By Book Club Team 
Credence by Penelope Douglas is a provocative, boundary-pushing romance that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. After the death of her neglectful parents, Tiernan de Haas moves to a remote cabin in Colorado to live with her step-uncle Jake and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb. Cut off from the outside world, Tiernan faces emotional and physical challenges, grappling with her grief and growing feelings for the three men in her life. This emotionally charged and steamy novel delves into taboo relationships and personal healing, offering an unconventional take on romance that isn’t for the faint of heart.
| Author | Penelope Douglas |
| Publication date | January 13, 2020 |
| Goodreads Rating | 3.68 |
| Page count | 560 pages |
| Topics | Romance, Contemporary, Reverse Harem, Dark, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Menage |
Credence Book Summary
Credence by Penelope Douglas is a provocative and emotionally charged new adult romance that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The novel centers around Tiernan de Haas, a 17-year-old girl who feels like a stranger in her own life. After the sudden death of her neglectful parents, she is sent to live with her step-uncle, Jake Van der Berg, and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in their isolated cabin deep in the Colorado mountains.
Jake is rugged and protective, Noah is charismatic and playful, and Kaleb is a brooding and mysterious loner. As the harsh winter sets in, Tiernan and her new family are cut off from the outside world, forcing them to rely on each other for survival. In the isolation of the mountains, Tiernan begins to confront her grief, her desires, and the emotional scars left by her upbringing.
As her relationships with Jake, Noah, and Kaleb grow more complex, Tiernan explores themes of love, trust, and self-acceptance. Each man offers her something different, but she must ultimately decide who she is and what she wants as she comes of age in this deeply unconventional environment.
Credence is a polarizing story filled with intense emotions, steamy scenes, and thought-provoking themes of healing and self-discovery. It’s a daring exploration of love and identity that captivates readers willing to embrace its bold, unconventional nature.
Credence Book Review
Credence is a bold and emotionally intense novel that explores grief, self-discovery, and unconventional love. Set in the remote Colorado mountains, it follows Tiernan de Haas as she navigates her new life with her step-uncle Jake and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, after her parents’ death. The story’s isolation heightens the emotional tension and challenges societal norms, creating a captivating yet controversial narrative.
Pros:
- Complex, multifaceted characters with compelling emotional arcs.
- Stunning, immersive mountain setting that enhances the story’s intensity.
- Bold exploration of taboo themes and unconventional relationships.
- Gripping, unpredictable plot that keeps readers engaged.
Cons:
- Explicit content and taboo relationships may be uncomfortable for some readers.
- Polarizing themes that might not appeal to all audiences.
- Pacing can feel uneven, with some scenes dragging while others rush key developments.
For readers who enjoy provocative, thought-provoking romances, Credence offers a raw and unforgettable journey, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Credence Book Characters
Here’s a breakdown of the main characters in Credence by Penelope Douglas:
- Tiernan de Haas: The protagonist, Tiernan is a 17-year-old girl who has grown up neglected by her wealthy, distant parents. After their deaths, she moves to the Colorado mountains to live with her step-uncle and his sons. She’s introspective, emotionally closed off, and struggling to find her identity. Over the course of the novel, Tiernan grows into a more self-assured and independent young woman.
- Jake Van der Berg: Tiernan’s step-uncle, Jake is a rugged and protective figure. He runs the remote mountain property where Tiernan comes to live. Though caring and charismatic, he’s also flawed, often navigating complicated feelings for Tiernan while balancing his role as her guardian.
- Noah Van der Berg: Jake’s 21-year-old son, Noah, is the outgoing and flirtatious charmer of the family. He brings lighthearted energy to the story and quickly forms a connection with Tiernan, offering her a sense of fun and companionship.
- Kaleb Van der Berg: The brooding and silent older brother, Kaleb is the most mysterious of the three men. He communicates more through actions than words, and his intense, often volatile nature creates tension and intrigue. Kaleb’s past and his relationship with Tiernan add depth to his character.
Each of these characters plays a significant role in Tiernan’s journey of self-discovery, healing, and love, with their unique personalities contributing to the complex dynamics that drive the story.
Credence Trigger Warning
Credence contains mature and potentially sensitive content that may not be suitable for all readers. Here are the key trigger warnings to consider:
- Explicit Sexual Content: The book includes graphic and detailed scenes of a sexual nature, including taboo relationships.
- Taboo/Unconventional Relationships: Romantic and sexual dynamics involve family-like relationships, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.
- Grief and Loss: Themes of parental death and emotional neglect are central to the story.
- Isolation and Survival Themes: The remote, cut-off setting may evoke feelings of loneliness or claustrophobia.
- Dubious Consent and Power Dynamics: Some interactions feature blurred lines of consent and complex power imbalances.
- Violence and Aggression: Includes moments of physical aggression and volatile behavior, particularly involving Kaleb.
Readers who prefer lighter, more traditional romances may find this book challenging, while those open to boundary-pushing narratives might find it compelling. Always read at your own comfort level!
Credence: Spicy Chapters
Credence by Penelope Douglas is known for its steamy content, with numerous intense and explicit scenes throughout the book. While the “spicy” chapters are subjective based on what readers consider most memorable or impactful, here’s a general guide to where key moments occur (without giving spoilers):
- Chapters 12-14: These chapters mark the beginning of Tiernan exploring her relationships and boundaries.
- Chapter 17: A pivotal and tension-filled moment that shifts the dynamics between Tiernan and one of the male characters.
- Chapters 20-22: Intensified relationship development with multiple emotional and physical interactions.
- Chapter 25 and onward: The story reaches its peak in emotional and physical intensity, with key revelations and decisions impacting the characters’ dynamics.
Credence: Genre
- New Adult Romance
- Contemporary Romance
- Taboo Romance
- Erotica
- Coming-of-Age
Credence is a blend of romance and erotica with darker, boundary-pushing themes. It also explores emotional growth and self-discovery, making it fit within the coming-of-age category. The unconventional and taboo relationships give it a provocative edge, appealing to readers who enjoy bold, non-traditional romance stories.