Story Summary
Credence is a dark new-adult romance (18+ only) set in the secluded mountains of Colorado. After 17-year-old Tiernan de Haas loses her famous but neglectful parents, she is sent to live with her only remaining family – her step-uncle Jake Van der Berg and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb. The Van der Bergs live off-grid, and as winter sets in, Tiernan finds herself snowed-in with three intense men in a remote cabin. The isolation and forced proximity create a simmering atmosphere filled with forbidden tension and taboo dynamics (there's no blood relation, but the situation feels illicit).
Main Characters
Tiernan de Haas
- • Age: 17–18 (just before turning 18 when the story begins)
- • Ethnicity: White (Dutch descent, like her late father)
- • Hair Color: Sandy blonde (natural), darker eyebrows
- • Eye Color: Gray
- • Identity: Recently orphaned, sheltered and withdrawn young woman navigating grief and desire in isolation with her late father's stepfamily
A quiet, observant girl who comes of age while confronting her loneliness and forbidden attraction in the mountains.
Jake Van der Berg
- • Age: Late 30s to early 40s
- • Ethnicity: Dutch descent (step-uncle, her father's stepbrother)
- • Hair Color: Dark blond (short-cropped)
- • Eye Color: Blue
- • Identity: Reclusive mountain man, carpenter and guardian who reluctantly takes Tiernan in after her parents' deaths
A rugged, brooding caretaker whose stern exterior hides complicated desire for his niece by marriage.
Noah Van der Berg
- • Age: 19
- • Ethnicity: White, Dutch descent (Jake's son)
- • Hair Color / Eye Color: Not explicitly detailed in the text
- • Identity: Jake's son, hotheaded, reckless, Tiernan's first flirtation in the mountains
A rebellious and volatile young man whose wild energy both tempts and unsettles Tiernan.
Kaleb Van der Berg
- • Age: 21
- • Ethnicity: White, Dutch descent (Jake's eldest son)
- • Hair Color / Eye Color: Not explicitly detailed in the text
- • Identity: Jake's older son, stoic and silent, communicates through action rather than words
A strong, enigmatic presence whose quiet intensity becomes Tiernan's deepest and most enduring connection.
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Spicy Chapters Breakdown
Credence is notorious for its high heat level and bold, taboo scenes. Below is a breakdown of the key spicy chapters – what explicit content happens, which characters are involved, and how each scene impacts the story or relationships. (Brace yourself – the spice in this book is off the charts, and not for the faint of heart!)
Chapter 6 – Tiernan & Kaleb
Tiernan's first meeting with Kaleb is violent and non-consensual, leaving her shaken. Despite the fear, she feels a troubling attraction, creating a tense dynamic between them as their interaction reveals Kaleb's volatile nature.
"His chest heaves, and I can feel the heat on his breath and still see the desire in his eyes, and I feel it, too, even though I hate to admit it."
Chapter 11
Late one night, a lonely Tiernan wanders into the kitchen while Jake is sitting in the dark. Hearing Noah and Kaleb entertaining girls upstairs triggers Tiernan's insecurities, and Jake ends up comforting her in a way that turns seductive.
"I've never touched a man before," I breathe out. "I wanna touch you."
Chapter 16
The first snowstorm of winter isolates the family, and things get steamy and unhinged. Tiernan, unable to sleep, joins Noah and Kaleb for a late-night movie that turns out to be very spicy (they watch a scene of a woman with two men). When the guys notice Tiernan pleasuring herself, Noah gently encourages her. Just as things are escalating toward a threesome, Jake catches them in the act. He furiously breaks up the party – sending his sons to bed – and drags a mortified Tiernan into the living room. What follows is the infamous spanking punishment scene: enraged (and jealous), Jake puts Tiernan over his knee on the couch and spanks her bare bottom hard, multiple times.
"You're ours." He presses his forehead to mine. "Our sweet little one. All ours. Do you understand?"
Chapter 17
Shortly after the spanking incident, Tiernan goes hunting with Jake and the boys. The catalyst is an emotional scene where Jake pushes Tiernan to make her first kill (hunting a deer) and then comforts her as she breaks down crying. Out in the snowy woods, away from Noah and Kaleb, they finally give in to their desire. Tiernan provokes Jake by accusing him of being too scared to claim her ("too old and bitter to spend [my inheritance] right," she taunts) – essentially daring him to show he wants her. That does it. Jake pins Tiernan against a tree and they crash into a heated make-out.
"I won't be able to pull out of you," I tell her. "Not the first time."
Chapter 23
If you've heard BookTok screaming about Credence, it's probably because of this chapter. With Jake temporarily away from home, Tiernan's dynamic with the two step-cousins reaches a sinful peak. Early in the chapter, a mishap leads to Tiernan getting a gash on her arm, and Noah and Kaleb tend to her (this scare brings Kaleb's protective side out). This threesome also solidifies Kaleb's deeper connection – in the afterglow, he tenderly takes Tiernan's red ribbon keepsake and hides it under his pillow, a quiet sign that she belongs to him in his eyes. The complicating factor: Jake hasn't returned yet… and when he does, the fallout will be huge.
"I was so wet for you on the couch the night of my birthday," I whisper between us. "So wet."
Chapter 26
By this late stage, secrets are out and emotions are raw. (Jake has discovered the threesome and feelings are hurt all around.) Chapter 26 is the climax of Tiernan's relationship with Kaleb, blending tenderness with Kaleb's dark, tortured passion. Kaleb, feeling betrayed and possessive, locks Tiernan in her room after catching her almost getting intimate with Noah again. When she falls asleep, he sneaks in. The scene begins with Kaleb. This scene is the culmination of Tiernan and Kaleb's slow-burn. It's angsty, dramatic, and shows Kaleb's inner conflict between love and hurt. It advances the story to its final resolution: will Kaleb overcome his fear of losing her?
"Leaning in, he brushes her nose with his, closing his eyes and feeling her panting and how her body tenses and flexes as she dreams."
Spice Level: Overall, Credence is extremely spicy, featuring multiple detailed sex scenes that involve M/F, M/F/M, and various kinks (voyeurism, spanking, mild bondage, etc.). One reviewer noted that "there is a good amount of spice in this book, and yes… you get to enjoy scenes with all of the men. There is only one scene with the two brothers (unfortunately) but it is so good." In other words, Penelope Douglas delivers on the heat while still keeping a gripping plot. If we're rating it by peppers, it's easily 5 out of 5 – a solidly smutty read with emotional depth to boot.
Goodreads Reviews & Reader Reactions
Credence has stirred up huge reactions among readers – some absolutely love its intensity, while others find it too disturbing or "out there". Here's a snapshot of real reader reviews, showing both the praise and the criticism:
Positive Reactions:
Readers found the story addictive and praised its spice and character development. Many appreciated the emotional depth and enjoyed the taboo theme. Fans highlighted Tiernan's growth and the satisfying resolution with Kaleb.
"I have been sitting here trying to figure out how to rate this book for quite some time. I came to the conclusion that I am going to give it a five stars. Does that mean I agree with everything that went on in this book? Hell no!!! But that isn't why I read. I read to escape...to be entertained... to feel different emotions— whether it be good or bad. This book definitely did all of that for me! I went into Credence knowing there was forbidden aspects to the story, and that there was probably going to be content that pushed my limits.. and yes that happened for sure! I still was hooked to this one, and seeing as I read so much, I tend to find it hard to find books that I devour and can't stop thinking about. I got that also with this story! So, five stars it is!"
"THIS BOOK. THISSSS BOOK! I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time I was reading. It's wild, it's naughty AF, it's kinky and kinda taboo and a bit dark and just something I can't even describe. It's a WHOA read. I feel winded after finishing! SUCH INTENSE READING, you guys! And so flipping good. Are you reading this? It's a boundry pusher for sure. LOLOL. Whewww baby! I need a minute."
Critical Reactions:
Credence has drawn criticism for its controversial themes, with many finding the relationships unhealthy and troubling. Some reviewers said it romanticizes grooming and expressed disappointment in the ending. Overall, those uncomfortable with morally ambiguous situations might want to avoid it.
"I finished this earlier today and honestly I've been thinking about it all day. Like, what do I rate it? Did I even like it? I didn't want to stop reading once I started. For such a long audiobook I flew through it. It was one of those addicting books. I'm still not sure I actually liked it though. I can understand why the heroine ended up with the hero she did, but I'm not sure if I'm happy about it. I can definitely see why so many loved it, and I can also see why people didn't like it. It was a wild ride. It was middle of the road for me, so I'm going with a 3 star."
Takeaway: Credence is a polarizing novel. It's highly engaging and evokes strong emotions – positive or negative – with virtually no middle ground. Readers often describe it as a "train wreck you can't look away from". If you thrive on taboo thrills and can handle the triggers, you might find it addictive and unforgettable. But if the premise makes you squirm, you're equally likely to hate it. This is the kind of book that sparks heated discussions (and viral TikToks!) about where the line is between dark romance and outright discomfort. Love it or loathe it, Credence certainly has people talking.
Where to Read or Buy Credence
Interested in experiencing this wild ride for yourself? Credence is available legally through several retailers and formats:
- Amazon: Available in eBook (Kindle) and Paperback. You can find it on Amazon US, UK, CA, and AUS. (It's often included in Kindle Unlimited as well, if you subscribe to KU.)
- Barnes & Noble: A paperback edition can be purchased via Barnes & Noble's online store. Check your local B&N for stock as well.
- Books-A-Million: The BAM website also lists Credence in paperback.
- Audiobook: An audiobook version (narrated by Michael Pauley & Greg Tremblay) exists and can be found on Audible or other audiobook retailers (released by Berkley in 2024).
- Penguin Random House/Berkley: As of 2024, Credence has been traditionally published by Berkley, so you might find the new paperback in major bookstores. The ISBN for the Berkley edition is 9780593641972 if you want to request it from a library or bookstore.
- Author's Website: Penelope Douglas's site has a store link, and it lists all major retailer links for Credence. (Fun fact: the author's site also offers bonus scenes and an epilogue from Kaleb's POV for hardcore fans!)
Always make sure to support the author by obtaining the book through these legal channels. Given the recent 2024 re-release, it's easier than ever to get your hands on a copy. Happy reading – and prepare yourself for the Credence experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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