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The Player
Everything I touch turns to gold.
The all-consuming drive to win flows through my veins like fire, igniting the champion in me.
As the star running back for the San Antonio Spartans, I’ve got it all—the stats, the endorsements, the notoriety. Or I did, before I got cocky and flew too close to the sun.
Burned and broken, I crash-landed right at Vanessa Martin’s feet.
The most intriguing woman I’ve ever met. Zero façade, the way she lives her truth is irresistible. Especially to a man who has made a life by hiding my own.
She overwhelms me. Irritates me. Makes me see myself through her eyes . . . even though all she sees is a baller who doesn’t belong in her world.
The question is, can this golden boy be what a woman like her needs and win the most important game of all?
My name is Camden Creed.
I am the Player.
***Reader note: This book is a continuation of the Family Creed saga and can be read as a standalone. There are some slight spoilers related to the first seven books in the series, so if you’d like to catch up on all of the Creed characters, I would encourage you to go back and 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.
The all-consuming drive to win flows through my veins like fire, igniting the champion in me.
As the star running back for the San Antonio Spartans, I’ve got it all—the stats, the endorsements, the notoriety. Or I did, before I got cocky and flew too close to the sun.
Burned and broken, I crash-landed right at Vanessa Martin’s feet.
The most intriguing woman I’ve ever met. Zero façade, the way she lives her truth is irresistible. Especially to a man who has made a life by hiding my own.
She overwhelms me. Irritates me. Makes me see myself through her eyes . . . even though all she sees is a baller who doesn’t belong in her world.
The question is, can this golden boy be what a woman like her needs and win the most important game of all?
My name is Camden Creed.
I am the Player.
***Reader note: This book is a continuation of the Family Creed saga and can be read as a standalone. There are some slight spoilers related to the first seven books in the series, so if you’d like to catch up on all of the Creed characters, I would encourage you to go back and 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.
- GenresContemporary
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Allen
51 books334 followersShauna 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.
Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12
Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw
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.
Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12
Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 1, 2022
Holy wow, Allen came through in a big way with this one! I was so excited to go back to the Creed world, this time with cousin Camden. This guy seemingly has the world by the tail, an NFL star with endorsements all over the place and beautiful women falling at his feet. Except he's learning first-hand what it means to burn the candle at both ends, and he's about to crash.
He ends up at the Martin family's B&B for some respite from the real world and to make some decisions about his life. There, he's welcomed like family by all of the Martins, except for Vanessa.
Vanessa Martin has her own reasons for keeping her private life private and being wary of strangers, and they begin and end with her daughter Isla. But between her daughter's adoration, her parents and siblings treating Camden as one of their own, and the growing attraction between them, resistance is futile.
Oh my heart y'all, this story is so unbelievably amazing! These characters have layers on layers and do so much changing and growing. And the special touch from a little dove that epitomizes a Creed romance is everything! Poignant, touching, empowering, and pure magic!
Yes, there's humor and heat, but if you like a romance that has depths for days and gives you an emotional workout that will leave you breathless, this is the one for you. Run to the 1-Click and start reading this one ASAP. I promise, you be glad you did and your romantic heart will thank you.
He ends up at the Martin family's B&B for some respite from the real world and to make some decisions about his life. There, he's welcomed like family by all of the Martins, except for Vanessa.
Vanessa Martin has her own reasons for keeping her private life private and being wary of strangers, and they begin and end with her daughter Isla. But between her daughter's adoration, her parents and siblings treating Camden as one of their own, and the growing attraction between them, resistance is futile.
Oh my heart y'all, this story is so unbelievably amazing! These characters have layers on layers and do so much changing and growing. And the special touch from a little dove that epitomizes a Creed romance is everything! Poignant, touching, empowering, and pure magic!
Yes, there's humor and heat, but if you like a romance that has depths for days and gives you an emotional workout that will leave you breathless, this is the one for you. Run to the 1-Click and start reading this one ASAP. I promise, you be glad you did and your romantic heart will thank you.
October 6, 2022
The Player is amazing, beautifully written by Shauna Allen..This book is Camden and Bethany's story..at times this book made me laugh and ugly cry it's a story of 2 lost souls of courage and hope, of family and love..if you have read the other books in the Family Creed series I absolutely recommend this fabulous ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star read and if you haven't read them, you really need too.
October 9, 2022
This was my first book by Shauna Allen, and based on how enjoyable this book was I will be checking out the earlier books in the Creed series.
This book focus on Camden Creed, professional running back for the San Antonio Spartans who comes from an amazing family. He is driven to excel and has pushed himself so far his health is suffering - constant migraines and a bleeding stomach ulcer. After his outburst/fight with a teammate at the end of season press briefing he hits the road and ends up in the Hill Country of Texas.
Vanessa is a young single mother to Isla, her 10 year old daughter with disabilities. Vanessa is fiercely protective of her daughter and her family’s privacy. As a teenager she was part of a girls pop group that was extremely successful, but then the group broke up and disappeared.
Camden Creed arrives at Vanessa’s family’s B&B and she has no clue who he is, but her daughter is thrilled to have her football hero in residence. Camden fits in with Vanessa’s family and quickly makes himself at home. He is attracted to the Latina beauty, but takes slow and gradual steps to earn her trust and friendship.
I loved how both the Creed and Martin families are so down to earth and loving. Normal families who have each had suffered pain and emotionally challenging situations, but are still functional, loving and supportive.
Camden and Vanessa are a fantastic couple who both grow emotionally from being together. Camden pushes Vanessa out of her shell and encourages her to want more than bidding at her family’s B&B doing the books. Vanessa helps Camden find peace and a sense of home which he desperately needs.
I’m looking forward to reading more Creed family stories, and maybe she will add some stories about the Martin siblings too.
I received a free ARC from the author and her publisher; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
This book focus on Camden Creed, professional running back for the San Antonio Spartans who comes from an amazing family. He is driven to excel and has pushed himself so far his health is suffering - constant migraines and a bleeding stomach ulcer. After his outburst/fight with a teammate at the end of season press briefing he hits the road and ends up in the Hill Country of Texas.
Vanessa is a young single mother to Isla, her 10 year old daughter with disabilities. Vanessa is fiercely protective of her daughter and her family’s privacy. As a teenager she was part of a girls pop group that was extremely successful, but then the group broke up and disappeared.
Camden Creed arrives at Vanessa’s family’s B&B and she has no clue who he is, but her daughter is thrilled to have her football hero in residence. Camden fits in with Vanessa’s family and quickly makes himself at home. He is attracted to the Latina beauty, but takes slow and gradual steps to earn her trust and friendship.
I loved how both the Creed and Martin families are so down to earth and loving. Normal families who have each had suffered pain and emotionally challenging situations, but are still functional, loving and supportive.
Camden and Vanessa are a fantastic couple who both grow emotionally from being together. Camden pushes Vanessa out of her shell and encourages her to want more than bidding at her family’s B&B doing the books. Vanessa helps Camden find peace and a sense of home which he desperately needs.
I’m looking forward to reading more Creed family stories, and maybe she will add some stories about the Martin siblings too.
I received a free ARC from the author and her publisher; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
October 4, 2022
After reading The Player I can honestly say that Shauna Allen is one of the most inspirational writers out there currently! I have read all of the Family Creed books and I was wondering where she was going to lead us. Well it's into the world of sports, something the heroine of the story and I both have no knowledge or interest in! Camden Creed is the most driven running back on the planet (and I still don't know what a running back does). He has been pushing himself to be the best of the best his entire life but now he has some serious problems. His body is rebelling against the lifestyle that he's been living. After a collapse he still pushes himself back into the game and that's when he not only makes a major mistake on the field but off it as well. Cam takes off to clear his head into the Texas hill country and ends up at the Martin B&B and Winery. That's where he meets the quiet, reclusive Vanessa Martin and her family. As Cam takes a much needed break from his real life mess and begins to not only heal his health but as he gets to know Vanessa and her daughter, he begins to heal his spirit as well. Vanessa has had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in her past. She has been s0 focused on raising and protecting her daughter that she hasn't spent time on healing herself. The Player was an excellent standalone in the Creed series. There isn't the romantic suspense elements of the other books but it is very inspirational and has the steaminess of the previous Creed series. I loved that it was told from dual POV and I was rooting for these two to get the HEA that not only did they both need but was well deserved. Run and read this today!
October 6, 2022
This book is so well written, the characters are well developed and the plot believable.
Camden is a pro football player at the top of his game when events unfold that bring his world crashing in to Vanessa Martins world. This is such a sweet slow burn love story with some heat and steam added.
Vanessa and her family run a vineyard with a B & B added to it. Vanessa just wants a quiet life after having some very tragic things happen in her life at an early age. She is a single mom and will do anything to protect he daughter Isla.
When Camden shows up her entire family is smitten with him especially Isla, but Vanessa has no clue who he is or why her family is crazy about him. His name sounds familiar but she doesn't put two and two together right away.
The world building in this book is so good and so well detailed you can picture the vineyard in your head or at least I did.
I fell in love with Camden Creed and his family and with Vanessa Martin and her family. If you love a sweet love story that touches on some very real real world issues that a lot of people face each and every day and if you love a story that draws you in touches your heart and moves at a steady pace then you will love this book. Five stars from me, I hope there are other books about the Martin family and their vineyard.
Camden is a pro football player at the top of his game when events unfold that bring his world crashing in to Vanessa Martins world. This is such a sweet slow burn love story with some heat and steam added.
Vanessa and her family run a vineyard with a B & B added to it. Vanessa just wants a quiet life after having some very tragic things happen in her life at an early age. She is a single mom and will do anything to protect he daughter Isla.
When Camden shows up her entire family is smitten with him especially Isla, but Vanessa has no clue who he is or why her family is crazy about him. His name sounds familiar but she doesn't put two and two together right away.
The world building in this book is so good and so well detailed you can picture the vineyard in your head or at least I did.
I fell in love with Camden Creed and his family and with Vanessa Martin and her family. If you love a sweet love story that touches on some very real real world issues that a lot of people face each and every day and if you love a story that draws you in touches your heart and moves at a steady pace then you will love this book. Five stars from me, I hope there are other books about the Martin family and their vineyard.
October 3, 2022
Camden is laser focused to succeed as a professional football player even if it’s impacting his health. When he finally implodes from all the pressure, he’s put on himself, he finds himself aimlessly driving which leads him to a bed & breakfast. Vanessa had to grow up quick and has spent the last 10 years hiding from life working at the family vineyard and B&B as she raises her daughter. When Camden meets Vanessa, he is happy that she doesn’t know who he is, she just sees a man, not a football player. As Camden works to find himself, realize what he really wants in his life, he also works to make Vanessa his friend. Vanessa been protecting her heart for so long that she struggles to let Camden in. But Cam is patient and persistent. What a wonderful romance for this couple as they find that one person that sees them for their heart and not what they do. I was pulled in and didn’t want to stop reading. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2022
I loved this new installment of the Creed family!
Camden and Vanessa were just perfect together. Their attraction was off the charts and just their care and thoughtfulness for one another was beautiful to read.
Camden was so stressed and looking for something that he endangers his career and everything he has built. And Vanessa is so hurt and betrayed that she’s hiding herself away at her family B&B and vineyard.
But when Alden shows up they both could find just what they’re looking for. Or what they never knew they were looking for.
But just as Vanessa is starting to trust and open her heart to Camden things come crashing down and their fate together is thrown into turmoil. Can Camden play it just right and come out victorious in the most important game of his life?
Will Vanessa overcome her doubts and fears and believe in herself and their love?
Loved every minute of this one and can’t wait for more!
Camden and Vanessa were just perfect together. Their attraction was off the charts and just their care and thoughtfulness for one another was beautiful to read.
Camden was so stressed and looking for something that he endangers his career and everything he has built. And Vanessa is so hurt and betrayed that she’s hiding herself away at her family B&B and vineyard.
But when Alden shows up they both could find just what they’re looking for. Or what they never knew they were looking for.
But just as Vanessa is starting to trust and open her heart to Camden things come crashing down and their fate together is thrown into turmoil. Can Camden play it just right and come out victorious in the most important game of his life?
Will Vanessa overcome her doubts and fears and believe in herself and their love?
Loved every minute of this one and can’t wait for more!
October 5, 2022
The Family Creed series by Shauna Allen is one of my all time favorites. Just when we thought the Creed world was finished we are surprised with another branch of the family, and it did not disappoint. The Player is a romance novel full of interesting characters and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Camden and Vanessa are both in a place where they are evaluating where they want to go with their lives. Their instant attraction is sizzling, but a bit frightening for them. I enjoyed watching their story unfold as they learned to take a chance on each other, even after some pretty serious and scary set backs. Watching Camden with Isla was heartwarming. She steals the show in the sweetest ways. If you are looking for a story full of love of family, with sizzling heat wrapped up with the happiest of endings give this one a shot. Give the entire series a shot!
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing it. All conclusions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing it. All conclusions are my own.
October 4, 2022
This is a first time read for me and I absolutely loved the story. I'm coming back for more. This one is about Camden and Vanessa, they have a chance meeting, are so different in so many ways, but not so different in others. A protective mama bear and a carefree sports celebrity. Cam seemed a bit loosey goosey at the beginning of the story, but I watched him grow as he met Vanessa and then he slowly realized what he was missing about his life and how he was living it. Everyday funny moments, "cat whisperer", ignorance, but poignant moments too, a key fitting into a lock, feeling alive, being more than happy. Silas had great advice and loved the Creeds!
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
October 4, 2022
I could not be more happy. Shauna just gave us another Creed which can be read as a standalone, but this family is one you will not want to miss.
Camden Creed's story is so amazing, beautiful and worth the wait. Camden is the cousin to the original Creeds and is a professional football player who is totally focused on winning. His career is at an all time high, but his body can't keep up. When the season ends in a very public way he finds himself at the Martin Vineyard B&B where he hopes to heal before moving forward. Vanessa Martin and Camden have chemistry, but she is very cautious and has her daughter to think of. Their story is one of trust, dreams, families, love and one beautiful little girl that had me smiling throughout the book.
Camden Creed's story is so amazing, beautiful and worth the wait. Camden is the cousin to the original Creeds and is a professional football player who is totally focused on winning. His career is at an all time high, but his body can't keep up. When the season ends in a very public way he finds himself at the Martin Vineyard B&B where he hopes to heal before moving forward. Vanessa Martin and Camden have chemistry, but she is very cautious and has her daughter to think of. Their story is one of trust, dreams, families, love and one beautiful little girl that had me smiling throughout the book.
November 5, 2022
Absolutely loved it!
I absolutely fell in love with Shauna Allen's The Family Creed series. It had passion, drama, mystery and more. I cried so many tears, some happy and some sad. So I had very high expectations for The Player which featured some of the Creed family but was really its own story. I was not disappointed. Camden wasn't your typical hero. He could be rude and selfish. But I loved watching him learn and grow and become the romance hero I needed. It was an emotional journey for Camden and Vanessa but then I've come to expect that from Ms. Allen's books. I was in my feels from start to finish. I don't know how Ms. Allen creates such realistic characters who have to deal with some really difficult situations but I am once again impressed.
I absolutely fell in love with Shauna Allen's The Family Creed series. It had passion, drama, mystery and more. I cried so many tears, some happy and some sad. So I had very high expectations for The Player which featured some of the Creed family but was really its own story. I was not disappointed. Camden wasn't your typical hero. He could be rude and selfish. But I loved watching him learn and grow and become the romance hero I needed. It was an emotional journey for Camden and Vanessa but then I've come to expect that from Ms. Allen's books. I was in my feels from start to finish. I don't know how Ms. Allen creates such realistic characters who have to deal with some really difficult situations but I am once again impressed.
October 4, 2022
Both Camden and Vanessa had it all and in the blink of an eye their worlds changed. This is the emotional roller-coaster of ride as they claim love.
I fell in love with most of the characters in this book. There was one character I was leery of. As Camden and Vanessa feel out their relationship their secrets come out. As two broken people fall in love they heal each other.
So much to love about this story. Love, heartbreak, tragedy, family, friends and just the right amount of angst. The best part is watching Camden and Vanessa break down their walls and support each other.
I fell in love with most of the characters in this book. There was one character I was leery of. As Camden and Vanessa feel out their relationship their secrets come out. As two broken people fall in love they heal each other.
So much to love about this story. Love, heartbreak, tragedy, family, friends and just the right amount of angst. The best part is watching Camden and Vanessa break down their walls and support each other.
September 30, 2022
I would highly recommend that you read the Family Creed series before starting this book to get the full benefits of knowing all the characters mentioned.
The Player is Camden and Bethany’s story. As always with Shauna Allen’s books the storylines tug at the heartstrings. We meet 2 lost souls who will make you laugh, cry, wish you were part of the family to help them, but their potential to love well….leaves so full of hope. Then go back to read the whole of The Family Creed series, you won’t be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Player is Camden and Bethany’s story. As always with Shauna Allen’s books the storylines tug at the heartstrings. We meet 2 lost souls who will make you laugh, cry, wish you were part of the family to help them, but their potential to love well….leaves so full of hope. Then go back to read the whole of The Family Creed series, you won’t be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2022
What a wonderful journey Camden and Vanessa take in this amazing and well written book. This says a lot about this author, because I can't stand Football in any form, but I fell for this strong, broken Football player just like you will when you read "The Player" by Shauna Allen. Parts of this book felt to close to home, but she did a wonderful job with Vanessa. Thank you Shauna.
Was blessed to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book.
Was blessed to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book.
October 8, 2022
This was such a good book! So much caring and emotion. Wonderful characters. I hadn't read anything by Shauna in a long time and I certainly noticed what I'd been missing. Her writing grabs me from the first page and I don't want to stop reading. That was the fastest I've read a book in ages. It was so nice to be back with the Creed family and get to read more about them. I can't wait for the next one. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2022
I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster ride! Full range of emotions when reading about two lives. This part of The Family Creed, I am now going to go read other books. I can’t wait to find out the background of this family! A must read! *I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
October 4, 2022
Being back with the Creeds was sweet and a bit heartbreaking. But wow Wow what a great introduction to another Creed line. The Creed family is one that has stuck with me for years. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the cousins better. Cam is on the brink of a breakdown……. Vanessa is a lone wolf. Together they are magic!!! A must read if you like family stories.
October 15, 2022
This was Camden & Vanessa’s story. As the star running back for the San Antonio Spartans, I’ve got it all—the stats, the endorsements, the notoriety. Or I did, before I got cocky and flew too close to the sun. Burned and broken, I crash-landed right at Vanessa Martin’s feet. This was an entertaining book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 4, 2022
Absolutely love the original Creed series so was excited to see the series continue. Camden and Vanessa’s story did not disappoint. I cannot wait to read additional stories about this side if the family.
October 6, 2022
5 PHENOMENAL STARS!! Oh how I love the Creed Family!! Camden and Vanessa gave me all the feels and a story that touched my heart. This is why Shauna Allen is and always be one of my favorite authors.
November 7, 2022
Good Read!!
The Player is a very interesting story. I enjoyed reading about Carmen and Vanessa. It's a well written story. I enjoyed the storyline. It's a page turner. Kept my interest. ,
The Player is a very interesting story. I enjoyed reading about Carmen and Vanessa. It's a well written story. I enjoyed the storyline. It's a page turner. Kept my interest. ,
October 1, 2022
The Player is another great installment in The Family Creed series. This book is intense, sweet, touching and I couldn't stop reading it. I highly recommend this book and this series.
October 4, 2022
Another awesome book in the Family Creed series. Loved Camden and Vanessa’s story. Made me fall in love with the Creeds all over again
November 24, 2022
My favorite series has continue to amaze me.
If someone asks me to recommend a romance series, I always say the family creed. Always number one. The story of Claire and her family is just heartbreaking, hysterical, dramatic, suspenseful. They all are amazing. It’s like the characters jump off the screen and they become your family, your friends, people you respect and admire. Every time this author comes out with a new story to expand the creed family story, my heart expands a little. I know that might sound overdramatic and silly to some people, but when you find a great author that writes a great series to follow these great amazing characters, it’s like nothing else in your life.
If someone asks me to recommend a romance series, I always say the family creed. Always number one. The story of Claire and her family is just heartbreaking, hysterical, dramatic, suspenseful. They all are amazing. It’s like the characters jump off the screen and they become your family, your friends, people you respect and admire. Every time this author comes out with a new story to expand the creed family story, my heart expands a little. I know that might sound overdramatic and silly to some people, but when you find a great author that writes a great series to follow these great amazing characters, it’s like nothing else in your life.
May 28, 2024
This story was a rollercoaster ride of awesomeness. Camden and Vanessa made a great couple. I enjoyed visiting with the family and seeing the love and devotion for these two. The character depth and emotional turmoil added an additional layer of intensity to the storyline and I enjoyed watching them grow individually and in their relationship. It was a great read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews