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.
more
5+ CBFS Stars
I had to let half a day settle before I could even begin to put words to my feelings. There’s no doubt Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland are amazing authors; whether they be solo or collaborating. I have felt and loved every one of their books…but Dirty Letters is a while other universe. The strange thing is that they worked their magic just as they always do but what I got out of Dirty Letters was next level stuff. Sure, I’ve shed tears before. Sure, I’ve sobbed before. But what I was feeling near the end of this book and for hours after??? It felt like I was fighting against rivers of snot and tears. So much so that it got difficult to even make out the words.
Luca and Griffin’s story was one that crept up on me. I instantly gravitated to them. I bonded with them. I became them. And I LOVED them. It’s safe to say that Griffin has become my ULTIMATE book boyfriend. None of it has to do with his great looks, his money or his status…it was how he wholeheartedly FOUGHT for Luca. How he accepted her from day one. I was blown away at how steadfast he was. Willing to do just about anything to ensure Luca’s comfort. It melted my heart each and every time.
And Luca? I don’t personally experience anything she goes through in a daily basis but it was conveyed so clearly that I felt like I was in her shoes. I could sympathize so easily with her plights. This only intensified my connection with her.
I am truly blown away with this story. Dirty Letters moved me in so many ways. The love, the passion, hurt and SO much joy!!!
Best writing duo around love both authors but together they hit a new lever. Dirty Letters is a emotional journey friends-to-lovers…..with a rock star in the mix.
Absolutely loved how Dirty Letters started, I couldn’t put the book down at all. But the middle part, you can sense a bit of a change in the writing, and it was starting to lull a little bit. And then it picks up again as you get closer to end, and then you’re blasted with emotions! There was some crying involved, which was something I was waiting for since I’ve had the same reaction during their previous books
Soooo, I loved some parts and others, not so much. It has been a while since my last read from this duo and I was beyond excited that Montlake teamed up them! I think they’re a great addition.
I wanted to love this read so much since I have quite a few favorites from these two. And when I read the synopsis, I was sold, but it didn’t reach my expectations.
I liked the topic of her agoraphobia and that we get an insight of what she deals with on the daily. I can’t even imagine what she goes through, but I think it was represented very well. And my goodness, Griffin wins all the swoony hearts for his devotion and patience. I loved that he never really gave up when it came to their relationship, he knew there would be a lot of barriers. But he never gave up.
I was hoping for a bit more exciting reunion, it was one of things I was really looking forward to. I’ll be honest, it did bum me out that I didn’t like this more, but I still found myself enjoying the story, overall.
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM MONTLAKE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
Dirty Letters – the name alone should have any romance reader eager to dive into the newest release by the writing duo of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. And then, as the young penpals’ words from more than 8 years ago turn into playful and witty exchanges just before their correspondences transition to all kinds of dirty and sexy questions and explanations, readers anxiously await the hero and heroine’s first face-to-face encounter while also wondering how things are supposed to work out between these penpals/best friends when they realize that the connection they had all those years ago has transformed into something so much bigger but just as absolutely necessary as their letters were to each other all those years ago.
Regardless of just how easily Griffin and Luca seem to have jumped right back into the easy relationship they had, there are logistical issues as well as lifestyle issues that pose quite a few obstacles for the newfound friends and potential lovers. A rock star and a recluse live very different lives in contrasting environments, so fusing their lives together in a way that will sustain them both isn’t something that can happen without a little give and take.
I really liked how Keeland and Ward crafted Luca’s character. Luca’s survivor guilt as well as her fears and anxiety were clearly illustrated and authentically presented. Readers could feel just how overwhelmed Luca felt as she psyched herself up to start living again…to find her own happiness…even if that step compounded every single one of her issues. The fact that she was hopeful but also realistic in how things might work out between her and Griffin made her circumstances realistic and her personality endearing.
The power of words is a constant presence in both Luca and Griffin’s lives, so it makes sense that they carry a significant amount of weight in the story line, but what is just as important is the way that Luca works through her trauma, her panic attacks, and her very real concerns about crowds and unfamiliar environments. And what I loved was that she was more than willing to do the work and so was Griffin as well as Luca’s trusted Doc who both made sure that she was protected and as much at ease as she could be given the brand new life she was working to embark on by Griffin’s side.
4 Poison Apples
Vi and Penelope have hit it out if the park again!! The story is quite unique and brings attention to the very real struggle of someone who suffers from Agoraphobia. In addition to Agoraphobia, our heroine suffers from PTSD and the accompanying anxiety and panic attacks which can be very debilitating.
Through a program at school, Griffin and Luca became pen pals in the second grade and developed a very close relationship which continued for several years until Luca abruptly stopped responding to Griffins letters. Of course he was confused and hurt and couldn’t stop thinking about Luca. Fast forward 8 years and they reconnect after Griffin goes on a drunken rant one night and sends Luca a new letter. Behind the safety of letters they share some very intimate details yet they both have secrets they are keeping from each other.
This is an emotional, heartbreaking, sweet and sexy story about learning how to trust and believe in yourself and finding the love you didn’t think you deserved.
Vi and Penelope just keep getting better and better with each successive book.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Readers looking for a unique romance full of decadently delightful banter, and a main couple whose interactions are fun and flirty, will find this a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave them with a smile on their face. Pen pals since they were children, Luca and Griffin forged an intense connection that had them sharing deep dark secrets while supporting each other through their letter writing. When they needed each other most though the silence from Luca was deafening and led to disappointment from Griffin. Even though they shared a lot they kept their identities a secret through the years. For Luca she was ready for more, while for Griffin he was content with the way things were as he feared how things would change if his real identity was known. The moment Luca quit writing though is the moment when their relationship took a frustrating turn, a turn that might have kept them apart forever if fate hadn’t intervened….
Much of this book is written in letter format and with each letter being opened I felt like I was a recipient too. I adored the early letters full of child-like thoughts and sweet words. As the book progressed the letters took a more sensual turn until they became scorching. Luca and Griffin started out as friends but it’s clear how close they got as later letters made me blush while keeping me on edge waiting for them to finally come face to face. It was a wait full of sexual tension, along with a bit of frustration thrown in, which ultimately led to a memorable meeting.
Luca’s an appealing heroine full of quirks. One of those quirks is being agoraphobic, an illness that came about after the death of a friend. Her illness sometimes overcame her, but she still fought the demons that kept her a prisoner which made me admire her all the more. As to Griffin, he’s a near-perfect hero. He’s strong and supportive, a master with words, who would do anything for Luca. He wanted to be wanted for himself instead of who the world saw him as which broke my heart a bit. On a whole I found this a very satisfying romance of second chances with a unique narrative that made me smile as well as swoon. By the turn of the final page this literary duo has crafted yet another winner that I definitely recommend!
This book took me back to my pin pal days and how much fun they were. I loved Griffin and how much he fought for his girl, even when he was pushed away. Luca is a anxiety ridden, damaged girl that struggles to function on the daily. Can love conquer all and help bring these two back together or will Luca keep living in fear for the rest of her life. Do not miss out on this book, you won’t be able to put it down.
I listened to this story on audio and loved it. The narration was spot on. The characters were original and there were so many swoon-worthy moments.
I have listened to audiobooks from Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward but I have not actually read one of their collaborations. I was excited to read their words and not just listen to them while I was doing other things. I found myself focusing more on what was being read, anticipating what would happen next, and hoping that it would all work out for Griffin and Luca.
Pen pals are something that every child should have. I love that they started writing while they were young and were able to connect even though they were on different continents with different cultures. They were able to tell each other things they may not be able to tell other friends just because it was all written and not face to face. I looked forward to reading their next letter and seeing how far they were willing to go.
Their relationship as adults was trying. It was not easy and I liked how Griffin didn’t let Luca give up but knew that if he pushed her too hard he would lose her forever. In a unique way these two, with their entirely different backgrounds, different lifestyles made sense together. They completed each other, kept each other in the here and now, and pushed each other to be better people.
I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to more from Vi and Penelope.
Oh man, I love the idea of meeting someone for the first time after you’ve been in communication with them since your childhood. Someone you’ve been able to pour out your teen-aged heart and soul and angst to. Someone who just seems to be there for you, even though they’re thousands of miles away.
And that’s just what was between Luca and Griffin. They were introduced as kids during a class “pen pal” project and wrote each other faithfully for ten years. Until the letters stopped.
And then out of the blue, a letter was received. Just when Luca really needed it most. Even if she didn’t realize it at the time.
And with that letter, Griffin and Luca reconnected. Powerfully. Intimately. Their spark grew into a big ole sexy flame. And neither one could deny their attraction to the other.
But I just wish that they hadn’t gone from enjoying the connection, rekindling their feelings to wham bam thank you ma’am sexy times. I have so much more enjoyed their budding romance if their friendship was stronger—more personal than what was shared through their letters. But, don’t get me wrong, I really truly loved them together—that they brought out the best in each other.
And that’s really what was the best part of Dirty Letters for me—the connection, the trust, the willing to go above and beyond for each other. To try.
This is another great stand alone by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.
What happens when you finally meet your childhood penpal after losing touch for eight years?
Well, you fall in love of course!
But is love enough when your lives are polar opposites?
This is what Luca and Griffin need to figure out.
What Luca went though is really tragic. I understand why she has the issues she does.
I really liked both Luca & Griffin. I loved Doc though.
This is a great read.
Omg!! I absolutely loved this book!! I swear each book by this duo gets better and better!!
This is a sweet, sexy friends to lovers.
This is the story of estranged childhood pen-pals Luca and Griffin that get reconnected after Griff writes to Luca again after a night of drinking. Pretty soon they’re back to writing like they never missed a beat! I absolutely loved the letters between Luca and Griffin!! They go from friendly to downright HOT the second go around!! I couldn’t wait to see what would happen when these two finally met up in person!! & Can I say I say I love Furbys
And this cover is absolutely amazing!! It’s downright lickable!!
And I absolutely love Doc!!
Not giving anything else away but
I definitely recommend this read! 5+ stars for me!!
This is the story of Griffin & Luca. They have been pen pals since they were children. Luca lost her best friend at a concert due to fire, so she stopped writing to Griffin because she didn’t think she deserved to any happiness in her life. The issue of the fire and loss of her best friend leaves her with anxiety and panic attacks. Griffin writes her eight years later when he was drunk to tell her off about her stopping to write to him. She writes him back and explains what happened. This is the beginning of all that happens in this story. It is funny, intense, and extremely emotional. I didn’t think this is how this story would go, but it was awesome. Can’t wait for the next book from these two authors.
Be ready to want to go find your own penpal and find true love from it!
Author Penelope Ward & Author Vi Keeland have written this book that is filled with such love and soo many moments that were memorable.
I loved the build up of Griffin and Luca’s relationship from childhood to adult hood.
I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of their stories and how their special connection of being penpals is what keeps them together even when they have a 8 year gap due to both of their secrets.
Once I started reading, I was vested in finding out if Griffin and Luca would ever find what they both were looking for in one another.
Memorable moments, steamy times, funny and yes I cried and certain parts because the love that came off the pages had my heart racing.
Go One Click it!
5 popped!
Dirty Letters did not disappoint!!
Dirty Letters tells the story of Griffin and Luca.
Partnered as pen pals in school at a young age- they have never met in person.
After tragedy strikes, Luca’s life changes and she ceases all communication with Griffin.
Years down the road Luca is forced to face another loss. While clearing out her father’s home- she finds a letter from her old pen pal Griffin.
Griffin now lives in the US, and holds a grudge.
Luca- desperate to make amends- she sends a letter to Griffin.
After re-establishing their friendship, Luca and Griffin’s letters take a steamy turn…what happens when it’s suggested they take a leap of faith and meet in person??
Where do I start with this review? It was so hot, so life-like, that I forgot I was reading a book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. But since I can’t, I give it a full five stars!! I absolutely loved this book. The story line was very interesting and kept me captivated to the very end. I love the author’s writing style because it is very easy to read and flows across the pages. The characters were well described and I could actually see them clearly in my mind when I was reading them. Wonderful story.
I am a big fan of this writing duo and have read several of their book but I have to say I think that this might be my favorite so far. I couldn’t put this book down and I couldn’t get enough.
Not Griffin and Luka have been through a lot in life. One has seemingly gotten far in life but then again have they and the other although has the career they enjoy is left with debilitating problems that keep them from really living their life.
After one quit writing the other years ago the other was angry and years later sends a letter stating just that. They built such a close relationship years ago that picking it back up and maybe developing more isn’t as hard as one would think.
I LOVED these characters. Griffin was alpha but understanding. Luka was strong and sweet. You can’t help but falling for these two and wanting to see them find a happy ending. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!
Dirty Letters is the newest standalone by one of my favorite all-time writing duos, Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward. I have read every word these two have written together and many written apart. And every time…I fall in love. I fell hard for this one. I don’t even know what to say about it. There are so many emotions but I don’t want to spoil anything.
It all started when Luca and Griffin were only seven years old. Pen pals in the second grade turned into best friends that lived across the pond from one another. Best friends who felt a connection instantly in grade school. Best friends who felt a even bigger connection as teenagers. Best friends who one day felt a loss. And now eight years later, there was a letter on Luca’s family home’s table. With a return name she never thought she would see again. Griffin Quinn. Except he was in CA instead of England.
Luca had to write back to at least explain what happened all those years ago. She never forgot about him. How could she? He made her laugh. Made her feel fearless. Made her know what Love was all about even without ever hearing his voice. And now, it was even more. After a few letters of catching up, it turns from fun to flirty to dirty. They are older and maybe just maybe it was time to meet and take the next step. Except, he didn’t want to even exchange pictures. Didn’t he know Luca didn’t care about his looks. His lifestyle. His bank account. She just wanted him. To see him. For him to see her. They saw each other in the letters and she wanted to see him face to face. He might want to hide but she didn’t. Not anymore…
Well, that’s really all I can say about that. I will say that I was fully immersed in their story. It was like I was on the sidelines cheering them on. It seemed so real. Luca is real. I get her. I get her fears. And Griffin, I feel for him. These two have obstacles. Will their love truly conquer all?
Overall…I LOVED it. I probably said this about their last book but this is my favorite of theirs. And I will probably say that about the next book. Maybe. This one got me in all the feels. I cried. I laughed. I swooned. I cried again. It was everything!!! The letters…so addicting.
P.S. I will never look at a certain kids toy the same way again. Lol
P.P.S I cried during the surprise.
P.P.P.S I will never forget this book!
Quotes:
“Why does he have binoculars, then, if you two aren’t spying on the rich and famous?”
“He’s looking for birds, not Beyoncé.”
Could we BE more different? Why am I hearing Chandler Bing from Friends at a time like this?
“Ah. Seems like a very specialized therapy. Does one need a degree to administer it?”
“It’s self-taught. In fact, I need some practice, actually. And you look like you could use some CBFS right now. So . . . win-win.”
Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is a contemporary standalone romance told in dual POV by two of my favorite authors. The emotion and passion that these two manage to wring out of their characters always amazes me. In most books an intimate scene between a couple can be hot and sexy and that’s all well and good, but with Griffin and Luca – I honestly could feel the depth of their emotions. Their years of feelings and friendship followed by more years of no-contact and heartbreak culminating in a reunion that was so wonderful. I was amazed by how much I felt WITH these characters as I was reading. The serious issues that Luca has to deal with, the compassion that Doc shows, the understanding and effort from Griffin. I loved this book! Never a disappointment from these two – never! Enjoy!
Griffin and Luca take us through an agoraphobic’s love story!!!! How original (and refreshing)!!!!! If was a true love story, if I ever read one!!!! Keeland and Ward are Batman and Robin, they’re are truly a dynamite duo!!!!! The amount of talent these two have individually is phenomenal, but together, they are other worldly!!!!! Another five star hit for these two!!!!!