Sorry not sorry 😉📚🖤

I know, I know. Talking about Penelope Douglas's 'Credence' usually brings up a lot of strong opinions, especially on BookTok. For a long time, I saw all the discourse, the 'I can't believe you actually liked Credence' comments, and honestly, I was a bit hesitant to pick it up myself. But then curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to dive in. And you know what? Sorry not sorry, but I absolutely loved it! When I started reading, I was prepared for the worst, given all the controversy. Some of the main criticisms revolve around the dark themes, the age gap, and the intensity of the relationships. And yes, 'Credence' definitely pushes boundaries. It's not a light read, and it's certainly not for everyone. The remote mountain setting, the isolation, and the complex family dynamics create a very unique and, at times, unsettling atmosphere. The relationships are undeniably taboo and intense, exploring themes of forbidden love, survival, and psychological manipulation. However, for me, this intensity was exactly what drew me in. I found the psychological depth of the characters, particularly Tiernan and her protectors, incredibly compelling. Douglas has a way of crafting characters that, despite their questionable actions, feel deeply human and flawed. I was fascinated by Tiernan's journey of self-discovery and resilience in such an extreme environment. The raw emotion and the exploration of difficult moral ambiguities kept me glued to the pages. I appreciated how the author didn't shy away from uncomfortable topics, instead choosing to explore the darker facets of human connection and desire. It made me 'crede' in the power of storytelling to challenge and provoke thought, even if it means stepping outside conventional romance tropes. I think part of the reason it resonated with me is that I went into it with an open mind, understanding that fiction doesn't always have to reflect real-world ideals perfectly. Sometimes, a story's power lies in its ability to explore the darker corners of the human psyche or to present a scenario that makes you think. 'Credence' definitely did that for me. It sparked discussions with my book-loving friends about what makes a 'problematic' book, and whether problematic elements can still contribute to a powerful narrative. So, if you've been on the fence, or if you've heard all the buzz and wondered what it's really like, I encourage you to form your own opinion. Just go in knowing it's a dark romance that explores some very sensitive themes. It's definitely an experience, and while it might not be a favorite for everyone, I found it to be a captivating and thought-provoking read that I genuinely enjoyed. Don't let the noise completely deter you from experiencing a story that might just surprise you, like it did for me.