Credence

This story has a lot going on. It's a "forbidden" romance, it's an emotional rollercoaster, it's got some spice and at times is intense. Tiernan is the ignored daughter to famous parents. After they've passed on, she finds that just weeks before turning 18, she is to be living with her "uncle" she never knew she had and his two sons. He's her father's step brother, so family but not by blood. Having been ignored by those who were supposed to love her and learning to be alone she doesn't know how to navigate this new media attention on just herself and a new found family--so she looks forward to the quiet calm of the mountains in Colorado. Jake is her "uncle", he's bossy and stern and hated Tiernan's father, Kaleb is the quiet, brooding and intense one who doesn't talk--ever, and then there is Noah who gives off friendly golden retriever vibes, who can actually make her smile and laugh. As Tiernan faces turning 18 and trying to navigate this family vibe, she's also faced with the knowledge that early on in winter, the road to the mountain home she's staying on becomes impassable once the snow comes. She can go back and stay with her parent's assistant, Mirai, or stay on the mountain, snowed in for close to 6 months with these three men. She's also got to finish school and plan for college. She opts to stay since she feels pretty good where she's at, finding some purpose so quickly. Jake and Noah run a motorcycle racing business and Noah also likes racing. She meets quite a few of Noah's racing "friends" and since she new to town, she becomes a coveted "prize" in the process--this adds to the twists and drama. As time moves on in this story we get to see how she has more in common with the rest in that they can't relate to others well, they are invisible and they are ignored. It's a very well written story of a young woman finding herself in all ways right along with the men who showed her how to be a part of love and family. The characters are well formed and backgrounds included. I was afraid it'd be creepy with the whole forbidden family thing, but it wasn't that at all. This is not a why choose RH either. I'd 100% recommend.

Devoured this book in less than 2 days - loved the story and was one of my first dips into Dark Romance that wasn't a fantasy or sci fi setting, and it did not disappoint. Pacing was amazing with just enough tension and slow burn. May have benefited from a bit more time spent throughout each conflict - as I feel each one was sped up, or could have at least benefited from another 5 or so pages worth of content. The second half has some time skips that I would have loved to see more glimpses into- but I just really loved the story.

This book is thrilling, emotional, tearful, scary, heartfelt and all the feelings. It is life and growing up for some, this story and characters will grab you and pull you in. It is the type that you want to finish and not put down. Tierman our heroin so abused on the inside, Jake her uncle but not really, Noah cousin, best friends but not, and Kaleb, cousin but not, broken so young by someone who should have been the one to shelter, love unconditionally just like Tierman. MUST READ CREDENCE! Ten out of ten for Penelope Douglas, this one will hit all the feelings!

I haven’t finished a book in a long time that has left me feeling as conflicted as this book did. I liked it. A lot. And then, I was confused, conflicted and left completely unsure if I had missed something plot wise. It’s a completely engaging read just not at all what I was expecting. It’s spicy with many forbidden elements. If you’re looking for a straight up romance, this isn’t it. And with so many 5 star reviews, I feel like I need to reread it to make sure I haven’t lost my mind. Kaleb’s transformation requires its own book bc I have so many questions. Tiernan is 17 and alone after her parents death. She’s sent to live with her step uncle Jake, and his two sons, Kaleb and Noah. Their farm is on a mountain where they live off the land and get snowed in each winter. Each man is fighting their own emotional battles. Tiernan is looking for something different than the life she’s left and struggles to find her way with the gruff men who live off the land and who have uniquely different relationships with each other than typical father/son. I briefly thought this was going to be a reverse harem novel. This is an age gap romance. It’s got a little darkness and a lot of forbidden elements. There’s multiple partners and different partners and each man fulfills a different role for her as she comes of age. Spicy business doesn’t take place until she turns 18. I guess I just don’t get Tiernan’s choice. Maybe that’s what has been bothering me. There are so many gaps in the plot as we get to 80% that I just don’t understand. There are moments when I’m frustrated bc I can’t figure out why someone in love would move on so quickly and completely. Moments when massive changes are made and characters flip so completely that I just don’t get it. Seriously, I wanted to love this book. I just don’t.

I got this one after the book baddies suggested it. You will get hooked. You will want to know what happens next. And you will laugh, and cry and smile. Well worth it

Warning: This review contains spoilers. If you don’t like spoilers, don’t read any further. I liked the author’s writing style—I couldn’t put the book down. Despite my issues with the plot, the writing kept me invested from beginning to end. That said, I found the overall plot confusing and heavily centered on childhood trauma. For a while, I genuinely thought the FMC was either going to end up with the father or with all three men, which, honestly, wouldn’t have been surprising in today’s romance books. Instead, the FMC has an intimate relationship with the father, including having her first time with him, then becomes involved with both of his sons, only to end up with just one of them. I just didn’t understand the point of that. It made the story feel even more convoluted. Jake, by the end, seemed to have taken advantage of the FME since they weren’t truly in love. Noah had his turn as well, and then Kaleb—who treated her the harshest for most of the story—suddenly became the love of her life. That progression didn’t feel convincing to me. Overall, I enjoyed the writing, but I found the ending contradictory. It felt like the message was: “Hook up with everyone in the family, then settle into a traditional happily-ever-after.” That just didn’t work for me. 🤷🏽‍♀️

If I could pull the memory of reading this book from my mind just so I can read it again for the first time, I would. Exquisite read. It’s a slow burn at first but trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve put a few friends onto this book since. Compared to some book stores, it’s also at a great value price!

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I know the characters and felt their emotions...or lack of. I wish that the last part of the story had been as detailed as the first part was. Also, although I really enjoyed the story there were a lot of unexplained plot holes that I wish had been filled in. I read this book and listened to the audio book on Audible

This book is messy, intense, and not meant to be understood easily—but somehow, it feels right. And that’s what makes it unforgettable. I’m so happy for Kaleb. He deserved that ending. And I think a part of me is still somewhere in that cabin with him 🖤 IYKYK

Adoro questa edizione, meravigliosa!

Great book, but there are a few pages missing from the back and the words seem like they are copy pasted from the internet because in the last page it says “Click to read more”

I ordered this book and began reading it, thinking it was gonna be really dark and questionable. But it only had like a moment or two that were a bit sus. The rest was very mild at best. I don't get why people try to cancel a writer just because of stuff like this. The writing in itself was very compelling and it kept me hooked. I will buy more titles from Penelope. And I hope she doesn't pay any mind to prejudiced reviews. Essentially, if you don't like it, don't consume it. Read the trigger warnings, inform yourself on what the book is about instead of throwing fists at the writer.

I like this book so much i read it twice already this was my first book and i liked it so much