As a teenager, I was accused of an unthinkable crime. My girlfriend vanished without a trace, and because of my less than stellar upbringing, the eyes of suspicion fell on me, making me the prime suspect for a crime nobody could prove happened. An overnight pariah, I left that town and its nightmares behind the minute I turned eighteen, carrying the unimaginable weight of my own silent guilt. For more than ten torturous years. Now, with her disappearance solved, I’ve finally been vindicated, doing nothing to erase a decade’s worth of pain and shame. When I’m needed back home to take care of family, however, I’ll do what needs to be done—even face down my own demons. What I’m not ready for is Riley. Sweet, perfect, and overcoming her own nightmare, she’s resurrecting something in me I’d long since buried . . . my heart. But I’m convinced some things are better left in the grave. My name is Hunter Henderson. I am the Unforgiven.
***Reader note: This book is a continuation of the Family Creed saga, and while Claire’s mystery has been solved in the previous books and The Unforgiven can technically be read as a standalone, I would HIGHLY recommend for your reading enjoyment that you read the series in order.
***Due to profanity, adult 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.
This book brings us full circle on the Family Creed Series. The mystery of what happened all those years ago to the Creed sister, Claire, has been solved, and her boyfriend at the time, Hunter Henderson, has been vindicated.
Hunter left town shortly after he was cleared by the police of having any part of Claire's disappearance. He spent time in the military and then as a police officer in California, but he's returned home to help his aging parents. He still carries guilt, feeling like he should have done more to protect Claire, and he sees her frequently in his nightmares, again helpless to aid her.
Riley Curtis has her own ghosts and has become an expert at flying under the radar and blending in. She works as an assistant manager at Harper Creed's health food store and pretty much stays to herself. Then she meets Hunter when he comes to the store on an errand for his mother. She has some big secrets and he has a load of guilt, and they seem to recognize the pain in each other. Neither is looking for a relationship, but between an immutable force and someone looking to harm Riley, they end up in each other's company regularly.
The first book in this series is what brought me to this gifted writer. The premise was unique and the characters were ones who resonated, so lifelike they seemed to jump off the page, and I quickly became vested in the Creed family. I came to dearly love them, and by extension, Hunter and Riley.
Hunter and Riley's story has a haunting quality that perfectly coaxes their journey together to a stunning, satisfying conclusion. There is so much beautiful emotion and depth of heart that it consumed every cell of my being. I was completely, totally, irrevocably immersed in this evocative, compelling, phenomenal read, and I wished it would never end.
If you’re new to the Creed family, you might enjoy the series best starting at the beginning since the mystery surrounding Claire runs throughout the series. If you’ve read any of the other Creed books, this is an absolute must read for you. It's the exquisite, consummate ending to an extraordinary, unparalled series, and you definitely won’t want to miss it!
It took 10 years for Hunter to know his girlfriend was killed by a serial murderer. Ten years of suspicions. Of feeling like he couldn’t come home. But Claire’s murderer has been found. The past has been laid to rest and his mom needs him. On leave from the San Diego PD, Hunter comes home at last.
Riley was the survivor of a horrible tragedy. Moving place to place, trying to find some normalcy, finally settling in Hunter’s hometown. Making a friend or two. Working at the dog shelter. Living her life.
When the Hunter and Riley meet, the spark is instantaneous. Two souls that understand what it means to live under a spotlight. Whose life experiences have left them cracked, but not broken. But Hunter’s time at home is supposed to be only temporary and it seems like trouble is coming again for Claire. Are the two of them willing to throw caution in the wind and bet that they deserve the happy ever after that almost seems in their grasp?
I really liked this story. Riley is a really empathetic person and is really in tune with Hunter, his feelings, and where he’s at mentally. Ms. Allen obviously understands that the past is a part of you and can’t be pushed under a rug or cut out of your life and let that come through in the book. Hunter was a great hero, very protective and willing to help out his family despite his unsteady past with his father. It was really good story and you were pulling for the Riley and Hunter’s happy ending. The Unforgiven could be read as a standalone, but best read in order with the rest of the series
I read The Creed Family series years ago and I became immediately hooked on Shauna Allen's writing. She is a genius at combining romantic suspense with a deeply emotional storyline and The Unforgiven was another great example of that. Even though The Unforgiven is the sixth book in the series its story stands alone however I recommend reading the rest of the books in the series so that as a reader you can get the full emotional impact of this story. Hunter Henderson was the high school love of the late Claire Creed. I has been over a decade since her disappearance, death and discovery of her remains yet Hunter has never fully moved on past her loss. He has been working as a police officer for the SDPD and has returned home temporarily to Huntsville to help his parents due to his father's injury. While running errands he crosses paths with Riley Curtis. She's a recent transplant to Huntsville and fate has had these two wounded souls meet for a reason. Riley has a past that most young women cannot even imagine yet she keeps moving forward and looking for the positive in every part of her day. I don't know how to describe how much I enjoyed The Unforgiven. It had me glued to the pages and I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice! If you're as big of a fan of romantic suspense as I am, do yourself a huge favor and read this book now!
This is hands down a five star! Finally we get to see how Hunter has handled all the negative in his past. And he has definitely grown into a man. A good man. A cop. But he has his demons. Still haunted by Claire and her death. He just can’t forgive himself. The what if’s are just too much to bear sometimes. And now coming back home to help his parents is bringing it all back.
Riley has secrets of her own but finally has found a place that feels like home. And when Hunter walks in she is speechless. The connection is instant. And once they start spending time together all bets are off. When things start happening to put her in danger, she confides in Hunter about her past. Can she realy stay here or will she have to run again?
Hunter has promised to protect Riley. Nothing will happen as long as he is here. But when things get serious and he has to go away her fears take hold once again as things amp up. And with Hunter facing his past and demons can they actually make anything work or will they be split apart forever??
Poor Hunter Henderson! His girlfriend vanished & he was the main suspect for it because of upbringing, so the moment he could leave without looking back, he did so. Now he has to come home 10 years later to help his parents out, and while that girlfriend's disappearance was solved, he still carries those demons. Riley is a girl who is staying under the radar from her own demons, but the moment she comes face to face with Hunter, the sparks start to fly and/or her demons speak to his so they start a new journey, however, it does have an expiration date since he's on leave from the police department he works for. There is a complication though, Riley is in danger which pulls out Hunter's protective instincts to keep her safe. This story had everything that made it my jam with the romance, dealing with the past & forgiving yourself, the angst to get my emotions running amok, and all of the twists & turns to get the f-bombs dropping so yeah, The Unforgiven was a perfect story in my eyes! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
An emotional, powerful love story about overcoming trauma and loss. Both Hunter and Riley’s pain bled through the words on these pages, bringing their haunting pasts to life.
This sixth and final installment of the Creed Family series brought me closure I didn’t even know I needed. Not only did Hunter finally find his peace, he was able to let go of the guilt and hurt Claire’s disappearance brought him, all while finally opening himself up to another epic love.
Riley’s heart of gold saw her through the darkest of days, giving her the means to survive an unimaginable trauma. But through the fear, through the guilt, and through the anguish of loss, she held strong, fighting for the happiness she deserved.
These two, both with their demons, brought new meaning to the healing power of love. The ending was worth the wait, and the Unforgiven is finally free.
Oh what a wonderful full circle this book was. The infamous Hunter finally got his HEA and it was full of gut-wrenching, heartbreaking moments that ended up healing the soul and provide peace.
Both Hunter and Riley's stories were heartbreaking and made me want to gather both of them and give them the biggest of hugs and I was oh so happy when they found love in each other and they helped each other fight and finally overpower their demons.
If you've read the Creed Brothers you should DEFINITELY read The Unforgiven. If you haven't, don't pick up this bad boy, put it down and go back to the beginning. Technically, this can be read as a standalone but its impact will be oh so much more powerful if you build up to it, trust me!!!
As a teenager, I was accused of an unthinkable crime. My girlfriend vanished without a trace, and because of my less than stellar upbringing, the eyes of suspicion fell on me, making me the prime suspect for a crime nobody could prove happened.
Hunter left town as soon as he was able, however family has brought him back. Can he conquer the demons he still harbors over Claires disappearance.
When you I met Hunter and Riley in this book I felt for both of them. As the carry demons from the past they forge a friendship. They understand the trauma each one has went through. Hunter has guarded his heart and it takes a lot to break down those walls but Riley is trying her best. When the unthinkable happens both Riley's and Hunter's past come back to haunt them.
This made the Creed series come full circle and was a great ending.
4.5 Stars This is a book that I didn't know I needed. I'm so happy Hunter finally had his story told. He was always on my mind through out the series. He was put through the ringer and my heart went out to him. Then add Riley to the mix and boy a good story is about to happen. Riley's back story broke my heart. She has so much inner strength for what life has thrown at her. This book is like the others in the series where it has a gripping story, but it also as a lot of heart. Riley and Hunter are going to make you gobble up the pages. For me as a reader it really gave me closure with Claire which I so appreciated. I loved catching up with the Creed clan with their families. That truly made my heart happy. If you have enjoyed this series trust me you don't want to miss out on this book.
I was so happy to be getting more of The Family Creed. I loved the books and when I heard Shauna was writing Hunter's story I couldn't wait!!! This can be read as a standalone but The Family Creed is too good to miss. Hunter was Claire's boyfriend when she vanished making him the prime suspect. Once he was cleared, he left town. Now grown and a cop, he's back home to help his parents. Running an errand one day for his mother, he meets Riley, who lives with her own secrets. Their journey to love is full of guilt, forgiveness, twists, turns, and understanding with all the feels. I can't tell you how much I love Shauna's writing!!!
Oh my where to start..I wasn't expecting The Unforgiven to have such an emotional impact on me..in this book we finally get to meet Hunter, ( Claire creed was his first love ) he has been through so much, losing Claire, being under suspicion in her disappearance, joining the Navy at 18 to get away, family troubles with an alcoholic father and the sweet mom, becoming a cop after the Navy and finally finding Riley..who see's him and all his hurts she hasn't had it easy either..Shauna Allen weaves a tale so breathtakingly good, I wasn't able to put it down..it is a 5 star plus read!
There is no two ways about it. You have to read this series from the beginning. Be prepared to have your heart broken and tissues for your tears. It’s a front row seat to a serial killer and what families deal with all over the world. It’s fiction, but the emotions and questions are accurate just from a family’s perspective. The daughter disappeared and for 10 years there was no developments. You have to read them and there are no cliffhangers. I would give 30 stars if I could. I’m glad she did Hunter’s story.
Perfect!! This was the perfect story to complete The Creeds series. My heart went out to Hunter. All he went through and was still going through when Riley showed up broke my heart. The way they each had a tragic pasts they were trying to work through and help each other in understanding really go to me. Reading the signs of validation (Claires dove) written into the story was like I said perfect. Riley and Hunter’s love story has all the feels you want in a romance.
Hunter & Riley WOW what a story! They both have pasts that still haunt them but one past is still very much alive. Hunter reminds Riley she is a survivor of her past & She heals his heart& mind. Perfect team 🥰
I love Claire's spirit moments when she talks to Hunter & when she appeared as a Dove for Riley when she need hope🕊 When she say "Its time for goodbye" in his dream😭
❤MUST READ The suspense was killing me who is the stalker THEN boom didn't see that coming
After many years of being away Hunter comes home to help his parents. He does not intend to stay, he can't wait to get out of this town. Riley's past has a lot of tragedy, she settled in this little town after moving several times. Hunter and Riley have a connection that can't be denied. This book really pulls you in. I was excited to be able to read another book in the Family Creed series.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review**
I could not put this book down! Thank you for writing Hunter’s story. I could feel his sorrow, pain and guilt and finally his happiness. Just as with the other Creed books, I had my tissues out. Hunter and Riley’s story will have you glued to the pages, just dying to find out what happens next. Thank you for telling such an in depth story. I am truly blown away, again! I hope we get to hear more from the Creeds.
What an amazing addition to the Family Creed series. The story line has suspense and mystery as well as sorrow, regret and intense attraction. Hunter and Riley both carry painful guilt. Can they help each other heal and move forward or lose one another forever? Fantastic read! Do not miss out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
What a great book! So touching and emotional. It really gave me the feels.💕 Also stressed me out at times! I loved reading about these two tortured souls and their path to love. It was so great to see all of the Creeds and get this happy ending. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
A completely satisfying end to the series. I am so glad Hunter’s story was told. It was the missing piece to getting closure for everyone. I’m glad that through their tragedies, Hunter and Riley found each other and got their HEA. It is hard to get beyond the guilt and regret but finally getting to let it go for happiness is everything and I’m glad they now have each other.
This book reminded me why the Creed family is one of my favorite families. The story sucks you in right away and keeps you hanging on. I haven’t stayed up to read late night in a long time, but this book had me up at 2:00 am refusing to quit on Riley and Hunter! Now I have a book hangover and still want more. Thank you, Shauna!
The mystery of what happened to Claire, has been solved, and her boyfriend at the time, Hunter Henderson, has carried on with his life. Or has he? We hear about Hunter throughout the series but don’t really know much about him and what he’s gone through and this is his story. He leaves town at 18 and spends time in the military and then as a police officer. He decides to go home after realising he needs to help his aging parents, and also learning what finally has happened to Claire Although he's lived his life, he still carries a guilt feeling he should have protected Claire and lives with constant nightmares, where he’s still not able to help her. He meets Riley who works as an Assistant Manager at Harper’s health food store whilst doing something for his mother. She’s a survivor of a horrible tragedy whose finally settled in Huntsville after having continually moved from place to place. Neither is looking for a relationship, but someone is looking to harm Riley which brings out Hunter’s protective instincts. This book brings to a fitting close the Family Creed and I have loved every book equally. Please read the books in order to get the benefits of the story and I promise you’ll love them too.
5 PHENOMENAL STARS!! This book will go down as one of my favorite books of 2021. I love The Family Creed series every book kept me on the edge of my seat. This story had all the feels to keep you turning pages. If you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for.
An amazing read. It’s an emotional story with suspense. I was hooked from the beginning with all it twists and turns. I loved the characters and getting more of the Creed family. I loved reading Hunter and Riley’s touching journey. This series is a must read.
Shauna Allen has finished her saga. Hunter finally gets his story and oh what a story it is. Riley and Hunter both have had a rough ride and are due some happiness. You have to read the rest of the Creed family before you read this one!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better Ms Allen gives us more! Shauna Allen is fast becoming one of my one click authors. This book brought us full circle and tied up any loose ends. I couldn’t put this book down. This is a story of forgiveness, of growing and loving. A phenomenal end to this series!