Hunted by the Fae Warden

Fae Overlords #1

by Sue Mercury, Sue Lyndon

There's no escaping the fae warden.

After losing my parents and siblings, I only want to grieve in peace and try to rebuild my life. But with creditors breathing down my neck, I fear I'll find myself homeless during winter in a city occupied by brutal fae soldiers.

Just when I think things couldn't get any worse, Lord Valloc, the new Warden of Trevos, takes a particular interest in me. The handsome fae male won't stay away, and I can't deny the strange, overpowering warmth that fills me whenever our eyes meet. But is he glamouring me? Or is the warmth... real?

Maybe that kiss we shared after he saved me from angry creditors was a bad idea. Fae males are notoriously possessive of their mates and concubines, and despite my attraction to the mysterious Lord Valloc, I have no wish to become his property. Problem is, the tender moments we keep sharing are starting to win me over, and I fear I might lose my heart to the horned, white-winged fae.

Maybe I should run. Maybe I should flee the kingdom before it's too late. Surely it's not possible to find happiness with the otherworldly male who helped conquer my people... or is it?

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Ebooks

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Sue Mercury writes sci-fi romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and children, where she hopes one day she'll turn on the television to find a breaking news report about sentient alien beings contacting Earth. She also writes romance of the much kinkier variety under the name Sue Lyndon.

**Sign up for Sue's newsletter & receive FREE reads!** Just copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://www.suemercury.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-ish Stars
I read this a few weeks ago and can’t really remember much (which is telling). The blurb sets it up, the fae have taken over a kingdom and Mira sees Kaiden and “feels” drawn, but he’s the enemy. We know very early they’re mates but he’s resisting for duty/responsibility reasons.

I thought this would be similar to Zoey Draven’s Brides of Kylorr series, specifically books 2 & 3 that have a similar dynamic, but it was missing the parts that made those 4⭐ reads for me… feels, action, and drama via family or an OW.

This felt very surface-y, I never felt much coming from either character, and there just wasn’t much going on. Mira wasn’t feeling rejected because she didn’t know what was happening (and I’m not sure she liked him beyond wanting to jump him from the bond), there wasn’t any external drama via a jelly wannabe women, disapproving family member, etc., and until the very end there wasn’t any action going on.

Bottom Line- Not bad, but I thought it was sort of boring. I wouldn’t call it dark (I read darker stuff), but it’s not strictly fluffy either. Nothing is super graphic, but humans are getting killed, and war isn’t pleasant, so FYI. I’m assuming the Fae/human respect and treatment will improve in future books because there wasn’t much forward movement on that front. The next book is the King/prince/leader dude’s, but I’m stopping here.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently I'm the outlier here but this was just ... not great IMO. The writing is very surface level and "tell, not show" so I felt like I was getting info dumped on instead of immersed in the story. I went in expecting hot fae guys and a romance but it's more like a hostage situation. Mira is at the total mercy of the fae and Kaiden literally only cares for her because they have a mate bond and she's beautiful.

PLOT:

The fae have taken over and basically ransacked a kingdom. Mira, the last of her family since they've all died, has to show up to pay a tithe to her overlords so they don't steal her as a slave. she's basically about to lose her house and starve to death when she feels a connection to one of the fae. He takes an interest in her.



THOUGHTS:

- Fae with angel wings was an odd choice IMO, if they had been like warriors or aliens something else I'd get it, but I don't think "fae / fairy" and thing bird wings, I think insect ones.

- I couldn't connect with the writing. as I said above, it felt like I was being told everything rather than feeling it.

- Kaiden was kind of a dick IMO. He's uppity and literally disgusted that his mate is a human since he's a highborn fae, but at least she's beautiful so he can slum it I guess. I couldn't like him tbh and the romance fell flat for me because he's doing everything because he feels he has to, not because he loves her.

[Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Hunted by the Fae Warden, finishing it in one sitting. It could do with being a bit longer - some more world-building would not go amiss, nor would a slightly less easy resolution - but that is my only real complaint. The magic? No spoilers, but it's charming and I loved it. The writing feels fluent (with only a few minor typos to note) and the characters feel... honourable, I think is the best word.

I knew I was going to like this early on, when the heroine offers refuge to a friend experiencing domestic abuse and says she is prepared to defend her physically if necessary. Her friend laughs and calls her violent but that's not true, she thinks to herself. She's never hurt anyone; it's just the right thing to do.

If she ever decides to ditch the hero, I'll be first in line at her door.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira (h) is just trying to survive. Her family is gone, her city’s under fae control, and determined not to bend to her new rulers, she clashes with Kaiden (H), the cold and commanding fae warden tasked with keeping order. He’s dangerous, infuriating, and somehow impossibly drawn to her. As they clash with one another, the tension between Mira and Kaiden builds into something much deeper. Kaiden thinks Mira might be his fated mate, which shouldn’t be possible for a human. But when her powers start to surface, tied to the Spring Court and growing stronger by the day, it’s clear Mira’s more than anyone expected. Their connection develops as they figure each other out, even as they try (and fail) to resist it. And when ancient monsters start creeping past the borders of Kaiden’s homeland, everything shifts. Mira’s no longer just a human with a grudge or a mate Kaiden never planned to claim, she’s a force unto herself as she steps into her power and becomes something more, an equal to fight at his side. A slow burn, fae, fated mates, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance, exploring love as a source of strength, power, identity, resistance, trust, vulnerability, healing, purpose, fate, and choice.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"His visage morphs from stern to... tender.
My heart skips a beat.
What is wrong with me?"

One of my favourite monster/alien romance authors writing a new fae romance series?! Sign me up!

🪽🌱

He's a big hulking fae warrior with feathered wings, horns, and grey skin. She's a tiny little human just trying to make ends meet after not only losing her family to illness, but also having to live in a town recently taken over by the ruthless fae. And they were mates!

🪽🌱

This is a quick read and more romance than fantasy. I definitely want more details about this world, but as someone who is a big fan of how Sue continued to expand and flesh out the world building with each book in the Worldship Brides series, I have no choice but to trust the process.


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

[Nancy Warr · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I must have read a different book than the other reviewers as I had to stop reading at 44%. **Spoilers** This book is chopped full of murder, racism and stupidity, I had such issues with our female lead being ok with seeing the fae male who not only admitted to murdering more than two hundred humans but also sentenced a human to burn alive because he was upset about the fae taking his daughter. The hint of fae males taking human females to r**e was not lost on me. In the beginning the reader is thought to believe that the fae only killed humans after they were attacked first by humans but later we learn about the fae encroachment on human and orc land so I was left with the question did the humans began the war with the fae or did the fae? The male fae being appalled at the thought of having a bond with a human female while pining for her was annoying as hell but wait a minute we later learn she's not a full human but she has wait for it fae blood!!! so thats why our male fae is drawn to her, her power to think on something and it happens was a yawn for me as well as our male fae being nine hundred fifty plus years old and his mate being twenty two come on authors can you do better than that?? I find it extremely hard to believe in a male living for over nine hundred years having a mate being born just twenty two years ago either make the male a lot younger or his female a lot older. I do get the live longer than mere humans trope but damn. This book reminds me of dictators making excuses for their atrocities with our male fae constantly stating he does what he has to to protect his people but not admitting to fae encroachment on others land, their enslavement of others and their r**e of human women. I found both the male and female lead of this book disgusting with him being a racist murder and her being ok with his murdering. I hated this book and will not be reading any others from this author.

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 wonderful 🌟's for Hunted by the Far Warden

This is a departure for me I'm not really a Fae kind of woman. I don't usually gravitate towards these types if stories. This one was pretty good. Fae power is growing and spreading across the land, humans don't
Like that the Carpet are encroaching on their land and strike first setting off a battle that sees their town taken. Kaiden is one of the Fae prince's strongest warriors as the humans come to pay tribute to their new rulers a beautiful female named Mira sends a shock through his system. His body and soul recognize her as mate, but his mind says that he can't for the face of his people depends on him marrying some one powerful of his own kind. Mira alone,in debt and NIW having to pay tribute to the Fae that have taken over the o KY home she has ever known. While waiting she encounters a Fae of determination and strength . she doesn't want to attract his attention be cause he's the enemy, but she can't help being attracted to his fierce beauty. Both fight the attraction until they can't anymore. Will they be able to put their differences aside, and find true happiness or will these two from opposite worlds allow the battle between their people ruin their chance at love forever? You'll have to read and find out! Its a shirt satisfying read!🌟🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a Fae think when he feels the bond with a human? He ends up stalking her. Mira just wanted to be able to survive. With the Fae taking over, she has to pay her “tribute” but she also owes for debts to creditors. When she sees Lord Kaiden Valloc, she doesn’t know what it is that draws her to him. But she does know to stay away. Kaiden saw the human. Something about her just grab hold of him. She couldn’t be his mate. There was no way. But he couldn’t stay away. Kaiden wasn’t like most Fae. He actually had a heart. Yes, he could be cruel but he always protected Mira. With her, he can be a good warden to the people. It broke my heart to read that Mira was alone. She worked to clear the debt she accrued. I was thrilled to find out that she was special. One wish and things started to happen. She learned about who she truly was and her gift. I wasn’t thrilled with Kaiden when he didn’t tell her why she was special to him. He did make up for it but the words he spoke were cold. I understood her running. Thank goodness things were cleared up. The priestess was right about her. I wonder what changes will be made in Travos with Mira by his side.

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

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected and unwanted mate bond with a lowly human features in this engaging fantasy romance, Hunted by the Fae Warden.
When MMC high born Fae Lord Kaiden Valloc enters the hall where humans of the just captured kingdom of Trevos are paying their tributes to his Prince Lucas, his eyes meet those of MFC Mira Ambrose who waits in line to pay hers, and finds himself entranced.
Mira is just as enthralled but thinks the Fae is glamouring her never even considering what could really be happening. She pays the ten pieces of silver every human must hand over and quickly leaves. All alone in the world her concerns are more about how she will be able to pay back creditors the borrowed money used to hire healers for her family before they succumbed to illness.
Kaiden believes his return to his family home and the distance will make it all go away, until he is made Warden of Trevos and isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
A well told story soon unfolds with nice writing, characters, mate bonding, spice, intrigue, and surprises. I enjoyed Kaiden and Mira’s entertaining story and look forward to reading more in this series.

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

[Amanda B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had the capacity to be a much better book. The story is pretty original, the characters are decently well developed, and the book is well written. The sex scenes are steamy. The one thing keeping me from loving this book is that the resolution of the moral arc is really underwhelming. Throughout the book, Mira witnesses how the fae overlords are to the humans. They won't let them out of the city to hunt or gather firewood or plants. They kidnap human women to take as slaves Kaiden seems to have no problem with any of this. Mira resists her attraction to Kaiden largely because he is the leader of such cruel oppressors. And yet, at the end of the book, they really haven't discussed this issue, no one has had an epiphany, no one learns or changes. Instead, the author just throw in a scene where Mira basically tells Kaiden that he has to stop the kidnappings and also let humans out of the city and he more or less shrugs like "whaddaya gonna do, the wife wants me to stop torturing humans". The end. If the author had just put a little more effort into this aspect of the story, throw in a scene where Kaiden realizes how cruel he's been and empathizes with the humans, it would have made a huge difference.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaiden is unable to believe his fated mate is in fact a human female, no magic ability or other powers
Kaiden is in a type of shock it is hard to believe that his fated mate is in fact 100 percent human and imagine his surprise when he also realises that she has no magical abilities and is not able to conquer evil by using said abilities.
He knows that their relationship has been predicted by prophecy but also realises that having a human female as his mate will not be seen as an asset by other Fae, their bond has been growing stronger and Mira finds everything about Kaiden to be a complete turn on, his increased size and strength and his abilities which held him in good stead.
I guarantee that you will be captivated by this wonderful read it is intriguing reading, the characters are so well written along with the storyline and I guarantee that you will be blown away and I guarantee that you will be blown away by this amazing read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

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

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very entertaining and I enjoyed the world building. It's a slow burn romance with a bit of heat, adventure and action. Mira is a human in a land just conquered by the Fae. She has lost her family to illness and she is trying to stay afloat on her own. I like that she's so brave and resourceful. Kaiden is a winged highborn Fae who is powerful and brutal. He realizes that Mira is his mate, but he can't understand how that can be because she is a mere human and does not fit the description of his prophesied mate. Whenever they encounter each other, the atmosphere between them sizzles. There were a couple of unresolved plot elements. It also felt like there was a whirlwind resolution to the end of the story, particularly where Kaiden's family lands and the kingdom of Trevos were concerned. However, the ending is satisfying and leaves you with a feeling of hope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira and Kaiden both feel an overwhelming attraction when they first meet. Kaiden can't believe fate has chosen a weak human as his mate, especially when the priestess predicted he would be fated to a powerful female who would save his kingdom. Despite his best efforts he just cannot stay away from the beautiful, feisty little female. Can he reconcile what his heart wants with what he believes he owes his kingdom?

Mira is a strong, resourceful young woman, alone in an uncertain world after her parents and brothers died. The attention of the massive, winged fae is both intriguing and disturbing.

A fantastic, fast paced romance between two likeable but very different individuals both fighting against the attraction they feel for each other. Plenty of intrigue, plot twists, danger, discoveries and passion. Thoroughly enjoyable and looking forward to the next book.

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

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by the Fae Warden by Sue Mercury begins the Fae Overlords series filled with huge winged warriors and their human mates. In Trevor’s the human king foolishly attacked the fae who have set up a nearby village. Now conquered, the king’s subjects must pay up or give up a son or daughter to the fae. Mira is the only one of her family left and pays up, leaving her dangerously in debt to four humans. On the way to pay the tribute, she comes across white winged Kaiden who suddenly becomes her shadow. He realizes she’s his fated mate but that she’s human, not a fae who could help protect his homelands against the freaking, evil zombie types. Then Mira starts to be able to manipulate plant life! Maybe there’s a little fae in her after all!.

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

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaiden and Mira have explosive chemistry as a couple in this slow burn, fated mates, enemies to lovers story and I devoured it all in one sitting!
Kaiden, although initially frustrated with the mate bond despite his intense desire for Mira, is protective, considerate and tender towards her. Mira for her part, is also torn up about their connection as she has become a pariah in her neighbourhood since catching the eye of the conquering fae warden. Not to mention she’s literally struggling to survive in the aftermath of the battle, is crippled by debt and concerned by the development of her new powers!
Hunted by the Fae Warden was a thoroughly enjoyable read that ended with an HEA that left my heart happy!

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

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human Or Fae?
Kaiden can’t believe that his fated mate apparently is a human woman with no special powers to help conquer the evil that threatens his home. That is what the prophecy foretold. But he can’t resist stalking her, without and with her knowing about it. Their bond is getting stronger as the days pass. Mira is not intimidated by his physical size nor by his role as Warden of her city’s kingdom. Even seeing and being repelled by his vicious acts, she craves his attention. In the end everything comes together and there is a HEA. The road is alternately full of bumps and charming happenings, a lovely love story. Enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Guadalupe Cosme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira is the only resident in her household. She gives a tribute of ten silver coins to the fae. She needs to make money to pay her creditors, and keep her home. Kaiden the Warden sees her, and realizes that she is his fated mate. He does not believe it, because she is human! He is a highborn Lord, relation of the royal Brossnin family. He begins to stalk, and observe her. Mira does not want to become a fae's pet or concubine. She leaves the kingdom. Kaiden hunts her down, and discovers a secret about Mira. Will he accept her as his fated mate? I enjoyed reading this book! There is magic, secrets, danger and fate in the storyline. The characters were well developed, and likeable.

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

[Christina Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. Mira owes creditors that she borrowed from in an attempt to save her parents and brothers from illness. They did not survive and now she is alone. The king of her village sent his army to attack the fae living close by. They failed and enraged the fae and now the fae rule her village. She got behind on her payments to her creditors due to the fae forcing her village to pay them. While making her payment to the fae king, she catches the eye of Kaiden, Warden of Trevos. He is attracted to her and realizes that she is his mate. He can't believe that a human could be his mate. He fights his attraction as best he can. Their journey begins.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock, meet hard place! Mira, is a human. It is not professionally beneficial that Kaiden feels a strong bond to Mira. He is related to the royal family and folk have expectations. Kaiden and Mira try to fight their attraction, but it is too strong. She is struggling to keep her head above waters while the creditors swim around her scenting blood. They have a fun adventure trying to find their balance while working through secrets, discoveries and owning who they are and who they could be. There are chocies and decisions that affect not only them. Excellent cover art! Nicely done. Great characters. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story by Sue Mercury. I am excited to read this new series by her. I can't wait to read more. I was caught up in the story from the first page. I couldn't wait to see what happened next for Mira and Kaiden. Mira is part of the conquered humans that are trying to survive in this new world. Kaiden is one of the Fae who is surprised to discover his mate. He never expected it to be human. He tries to stay away but it is long before he can't stay away from her. Will they find happiness together?

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

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A surprise human mate for Kaiden

This was an interesting story about a young woman named Nora who was left alone when her remaining family died from a strange illness affecting the humans. Nora is devastated and is struggling to find her way. The King of the land made an error in judgment and attacked people that he should not have. Now the Fae rule over the land and expect payments. As Nora is in line she notices Kaiden, a leader, standing behind the Prince who is collecting the money. Almost immediately they are drawn to each other, a bond snaps into place. This is where their journey begins. . . . There is a happy ending for now. Read On!

[Ruisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaiden and Mia

This read kept me captivated from beginning to end. Mia is strong-minded and determined not to develop feelings for the fae warden, even as Kaiden’s dominant, protective nature gives her undeniably tingly, feel-good vibes. When Kaiden discovers they are mates, he is torn between claiming her and protecting her because she is human—yet the bond cannot be denied. The chemistry between Kaiden and Mia heated the pages, even before they bonded—the anticipation made it electric. With an engaging storyline, relatable characters, and an intriguing twist to Mia’s character, this is a gripping paranormal romance that’s hard to put down.*

[Jd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira and Kaiden thought they could fight what they were feeling. She was inexplicably drawn to him, but he was the enemy. Kaiden was drawn to her and sensed she was his mate, but he had a prophecy that said otherwise.
Despite these doubts, they could not stay away from each other.
When they finally came together....it was magic.
If you like a slow burn, discovery romance you will most likely enjoy this quick read.

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 an exciting series opener with clear world building, fascinating characters and an entertaining plot of winged fae and their human mates. Mira is the last of her family and has debt to pay as well as tribute. Kaiden sees her and feels like she is his fated mate but she's human...or is she? This really was an engaging tale that really brings to life the enemies to lovers trope. It's filled with intrigue, danger, healing, twists, trust and fated mates. I'm really looking forward to the next book ;D

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY!

I love it when a book keeps me so interested I can't put it down and this one did just that. I loved Mira as Kaiden’s mate she was independent, smart, sassie and a loving individual. Kaiden and Mira’s mate bond is intense. They had to learn about each other when the bond between them is very strong. The two Sue’s are excellent storytellers so I will complete the series.

SUGGESTION: How about Venn, Kaiden’s father, finding a human mate. He's 2,000 years old since I'm 68 years old a story about older folk finding love again would be nice.

[C.Gard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I feel like this book had a lot of potential. I really liked elements of this book, but unfortunately the pacing was a bit off. The beginning was a wee bit slower (which I didn't mind), but the last 25% went at a breakneck pace that I didn't love and didn't really suite the story. It was also very anticlimactic, which was a disappointment. Despite these pitfalls, this was a cute little story and I liked the couple and seeing them fall for each other (still wish it was done better, but what can ya do?).

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hunted by the Fae Warden” by Sue Mercury

-A slow-burn, fated-mates romance with danger, prophecy, and undeniable pull.
I received a free copy of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.
Mira and Kaiden fight their feelings, but destiny keeps drawing them together.
Tension builds between attraction and duty in a world ruled by fae power.
A quick, steamy read with magic, emotion, and a meaningful conclusion.

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this well written and well described story. This talented author descriptions are very picturesque. I was in the castle with Mira and Kaiden when they met. Their chemistry is raw and hot. All the characters are well done. I loved how Mira helped Kaiden and his people. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving an honest review. This is an enjoyable and entertaining story sure to keep the reader's interest.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story, even if the beginning was a little on the dark side. Our main characters come from opposing sides—humans and Fae—which makes you curious about how they'll find their happy ending together. I loved the unexpected twist in the plot, especially with our female main character; she truly is amazing and the miracle everyone needed! The male main character is quite strong, but when it comes to his mate, he's so gentle with her. It was heartwarming to see!

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new tale! It was a new take on human/fae relations that gave it a fresh. Gotta admit I did like the hot and steamy interactions between Mira and Kaiden and there was just enough drama and intrigue to spice up the storyline and keep everything moving. All in all quite an entertaining read. Bravo!.

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