Gideon

Chosen Champions #2

by Macy Blake

Gideon is a centuries-old vampire warrior with a broken heart...

Which is why he’s vowed never to risk it again. Instead, he’s channeled his passion and his legendary self-control into becoming a skilled protector -- one who’s promised to wield his sword alongside a young wolf shifter leader on a mission from the mysterious Oracle to protect the human realm against the broken magic that threatens its very existence. He’s doing just fine without love, thank you very much… at least until his incubus ex reappears in his life.

Taj is an incubus without a home…

And that is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Banished to the human realm, Taj is learning the hard way that survival is for the fittest and, um… he’s not as fit as he thought he was. Not when his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Still, it’s only when another incubus is involved in a series of brutal attacks and Taj’s ex, Gideon, rides to the rescue that Taj learns just how dangerous this human realm might be to his life... and to his heart.

But although the fire between Gideon and Taj burns hotter than ever, they’ll need to break through the wall of secrets that divides them if they want a chance to set things right...

A second chance for the human realm.

A second chance at finding a home in the welcoming arms of their new pack.

And a second chance at building a future… together.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Magic, Romance

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2021

About the author

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.

Reviews

[☆ Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of along the same lines as the first book in the series, this second book was fun, but not quite as memorable as the "Chosen One" or "Hellhound" stories.

Here we got more of Logan and Bailey's pack members, but with the addition of Taj's best friend and biggest supporter, Erich, too.

Some more crossover characters included Henry (!!!) and some of his many, many mates, from the "Chosen One" series, which was cute and made me smile.

Oddly, my favorite parts were the intense, creepy-assed scenes with Taj and Erich working at the dangerous, underground, Fae club. Talk about pins and needles, guys. Better them than me on that one.

I didn't feel as though the romance got that strong of a focus, but I think that may have been because they'd already been there and done that, then broken up, so they skipped those courting steps in lieu of growth, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

With more story to tell, we still didn't get the identity of the Bad Magical Guy pulling the strings, or the secret identity of the mysterious Oracle character, so I'll for sure continue the series in, UGH, 5 months, when the next third installment is released.

4.25 stars.

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[Cæsar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon:

Intense!!!

This time this adventure got heavier, the book approached a distressful subject, showed a reality that can happen with a lot of people, the plot was smartly constructed using the supernatural tools to do it, I was at the edge of my seat several times, I was thrilling!!!!
Congratulations to Macy Blake!!!

Michael Dean was spectacular on Audible, great acting and amazing technique!!! Kudos to him!!!

5⭐️


Jamal:

This is the book of a story that happened along side with Gideon's, just a little treat and equally interesting, it was fun!!!!

5⭐️

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread/Relisten: April 2023

a good addition to this series. can't wait to read book three, then scouts book!

4 stars: July 2022

to me this book was way better than book one, i like Bailey and Logan more in this book than theirs...whooops haha

Gideon and Taj, they were good together when they decided to give each other a chance. I think that they needed that long break to grow up and find out that they were what one another needed.

Also this pack turned it around for me in this book (i was hesitant in the last book), but really, they shouldn't be calling on creepy Randy for help..

i can't wait to read Spencer and Aleron's book next!

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
So this time we have growly Gideon and mysterious Taj in a 2nd chance romance. The attraction between both is still strong, as is the tension they create every time they meet. So it's not exactly a slow burn because they still burn for each other but it takes some time to be able to make amends with their past and Taj's decision. That Taj is now at the center of the current lead to the packs on-going case makes it impossible for Gideon to stay away and when he learns about his living conditions and his struggles with life in the human realm the vampire loner shows that he can be a grumpy sweetheart.

I enjoyed the continuous and subtle world building and the addition of new characters. I love the mystery case and although we don't get much details in this book it seems to becomes real thread and is part of the overall story arc. There are some scenes with a lot of delicious danger vibes. However for me there was a odd unbalance between that building danger at the club and the adorable quirkiness in pack life with a focus on food but I suppose the danger is going to seep more into their every day life in later books, so I don't mind and believe Macy Blake planned it that way.

There we are at my issue: Taj. Firstly I'm not able to imagine Taj before their split, so the reason for their split felt fabricated, more excuse than reason. I would have needed more details to get a better understanding about the situation. The same applies for the reason why Taj is banished from the Fae realm. Maybe I missed something or a detail from previous books slipped my memory? Secondly it's about Taj being an incubus. I get it, that he doesn't like to use his abilities and that his special situation makes him vulnerable but somehow in my mind all that creates the picture of a reluctant but nice twink. Incredibly loyal to his friends and with a lot of strong moments but far from a powerful incubus. It might be me, but there are quite a lot of facets of Taj I'm not able to bring together to picture a coherent character.

So what we get is a addictive story with humor, drama, action and a nice romance but with less steam than expected for a story featuring an incubus as a main character and because I'm really looking forward to the next book I round rating up.

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I still love the series and the audio made me bump up a star. I still do not understand how someone could literally be starving and everyone but the vamp doing him knows? I also did not like Bailey as much in this one and that he bonded with the best friend and not Taj irked me a bit.

Michael Dean makes everything sound emotional and this one really needed that extra oomph.

As always, read this in order as per Macy's website. But there is one thing I would change, the next thing to read after this is Cosmo's short story as it will pick up immediately after this one. Then read Jamal. I think one might forget that ending if you read Jamal first.

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I love this world

and I hope it goes on forever. This was a second chance romance while it was done well, but I'm not gonna lie, it was underwhelming. I just didn't feel the spark that all the other couples had. I mean, you don't know that someone you feel so much for was starving?

Outside of that, the big baddy of this spin off is still going on. I do hope all the members of the pack, including the humans, get their HEA.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was good but a couple of the characters just seemed to annoy me throughout the book.
Bailey was always there bossing everyone around and getting in your face and Taj seemed more concerned about Erich and gave him the final say in his and Gideon's relationship status.
It was nice seeing Henry and some of his mates come into the story.
Sorry I couldn't give it a better rating but annoying characters will definitely bring it down for me.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t lie. I can’t decide if this was really as good as I think it was, or if it’s just been so long since I read something new that I really, really enjoyed. I’ve been rereading old favorites. I’m pretty sure if I were to actually add the number of times I’ve reread the same books the last few months, I’d be well beyond my 150 books for the year. So yea. This book was awesome sauce. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. For now 🤷🏽‍♀️


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
I Kid You Not – Magical Mates, Book 3
Sugar Honey Iced Tea – Magical Mates, Book 3.5
Hell Breaks Loose – Hellhound Champions, Book 4
Logan – Chosen Champions, Book 1
Gideon – Chosen Champions, Book 2
Jamal – Chosen Champions, Book 2.5
Cosmo and the King
Aleron – Chosen Champions, Book 3
Scout – Chosen Champions, Book 4
With Kid Gloves – Magical Mates, Book 4

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one big time

I wrote a really long and detailed explanation of exactly why I loved this book so much...

Then my bloody Kindle app crashed and lost it all, so I'm well annoyed now.

It was fabulous, I loved everything about it, Gideon and Taj were such a wonderful pairing.

I loved the way they'd never stopped loving each other and the road back together totally worked for me.

Great Easter Egg appearances from the other Chosen Universe series' and I'm itching now for Aleron and Spencer's book.

Steaming hot, all the feels and a creepy plot developing, love it!

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness I'll eventually catch up , from the beginning. I'm just having too much fun. Following the building of this Pack!

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of thought there would've been more "fighting"? I mean, Gideon hated Taj, right? People are allowed to be upset with people. They don't have to automatically forgive and fall into bed.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Macy Blake. Her stories are full of family, pack, love and danger. I loved Logan and Bailey in the first book, but Gideon is just so sexy. I listened to this as an audiobook and Michael Dean was incredible. My only disappointment was that I wanted more details about removing the bracelets. Still I highly recommend this if you enjoy paranormal stories.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Gideon and Taj are so perfect. I love the whole Chosen Universe world and always devour each book as it comes out. I love Logan’s pack that he and Gideon are building whether the broody vampire wants it or not. But Logan and Bailey are hard to deny and they won’t let Taj get away from them either. Pack helps pack and always sticks together. I love the addition of Erich and Spencer. I think Aleron is going to have his hands full!

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bronwyn Heeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know why but I have such a hard time really getting into the books in this series (and yes, there’s only two so far, but it’s happened twice now, so I’m running with it). I don’t know exactly what it is, but I find myself dragging out a book that I would normally read in one day and it’s odd. The worse is, I like the characters enough and the romance works especially this one, and at the end of it all I want more, I want the next book more than anything else, but still it takes days to get through one little book.

So does this mean it’s the mystery aspect I don’t like? could be, but more then anything I just don’t find it anything at all. I get it, it works as a whole, but its not like we are getting any real information about it, just a small step forward, as clearly, it’s the main plot for the series.

Saying this I still believe you need to read the Hellhound series and some others because they don’t explain a few key people who kinda need to be explained (or not enough to have this be the only thing you read)

I liked Bailey a lot more in this one, I thought it was maybe because he settled into himself where as the first book he was all new, but I think a lot of it is that he’s much more suited to a secondary character then a first (and I’m the type of person who can see a secondary character only working in that role and not making them a main character – it’s a bitch I have a lot about tv shows) – Trigger Warning for Food, as it’s the main thing they focus on as a pack.

Gideon and Taj just worked for me, though I wouldn’t have loved to seen Taj in his prime, even if it was for a little bit. I think it would have been cool. But I liked the second chance they had (plus it’s a fav troupe) and the way they acknowledge the time that had passed and yeah, they are cute together.

I also liked the new characters that were introduced. I honestly CAN’T WAIT for the next book and hope we get one for the cop too, even if it’s a side novella. Those two clearly need to get things going. Though It would also be cool if it because something more cannon of the series because they both work for the pack, but we’ll see what’s to come when it does.

I think that’s all I can think of right now, and in all honesty I'm not really sure I said anything at all, but there you have it

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

In this second book in the Chosen Champions series, things are heating up. Part of the larger Chosen One universe, this series can be read on its own, but this book needs to be read in order following Logan, the first in the series. Blake laid the groundwork in the first book, and both MCs were introduced there, though Taj had a much smaller role. However, the author did a great job of starting the tension between the two, and priming the reader for this next book. Two things happen here, as with classic Blake books. We have the love story between Gideon and Taj intertwined with the mounting danger facing the human realm that the pack, at the direction of the Oracle, are tasked to handle.

So first off, I’m a sucker for reunited lovers and this book has everything I love about this trope. These two guys crashed and burned years ago, both getting in their way. But their love was deep, and it has persisted for decades. Back in each other’s lives, they have to work through everything within themselves and with each other before they can have their HEA.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to this world. Great cameos and great forward motion of the overall story.

Still not any clue as to who the Oracle is but I'm kind of ok with that. You know once we find that out this series in the overall Chosen World will come to an end.

I'm off to read Cosmo's story now.

[Sabrina Morissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rounded up

ARC received in exchange for a honest review

I discovered Macy Blake’s books this summer (2021) with the prequel Sweet Nothings. Since then, I made my way through almost all her back list, including every interconnected series in the Chosen One universe.

Gideon is part of that universe, and would be best enjoyed if you’re familiar with that universe first. At the very least, you should read Logan beforehand.

That being said, I really enjoyed the few hours I got to spend knowing Gideon better and meeting with Taj.

Gideon is a 200ish year-old vampire who is part of Logan and Bailey’s pack. This is no ordinary pack, since it has a mix of different species and humans alike. It’s all about friendship and your chosen family. Taj is an incubus, and Gideon’s ex-boyfriend. So it’s a second-chance romance. They both had their heart broken by each other, but they cannot denied that there’s still something between them.

I loved their connection and the importance they give to friendship (especially for Taj). I liked to have characters from previous books and interconnected series make an appearance. The element of mystery and danger was also on point with the universe Macy Blake created. I quite enjoyed it, even if I would have preferred a little bit more steam, especially with an incubus MC.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little note to start: The story arch continues in this book so you really would be best starting with Logan first. Actually start at the very beginning with Sweet Nothings (you won’t regret it) as it explains the trouble the chosen world is experiencing.

In Logan we got an idea of what kind of character Gideon was. To me a lighter vampire than Andvari but carrying a burden in his heart. At times he’s grumpy and growly but underneath, he’s a sweetheart who has found his need for a pack as much as they need him, although he won’t admit it! From the brief interaction with Taj we saw, it was clear he was still nursing a gaping wound and had regrets.

Gideon opens with a car chase which is always a great start to any book. We get to see the pack and more of the character development. Gideon clearly has a strong affection for the alpha mate and his pack mates.

Taj is struggling, being a lost soul in a world he doesn’t fully understand. It’s clear from the get go he needs a support system for him and his best friend.

Seeing cast members from the previous books in this world is always fun and adds an extra realness to the world. A few little Easter eggs will excite previous readers of Macy’s books.

Some new characters introduced that I hope come to be part of the series, which just continue to enrich this world.

The action packed book with lots of moments of tense suspense gives you a edge of the seat read at moments, sweet moments and hot sex scenes give an all rounded story.

One of the things I love most about Macy’s writing is her dropping in so many different mythological creatures. Another thing to love is every new book leaves more questions and possible matches. This is an excellent addition and instant reread. With each new book Macy drops into this fantastic world you get more sucked in and wish you could be and extra! All the stars.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't have the same banter as book one but that's probably good because it shows Gideon and Taj as different people. Essentially Gideon, a warrior vampire, is faced with his incubus ex who abandoned him years ago, as it turns out when Taj's father told him his feeling were just normal and not special. He's trapped in the earth realm and was basically homeless when Erich took him in and taught him out to survive. He still doesn't understand how the world works and is confused. But Bailey intends on adopting him whether Gideon likes it or not and when weird magical stuff starts happening it turns out Taj and Erich are more closely involved than they realize.

I liked that Taj and Gideon get back together pretty quickly. Taj explains why he left and they both admit they were young and stupid and Gideon is determined to make it work and Taj is determined to keep Erich safe while keeping the fact their are paranormal's a secret.

I liked that the human members of the pack continue to grow and be part of the team and not just add-ons. They bring the to the battles, they can save themselves and are not weaker necessarily than the paranormals. I also liked that Bailey still has PTSD and anxiety, not that he has it, but that it's not just swept under the rug and he's "all cured" now because he's happily mated. They also all adjust and find ways to help him get through his anxiety and mention that he sees a therapist.

You still see everyone in this book playing a role. There are lots of cameos by people from other books (Hellhounds) who I only have a vague knowledge of, but you can still enjoy this without knowing every detail about who they are. Enough is explained to get by.

I look forward to the next book. Aleron and all his money will be interesting to see meet up with a socially awkward witch.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would LOVE to read more about what happened with Gideon and Taj in the past as well as they acknowledging their first break-up, the anger, and the hurt behind it, BEFORE both succumbed to their sexual attraction. It would make a better story, for me anyway.

And I'm still pretty much annoyed with how these champions look clueless and incompetent in knowing the bad guy's identity as well as catching them. EVEN with hellhounds coming from the portal. BUT, I guess I have to settle down to the fact that it looks like it will be an arc for the whole series. So there will be minimum progress in that department until the very last book.

Oh well. Still, it's a fast and easy read, which fit with what I'm looking for right now.

PS: I still LOVE Bailey and his human friends. Bailey kicks ss as the human alpha-mate. Yes, bow down to Bailey's powers, you all supernatural beings! Or no foods for you 🤭

[andrea moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon

The pack that Logan is building just keeps getting better with each addition of both human and supernatural characters, Macy’s world building is just amazing and I just can’t wait for more!

[Malena Mendes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man…
First of all, Gideon was good. It gave Taj’s past which made me love him even more for the things that he survived. It gave me Gideon being a LOVESICK SAP with all the “ you haunt my dreams, and now you haunt my waking hours” (!!!! I meAN). It gave me my fucking pack thriving!!! And with that Logan finally feeling himself in the shoes of being an Alpha. It gave my cinnamon Bailey being The mom. It also introduced two new characters that I’ll probably give my life to: Erich and Spencer. (I can’t barely put in to words the pure feeling of yearning that I have for Aleron’s book)
But
I was left feeling that something was missing. I mean, in Logan, it appears that Taj did something really terrible to Gideon. That what once was love it was now lost forever. And then we start this book and… hmmm it was not that terrible??
They were both young and in lust and parents trying to keep them apart, and that was it. I felt a little misguided in the narrative, and that made me create high expectations to the plot. I loved that this was a story about second chances, of recognizing their mistakes and really that about their expectations about a future together. About The Chosen champions big plot there’s not much to say, giving that NOTHING REALLY HAPPENS. I confess that I’m starting to feel frustrated with this “something’s happening but at the same time we have no clue so yeah lets just keep waiting” but it’s not like I’m gonna stop reading 🤪🤪🤪

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taj has been banished to the human realm and he has idea how to survive until he meets Erich. But now Taj's past is coming back to hurt him or bring him back the love of his life. Gideon's heart was broken when Taj left him and he has been hard and bitter since then. Now Taj is back and both are trying to figure out if or how to be together again. When Taj admits why he broke up with Gideon was just heartbreakingly sweet. I loved Bailey trying to feed Taj and then Erich. I can't wait for the next book!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why can't I love ALL the books written by my favorite authors? Am I too picky? Do I expect too much? Or, am I just human with varying tastes and sometimes a book or series just doesn't click for me? Yeah, I'm going with that one! *grin*

This is NOT a bad book! Neither was Logan... but, for some reason, they just aren't grabbing me and pulling me under...

As a continuation of the Chosen Universe, the stories are doing a great job... and I know that I will read the next book when it comes out because, well, I just have to know what is going to happen next! LOL!!!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I love Bailey even more than I already loved? He is such a mom and Logan can be my alpha please? Gideon and Taj were the sweetest, and I loved seeing how the pack is stronger and united in this one, finally showing their power together.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all of the books in this entire universe, I had the feeling this was one of the more predictable ones. I did like it, and the story is really captivating... but comparing it to the bomb that was "Logan" this was kind of a let down...

[Amy Aislin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as strong for me as book one in this Chosen Champions series. Gideon had no personality, so it made it a boring hero, and while I liked Taj, it felt like he was always being comforted about something. Still an enjoyable read, just not as strong as the first one when it comes to characters.

[Carole Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. Too much whining and kind of boring. Not sure why this book didn’t connect with me as it seemed to with others. I continued on reading and finish the book for the story arc. I want to read Aleron.