Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I would've given it a 4, but I lost interest near the end and it took me a bit to get back into it. I enjoyed Sylvie, she was badass. I liked Creed, but I was expecting someone more bossy and intense like Knight.
Once again, Ashley's epilogues kick ass!
Once again, Ashley's epilogues kick ass!
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I Loved this book! Second chance romance, dark and emotional. Both Creed and Sylvi has been through so much and their story was so sad but I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence
The SA is in the past and not on the page
I have to say... I am very happy I didn't let knight discourage me from reading on in this series. I actually enjoyed knight being more of a background character. I really loved Sylvie as a bad@ss female and Creed does not disappoint by being on her level. He is super protective. I found myself enjoying the stories being intertwined between the younger years and the present. Sometimes it got confusing for me, but it was necessary to be able to appreciate the present times they shared together. My favorite part in the story was the nerd fight. I had a huge smile and found myself laughing at how carefree that moment was for them. I always go to Kristen Ashley for a alpha male when I'm in a reading slump, and this story did not disappoint. It was not my favorite story or series she has written, but it still was an enjoyable read.
Ooh, it's Sylvia Bissenette's book! She's first mentioned in Rock Chick Revolution, I think? Sylvia is Jules but more badass, IMO. And this book is more intense than the rest of the KA books I've read. A little more gory too. Love the Lee Nightingale / Hawk Delgado mentions.
Fav scene: the NERF fighting scene. that was awesome! imagine waking up to your partner saying "you must always be ready" and then tossing you a NERF gun and jumping into position
Fav scene: the NERF fighting scene. that was awesome! imagine waking up to your partner saying "you must always be ready" and then tossing you a NERF gun and jumping into position
I enjoyed this novel. An angsty second chance romance with a happy ending.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Eleven year old Creed and six year old Sylvie became close friends coming from homes that weren't what any child should be raised in. They formed a close tie to each other. As the years went by the feelings of friendship grew into something more intimate. But right when they had everything sorted and their life together guaranteed, their lives were torn apart. Its been sixteen years later and Sylvie although she has managed to make a good life for herself, hasn't fully recovered from the past. Sylvie works for Knight, protecting his girls. But when the girls start to become abused and roughened up, Knight wants answers. And he partners Sylvie with a outside element...a man she never thought she would see again....Creed. Both Creed and Sylvie have a past together but if they want to find out who is responsible for abusing these women, Creed and Sylvie will have to work out the past and will these two discover that they do have a future after all they have gone through?
Creed was a heart wrenching romance that can tear the reader's emotions in two. I quite adored the way that Kristen Ashley writes these. Creed is definitely not for the faint of heart. Our heroine Sylvie has gone through some tough times. She has had to build a strong shell around herself. She is tough as steel until she sees Creed who is the crack in her armor.
I actually really liked the way Ashley wrote this book. We get the occasional flashback to their childhood, seeing their relationship and see what tears them apart. But we also see how they put the pieces back together and find their own kind of happiness even if its sixteen years late. Kristen Ashley has such great talent to tug at the reader's emotions and the characters she writes are so realistic.
This story is raw, vivid and portrays a love story that will break you heart while at the same time invigorating the reader. I honestly can't ever get enough of this author and Creed is evidence of that. Now its definitely different from Knight, I did like Knight way more. I think my issue was the heroine. I did struggle with her personality at times, she isn't the type of heroine Ashley normally writes. But I loved and adored Creed, he is such a yummy and delicious alpha male. And the way he is with his kids is so precious. And despite the serious stuff....there is a lot of play and teasing and fun times that bring a smile to your face. Not a book you want to resist picking up!!
Now for those that haven't read this, the cover may seem ordinary. But I like that it connects with the story in a way.
Creed is a complex heart tugging romance that captivates and warms you inside and out.....sizzling and poignant!!
[foogallery id="25849"]
Summary
Eleven year old Creed and six year old Sylvie became close friends coming from homes that weren't what any child should be raised in. They formed a close tie to each other. As the years went by the feelings of friendship grew into something more intimate. But right when they had everything sorted and their life together guaranteed, their lives were torn apart. Its been sixteen years later and Sylvie although she has managed to make a good life for herself, hasn't fully recovered from the past. Sylvie works for Knight, protecting his girls. But when the girls start to become abused and roughened up, Knight wants answers. And he partners Sylvie with a outside element...a man she never thought she would see again....Creed. Both Creed and Sylvie have a past together but if they want to find out who is responsible for abusing these women, Creed and Sylvie will have to work out the past and will these two discover that they do have a future after all they have gone through?
Plot and Story Line
Creed was a heart wrenching romance that can tear the reader's emotions in two. I quite adored the way that Kristen Ashley writes these. Creed is definitely not for the faint of heart. Our heroine Sylvie has gone through some tough times. She has had to build a strong shell around herself. She is tough as steel until she sees Creed who is the crack in her armor.
some people get to live life. some people survive it. We're survivors. We can carve out our pieces of happy...But we're foolin' ourselves if we think we can set aside the shit that happened to us, the shit done to us, the shit we've done and move on. It'll be with us forever. We just gotta learn to live with it. We bury it, deny it or pretend it isn't there, we're fucked. It'll surface and tear us to shreds. We acknowledge it and keep on keepin' the fuck on, and we'll be good
I actually really liked the way Ashley wrote this book. We get the occasional flashback to their childhood, seeing their relationship and see what tears them apart. But we also see how they put the pieces back together and find their own kind of happiness even if its sixteen years late. Kristen Ashley has such great talent to tug at the reader's emotions and the characters she writes are so realistic.
Just you wait, baby. Didn't live free and easy. Didn't feel totally alive. Not without you. But I got my kids and I had something to live for, work for, keep goin' for. Now I got it all
This story is raw, vivid and portrays a love story that will break you heart while at the same time invigorating the reader. I honestly can't ever get enough of this author and Creed is evidence of that. Now its definitely different from Knight, I did like Knight way more. I think my issue was the heroine. I did struggle with her personality at times, she isn't the type of heroine Ashley normally writes. But I loved and adored Creed, he is such a yummy and delicious alpha male. And the way he is with his kids is so precious. And despite the serious stuff....there is a lot of play and teasing and fun times that bring a smile to your face. Not a book you want to resist picking up!!
The Cover
Now for those that haven't read this, the cover may seem ordinary. But I like that it connects with the story in a way.
Overall View
Creed is a complex heart tugging romance that captivates and warms you inside and out.....sizzling and poignant!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25849"]
This and other book reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Wow! Definitely different! Kristen said it herself several times; this one was going to be different! The truth is the series itself is different. The series is called “Unfinished Heroes” for a reason. If you haven’t read the first book “Knight”, I highly recommend it (review here)! You can find the review for it here. “Creed” was different even within the series. Based on the name and with the focus being on the hero, you would think that in “Creed”, the hero would be in the forefront, but he isn't the main focus. She is! The heroine, Sylvie. Again, Kristen (the Author) mentioned this and hoped that fans would like it.
I did! I believe Kristen did a great job of bringing out that raw emotions that Sylvie has had locked away for so many years. Sylvie is a product of the horrors she suffered when she was young and has dealt with it to the best of her abilities. She dealt with it by leaving it in the past. But when her past returns, she is forced to relive the pain and sorrow, all while trying to keep that hard outer shell intact.
Creed has been through hell and back and all to keep the girl he loved, loves, safe. He has tried to move on, but he can’t. He will always love his Sylvie. Even though they are apart and have been for many years, he has dealt with the separation the best way he could and kept parts of her and their love with him. You can only imagine the devastation he suffers when he finds out the truth. All this time, he’s done everything, including sacrificing his own happiness for her well being to find out that what he was promised never came to pass.
I can’t provide you with much information as those details are part of their story. It unravels in front of you and you get to see these who these two individual people were when they were younger and together and who they have because they are apart. Circumstances beyond their control lead them down different paths which eventually bring them back, face to face. Left with no choice but to deal with the unfortunate events of their past, learn the truth and see if they have a chance at a future.
“Creed” is written mainly from Sylvie’s POV. There are many “Flashback” scenes that tell you their story. Some of my friends who absolute LOVE Kristen and her books were not very fond of the “flashbacks” scenes, but I, enjoyed seeing them when they were young, carefree and planning for the future. It needed to be done in order for the reader to fully understand not only Sylvie’s and Creed’s story but their connection.
Without spoiling it, many books have that moment of ‘misunderstanding’, or when all it takes for the characters to be together is for them to talk and ask questions, instead, they assume and then things happen. In “Creed” there’s a situation that has led many to ask, “why doesn't return to check in on her”. I asked the same question. It’s simple enough and it would have “solved” the problem. However, life doesn't work that way. People react in the moment, make the best decisions they can based on what they know or are told and they are human, which means, mistakes are made. The “could’ve”, “should’ve” and “what ifs” are all part of life and a great story. If you've read “Creed” and are interested in Kristen’s response to this question, you can read her answer here (must be a Goodreads member).
For all you Knight fans. You’ll get to see a different side of Knight which I absolutely loved!! You won’t be disappointed!!
As this is an Erotica Romance.... yes, HOT!! Again, different (especially if comparing it to "Knight") but Hot, Sexy and Steamy none the less! There was definitely some highlighting involved for when hubby reads this!
Yes, DH (dear husband) will read "Creed"! He read and loved "Knight" and is looking forward to reading the next installment.
There are lots of raw emotions and you can imagine how a bad-ass handles raw emotions. One of my favorite scenes is between Creed and Sylvia and all I’m saying is “Kids names”. If you read the book, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Wow, right!? Again, raw emotion, filled with honesty, desperation, anger and well WOW!! If you haven’t, well, what are you waiting for?
Wow! Definitely different! Kristen said it herself several times; this one was going to be different! The truth is the series itself is different. The series is called “Unfinished Heroes” for a reason. If you haven’t read the first book “Knight”, I highly recommend it (review here)! You can find the review for it here. “Creed” was different even within the series. Based on the name and with the focus being on the hero, you would think that in “Creed”, the hero would be in the forefront, but he isn't the main focus. She is! The heroine, Sylvie. Again, Kristen (the Author) mentioned this and hoped that fans would like it.
I did! I believe Kristen did a great job of bringing out that raw emotions that Sylvie has had locked away for so many years. Sylvie is a product of the horrors she suffered when she was young and has dealt with it to the best of her abilities. She dealt with it by leaving it in the past. But when her past returns, she is forced to relive the pain and sorrow, all while trying to keep that hard outer shell intact.
Creed has been through hell and back and all to keep the girl he loved, loves, safe. He has tried to move on, but he can’t. He will always love his Sylvie. Even though they are apart and have been for many years, he has dealt with the separation the best way he could and kept parts of her and their love with him. You can only imagine the devastation he suffers when he finds out the truth. All this time, he’s done everything, including sacrificing his own happiness for her well being to find out that what he was promised never came to pass.
I can’t provide you with much information as those details are part of their story. It unravels in front of you and you get to see these who these two individual people were when they were younger and together and who they have because they are apart. Circumstances beyond their control lead them down different paths which eventually bring them back, face to face. Left with no choice but to deal with the unfortunate events of their past, learn the truth and see if they have a chance at a future.
“Creed” is written mainly from Sylvie’s POV. There are many “Flashback” scenes that tell you their story. Some of my friends who absolute LOVE Kristen and her books were not very fond of the “flashbacks” scenes, but I, enjoyed seeing them when they were young, carefree and planning for the future. It needed to be done in order for the reader to fully understand not only Sylvie’s and Creed’s story but their connection.
Without spoiling it, many books have that moment of ‘misunderstanding’, or when all it takes for the characters to be together is for them to talk and ask questions, instead, they assume and then things happen. In “Creed” there’s a situation that has led many to ask, “why doesn't return to check in on her”. I asked the same question. It’s simple enough and it would have “solved” the problem. However, life doesn't work that way. People react in the moment, make the best decisions they can based on what they know or are told and they are human, which means, mistakes are made. The “could’ve”, “should’ve” and “what ifs” are all part of life and a great story. If you've read “Creed” and are interested in Kristen’s response to this question, you can read her answer here (must be a Goodreads member).
For all you Knight fans. You’ll get to see a different side of Knight which I absolutely loved!! You won’t be disappointed!!
As this is an Erotica Romance.... yes, HOT!! Again, different (especially if comparing it to "Knight") but Hot, Sexy and Steamy none the less! There was definitely some highlighting involved for when hubby reads this!
Yes, DH (dear husband) will read "Creed"! He read and loved "Knight" and is looking forward to reading the next installment.
There are lots of raw emotions and you can imagine how a bad-ass handles raw emotions. One of my favorite scenes is between Creed and Sylvia and all I’m saying is “Kids names”. If you read the book, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Wow, right!? Again, raw emotion, filled with honesty, desperation, anger and well WOW!! If you haven’t, well, what are you waiting for?
Let me start by saying that I love Kristen Ashley and her books. That being said unfortunately Creed did not work for me and I hate that because it is a first for me. I have read all of her books and most of them at least twice. Maybe that is where part of the problem comes in for me because for the most part I felt like I had already read this book.
So first for things I liked: It's a KA book so there is still a level of awesome here no matter what. I liked Sylvie and Creed at times. I loved getting more of Knight and little bits of Anya. The scenes between Knight and Sylvie were great. I also enjoyed the back and forth between the past and the present that gave us insight into Sylvie and Creed and the way things played out for them rather than dumping them all at once. Last but not least the epic KA epilogue was great.
Now for what didn’t work for me. The dialogue, inner monologue, basic plot were so much like her other books but without the chemistry for the characters. Normally I love the KA alpha speak and the way Kristen writes a characters thoughts but this was just too much for me . I felt like I had read these exact thoughts in her other books and that was hard to get past for me. Plus normally the editing isn’t that big of an issue but between two characters speaking KA alpha and the run on sentences it was hard for me to feel connected to what I was reading at times. I know this is supposed to be erotica but for me perhaps that has a different meaning. The only differences in the sex scenes in this book compared to other works is that the terms used were more vulgar and there wasn’t that sexual tension and build up that I like to see between characters. As I previously stated in what I liked, I did like Sylvie at times but at times I thought she was OTT. Her dropping the F-bomb repeatedly and not liking dresses doesn’t prove to me that she is a badass. Creed wasn’t really an anti-hero at all in my opinion but I still generally liked him other than some of the decisions that he made. Although I did like the way the history between the characters was delivered I felt like them reconnecting and resolving issues was glossed over. Also the conflict and climax of the book was very anti-climatic for me.
So overall for me it was an enjoyable enough read and it is still a KA book, which means there are great moments and parts no matter what. Everyone gets something different from a book and this is working for a big way for some readers so definitely still give it a read. No matter my opinion of this book I still love Kristen Ashley and will by all means continue to read her books.
So first for things I liked: It's a KA book so there is still a level of awesome here no matter what. I liked Sylvie and Creed at times. I loved getting more of Knight and little bits of Anya. The scenes between Knight and Sylvie were great. I also enjoyed the back and forth between the past and the present that gave us insight into Sylvie and Creed and the way things played out for them rather than dumping them all at once. Last but not least the epic KA epilogue was great.
Now for what didn’t work for me. The dialogue, inner monologue, basic plot were so much like her other books but without the chemistry for the characters. Normally I love the KA alpha speak and the way Kristen writes a characters thoughts but this was just too much for me . I felt like I had read these exact thoughts in her other books and that was hard to get past for me. Plus normally the editing isn’t that big of an issue but between two characters speaking KA alpha and the run on sentences it was hard for me to feel connected to what I was reading at times. I know this is supposed to be erotica but for me perhaps that has a different meaning. The only differences in the sex scenes in this book compared to other works is that the terms used were more vulgar and there wasn’t that sexual tension and build up that I like to see between characters. As I previously stated in what I liked, I did like Sylvie at times but at times I thought she was OTT. Her dropping the F-bomb repeatedly and not liking dresses doesn’t prove to me that she is a badass. Creed wasn’t really an anti-hero at all in my opinion but I still generally liked him other than some of the decisions that he made. Although I did like the way the history between the characters was delivered I felt like them reconnecting and resolving issues was glossed over. Also the conflict and climax of the book was very anti-climatic for me.
So overall for me it was an enjoyable enough read and it is still a KA book, which means there are great moments and parts no matter what. Everyone gets something different from a book and this is working for a big way for some readers so definitely still give it a read. No matter my opinion of this book I still love Kristen Ashley and will by all means continue to read her books.