An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller.From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes an unexpected love story that started with a boy and girl and heats up when the man and woman reconnect.I’d never forgotten him—a man I’d yet to meet.Griffin Quinn was my childhood pen pal, the British boy who couldn’t have been more different from me. Over the years, through … been more different from me. Over the years, through hundreds of letters, we became best friends, sharing our deepest, darkest secrets and forming a connection I never thought could break.
Until one day it did.
Then, out of the blue, a new letter arrived. A scathing one—one with eight years of pent-up anger. I had no choice but to finally come clean as to why I stopped writing.
Griffin forgave me, and somehow we were able to rekindle our childhood connection. Only now we were adults, and that connection had grown to a spark. Our letters quickly went from fun to flirty to downright dirty, revealing our wildest fantasies. So it only made sense that we would take our relationship to the next level and see each other in person.
Only Griff didn’t want to meet. He asked that I trust him and said it was for the best. But I wanted more—more Griff, in the flesh—so I took a big chance and went looking for him. People have done crazier things for love.
But what I found could change everything.
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This totally blew up my mind, perfect! I love friends to lovers and add to the mix rockstar, yeap it’s right there on my top favorite trop alley. This book was amazing. My favorite duo has done it again and this time my anxiety was where I needed it to be, what an amazing way to talk about a theme that concerns a lot of people now a days. Luca and Griffin great couple, phenomenal story a top must read definitely!
This book made me cry my own tears. I’m not a fan of crying, especially over a book, but there was a tiny moment at the end of Dirty Letters that was so touching, so emotionally wrought that I couldn’t help but tear up. Dirty Letters, like all of Ms. Keeland and Ms. Ward’s works, was quite a bit heavier than the title or blurb indicated. It’s one of the things I love most about their work, and I look forward to seeing how they turn such seemingly light storylines into these heavy-hitting love stories.
I was immediately drawn to Luca, she was sad and vulnerable, and all of the things she’d endured in her life made her an incredibly sympathetic character. Watching her slowly, steadily, painstakingly face the hardest parts of her life was incredibly rewarding. Seeing her find someone willing and able to stand by her side to help her fight against her fears was beautiful. Griffin hadn’t lived a storybook life himself, but he had used the scars of his past mold him into a strong, level-headed, supportive partner. Luca couldn’t have found someone more suited for her had she written him herself.
The childhood pen pal concept was utterly novel to me. I wasn’t sure how it would play out, but I was taken aback by just how deep and emotional the book was before the main characters had ever met in real life. There was a certain anonymity and cushion of safety in those handwritten, snail-mail letters that allowed Luca and Griffin to open up to one another in a way they probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Watching their relationship play out in such an unusual way was fascinating, and I think this may be a new favorite trope for me.
Dirty Letters was a surprisingly emotional experience for me. At every turn, there was another blow coming at the characters, whether through a relived experience or a situation they didn’t see coming. Luca and Griffin navigated some very tricky paths, with the help of perhaps the most endearing psychiatrist I’ve ever read, with nothing more than the love they shared to guide them. It was beautiful to see how they each sacrificed and reached far beyond their comfort zones to ensure there was room in their lives for one another.
PS – I just heard that McDonald’s is bringing back their Furby Happy Meal toy for a limited time, in case you find yourself wanting one after this book. LOL!
NO SPOILERS!
Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland created an absolutely beautiful, breathtaking, sexy, emotional, and utterly swoon-worthy love story with Dirty Letters, and it was absolute romance PERFECTION! Every time Ward and Keeland collaborate, it’s pure romance magic, and I love them dearly for giving us readers amazing and unforgettable new worlds and characters to fall in love with.
Dirty Letters was beyond phenomenal, and I loved the storyline and characters with all my heart. The concept of the plot was so incredibly unique, and I had certainly never read anything like it before. I was addicted and entranced from beginning to end, and absolutely loved the journey Ward and Keeland took me on. Griffin and Luca were EVERYTHING. I think these two have been the most likable, lovable, and relatable characters I’ve ever encountered in all my years of reading romance. Griffin and Luca were absolutely perfect, both together and apart, and they completely stole my heart. I loved every single aspect of their extraordinary and incredibly unique love story, and even though it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Dirty Letters has hands down been Ward and Keeland’s BEST and my FAVORITE co-written novel from them to date. Griffin and Luca’s story was even better than I imagined, and so much more than I could’ve hoped for. These extremely talented authors are masters when it comes to writing sexy, angsty, emotional, and swoon-worthy love stories you’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to devour more from them!
Vi and Penelope what have you done to me with these Dirty Letters, the book, I mean.
This story is one full of heart and soul. Luca, the heroine, has been through an experienced that left her full of fears and phobias, but deep down she’s a courageous woman who has the desire to be better and achieve what for others is just the norm. Griffin is the perfect hero. He’s sweet, understanding, patient, and loving towards the girl who’s been his pen pal since they were kids. But would Griffin be able to give Luca what she needs to make her dreams come true?
This story has a beauty that goes beyond the characters and their past and present. Sometimes life throws some challenges at us that fill us with despair and dread, but when we least expect it it show us a light or two to guide us through the darkness, I think that’s the real meaning of this book.
Ward and Keeland have the uncanny ability to dig into their characters human nature to make them more relatable, likable, soulful, that’s why I simply adored their books and find their characters kindred spirits in a way. This book is without a doubt one of their best.
What an EPIC love story!!
Dirty Letters is another unputdownable book by this amazing duo!!
What started out as pen pals as kids turns to so much more as adults. I won’t spoil anything but if you choose a book to read, let it be this one! You will love it so much. You will go on an emotional ride that leaves you completely satisfied in the end! And that bonus!!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!!! OBSESSED!!! Oh, you want to know what it is? Read the book! So worth it!
I received an ARC of this book and am willingly giving my honest review!
Vi & Penelope went and bloody did it again!!!!
I might as well just say all the Heros in the books they have out and future ones are my book boyfriends because each time I read every single one of their books I just fall in love with them.
I love this book so much Luca and Griffins story… gahhh it just gave me all of those damn feels.
Luca suffers the tragic loss of a friend in an accident when was a teenager and in the result of it she ends up having Agoraphobia which is an anxiety disorder. Having the anxiety disorder makes her go food shopping during the night to avoid all the crowds during the day and she works from home as an author.
Griffin used to be a pen pal to Luca back when the both were younger. But after so many years sending letter back and forth she just stops all contact. So many years later he gets drunk and sends her a letter not knowing if she’ll ever get it or not. He always thought about her and just wants to know why she stopped writing.
I just loved the whole banter between them in the letters. I was either laughing or blushing.
When it gets near to the end the tears came I was like no it can’t happen like this then the more I read the more tears came. Then I was like OMG yes then cried some more but these were happy tears lol.
This book had me going through all of the emotions.
From the very first page to the very last I was hooked and didnt want it to end. The whole book and the epilogue was just so perfect.
Well done again Vi & Penelope on another amazing read xx
Book hangover galore, in the BEST way!
I just read one of the BEST dynamic duo reads of 2019 with real, raw and relatable characters that will speak to the depth of your soul. For something to be effective and touch us, it must change or impact our lives in some way. THIS is EXACTLY what the dynamic duo authors Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland (ViPen) do when they write real, raw and relatable stories and characters just like this one. They impact and change our lives in some ways. I know without a doubt that Dirty Letters will stay in my heart forever because it has helped heal and mend my heart in ways you’ll understand after reading it.
Dirty Letters is THAT story you’ll NEVER forget! It’s a modern day fairytale led by blind faith, broken hearts, scared souls and brazen characters that are desperately trying to live this journey we call life.
Trust. Love. Second chances. These are things that sometimes don’t come easy in relationships. Throw in a sinfully, sexy badass book boyfriend named Griffin and a courageous, selfless heroine named Luca and you’ll have a dangerous combination that will get you hooked from page one.
I don’t know about you, but I read because it gives me something to still believe in at my age. Who says because I’m a grown lady, I shouldn’t believe in magic or fairy tales anymore?! I highly suggest this book as your next read.
What I really love most about either authors and especially when they cowriting is, that the characters are pretty honest, I really hate liars in real life and in book life. That said, the book was just great, the angst Luca had and the struggle, hard to imagine to live like that everyday. The Doc was funny with his bird tick, personally I can not imagine to be interesting in birds at all. Griffin was just great, really swoonworthy, a guy everybody wants. and kudos to Vi or Penelope, whoever wrote the part about the Abba letters, really great idea, not to forget the song called Luca. Top. All in all a great story about two totally different lifestyles finding together through love, tolerance and understanding. And how cool it is to hear the song in real, super great idea.
I received an ARC for an honest review, and thank you very much for this great book
When Vi and Penelope write a book together, you just know it’s going to be awesome and they didn’t disappoint with this one! I found this one to be more “real”, touching on serious issues like fear, loss, mental illness, to name a few and they did it really well. I actually learned a few things! Griffin and Luca are both wonderful characters on their own and the chemistry they have together is off the charts! Starting as pen pals writing letters when they were younger, breaking away from each other and reconnecting years later, you can see where this is going to end up, the title kinda hints on that but there’s lot of unexpected surprises along the way.
This book made me reflect a little. What would I do if I experienced what Luca had? Could I be as strong as her and work on all things difficult to have a happy ending? Guess I’ll never know but a book that makes you think as well as laugh, cry, get frustrated and fall in love with the characters? That’s a winner there.
This duo has done it again! I felt every minute of Luca and Griffin’s suffering. Anxiety is no joke. And Griffin just wanted a real relationship, somebody who saw HIM and not his persona. This is what drives him to reach out to his long lost pen pal. With some help from a bird crazy doctor, Luca and Griff attempt to navigate an unconventional relationship. It is a long, bumpy journey to get from pen pals to soul mate. And I loved every sexy beautiful moment.
These two ladies have done it again, written a book with all the feels and at the same time it is romantic, sweet, sexy and fun. “Dirty Letters” is a friends-to-lovers book, that began years ago with a simple letter as childhood pen pals. Over the years they kept sending letters, never meeting in person yet they could talk to one another about anything with pen and paper. Then the letters stopped until eight long years later when one showed up out of the blue addressed to Luca.
Griffin never forgot his best friend but it sure seemed like Luca had forgotten him. Luca has been through some things in her life that has left her crippled emotionally, she can’t stand crowds, suffers from severe panic attacks and anxiety. She never really thought about how Griffin felt when she quit writing to him but this new letter lets her know how much those letters meant to him and how much she had hurt him.
Letting him know what happened to her is hard and also means stepping out of her comfort zone, but can Luca do it? You will have to read this one to find out. Griffin is everything, doing all he possibly can to make Luca comfortable and Doc although quirky is loads of fun that I could not help but fall in love with!
Five anxiety filled stars for this one, only because it won’t let me give more.
Two of my favorite authors have done it again, they are phenomenal. These two authors write unique stories you can’t stop once you start and Dirty Letters was no different. After reading the blurb I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.
I loved Griffin and Luca, they were pen pals when they were younger. They both looked forward to each other’s letters. After years of being pen pals all of a sudden Griffin stops receiving letters and he has no clue why. It’s years later when Luca decides to start writing him again.
Luca had something tragic happen that has completely altered her life. She is trying to get back to who she use to be or a different version of herself. These two characters and their story had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was sad when I finished.
These two authors write so well together and on their own. I always look forward to reading their work. I highly recommend this book and any book written by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.
The dynamic duo, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have released Dirty Letters, their final novel for 2019. Dirty Letters was a phenomenal book that featured two very unique people finding love through words.
Dirty Letters features the story of two individuals who find love through years of letters. Luca suffers from debilitating anxiety and PTSD which deeply affects how she maneuvers through life. Griffin has experienced his own trials, tribulations, and heartbreaks. Through letters they both find much more than a way to escape their own worlds but also a way to express themselves completely.
A pen pal writing assignment was a life line for two children and became so much more. At the age of seven Luca and Griffin became childhood pen pals who shared so many things they could never express outside their letters. They became best friends until life got in the way and ended their letters ended abruptly.
Eight years later at the age of twenty five, Luca finds herself forced to deal with her father’s death from a year earlier. Her therapist, Dr. Maxwell, helped her decide to face the reality and get the task done herself rather than hiring someone else to do it. When she finds a recent letter from Griffin it changes her direction once again. He’s angry that she stopped writing without explanation. He goes as far as saying she SUCKS!
After rereading some of the letters from the past and reading some of the unopened letters, she finally gets the courage to write him back. She owed him an explanation and huge apology. Thus begins the exchange.
They don’t know each others real identities, names, or occupations. This gives them the opportunity to enjoy the freedom to express whatever they desire. It allows them to become more susceptible to experiencing real emotions without boundaries or expectations. It allows their thoughts to become creative and their dirty desires to surface.
Let the fun begin, hang onto your seat, and get ready for one of the best books the dynamic duo, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward has written. What I loved most is while this book dealt with serious afflictions, it was also fun, light-hearted, and very witty. It was their best book of 2019!
I highly recommend reading Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward!
Such a sweet and magical story. The connection between Luca and Griffin was unbreakable. I loved the authors’ attention to detail with regards to Luca’s mental illness and the level of reality they brought to the story with regards to her everyday struggles.
Griffin gave me heart eyes from beginning to end. He was the ultimate book boyfriend. Yes, he had flaws and needed to prove himself time and time again but his love never wavered. He was so darn charming and sweet!
The letters, whoooaaaaa someone grab a fire extinguisher. They were HOT! I loved that through written correspondence, these two were able to open up about their deepest desires, fears, fantasies and more. At times the exchanges seemed extremely unrealistic but that’s what made it humorous and fun.
This story had ups and downs, which kept it flowing and left me wondering just how it’d end. It wasn’t overly dramatic and there really wasn’t that unrealistic suspenseful moment or scenario that we’ve come to expect from this duo. It was a rather safe read but I loved it just the same. This book warmed my heart. Left me in tears at the end. Luca and Griffin are so special and their story was incredible. This was a quick, safe, heartwarming read. Just a really endearing, feel good story to make you smile.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: severe anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks
What happens when childhood pen pals from across the pond become best friends for years and share their darkest secrets, only to lose touch for a chunk of years and then reconnect? You will have to dive into this amazing book to find out! This story has a genuine, smart, strong and funny heroine with flaws and a sweet, sexy, secret hiding and unfulfilled swoon worthy hero! These two characters lead you through an emotional, hilarious, hot and heartbreaking second chance love story that will have you all up in your feelings! I love Pen and Vi’s co written books because they know how to suck you into a story and keep you connected until the end! I love loved this book!
I don’t know how they keep doing it! Every time Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland write a book together I think it can’t get better. Dirty Letters was 5+ stars amazing!!! I couldn’t put it down and never wanted it to end. Their writing, characters and stories grab you and never let you go.
Luca has had tragedy in her life and has struggled. Seeing her struggles, trying to cope and face her fears will leave you in awe. The strength her character shows in trying to overcome her fears was written with such feeling and emotion.
Griffin now a rock star and the once childhood pen pal of Luca share a bond that dreams are made of.
Their story will pull at your heart strings and emotions. The way Griffin wants to live and protect Luca will melt your heart.
This is a story not to be missed. It’s filled with so many emotions. Be prepared that once you start it, you will be consumed with this story. A definite book hangover!
I highly recommend this book. It was unbelievably good and one of my top for 2019!
I have been reading Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward books since they started writing together.
I have adored every one of them. But there is just something about this one that really got me.
I enjoy reading characters that have some sort of health/mental challenge and watching them succeed and Luca is that kind of character.
I had a penpal as a child, so I can appreciate the relationship that you can build with someone that you never have to worry about the kind of judgement that comes along with seeing someone day to day.
And the contrast of someone that struggles to be in the public in a relationship with a someone who lives in the public and that contradiction was fascinating. Add in all the details and banter than they bring you in each book and this one is truly a gem that you don’t want to miss out on.
The title of the book should have given me a clue, but I was rather surprised by the speed at which the flirty banter in the letters between Luca and Griffin accelerated, given that they were kids when they’d last written to each other over 8 years previously. Let me tell you, things got very racy very quickly! I loved the fact that in this age of modern technology, they stuck to the pen and paper method of communication and their letters were fun and funny and made me laugh. I enjoyed this aspect of the story but felt it could’ve done with a little more depth emotionally.
The majority of the book was light hearted, and often quite quirky, with Luca’s wonderful bird loving therapist Doc and Hortencia her pig, not to mention the fact that I’ll never be able to look at a Furby key ring/chain in the same way again!
There was, however, a serious aspect to this book in the form of Luca’s anxiety, her guilt and agoraphobia, and much emphasis is placed on this part of her life. I think the fact that I felt somewhat frustrated with Luca at times, meant that these authors actually did a very good job communicating her difficulties in a realistic, although respectful way. The fact that there’s no quick fix, and progress is often one step forward two steps back, rang true. I loved Griffin’s acceptance of Luca and his willingness to accommodate her needs in whatever way he could. He was no pushover, but he wasn’t overbearing either, simply a gorgeous man.
The last twenty percent or so actually took quite an emotional turn that I wasn’t expecting. Although it was quite the contrast, I really enjoyed those last few chapters. I would, however, have liked to have seen more romance overall between these two but, nevertheless Luca and Griffin’s tale is an entertaining, heartwarming, sweet and sexy friends to lovers story that I’m sure many will enjoy.
This story connects the main characters, Luca and Griffin as childhood pen pals who lose touch for eight years (eight very formative years of young adulthood) where both lives change dramatically for different reasons. Luca is living with and coping with agoraphobia, aided by one very sage and kind Dr. Maxwell. When the penpals reconnect they both must deal with the realities of their present situations. Vi and Penelope take the subject matter and tell a story while imparting wisdom on a very real subject.
Probably my favorite from this duo yet! All their books are amazing and I keep thinking surely the next one won’t be as good, but they NEVER disappoint. I’m proven wrong each and every time. First, I LOVE the names Luca and Griffin. Second, I LOVE Luca and Griffin! I DID NOT want this book to end 🙁
Luca faces unimaginable tragedy and suddenly quits writing to her childhood penpal. Reading the letters between these two was a really fun part of this book. The connection they had just through letters was so well written. Again, I didn’t want it to end. Definitely an all-consuming book filled with emotions.
You will not regret this book one bit <3