Penelope Douglas’ Credence is a compelling story that combines themes of forbidden love, intense emotions, and personal growth in a tense, high-stakes environment. If you’ve finished Credence and are looking for similar novels that explore complex relationships, passion, and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you’re in the right place. Here’s a list of 10 books that echo the same vibes and storytelling style that made Credence such an unforgettable read.
1. The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner
Themes: Forbidden romance, emotional depth, steamy romance
If you loved the emotional intensity and forbidden romance in Credence, then The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner is a great choice. The book focuses on a complicated romance between two people who know they shouldn’t be together, but the attraction is undeniable. The story explores vulnerability, emotional baggage, and the blurred lines of right and wrong when it comes to love.
Why It’s Similar:
- Intense chemistry between characters
- The sense of “forbidden” love
- Strong emotional character development
2. The Devil’s Advocate by Ashley Jade
Themes: Dark romance, psychological tension, healing through love
In The Devil’s Advocate, Ashley Jade dives deep into the psychology of complex characters dealing with trauma. The story follows two people from different worlds brought together by fate and passion. The book contains elements of redemption, healing, and love that is both painful and beautiful, making it a great match for fans of Credence.
Why It’s Similar:
- Dark romance with emotional highs and lows
- Characters dealing with personal trauma and growth
- Steamy, slow-burn romance
3. Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
Themes: Dark romance, forbidden relationships, psychological twists
If you’re looking for more from Penelope Douglas, Corrupt is a fantastic follow-up. The book explores a dark and intense romance, combining themes of revenge, power dynamics, and deep emotional connections. Similar to Credence, the characters are flawed, broken, and struggle with their inner demons.
Why It’s Similar:
- Penelope Douglas’ signature style of dark romance
- Intense character development and complex relationships
- Twisted, high-stakes emotions
4. The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic
Themes: Forbidden romance, found family, high-stakes relationships
The Foxhole Court is the first book in the All For The Game series by Nora Sakavic. The story follows a college-level sports team where the relationships between the players are intense, complicated, and often dangerous. Similar to Credence, the romance is forbidden and complicated by personal traumas and secrets. This book also introduces the concept of a “found family,” a theme that resonates with many readers who enjoy emotional connections and healing through love.
Why It’s Similar:
- Forbidden love and personal struggles
- Complex and compelling characters with a slow-burn romance
- Dark undertones with themes of healing
5. The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
Themes: Mafia romance, forbidden love, power dynamics
In The Kiss Thief, L.J. Shen takes readers into the world of mafia intrigue, power, and forbidden love. The protagonist, a strong and resilient woman, finds herself entangled with a powerful mafia man. Like Credence, the romance is forbidden, fraught with tension, and ultimately transformative for both characters.
Why It’s Similar:
- Forbidden romance with a powerful love interest
- Emotional rollercoaster with high-stakes conflict
- Intense chemistry between the lead characters
6. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Themes: Forbidden romance, royal family, emotional complexity
While not as dark as some of the other books on this list, The Royal We offers a different twist on forbidden love. This modern-day romance follows the love story of an American girl who falls for the heir to the British throne. The book delves into the complexities of navigating a relationship with societal pressure, family expectations, and personal growth. Fans of Credence will find the intense emotional stakes and forbidden nature of the romance familiar, albeit in a royal setting.
Why It’s Similar:
- Forbidden love and complex family dynamics
- Emotional depth and vulnerability
- A romance that grows stronger despite external obstacles
7. Dirty Headlines by L.J. Shen
Themes: Enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, high tension
Another L.J. Shen novel, Dirty Headlines explores the tumultuous and passionate relationship between two people with a long history of animosity. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed flawlessly in this book, with characters who have a complicated dynamic that develops into a deeply emotional and intense romance.
Why It’s Similar:
- Forbidden, intense romance with emotional growth
- Complex characters that develop over the course of the book
- Passionate chemistry and tension between leads
8. LJ Shen’s Vicious by L.J. Shen
Themes: Dark romance, redemption, emotional intensity
Vicious is another entry in L.J. Shen’s dark romance collection, focusing on a romance that is intense, complex, and filled with emotional baggage. The characters’ pasts are full of pain, regret, and anger, and it is through their deep, turbulent love for one another that they find redemption. Similar to Credence, it’s a slow burn that leads to a powerful and transformative love story.
Why It’s Similar:
- Dark romance with themes of redemption
- Complex and emotional character arcs
- Steamy romance with high stakes
9. Sinners of Saint Series by L.J. Shen
Themes: Dark romance, high-stakes passion, complicated love
This series follows a group of characters who have deep, often troubled pasts and navigate complicated, forbidden relationships. Like Credence, the protagonists deal with trauma, emotional baggage, and complicated feelings as they move toward healing and love. The entire series is filled with high-stakes romance, making it perfect for fans of Credence.
Why It’s Similar:
- Deep emotional connections and troubled pasts
- Complex, passionate romances with significant obstacles
- Dark themes with characters that grow over time
10. Twisted Games by Ana Huang
Themes: Forbidden love, royalty, power dynamics
Twisted Games is the second book in the Twisted series by Ana Huang and follows a forbidden romance between a bodyguard and the woman she’s sworn to protect. Much like Credence, it’s a slow-burn romance with high emotional stakes and an intense connection between the protagonists. The power dynamics, forbidden love, and personal growth make it a great match for readers who loved Credence.
Why It’s Similar:
- Forbidden romance with power dynamics at play
- Strong character growth and development
- Emotional and passionate connection between the leads
Conclusion:
If Credence by Penelope Douglas left you craving more forbidden, intense, and emotional romance, these 10 books are the perfect way to continue your literary journey. From dark romance to forbidden love, these novels feature characters that are deep, complex, and whose love stories will leave you captivated. Dive into these stories and experience the emotional rollercoaster that makes Credence such a memorable read.
