Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Chosen One #4

Nothing Gained

Rate this book
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07VF924H7

Sawyer Smith’s life is a hot mess.

Hot, because he’s found six of his eight mates. To say things are heating up between them is putting it mildly.

A mess, because he’s the Chosen One, the son of a goddess with no powers of his own, tasked with fixing the broken magic in his world... and he has no clue how to do it.

With every new layer of mystery that's revealed, Sawyer's doubts about his abilities get stronger. To complicate matters, Sawyer is growing weaker by the day. Meanwhile, his newest guardian, the one he’s calling Yellow Eyes, refuses to reveal himself.

With time running out, Sawyer's desperate enough to make a daring move -- one that's potentially deadly for him and his mates. Because at the end of the day, if there’s nothing ventured… there’s Nothing Gained.

232 pages, ebook

First published July 23, 2019

290 people are currently reading
318 people want to read

About the author

Macy Blake

55 books702 followers
Macy Blake believes in unicorns and fairies, in moonbeams and stardust, and that happily ever after comes in all colors of the rainbow. When she’s not busy at the day job, she loses herself in paranormal romance, living vicariously through her favorite sexy fictional heroes. These days you can often find her pounding away at the keyboard, trying to capture the magic of her own worlds.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,039 (47%)
4 stars
777 (35%)
3 stars
324 (14%)
2 stars
40 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,442 reviews1,583 followers
August 20, 2021

ME: "FUUUUCK, this is *not* the last book???"

ALSO ME: "YAAAAAY, this is *not* the last book!!!"

Yeah, I'm totally conflicted on that one.




I'd thought this was the finale of the series, where there would be a huge battle, good would triumph over evil, and Sawyer and his 8 Guardian mates would all live happily ever after, The Big Ole' Polygamous End.

Instead, we did get a ton of plot movement, but still no Big Final Battle between Sawyer and his brother.

On a positive note, all of the pieces are now in place, so I'm assuming that the next book will (probably?) include the showdown with The Big Bad, and all will then be right with the world.

AND. I. CANNOT. WAIT!

One thing that I found odd about this book was that, if you read this series in order, without reading the Hellhound series first, as I have not, this book felt *very* spoilery as to some major events that take place in book 3 of the "Hellhounds Champions" series.

It was weird, since I was reading along, then all of a sudden, with zeeeeeero warning, there's paragraph after spoilery paragraph about Sawyer's older brother, Nick, which I was *apparently* supposed to already have been privy to. It totally threw me out of the story and was more than a little confusing (and annoying.)

If I had to guess, after book 3 of this series, you might need to read all 3 of the Hellhounds books, then read this 4th story, for the timeline to not skip around like Mexican jumping beans, but I'm not positive. Either way, the criss-crossing timelines between the two series' wasn't cute.

Lastly, a huge shout out goes to Pip , whose every word and action made me want to get to know him all the more. He was an awesomely-quirky and funny new character. Every single one of Pip's continuing reactions to meeting one after another (after another) of Sawyer's mates was hilarious.
Pip had no idea who Sawyer was, but clearly he had a lot of bodyguards. And mates. Don’t forget that Sawyer also seemed to be a giant mate-hog. So unfair.
The steam was again kept to manageable levels, but the ever-growing closeness and feelings between the mates continued its steady rise, much to my liking.

4.25 *anxiously-awaiting-book-five* stars.

-----------------------------------------------

This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.

See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)

-----------------------------------------------
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,662 reviews459 followers
February 23, 2024
Reread February 2024

I'd forgotten how much I loved this series.

Reread June 2021

Still in love with it.

Reread February 2020 in preparation for the final release! Ugh! I don't want it to end

Still love this series so much.

Originally read July 2019

Once again, I'm blown away by this series. New things are coming to light and Sawyer is gaining his memories as well as power. New guardians are added and one may be just a tad bit of an asshole. You know who I'm looking at yellow eyes.

I just absolutely love all the other mates so I'm hoping yellow eyes will grow on me. And then there's another cutie added to the mix. I know he's going to be a handful and keep all the mates on their toes. Seems like he's going to be just what they all need.

I'm already jonesing for the next book. But I have a feeling Macy Blake is going to rip our hearts out before it all gets better.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
August 1, 2019
So we have a lot more of the puzzle pieces now and that's good. I think we are going to get to a final resolution soon which is good also. There are a few huge plot holes* that I really don't get and this book kinda makes that worse but I'm going along for the ride anyway.

I liked that this episode had more intimacy with Draco and more interaction/connection between the mates besides just with Sawyer.

I actually can't wait to see how Pip fits in. I'm going to like that mate, I think.

There is such a huge cast of characters now there really should be a glossary in front that lays out who/what everyone is along with both names if necessary, like Cecil and the tiger. I can't remember who Victor is, etc...

Looking forward to the next one.

*Spoiler
Profile Image for ⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•.
1,586 reviews296 followers
April 2, 2023
(Reread + adding tags in March, 2023)
Yes, I did read book #3 & #4 in the same day. I again got angry that this didn't start from that holy cliffhanger from #3, but ok. Also, things are confusing for someone like me who STILL hasn't read any other book in universe, but not so much that you can't enjoy this 'cause I sure did again! I absolutely love the interaction b/w mates, & so many new findings. Like yellow eyes & Pip rescue 😁. Plus, meeting the parents! Ohohohoh. Finale's next. OMFG!

(Read in Feb, 2021)
5 -Who said nothing gained? 'cause we gained a lot!!- Stars⭐
This was all (old?) Sawyer's Plan all Along..
Gay harem sexy times, Meeting the parents *omg!*, Finding Significant clues & doing Rescues. Yup, many important things!

SERIES REVIEW (Chosen One, Book 1-5)

I'm in Love & Awe with this series❤. With the Romance, hot Gay Sex & Adventures, it kept me on my toes! I popped two of my cherries with this series: This was my 1st by Macy Blake; My 1st Gay Harem, Fantasy & PNR made it all the more perfect; & the largest harem I've read till date, omg 9 guys?! I binge read this entire series😘.

The Individuality of each guy was Awesome & how we gradually meet'em. I loved the Multiple POVs!
We have our main guy: Sawyer; Smart, Complex, Creative, Delightful; The Chosen One, Human/Magical Null/God (?!?!).
Then we have the 8 Guardians...Who's attraction to eachother & Sawyer maybe unconventional but with Good reason! *Ahem, Mates*
Draco; Growly & Protective; The Dragon, Sawyer's Friend.
Henry; Smart & Guy Next door Vibes; The Mage/Seer.
Eduard; Elegant & Charming; The Griffin, Billionaire.
Andvari; Quiet & Observant; The Vampire Warrior.
Saeward; Sweet & Gentle Giant; The Hippocamp.
Loch; Funny & Sleek; The Fae Warrior.
Dakota; Dark & Deep, the one who took the most time to warm up to Sawyer (Reasons..!); The Lynx.
Pip; Cute & Hilarious; The Kushtaka. I'd have liked to have more time with him, as we get him in last book.

I love all of them so much! I adored all the Various side Characters here & how everyone talked most things out. The World-Building Is good (Enough to sustain The story), Macy made her whole Myth world, it's fun!
As the threat gets Revealed, Dangers increases. Secrets Found, Pieces of the Puzzle Stringed. The Finale was great! I hope, if I have time, I'll read the other books in the Chosen One Universe Soon! #MustRead
_________

NOTHING GAINED
I felt a little lost as I Haven't read The other books in this universe but I read on (just a little slowly) & We Find so much!!! Can't believe it's Sawyer's Blood "(ex?) Air God" Brother who's the bad guy!

It's been a Few days since last book, Mikey still hasn't woken up & Sawyer's other bro Nick+his mate (love'em!) is here too. We get more explanation regarding the last book's ending!
Sawyer's health has been depleting fast & no one knows how to stop it (They'll find it!). Loch is insatiable & Joins Our gang in the Harem Sex *hot!* + mating!

Sawyer being the Chosen One News have Become viral & We meet Various Clans/Parents (Andvari's & Draco's for the 1st time!). It's so much fun!!
When Sawyer & our 6 Guardians need the most, Dakota-The 7th guardian/Yellow eyes- has to finally come out & helps them to help Sawyer gain power from his element. Dakota sheds light on many things. But He doesn't like Sawyer at all *Reasons*.

"Mates are a choice. A Gift."
There's Worry, About past talks, Goddess Acquaintances, Swoons, Meeting Fam, Gifts & Dragon Armor, Truths, God of Metal, Raven Truths, Angry words, Care...
With Henry's breakthrough (by sex!) & Dakota's Help, The Visions assist to Rescue The 8th guardian -Pip! (He's cute & funny!) & Sawyer's Guide! *Yay!*
At last, We see Dakota & Sawyer in a fight, finally (Angry)talking the animosity out...& Finding Why Sawyer's old self did this all!!

P.s. I love How Draco courts his mates! Loch learning the human ways is fun❤. I hope Dakota soon warm ups to them! Next up is the finale😉.
Profile Image for Cæsar.
284 reviews30 followers
September 21, 2025
Intriguing!!

Interesting plot, with big reveals, really fascinating, I adored the characters, all of them, extremely hot scenes, I was pleased! Kudos to Macy Blake!!!



On Audible, Michael Dean gave a spectacular performance, amazing acting, fully engaged, it was a pleasure!!!!

5⭐️
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,456 reviews
August 1, 2019
4.25 stars

***Dropped down because I was confused as hell by the references to "Hellhound Champions" which should have been a continuation instead of a spin off.***

Reading Order:

Sweet Nothings
All or Nothing
Nothing Ventured
Double or Nothing
Hell on Earth
Hell to Pay
Give Him He'll
Next to Nothing
Nothing Gained

As the series progresses I'm more invested in how this will all play out. I hope Sawyer is the man that Dakota needs in his life and he can get over his anger. Ready for the next book.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews274 followers
November 19, 2019
Ugh. I'm annoyed.

My fault...I thought this series was finished and it isn't.

Not my fault...there is a reading order that includes the other series...ugh, ugh, ugh.

This book felt like it was full of spoilers and now I know.

Partly my fault I guess, the Author does post a reading order on her website...

Regardless of my annoyance, I am still enjoying this series but just don't want to have to wait for more!

Who even knew I'd end up liking this? HA!

Profile Image for Zuzu.
1,062 reviews34 followers
Read
July 27, 2019
22% in and I'm DNF'ing. For now. It's KU and I may eventually try to finish it. The story is just dragging for me and I'm not enjoying it.
Profile Image for Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈.
1,726 reviews435 followers
May 23, 2021
Well sh*tballs. I knew the series wasn’t completed when I started reading. I’m assuming I didn’t realized how HOOKED I would be when I started. I’ve binged this weekend. I’ve read all 10 available books of the combined series. I regret nothing, but... can we get the next book soon? Please?

Reread 2/5/2020 now on to book 5!

2/11/2020 reread after finishing book 5 in hopes of finding hints that I might have missed.

1/7/2021 no matter how many times I’ve read this series (and that’s a lot), in my mind the first 5 are really the only true mates. They are who I think of first. I love Saeward, but even he doesn’t really count. Don’t know why. On to book 5 reread!

SUGGESTED READING ORDER

Sweet Nothings- Prequel
- The Chosen One
The Trouble With Love
- Nothing But Trouble, Book 1
Santa Trouble
- Nothing But Trouble, Book 2
All or Nothing
- The Chosen One, Book 1
Nothing Ventured
- The Chosen One, Book 2
Hell on Earth
- Hellhound Champions, Book 1
Double or Nothing
Next to Nothing
- The Chosen One, Book 3
Hell To Pay
- Hellhound Champions, Book 2
Give Him Hell
- Hellhound Champions, Book 3
Nothing Gained
- The Chosen One, Book 4
Stop at Nothing
- The Chosen One, Book 5
Sweet Spot
All Kidding Aside
- Magical Mates, Book 1
Stop Kidding Around
- Magical Mates, Book 2
Hell Breaks Loose
- Hellhound Champions, Book 4
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,997 reviews437 followers
August 21, 2020
I'm running out of things to say about how brilliant this is

As above! Honestly, this series just gets better and better as it draws closer to the final denouement.

Sawyer's now got all eight Guardians, and I absolutely adore Pip and can't wait to find out more about him, and the tensions are building for the ultimate fight.

This series has been a total binge worthy read! Utterly brilliant.
Profile Image for Santy.
1,260 reviews76 followers
February 10, 2020
I started then stopped this book because I needed to wait till book #5 was released before concluding this book.
That book is out now so I finally got to finish this book!!

First off I loved this!

The last two guardians are as opposite as night and day. One I loved instantly and the other I’m sure I’ll get to like better in the final book.

The story was excellent as usual, the sexy times solid as usual and the banter and laughs up there as usual. I just love this series and cannot wait to read the final installment!
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,992 reviews24 followers
February 24, 2022
3-3.5 stars

Well to me Henry feels like he should be the “chosen one” and not Sawyer… Henry brings out all the romantic cute emotions to all the mates rather than Sawyer..idk if that’s just me.

Also wish that Pip was introduced way sooner he’s a much needed comedic relief haha.

But nothing was as funny as Henry and Loch’s library romp (with Loch being a little slow on the uptake with double entendres haha sheathing swords 😂)

I do feel like this series is being a little drawn out.. I feel like this could have been concluded by now, but let’s see what the next book brings. And yes I am waiting for the audiobook. This one just came out today that’s why I read it haha.
Profile Image for Nicki Rowe.
Author 13 books24 followers
August 6, 2019
Part of the reason that I love this series so much is because it's that classic Chosen One trope, and you think you know what's gonna happen, and Macy is like "hahah...nope!"

The other reason I love this series is because even there are so many men, they all disticntive personalities. You never get bored reading about them because they all work together so well, and each one is so different from the next.

I can't wait to see what happens next, especially with Dakota and Pip.

Seriously, if you haven't read this series yet, get on it!!
Profile Image for llv.
2,319 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2020
re-read: February 2020
While I still enjoyed this book just as much. Dakota managed to annoy me more this time around.

Rating: 4.5 stars
I must say this series just gets better and better for me. I absolutely love all the character (with the exception of a certain guardian) and love that we get at least a chapter from each of their perspectives. I love all the side characters. Viv especially made me smile throughout the book. It’s really hard to say all that I liked about the story because I don’t want to spoil anything. While a lot of things happen in the book, there is still many major plot threads that are left dangling at the end of this installment. Overall, a highly enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,073 reviews39 followers
February 19, 2023
Soooooooo good!!!!! I am absolutely loving this series. We are getting close to figuring out all of the little pieces, but we get just enough to keep us hanging on and then screaming and cursing because we want more. I love Sawyer and his merry band of gorgeous men.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Mariah.
1,394 reviews504 followers
June 3, 2022
great characters and relationships, weak plot

this is where the series started losing steam for me. and no, not THAT kind of steam.

this was fourth installement was fine, and the whole mate thing is so OTT in a fun way, I still love that aspect of it.
I also have great affection for the characters, the main lineup and the secondary ones as well, but the overarching plot is losing me a bit.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,843 reviews497 followers
October 29, 2021
So after the porn fest that was unfortunately book one I’ve found myself enjoying this series. I read book 2.5 Mikey’s story and also enjoyed that. But now there’s loads of mentioning of Nick. I feel I should know what’s happening. It’s spoiling my enjoyment of this book since I feel I’m missing something. I couldn’t find an additional book I checked them since this author has an interesting numbering system (book 0, 0.75, 0.76 as example).
Eventually (yes it was annoying me that much and yes I’m that sad) I went through her entire list of books checking the blurbs for Nick. I found him in Give Him Hell.

I feel like I should have read that first. And it annoyed me enough to take the shin off this one. That is until Pip makes his entrance. I just loved him, I mean seriously I want more Pip.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
723 reviews37 followers
May 13, 2024
This series seriously needs to come with the caveat of "you have to read all the other series to fully understand." Soo annoying. Has been from the beginning and has not gotten any better. Not worse either, but that really doesn't say much...

I did really liked how empathetic Sawyer is. Realises he's done some shit in the past and can't, since he can't remember, he can't do anything directly about it but understands and hates that he's hurt people. I liked Dakota's bit here since it really drove Sawyer's past home and let it be known that he wasn't always this type of person but kind of...?

When the parents come over is very sweet. And the dragon armor...! So freaking amazing.

The humor is often lost on me. So many pet peeves which makes it worse.
It was his patented response to eyebrow glare three hundred and eighty-six, and usually let Draco know in no uncertain terms that he meant business.
Okay. 1) "Patented." Yeah the fuck right. Hate when this is said. No one went through and actually paid for this nonsense. 2) Since when? Must have been throughout these other books we've alluded to but haven't read cuz this is so intermingled. 3) "Three hundred and eighty-six" actually equals 300.86. so shut tf up if you're going to try to be "patented look" with that following. Oh! and then She slapped it, and they did the complicated high-five routine they'd mastered after he'd agreed to eat-- What-the-fuck-ever. Nonsense!

Pip. Already not a fan. He's super OTT, especially with this noise he apparently keeps making. Soo annoying.

On that same bit: I don't really like all the different POVs. Normally I'm not a fan but it's whatever. However, this one makes it seem like the author just can't choose what to go with so throws a different voice into the mix. Pip's was especially so in this case. I dunno if we got the other Guardian's POVs so quick like this one but it wasn't appreciated here. I don't remember it being the case but that was also a minute ago...

I am interested enough to see how this ends so I'll read the next but if it doesn't finish it off, I'll probably be done. I hate how you have to read all the things between to fully understand what's going on and I'm not interested enough in the series to read those. There are some sweet and hot scenes but not much more for me so... Meh.
Profile Image for Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈.
1,726 reviews435 followers
January 28, 2022
As much as I love the Chosen One and all of the books associated with that world, I still feel like Pip and even Dakota were unnecessary add-ons. In my mind, Eduard, Andvari, Henry, Saeward, and Loch are the mates. Pip brings NOTHING to the table but comic relief and an extra body for sex. No matter how many times I’ve read the multitude of books in this world (and I’ve read them A LOT), I never understand the purpose nor the appeal of Pip. Sigh. That just sticks out each time I read this and the next book. It doesn’t diminish my love for all things Chosen One, but still…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Achim.
1,298 reviews86 followers
November 6, 2022
3.5
I finally warmed up to all the characters of this series already with the last book and just had to continue with this one immediately. I didn't got disappointed and enjoyed that some of them even got on-page time together without Sawyer and it was high time to get to meet the parents or in Andvari's case his clan leader (which was cut a bit short). Loch's goofy approach on innuendos added a nice silly distraction to the slowly becoming more serious plot.

At the end of the book we know what kind of god Sawyer is and finally we have all guardians in play. Looking at the other reviews it seems I'm in the minority when I'm saying: give me more Dakota and less Pip. Yes, Dakota is angry and seems to be unable to get his head out of his ass and fight the mating impulse stubbornly but he's there when needed and doesn't shy away from severe actions if they have to be done and that includes that he throws some truth at Sawyer that the other guardians easily ignore or excuse but that the Chosen One needs to know and accept. He's a nice fresh wind in all that lustful admiration around Sawyer (of course I hope he won't overdo in the next book but it doesn't look that way) and he brings some useful talents into the fold. Pip, on the other hand, seems to be a step back to the first 2 books where there was an abundance of lustful attraction, silly randiness and cute frolicking and where a situation couldn't be too dangerous or challenging that it couldn't be smoothed with a little or most of the time more than a little sex. To add such a cute, vulnerable character with a one-minded brain as the last guardian and therefore without a chance to train him or let him find a place with the mates only he can fill, seems like a big risk if he doesn't have a powerful talent i.e. a lot more than what is shown in this book.

Profile Image for Finnegan.
1,246 reviews60 followers
July 9, 2020
I would not advise binge reading the series in one go, as I did. Apparently, the Chosen One series should be read alongside the Hellhound series, as there happens a lot of things in book 4 of Chosen One that is a spoiler to Hellhounds. The characters refer to other people, places and incidents that happened off screen, that I feel you should know about to enjoy the books even more.

Well I did not know that, as I read the series as fast as I could, and it was still enjoyable. I was just annoyed at myself for not reading any reviews before I just plunge in!

I am now looking forward to book 5 as all the mates are found, and I really like Pip, and the Tiger was also pretty impressive. So now for the final battle in book 5!!
Profile Image for Esmée D'Costa.
342 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2023
3.25 ⭐️
Got a bit bored in the middle, didn’t have that with the other instalments of this series - but luckily it did pick up again towards the end.

Still love the writing cause it has nice flow but the plot was a bit jumbled in this book! Sometimes it dragged and sometimes if felt very rushed!

As always the characters are amazing and I loveeee the new additions to our group 👀🫶🏼
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,204 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2019
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

I love this series - I can’t seem to ever get enough.

This instalment was gripping yet intense as everything starts coming together.

Sawyer and his mates continue to strengthen their bond and their love for each other truly shined.

Yellow eyes was an interesting addition yet it’s his anger towards Sawyer, that gave it a different spin.

Pip made me laugh when he tries to determine which hotty was his mate, only to be disappointed because they’re all Sawyer’s mates. I was quite surprised by the final guardian - Pip wasn’t what I was expecting.

Tony, the white tiger, was adorable, and I loved how Pip interacted with him.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,363 reviews42 followers
August 3, 2019
OK, I am seriously going to do a chart to keep track of the mates, especially during the sex scenes!

As for this book, we got a clearer picture of the whole "why" back story and all mates have been found, and I am totally in love with the 8th and final mate... he is my kind of guy, just over the top adorable! *grin*

My biggest complaint is the wait to read the next book... waiting is NOT my forte! *headdesk*
5,704 reviews39 followers
July 26, 2019
yes yes yes yes yes.. this series gets better and better.. i love seeing the newer guards.. the new loves.. the new fears and anger haha.. so many interesting emotions and things going on. i loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.