Given to the Fae King: A Fantasy Monster Romance

by Sue Mercury, Sue Lyndon

He’s the King of Winter—and I’m his gift.

After a fae army conquers my city, survival becomes my only goal. Widowed and alone, I try to keep my head down and avoid the patrols—until a cruel fae prince abducts me and delivers me to his brother, King Theron of the Winter Court. I resemble the mate who once betrayed the king, and the prince thinks the resemblance will amuse his brother.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

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.

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Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was meant to be his punishment. Instead, she became his obsession.

Helena thought she had nothing left to lose after her husband’s brutal death and the fall of Braemar to the Winter Court. Everything changes when she's taken by the ruthless fae king, Theron, a king driven by vengeance and haunted by betrayal. He sees her only as a reminder of the woman who shattered him, but something about Helena awakens a dangerous longing within him.

Bound by power and cold ambition, Helena resists her attraction to the dark king who destroyed her city. As the days pass, their connection deepens, passion ignites in the shadow of pain, and trust forms between two souls hardened by loss. The line between captor and lover blurs, and their fated bond becomes something neither can escape.

What starts as a fragile truce soon becomes a dance of vulnerability, power, and undeniable desire. For Helena, it’s a fight to keep her heart safe, but for Theron, it’s a struggle to keep his walls intact as he faces a passion he’s long denied. As they each confront their darkness, they are drawn closer together by forces they can’t control.

Helena begins as a grieving widow, closed off, but through Theron, she discovers her desires and strength. Theron starts as a cold, vengeful king, hardened by betrayal, but as his bond with Helena deepens, he softens. Their relationship evolves from dominance to mutual longing, trust, and vulnerability, where both choose each other despite their dark pasts.

A hot, dark romance where fated mates collide with enemies to lovers, captor and captive, and forced proximity. Helena and Theron’s journey is one of survival, vulnerability, and forbidden desire as they navigate power, betrayal, and redemption. With each encounter, their walls break down, revealing a love neither expected but both need. Trust, passion, and the darkness within become the key to their future together.

The Elevator Pitch: A grieving widow is taken by a ruthless fae king seeking vengeance, only to discover a dangerous and undeniable connection between them. As power shifts and emotions deepen, what began as captivity becomes a twisted dance of desire, trust, and mutual obsession. In a world of betrayal and darkness, they must confront their pasts to find the love neither expected but both need.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read, wonderful read with captivating characters and a plot that’s a great read
There is a fae army conquering the city and the main thing was trying to survive which was not at all a simple undertaking and as she tries to avoid the patrols and the cruelty of the fae prince that had abducted her for his brother, King Theron of the Winter Court.
All because of my appearance and the fact that she resembled the mate that had previously betrayed the king, he may intend to punish her for her defiance but she strong enough to survive.
King Theron had not been ready to punish her in fact he had showed me the inner man that he was the kindness, the softness and the desire that he wanted to share with her she was totally knocked off kilter. This has been a captivating read with strong characters and a plot that will hold readers rived to the very end of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
A captivating read, wonderful read with captivating characters and a plot that’s a great read
There is a fae army conquering the city and the main thing was trying to survive which was not at all a simple undertaking and as she tries to avoid the patrols and the cruelty of the fae prince that had abducted her for his brother, King Theron of the Winter Court.
All because of my appearance and the fact that she resembled the mate that had previously betrayed the king, he may intend to punish her for her defiance but she strong enough to survive.
King Theron had not been ready to punish her in fact he had showed me the inner man that he was the kindness, the softness and the desire that he wanted to share with her she was totally knocked off kilter. This has been a captivating read with strong characters and a plot that will hold readers rived to the very end of the book.
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.

[Diane G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King: A Fantasy Monster Romance is the fourth book in Sue Mercury’s fascinating Fae Overlord series. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, it’s especially rewarding to read them in order — references are made to previous previous stories and adds depth and continuity that fans will love. Reading the full series promises many hours of magical, exciting, and emotionally satisfying storytelling.

This story is original and filled with suspense, magic, danger and a beautiful love story.
King Theron of the Winter Court and his Fae army has conquered Helena’s city and now her main goal is surviving. She is a widow, tossed out of her home from her brother In law. She found a home with Isabella and her father In their bakery. Helena delivers the mail, keeps her head down and returns home quickly each day. Well, that would be the end of this story except one day, King Theron’s brother encounters her and decides she would be a perfect play toy for his brother the King. The story becomes intriguing, tense with concern for Helena. King Theron is confused because he doesn’t want to harm her, he feels a warmth towards her. Helena who is trying to hate him feels his warmth and tenderness. Helena sees the inner man has kindness and caring. Desire ignites between them and they fight against it. Magic shows Helena how they are connected in fragments and she isn’t sure what she knows. Theron knows he cares for her with more depth than just a plaything. Will they realize their deep feelings? Will they have their happy ending?

This story sometimes loses its focus and the magic seems to be an easy way to disclose information and the conclusion. They grow and gain a deep understanding of the gift of love and all that it brings. It has romance and suspense but in addition Sue Mercury shows us that we can heal and be better than we ever imagined. The story will keep you on edge and reading until the last page.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena knows to stay hidden from the Fae. She has been living a tough life. Loss of her husband and her brother-in-law Peter taking everything from her. She is fighting for her life delivering mail, earning very little money. When she is accosted by her ex-brother-in-law, she screams for help. But the help she gets is a Fae. Alaric disposes of the waste but he takes Helena to King Theron. Theron is now King and knows of those that will stop at nothing to stab him in the back. When his brother Alaric brings a dark-haired beauty, she reminds him of his dead wife Elssandra. The story has some serious twists and turns. At first, I thought I knew what happened to Elssandra but as you read you find out through visions what truly happened. I was surprised and also heartbroken. The bond between them starts to build within the short space of time. With the visions we learn about the past life and Helena’s past as well. That was interesting. She does soften Theron a bit. But perhaps more since he does send his best Commander, Ashvale to find her friend Isabel. I look forward to finding out what happens in Saved by the Fae Commander. And her friend Gwen is also missing. Obviously we know she will end up with Lord Blackthorne since that book is Bought by the Fae Savage. Looking forward to reading them both. This was a wonderful romance.

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

[Catherine Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King is a captivating addition to the Fae Overlords series, delivering powerful magic, intense romance, and the kind of commanding fae hero readers adore. Sue Mercury continues to build a rich, seductive world where danger and desire walk hand in hand.

The Fae King is everything you’d expect — regal, dominant, mysterious, and fiercely possessive. Yet beneath the authority and otherworldly power lies a complexity that makes his connection with the heroine compelling rather than one-dimensional. Their dynamic is filled with tension, defiance, and undeniable chemistry.

The fantasy elements are woven seamlessly into the romance, enhancing the stakes and deepening the emotional pull. The world-building feels immersive without overwhelming the story, and the pacing keeps the momentum strong from beginning to end.

I’d recommend this to readers who love powerful fae rulers, high-heat fantasy romance, and heroines who must navigate dangerous magical realms. If you enjoy dominant supernatural heroes, court intrigue, and passionate, fated connections, this book absolutely delivers.

A spellbinding installment that leaves you eager for more from the Fae Overlords.

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

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mate Reborn
The King’s brother discovers Helena on the streets of the city of Braemar and sees her uncanny resemblance to his brother’s deceased mate. He takes her to him as his gift. But Helena, knowing all the tales about the Fae’s cruelty toward humans and expecting to be killed, is flabbergasted when King Theron takes her to his bedchamber. He’s intrigued by her countenance, so much like his mate who tried to kill him and died instead.
Most of the story deals with the budding relationship between the two. Helena starts with wanting to be free again, but is slowly taken in by the kindness, the warmth and generosity that Theron shows her. Their strong attraction builds and builds and when the truth about Elssandra is revealed, Helena succumbs to her feelings.
The clash between two societies, the need to maintain his position as King of the Fae, even when his reign is filled with war and killing he cannot but be the man he wants to be in front of his ‘darling human’. She is not intimidated by him and their reactions back and forth are very funny.
Enjoyed it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King is a steamy Fantasy romance whose MFC Helena and the residents of the Human city of Braemar have come under attack from the Winter Court army led by their King Theron Frostborne.
The Fae King has his revenge on the soldiers who had dared to attack a Fae homestead leaving the remaining human survivors with an uncertain fate.
Helena who had become a widow prior to these events continues her job as a mail carrier and tries to keep a low profile which ends the day a fae prince abducts her, and because of her resemblance to the King’s former mate she is delivered to him.
An enjoyable story soon unfolds with action, adventure, intrigue, romance, passion, and a few surprises.
Theron finds himself drawn to Helena and she begins to feel the same towards him just as she waits for the moment she can escape.
Good writing, and characters were crafted into an entertaining narrative that I found to be a captivating read.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars from me. Given to the Fae King is a steamy fantasy romance packed with action, adventure, intrigue, passion, and surprises.
In the human city of Braemar, mail carrier Helena—already a widow—strives to stay under the radar after the Winter Court's army, led by the ruthless King Theron Frostborne, attacks and conquers the area. The Fae King exacts brutal revenge on the human soldiers who dared assault a Fae homestead, leaving the surviving humans' future uncertain.
Helena's quiet life shatters when a cruel Fae prince kidnaps her and presents her to King Theron. Her striking resemblance to the king's long-lost, treacherous former mate makes her the perfect "gift" for his amusement—and potential punishment.
What follows is an engrossing tale as Theron finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Helena, while she grapples with growing feelings for him—even as she plots her escape. The well-written characters and compelling narrative make this a captivating, entertaining read.

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

[Jd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
King Theron was a vicious and unforgiving warrior and king, on the outside. Inside he was a man who loved and lost, tragically,and was lonely. Helena was a lonely widow struggling to eek out a living.
Neither saw the big change that would come when the King's meddling brother would gift Helena to Theron. Their attraction to each other was immediate. Helena fighting her feelings for the enemy. Theron fighting the change in character within himself.
There is a suggested conflict between the brothers that goes no where. Which makes me wonder why was it revisited more than once. There was also times of unnecessary repetitiveness. The ending feels like a hfn rather than a hea.
This story has some heat and revelations. Mostly it is a light romance with to two getting a second chance at love.

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

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King is an exciting addition to the Fae Overlords series and in my opinion should be read in order to understand the changes that are sweeping through this world!
Helena, our MFC, has been having a rough time of things the last couple years and is just managing to survive when the Fae arrive and conquer the city. When she is accosted on the street by her brother-in-law, the King’s brother intervenes and then decides to kidnap and gift her to him - as she bears a remarkable resemblance to his dead mate. Despite her fear, distrust and the brutality she witnesses, Helena still finds her courage in the undeniable connection between her and King Theron and a remarkable second chance for a fated love.

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

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Theron is immediately drawn to Helena, just as she is to him, even though she tries to hide her attraction to him. She's seen the brutality and savagery of the Fae and has trouble reconciling that with how protective, sweet and tender he's been to her. She wants to trust him, but she's afraid. Theron wants Helena to trust him, but knows that as the king of the Winter Court, he can't appear to be weak, even though he has feelings he for her. It's a sweet story,their connection building, their past relationship a revelation. It's a sweet story, I love that she's so conflicted, but still so attracted to him and feeling their connection. I loved the characters, as well as the world building. What a sweet read!.

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

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating story, with thorough world building and fascinating characters. King Theron, a highborn fae of the Winter court, conquers the human city of Braemar. The fae are ruthless, and he is the most brutal of all. Helena is a human living there. She is just trying to survive, under difficult conditions, but the king's brother grabs her and delivers her to the king. She has an uncanny resemblance to his dead fated mate, a woman who betrayed him. Will Theron make Helena suffer because of this? I love how their relationship grows as both characters evolve in unexpected ways. I enjoyed the twists in the plot as well as the writing. I recommend this engaging story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely, this series keeps getting better with each instalment. I really enjoyed the last one, and this one is just on par (maybe even more) than that one. The characters and relationships feel much more rounded, and I loved the little twist in our fmcs backstory!!

Sue is a comfort author for me and this series is great for shorter, easily digestible, fae romances. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes next… the set up for Isabel’s book is very promising 👀


Also just clueing in that I think the cover tones have to do with the courts? I.e., the first 3 are in orange for the autumn court and then this is the first one in the winter court and it’s blue? FUN.

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

[Kayleigh Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just finished the start of thr series and part of the series of Fae Overlords. This time following the winter court. @authorsuelyndon

She is a widow gifted to the Winter Court King, he lost his fated mate through betrayal. She is gifted to him she can never leave. But why are they so drawn to each other?

Excited for book 2

Book quote:
“I would never glamour you, darling human,” I finally say. “You are far more fun like this—brave yet a little scared, trembling yet strangely curious. And bold. Let’s not forget how bold you are. More than once, you’ve made a comment that’s shocked me.”

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King by Sue Mercury tells ghe story of the Winter Fae King Theron who attacks the human town of Braumar after humans wiped out a nearby fae village. Helena is given to him by his wily brother as a gift after he kills Helena's nasty brother-in-law who stole her cottage after his brother was murdered. There's a strange connection between Theron and Helena that leads to their union of love.

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

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me gripped from start to finish. I felt as if l were immersed in this story and was actually in it. It flows very well and King Theron’s character is well written. Helena has a sad story to tell and there is a bit of a twist towards the end but they get their HEA. Really enjoyed this story.

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

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the interactions between Theron and Helena as they go from fear and hate to trust and love. Both characters are real and alive fitting well into the world that this talented author has crafted. There are lots of hot erotic sexy scenes as well as some violence. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving an honest review. This is a good series in which each story can be read as a stand alone.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helena falls for the brutal Winter King.
Helena has a rough life that gets even more complicated when she is given to Theron, the Winter King. They both realize there is a deep connection but they both fight it. Eventually they both give in to their fated connection. Can Helena soften the brutal Winter King? Only time will tell.

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

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to the Fae King Book 4 of Fae Overlords by Sue Mercury is good addition to this series. I really enjoyed that previous characters, reading previous books helps enhance the readers' experience. I liked this book but not as much as previous books. I still love Sue Mercury and will read anything she writes, I've enjoyed reading her many series and will continue to do so.

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

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say I really liked the cover page. It brought back memories of the last book I read and the moment I met the Fae King. The story is set in a dystopian world, especially challenging for humans, and the author has done a great job explaining the Fae King's intense actions. He's ruthless, I admit, but he still has a kind heart underneath.

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

[Georgia Rothstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Mercury is a great story teller. This series and this book in particular is very dark. I always enjoy her writing and how the characters come to life. I would have preferred that it be a little more upbeat but overall it was a good story.

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

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had excellent characters, with a compelling storyline that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The relationships between the characters were particularly well-developed, making them feel both realistic and relatable. The author did a fantastic job of creating a world that felt both enchanting and dangerous, which only added to the overall reading experience.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story with drama, mystery and suspense. I enjoyed their chemistry laden interactions. The scenes between the starring characters were well written and very enticing. I thought their drama was equally entertaining.

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

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. Helena is sassy, and intelligent woman. Theron is the blood thirsty, battle lust King determined to protect faefolk from humans. Helena is given to Theron and their journey begins.

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

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is entertaining and well written. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[J* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like this series, hope it continues

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story for its mysteries that centered around Helena and Theron. This book kept my attention as I read every word.