Creed: A King Family Saga

by N'Dia Rae

Creed King doesn’t do love. He does power, control, and loyalty on his own terms.

As the heir to Harlem’s most feared crime family, Creed has spent his life balancing the fine line between business and brutality. His father built an empire, and now it’s his turn to take the reins. But before he can fully step into his role, there’s one last job to handle. A personal one.

Sloane Reid isn’t the type to let her guard down. A sharp-minded therapist with a carefully built life, she’s always been in control—until a one-night stand with a stranger shakes her foundation. What was supposed to be a fleeting moment turns into something far more complicated when that same man walks into her office, demanding therapy sessions he has no real interest in.

Creed knows he should stay away. Sloane doesn’t belong in his world. But there’s something about her strength, something about her fire, that keeps pulling him back. Sloane wants distance, but Creed isn’t a man who takes no for an answer.

The deeper she falls, the more she realizes Creed isn’t just a man with a troubled past—he’s a man with blood on his hands. And in his world, love isn’t just dangerous. It’s a liability.

But some risks are worth taking.

Dive into this gripping, high-stakes romance where power collides with passion. A King Family Saga is a standalone novel in a series about the King brothers—men who rule the streets, the boardroom, and the hearts of the women who dare to love them. Read now and discover why the King family isn’t just feared… they’re unforgettable.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2025

Reviews

[Dasia Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had promise then fell flat

It was an ok book. The beginning had me hooked then slowly got a little overly complicated and felt rushed. Many of the conflicts were breezed through making it hard to connect to the resolutions. I would’ve preferred fewer conflicts and more details. There were some conflicting details like how the FMC’s father died and there was a mislabeled chapter. Overall, I wanted it to be deeper. Not good, not bad, but unlikely to continue the series.

[Latoya's Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

you can skip it.

This story was way to quick for All the happened. I feel like there was no actually relationship or emotional development that happened.

[Quonesha Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt extremely rushed. How did we go from creed being a killer to Sloan being okay with killing and then now they love each other and are having a wedding? Idk it just seemed like so much is missing from the book. Dots weren’t really connecting

[Dash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out good and I was actually enjoying myself. Then it took a turn and turned me off.

The story I read was not the story I expected to get. I thought the author had a reason for Sloane's character being a therapist with a passion for Black boys being inappropriately labeled and not being helped properly. But that seemingly got lost somewhere in the story with who Sloane develops into after her breakup with Takuma. And quite frankly, I'm confused as to why Creed was so in love with her. Creed on the other hand gave what he was supposed to and I did enjoy his character. The ending wasn't what I was expecting and really did nothing to make the book better to me.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG CREED!

From the opening sentence, I was hooked!! Honey, one thing for sure we ain't going to back to no cheating man especially not one who cheats with my supposedly close friend TUHH!!!

I'm in love with the whole King family give me more! Give me more! Baby, Creed didn't play not one bit! He immediately stated what he wanted and went in for the kill as a grown man should! Give me all the layers!

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! 3.5 stars... these so-called strong men were weak... Creed was okay. Medium strength at best.

[WellReadRuby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story with good bones but just didn't land.

Sloane and Creed's love story was a bit consuming. Both were dealing with heavy issues, but you don't realize how connected their trauma/stories are until you're a good way into the story. The disturbing understory is heartbreaking, but at times it feels like it is too much and unnecessary. There's a point in the story where Sloane acts like an assassin, and as a reader, it seems odd because there was no buildup to that being her character. I also feel the brother's story was disappointing, and his fate felt forced. This was my first read of this, and I'm open to reading more, but perhaps a different series.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5⭐️) I’m usually not a fan of the “you’re mine” after one day”, trope but for whatever reason I didn’t hate it here. We love a protective “WHO DO I HAVE TO KILL?”, MMC. Both Creed (MMC) & Sloan (FMC) had some serious issues with their parents and it was interesting watching them navigate that. The pacing felt very slow in the beginning and then the end felt rushed. I think I would have liked to see more of the FMC’s journey to accepting the kind of person that Creed was. Her jump to her unleashing her “darkness” felt kind of abrupt. Also I needed a lil epilogue or something. I hate when a story just…stops.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️. New to me author. I was expecting a regular romance with a morally grey mmc but this had some thrill and plot twists. So I had a time. Loved the short chapters. Would love an update on the couple and can’t wait to read Riot’s book.

[perfectlyamberb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists & turns!

This is an NTMA, and I had a great time reading this book. Sloane and Creed were a one-night stand that went from obsession to forever. I could have never imagined the turn this book would take. I will definitely be checking out some of this author's back catalogue.

[Toya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off really good and then went downhill from there. I will not be continuing the series.

[Jayy Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first read the reviews I didn’t understand what the girls meant when they said this book was a “Tubi” movie, now I see exactly what they meant!🤣🤣🤣 I think the story line had potential- I’m not sure if it was the writing style, plot development, or what it was but something just felt rushed and drawn out at the same time ! I couldn’t wait to be done with this, I just didn’t want to DNF.

Sloan’s character development was very odd. You go from smart & established to a complete simp for this man? Girl please!!!

Creed was likable somewhat. I liked his overall mission when it came to dealing with the network - I just wish there was more focus on his healing journey and working through his trauma like there was supposed to be.

I personally don’t see myself reading another book by this author but primarily because of writing style.

[Cardi Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Creed wasn’t playing. I’ve never read about a Creed who didn’t have BDE. That opening was crazy. Sloane is strong because I would’ve crashed out.

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creed

N’Dia Rae’s Creed is an electrifying blend of romance, power, and danger, pulling readers into the ruthless world of Harlem’s most feared crime family. Creed King is the epitome of control—commanding, intense, and unwilling to let love weaken him. But when he crosses paths with Sloane Reid, a strong-willed therapist with her own tightly guarded life, everything changes.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. What starts as a one-night encounter spirals into a twisted game of push and pull, where desire battles with the stark reality of Creed’s bloodstained past. Sloane’s struggle to resist his pull adds depth to the story, making her more than just a love interest—she’s a force in her own right.

Rae masterfully balances raw passion with high-stakes tension, crafting a narrative that is as thrilling as it is seductive. The King family’s legacy looms over every page, adding layers of complexity to Creed’s internal conflict. Is love worth the risk when the cost could be deadly?

Fast-paced and addictive, Creed delivers a compelling mix of danger and devotion, proving that sometimes, the most perilous love stories are the hardest to resist. Fans of gritty, powerful romance will devour this book in one sitting.

[TheReaderVert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Yeah

This is what I'm talking about!

What an awesome Urban Dark Romance. It has all the things a dark romance fan will love:

Not an author buttttt:

Girls will be like I need this and it's just a dude who offers to off your cheating ex fiancé & dick you down in a bought out museum 😊
Dick you down so hard you squirt 🤭
Lickety Lick so right knocking picture frames off walla 😋

Creed is a dark, shadowy bad boy. He has zero qualms murking problems. When he says it's handled its handled. No waffling or back and forth here. When he is locked in he's locked in and it's immediately, instalove-at-first-sight type stuff.

👌🏾 the drama and twists were well done and handled. They really were crafty and added to the mystery

👌🏾touch her and 😵, OTT, possessive protector MMC who walks the walk

👌🏾 a FMC with a brain! Hallelujer Sloane was pitch pitch perfect. Some moves had me side eye her but it all comes together at the end. Talk about a Queen meeting her King 🙌🏾🫰🏾🫰🏾 yes she was.

Can't wait for Book 2

[OnceUponAStorybook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed 😍😍😍

I loved everything about this, literally could not put it down 😩

The spice was everything, I swear the spice scenes in urban romance just do it for me everytime 😩 They be extra freaky and I eat up every single time.

Love how Creed wasn’t playing when it came to Sloane, literally was sprung from the moment he saw her. Also love that there wasn’t no third act breakup cause I was literally preparing myself for it and was pleasantly surprised.

Sloane is that bitch! Love her down, she found out what Creed did and she stood 10 toes down behind! Love when our FMC turns out to be a badass.

Also loved the plot, I was so invested and was not expecting that plot twist when it came to Sloanes family. Literally my jaw was on the ground, I was shocked.

This is one of the stories where the plot and romance blends together perfectly!

Will be continuing the rest of the series!

[BetweentheCoversLiterary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read… It started off as a slow burn and I was so invested to see where it would end up.. I was not ready for the plot twist and turns… I loved Creed he was dark, mysterious and wasn’t playing about Sloane from day one… But that Sloane hunny evolution into someone else that was not the Sloane we met at the beginning of the book… It was a good read but I feel like it’s some loopholes somewhere and hopefully they will be filled in Riot’s book because I’m sure his past and present is just as dark as his brothers but I can’t wait for what’s next

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went between a 3.5-4 for this one. There were just some things that she did so easily, it rubbed me the wrong way. Almost made the book seem unrealistic. I scuttled past them but they still stuck with me. Just not sure the point of her brother's situation. He could have just been a troubled kid vs. going that far. Maybe I should reduce my rating. LOL!

However, I respect writers creativity and the book was well written and entertaining. Plus, I loved Creed!

[Sharika Sellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man is the definition of don’t touch what belongs to me && No lame nigga is off limits! Not even my daddy ! He is a menace that wants to do better & when he bumps into Sloane he sees it as a sign!

Definitely a lot going on in these streets but it was a quick love story with a bunch of blood shed !

[Tonya Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is wild crazy and so lovable. Sloane is the piece that made him complete. She understood him and accepted him demons and all. Creed provided her the protection she always needed and deserved.

I felt for Jru but like she said she took her trauma and made use of it for good.

I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

[areadforyourmental · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Syretta Hines Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

N'Dia, that was a book that I couldn't put down. Sloane was about that baby!! and Creed was that ninja🤭
I didn't see that coming about Jru but he had be dealt with...
goo read!

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creed

A MENACE and a social worker. Who would have ever known their worlds would collide.
Creed and Sloane both had past trauma but didn't realize how connected their lives were.

[Shandra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read by N’Dia Rae and what a good one. Family, friends, betrayal. All turned out great. Creed and Sloane were meant to be together. She was all about him and everything that came with him and he was the same way with her. Can’t wait to read Riots book.

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many plot holes and general confusion, somehow slow and rushed

The opening was interesting but after maybe the 4th chapter, the story fell off. I had to force myself to finish this book. It felt so slow and filled with filler points that ended up being nothing. There were too many major gaps in the plot elements. There was nothing to make you care about any of the characters, so just like Sloane flips and decides everybody can die, I was left feeling like I don’t care either. The FMC goes from saying she became a therapist to help her brother and little boys like him, but she helped no one throughout the story. When her brother is struggling and getting drunk, she offers nothing of value. Also, she is supposed to be working with kids so why accept Creed as a client and then taking their clothes off a few minutes after his only session, right there in the office!?! The whole scene was like multiple personalities and jumping from emotion and levels. Sloane’s character shifts were odd and like she has a personality disorder. She claimed to love her brother so much and by the end it’s almost funny how quickly she says throw him away. Something has to be wrong with her to be surrounded by predators and never know. Creed and his father was very anticlimactic.
It took me way too long to get through this book. I only pushed through because people claim Riot’s book is the best but I’m not hopeful after this. The writing style also left much to be desired. I will probably start the next book but if it’s dull like this then I’m done with the series.

[EricaLenise · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Creed and Sloane started off solid. I was into it. The first 60% had me like okayyy, we might have something here… and then it kinda fell flat 😩.

Now listen, I don’t know who approved all those “creative” words for the male anatomy 😭 but no. Readers like us want that authentic, grown, Black vernacular, not the made-up stuff. It pulled me out the moment every time.

There were also a few plot holes and emotional inconsistencies that made the story feel off. The pacing jumped around, some relationships got confusing, and by the end, it just didn’t hit the way I hoped.

Still, the bones of a good story are there. It just needed more balance, realism, emotion, and a little editorial polish to pull it all together.

(2.5/5)

[LaTyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the trigger warnings… I don’t even remember if this book has them so that’s my bad…. I loved how unhinged Creed was and I could get with Sloane character too.. however the switch up in her was instant and I felt like I was reading a completely didn’t character midway in to the end.

Also……the story line I just wasn’t feeling. I’m for taking down all the Pedos, but the way Jru was thrown in that was like wtf… I hoped the author went another route in developing and ending Jru character too.

[Shamell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read but something was missing. When they were on the elevator I was immediately hooked. Some of the story became a bit repetitive and the story line lost me just a little. Creed and Sloan had some serious trauma from parents. Their trauma made me feel like it was more of a trauma bond than love; but the way he always showed up for her made me feel like it was love lol.
I wanted to see more of Sloan growing into his world and not just diving in. I needed a lil epilogue to see how life was a year later lol. I’m nosey so yes I will be continuing this series.

[Brooklyn Simpson-Crowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star level: 4.5 stars Spice level: 4/5 🌶️
Trope: crime family, BDE, one night stand, he falls first and hard, obsession, cheating, unhinged, crazy ex, OWD, black love
Trigger warnings: violence, drugs, mention of alcoholism, Suicide, and harm against children.
Fav quotes: “What did Ludacris, Dwyane Wade, and my fiancé Takuma all have in common? They all got a bitch pregnant while in a serious relationship. But what do Eudoxie, Gabby, and I don’t have in common? I’m not staying in my relationship.”
“Black boys don’t fail because they aren’t smart enough. They fail because we don’t teach them in ways that allow them to thrive."
“He smirked. "I do like control. But I also like when people trust me enough to give it up."
“I swear to God, if you don’t tell me who did this, I’m gonna burn this fucking city down until I find out myself."
“You need me to what?" He turned back to me, eyes dark with pure, murderous intent. "Be rational? Be calm? Fuck that, Sloane." His voice dropped, low and menacing. "That motherfucker just signed his death warrant."
“He tucked a loose curl behind my ear, his touch softer than it should’ve been given the storm in his eyes. "You think I’d let that motherfucker breathe easy after putting his hands on you?" His voice was a low rasp, controlled, but barely. "You think I’d just let that slide?"
“You’re mine now, Sloane. And no one’s ever gonna fucking hurt you again.”
About the book: Creed was A MAN!! Creed comes from a crime family so you already know he oozes power and danger and all he wants from people is loyalty and respect. Sloane is a therapist and I would say she has a type A personality, she has her whole life put together until her world is shattered. Sloane is here trying to make the world better when she gets a text from her “bestfriend” that she is pregnant and the father is her good for nothing fiancé. And at that moment she feels like her world is falling apart but the has to pull us together because she has things to do. Drowning her sorrows in tequila in comes Creed and all it was suppose to be was a one night stand but from that moment Creed was obsessed with her. Creed was all about handling his family business but he also made time for Sloane on the side and he was all about her. I mean he came to her office trying to get a piece of her time. The. When he got wind of her crazy ex and what he was doing to her he handled him. Creed had is own family issues he was trying to work through. I loved that his family accepted her she really needed after dealing with all her family issues. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming with 2 out of 3 characters. I love how Creed and Sloane were about each other and their relationship. Yeah creed is a new book boyfriend.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creed, the son of a king enterprise. A security business that behind the legalities of it holds all the secrets of the underground drug dealers, gangs etc.

Sloane, a therapist who finds out her fiancé cheated on her with her friend and is expecting a baby. She is passionate about supporting black kids in education especially those who have undiagnosed ADHD or just needs more grace/ support from the educational system.

The two meet by chance and it’s clear there is something there. They are both able to help one another out. However while this started off good. The main thing that niggled me (spoiler alert) is why Sloane think it’s ok to want to kill her finance 😣 up until 50% of the novel, the story started to drag and then we get hit with this.

It was slightly unrealistic for me which is why it looses a star because how we are set up with Sloane as a character, you wouldn’t think in a million years she would want to do something like this. Especially with Creed saying ‘yeah ok’. The switch up from her now having thoughts similar to Creed and adopting this new persona. I do think eventually she would need to know his past and motives when it comes to his father, but I just didn’t expect her to jump right in. And don’t even get me started on her brother at the end 🙄 (spoiler alert) what is found out is terrible, but by this point (80% of the book) it was like everyone was gonna get it!

Overall, I think it’s a good story but there was a few bits that didn’t really align for me, for the characters. The story started to slow down/ repetitive at some points which is a real shame. A small pet peeve was some of the grammar and spelling mistakes. Along with a chapter being named with the wrong character 😐 - but this could have been an error on the kindle edition. At times, rushing over conflict that could have been more detailed. It could have done with less conflict so the story is more cohesive. It gazed over the actual relationship building between Creed and Sloane, making it hard to believe there was a genuine connection. (Another spoiler alert) The novel touches on a sensitive subject, pedophilia, which you not only discover that it has happened to some of the characters but who runs it. I don’t necessarily think the answer should always to kill, there could have been moments to educate.