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 book was either TMI or boring.
The thing I don’t understand is why he had to change his name to Cole Asher when Wikipedia knows that his real name is Griffin Marchese. And then he did not want to tell Luca that he is Cole Asher and wanted her to only know that his name is Griffin. He wants the world to know he is Cole Asher but they already know he is Griffin Marchese and he also has a studio under the name Marchese so really there is no secrecy.
And then OMG their letters made no sense. It was basically them sexting each other but through letters. It wasn’t even hot it was just TMI
“Anyway, one night I was lying in my bed staring at the photo you’d sent when I slipped my hand into my panties for the very first time. It felt so good, but I didn’t own a vibrator yet, obviously, and I needed more stimulation. So I had to improvise. This is the part that gets embarrassing. Do you remember those little Furby key chains? The vibrating ones that McDonald’s gave out in their Happy Meals years ago? I’m sure you can see where this story is headed now. Anyway . . . I had a few of one little Furby in particular. Yep, you guessed it . . . his name was Mee-Mee.
Well, I got the bright idea to give Mee-Mee a try inside my underwear. I held him against my privates and let the vibration stimulate my clit. I’m pretty sure I had no idea what I was doing—but boy did I hit the jackpot. That night I had my first orgasm ever—one hand holding your photo up to look at and the other pressing Mee-Mee against my body. So basically you were a big part of my first orgasm.”
Luca and Cole/Griffin (idk now what name he wants me to call him) had 0 chemistry, I didn’t feel any sparks between them and everything felt forced. They literally JUST MET and started eating each others faces. LIKE COME ON!
Wonderful book…love these authors,together and alone, this is my favorite book of theirs ,I think. Luca and Griffin are such a great couple and Doc is a wonderful side character.
2.25 maybe
It just was not worth my time. It had a cute start but fell flat. No real depth or development of their relationship. I just wasn’t feeling it.
The H was a bit weak for me and the h was inconsistent. For such a debilitating fear she did a lot. Oh well at least it was free with my Amazon Prime.
What an incredible story, I had no idea what to expect.
Luca had been pen pals with Griffin when she was 7. They continued into high school, but a tragedy caused her to cut herself off from pretty much everything afraid of everything. She finds a letter that is pretty intense from Griffin after she stops writing him. She decides to send back a letter explaining everything. The letters get steamy, but the story has a sense of humor. Loved it.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –
I love this author duo; I haven’t found a story that I haven’t loved from these two. When I saw this story, I knew I wanted to read it even without reading the blurb.
Luca and Griffin became pen pals in the second grade. They learned about each other through hundreds of letters and millions of words. They became best friends that shared everything and formed a connection that would never be broken.
When Luca stopped writing Griff, it was a terrifying event that she couldn’t explain. So, after eight years of silence, a letter arrives in the mail. It is filled with anger and hurt. Luca decides that it is time to tell Griff why she stopped writing to him. And boy is it a doozy. Never would I have imagined what had happened to her and how her life changed.
Griffin was from England when the letter-writing began but now he was living in California. He missed the girl he knew so well in the letters and he wanted her back. So, when he finally got a letter from her after eight years, he couldn’t believe what he was reading. But when she wants to meet or exchange photos now, he doesn’t want to.
What is Griffin hiding from Luca? Will Luca and Griffin finally meet after all these years? What will she think when she learns who he really is? Can he handle the way she has to live her life? And what about the crazy bird-loving doctor in her life?
I fell in love with Luca and Griffin and the idea of writing to a pen pal. This story is filled with pain, anxiety (that is so real you can feel it), hurt, a connection that spanned over the years and miles, and a love to last forever. I highly recommend you read this one, but be prepared for your feelings to be all over the place. You can bet that Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward will have you smiling in the end.
Shelby –
Sometimes you read a book that just resonates with you. Sometimes you read a book that you just cannot put down, and sometimes you find a set characters that complement one another so perfectly that complete harmony is achieved!
Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward was an amazing, emotionally charged story of a boy and a girl who grew up together by way of paper and pen. Life happens, as it does for so many, and they lose touch… Until the reconnect.
I will not mention anything of this story, I would be disappointed if it was ruined for me. I will say that Griffin, Luca, Doc, and Hortencia all come together to provide an entertaining story that’s filled with steaminess, action, humor, and a true romance. I can’t wait to read this again… it was that good!
I also know that I will read anything that’s written by this duo!
Avid Reader –
M/F Friends-to-lovers Romance
Luca has a life that anyone would think was pretty special. She’s an amazing writer and has a pet pig. But with her life has come some pretty severe trauma. When her life is filled with anxiety and fear, Luca has Doc to help her through it.
Griffin made all of his dreams come true. But with success, he sometimes feel that he’s still all alone in this world. He misses his best friend and wants to know what truly happened. So, one drunken night, he writes a letter to the one person who he has always been able to count on.
Luca and Griffin’s story is one of innocent letters and childhood crushes. They knew each other before they truly knew each other. When the past comes back and pushes them both in the same direction, it will be up to them to figure out whether or not there is a future.
Luca wants to be able to be fearless and Griffin doesn’t want to live his life without Luca in his life. But with Luca’s PTSD and Griffin’s career, there may not be a way around the complex issues that follow them.
I really enjoyed this story. Their letters were funny, sexy, and sometimes dirty. But their love was so pure. At times, I did think it would have been a more successful romance if they had concentrated less on Luca’s issues and gotten past that. I wanted more of their romance and life together. But this was funny and made me smile on several occasions.
Triggers: Trauma which results in anxiety disorder and PTSD
Ruthie –
This is a really well written and thought provoking book. Just why would two young friends an ocean apart feel so strongly for each other and be so honest with each other, for it all to end abruptly one day and the connection be severed? I love that older readers will completely get that paralysing thought that there was nothing you can do about it, just get on with life. Younger ones will be straight onto social media, stalking friends, mutual acquaintances, and following crazy leads until the truth can be discovered. But this started a decade ago, before such things were conceivable. How strange that in another decade the people that can truly understand that devastation at such a loss will be even fewer.
Anyway, as we get to see the story from both Griff and Luca’s (I have always experienced this as a male name, so had a few confused moments at the beginning, but Luca here is female) viewpoint, the timing of the childhood correspondence halting was very significant to both of them.
Luca is living with the aftermath of a tragedy and, really only thanks to her wonderful therapist turned best friend/father figure, she is at least trying to do normal-ish things again. So when she takes the decision to reply to a letter from Griffin, written after an eight-year gap, it is not really surprising that it turns her world upside down, and this time in a good way.
Griffin, now a famous rock star with a pseudonym, has just as much reason to hide his real self away as Luca, but for the opposite reason. As they write again, reconnecting on a very basic level through their memories and their honesty, it is inevitable that some truths will have to be managed. The path is certainly not smooth to them possibly having a real future together.
There are some really sad moments, some really uplifting ones, and some scenes which made me laugh. Through it all though, I was certain that they deserved to find a way which would enable both of them to live the lives that they had envisaged as teens, and with a level of peace and safety.
I could easily reread this story, and enjoy it all over again – definitely added to that list.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is the story about Luca Ryan and Griffin Quinn, who were childhood pen pals. They formed a bond that lasted over the years, without revealing their actual identity until Luca stopped answering Griffin’s letters.
Eight years later, Luca received an unexpected letter from Griffin expressing his anger and disappointment. She answers him back and explains what happened. Griffin forgives Luca, and they start writing to each other again. And soon their letters turn from innocent to downright dirty.
I loved the characters in this book so much! Luca has issues, but it was good to see her slowly come out of her shell. Griffin was the sweetest, most caring, and loving boyfriend ever! He was so patient and understanding with Luca and her issues. And I loved that about him! And Doc, Luca’s therapist was just adorable!
My favorite duo has written another unique, emotional, and heartwarming romance. And I loved everything about it! And the cover is so damn gorgeous!!
Incredibly poignant tale of two souls destined for one another. Heartwarming and emotional, this story tugs at your soul. Eloquent and moving yet light enough with the witty letters it grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I’ll read this book again and again.
These ladies wrote another masterpiece. I devoured this books as I had to know what the letters said between the two characters. The subject matter of anxiety , was well written & very relatable to me .
Once again I went in blind – I am always guaranteed a great book by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. And once again they delivered!
Pen pals as kids – sharing their secrets and then – radio silence.
Years pass and Griffin sends a letter in haste…he’s angry, frustrated and just wants to know what happened to Luca.
Luca sees the letter and has to respond and their letters begin again. With time they do become a bit dirty (hence Dirty Letters) but more than that happens. They rekindle their friendship and begin to trust again. But there is a twist…Griffin isn’t just a “regular guy”, he’s a rock star and Luca has no idea. And Luca has been struggling with anxiety and agoraphobia…a rock star and a woman who is afraid to leave her home is a recipe for disaster.
Seeing Griffin help Luca heal and recover from her anxieties was beautiful. He’s sweet and loving and just has her best interest at heart and you won’t be able to NOT fall in love with him.
Have no fear that Vi and Penelope weave a story that will have you swooning, laughing and falling in love all while teaching us a bit about overcoming fears and phobias. Beautiful writing and storytelling once again from Vi & Penelope!
I’m ashamed to say that I have finally read these authors book. I’ve seen their names countless times but not taken the time to actually read one. At least I’ve finally seen the light and will be rectifying that by doing some back catalogue reading. If you like a book with angst, raw emotions and a tear or two then look no further. I found the idea of pen pals, taking the step to meet very intriguing and I’m thankful I took the leap and read Griffin and Luca’s story.
Two seven year olds write a letter to each other as directed by their teachers. Who could of imagined that a bond would grow so strong between a boy and girl who lived on different continents. Then the letters just stop…questions are left unanswered, with no explanation, anger and resentment build. In a drunken rage another letter is sent eight years later…all of the disappointment, hurt and anger is poured into the letter. However after a tragic event, life changed and a decision was made to push her friend away. After receiving the written tongue lashing she responded with her own story. Just like that the domino effect had them writing to one another again as if no time had passed.
This book was different but I think that what others are looking for something different to read and to grab your attention.
Luca and Griffin are a unique pair with an unique story. I wouldn’t say Luca is my favorite character but I couldn’t help but fall in love with Griffin! Griffin and Doc made the book for me and I would recommend giving it a read. Who doesn’t love a hunk!
I have voluntarily reviewed an advanced complementary copy of this book.
Super fun read. Loved the idea of childhood pen pals reconnecting and then becoming more. Was cute and then HOT! Plus, Griffin/Cole was totally swoon-worthy…
~ C
Really enjoyed Dirty Letters. Luca and Griffin are great characters. I love that they met as childhood pen pals , one in England and the other in the US.
Their story is not the typical love story. He’s not your typical boyfriend material. He’s more. He’s better. She’s has a very unusual lifestyle and a traumatic history. Each day simple things for some are a struggle for her. So how can any relationship possibly work?
Well their friendship has stood the test of time. And anything worth having is worth fighting for. It’s not easy but so very rewarding. Griffin has love and thoughtfulness in spades. Luca has determination. Together. They are better together.
There were two things that drew me to this book. First, that the relationship between Griff and Luca started at the age of seven when they became pen pals. For a variety of reasons, they drifted apart in their late teenage years and then reconnected years later. I really liked this premise although the execution fell a little flat for me. I didn’t like how quickly they reconnected and moved directly into the dirty letters. It would have been more realistic if there was a little more time spent on them reconnecting as adults and processing what drove them apart.
Second, I liked that the heroine struggled with PTSD and anxiety. I thought the authors did a really nice job of realistically portraying what that kind of crushing anxiety does to a person and their relationships. And I loved the secondary character, Doc, who was Luca’s therapist.
It was definitely an interesting read but probably not one of my favorites of this author.
3.5 stars
Love is everything. It matters more than fear, more than death. It transcends time.
This is a little hard for me, I really wanted to love this book so badly, I mean it’s Penelope and Vi writing right? Their writing will always be captivating, but I found myself in this situation where I struggled connecting with the story. Maybe it’s just me, or it’s just life.
I love the main characters, one of the things I love about this authors are their uniqueness, they are real and imperfect, just like us, you can be relatable with them. As soon I start reading I was hook with the plot, Luca and Griffin were pen pals since high school and due to a tragedy that happened to Luca, she stopped writing him and they reconnected years later.
I really didn’t buy their love story, it was very interesting while they were just pen pals but when they decided to meet each other, it lost my interest. The story got a bit tedious for me, which lead to me taking bigger than usual breaks in between chapters.
With all that being said, I am a big fan of Vi & Penelope’s stories and because I AM so curious I wanted to see where this story goes. I want to further read about Luca’s struggle and how Griffin will make their relationship works, specially when what they had was crumbling down. It wasn’t easy for him but that’s life right?? We have to have to work hard for what we want.
An emotionally charged story about struggles, about grieve and how to overcome our fears in order to have our happy ending, and Luca and Griffin had a beautiful one.
What a cool, fresh idea!!!! OMG. Long lost pen pals. Really great cast of characters and HOLY CRAP a super captivating love story. Yes. Yes! YES!!!
Props to these ladies for writing not only such a sweet hero BUT a heroine I can personally relate to. In fact, i don’t think I’ve related more. Mental illness needs to be shown more in romance, even if some people don’t think it belongs there, believe me, it does!!
4.5 stars
Its been a long time since I read a Penelope and Vi book….. Way too long!! After reading and devouring this one I am once again hooked on this talented duo.
Separately these authors are brilliant but together they are so much more. Their writing together is seamlessly written, emotional, witty and oh so steamy! You can see how their years of working together have resulted into a perfect blend of their writing styles.
This is the story of Luca and Griffin who used to be childhood pen pals. Now they are grown up they have reconnected through letters again. Their story hit me with so many feels as I watched their slow burn romance play out, seeing them overcome the obstacles between them. I needed tissues and wine at certain points. It was lovely watching both Luca and Griffin grow with the freedom they found in their letter writing. Maybe this is something we should go back to.
After getting a taste of Penelope and Vi again I am looking forward to seeing what they bring us next.
Luca and Griffin having a love story through letters is a dream! Their story made me laugh and cry, broke my heart and put it back together. They wrote a wonderful book while dealing with serious issues and wrote it well. Thank you! 5 STARS!
Audio Review:
Dirty Letters is illustrious and poignant listen. I absolutely loved Griffin and Luca’s characters and their epic love story. Supporting character’s accentuated their love and I admired doc. Many sentiments were felt throughout listening to this audio. The writing style is addictive and these two authors wrote a sweet tale that lay bare to a unbalanced mind. These two co-write together with such passion and heart. A love story through the ages that is entertaining with realistic moments seeping through the narrative.
Naration: Jacob Morgan 5 Stars and Andi Arndt 3 Stars (generous) rounding out to an overall 4 stars. The dual narration was not the right team to narate this beautiful audio.
Jacob Morgan was the perfect choice & did a flawless performance. His Griffin and Luca interpretation were impeccable. He gave Luca the right inflection for her type of personality and Griffin was just intoxicating. I absolutely loved his performance and could listen to him all day and night long. Looking forward to listening to other audio’s narated by him.
Andi Arndt was the wrong choice for this narative. Her portrayal of Luca did not fit and did not give the character justice. Her inflection does not fit a high anxiety, agoraphobia person. I’m someone who personally suffers from severe anxiety and always anxious around people (crowds) since I was a child so I can relate to the character Luca and Andi did not do her homework. Her inflection is provocative not at all like someone who has severe anxiety and uncomfortable being in crowds.
I’m really upset with the naration as with Jacob Morgan and a different female narrator who is talented in relation to depicting the character in this audio would be a million times better and deserving of a reward and movie deal. Anyone seriously suffering from mental illnesses would not recommend Andi Arndt narrating this audio. Obviously the glowing reviews about Andi are based on the fact that they are fans of hers as a narator. I personally dont judge by the narator name I base my opinion on individual performance of each audio. Andi Arndt is a really good narator just not with this audio.
Something to cherish and listen again and again.