Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Sweet Nothings

SERIES:  The Chosen One: Prequel

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  6 hours and 40 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  September 13, 2021

BLURB:

Sam Baker couldn’t be more normal. He’s a teacher at the local middle school and the most exciting part of his day is dealing with a classroom full of hormonal preteens. His life takes a turn for the weird one stormy night when he finds a small boy on his doorstep. A boy who growls, flashes unnaturally blue eyes, demands for Sam to call the alpha – whatever that is – and gives Sam the one name he wishes he could forget: Vaughn Jerrick.

Vaughn Jerrick is the alpha to a pack of wolf shifters and a doctor to the supernatural world. After sharing a steamy one night stand with Sam years ago, Vaughn couldn’t consider the possibility of a future with the man, no matter how much he wanted him. Bringing a human into his world is against the rules, but one phone call changes everything, and Vaughn finds himself face-to-face with the man who could give him everything he’s ever wanted.

Rescuing one small child turns into saving six from a dark and uncertain fate, and although Sam doesn’t understand the world he’s been forced into, he would never turn his back on children in need, even if it means confronting his past with Vaughn.

As Vaughn and Sam join forces to protect the children put into their care, the future they’ve both dreamed of is within their reach, but first they need to survive the sinister force looking to rip away everything they’ve come to hold dear.

REVIEW:

Macy Blake starts her addictive The Chosen One series with the prequel novel Sweet Nothings. This is a full-length 250-page book (not a novella as prequels often are) that provides almost seven hours of Michael Dean’s expert narration in audiobook format. The story lays the groundwork for the unfolding mystery, action and suspense surrounding the identity of the “Chosen One” and his efforts to fix the supernatural world’s broken magic.  The Chosen One is not really addressed in the prequel, but it seamlessly leads into that storyline. 

Sweet Nothings is plenty sweet, but also packs a serious punch. The opening of the story grabs hold of you right away.  Within the first few pages, we meet seemingly mild-mannered middle school teacher Sam Baker, who’s borderline terrified by the raging thunderstorm outside.  This only intensifies when the doorknob to his house starts turning as someone attempts to break in.  That’s all I needed to be sucked into this storyline, hook, line and sinker.

From there, Ms. Blake starts spinning out the threads of her overarching series story arc.  This book sees mostly questions posed rather than answers given.  Additionally, we get more in the way of character development than pure world-building.  We meet Sam and Vaughn Jerrick, two pivotal players in the series. They’ve known each other since high school, where they had an intense, one-time-only hookup, and then Vaughn just walked away leaving Sam feeling used and ashamed.  Since then, Sam hasn’t had any contact with Vaughn (studiously avoiding it), so it’s certainly ironic that the child that appears on Sam’s doorstep insists that they contact Vaughn “the Alpha” for help.  

Vaughn’s a very different man now, with sides to him that Sam never knew — because he wasn’t supposed to know.  I loved how Ms. Blake slowly initiates us into the world of shifters and magic through Sam, who acts as our proxy.  He marvels at the unbelievable, wondrous things he observes, as well as things Vaughn tells him.  He voices all of our awestruck questions and thoughts.

Ms. Blake possesses exceptional skills in creating multi-dimensional characters that we readily form attachments to.  Sam is a walking contradiction — he’s a non-magical human, seemingly meek and mild, yet he displays bravery and mettle beyond expectations.  He’s the perfect match for Vaughn, a man who’s suddenly had his life’s desires unexpectedly thrust upon him – a mate, children, and a family, found and biological.  Vaughn’s happy about all of those things, yet he’s out of his depth.  He’s also conflicted because he’s so happy despite the danger lurking. Sam balances Vaughn’s thinking, challenging him and steadying him, just as Vaughn does for Sam.

Sweet Nothings is an enjoyable book on its own, but is made even better through Michael Dean’s vocal performance on the audiobook.  Mr. Dean’s emotional investment and attuned interpretation of the dynamics of the scenes are what makes the audio so successful.  He’s a master at delivering appropriate intonation and pacing.  His vocal choices for the characters are spot-on, particularly Vaughn, with his deep growly tone reflecting the animal within.  He consistently delivers all of the myriad voices distinctly and consistently across the narrative. 

I highly recommend Sweet Nothings.  If you are embarking on The Chosen One series, it’s the first book in Ms. Blake’s reading order. It will provide helpful context and background, as well as introduce us to Henry, who becomes a crucial character in later books.  It’s not strictly necessary to read it before Book One, All or Nothing, but it  makes the reading experience better. The audiobook is an effortless, engaging way to enjoy this story.  I’m excited to see what comes next.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Audible 

Amazon