Scout

Chosen Champions #4

by Macy Blake

Coal Volsunga is a dragon convinced he’s better off alone…

As alone as a dragon who is part of a pack can be, that is. Although he loves the work, his feelings are starting to get involved, especially for a wolf entirely too involved with pack life for a loner like Coal.

Jack “Scout” Jerrick is a wolf with two packs, but only one heart…

Dividing his time between his father’s pack and his new one hasn’t been an issue for Scout. He’s learning to protect the secrets of the shifter world and the innocents involved in a dangerous war over magic and power. But when he develops feelings for the cantankerous dragon in his new pack, things begin to get a whole lot more complicated.

After Scout is kidnapped by the mysterious threat hunting their pack, Coal realizes being alone isn’t his life’s mission after all. If he and Scout are able to survive, they must

…put aside their preconceived notions and work together to save their pack,

…learn to love and heal when nothing is as it seems,

…and realize when it comes to being mates, there’s nothing they won’t do to save each other.

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

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

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

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute cracker of a romance from Macy

Oh I absolutely loved this book and read it all in one go!

I also wanted to give Macy a right good telling off for some of the stuff that goes on in this one too because OMG my heart was in my throat so many times as the action and the threat level ramps up about a thousand degrees!

Scout's all grown up now and he's a wolf shifter with a mission, to find out who's hunting both his packs and end them. He's also desperately trying to avoid the fact he's unbelievably attracted to his dragon packmate Coal...

...it doesn't work!

The two of them are explosive together and the scene after they come together in a blaze of fiery hot and steaming sexy times, including the realisation they're also mate mates, is hilarious as Coal goes into caveman mode to provide for his love.

They're ridiculously sweet for each other too but when the stakes are ramped up and Scout is captured by the enemy, the proverbial really hits the fan.

Things get really hairy for a while and I hated reading how much pain Coal is in while his mate is missing, the situation Scout finds himself in isn't that great either.

But I also appreciated the subtle use of humour which Macy brings in through the use of the villain's name reveal - which I won't be spoiling as it's epically brilliant throughout the whole chapter.

There's twists and turns all over the place, there's appearances from pretty much all the major players in the Chosen Universe, which I always love, and we get to find out more about the mysterious Oracle who's been directing Logan's pack efforts to find the source of all the latest trouble.

Again, no spoilers but I had a great big doh of course it is! moment when that information comes to light.

With the pace accelerating throughout this series as it draws to a conclusion, I'm really hoping we don't have to wait a year to get book five!

[☆Kylie☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okayish book. Okayish series, review to come (if I don't forget) book 3 is bad tho.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

I think this one is the favorite of the series for me. A lot happened and it kept me hooked.. unfortunately we had friends visiting from out of town soo it took me more than one sitting to finish this..

Also the ending with finding out who the Oracle is, and seeming the teaser paragraph for book five made me want to read it asap…. But it doesn’t come out until next year 😭 ps. Didn’t remember how they knew the Oracle..felt like all these characters Macy Blake mixes in from her other series I get lost sometimes…

But I can’t wait for book 5!!! Ugh 2024 come sooner haha

[Cæsar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!!!

This adventure kept me at the edge of my seat, gripping action scenes, the suspense, incredible characters, steamy hot segments, a lot of scary moments, I was gasping for air, it was incredible!!! Kudos to Macy Blake!!!

I have to say I was never a big fan when the alpha's mate decide to behave with the "first lade attitude", it's always hard to digest.

Frighting scenes when Scout was tortured by the villains!!!

Michael Dean was amazing in his performance, he narrated wonderfully, great acting, full committed, I was engaged, spectacular!!! Congratulations!!!

5⭐️

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. I’m rating this high because I was very emotional at times reading this. Man, this just kept gutting me! But, I’ve got problems.

I’ll start with what we’ve all been waiting for. The big reveal. Yeah. I still don’t know who it is. I don’t know how Scout figured it in that second and it all happened super fast and yeah, I guess I’d have to go back and look through the other stories, but right now, I have no idea who it is and IT WAS SUCH A LET DOWN!!!

But, I guess he’s getting a story and a bear so that’s something.

The get together was instant without and lead up but the fact that they got time together, even though it was a terrible reason why, was a nice touch. I think we were supposed to remember a lot about them from other books and I just don’t, so I expected a little bit more courting and back and forth. I’m not mad or anything, it just was fast.

The rest though, yeah, it had all that I've come to adore about this Universe.

Read in order and I don't mean series order! UNIVERSE!

[Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I liked it, but it isn't my favorite. Truth be told I got a little bored during Scout's convalescence and skimmed a lot through that part.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Scout and Coal's story, but there needs to be a character list in these books because 20-something books in, my brain is old I'm having trouble remembering everyone who has ever appeared that isn't a major character. When the identity of the Oracle was revealed, I had no idea where they fit in. I had to go back and research their character because I could not for the life of me remember who they were.

Other than that, this had a bit of everything. It was fun, tense and had plenty of action. Coal and Scout are a great pair, although I do wish we got a little more of their relationship before they went all in as it seems to have relied mostly on the brief glimpse we got of them eyeing each other in a previous book or two. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one with one of my longtime favorites apparently getting their man (no not Ollie yet)!

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, ya'll raised 6 adopted children. I got too read book one of the Chosen One. While this spin-off here, had me on the edge of my seat

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew it! Now I have to wait damn near a year for the next book?!?!? 😒😫😩


I’m not sure how I feel about this, but did I imagine that she kind of left this open to the possibility of more mates? I mean, Coal asked Scout how he’d deal if Coal has more mates later. They didn’t actually say it will only ever be the two of them. Am I reading too much into this?

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

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked Coal. I liked Scout. I loved them together. I also loved the hurt/comfort part when one of them got badly hurt. Yep, those scenes were PRECIOUS *hugs them both*


What I didn't enjoy too much?

The GAZILLION characters that made their appearance, especially if they come from the other books of this universe. Yes, I remember Logan, and Bailey, and Gideon, and Taj... but no I didn't remember the rest of the players. I didn't read those series.

Characters-list would be nice. Seriously. Because when they talked about the Oracle (and the true identity) I thought, wait, did this one appeared somewhere else? Did this one already been mentioned and had background story or something??

And after that bombshell news from Emily (Scout's sister) nobody even talk about it anymore?!? WHYYY???

[ELK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scout was amazing!  To be honest, I wasn’t as excited for this book as I have been for other Macy Blake releases, but I should have been.  Scout and Coal’s story was beautiful and heartbreaking.  The care and love that they showed for each other throughout the book made me fall in love with them.  The plot outside the romance was interesting, well-paced, and didn’t intrude on the romance.  

I’ve read every book in this universe at least twice and Scout is one of my favorites; it might even be my absolute favorite book in the universe.

[Astro · Rating 3 out of 5]

general review for the whole chosen universe

damn?
didn't expect to inhale a longer series like this, normally not my thing but this was fun
it was generally entertaining. Some of them pretty low on drama imo, but also pretty funny. Pretty sure I ugly-snorted at least once per book
so I had some problems with relationships being explored better in books where the couples appear earlier that are not their own books... Several MC's had appeared to have genuine issues (previous heartbreak, concerns about compatibility, etc) with their counterpart shown or teased in other books, but when their own came along the drama was ignored or all resolved within the first 20-25%
character types were pretty inconsistent too. People who you expect to show up don't, and names that have been mentioned once in a short story were brought in in a way where 'oh ofc everyone remembers them :D'
When there's like a hundred main characters in your series I won't be able to recall names of minor characters who appeared in one scene seven books ago

[Liya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series continues to be a win for me. MCs were fun, sweet, and had great chemistry. Coal in mating mode was absolutely hilarious. Loved all pack and Jerrick family interactions. Action was fast-paced and engaging, though I don't really care about the overarching plot in this series. There was no passable explanation why MCs couldn't get together earlier (other than the fact they had to wait their turn to get a book), but other than that, I loved their relationships.
The book is heavily intertwined with other books from The Chosen One universe and can't be read as a stand-alone.
Oracle identity was unexpected, but I like how it played out. Looking forward to his and Ben story.

[Bronwyn Heeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, it was a little step forward, def leading up to the climax, at least that's how it read to me. It was about Scout and Coal as they finally give in to the mating we've been waiting for (I do have a little hope that they'll come up again and gain another mate but like much later in the universe-but then I'm a fan of poly romances). when Scout is saved from being kidnapped is where a big part of the story revolves around, him recovering and them becoming closer and I really enjoyed that. overall it was a great addition to the series - the world, and I can't wait for the next book.

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh goodness...

Ok, I'll just say it, this was not what I expected. First, let me give my credentials by saying I've read this series in order, beginning to end, 4 times, in both ebook and audio for the ones that have it. I was there when Jack was rescued with the others and I'm still feeling weird that he's so grown now.

Slight spoilers

In here we have Scout, aka Jack, brother of Henry and one of the kids rescued years ago and Coal, dragon and pack mate from Scout's second pack. We start off with extreme horniness and a kiss, and then boom they are mated? Like no talking or anything, even though apparently Coal was avoiding Jack as dragons have multiple mates and he didn't think Jack would be ok with that. While this was happening they were also still looking for the big bad from the previous books.

I kind of felt lost for the first 20% or so as it seemed like we missed chunks of backstory of Jack and Coal. We were supposed to know that they were going to just hook up? These two mate with a lot of biting, and Coal does a really lame imitation of Draco taking care of his mate, then they go on an assignment that goes bad. Its after this that the story actually gets good. Other things happen and we find out who Oracle is.

But not once was Jack's history brought up. It was when Henry was falling in love, I hope it is when Ollie's and Ben's stories are released.

And where was Dakota? His brother was almost killed and none of the chosen ones mates show up? Cosmo was nothing like he was in any other story, including his. Taj was a totally different person as well.

Ollie is up next and I'm hoping its going to be good, but I'm not going to lie, I really want Ben's HEA.

Also, I did delete and re download this title but it still had the wrong name used for the Oracle. That really took you out of the ending.

[Jacey Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic edition to this series. I've liked Scout from the beginning so I was excited to finally get his book. I loved him and Coal together. I was happy that once they finally turned that corner, that was it. They mated and for life, no wavering. I loved the sweet scenes together, like when Coal went all caveman and really enjoyed seeing those dragon instincts. The action portion of the plot was also very suspenseful and well done. And of course, I'm so happy we learned more about the Oracle and can't wait till his book.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!! Oh this series just gets more involved and tricky ...i need a family tree

Scouts story is just a wondeful addition to this universe!! And him and Coal when they realise their attraction...woah!! ♨️♨️

Just the right amount of drama and intrigue to carry us onwards on this journey

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

Love this series. I really enjoy the cast of characters and was glad that Scout got his HEA. I am really looking forward to Oracle's story. Too bad we have to wait almost a year to get it.

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I've read all of the full length books in this world (that are out) except for Cosmos. My ratings have been from 2 stars to a 5 (I think). The chosen Champions might be my favorite series within this world, and I really liked Scouts story.

Definite Trigger Warning for those sensitive to Torture. It's relatively graphic, definitely severe, and of a major character.

Lots of great family and pack time. Development of characters for this singular book is hard to discern, but over the series it has been good. Both have been featured in previous stories. The story arc gets moved forward in a big way. There is also a big reveal. We get to see many of the m/c's from previous stories too.

This story grabbed me, moved at a great place, and kept me very engaged. Blake did a great job of jogging my very poor memory on connections of all the various families/packs. But, she also creates stories and characters that come back to mind easily,which is nice. There was only one character I did a search on, and that was more out of curiousity than feeling I was missing something for the story.

(Not too long ago, I continued another series a year + later with multiple books read previously. I was completely lost. I had to go back and fully reread the 1st 2 books, and the 2nd almost felt like a brand new read it stuck so poorly.)

I think the sheer number of characters would make starting with this book hard. I think at a minimum the Jerrick pack book (prequal) and the earlier Chosen Champions should be read. I love the Jerricks and their pack. I'm super excited to see Ben will get his story by next year.

I enjoyed this couple, but it might seem really quick for any starting with this book, but they've been working together. They got to know each other in previous books.

I will definitely continue on with this series.

[Wayne Blood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chosen One Universe is one of my favorite series I’ve ever read, and the newest novel Scout continues that same stellar quality. The author knows how to write action, romance, and extremely witty banter. Her humor really shines through in this book. (You’ll never be able to listen to Bohemian Rhapsody the same way again.)

Both Coal and Scout (aka Jack Jerrick) have always been somewhat background characters, and in this novel we finally get to know them VERY well. It seems they’ve been pining for each other for a while and when Scout needs some comfort, Coal and Scout finally give in to their feelings for one another. The emotional dam breaks, and the two succumb to their attraction (over and over and over again), resulting in a mating.

The big bad is still lurking out there, and as Logan’s pack makes another attempt to hunt him down, they finally hit pay dirt. Unfortunately the Big Bad is always a few steps ahead and without spoiling anything, chaos ensues. Old friends are visited and new alliances are made.

This eventually leads to some down time for Coal and Scout/Jack with some of the most loving and romantic scenes in the series. The hurt/comfort trope is used to GREAT effect here. I really grew to love these guys in their quiet moments together.

Some major action and MAJOR reveals happen in the book, and I was so drawn in that I finished the book in two sittings. Bravo to Macy Blake for yet another perfect installment in The Chosen One Universe.

#CavemanCoal #ScoutGetsANewToy #EverythingIsBetterWithAHotTub

[Iretsia]

I hate to say it, but this book underwhelmed me. I don't necessarily have any specific complaints about it, but I also wouldn't bet that I'm going to remember it when the next book in the series comes out.

I think the Chosen universe officially has too much going on for me to keep track of without a flow chart or some sort of recap foreword to remind me which specific plot lines a given series is handling, especially with multiple series active at once. I had to go back and skim the previous book in this series to see what relationship development I was forgetting since "Scout" plopped us right in the middle of previously established UST. I never did fully remember the overarching plot line regarding the big bad they've been searching for across this series, but I rolled with it. I guess this series just isn't my favorite? I definitely remember more from the other series, and I think I would have preferred to get a new book in the Magical Mates series than this one.

[Jocelyn F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

Man do I love this whole series. If you've followed along since the start, you know Jack (Scout) is one of the Jerrick kids and brother to Henry (from the Chosen One series) and Coal is cousin to one of Henry's mates Draco... seriously, since a lot of the characters make cameos, it's much better to have read up on them all.

Coal and Scout have been fighting attraction to each other, but finally give in.... and then the big baddie shows up and the action goes into full throttle. We finally get some answers to the what, but not really the why (that is probably coming in book 5).

I laughed, and definitely cried, and I really can't wait for Oracle's book.

[leisce ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk how Blake keeps all her couples and their storylines straight without recycling the plot or personalities, but it's a superpower fr - especially since each series exists in the same universe (and frequently has crossovers).

loved the action and drama

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book because I've missed this world and these characters so freaking much! Loved the intensity of Coal and Scout <3 And how action packed and nerve wrecking this plot was lol

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scout is another fantastic installment in the Chosen Champions series.

A lot happens to propel forward the overarching storyline in this one, so you’ll definitely need to be caught up on the series before diving into the story of the loner dragon who finds his mate in the sociable wolf shifter. Coal (excellent name for a dragon) and Scout have been fighting their feelings for awhile now, but they can’t do it any longer, and even Coal accepts that they are mates. Just as they’re starting to cement their relationship, however, things come to a head with the magical forces they’ve been fighting. And now they must work together— and with their pack — to keep everyone safe (including the rest of the world).

There’s a lot of action in this romance, and mates in peril, and harrowing twists and turns that all kept me racing through the book. I love Scout and Coal together; their connection was sweet and real and fiery. I both loved and my heart broke for Coal when he went full-dragon over Scout! I love this whole series, and I cannot wait for the next book. (Oracle!) Definitely recommend.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is the fourth installment in the Chosen Champions series and, like the others, it needs to be read in order, as the continuing through plot really ramps up here. This is part of the author’s larger Chosen One universe, and while this series stands alone better than the rest of the books, there is something to be said about having read all the others. This book, in particular, benefits from it and Jack/Scout has a whole other life that is best appreciated when knowing the full background. In addition, there are a lot of secondary characters seen here who work slightly better with that context in place. If you haven’t read the books in this extensive world, however, don’t let that deter you from reading this series. Though you do need to read this series for full appreciation of this book, all the important details are present throughout the Chosen Champions series for this to make sense.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Malena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Macy Blake for the arc.

HOLY SHIT WHAT WAS THIS BOOK???? I HAVEN’T FEEL SO MANY EMOTIONS SINCE NOTHING GAINED WHAT THE FUCK
Look, let me start saying the the sexual tension the Coal and Scout put me through in the first pages could literally light up a city for a month. Yeah, i eat their romance up like a starved child.
There was so many twist and turns that i was AAAAAH OOOOOH have of this book. I said once and i'll said it again: Macy's Blake brain should be studied. She's great at foreshadowing, and her caracters are so full of life that i feel like they are my closest friends. I'm thrilled with the possibility of Saywer showing his face in YEARS and i so excited about the Oracle books....
I feel like there's so moch more that i could say but i guess this review says loud and clear: BEST BOOK OF THE CHOSEN CHAMPIONS SERIE PLEASE READ IT

[andrea moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scout

Argh I have so much love for this huge interconnected world but a huge soft spot for the original Jerick kids so this was a fantastic addition to the series but now the VERY long wait for Ben to finally get his happy ending

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the couple and storyline

Rating: 4🌈

Chosen Champions exists within Macy Blake’s extended and ever expanding Chosen universe. Consisting of five book’s total when complete, Scout’s story is full of revelations about the series mysteries, the characters, and pushes everything forward towards the series finale coming in book five.


The Chosen Champions is one of my favorites among a group of connected series. The characters are strong and interesting, and come with well developed personalities and backgrounds. Scout is a wolf shifter we’ve followed from the very beginning when he and his siblings were rescued and adopted by Sam and Alpha Vaughan Jerrick (Sweet Nothings). Readers have watched through many stories, as Scout and his other 5 siblings grew up, establishing themselves as strong pack members and individually memorable characters .

Scout has achieved special status as being the only one to have become a part of two packs. One his family pack with his dads and now the Chosen Champion pack with Logan as a Alpha.

He’s so easy to connect with because if you’ve read any of the books in this universe, you’ve heard or are already aware of Scout. Maybe are very fond of him.

Coal Volsunga is a dragon and teammate of Scout’s. Both characters are connected to The Chosen by way of marriage through Henry (on Scout’s side) who is married to Draco, Coal’s cousin. It’s all very complicated and intertwined.

There’s strong repressed sexual tension happening between Coal and Scout that neither feel can be acted on, until , of course, they do.

Blake writes a terrific chemistry laden romance for Coal and Scout. It helps believe in them when they slide quickly into a new maté relationship.

There’s a overall arc mystery here that now narrows the focus on who the big mastermind is behind the attacks on the Champions and other weres.

A FYI trigger warning, there’s a torture scene and mention of previous kidnappings that happened as children.

The story is full of suspense and horror as Blake heads the series towards the final book to come.

I found this excellent and the romance engaging with all the family members and allies involved in the events and subsequent fallout.

Plus Ben. Ben is just being so extraordinary and showing off such growth in terms of personality development.

This isn’t a story to come at cold. A reader needs the knowledge of the previous storylines as well as a good understanding of The Chosen One universe to fully grasp the events that are happening here.

If you have such a background, then you will love the book. And more importantly the series. I do and I do.

And can’t wait for the final book to be released.

Chosen Champions:
- [x] Logan #1
- [x] Gideon #2
- [x] Jamal #3
- [x] Aleron #4
- [x] Scout #5
- [ ] Oracle #6 - Feb 22, 2024

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Scout.

I was late to the many intertwined series (The Chosen One, Hellhound Champions, Magical Mates) picking them all up once the books were released on audible.

That’s my preferred media for books these days however I jumped at the chance to read through an advanced reader’s copy of the newest release, Scout.

NOTE: While you can read this as a stand alone, you’ll really want to read the other books in all three series. Visit Macy’s website for the recommended order.

Prior to starting this book, I went back and listened to Sweet Nothings. That’s where we first met Scout who was known as Jack. He was part of a group of children who were rescued from a horrible home life situation thanks to little Ollie’s escape. Once rescued, Jack and his siblings became a part of Alpha Vaughn Jerrick’s pack.

In some of the other books, we get a few scenes with Scout in them. We know going into his self-titled book that as a grown up wolf shifter, Scout had talent that needed additional guidance and so he decided to train with another pack. His ties to the Jerrick pack are as strong as ever but now he’s also fighting the bad guys as part of Alpha Logan’s pack.

Just like all of the other books in Macy Blake’s series, you can expect romance, humor, angst, action / adventure, one or more mysteries, appearances of other characters that you loved in previous books, and a happily ever after. This is a formula that I’ll never tire of and it’s why I remain a huge fan of Macy’s books.

There was a lot to like about the Scout installment. Scout’s love interest is his co-worker Coal. They dance around their attraction with each having their own reasons regarding why it’s not a good idea to get involved.

I loved the push and pull that occurred as they worked their way to a resolution. I loved the mystery. I loved the appearance of many of my favorite characters. You know how, as you read through a series (spaced out overtime) you sometimes forget about details that later become important? This is another reason I love the author’s style of writing. She does an excellent job of reminding us of small things we may have learned in earlier books that make a big difference in the book you’re reading and she does it seamlessly.

What prevented me from giving 5 stars was the banter that occurred towards the end of the book. I love banter in all my books but in this one, it seemed to be too much.