Chosen by the Dark Elf King: A King Thrushbeard Retelling

by Jessica Grayson, Aria Winter

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes scifi and fantasy romance with strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them.

She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.

For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com

Reviews

[Maari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a proper slow burn. Everyone was pretty decent in this book and the prose is psychologically sound. Auren and Vivienne are a nice pair and the text runs smooth. I especially enjoyed Auren's unfaltering loyalty and dedication, as well as his caretaking of her, even though fated mates trope and overwhelming sense of possessiveness (mine, mine, mine, etc) are generally very much not to my liking.

I really, really appreciated deliberate, free consent in this book and the MML's restraint. Not one cringe moment. Enough time was given for processing feeling of betrayal as well. Vivienne had plenty of good reasons to protest the union schemed by her closest male relatives and I pitied her for what she had to put up with. Auren's character however didn't go to my nerves and I liked how Vivienne had enough space and time to choose and give (and take away) consent regarding him.

I also liked the unexpected turn the events related to the "antagonist" took, that was a surprise.
If to find any fault at all, then by the very last chapters, the excessive sugary sentimentality started to feel redundant, especially with the bonus epilogue, as well. All the repeated mutual obsession with each other's good looks, repeated declarations, being constantly mesmerised by either muscles or form grew a bit old. You really like each other, I get it. No need to go over and over again how excited you are to see yourself together bc it ended up being too much of the good thing accumulated in the end.

Nevertheless, it's one of the best novels in this genre I've read in a long time. Excellent.

[Denise O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Vivienne must choose a husband before her 23rd birthday because of a bargain her father made with the Goblin King. So far she has rejected every suitor that has been bought to her. In her heart she wants to marry for love, not for riches or be kept in a gilded cage, she still wants to see the world!

When Auren sees Vivienne for the first time, seeing her rejecting the suitors before her, he admires her wit just as much as her beauty. He also realises she’s his fated mate so he comes up with a plan to have her marry him, he never wanted anything more.

When Vivienne accepts his marriage proposal, she doesn’t realise he is keeping a secret from her. As they set on their journey back to Auren’s home, he wants her to choose him freely. Even though she’s not happy with the situation she’s in Vivienne knows he’s a good man and won’t let anything happen to her.

And as the story unfolds, danger is never too far away and decisions to be made can she give him her heart even though he lied to her and for Auren he hopes she can forgive him for she everything to him, his equal the other half of his heart 💕

This was such beautifully written story, Jessica has a gift of creating these enchanted worlds with such emotional depth that once you start reading it’s hard to put the book down. If you love stories with a fantasy setting, fated mates, possessive MMC, fierce FMC, guaranteed HEA and when he says “mine” then this is a must read 💕

[OneDayI'll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I wasn't sure that Viv's behavior was redeemable at first. She comes off as beyond spoiled princess. There's biting words in defense, and then there's name calling. I get why she acted that way, but it was a bit much. But, once she leaves defensive mode she is a likeable character. Auren is a cinnamon roll from the start. He calls her feisty and is all for it. As they travel they learn to communicate, they share moments, and nothing is ever rushed or forced emotionally. It was a quick sweet read. I'm a bit picky and I want more world building than this author usually provides. I want the culture, the day to day lives, the history- not just of the characters but the different beings, the bonding moments, them learning about their roles and what's expected of them, all of it. But that's me, and I know not many authors provide that in this genre anymore.

[Amazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Retelling w/a twist!

This was a delightful romantic fantasy retelling with a hero who quickly turned his obsession with the heroine to devotion.

The story provides the familiar King Thushbeard fairy-tale spine but set within a universe with dark elves, forced proximity and the push/pull intense romantic tension that made it hard to put my Kindle down.

The romance has a lovely development, attraction, and the slow realization that neither of them is walking away from it.

Its a good pace, steamy and satisfying, with a hero who absolutely falls first and the heroine is strong enough to make him work for it.

If you love fairy-tale retelling, dark elves and fated-feeling romances with possessive heroes, all in a fantasy romance setting filled with heat and heart, then book (and author) is for you.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen by the Elf King is a ninth book in the once upon a fairy tale romance series.
FMC Princess Vivienne has been rejecting suitors all day as her father the King becomes more and ever more disheartened at his daughters behavior.
Luckily for this Princess she will be in for a little surprise soon in the person of MMC Auren a dark Elf who may not look like a royal but is, and daddy has just agreed to their marriage.
For his part Auren knows his mate when he catches her scent!
I enjoyed their story which had spice, angst, danger, humor, passion, intrigue, nice writing and engaging characters who brought it all together in a fabulous read.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 9 of Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance. Can be read as a standalone.

'The problem?
The man I married is hiding something.
He’s not a soldier.
He’s a King.
And now that I know the truth…
I fear I’ve given him the one thing I can’t take back—my heart.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the girl is unbearable in the beginning, but as the story goes on she gets better and the story overall is so good! I definitely recommend giving this a read! It's a great fairytale retelling! I hate that the author actually made me enjoy the story and characters because man Vivienne was just so bad.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing fantasy/fairytale romance!! I absolutely loved it! It is steamy-sweet and full of swoony adventure.. Endearing, addictive characters and storyline.

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

[Dream klailat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep on loving

I loved the characters. The story was interesting, fun & light reading. But, there were many repetitions throughout ( word for word at times). It didn't stop me from finishing the book & loved the ending.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cozy, feel-good fantasy romance with hilarious banter, plenty of spice, and a fairy-tale happily-ever-after! It was such an easy and enjoyable read snd I’m excited to read more of the books! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

What can I say? I just love this authors writing. Her books are always so full of action and adventures. I love the romance. This book was well written. I highly recommend reading this book.