Book Boyfriends and Booze

In Credence by Penelope Douglas, Tiernan de Haas is thrust into a secluded world with her estranged step-uncle Jake Van der Berg and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the remote mountains of Colorado after the tragic and sudden death of her parents. Raised in wealth but emotionally neglected, Tiernan is numb to the world around her. As she adjusts to her new life, she finds herself drawn into an unconventional and complicated relationship with the three men, each of whom represents a different kind of desire and attachment where boundaries blur and passions ignite. One man claims her, another longs for her, but the third is determined to make sure she stays, no matter the cost. Isolated from the rest of the world, Tiernan’s thrust into a new way of life—one where she is no longer invisible. Here, she learns what it means to feel wanted, to be seen, and to navigate emotions she’s never been allowed to experience before.

But this is not your typical small-town romance. It’s a reverse harem dynamic with a significant age gap, and the relationships that unfold are messy, intense, and morally grey—making for a deeply compelling and forbidden read. This novel explores themes of isolation, healing, and forbidden desires.

An Emotional, Taboo, and Intense Ride

If you’ve never read Penelope Douglas, let us introduce you to her style: emotionally charged, deeply character-driven, and spice that’s woven so seamlessly into the story that it just makes sense. Credence is no exception, and while it delivers on the spice, it also brings a heavier, more complex emotional depth than your typical romance novel. This isn’t just a guilty-pleasure read—it’s an experience.

Meet the Book Boyfriends 

What’s the best (and most agonizing) part of this book? You don’t know who she’ll end up with, and you’re not even sure who you want her to choose.  And does she?

• Jake – The older, responsible, and tortured guardian figure. While he fights his attraction to Tiernan, his internal battle is almost as intense as his past. He wants to do the right thing…but sometimes, the right thing isn’t so clear.
• Noah – The golden boy, full of charm and warmth. He’s the most open, the one who makes her feel comfortable and safe, but does “safe” mean he’s the right choice?
• Kaleb – The brooding, silent one. He’s damaged, dangerous, and the most unpredictable of the three, making him the darkest temptation of all.

Penelope Douglas plays an absolute mind game with the reader—just when you think you’ve made your decision, she gives you a reason to second-guess it. Every character is layered, every relationship is filled with tension, and you truly feel Tiernan’s struggle.

Let’s Talk About the Spice (Because WOW!)

Penelope Douglas knows how to write a spicy scene that makes sense with the character dynamics. This isn’t just spice for the sake of spice—it’s built off of tension, emotional turmoil, and character development. And trust us, when it hits, it hits HARD. The scenes in Credence are intense, forbidden, and filled with raw chemistry, making them some of the most talked-about in the taboo romance community.

But be warned—this book is not for everyone. If taboo themes, unconventional relationships, and intense power dynamics aren’t your thing, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re looking for something that pushes the boundaries while remaining emotionally gripping, then Credence will deliver.

Final Thoughts – An Addictive, Unforgettable Read

Credence is not your typical romance—it’s raw, intense, and filled with deep emotional layers. While there is a forbidden, sensual element to the relationships, the true beauty of this novel is in Tiernan’s journey—her self-discovery, her newfound confidence, and her realization that she deserves to be wanted.

If you’re in the mood for something bold, emotionally gripping, and a little dangerous, then Credence is the perfect next read for you. But fair warning—this one will live rent-free in your mind for a long time.

Pick this up on KU!