my review for Credence by Penelope Douglas.
⚠️ may contain spoilers!!! ⚠️
bear with me this is my first try at a review.
Book Review
Book name: Credence
Author: Penelope Douglas
Genre: dark romance
Intro: Credence is about Tiernan de Haas, a young woman suddenly orphaned after her parents' suicide. She is sent to live with her father's estranged step-brother, Jake Van der Berg, and his two adult sons, Noah and Kaleb, in a remote cabin in the Colorado mountains.
My rating: 5/10
My review: So ill start off by saying this book isnt for everybody i could list off a bunch of things that just aren't right in the real world. But thats what I expected when i began reading it. The fact that it gets spicy with her Step uncle and Step cousins for example. But then you start by thinking well they aren't blood and they arent even half related nor were they ever around when she was growing up. if they were I dont think I could've finished reading it myself.
Put that aside It was a good read. It had its moments and definitely had its boring moments i will say. Especially in the beginning. I liked the leading up to the spicy scenes but once it got going full-on it seemed like once it started it went and then gone (tried to hard?) Its hard to explain.
I had to get through the first few pages/chapters and after that I didnt want to put it down. some moments were kind of boring I read over the boring parts quick because it seemed pointless but once it got enjoyable i read it every chance I had. even if it was just a couple pages. Things started to get more interesting *wiggles eyebrows* but I am a bit disappointed that she didnt end up with who I had hoped. I figured it would've been nobody or the one she had connected with most.
my opinion i loved reading it when noah was around i liked his character and i just wish he had a bigger part in it. I liked the fact he was playful. He had his cons I will say that. But not as much as kaleb. Hes another story. I could go on and on but that would be a lot of spoilers SO! Ill leave it at that.
if you want to talk about it let's talk!
Credence by Penelope Douglas offers a unique dive into the realm of dark romance, exploring themes that challenge conventional boundaries and reader comfort. The novel follows Tiernan de Haas, a young woman coping with the profound loss of her parents, which sets the stage for an emotionally charged narrative. Set against the remote, atmospheric backdrop of the Colorado mountains, the story immerses readers in a secluded family environment involving Jake Van der Berg and his sons, Noah and Kaleb. The complex relationships that develop between Tiernan and her step-family members bring forward the darker shades of romance and emotional conflict. This book distinctly pushes readers to confront uncomfortable moral questions and the blurred lines of family and attraction. One notable aspect of Credence is its controversy — the romantic entanglements involve characters connected by stepparent and step-sibling ties, which are non-blood related but deeply intertwined. For some readers, this adds a layer of intrigue and intensity, while for others, it challenges their comfort zones. It’s important to recognize that the novel does not shy away from these topics but presents them boldly, aiming to evoke strong emotional reactions and debate. The pacing of the narrative has been highlighted as uneven, with a slow start that builds suspense and character depth, eventually transitioning into more intense, dramatic scenes. This structure may test patience at first but rewards persistence with gripping developments. The characterization of Noah and Kaleb adds texture to the story, with contrasting personalities that enrich the relational dynamics. Noah's playful nature and Kaleb's complexity create a nuanced love triangle that keeps the plot compelling. Fans of Penelope Douglas’s writing will appreciate her ability to craft emotionally charged dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the cold mountain setting and turbulent emotions to life. Additionally, readers interested in dark romance themes will find this novel a thought-provoking contribution to the genre. As a New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Douglas is known for her provocative and often controversial storytelling. Credence fits well within her portfolio, continuing to challenge norms and examine the gray areas of love and family. For readers open to exploring difficult themes and passionate, intense relationships, Credence offers a provocative narrative that will keep you engaged. Whether you find the story rewarding or polarizing, it undoubtedly sparks conversations about love, loss, and the boundaries we navigate in our personal lives. If you enjoy discussing complex romance novels with distinct family entanglements, this book is worth a read. Join the conversation using hashtags like #credence and #darkromance to connect with others navigating the same emotional territory.
