From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Douglas, comes a new standalone!Three of them, one of her, and a remote cabin in the woods. Let the hot, winter nights ensue…Tiernan de Haas doesn’t care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she’s grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped off to boarding schools from an early … early age, it was still impossible to escape the loneliness and carve out a life of her own. The shadow of her parents’ fame followed her everywhere.And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She’s always been alone, hasn’t she?Jake Van der Berg, her father’s stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan who is still two months shy of eighteen. Sent to live with him and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan soon learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore.As the three of them take her under their wing, teach her to work and survive in the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them.And as a part of them.She also realizes that lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.One of them has her.The other one wants her.But he…He’s going to keep her.*Credence is a full length, stand-alone romance suitable for readers 18+.
more
*****************Spoliers**********************
*******************spoilers**********************
Whoa. Just freaking Amazingly Whoa!!! Judging a book by the simple somewhat peaceful cover I expected something boring. Lol But I heard this book was good so I got it. I started reading it a couple days ago and I was liking it. There will be some spoilers for sure in this review. Sorry.. how this book started out was a bit wild and very sad. Like dang! I’m a mom of 3 boys and definitely not rich. Lol but Penelope have so much detail that I felt the love the parents had for each other and then I felt the poor pain and coldness the daughter recieved. So sad. That was horrible. Really made me upset! That was crazy and this book goes darker than that. Lol I was totally going bonkers in my head whenever her only Uncle calls.. like what??? The encounter seemed sexy but it’s her uncle. Haha. I was puzzled for sure.. like no way this isnt going there. Haa! Boy was I wrong, and Uncle Jake has 2 sons! I felt a like I was watching a car accident Haha. Like what is going on here. Lol I was appalled and loving any scrap that cemented this twisted spawn of a story Ha! I was really laughing alot and mouth just open gawking at what I was reading! Then the scene where the 2 brothers and her were watching a movie late at night. Wow. That freaking scene was out of control and I was just on pins and needles wondering wth was going to happen!!!! It was hot and a bad hot The whole time I was always hoping for Kaleb and her. I love me a crazy psycho book lover. Lmao I was always wondering and guessing who is the main man but It wasnt easy. The writing was really good and totally unpredictable! Perfect writing! Perfect story! Perfect turns and twists! I love it all. I like this book so much, I’m going to buy a physical copy! Lol I’m excited to read other books by this author now. It’s like I discovered a new luxury to have. Lol! I say Lol alot. I know. Great book! XOXOXXX
Loved this book so much!!
This novel was thrilling, intense, and hard to put down. A heart wrenching forbidden love story that teeters on the brink of taboo, Credence is an interesting spin on the reverse harem genre. Penelope Douglas has done a superb job of building tension and chemistry between the characters, not to mention writing some of the hottest erotic scenes I have ever read. It was a good thing I was reading the Kindle version, because a paperback probably would have caught fire. Douglas has an evocative writing style that brought out the full range of my emotions when I read this beautiful book. I highly recommend it!
Absolutely incredible!!
I am a huge fan of Penelope Douglas and had been eagerly awaiting the release of Credence so that I could stay up all night and reading her words and getting lost in the world of Chapel Peak. I have read all of Douglas’ books and Credence does not disappoint. The story was riveting and held my interest from the first chapter to the last. I appreciated the unique dynamics between the characters and the depth that each of them brings to the story. The book was released as a stand-alone but I am praying that Douglas will gift us with stories from the other character!
Ever wondered what happens at houses high in the mountains when they get snowed in for winter? All is revealed in this page turning story. Okay, we know it’s fiction and highly unlikely this has happened in the real world but this is reading escapism people.
Tiernan is the daughter of a well known and loved celebrity couple. Their love story is something people aspire to one day have, they are very devoted to each other. So much so that when they tragically pass away, people are in mourning for the loss this means to the film industry. It’s a shame their love was only an exclusive one between them two of them and never extended to their only child, Tiernan.
Tiernan has been a spectator to love her whole life but never been the recipient of it herself. She has been raised by nannies and her mother’s personal assistant, she has felt insignificant for the entire 17 years of her life and an inconvenience to her parents. A token child for appearances only. The loss of them doesn’t feel like a great loss at all, she has always felt alone and now she truly is. Until she receives an unexpected phone call that will change everything.
‘I’m not used to people,’ I whisper. ‘They don’t talk to me at home.’ ‘No one talks to me.’
Her father’s step-brother reaches out to her as the only living relative to her parents. Emma is not quite 18 and has to live with an appointed guardian. Uncle Jake offers her the opportunity to come and stay with him and his sons at their place in the Colorado mountains. Figuring she has nothing to lose and maybe something to gain she agrees and is on the next flight there.
There hasn’t been a female living in this house for a long time so it’s a big adjustment for all of them. Tiernan is reluctant to open up or even talk to her Uncle and cousins Noah & Kaleb but she does quickly embrace country living and really enjoys looking after all the animals. She has an interesting first meeting with Kaleb that leaves a lasting impression on her, she plans to steer clear of him as much as she can though. Tiernan is now part of a family, sharing meals, working together, doing chores, learning new things and immersing herself in mountain life. She has never been happier.
‘We all acclimate. We learn, we resolve, we come around – it’s not that anything really gets easier or harder. We just get better at rolling with it. I’m not sure these men will be different because of me, but I’ll be different because of them. I like that.’
Living in a house with three men is a bit of an eye opening experience, there is no shortage of women from the local area who are happy to serve themselves up each night, satisfying the men’s sexual needs. Tiernan is initially repulsed, then intrigued and confusingly aroused. She finds herself craving things she knows little about and eventually she gets to the point of no return. Spending winter, snowed in a cabin, with three guys sounds like a cliche but it turns into the sexual awakening of Tiernan.
‘Something about this house – these people – lend credence every day to what I always knew I needed. Not sex. Not a guy. Just a place. Somewhere or someone to feel like home.’
This story may test your moral compass a bit but the overarching story was about lovely, loyalty and family. I could not put this book down!
Wow! I totally went into this book blind! Didn’t have any idea what to expect except that Penelope Douglas is one of my favorite authors! It was so good! It’s kind of taboo but in a great way. It was so well written and once again a book by Penelope that I just didn’t want to put down or end!
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Steamy and fun!
If I could give this book more than five start I would.. it was so good. I only wish that there was more… I keep going back and just reading it randomly when the characters pop up in my head. I would definitely recommend this book and the author 🙂 can’t wait to read what comes next!
Credence is one of those stories that stir a lot of emotions. Either you love ir or hate it. It definitely hit my liking. The story was very hypnotizing. I couldn’t tear myself away from her. And the personalities that appeared in this book were phenomenally created. The author methodically presented heroes revealing their stories chapter by chapter. Which only increased my level of interest and excitement.
Tiernan, Jake, Noah and Keleb are unique heroes struggling with different demons. And in a place isolated from the rest of the world and spending time together, they are forced to face them all. Blurring lines and breaking the rules also seemed to be very easy among this unrestrained forest. And this outstanding landscape of wild nature has given the story an unique atmosphere.
I haven’t read such an original and emotionally complicated book for a long time. The only thing I lacked in this book is the unique, deeper reason for this unconventional situation in which the characters found themselves. However, all the great rest of this story overshadowed this small minus. Credence will definitely end up on my list of favorite books of 2020. I will remember this book for a long time.
When I received an advance copy of Credence I dropped everything to dive in! (yes this review is super late, life.) Anything Penelope writes is a must read, so I knew this book would be just that! And I wasn’t wrong. I was up all night falling in love with this story.
Every page of this book will suck you in. Tirrean, Jake, Kaleb and Noah. Each one of these flawed characters bring so much life to this story. Between the sexual tension, the heartache, the setting, broken hearts and strong fighting spirits, Credence is one sexy, wild, play with your emotions, kind of ride. It’s beautifully complex and taboo. Penelope Douglas is an author who is not scared to write what she wants to write. And I love that! Its so refreshing, and makes the experience of getting lost in her books that much better.
I have read Credence too many times to count since the book released in January. It is just that good! Penelope Douglas writes these addicting and captivating stories. And this book, these four characters, the setting, the love, the pain and growth all woven together make for a book that is impossible to stop reading once you start.
·I was provided a ARC by the author·
Blog: JordansBookishLife
Instagram: @jordansbookishlife
loved!!! Kind of twisted and forbidden. Definitely angsty and a bit dark.
I won’t say much in this review, since it is a book that should NOT be spoiled whatsoever! Like the synopsis hints at, it ends in a HEA. The synopsis makes sense after only a few chapters. We start realizing who has her, who wants her, and who is determined to keep her.
Jake plays a larger part in the first half than he does in the end bit, but boy, does he heat up the pages from the very beginning. Although Noah too knows how to use his words, I was never a fan. HIs personality is too brotherly. Kaleb is the dark character we all love to read about. My heart broke and grew for him.
They all have unique interactions with Tiernan that needed to happen. I wish I could say more, but I won’t. I think despite the topic the author introduces, she did it well and in a way that showed that it needed to happen before the end of the book. She didn’t hold back in this one and it definitely worked for her.
Another 5 star read from Penelope Douglas!
Not enough stars for this one! I am so blown away by this beautiful love story with all its taboo elements and salacious sensuality. The characters are everything and so wonderfully written. Tiernan as the young woman looking to be loved and wanting to be part of a real family. Granted her step uncle and his sons seem to be an unlikely solution. What a sexy hunk her step uncle, Jake is. Hotness personified! And when she pokes the bear it’s unbearable steamy. And the there’s the sweet and devious, Noah. The one that’s the best friend and a sexy fiend. Last but not least is the baddest of all and tortured soul, Kaleb. Tiernan first encounter with Kaleb is almost too much. What a picture this author paints of the wild, fierce mountain man as he takes what he wants. Well, almost. My panties melted as Kaleb goes at Tiernan. Ugh! So hot! I’m sure some reviewers are put off by the salacious elements to the story but those of us that live for the dirty words are in heaven. But underneath all the salaciousness is a beautiful coming-of-age story about a troubled young woman and her finding the family she needs. It’s not a typical family but it’s what they all need. The growth from loner types to a family unit is wonderful. But most of all is what happens to Kaleb. He’s damaged by a horrible past. Will he turn away or heal? The Colorado mountain backdrop is fantastic as well as the motocross element. Fantastic ending with a peek into the future. I fell in love with these characters. I wish the brother that went his own way would get his own story. I read this in KU but it’s one I’ll buy because it will get a second and third and maybe more read by me. In my top ten of all time. The writing is exceptional with spectacular characters, a outstanding storyline and so much sizzling hotness is insane. Outstanding!
I loved the writing, and the well developed characters. The first half of the book was great. I thought that there were numerous actions that were uncharacteristic of certain people and unnecessary.
An absolutely fantastic love story!
This was my first read from author Penelope Douglas and I fell in love with her writing style instantly. She has the unique ability to arrange words in such a way that the reader can actually visualize the setting, characters and the events that take place.
I felt like I was on that mountain, in that house, enjoying the views and breathing in that fresh mountain air. I wanted to pack up everything I own and move to Colorado!
I could also relate to and empathize with all of the main characters. Tiernan, Jake, Noah and Kaleb were all complex and unique individuals, continuing to grow and develop as their story plays out.
The dynamic of each of their relationships was unique as well. Jake is a single father of two, his youngest son Noah, a free spirit who longs for a different life far away from their mountain home and Kaleb, his oldest son, who hasn’t spoken a word since he was four years old.
Then in walks Tiernan, Jake’s estranged niece who has just lost both of her parents to a suicide pact. Although Jake and Tiernan aren’t actually related to each other by blood, he feels responsible for her as his older step-brother and his wife had left her in his care. So despite the fact that he hated them for what they had done to him in the past, he allowed Tiernan to move into his home.
Quickly discovering that the seventeen year old girl had not only been devastated by her parent’s death but also emotionally damaged by a lifetime of their neglect, Jake vows to make her a part of his family and urges his sons to do the same. But relationships can be complicated and confusing, especially for the emotionally damaged. Her growing affection for Jake and Noah and her fear of Kaleb is complicated by her physical attraction to all of them, these handsome, virile men who are now, for all intents and purposes, her family.
As she slowly begins to heal, to deal with her own anger and pain and to finally discover who she actually is as a person and how she fits into the world, everything eventually comes to a head. She turns eighteen, the winter snows begin and the four of them are now confined to their mountain home for several months. Lines are blurred, lines are crossed, and some lines are completely obliterated.
Needless to say, this story was full of emotion, angst and several potential triggers for the more sensitive readers out there. Although there are some menage scenes, this actually isn’t a menage romance story. The love scenes are at times passionate and at others times a little raunchy but at all times very HOT! There were some disparaging comments and references to the female gender that were a little cringe-worthy, but there was just so much good about this story that I can overlook that. For me though, it was the emotional bonding between the characters that really got to me. The pacing was perfect, emotional slow burn all around between Tiernan and all of the men. Everything changed between them all and then everything changed again as secrets and truths were eventually revealed and understood. This isn’t just a story about the love between a man and a woman though, it is about the love between father and son, the love between brothers and how all of these relationships continue to grow and change over time.
I loved this story! I loved how tough Tiernan was despite how weak she appeared to be at first. I loved how fun and funny Noah could be and I found myself laughing out loud several times as I was reading. I loved what a great dad Jake was even though he made some mistakes and could be a little too alpha at times. But Kaleb? Kaleb was my heart! Beautiful, angry, silent Kaleb, too dark and too mean, he scared everyone. Except for me of course!
This is an absolute must read! Full of emotion, action and suspense, Credence is one of my favorite stories that I have ever read and I can’t wait to read more stories from Ms. Douglas. Highly recommended!
This book was just such a great ride. Some Daddy/little girl, some menage, some bondage, some primal…and all of it landing up as one big tangled intense love story with four people who won my heart and my undivided attention. If you’re the type of person who reads a book to enjoy the journey and watch the emotions build, the relationships grow and unfold (rather than just rushing to the end), then savor this one.
My Thoughts:
Kinky, erotic, and a bit twisted. The beginning was slow building, the middle had me glued to my kindle, and the end packed a powerful and emotional punch! This is a story that will spark a lot of controversy, and isn’t going to be for everyone, but I loved it, and couldn’t put it down!
~~ 5 ASTOUNDING STARS! ~~
“You’re so f*cking ours.”
CREDENCE by Pen Douglas was MASTERFUL. MINDBLOWING. TANTALIZINGLY TABOO. BLISTERING HOT. REFRESHINGLY UNIQUE. And so HEARTWRENCHINGLY EMOTIONAL, it took my breath away!
THE PREMISE:
After her parents’ tragic death, Tiernan de Haas needs a fresh a start and willingly gives up her lonely life of privilege in Southern California to move in with her “Uncle” Jake, and his two sons Noah and Kaleb, in the remote Colorado mountains. She figures this change of pace is just what she needs to heal from the mind-numbing grief and once she turns 18 she can then venture out into the big, scary world.
As the sheltered yet emotionally neglected only daughter of a famous movie starlet, growing up among Hollywood elite had its charms as well as its pitfalls. But being a fish out of water while living off the land on the Peak is the least of this pampered ingénue’s problems as she comes to discover that cohabitating with these three dynamic yet eccentric Van der Berg men is nothing what she expected but quite possibly just what she needed most. All her life this quiet, stoic, social outcast has struggled to connect to others. As her journey ensues, she discovers love and laughter, warmth and solace with her new family and she ultimately blossoms into the vivacious young woman she’s always meant to be. However, along the way, forbidden longings are awakened, traitorous temptations are ignited, and her young innocent heart is tested in UNFATHOMABLE ways!
“Loving them has made something inside me wake up, and I don’t want to go back to being who I was.”
But can this beautiful young woman get her own fabled Hollywood ending or will she be doomed to follow in her parents’ ill-fated footsteps?
MY MUSINGS!
Wowza! What did I just read? CREDENCE was absolutely stupendous! It slayed my heart, consumed my soul and gave me ALL THE FREAKING feels!
Without giving any juicy plot nuggets away, this sinfully spicy and utterly unconventional coming of age romantic saga was hard to pigeonhole. At 487 pages, it’s a full bodied read and I took my time with it, savoring each delicious morsel! It’s got a little bit of everything. Tragedy. Tumult. Agony. Ecstasy. Running the gamut from angsty New Adult to forbidden age gap to even a hint of the reverse harem trope, CREDENCE both shocked and enraptured me and there were no shortage of riveting twists and turns.
And HOLY SMOKES! The erotic interludes really pushed the envelope and scorched the panties. But shock and titillation aside, its core it’s a story of one brave yet beautifully broken young woman who finds the love and belonging she’s craved all her life in the last place she’s ever expected it. With the Van der Berg boys who, as it turns out, were lost and splintered in their own right, and needed her as she much as she needed them.
“You just needed what everyone needs. A home.”
While this brilliantly crafted book kept me guessing as to where Tiernan’s odyssey would lead, I truly relished each tantalizing, pulse pounding, achingly emotional moment! And while I initially thought I knew who I wanted her to spend forever with, midway through the book, my own traitorous heart switched allegiances and I found myself rooting with every fiber of my being for Tierney to choose the one, THE ONLY, man who she was destined to be with.
“I want to be everything she sees.”
So, was I #TeamJake, Noah or Kaleb? My lips are sealed on that front but I will divulge that the author penned the perfect ending that left me blinking back tears and basking in sweet euphoria!
BOTTOM LINE:
CREDENCE is a wildly addictive page turner that reinforces once again that the incomparable Penelope Douglas is a force to be reckoned with!
A MUST read!
Once in a while I love to read a forbidden romance. And Credence was just what I hoped it would be. Maybe there were a bit too much sex scenes for my liking, but overall I really enjoyed reading it. I knew what I was getting into because I’ve read some Penelope Douglas books before. This one is probably my favourite book of hers.
I especially loved the setting of the story. It felt like I wanted to see and experience the landscape for myself, even though I’m not an outdoorsy type. The writing is just that good.