Credence

This book is messy, intense, and not meant to be understood easily—but somehow, it feels right. And that’s what makes it unforgettable. I’m so happy for Kaleb. He deserved that ending. And I think a part of me is still somewhere in that cabin with him 🖤 IYKYK

Spoilers ahead! Right after I read the burb, I wanted the book. Badly. This story has some dark theme (but its not dark), and really dirty (It was so hot lol) What I loved the most was the writing style and the story as a whole. You will be sucked in from the first page (so don't read it after dinner, you might not sleep all night) The characters are amazing too, each with their own flaws and how they deal with it, at the same time support Tiernan. --- (Spoilers here, don't read it if you haven't read the book - spoilers will ruin the story) Tiernan is a very complex character, and I love how she comes out of her shell. What I don't understand kind of, is why she ended up choosing the one guy she never had much interaction with. I loved Kaleb, but I think his character was the least explored in the whole story. When the book ended, I realised I never got time to spend with Kaleb and to understand him. He had a lot to offer to the plot. The other guys, Jake and Noah, both felt something for Tiernan, and *ahem* acted on it. But later, with Kaleb in the picture, it was as if nothing happened. The feelings just fizzled out. I think that wasn't dealt with properly. -- Be warned: This book is filthy, Alexa Riley hot but with an intriguing plot, and taboos galore. 4 stars

Loved this book. I can reread it many times. I have falllen in love with Kaleb and Jake. Noah is sweet too.

I have loved Penelope Douglas since I read her book Bully and I haven't stopped. If I need a hard read, I come to her. Where the characters are full of feelings- hate, anger, sadness, love. I love the chase, the banter, the tension, and finally coming together. That said this book was same. Intense hot and very different. Three guys and one girl up in the hills. I loved the premise. I loved the heat, the tension, the banter, the story, the characters. It was choas, it was breathtaking. But there was one thing missing. Spoilers ahead How can she choose Kelab? How did she fall in love with him when he acted as a jerk Everytime. He doesn't speak till the end! She had more connection with Jake, with Noah. But it was like a known thing. The one who behaved very badly, was a complete jerk to the girl. Won. It didn't make sense. Couldn't connect. After it became clear with whom she is gonna end with, I read and towards 10% left, I skimmed because it got boring. I saw no development in the girl. I saw no connection. With that said, I liked the 70% of the book. So the rating.

I always knew that Penelope Douglas tries to out do herself every time she releases a book but this one was damn had me in tears there for a minute I know how taboo this is but when u concentrate on the part where she explains the 3 Ls I think I understood tiernnan there a bit how she was neglected but still took her risks to experience something out of the box even when she knew it's going to hurt I really liked how the book was smooth and oh the steamy romance really got me this time but the book was worth ohhh plzzz every Penelope Douglas book is worth it I really adore and love her writings a lot every book she comes up with something new and refreshing perspective

first half is amazing, then after that 20% was the worst part. But then after I'll enjoy the rest of the story very much.

No words!!! I have been waiting for this book on my hand and knees. And it didn't dissapoint me. One of my favorites now!!!!

5 WOW STARS!! Penelope’s writing style is wow... I don’t think any other author would have written this story THIS WELL.

I ordered this book and began reading it, thinking it was gonna be really dark and questionable. But it only had like a moment or two that were a bit sus. The rest was very mild at best. I don't get why people try to cancel a writer just because of stuff like this. The writing in itself was very compelling and it kept me hooked. I will buy more titles from Penelope. And I hope she doesn't pay any mind to prejudiced reviews. Essentially, if you don't like it, don't consume it. Read the trigger warnings, inform yourself on what the book is about instead of throwing fists at the writer.

I like this book so much i read it twice already this was my first book and i liked it so much

Loved the story line, the age gap en a bit of who choose and finally the right choises a little suspense and this book is worth for the bookshelf

This story has a lot going on. It's a "forbidden" romance, it's an emotional rollercoaster, it's got some spice and at times is intense. Tiernan is the ignored daughter to famous parents. After they've passed on, she finds that just weeks before turning 18, she is to be living with her "uncle" she never knew she had and his two sons. He's her father's step brother, so family but not by blood. Having been ignored by those who were supposed to love her and learning to be alone she doesn't know how to navigate this new media attention on just herself and a new found family--so she looks forward to the quiet calm of the mountains in Colorado. Jake is her "uncle", he's bossy and stern and hated Tiernan's father, Kaleb is the quiet, brooding and intense one who doesn't talk--ever, and then there is Noah who gives off friendly golden retriever vibes, who can actually make her smile and laugh. As Tiernan faces turning 18 and trying to navigate this family vibe, she's also faced with the knowledge that early on in winter, the road to the mountain home she's staying on becomes impassable once the snow comes. She can go back and stay with her parent's assistant, Mirai, or stay on the mountain, snowed in for close to 6 months with these three men. She's also got to finish school and plan for college. She opts to stay since she feels pretty good where she's at, finding some purpose so quickly. Jake and Noah run a motorcycle racing business and Noah also likes racing. She meets quite a few of Noah's racing "friends" and since she new to town, she becomes a coveted "prize" in the process--this adds to the twists and drama. As time moves on in this story we get to see how she has more in common with the rest in that they can't relate to others well, they are invisible and they are ignored. It's a very well written story of a young woman finding herself in all ways right along with the men who showed her how to be a part of love and family. The characters are well formed and backgrounds included. I was afraid it'd be creepy with the whole forbidden family thing, but it wasn't that at all. This is not a why choose RH either. I'd 100% recommend.

*Credence* by Penelope Douglas is an exhilarating and emotionally charged novel that masterfully blends romance, suspense, and psychological depth. The story follows Tiernan de Haas, a young woman thrust into an unfamiliar and isolated world after the sudden death of her parents. Douglas crafts an intense and immersive narrative that explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and the complexities of human desire. What sets *Credence* apart is its daring exploration of taboo and forbidden relationships, which Douglas handles with both sensitivity and boldness. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own scars and vulnerabilities, making their interactions all the more compelling and unpredictable. The remote Colorado setting adds to the novel's tension, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop that mirrors the characters' inner turmoil. Douglas's writing is both gripping and poetic, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while delving deep into the emotional landscapes of her characters. *Credence* is not just a romance novel; it’s a thought-provoking journey into the darker corners of love, identity, and survival. It’s a book that will leave readers breathless, questioning the boundaries of morality and the nature of true freedom. For those looking for a romance that challenges conventions and lingers long after the final page, *Credence* is a must-read.