| Title | : | The Executioner (The Family Creed, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 195 |
| Publication | : | First published May 11, 2017 |
A stray bullet ended my Army career, forcing me to follow in my father’s prison guard footsteps.
My sister’s disappearance ten years ago annihilated my family, forcing each of us to find a way to cope.
But I’ve survived. Adapted.
At least until Genevieve Stone showed up, digging into the truth in the name of journalism and finding her way deep under my skin. I’m determined to do whatever it takes to find my sister, but when the case is blown wide open by the sexy reporter, I’m left with the ultimate question . . . can I trust her?
I’m a soldier, heart and soul.
I don’t do love.
War and death and pain are my church.
My name is Asher Creed.
I am the Executioner.
***Reader note: This is the first of a 6-part emotional family saga series. Each story is 100% male first-person point-of-view, and while each full-length novel is guaranteed to have a complete HEA romance, their family mystery remains unsolved until the end of the series.
***Due to profanity, mild violence and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Also, please note the title. The hero is, in fact, an executioner on death row. While there is no intent to make any social or political statements, please do not read if this will be offensive to you.
Catch the rest of the Creed boys (and girl) very, very soon!
The Rainmaker
The Gunman
The Prodigal
The Silencer
The Dove (Novella)
The Executioner (The Family Creed, #1) Reviews
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3.5 stars
The Executioner is my introduction to Shauna Allen’s writing, and so far this looks like it might be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. This is the first book in her new series, The Family Creed, which follows the stories of the Creed brothers as they try to find out what happened to their little sister, Claire, when she disappeared 10 years ago. Every brother will have a book that focuses on their story, and don't worry, Claire will have her own, too.
This installment revolves around the oldest brother, Asher, and is told entirely in his point of view. He’s a retired Army Ranger due to a bullet in the leg, and now he’s a prison guard and, you guessed it, an executioner. Asher’s injury and the disappearance of his sister weighs heavily on him every day, and he doesn’t have much of a dating or social life as a result. One day, a freelance reporter by the name of Genevieve Stone comes to the prison hoping to get an interview with him for an article she is working on regarding an inmate that was recently executed. There is something about her that he can’t help but be drawn to, so when she seems like she is going to ask his friend if he turns her down, he agrees to give her the interview that she wants.
Sparks fly between Asher and Genevieve when they meet up for dinner to discuss her article, and before the night is through, they’re already making plans to see each other again. When Asher’s mother learns about Genevieve, she asks him if he will approach her about doing an article on Claire to see if they can find out any new information that might help them locate her. A dark cloud has surrounded his family since they lost Claire all those years ago, and they all need some type of closure. Genevieve is more than happy to help. She knows what it’s like to lose a family member, because her father murdered her mother and her unborn sibling when she was a kid. It’s also why she can empathize with the deep sense of loss and sadness Asher feels every day.
As soon as Genevieve’s article is published, the police receive a new lead. Claire’s family and friends come together with them to see if they can uncover any more clues that will prove to be helpful in their search. Meanwhile, Asher’s feelings for Genevieve are growing stronger every day. Since her father killed her mother, she doesn’t really believe that there is such a thing as a happily ever after. That’s a problem, because the feelings Asher has for Genevieve aren’t the temporary kind.
Will his love be enough to change her mind, and if not, what kind of future do they have together? Will the new lead and attention from the article help put the Creed family one step closer to finding Claire? You will get the answer to the first question when you read this book, but don’t expect any type of resolution when it comes to the second. That part of the story is to be continued in book 2.
The Executioner felt more like a mystery with a bit of romance than a romance to me, and that may be because the mystery is what interested me the most about this story. The romance was sweet with little conflict involved, the characters were likable, and the story held my attention and made me invested in this family’s happiness. I knew going into it that I wasn’t going to get any real answers in this book when it came to the Claire, but I never realized how much that would drive me crazy! I want to know now, damn it! Lol!
I enjoyed getting an introduction to all the members of the Creed family, and I look forward to learning more about them individually in the books to come. All of the brothers are handsome, hardworking alphas that are more than a bit broken. They love each other dearly, but things have never been the same since they lost their baby sister. None of the men have love in their life, so I’m assuming they will be finding it book by book until the end of the series. If you are a fan of mysteries, romance with barely a sliver of angst, or family sagas, I recommend this one to you!
ARC generously provided for an honest review. -
The Executioner and so Much MORE!
Not only is Shauna Allen giving her readers the hunky Asher Creed, but a handful of sexy, alpha Creed brothers! We start off with Asher, The Executioner, in book one. He is my favorite type of alpa, big and brooding on the outside and nothing but a soft teddy bear on the inside. He's the kind of guy that can say "my woman" and make is sexy, not annoying.
Asher Creed is all man. Retired from the Army Rangers due to injury and now a Prison Guard, he's seen a lot and it shows in his personality. With a bit of a chip on his shoulder from the way his Army career ended, Asher isn't out looking for friends or lovers. He's a content guy, work and family seem to keep him busy enough. Until she butts her way into his life.
"This woman intrigued me, tempted me, summoned something deep and hidden from within my soul."
Gah! That's the teddy bear stuff I LOVE. While Asher seems like a total prick, he really isn't. He's a little lost in life right now. The disappearance of his baby sister weighing on his mind constantly. Keeping his family together and in touch, it's a lot for one guy to take on alone. Enter Genevieve, his knight-ess in shining armor. Asher's perfect match. Although, the big lug doesn't know it yet.
Now I didn't like Genevieve right away. The girl came on way to strong for me and I didn't think she was the right fit for my new book boyfriend Asher. She was nosey and straight forward, kind of pushy really. All the things I ended up appreciating about her in the end though. Funny how things work out.
Asher was smitten with the beautiful Gen, however like him, she's got quite the pile of baggage from her past that affects her everyday of her life. Gen has never seen "true love" and is pretty sure it isn't something that exists, so she's not looking for it by any means. Forever isn't a word she uses often. Which is fine for Asher, until he realizes he's in too deep.
"I wanted a friendship. I wanted Communication. Transparency. I wanted it all. And I never wanted that before."
While these two are adults, this whole relationship thing is new to them. The seriousness of it all is scary. She's been on her own for along time and he's from a family so close they can smother at times. It's a fine line and they are learning to walk it together.
"She was just what I needed, even though I knew, deep in the back of my mind, that she could shatter my heart."
Oh this guy!! It hasn't been long for these two and I am not a fan of insta-love, but this worked and worked well. Not only do we follow the beginnings of Asher and Gen, we also meet the entire Creed family, setting up the series perfectly. I want to know more about Levi, Silas, Jamison and Joshua Creed, as well as thier sister Claire, who are all written with a mysterious vibe in this first book. That's the kicker, to find out what happened with Claire, we have to read all of the brothers stories first. Oh hurt me, if they are anything like Asher's, you can count me in!
"Yes, I was a Ranger with a bum leg, but I'd somehow moved past the negative connotation that used to hold over my head. In the weeks I'd know this woman, I'd become someone different. Someone with a future. Someone who had hope."
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog -
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
The Executioner is an emotional and intriguing love story and mystery packed into one. It tells the story of the Creed family, specifically prison guard/executioner Asher, and introduces us to all of his brothers and starts to unravel the mysterious disappearance of his younger sister, Claire. I loved the chemistry and fireworks between quiet and broody Asher and feisty criminal reporter Genevieve. Asher and Gen are both hurting and broken in their own ways because of their pasts, but together they find a connection that neither of them expected. It's the mystery surrounding Claire though that really hooked me into the story. Please note that the author states in the blurb that the family mystery will not be solved until the end of the series.
DC Cole did an incredible job bringing this story to life and I'm amazed how well he can voice female characters, but also sexy, alphas like Asher. Some of the scenes definitely had me fanning myself while listening! There were such emotional scenes in this book and Cole handled them all masterfully with ease.
Much of The Executioner was spent giving us the backstory of the Creed family, Claire's disappearance, and setting up future books in addition to Asher and Gen's love story. Because of this, Asher and Gen's story seemed to stall at times for me, but was overall still very enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to each brother's story (especially Silas!) and though Shauna Allen is a new to me author, I know I will be reading/listening to more! -
Executioner
Shauna Allen
5 stars
A family of hot, Creed men in pain needs someone to heal them… right? I volunteer as tribute !!
This series is going to be awesome! The drama/mystery is real, intense and heartbreaking as the Creed family tries to discover what happened with their baby sister 10 years ago. The mystery is not solved in the first book and I have a feeling will not be solved until her twin Silas gets his story. For this I curse the author, I have zero patience right now wanting to know what happens in the search for Claire
As for the Executioner!!!! Asher is hot, broody, emotional and a really great guy. Ex army ranger he's strong and as the oldest Creed brother, helps keep the family moving.
Genevieve (great, uncommon name) writes criminal news. She witty and outgoing but is that hiding something deeper? It was a lot of fun learning more about this woman and seeing her grow as an emotional person.
The Creed clan is amazing and large, the love in this story goes beyond just the H/h relationship and the sex is hot with a slight bit of domenering kink! Can't wait for the next book! -
5 star
This is a new author to me and I was so glad I picked up this story. The story has laughs, grief, suspense, and heartbreak.
This is Genevieve (Gen) and Asher’s story. Asher is super close with his family. Asher was in the Army but when he got injured he became a prison guard. Now he is busy with work and his family. But Gen is about to jump into his life and cause a bunch of problems. She is a journalist who is seeking out the truth of his sister’s disappearance. She is about to blow the case open and rock Asher’s world with all the secrets that are out there. Can they solve the case together? Or will the past keep them from falling and solving anything?
I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book. -
THE EXECUTIONER starts off Shauna Allen's new series, The Family Creed with a heartfelt introduction from the perspective of Asher Creed, the oldest brother. The 10 years of pain and loss this family has dealt with ever since their sister's sudden and unsolved disappearance is the backbone of the story and of the series.
Genevieve Stone is an investigative journalist covering an execution at the prison where Asher works. When she stops him for an interview they both feel an immediate attraction. Gen has had some serious heartbreak in her own life which helps her relate to the pain Asher's experiencing. But she has also moved on enough from it to help him begin to live again.
These two were great together. Ms. Allen writes a compelling story with fully developed characters and a perfectly paced plot. The dialogue is realistic and well-written. I was definitely drawn into the mystery and the love story. Looking forward to more. 4 stars
~Complimentary copy received. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. -
Asher Creed is a prison guard and executioner who has a chance encounter with reporter Genevieve Stone. She wants the scoop on a recent execution, and after much thought, he gives her the bare bones facts. They both experienced traumatic events in their past. The disappearance of Asher's sister Claire 10 years ago has torn his family apart, yet the search for answers has also brought them closer together. This is the first installment in the series of the Creed Brothers. I absolutely loved this book with all its twists and turns, I couldn't put it down, and I didn't want it to end. I learned a lot about each member of the family, and why they act the way they do. I loved the family dynamic, and the relationship Asher forms with Genevieve brought this book to another level of excitement that took my breath away. Shauna Allen is a phenomenal author and I highly recommend The Executioner. I'm craving more of this series, and can't wait to read all of the brother's stories. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would!
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This book is everything the author promised, an emotional, hot, and steamy romance. This is a very intense read, full of drama, intrigue, heartache, and lots of love. Creed family has experienced tragedy and they've all been touched by it. Parents who are still hoping to find their daughter even after ten years, and five brothers who simply cannot forget their sister. This is their loss and they live with it every day.
Asher Creed is the eldest. He is an executioner who is living up to his father's name. He is respected by his colleagues and inmates alike. Sometimes it's not easy to deal with his job, he is a compassionate man but he tries his best. It was not his first choice but an injury left his dreams unfulfilled so here he is.
Genevieve is a journalist. She is writing about a criminal who was executed recently. That's how they meet. What is supposed to be an impersonal interview soon leads to a very personal relationship. When Asher's mother asks Gen's help to write their sister's story she is happy to help. Soon the family will have to visit old pain, and unhealed wounds will be reopened. But together The Family Creed can deal with anything.
I loved both Gen and Asher. They're perfect for each other, two people who have learned to keep their pain close to heart, letting anyone in will not be easy for them. Soon they will have to understand that they're no longer alone, they can have each other and that might just be enough.
This book is amazing and I'm sure that rest of the series will be just as good.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book. -
Asher and his family have been through torment the past ten years. After their baby sister goes missing without a trace they've slowly given up hope. But a chance meeting with Genevieve Stone is about to change all of that.
Never did Gen think that covering a story about a death row murderers execution would change her life. But that's exactly what happened. Asher is bigger than life. And she can't fight the feelings he brings out in her. Or the trust he and his family place in her. Write a story about Claire. Only hoping something helps this family she's come to care about she agrees.
With her own family secrets she does what she does best. And they all pray for something to happen. But neither she or Asher were really ready for what becomes of them. Neither ever having the overwhelming feelings or love they embark on a romance that is all encompassing and more than they expected. Explosive chemistry, a melding of their minds, hearts and bodies this start of the Creed series makes me crave more! A mystery spanning ten years, will we ever find out what happened to Claire?? -
4.5/5.0
“The Executioner” is the stunning debut of the Family Creed series.
Read full review in the
2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine. -
This is the start of an emotional journey that has a lot of question with few answers. One family torn in two over the lost of their sister rebuilding their life but never getting over the loss. One minute she was out with friends the next someone picked her up in a blue truck, and she was gone. There are a total of six books each about one of her brothers, book six will be her story. The Executioner is the start of a very emotional story going through the lost of their sister, the clues to where she might be and the hunt to bring her home one way or another. We meet Asher, learning how his life is as he goes through the loss of his sister. He decided to leave home and join the military where he got hurt. Deciding to come home and guard prisoners they put him in as one of the executioner which is his biggest duty. Everything is day to day until Genevieve comes along pushing her way into his life talking about one of the prisoners that just got executed from there she pushes into the life of his sister. He isn’t to trusting she isn’t giving in and slowly they build a relationship. She has a past which comes to forces and hits her hard. These two learn to lean on each other being the rock they never knew they needed.
The narrator does a wonderful job of narration, he pulls you in using his tones letting you know who is talking, what they are feeling and all the emotions that comes with it. He makes each Creed brother sound sexy, but showing you the pain they are in and the chip they carry on their shoulder. His character voices are very becoming but at times I felt he paused to long. There are no background noises, no volume changes, and no repeating of words. The audio is very clear and clean making you buy into this story and the emotions it brings with it. The sex scenes are very hot making you want to jump right in and grab each brother. Ladies you will need a fan when you listen to this hot sexy voice. His normal voice is very pleasant and appealing. Each character voice pulls you in, he adds just enough emotion to the pain and sorrow as well as the humor. I really enjoyed listening to this audio and will listen to it again.
The story is based on Asher and Genevieve but goes into depth of the lost of his sister and the hunt that is about to go on trying to find her. Both stories are very touching and emotional with a happy ending to a point, there is still the unanswer question of what happened to their sister. We met the whole family and come to love them. Each character has their own endearing ways as each one takes a place in your heart. I can already tell somewhere in this series I am going to have a box of tissues. From the first book the author reached in making me a part of this story and this family. I already have an invested interest in the outcome and to see how each other the brothers will overcome the issue and loss of their sister. This has hit this whole family very deep as well as the reader.
What I really liked about this story is the strength the family has, each has their pain and sorrow, but they are a supportive family that have held together and grew but still hold so much pain and sorrow inside them. Asher is learning and is one step closer to finding what life is all about but first he must get over Genevieve wall. Because of her past she has learned not to love, nothing good comes of it and never plans to marry. Watching their love grow, how unsure they are, how they make each other feel, as well as watching them play and get to know each other has been a pleasure. Watching the whole family pick and tease each other is been so much fun, I loved the humor and how the family interacts. I loved how strong and forward Genevieve is when she meets Asher and really blows him away, talk about knocking him off his feet. The love scenes are hot, steamy and very sexy with true emotions and a little kink. Asher has no trouble rocking your world as the sex appeal comes right off him. But it comes off Genevieve as well. Yes it is truly a heartbreaking story but a wonderful romance where two people learn what love is and just what it means. My heart goes out to all the Creed family as well as to Genevieve who lost so much at a young age and still has to come to grips with it.
When you open the book what you find are some hot Creed men with a chip on their shoulders, they have wants and needs but just don’t know it yet. It is going to take one heck of a woman to fit their bills. The women are on the way to knock not only some sense into them but rock their world like they have never seen before. What a way to start a series with the hottest couple so far in the winning lead. I really am going to enjoy these men getting a taste of their own medicine. This series so far is a big win for me, I can’t wait to see how the author take it. The mystery of the unknown pulled me in, I am really excited and scared to read The Dove, the author can take this so many ways. She knows how to pull her readers in giving a story that holds your attention entertaining you with a book you won't be able to put down. -
This book caught my eye right away. I was intrigued by story and I still am. This book had to setup not only the story of Genevieve and Asher but also the secondary story of Asher's missing sister Claire. Claire has been missing since she was a teenager. Its been 10 years since she's been seen. The author did a great job balancing the story of Claire vs the romantic story of Genevieve and Asher. Genevieve writes true crime articles as a freelance journalist. Asher is the prison guard, while also being on the execution team of death row inmates. They meet after an execution when Genevieve asks him for his thoughts about the prisoner just put to death. Asher at first doesn't want anything to do with the article but finds out she's called his parents for his fathers thoughts (who is the ex warden for the prison). Asher decides to met with her with the stipulation she does not contact his parents. He doesn't want her asking them questions to bring any bad memories of Claire back into their minds. Asher has issues of the big brother that didn't protect his sister (he was overseas serving in the Army at the time of her disappearance) and Genevieve has issues that I'll let you find out if you read the book. The romance is sweet and hot and at times hot tempered. The family coming together during what happens with Claire's case was seriously emotional. The author did a great job of weaving the story in and out while making it a priority but not a priority. Neither the romance nor the missing case story overshadowed each other. If you like romance suspense this is totally the book for you. Personally I cannot wait for the next one and the next one because I know I wont rest until I know what happened to Claire. Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Amy
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I received an ARC of The Executioner and this is my freely given honest review. This book was excellent! The Executioner is the first book of Shauna Allen's that I have ever read. It is the first book of an ongoing saga so there will not be a complete ending to this story line. The story starts with Asher Creed. He's the eldest son of a family of 5 boys and 1 girl. He was an Army Ranger that was injured and now works for the state prison system. His father is the retired warden and Asher's good at his job, knows the importance of it, but his personal life has little else in it. His sister went missing 10 years ago and the family is together but fractured by this loss. He meets a reporter at the prison that is working on another story. Genevieve Stone is covering the latest execution as a freelance journalist. Sparks fly between these two but they each have so much baggage they need to work through that he wonders if they could possibly make a relationship work. These two both have to revisit their pasts to move forward into their future together. The underlying thread of The Executioner is fate. Are things meant to be? Is there a plan laid out that is unavoidable? The Executioner is told from Asher's POV and that was unique for me. If you are a fan of Allison Brennan, Brenda Novak or Maggie Shayne's books you are really going to want to read this one! I will not give away any more of the story just know that you will definitely want to continue with the series to complete this family's journey through love, loss and love found again.
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Holy wow! What an introduction to a series!!!! I cannot wait to see where Shauna takes us on this journey. The Executioner was executed perfectly to set up what is bound to be an emotional roller coaster of every emotion a book series can bring out in a person. At first when I finished this book I wasn't sure how I felt about it. But days later as I sit here still thinking about it I realize what an amazing job the author did of hooking me in wanting more. Needing more really.
The Executioner introduces us to the Creed family and focuses on Asher, one of the brothers rocked by their sister's disappearance 10 years ago. No leads. No suspects. Nothing. It's like she disappeared from thin air and the family has been left yearning for closure. Along with this devastating event, Asher has his own demons he's been fighting after taking a bullet to his leg ending his military career. He is now following in his father's footsteps working in the prison system and being part of the exclusive execution team putting people to death for their crimes. With everything that has happened he has never let him feel anything good for anyone aside from the love he has for his family. Then one fateful night he meets his match.
Genevieve Stone was just after a story after being in the room when one of Texas' most notorious men was put to death. What she didn't expect? Asher Creed and his brooding charm. The Creed family asking for her help in remembering Claire and maybe shining new light on her cold case a decade later. But one story is all it took for new leads to come in. And who knew one story might bring her the one thing she never thought she wanted? Love.
The Executioner alone is an emotional tale of loss, devastation and a family fighting the undercurrent of grief of losing their sunshine in Claire. The emotions roll of the pages from the very beginning. You can feel the love the Creed's have for one another but their grief is palpable until the very end. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds. I just need to make sure I'm buckled in. And that I have lots of tissues because I know without any doubt, this one is going to hurt. -
We first meet Asher as he was preparing a inmate for execution. On his way home from the prison he met Genevieve. She is writing a article on Jason Moreau and his life in prison before. He can't get her out of his head. He finally decided that he was going to give her the interview if she agreed to leave his family alone. The whole Creed family mourns the loss of their daughter and sister Claire. They all want to know what happened to her.
Asher Creed used to be an Army Ranger, he works as a prison guard and he is known as the executioner. He is very protective of his family. Genevieve is a journalist, she is very good at her job. She was in and out of foster homes since she was eleven. Loranie Creed is Asher's, Claire, Silas, Joshua, Levi and Jamison's mother, she wants to find out what happened to her baby. She is the glue that holds the Creed family together. Silas is an MMA fighter, he is very good at his job. He is Claire's twin, Asher, Jamison, Levi and Joshua's brother. Jamison is Asher, Claire, Silas, Levi and Joshua's brother. Jamison is Asher, Jamison, Claire, Levi and Silas's brother. Levi he is very serious, Methodical and detached.
This is an amazing read by Shauna Allen and one that is very well written. I loved how well the characters are developed and how I felt connected to them. This book is one book that I know I will be able to read again and again. I can't wait to read more book by Shauna Allen. -
Shauna's writing is amazing and real!!! I knew this series was going to be great! The Creed family have be hanging on to hope since their sister Claire disappeared ten years ago. The parents work very hard at keeping the family together as they all deal with Claire's disappearance differently. The Executioner is Asher, the oldest brother's story. Asher meets Genevieve by chance after working his shift at the prison. She's a reporter looking to write a story about the execution of a prisoner, but Asher thinks she may have other motives. He soon decides to keep her away from others, he will answer her questions. As we get to know Asher and Gen and they get to know each other, we learn they both have had losses and pain in their lives. This is the story of hope, heartache, healing, growth and lots of love throughout. There is mystery, twists and turns and steamy, sexy times that keeps you wanting more. I can't wait for each brother's story as well as learning more about Claire's disappearance. I loved all the extended family Shauna added and hoping this may turn into a Creed spin-off! Hint hint!!!
ARC provided by author - this is my voluntary review -
I think this is the start to a great suspense/love story. Here's a family who has been under a cloud without knowing what happened the day Claire disappeared. 10 years later maybe there is hope....
Asher works as an Executioner and one night Genevieve comes across his path in hopes of writing a story about a famous murderer's execution. Genevieve is a crime journalist that tells the truth with her stories and now she needs Asher's help, what will come of these two with clouds over their heads?
Shauna has started this series well and you will have to read in its entirety because she says the end is where you'll learn everything about Claire. The series is first person male character and it was different for me since I've been reading both P.O.V. lately, but this was worth reading in first person. A story told in parts by the men of this family and the love they find along the way of finding their sister alive hopefully. The writing flows easily and will keep you hooked till the end, there is a bit of laughter to keep it light but you will shed some tears. Can't wait for book 2 of The Family Creed with Levi being the lead in this one. A must read for the start to this series, there's a happy ending but with a cliff hanger.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest review** -
This is the first book in the family Creed Series which is a six part family saga series. A sister's disappearance (Claire) leaves a close knit family shattered and drifting apart. They all struggle to deal with her disappearance in different ways. This is a very emotional read and the start of what is shaping up to be a great series. This book is full of drama, suspense, heartbreak, new beginnings, shattered dreams and hope. This is a beautifully written story that is a tear jerker and a page turner. Once you start to read , it's hard to put down. Crime reporter Genevieve Stone has a chance meeting with ex soldier, now military guard, Asher. Gen likes to get into the heart and soul of her stories when covering crimes and she become interested in Claire's disappearance. She convinces the family to let her do a story on Claire. Little did anyone know what skeletons it would uncover and emotions it would open up. Quite a story that involves a death row executioner and a budding attraction between Claire and Asher. No spoiler here, but this book is a must read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book
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This is a wonderful introduction to the Creed family who have been suffering for 10 years since their youngest child, and only daughter, Claire, disappeared.
The strain on the family, the reactions of her five brothers, and their ways of coping are well described, leading to some emotional passages.
There is some light relief in the way the brothers tease each other, but at heart this is a necessarily serious book.
Book 1 tells the story of Asher, the oldest brother. Having been part of the team at a prison execution, he is approached by Genevieve, a journalist, for an interview.
At first he refuses, then changes his mind.
What follows is the story of how they fall in love, and how Genevieve prompts the first clue in Claire's disappearance to be found.
Because of her occupation all is not plain sailing for Claire and Asher. My only niggle is that what forces them apart (temporarily) was signposted from the beginning of the story....it was obvious and cliched.
Fortunately this doesn't detract from the overall excellent writing and characterisation.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems. -
I did not know what to expect with this book, but I have loved the other Shauna Allen books that I have read. Again, I was not disappointed. The book begins with a prequel about their sister’s disappearance. The sister, Claire, disappeared ten years ago, and the Creed family has never moved past it. They do not know what happened to her, or whether she was dead or alive. The book was an interesting read, especially since it was only in Asher’s perspective. Asher is a prison guard who watches over executions and he takes pride in his work. It is not the direction that he thought his life would take, but he has made the best of it. He meets Genevieve outside the prison, where she asks for an interview. Genevieve is a true crime reporter, and she takes an instant liking to Asher. Sparks fly between the two immediately, but they each feel different about love. The book had suspense, romance, and drama. There was never a dull moment, and I would not put the book down until it was finished! Now I cannot wait until the next book comes out!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. -
Hotness on a whole different level is what Asher is. This book is extremely well written and entertaining as well as intriguing in it's storyline, especially when it comes to Asher's missing sister Claire, which is where the mystery lies. The characters are well developed and a bit complex in that Asher has his issues not only with his feeling about his missing sister, but with his own feelings about Genevieve and dealing with the injury to his leg that cost him his Army career. Gen is a strong, smart, sassy, straight forward woman and at first it seemed like she wouldn't be someone for Asher, although once they began talking I felt that she would be the perfect match for him, both in strength and intellect.
Throughout the story we meet Asher's parents and his also "oh so hot" brothers, which I can see will bring more stories to come. I can't wait to see where the mystery of missing Claire goes and the outcome.
One intriguing story that will grasp you and not let you go until the "end" and will leave you waiting with baited breath for more! -
This book was so much more than I expected when I started reading it. This author was new to me, and I absolutely love meeting the work of new people. Shauna seriously blew me away with the depth of character and emotion that this story held.
Yes, I did cry a few times. Yes, I got hot and bothered. Yes, I swooned like a teenage girl with a crush. Yes, my heart broke for each and every family member. Yes, I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. And, YES, I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 100%.
Get ready to go on a journey of a family that's broken but will be slowly put back together after 10 long years of heartache. I truly can't say enough about this incredibly, amazing book and all of it's flawed characters. Not only do I give this book 6 stars, Shauna now goes on my MUST READ list. INCREDIBLE!! -
Compelling. The Executioner pulled me in on page 1 and kept me enthralled from page to page. We meet the Creed family as Asher, oldest son, tells us his story. This is an amazing family, that has supported and loved each other over the years but when a tragedy happens, their sister disappears, it shakes their foundation. Asher found purpose in the military until an injury sent him home. Losing that career really altered his direction, to me he was lost. He became a prison guard, following in his father’s footsteps and ended up working death row. I marvel at his ability to work in that environment while he stays true to himself and all his wonderfully sexy and endearing alpha tendencies. When he meets Genevieve Stone, well, she is that perfect foil to his gruff exterior. She doesn’t take his crap and really forces him to look at the world around him. I loved Genevieve’s strength, as a journalist she challenges herself to write the tough stories with integrity. Through her work, she gets to meet the entire Creed family. Genevieve is just as complex as Asher is and it was wonderful as they each revealed parts of themselves that they found similarities that they shared. The true challenge will be if Asher and Genevieve can open themselves to love. I enjoyed every moment of this intense, drama filled and sexy journey. So excited to experience the rest of the Creed family’s saga. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
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I was provide a copy of the book by the author for an honest review
wow just wow I just finish reading this book and I love it. This is book is feel with emotions hear breaking and a grieved that never ends, this is the first book in a series of five brothers who has lost the most important member of their family their sister. In this book you will not be able to solve the mysteries that surrounded the creed family but you will get to see the pain that each one of them goes through this is Asher and Genevieve story.
Asher was an army man but that change after he had a accident that's how he end up working as a guard in jail and how he became the Executioner. One night after doing is job while walking to his car he gets approach by a journalist Genevieve who wanted to know the truth about the man that was put down fro the crime he did. when Asher agree to be interview by her he did not think that the chemistry would be their and it was stronger than anything. while Asher and Genevieve spend more time with each other the more that chemistry grows and the more that she want to help him and his family out to find the truth about his sister. what they did not expected was for their life to turn up side down/
I really love and enjoy reading this book now I cant wait for the rest of the series to solve the puzzle in this emotional story. Author Shauna Allen THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing family and this awesome book love it. -
4 Stars!
What an emotional ride this book was!
The start to The Family Creed series is Asher Creed’s story. The book is a standalone but there is the dark mystery surrounding the death of the Creed brothers’ little sister teen years earlier that adds a must read component to the series. Asher is broody and sexy but relatable. When he agrees to speak to reporter Genevieve the find they have something in common and the relationship builds into something so much more, something super steamy.
The Executioner is intense and emotional. It will pull you in until suddenly there are no more pages to read and you just want more of all things Creed! -
Shauna Allen has been a favorite of mine since I first read Inked by an Angel! She writes the most believable characters, that you can't help becoming invested in their lives. This is the start of the Family Creed series. Asher Creed (who was introduced in Awakening Aubrey) is a death row executioner that meets his match in true crime reporter Genevieve Stone. The Creed families youngest and only daughter disappeared over ten years ago without a trace, until Genevieve's story about the Creeds is published. Now some new information surfaces which may or may not lead them to Claire's whereabouts. This is the first in a six part series.
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I was completely captivated by this moving and suspenseful romance. This first book in the Family Creed series perfectly set up an intriguing storyline with a close knit family of strong, sexy brothers. Asher is more than an executioner, and a wounded soldier. He is a loving brother who is still devastated by the mysterious disappearance of his younger sister ten years ago. When he meets a sexy, true crime columnist, he enlists her help to breathe life back into his sisters case. Genevieve is hurting from her own past as well. They connect instantly and begin to help each other heal. This is a heartbreaking story that, as a parent, left me raw and in tears. But as a romance story, I thought it was interesting how the mystery revolves around the lone female/sister, and how these big alpha brothers deal with not being able to protect her. How it affects their family and romantic relationships.
DC Cole was amazing at bringing this poignant story to life. His different voices for this large family were impressive and his inflections made this emotional romance even more breathtaking.
This story is the beginning of the Family Creed series with each book about a different brother, and the mystery of their sisters disappearance a common arc through out. I can't wait to learn more about each brother and the truth about their sister! -
AUDIOBOOK edition
Don't let the title fool you. I was not sure what to expect, but being narrated by DC Cole, I took the plunge.
Asher is so much more than his job. In this story we follow him and Genevieve, their journey to HEA is rocky to say the least, each dealing with pain of loosing a loved one. Loved how the Creed family was so tight-knit, the loyalty to each other, despite their differences. I can't imagine loosing a child in such a way, or a mother.
The story is emotional on many levels and Mr. Cole knows how to deliver each emotion to the fullest. I am looking forward to listen to the next one.
- 5 stars
