town charm. Set in the picturesque Wild Oak Woods, the story is as cozy as the setting suggests, offering a perfect blend of fantasy and heartwarming romance. I LOVE cozy monster romance, tbh. Why are the 'monsters' such stans for their ladies? Love them so much!

This was a cute and charming story about a group of covenless witches of all varieties that live in a cozy little town filled with all manner of fantasy creatures. The quirky and endearing community adds so much to this story. Bell is always so good at sprinkling world-building into the story itself rather than laying it all out for you. I adore that aspect of her writing.

I loved that this was a story about two people falling in love; and especially the twist on the mating bond. It's charming and quirky and funny. Perfect for a foul-weather read. Just add a blanket, coffee, and a dog (perhaps named Boner).

This is a charming, low-stakes fantasy romance that will leave you with a smile on your face and a longing for more adventures in the Wild Oak Woods. If you’re in the mood for something cozy and magical, this book is a perfect choice.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while now and I am glad I finally got around to it! I really loved the worldbuilding we got and honestly wanted more! I’ll definitely be continuing the series!

[rayhanah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
cozy, low stakes fantasy, witch x fae, adorable animal familiars and good spice! (there may or may not be 🥨 involved) I wish it wasn't insta lovey otherwise it would have been 4 ⭐️ but it's also a short read so comes with the territory!

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You smell of the earth, Dark places. Precious metals. Magic”.

Primera parte de la saga llamada “Wild oak Wood”. Me la he leído en su idioma original, inglés y no cuenta por el momento con una traducción en español.

En cuanto a su nivel lingüístico, yo lo encuadraría sobre un B2. Además, contiene vocabulario relacionado con el mundo de la fantasía. No la recomendaría de primeras como primer intento de leer en inglés.

“I am the Underhill. I am made of magic and mischief and you should have remembered that before you bound yourself to a monster”.

Ahora en cuanto a la novela en sí, debo admitir que no ha estado mal, ha sido una lectura ligera y me lo he pasado bien. Sin embargo, si es cierto que, desde un punto de vista subjetivo, le faltaría profundización tanto en el argumento, el escenario como los personajes y sus interacciones.

Voy a seguir leyendo porque como dije antes estoy entretenida y a veces eso es justo lo que necesito.

“Maybe it’s time to be worthy of that responsibility”.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wavering between a 3 and 4 star. Loved the characters and relationship but the plot with the sapphires seemed to disappear and wrap up all of a sudden.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet and cozy, with a touch of comedy. Caelan was a little shit with a mischievous side that I wish we got to see more of. He was obsessed with Wren from the beginning, though reluctant for any long term attachment. Wren was all sorts of depressed, and understandably so. Caelan helped her get out of her rut and she helped him see the good in himself. I’m curious about how the overarching plot throughout this series will pan out.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: accidental attraction potion imbibed leading to touching, mentions of death of parents, depressive episode, mentions of being in physical danger from Unseelie Queen, mention of side character killing brother in self defense, discussion of being controlled by Unseelie Queen

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I doze, my nose still as close to her scalp as I can make it, my heart a slow thud in my chest. I wonder if she knows it beats for her now. I wonder if maybe it always has.

5 stars

This was such a breath of fresh air to read! I can always trust January Bell to deliver a story that will succeed in transporting you into whatever new world she creates, and Caelan and Wren's story absolutely delivered on that. There was an air of magic and mystery that was woven throughout the story that left me intrigued and ready for more as I fell into the romance of the trickster fae and his golden witch mate.

As much as I LOVED Caelan and his cheeky demeanor, I absolutely adored Caelan and Wren together. At first, they didn't really know what to make of each other and are sort of baffled by their instant attraction when they first meet, but fate (and other forces) seem to be determined to bind them together permanently. I loved Caelan's charming, devil-may-care attitude, especially when he is confronted by his fated mate. He lives for mischief and is just the right amount of cocky, but even his seemingly carefree nature is stripped bare in the face of his mate. Wren was the perfect balm to his restless soul, while Caelan was exactly the unwavering support and care Wren was missing. There were so many surprises towards the end of the story, and I am so stoked for the next book!🖤

Tropes: fated mates, cozy monster romance, charming rogue hero, sassy witch heroine, he falls first, hurt/comfort, 'soft only for her' hero, knotting, praise kink, fantasy small town, opposites-attract, found family, girl gang, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

JUST DIDN'T HIT THAT SPOT FOR ME

This book just did not do anything for me, I found it a bit annoying to be honest. I will not be continuing this series...

👎Characters: There were simply too many characters for a book of this length. As a result, all of them were very shallow and not fleshed out enough.

👎Gaps: The world building had some serious gaps, which just ruined the experience for me. Sure, it's a cozy romantasy, I don't expect Game of Thrones. But I do expect an explanation to things that have an effect on the characters, the plot and the romance - such as, why not having a coven such a big deal??

👎Romance: This was a case of pure lust, no romance. And sadly, even no chemistry in my opinion.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I guess I am guilty of sleeping on such gems as January Bell's books. Honestly, how did that happen? In my defence, I'll make sure to make amends and read everything she has written.

The last time I laughed so hard while reading a fantasy book was when I was deeply immersed in the Mead Mishaps series by Kimberly Lemming, so I think that would be a good comparison.

How To Tame A Trickster Fae is the epitome of a low-stakes, cosy fantasy, with an obscene amount of banter and humour. Not to mention the spice. Really, I was laughing and giggling the entire time. The characters are just perfect, all of them, and now I must know what happens next. What is going on in Wild Oak Woods?

All Wren ever wanted was to join the jewellery enchanter's guild. Find a place to call home and just belong. She has found a home and a group of friends in Wild Oak Woods, but the guild is still her sour point. Will everything change on day three when Unseelie Fae come to her little town? Well, you can just imagine...

I loved Wren and her friends. I loved Caelan and his friends. I loved the story and want more HEA in Wild Oak Woods. I loved the playfulness, the banter, the love, and the spice. This story made my day and brought tears from laughter. I am so thankful I got to read and review this ARC.

In short, How To Take A Trickster Fae will gift you
- cosy monster fantasy
- low stakes
- love story with spice
- banter and humour to brighten your day
- intense & endearing characters
- fae, witches, and other mythical creatures coexisting
- HEA
and a story to literally make you cry from laughing too much!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I admit it did take me a bit to get into the story but I ended up really liking Caelan and Wren together and their cute banter. I kind of wish we got a more of a trickster side from Caelan but I loved his romantic side, too.

It's advertised as a cozy romance and I would absolutely agree with that. There's low stakes, swoony romance, cute animal familiars, supportive friendships, and a magical town. We even get hints into the couples for the next books in the series.

The spice was good and not overwhelming. It sort of came on suddenly but they had really good communication between each other and Caelan was willing to wait if she wasn't ready which I really liked.

Looking forward to the next book and learning more about those plot twists at the end!

[Kaitlyn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
"I am bound to you willingly, you little fool. I could have broken your spell the minute you called me, but it suits me rather well to be tied with the object of all my desires”

Banter… fated mates… sisterhood.. all of the feel goods.

Wren, a clever witch jeweler, defies all odds after losing her family and with the help of her sisterhood of witches and her mate she fulfills her wildest dreams.

This author never fails to keep me captivated from the very beginning and I love that about her writing. It was the perfect cozy, low-stake, monster/fae, fated mate book that I needed to get out of my previous reading slump.

"Wren, I'm out of patience for this laundry list of your so-called failings.
You are the most beautiful thing the sun has ever kissed with its morning light, and I want you."

BRB😭

This was the perfect first book to this series, I cant wait for the second book already.

*ARC Provided by the Author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy and cute read, sometimes we need to read a book of this type :)

[A Grimm Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 star read for me I absolutely adored it and devoured it in about a day. It was cozy low stakes fun that had me laughing out loud in places but it also set up a bigger overarching plot for the series as a whole that has me completely invested. This story is full of the banter we crave and the humor we need, not to mention the spice!! (or should I say Knot?) Caelan is a little shit but oh so sweet, and honey if you are evil then all men should be so evil.

Wild Oak Woods is and interesting and quirky little magical town full of interesting and quirky characters that I can't wait to learn more about. Piper and the adorable teddy-bear that is Ga'Rek are begging for a story of their own.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Caelan and his love for mischief. If that male told me we were mates, you wouldn’t catch me questioning it.
I love this world! I wanna live there so bad. I especially want to eat their sweet treats.
The side characters were so fun. I already know the rest of this series is gonna be just as good, and I can’t wait!!!

Fae, witches, minotaurs, brownies, gnomes, dwarfs, oh my! 😱
Cozy comfy town ☕️🍰
Found family / coven 🪄
Fated mates 💜
Knotting 😏
Praise kink 🔥

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Why, I could be your future, little love,”

What do you mean the end?! I could read 600 more pages about Wren and Caelen…. That being said oh my goodness gracious this was the perfect cozy opposites attract romcom! I literally couldn’t put it down, and I must say Wren and Caelen have my heart! These two stubborn but amazing characters, meet when Caelen and a group of his friends stumble into Wild Oaks Woods after being ousted from their home, and boy oh boy is Caelen a bit of an mischief maker who needs to be put in his place. Thankfully it seems that is what fate had in mind when Wren crashes Caelen and companies meeting with a fellow Wild Oaks Witch after some terrible new, while they’re looking for a place to stay and some work. Caelen is swept off his feet almost immediately, good thing Wren has a good head on her shoulders and isn’t willing to fall for a few silver tongued lines and whispered sweet nothings… but when rumors of a dragon sapphire vein somewhere in the Ever Forest, Wren sees her luck changing, and well Caelen sees a way to trap his beautiful Wren… and while there may have been sparks at first site these two are not above making each other work for what might just be true love!!! So if you’re looking for the sweetest cozy romance between a unseelie fae male who is obsessive and possessive from the second he stumbles upon his little golden witch and a sassy metalworking witch who is just doing her best to live the life she’s always wanted even if her insecurities try to hold her back, filled with hilarious banter, fated mates, found families, animal familiars of all kinds, a dog with an unfortunate but hilarious name, a smidge of mystery and drama, and all the spice you could possibly want, then don’t miss out on January Bells How to Tame a Trickster Fae.

HAPPY READING 📖

[Racheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a whimsical, sweet and spicy read with all of the cozy fall vibes you could ask for. This book will make you want to curl up with a cup of hot tea and a pastry, just to fit in with the characters and Wild Oak Woods!

Caelan was such a fun character. I loved his trickster fae side, but I also loved how his edges became softened throughout the book. His love for Wren was just so sweet and genuine! Wren also grew so much over this book. She went from being down and unsure to confident and happy. While the first spicy scene happened all of a sudden, I did love the chemistry between Caelan and Wren.

My only small complaint with this book is that it took me a little longer than usual to get into this book. BUT, that is all to say that I did genuinely really adore this book! Once Caelan and Wren really start interacting, the pace picks up. Once they get together, the book flies by!

This story will leave you wanting to read the next pronto! I'm already invested in Caelan and Wren's friends finding their romantic matches. Not to mention the plot that'll continue with the next book! Speaking of which, the end of this book is just downright magical!! I absolutely loved it! From enchantments dissolving to special appearances, the ending to the book was perfect! One last thing I want to mention is how much I adored Fenn!🥹🦊

Thank you January Bell for the opportunity to read this ARC! I'm sorry I was a little later getting to this, but appreciate the opportunity so much!🩷 My thoughts and opinions are my own in this review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Favorite Quote:
"You can take a fae from the Underhill, but you can’t take the trickster out of a fae."

[Lady Indecisive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bueno, bueno, bueno, quién me iba a decir a mi que este libro iba a estar tan bien. Va sobre una bruja que pone encantamientos en joyas que la echaron de su coven y ahora no la aceptan en el gremio de artesanos y está obsesionada con entrar porque sino no tiene credibilidad su tienda. Y es amiga de un grupito de brujas súper chulo, es como el juego de imagina ser de la Nintendo. Tenemos a la bruja pastelera, la bruja veterinaria, la bruja florista, la bruja librera y la bruja pitonisa.Y llega al pueblo dos faes oscuros y su amigo orco porque les han echado de la corte fae oscura. *Obviamente* todos van a encontrar el amor con una del grupito guay de brujas que van a ser mates, porque claro _faes_. Ay, son tan monísimos y cozys los protas juntos. No hay miscommunication ni mentiras para enrevesar la trama.

Las brujas son muy divertidas y me he quedado con ganas de saber qué va a pasar porque están todas como que es todo cosa del destino que haya tantas brujas en el pueblo sin aquelarre y aparezcan de repente faes.

Me ha faltado trama tho, empieza super fuerte y luego es como que la autora se da cuenta que se está quedando sin páginas y decide que la trama ya no es tan importante. Sad. Quería saber más de la historia de él en la corte oscura que no sabes casi nada y del pasado de ella en la ciudad y flashbacks de su antiguo aquelarre. Entiendo que el libro es corto y no da para más, pero desapuntada. Ahora se viene libro de la bruja pastelera.

[Liv - Livslibrarylabyrinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Tame a Trickster Fae is a low-stakes cosy fantasy that follows a covenless witch and an unseelie Fae that has been banished from the underworld.

Wren, the witch, was a character that I genuinely related to. She doesn't like to cook or clean, she's an introvert and she gets grumpy when sweating in the heat. But reading about her finding her people in this cosy town made me emotional because it reminded me of the time I met my incredible friends that I now call my own coven 🥹

Don't be fooled by the low-stakes cosiness, this book is still 🌶️🌶️. As Wren would say, the knotting is a spiritual experience 😌.

My notes:
🧌 I desperately need to read more of the orc romance between Piper and Ga'Rek. He seems like a giant cuddly bear
🧌 "Who am I to judge? I'm uniquely qualified to judge, actually, and it's one of my favourite pastimes". Slay, Caelan
🧌 Wren is 32 years old and is stressing about everything I'm stressing about at 30 and I love a relatable character
🧌 Cheeky purple fae are now my type

[Bookloversofantastic · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

I had a blast with this story, I loved Caelan, he’s such a character, a real trickster but own fun it is when it’s reversed. That one got some game too, I loved how he approached Wren ready to court her.

Wren has her own issue, and doesn’t have time to linger on that specific fact but when she realises that Caelan's help might be necessary, she’s doing “everything” to ensure it.

One thing is sure, they’re made for each other, and I cannot wait for more of this universe.

This romance is a delight to read, it’s light, funny, we can also feel the building of a larger plot and I loved all of these witches.

I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍

[Madison Rusnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️

This is definitely a cozy fantasy romance! I'm not going to lie, it ends a little abruptly/cliffhanger-y but it's super cute and I just found myself unable to wait for the next sweet thing Caelan would do. This is a low stakes fantasy romance, so there's not a lot of action in it, so if that's something you look for in fantasy this may not be for you. I really loved the world January created and their small town is so picturesque, I want to visit immediately! If you're a fantasy reader looking for a cozy romantic fix then this book is an absolute must read!!

How To Tame A Trickster Fae comes out August 21st, go preorder your copy today!!

[Marina Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Tame a Trickster Fae is a spicy, cozy romance featuring a sly MMC and a strong FMC.
This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far! I absolutely loved Wren and Caelan, and I adored all of the people (and creatures...) in Wild Oak Woods!
What you can look forward to in this book:
-Trickster fae MMC who falls first
-Magical, talented FMC
-Fated mates
-🪢🌶️ (2.5/5 for spice)
-Cozy vibes
-Heartwarming ending

This book is low-conflict (it's cozy!!) and has a lot of character development along the way. This is a great intro to Wild Oak Woods and I can't wait to see what's in store Wren and her friends!

[Mary Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍆🍆🍆
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
ARC Review
Release Date: 8/21/24

“𝒲𝒽𝓎, 𝐼 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒, 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.”

Welcome to Wild Oak Woods, where the vibes are cozy and the spice is spicy 🔥

This was such a fun, cute read! There is a fun cast of characters ranging from witches to fae to dwarves to orcs. The community of Wild Oak Woods is quaint and inclusive of all its inhabitants, even the tricky Unseelie Fae that show up. There is also a lovely group of supportive, witchy women that read smut and cast spells…I wanna join their book club!

Wren and Caelan are equal parts funny, cute, and hot together. Caelan is mischievous, ridiculous, and determined to win Wren over despite her uncertainties. If you’re looking for something sexy and low-angst, Wild Oak wWoods is the place for you!

𝐵𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓈 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒. 𝐼𝓉 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑜𝓌𝓃.

[✨Arielle✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

“What happened to the clever, funny, and kind man I walked around town with last night?”
Oh idk, maybe being spell summoned out of his bed, trapped in a bubble then bound to do your bidding when even your friends suggest asking him first and he explicitly offered to help you anyway you needed it before hand? Idk, just a thought. 😭

First 10% - build up to plot
Middle 80% - pwp
Last 10% - very quick plot has been resolved

Kind of ridiculous, ngl. The pet names, mates, and… knotting??? BLEH. Unfortunately not for me.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per usual, January Bell knocked it out of the park with this one. I knew this was going to be good… the teasers about this world have been incredible but when I tell you Wild Oak Woods is bewitching, I’m not joking. Everything about it (ugly farting dogs included) gives off the coziest vibes and you just want to stay in this world! Wren and Caelan deliver the most perfect banter that will have you laughing out loud. The spice is perfection. The storyline surprised me and was so much more than I expected! I am so eager for book two and cannot wait to be back in Wild Oak Woods!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANGtastic!! Absolutely loved this irresistible cozy fantasy. It's sweet/steamy, funny, and fascinating.. Intense, and endearing characters. This one is a winner!! I really can't wait for Book 2..

[Kelly D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Another spooky season read! 👻 🔮🕯️🪄

[Jessica's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple Cozy Fantasy Romance with splash of spice.
3.5/5 stars. R for romance scenes.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is underwhelming. There’s no real conflict. But the main characters are cute and their relationship is sweet.