~ Five brothers, one family tragedy, untold heartache. ~
I’ve always been the quiet one. The brother no one noticed. When my sister disappeared, it was easy to disappear right along with her, losing myself to my own personal hell and hidden pain, unable to face a life that didn’t make sense anymore—unable to face a family that no longer felt whole. I hunted and searched until I found my way out. Driven by my need to understand who or what took my sister from us, I learned all I could about the human brain, becoming an FBI Criminal Behavior Analyst. This is what has led me directly into the path of the monster who might hold the key to our family’s greatest pain . . . and straight back to the woman who I thought I’d never see again. I met Tenley Cooper on a whim. One weekend of freedom. One weekend where I lost the pain that chained me down. One weekend that I lived the sweetest of lies—a lie that has come back to haunt me in the best possible way. What does it take to bring the prodigal son home? The truth. My name is Joshua Creed. I am The Prodigal.
***Reader note: This is the fourth 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, graphic subject matter, and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic children, including one she recently sent off to the Air Force.
When she’s not reading or writing, Shauna is a freelance editor and lover of all things Gerard Butler.
She also writes Contemporary YA under the pen name SC Montgomery.
Josh is the Creed brother I felt like I knew the least about, probably because he was absent for many of the family gatherings in the previous books. That got remedied very quickly as I started reading his story, and this book is easily the most emotional so far in this series, ripping the wounds of this family open anew as Joshua Creed balances his job with the FBI, his sister's cold case and his pursuit of a happily ever after with Tenley Cooper, a weekend fling from six years past who's owned his heart from the beginning.
If you’ve read any books in this series you’ve come to love these characters as you’ve experienced the highs and lows through each of the brothers' stories. Be sure to grab the tissues before starting The Prodigal, because it’s a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, devastating, emotional read that will leave your heart a bit battered even as it has you happy sighing over Joshua and Tenley finding their forever.
One of the things Josh's story highlights is those things that cement memories and solidify bonds. It’s not the birthdays, holidays or milestones as much as it’s a thousand ordinary moments that we never suspect amount to anything yet somehow adhere themselves to our souls. And it reminds us to focus not on what we've lost, but what we have right now and the promise of hope the future holds. While this entire series is terrific, The Prodigal is a truly exceptional story and not to be missed.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
'The Family Creed' is one of those series which keeps getting better and better with each new book. I absolutely loved Joshua's story. His grief has driven him to be one of the best profiler is FBI. His goal is find what happened to his baby sister all those years ago. It might now be easy but it is something he needs to do, and he will find out the truth... He moved away right after college and now he is back. But it's still about work. No matter how important family is to him, his work will always come first because that's what keeps him going. The thought that one day he might be able to get his sister justice, her soul some peace, and his family closure. And now is his chance... He is back only a few days when he learns something that will change his life forever, for good. He never thought he would find love, but he has. Things will change for him very soon. May be for his entire family, but one thing remains the same... their love for each other, and their will to be there for each other in hour of need... This book is simply amazing. Although a very emotional read, still it will warm your heart. It's such a sweet, sad tale of love, grief, and hope... definitely a must read if you like contemporary fiction.
I absolutely love this series and I love it more and more with every book. The five Creed brothers are going through life's journey all while trying to find out what happened to their baby sister, Claire, 10 years ago when she disappeared. The Prodigal is about the fourth Creed brother, Joshua. All the brothers have delt with Claire's disappearance differently and Joshua's way was to close himself off to his family and all the memories of home by moving away. When work brings him back home and face to face with his past, especially when that past is Tenley Cooper, the shy and quiet Creed brother starts to realize what he's been missing out on.
What an amazing book in an amazing series! The series continues with Joshua Creed, the fourth brother and the quietest Creed. He buried his sorrow over the disappearance of his sister Claire in his serious attitude toward life. He focused on college to graduate early and get a job with the FBI. He took one weekend to live life freely before leaving for training and met a young woman named Tenley. It was a weekend full of passion and fun but that was all the happiness he gave himself. Now here we are six years later and Joshua is still living a life of dedication to his job. He has nothing else in his life but the job and he's good with that because it doesn't expose his emotions. He's drawn back to Houston to interrogate a suspect regarding Claire's disappearance. The suspect is in the hospital but he gets an even bigger surprise by running into Tenley. Old feelings are going to come to the surface. There will be other twists and turns for Joshua to navigate. As with all the books in the Creed saga, it's told in first person male POV. Joshua has a complete story however the Creed saga will not be finished because we all know that Silas has a story that needs to be told. If you haven't read the other books in the series, you must begin with The Executioner to fully appreciate the storyline. This is by far one of the best series that I have read this year and I read approximately 200 books a year. Shauna Allen has truly written romantic suspense at it's finest but keep a Kleenex box nearby!
(I am rating each book separately, but I did read each of them all together, like in one seating, not in one day I don't mean that ...but I didn't review each book after I read each book, I am reviewing after I have read every book, I think the Rainmaker and The Executioner are my major faves. 2. The Prodigal, followed by The Dove and lastly The Gunman and The Silencer ... they just didn't grab me like the others .. I mean they are emotional ... and raw ... a bit of grit ...but those others I just felt for the boys.) I am debating on the star for each of these reads as well as the novella? I love a good series, I love getting really into the family and feeling like they are old friends. The Family Creed Series, can I narrow it down to just one word ...that explains it all. NOPE. so many layers, like a cake, take one layer away and the whole cake with sham to nothing!! I get why they were meant to be together, don't read out of order or nothing will fall into place. & you would not want that, would ya??! Enjoy these old cover, but get why they were changed. If I went on the new book cover (making those stars reflect my fave) I would pick The Dove (novella) that lady who is on that cover, what a beauty .. those green eyes. maybe not really her eye color but so captures ur curiosity. 2nd spot (between The Executioner or The Rainmaker). 3. definitely the Prodigal ...and for me the other 2 just didn't have me thinking of the characters quite right??! but close kind of situation. Just saying. I have a huge "wordpad" on my computer .. I don't have a i-anything ... I have a laptop ...that give u the wordpad option to make notes and save them. so that is what i do ... wish you could look over my shoulder and see that ...but I don't wanna reveal anything about the series that would be considered a spoiler .. i want u to get your own idea and opinions. totally! I think if you say what books did you connect with most??! The Rainmaker and The Executioner. which books do you have more family mentioned .. more characters introduced??! The Gunman, The Prodigal and The Silencer. Not saying that 1 & 2 ... do not show parents and other characters ...but those others seem to be WAY MORE BUSY. I will say I went in thinking ... it was going to be more gritty ... that is a word I would describe a lot of books I have read in the past ... if you enjoy grit ... maybe The Gunman and The Silencer will have the most GRIT. cuss word ...is that what you are looking for (not me) but those are in all 6. When you read the disclaimer ... u see
"***READER NOTE*** ***This is the sixth and final book of this 6-part emotional family saga series. You have followed the Creed family and gotten each brother’s love story. You also finally know what happened to Claire—it’s time to hear it in her own words. ***Due to violence, graphic content, and potential triggers, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please read with care. ***Also, please take note that The Dove is NOT a standalone novella. It is NOT a romance and it does NOT have a traditional happy ever after ending.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.
It also contains HUGE spoilers for anyone who has not already read the series. So, if you haven’t read the first five books . . . STOP! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go do that first. I’ll wait for you here. I promise it’s worth it. Here they are in order: The Executioner (Asher Creed) The Rainmaker (Levi Creed) The Gunman (Jamison Creed) The Prodigal (Joshua Creed) The Silencer (Silas Creed) If you have read all of these, well, then you’re ready for Claire’s story. Buckle your seatbelts, kids. It’s about to get emotional."
and I would agree sort of. what of the book is the most dark ... The Executioner or The Gunman. But i guess a few others have pieces of that? I guess for me ... when I read the novella that last book I wanted a bang to end it all ... kind of like Game of Thrones ... u have the build up and it keeps building up and then it falls ... not that it doesn't end ...but u know ... or at least i think u know??! no spoilers .. nope. not going to do it. I would say I went into this series thinking it was going to be a really rough and tough series to read ... I have really read some gritty rough and tough language kind of reads and don't get me wrong there are tons of cuss words throughout ... could totally be swore ... i think the words are throughout ...but on a norm ...is is not the grit-est book series i have read ... could have been a heck of a lot worse. There are bits and pieces throughout the books about Claire ...I think it is a series you totally need to read each and every book .. I prefer series like that over any other ... if you are going to put in the effort to really get to know an author if that author is new to you kind of situation ...but don't get me wrong i also enjoy a author who does standalones read too . .. u gotta love what you love. i get why authors do standalones. There is a lot of texting between the brothers ...which makes it seem very realistic or present day logic. I think the parents are kind of a backstory ...they are not the front story, if that makes sense. like you see more of the parents in book 1 & 2. and for some reason Silas is in several of the books where the other brothers keep a more when u need to know u know kind of basics??! I think a lot of what is confusing can or could be the changing of names ... like sometimes they use real names, or nicknames ...u gotta grab onto that keep it in the memory bank for sure. I think Levi acts the oldest ...the others act more young??! if that is even a thing??! I think in the Prodigal book you get more family ...interacting and such??! Lots more news (major details, keep ur nose clean and eyes open!!) in Prodigal than the others??! but at times I did get a bit confused over the names ... Eden is there a lot .. was she seen like in most of the books ... trying to jog my memory??! am I glad I read this series, HECK YEAH!! well done ... u will feel the emotions ... well bad, good, or what?? or OH MY GOODNESS. I am curious which book the author wrote 1st? like did she start at the end or what ... working out that plan??!
Here we go, The Prodigal is the 4th book in this continuing story line, SO YOU MUST READ FIRST AND IN ORDER, The Executioner (Book 1), The Rainmaker (Book 2), and The Gunman (Book 3). Now that I got that out of the way, I'll get on with it. This is the book that I was waiting on, as Joshua was the dark horse of the family for me. Yeah, we met him in previous books, but he was the quiet one that I didn't know much about at all. He's an FBI profiler, and there's no doubt as to why he went into this profession, as all of the brothers have been affected by their baby sister disappearing. And he feels like he can break the case, and he gets the chance to temporarily relocate and actually talk to the psychopath who holds the answers to Claire's disappearance so his family finally gets some closure. He also gets a huge surprise when he runs into the woman he spent a hot weekend with after college graduation, Tenley, and she reveals something big. This one had me on the edge of my seat ready to bit my nails off because finally the answers to my questions were forthcoming. Not to mention, I was finally getting to know who Joshua really was, and he was a deep well of emotion, so I fell hard for him. The Prodigal was just as emotional as the rest if not more to be honest, as Shauna Allen spared no emotion with her writing. And she also left us on a huge cliffy to boot, not that the others weren't as well, but this one was a bit brutal. Anyway, I'm not saying anymore, just HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!
I'm speechless! This series just gets better and better. I have no clue how Shauna comes up with these storylines. The Creed family are strong fighters of life. All have suffered loss and some have more than one tragedy they have had to deal with. Each deal with their suffering in different ways. The Prodigal is Joshua's story. He the quiet one who dealt with the family loss by moving away and joining the FBI becoming a Criminal Behavior Analyst. When a break start to come to light regarding the disappearance of women, he wants to go back to Texas and be the one to get the answers hopefully for his family. Back in Houston he not only gets some answers he finds a couple surprises for himself. As Joshua deals with the monster for answers, he's dealing with his love for the woman who he never thought he would see again. This book made me happy, ripped my heart out more than once and I still think it's my favorite. You will not be able to put this down. There is so much packed into this story - I'm just dying for more. This family has touched my heart and will live there forever. A amazing series written by an amazing author!!!
One last note - this isn't about the book - it's about me. I've just filed papers to change my last name to Creed and about to pack and head to Huntsville, Texas for a Creed gathering. Why??? Because I love this family and this series so much!!!! A MUST MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I could give this more than 5 star I would. As each book comes out it gets better and better. I devoured this book in one sitting. The heck with housework, dinner, etc I NEEDED to read.
This is Joshua story. We have met him in the previous books but still don't know much about him. He is the quiet one, the FBI profiler. When he has a chance to temporarily relocate and meet the monster that could hold the key to Claire's disappearance he takes it. He know it will be difficult but knows his family deserves answers. What he doesn't expect is to see the one women he spent a weekend with right after graduation. Tenley has a big surprise for Joshua.
I loved all the books in this series but this one had me biting my nails. I didn't want to read on because I was scared of what was going to happen but had to know. Shauna Allen always writes a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. I think about the characters long after I have finished. This one had a twist I did not see coming. You will find many answers to Claire's disappearance in this book. Then comes the ending. What the heck!?!?! I can't handle it I need the next book now.
The Prodigal by Shauna Allen is a fantastic book! I couldn’t put my kindle down until I finished reading it. The Gunman is the 4th book in the Family Creed series. Shauna Allen doesn’t disappoint in this book and series. The Prodigal by Shauna Allen is a second chance at love for Joshua Creed and Tenley Cooper. The book begins when Josh and Tenley meet each other for the first time after he graduates from college. They spend a spectacular weekend together before Josh leaves for the FBI Academy. Joshua and Tenley meet again for the first time when he comes back to town to help investigate his sister’s missing cold case. Joshua is in for a surprise when he sees Tenley again. Will Tenley and Joshua get their second chance at love? You will have to read The Prodigal by Shauna Allen to find out! The Prodigal by Shauna Allen will keep you on the edge of your seats! You will have to read the 1st three books in the series to keep up with the mystery surrounding the missing sister’s cold case. This book has plenty of romance, suspense, and lots of hot love scenes. Make sure you grab a copy of The Prodigal by Shauna Allen! You won’t be disappointed!
Tortured family saga that just keeps getting more and more captivating. I couldn't put this one down and read in one sitting. Joshua is the prodigal son. The one that lives away and stays away from the pain of his missing sister and the family sorrow. But now he's back working on finding answers. And maybe facing his sisters killer. Little did he expect the one woman he can't get out of his head. Six years did nothing to dampen the attraction but big surprises lie in wait for him.
Tenley has never forgotten Joshua. Kind of hard to with what he left behind. But she wouldn't change a single thing. Except he's back in Texas. What can she do to fight this all consuming fire between them?!? Nothing. But there's more to consider now than just her heart. And just when things are getting serious is heartbreak coming her way?
This is packed full of so much emotion. Answers will be given to mysteries dormant for years. Heartbreak and relief go hand in hand with this continuation and I can't wait for the next one!
My emotions were all over the place on this one. Yeah I shed a tear or two in the previous ones, but The Prodigal tore me up. The brothers get answers on their sister, but do they trust it? I love how each book sets up the next one so nicely. And oh what a setup this one was. I cannot wait for Silas's book, but at the same time sad because this series is coming to an end soon. Joshua is the focus of The Prodigal, and he has come home because there may be a lead in his sisters case. Him being in the FBI, he will have access he hopes, to get the answer him and his family needs. But when he comes up against an evil sadistic man who just wants to play games, he feels his emotions may get the better of him. A chance encounter with a memorable one night stand changes his life forever. Giving him a glimpse of what a happy future could look like.
OMG. I've known a few good emotional series and this one just slid to the top of the list. The prodigal contains big ugly tears and an "oh no she did not just end it like that" cliff hanger. No boring parts in this story as Jamison comes home to work on the case that might also solve his sisters disappearance. When he runs into his old flame Tenley more things unfold that make this book the one we learn the most in, not only about Jamison and the Creed brothers, but about Claire. With as emotional as I found this story, I don't know if I'm ready for Silas' but I hope it's here soon. Though this book is one love story that could be read alone, I highly recommend the series in order so you can follow the developing case with no spoilers. It was very hard to write this review without spoilers because so much happened.
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS FOR THE PRODIGAL!!! The Creeds have became part of my family and I have loved getting to know each one of them. Joshua is the quiet one that stays away trying coop with his feelings and suffering of his families issue. Joshua meets Tenley and they have a beautiful night together and she leaves a mark on his heart. I loved seeing their beautiful story be told, it has all the feels we romance readers look for. Shauna Allen is one of my all time favorite authors with her fantastic writing style, intense, hot, heartfelt and beautiful words. I highly recommend this book and the whole Family Creed series, they are the best. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Honestly, this is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. I don't want to reveal too much here but Joshua's life is about to change. Drastically.
If reconnecting with the past lover he never forgot wasn't enough to shake things up, Josh takes the lead in the most challenging case he's ever had with the FBI. Is the serial killer he's assigned to crack responsible for their sister Claire's disappearance? The Creeds are finally about to get some answers.
Keep the tissues handy because I promise you're in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's almost painful to be so close to saying goodbye to these characters but they'll always have their place in my heart.
WOW!!! There are few words I can say to compliment this books. I experienced so many emotions while reading this book that hours later I'm sure I'm still going to feel them. Joshua plays two very big roles in this book, the first one us long last lover. Their reunion is amazing and full of wonderful surprises. Then he's the FBI agent who is going to solve the mystery of Claire. He became real to me while I was reading this story, he made me feel the thrill of the first meeting, regrets, the promise of a second chance and grief. I loved every minute of it.
In each of the books we have seen all of the brothers and learned a little bit about them even though it is not their book. But Joshua is the brother that we don't see or hear from much. Once he graduated and left for Quantico, he kept his distance because home is too hard to go back to.
In his story, we get to see now and flashes of right before he left, learning more about the mysterious brother and the one woman that has remained in his thoughts for the last six years.
The Prodigal is the 4th book in the Creed Family series. Each book builds on the others and should be read in order to increase your enjoyment and understanding.
This is an excellent book, and I highly recommend it!
This is the fourth in a 6 part series. Joshua is back home to help the FBI work the case that could possibly involve his sisters disappearance 10 years ago. Joshua and Tenley met right after Joshua graduated college and just before he moved to Virginia to start his career with the FBI. They shared an amazing weekend, and then went their separate ways. Now that Joshua is back and runs into Tenley again, he can't get her out of his head. This is a hard review to write cause there be spoilers aplenty. Great story and amazing cliffhanger!
This series just keeps getting better and better! It had sizzle, surprises and sweetness. There are heartwarming, heartbreaking, heart pounding parts that when rolled together make an amazing book. The Prodigal was very emotionally intense. Be prepared. Have tissues ready and be prepared to be on the edge of your seat. Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times, and it is a hell of a ride! I can't wait to read Silas' book. It can't come out soon enough!!
4.5 Stars This one was the most emotional for me yet. I had the tears flowing while reading this book because I feel like part of the Creed family. Then we have such sweet and happy moments for Joshua. He's going to get the most unexpected surprise that may just heal his soul, but it's going to be a rough ride to get to that point. The ending o this one gets the Oh My God reaction from me. I can't wait for the next book because this poor family is going to be put the ringer I feel. I can't wait to see what Shauna Allen has in store.
This book absolutely broke my heart. The things that Joshua, The Prodigal, has to go through is just gut wrenching. There is a light in this story though and her name is Tenley a blast from the freaking past for Joshua.
We learn so much about this reclusive man who is basically a stranger to his family at this time. He is put in some seriously awful spots during this book, but he is a genuinely amazing man and I loved getting inside of his head. Reading these books from the male perspective is intriguing and beautiful.
I have to warn you though, make sure you have tissues handy!
Every book in this series is better than the last one. Each one is about one sibling, and they focus on the disappearance of their sister. This is Joshua's story he get the surprise of his life when he meets up with a girl from years ago. His whole life is going to change for the better. Can he find love while searching for the answers of his sisters disappearance?
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Fantastic read. This is Joshua's story. Its suspenseful, intense, heartfelt with twists and turns. It's an emotional ride that will suck you in from the beginning. Joshua and Tenley's story is beautifully written with strong connection and second chances. What a great addition to this series ad it keeps getting better and better. Looking forward to reading more. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I love the Creed family! And i love them even more after each book. This was Joshua and Tenley's book. Shauna has a way of writing that pulls you in until the last page. Joshua was one of the brothers I was most interested in because of his distance. This book answered a lot of questions about Claires disappearance, and there was so much emotion in this book. I can't wait to read about the remaining Creed beothers, but I don't want the series to end!
This book gives you an insight of how Joshua deals with the family situation. He works for the FBI and is determined to find out what happened to his sister.
This book is about second chances as he meets up with the woman he hasnt been able to forget.
Then a serial killer is taken into custody and wants to talk to Joshua. He gives him some information he doesnt really want but needs to have.
New to this author. And I am hooked on this series. Second chance love of Josh and Tenly. They meet in college, fell in love, and circumstances separated them. Until they run into each other. Add in the love of their daughter (unknown to Josh) and they find their way back to each other . The story of reconnection and continuance story of lost sister Clair. Full of love and heartache .
I think this is the book I have been waiting the most for, the quiet brother you don’t hear much about, he is as much a mystery as to what has happened to Claire. They are starting to get answers but they are answers no one wants to hear. This series just keeps getting better and better with each installment. This was a pulse pounding read and I could not put it down, I read it all in one sitting.
Goodness gracious, those Creed boys keep getting hotter and hotter! This is another great addition to this series and I can't wait for more. The story line is intense as you are drawn in from the start. The characters are strong, each dealing with their own issues while trying to find love and happiness. Enjoying this series very much!
Heartbreaking and wonderful, Romantic and sexy is all rolled up in this beautiful story!! While I was reading this I felt every emotion that Josh was going through. The authors words were so poignant and heartfelt that she takes you on this ride of emotions and you become lost to it. I rated this a 5 star read but in truth it should be a 10!!
Creed family saga continues- can't wait for next story!
I started these books having no idea how much I would love the families I was reading about- now I am completely hooked. Shauna Allen is an excellent storyteller and the unique male POV is fresh and dead hot. I hate having to wait for the next book!!!