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Wild Oak Woods #3

How to Please a Princely Fae

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Magical amnesia never leads to anything good… especially when the fae of your dreams forgets he loathes you.

I’ve been content to be overlooked my whole life. I’m happy with my plants, my potions, and my peaceful apothecary.

Kieran turned everything upside down the moment he walked into my shop. The handsome winged fae looked just like a prince from a fairy tale, but with his endearing shyness and warm heart, I took to him right away. But the kind Kieran disappeared overnight, and he shut me out.

I’m tired of pining after him, and after a trio of elder gods appear demanding brides, I’m tempted to throw my hat in the ring. But when I wake the next morning— my cold hearted prince has had a personality change… or a memory wipe. He’s besotted, but I know it must be because of magic. Nothing good ever comes from a spell you don’t know the source of.

Now matter how much I want it to be, I know it can’t be how he really feels.

Can it?

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2025

154 people are currently reading
366 people want to read

About the author

January Bell

49 books532 followers
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.

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5 stars
177 (26%)
4 stars
246 (36%)
3 stars
181 (27%)
2 stars
48 (7%)
1 star
16 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,744 reviews476 followers
March 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Willow and Kieran both had the emotional availability of a teaspoon and a lot that kept them from being able to ask for help of any kind. The amnesia thing was a fun change of pace, but it did take out most of the really getting to know Kieran. We learned a lot about Willow’s struggles, but little about why she had them. If more of that depth had been present it would be an easy 4 stars.

Spice: 2/5

Triggers: amnesia, references to abusive parent
Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,139 reviews491 followers
September 24, 2025
“I don’t deserve someone who is kind, who doesn’t have a past that threaten to stab them in the back when they least expect it”.

¿Sinceramente? Me ha parecido el más flojo de los tres libros publicados. No sé si es que me encontraba en un mal momento pero tampoco le encontré la gracia ni al argumento ni a los personajes.

Igualmente seguiré leyendo.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,374 reviews230 followers
July 28, 2025
Before I can stop myself, I reach out and touch the corner of her mouth, wanting to memorize the lines of it. I may not have old memories, but this? Willow grinning up at me, happiness shining through her skin? This is something I do not want to forget.

4.5 stars

Holy fae prince, I did not expect to love Kieran and Willow's book this much! Kieran and Willow have been secretly pining for each other since he first walked into her shop. Their mutual attraction has been quietly smoldering between them for weeks, but Kieran's kept Willow at a distance because of his insecurity and turbulent past. I loved watching him finally allow himself to love Willow; his openness and devotion to her and her happiness was sweet yet intimate. There was also a secret possessive and caring side to Kieran that had both Willow and myself panting for more. The ending left me ready for the Wilder spin-off series and more of these cozy stories🖤

Tropes: fated mates, second chance romance, possessive fae prince hero, jaded witchy heroine, forced proximity, amnesia trope, hate-to-love-you, 'you deserve better than me' vibes, mutual pining, she falls first/he falls harder, cozy romantasy, found family, slow burn, STEAMY🔥
Profile Image for Maddie.
757 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2025
I just find this series so boring. If each book was longer, given more devotion to characters then maybe I would care.
Profile Image for veronica.
824 reviews28 followers
February 13, 2025
meh. it was better than book two but still very far from book one, which still remains superior. i didn’t really like the whole amnesia trope, it just felt like a lazy idea to quickly resolve the issue with kieran’s hesitation. he just felt like an entirely different character. i also found willow to be quite one-dimensional and boring. i honestly could not name a single thing that i liked about this.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
539 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2025
This series of cozy fantasy romances are so freaking sweet and fun while also having just enough tension to make them page turners. I’ve been waiting for the witchy plant mom, Willow, and her fae prince turned cold coworker, Kieran, to finally get their love story and this one was so freaking cute.

Willow has been a bit in love with Kieran since the fae prince and his companions showed up, but after just a few days working together, he turned cold as ice, so now she’s thinking of volunteering as bridely tribute to the elder gods in the forest to protect her coven rather than continue to pine after Kieran. Until she wakes up with him in her bed, having lost all his memories of her, and determined to make her fall in love with him. Will she believe this version of Kieran, that says she’s special and his, or will he recover his memories and leave her heartbroken again?!

I loved that was about Willow’s growth - in feeling like a need and respected witch in her coven and in her town - just as much as it was the relationship between her and Kieran. But also he’s so obsessed with her!! Amazing, I’ll take 12. I love fated mates, especially when it’s a bit unexpected, and showing love by making lunch?! Yes please. Through this whole series, there’s also a bit of a lurking mystery happening, so I can’t wait to read about the rest of Willow’s coven and what’s happening in Wild Oak Woods. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, you totally should!!!
Author 5 books41 followers
April 27, 2025
Aww, Kieran's pursuit of Willow was adorable. Sure, he had amnesia, but he'd had feelings for her all along. For her part, Willow was someone I felt bad for, because she lacked self-confidence and thought of herself as not as special of a witch as the others. Kieran didn't stand for that though, and I loved how he always came to her defense. This story ended with a side character making a choice, and I really can't wait to see what happens next in this world. Willow and Kieran were sweet together though, and a nice way to wrap up the first series in this world.
Profile Image for Leigh Brooker.
216 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2025
I'm back in my cozy monster romance phase again and just in time as book 3 of the Wild Oak Woods series came out this month, and it's one I've fallen in love with. Each book is from a different set of characters POV although it is all connected with a storyline that will continue into the next series (can't wait to see where it goes) but with humor, cozy fuzzy feels, low stakes, spice and of course a HEA, they are a perfect way to lose yourself snuggled in your favourite blanket with a hot beverage of your choice. I'm definitely looking forward to the next set of books and will be looking out for them when they are released.

Willow is a green witch nothing makes her happier than being in her greenhouse with her plants, creating potions and running her apothecary. Until three unseelie fae come to Wild Oak. From the moment she laid eyes on him, Willow is drawn to the gorgeous winged fae who has an endearing shyness about him. But when that kindness disappears almost as soon as it is shown, Willow is left wondering what she did wrong. With three Elder Gods coming to the town demanding brides as a price to protect it, Willow is considering offering herself to stop pining over Kieran. But the morning after they have left, the cold hearted prince has changed again and is not only besotted with her but kinder than ever, leaving her to figure out his change of heart. And does Kieran, who has no idea why he came to the town in the first place, have his own reasons underneath his lost memories to keep Willow at arms length?

Willow is just the sweetest if not exactly confident witch. Having a crush on the fae who comes to her shop for a job is really playing havoc on her thought process, it doesn't help that he can't stand to be around her (or so she thinks) and to everyone in town her magic isn't as important as the rest of the witch's in her coven. But when she wakes up with Kieran in her bed who has no memory of how he got there things take an interesting turn. (You can bet I was laughing hard at this). Not only do all her feelings come rushing to the top, she has to figure out why he's suddenly different and has no memory. And she eventually comes to see just how important she is to her friends, to herself and to others. Yeah I liked her very much.

And Kieran, he's actually adorable underneath that cold hearted exterior because he has reasons why he can't be nice to the lovely witch who took him in. After all have you ever known a male of any species to be upfront about their reasons, especially in a fantasy romance, nope me either. Which made this and Kieran one of my favourite characters in all of these books so far. I loved seeing the grumpy prince come out of his shell and literally fall over himself to make Willow happy, including cooking (swoon) I swear this is definitely a reoccurring theme with me, a man that cooks or bakes and I just can't seem to help myself but fall for the men that do and Kieran was no different. Adore him.

It was great seeing the characters from the other books turn up, and seeing how they are fairing. Considering that the male leads in all three books are friends it's great to see that continue as they all get their HEA as well as lead the story into the next series...

So if your looking for a cozy romance with humor, crossed wires and all the fuzzy feels you can handle, with a pinch of spice thrown in, check this out. Highly recommend 😁
Profile Image for Samantha.
65 reviews
June 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Spell, a Secret Past, and a Love That Refuses to Be One-Sided — Pure Fae Romance Perfection

How to Please a Princely Fae by January Bell is a tender, magical, and emotionally layered masterpiece. Every book in this series has brought something unique, but this one carved a permanent place in my heart — and it’s all because of the achingly self-sabotaging, beautifully broken prince at its center.

This male main character is the kind who will set himself on fire to keep her safe, convinced that his past and hidden identity are too dangerous, too dark, too much for her light. His love isn’t quiet — it’s consuming — but it’s twisted up in guilt and fear that makes him push her away even as every part of him aches to pull her closer. And the spell? The spell was genius.

The spell gives him the chance to just be — no expectations, no legacy, no fear of hurting her. It strips him of all the baggage and lets the truest parts of him come out: the playful charm, the insatiable attention, the soft devotion that’s been buried under duty and shame. Watching him fall — fully, freely, adorably — while under the spell was the most heart-melting experience. He is so attentive, so affectionate, and honestly a little addicted to her in the sweetest way.

But what made this story even stronger is her. The female main character could’ve taken advantage of his affection while he was spellbound, but she didn’t. She was thoughtful, careful, and unwilling to accept love that wasn’t freely chosen in full awareness. That choice gave their romance this deep-rooted respect and emotional integrity that made the eventual payoff feel so earned and satisfying.

January Bell has a way of writing love stories that are as tender as they are magical, and this one in particular hit every emotional note I love. The themes of identity, self-worth, and the power of love to see beyond shame — all woven seamlessly into a cozy fantasy setting — left me completely smitten. I also love the subplots of the series, and it was a perfect trilogy to "reset" my brain for reading.

Highly recommend for fans of:
👑 Fae royalty with emotional depth and hidden pain
💘 Protective MMCs who self-sabotage out of fear but love hard
✨ Magical spells that peel back layers to reveal the real heart
🔥 Slow-burn romance rooted in mutual respect and choice
Profile Image for Nevena.
897 reviews26 followers
February 25, 2025
“You have bespelled me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
~~~
Willow is so awesome! She’s kind, caring and always willing to help others. And she’s quite the talented green witch. Even more, I loved her sass and courage. Willow is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

And then, there’s Kieran! Until now, the Unseelie Fae Price mostly appeared as cold, arrogant, selfish and quite uptight. But in this story we get to discover so many wonderful sides of him. Because Kieran is quite charming, fun, caring and considerate. Even more, he’s fiercely protective of the people he cares about and so deliciously possessive. Kieran is one utterly irresistible male and I couldn’t help but adore everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Willow and Kieran! Since they met, Willow has been pining after the Fae Prince but he’s been nothing but cold towards her. Until magic took his memories away and pulled the stick out of his butt. I adored those two together! All their banters, teasings and the little mishaps they went through were so fun to read. Even more, not only did I love every moment they spent together, but I really liked how caring and considerate they were of one another. Yes, Willow was hesitant to open her heart for fear of Kieran turning back to his old self. But he showed her time and time again that they were just right for each other and nothing could change that. Willow and Kieran were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of either of them.

In addition, the storyline was fantastic! More and more details are discovered about the Elder Gods and it seems that life in Wild Oak Woods will become quite interesting. With everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.

Overall, the story is another fun, cozy and absolutely delightful addition to the series and I loved every single page of it!
Profile Image for The Spicy Familiar.
48 reviews
June 23, 2025
I devoured the first two Wild Oak Woods books like they were hot spiced cider on a cold night, and waiting for this third instalment? Absolute agony. But let me tell you — How to Please a Princely Fae was worth every second. Willow and Kieran are the witch/fae pairing of my cozy romantasy dreams, and this book had me giggling, swooning, and highlighting entire chapters.

Willow is the soft, slightly self-doubting green witch we’ve been waiting for — an apothecary queen who’d rather be in her greenhouse with her plants than dealing with magical politics... or emotionally unavailable fae princes.

Kieran, said frosty fae prince, shows up to Wild Oak, starts working at Willow’s shop, acts mysteriously standoffish, and immediately wrecks her emotionally. Classic. So when she wakes up one morning with Kieran in her bed, memory wiped, and suddenly obsessed with making her smile, things get...complicated.

Honestly? This plot had no right being as funny and romantic as it is. The amnesia trope works beautifully here — not just as a cute setup, but as a tool for these two to actually connect. Kieran, free from his baggage, becomes the version of himself that Willow always hoped he was. And he’s adorable.

Tropes:
🌿 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌿 Memory Loss
🌿 Fae x Witch
🌿 Forced Proximity / Roommates
🌿 Slow Burn with Emotional Payoff
🌿 Small Town Magic + Found Family

Read Rating: 🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (sweet, swoony, spicy)
Magic Meter: 💫💫💫💫 (rich world, gentle fantasy, Elder Gods looming)
Profile Image for Wendy K..
322 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2025
This was a delightful little book and I love how this series is going. All of the characters have great wit and personality and this couple, Willow and Kieran, were a pleasure to read and deserve happiness.

I have to admit though that there was a large miscommunication issue between these two and for some reason Willow assumed that Kieran hated her. I’m not sure from the other books if he tried to stay away or if she just was not reading the room properly where it came to him. I think he wanted her to feel a certain way in order to protect her. However, she always brought up that she thought he hated her, even when he showed her that she was his mate.

Keiran ended being really besotted by Willow and tried so hard to show how much he wanted to care for her and be round her. He tried to convince her that there was no way he could hate someone so lovely. I think Willow had a really great large insecurity about if the relationship was true, regardless of mate status and it took her a long time to accept that he really cared for her. They finally worked out the initial kinks in their relationship and in the end, she had stars in her eyes and knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him too.

These book and this world are really wonderful. I have enjoyed all 3 so far and I can’t wait to read more. I’m really curious to know what will happen with the witches who get taken by the Elder Gods of the Woods. I feel like they are more than what they seem.
Profile Image for Amy.
421 reviews42 followers
April 27, 2025
Willow has been pining for Kieran ever since he moved to town and started working for her. Out of nowhere though, he suddenly turned cold and distant. After humiliating her in public, he wakes up the next morning in her bed, with no memory of who he is or how he got there. It’s a fun spin on the amnesia trope and once Kieran is freed from the burdens and trauma of life in the Underhill, he is finally able to be his true self. This new Kieran is open, flirty, and absolutely insistent that Willow is his.

Like the first two books, this one is a quick, sweet read with fun characters and a compelling overarching plot. Some of Willow’s inner monologue started to wear on me since it grew repetitive, and I wish we’d gotten deeper insight into her feelings of inadequacy. I also would’ve loved to see more of Kieran’s perspective before the amnesia for stronger character development and a bit more groveling once his memories returned, considering how harsh he’d been.

I also wish we’d gotten more answers about what’s happening in the woods. I know future books in the spinoff will pick up those threads, but the lack of closure on such a major plot point made the ending feel rushed and a little incomplete.

Still, I really enjoyed this story and the series as a whole. Kieran is so charming and absolutely adores Willow, and I loved seeing all the ways he took care of her. The author also did a great job setting the stage for what’s coming next with the witches and the Elder Gods!
39 reviews
February 10, 2025
I've been SO excited for this book since finishing the first in the Wild Oak Woods series. While I knew the amnesia plot was central, I was still a bit disappointed. I really wanted a relationship that built from the Willow and Kieran dynamic in previous books, and the chance to see his character further develop. Instead, Kieran felt like a completely different character, which was disheartening. I felt that his amnesia prevented meaningful character development, as he essentially had a blank slate. Even when his memories returned, there was no internal conflict, which felt underwhelming. I expected more remorse for his past treatment of Willow, and while there were hints of it, it wasn't enough. Given his very public and hurtful actions at the end of the last book, the lack of any real groveling felt like he got away with it because his "new" self was so much nicer. I was excited for their story and their established dynamic, and I'm ultimately disappointed that the amnesia plot overshadowed what I was hoping for.

I do love the plot with the Elder Gods and I’m excited to see it develop more in future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookfairymel .
162 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2025
This was such an interesting way to break Kieran out of his cold hard shell. I was wondering what would make him crack and I loved seeing the uninhibited side of him. Stripped of all his guilt and responsibilities, Kieran was a flirtatious, possessive, touchy, eager to please fae, desperate to prove his affections for Willow. That is my personal favorite brand of man honestly. I also loved that when his memories eventually came back that it didn’t turn into a crazy angst feast, it was immediately addresses and rectified.

Everything between Willow and Kieran was so sweet. I loved seeing her blossom under his affections and finally accept help from others. He made her feel valuable and helped her realizes that others see her as that as well. There wasn’t too much spice, but I think their scenes together were great nonetheless. I would have loved to see more from them, and explore more of what that plant magic was and how it just wore off. The elder gods plot line is also picking up so I’m very excited to see where that’s goes as well. I’m 100% invested and will continue tuning in to the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber.
144 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2025
3,5 stars!

This one didn’t hit me as hard as the previous 2 books but it is still a good book! Maybe my expectations were just too high because I absolutely loved the first 2 books.

The thing that bothered me the most was that Willow was SO reluctant and slowed everything down and it really annoyed me at some point… Kieran tho is actually NOT like I would have thought he would be. He knows how to treat a woman and knows what Willow likes etc… Kieran is up on my list of favorite book boyfriends for sure.

I also really like were the plot is going! We’ve seen 3 books about 3 different couples by now but it’s the plot that really surprises me. It still has me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for what’s going to happen next! Can’t wait for the next book in this series for sure. Forever a fan of this series and January her books!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
2 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2025
I love this series and world, but this book fell flat for me. Willow's repetitive inner dialog was the majority of the book, and there was very little focus on the external plot, the build to part 2 of the series, and Willow's actual growth. I found myself not enjoying her sections because it just felt frustrating when 2/3 of the way through, she's still the same character as page 1. The ending felt rushed, and I was disappointed at the limited time with the couple once they found a resolution/clarity with each other.

Love the author, the series, and the world. I hope part 2 returns to the same magic of the first book and hoping that there's more character growth for the next group of witches/their partners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debbie.
701 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
How to Please a Princely Fae

I like this cozy little village and the mystery of what is happening. I also enjoy the diversity of creatures that live there.

The MMC grows up with this belief about himself,

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be anything but an unwanted spare, a prince that’s a problem to be solved, by violence or neglect.”

The amnesia trope worked really well because it gave him a chance to be himself without all the negative narratives that had been placed on top of him his whole life. I'm kinda jealous really. Who would we all be if we didn't believe the negative things we've been told all our lives?
566 reviews
February 19, 2025
3/5⭐️ Willow and Kieran’s story was a pretty good read overall. Kieran works for green witch Willow but is a total jerk to her to the point that she thinks he hates her. This is really unfortunate because she really likes him. In a moment of emotional distress, both of them accidentally will a spell into being causing Kieran to lose his memories and therefore his stupid reasons for pushing her away. This book is mostly Kieran trying to convince Willow that he’s genuine and her doubting him and everyone else. I’m not sure what but something about Willow rubbed me the wrong way. Really curious now about the next book though.
1,445 reviews11 followers
March 16, 2025
A fun and feisty read

This was a great book from start to finish. I loved the interactions between Willow and Kieran. They were fun, feisty and frolicking.
Kieran has always been standoffish, but we finally get to see who he really is.
I loved Willow, she has been quiet from the beginning, but we now get to see her inner strength.
This series has had plenty of spice and this book carries on the tradition of keeping the steam level high.
I love how the overarching plot thickens on each book, which keeps me glued. I cannot wait to see what happens next. This is a worth 5 star read.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,064 reviews
May 28, 2025
mated

I finally got to dive into the fae Prince's story, and I was totally surprised to see that he was the hesitant one about being mated! It was so heartwarming to watch their unspoken feelings for each other bloom and bring their dreams to life.

Even though this series has wrapped up, I'm super excited for the next one that's on the way! I can’t wait to see where the adventure takes us next!
18 reviews
February 11, 2025
still delightfully cozy. and funny!

god i laughed so hard at this one. it might even have been my favorite so far. Kieran and Willow are just the sweetest team/couple together. i just loved seeing our grumpy prince finally loosen up. cant wait for the next set of books. these are so refreshing. the perfect palate cleansers when i just need something 'feel good'.
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,372 reviews329 followers
February 16, 2025
Quickish Review

This book in series and possibly the most frustrating. Didn’t hate it but the characters are a little too one note. The overarching story of what’s going on in the woods is more important and the leads’ inner thoughts are a little too repetitive. But they can’t all be gold and I am still intrigued by the overarching story enough to read the next one.
Profile Image for Nicole.
103 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2025
We finally got Willow and Kieran!

I knew I needed to see inside Kieran’s head from the first time we met him back in book one, and he didn’t disappoint.

I cannot wait to see where Wilder Oak Woods takes us next!

I will dutifully follow January Bell down whatever path she decides to blaze for us 🫡
8 reviews
July 2, 2025
Great quick read

Cute story between Kieran and Willow, but there were a couple of grammatical and formatting errors found throughout the majority of the chapters. It didn't take too much away from it, but it did break immersion a bit. Otherwise, I would read again when in the mood for something light and fast.
Profile Image for Taylyn.
297 reviews
August 25, 2025
Honestly, these are so short and have so little going on that. I find it hard to write reviews. This was supposed to be an amnesia trope and then it wasn’t AND. I think she was trying to set up other books but wasn’t happening. It was cute for the romance, but everything else needed to work.

Probably won’t read again

6.5/10

3/5 stars
Profile Image for Veralie.
57 reviews
February 14, 2025
3.5✨ but I rounded up! At times I felt like I wanted to shake Willow with her responses to people and things happening.

BUT CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT PART OF THE SERIES!! I just know it’s going to be amazing with those characters 🔥🤌🏻
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,752 reviews
February 15, 2025
I am not a fan of amnesia plotlines. He wakes up one morning and doesn't remember his life. But he knows he wants her. So she spends most of the book worried that when his memory returns, he won't want her anymore.

He cooked for her and took care of her. I liked his wings too.
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