I admit it: I love a rock star romance. Since I also love Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward romances, Dirty Letters is a massive WIN-WIN. Oh, and it’s also friends-to-lovers, in a way.

The relationship Griffin and Luca establish as childhood pen pals works well. At first, they’re too young to be anything other than open with each other. Keeland and Ward treat us to some of their early letters, and they make you feel all kinds of warm, fuzzy, and hopeful.

When we get to present-day Luca and Griffin, however, we discover the obstacles standing between them. Luca has some deeply entrenched issues connected to a horrific loss she suffered as a teenager, and whether she can overcome those issues is the question at the core of this book. You will cheer for her and root for her and dearly pray for her to figure out how she can manage her challenges to be with Griffin. When Ward and Keeland put you into his mind, you will feel his love, frustration, hope, and despair.

The other thing you expect from a Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward book is hot sexy times, and, reader, you get them. Let’s just say that you might find yourself scouring eBay for Furby keychains.

Perhaps the pacing isn’t always consistent, and maybe you never quite understand how Luca had never heard of Cole Archer, but these feel like minor quibbles given how much I enjoyed this book. There is something about a Keeland and Ward collaboration that makes me giddy with joy. In this case, it’s Griffin.

OMG! Vi and Penelope -- this is THE BEST book either of you has written. I am so in awe. This story had everything - sexiness, humor, heart, intelligence, sorrow, vulnerability, and triumph.

Love. Love. Love this book!

I loved every single moment of this story. Start to finish, this was an amazing read. You know it’s a great story when your emotions are all over the place.

We meet Luca in a grocery store during the middle of the night. She has... quirks... issues... something (read to find out what). But you can tell she’s strong. SHE just doesn’t know it.
We meet Griffin... Oh, Griffin... he wrote Luca, his pen pal since the age of 7, again after years of not hearing from her. He was drunk and upset when he wrote it (you don’t know this at first)... you can just feel his pain.
Luca reads this letter and actually writes him back.
And now you are in the actual meats of this awesome story that I simply cannot recommend enough.
Why did I wait so long to read this one?!?!
One click it now - you won’t be disappointed. I promise.

I received the surprise of a lifetime by going into Dirty Letters blind, no blurb just the title and the authors names. The story-line is the complete opposite of what I drummed up in my mind. Dirty Letters is much more complex, yet simple at the same time. I love love love how this duo of authors introduced these two characters, it took me back to my childhood, back to when things were simple. There was no miscommunication, due to the fact that letters represented every faucet of their story. Speaking of their story, gosh dang it was amazing and heart felt. So, so, so much development with so many emotions that had me an emotional wreck. These characters went through it, and I went through it with them because this duo's writing style made it easy to fall face first in. Griffin and Luca held true to their characters, and their emotions. They both showed so much patience and resilience, that it made this story rather inspiring. This journey is one that I was glad to have went on with such amazing characters. Since this book has so much surprise in it, I am going to be minimal with the details.

Luca is a character that leads a different life than your average person. Some might find her odd, but I found her fascinating. She does things differently, but for a reason.

Griffin is the swooniest hero out there. He is like a human shield / teddy bear. He is open and honest with a heart of gold.

When these two pen pals come together, they are a force to be reckoned with.

I actually enjoyed the idea of this story. Two complete opposite people, falling in love through letters. A big rock star, and a recluse who’s got a list of fears. I liked the characters, the letters, the aftermath of the letters. I sort of wish we had more letters to go on than what we did, they were one of my favourite parts of the book.

Although written by two people, you’d never guess. The story flowed brilliantly. I instantly felt for the characters, especially Luca. I liked her alot, fears and insecurities included. I found her quite witty at times, her frankness and honesty were refreshing. Especially when it came to her letters to Griffin. Her chemistry with Griffin is instant, their connection is immediate even through the letters. I loved her relationship with Doc, and the interactions with Doris were sweet as well. I really felt Luca’s fears, and how isolating they could be.

I liked Griffin. I found him funny, romantic, caring and open. You can feel how he much cares, and wants, for Luca. The promises of protection and safety were real, and the lengths he would go to for her were real as well. I loved how easy it was for him to accept Doc into his life as well, making him a friend as well as a sort of therapist for himself.

Luca and Griffin’s story is definitely unique and I enjoyed every page. The book was easy to read, although heartbreaking and anxiety filled at stages.

What I loved about Luca and Griffin’s story is that Luca wasn’t an easy fix. She didn’t start of as this anxious, fear filled woman, and then by the end of the book she was magically cured. She was still the same woman at the end, although taking her baby steps to get to a better life. I loved that she was still working towards her goal of achieving the small things, and that Griffin was helping her along the way.

I’ll happily read anything else by this duo if the books are all the same high standard as Dirty Letters.

Dirty Letters, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) , Romance

I love the ***** trope, but was wary as I've only read one other from this duo and it wasn't a great fit for me but.... I loved this! So now I need to check more of their works. ( stars because I found this bit out from another review but its not in the description, don't want to spoil it for those who'd rather not know)

What can I say about this? Well, it made me laugh so much ( Furbys! Happy meals! You'll never see them in the same way again..) the characters were terrific.
Griffin, he's just wonderful. Sensitive and caring, but life has changed him and he's always been resentful of how Luca just stopped writing to him out of the blue, didn't answer his letters, just dropped him like a brick. In a drunken rant he writes once more, eight years after his last letter, and what he gets back guts him.
Luca didn't just drop him like a hot potato but went through a really bad trauma. He feels bad now about his drunken rant, writes back apologising, and the letters start again. But they are older now, each are curious about the other and the letters become decidedly sexy – and funny – see Furbys!!

Luca is curious about what Griffin looks like now, wants to exchange photos but he wants to keep the secrecy for a bit longer. Knowing more about Luca and her issues now he knows them, he's scared she'll find it hard to accept him as he is now....but curiosity eh? Gets them both.....

The there's Doc, Luca's friend-therapist-honorary granddad. He's retired but sees Luca and has really helped her. Now its taking all of his skills and knowledge to push her that bit further, he knows she's ready, she needs this if she's to really get the most from her life. Its tough though, her fears are very real, the panic attacks crippling, and the journey through them to her future takes in the countryside, birds (Doc is a real bird-watching fan) and Griffin. He needs to adapt too, his life and Luca's are at opposite ends, not just of the country but of life, and they both need to compromise.

Its a wonderful story, in tears one moment from laughing and the next from sadness. Luca's issues were handled with sensitivity and explained really well, and Griffin, I understood exactly why he was tired of the life he was leading. I loved the story and will happily reread sometimes.

Stars: Five, fabulous read full of emotion

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

Luca and Griffin were the best pen pals for ten years, right until tragedy strikes and Luca’s letters stop. After they reconnect a few years later, what starts as a kind of “second- chance friendship”soon progresses to something more. I definitely liked best the first half of the book, when they start writing again to each other and their relationship starts to develop. It was light and fun and I just flew through it. Then the story takes a darker tone and Luca’s mental health issues and how they affect their relationship take center stage and though it was well done and a good rep for anxiety, agoraphobia and PTSD, I couldn’t help but wish it had kept the lighter rom-com tone.

Also, it is refreshing reading a romance where the male character is not your typical alpha male and a big condescending jerk who constantly refers to his female counterpart with a generic pet name.

Though it has some cheesy moments (that epilogue), Dirty Letters is a cute, fun and not so dirty romance with two good MCs (and one great secondary one).

3.5⭐️

Dirty Letters is a HOT dual perspective book, but it has so much depth in character. I love that I can enjoy the romance as well as the journey the characters take. Falling in love is such a unique experience with every book and the notion that long lasting love is never simple or easy is showcased in a beautiful, patient, loving way. Griffin and Luca are such special people and the side characters of Doc and Doris only add to the story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Montlake Romance.

I love Vi & Penelope's co-written books! I was so excited to get this advanced copy thanks to Netgalley, Montlake Romance, and the authors.

I enjoyed Dirty Letters but it fell a little flat for me. I think I have become spoiled to this duo packing in laughter, angst and a boat load of swooning and this one lacked that for me. Ahhhhh, this is so hard to write but I have to be honest regardless of my love for both Vi & Penelope! Love you ladies, please don't hate me!

I struggled with the connection between Griffin and Luca. I really wanted more chemistry and more of an emotional connection but for some reason it just didn't resonate with me. Their chemistry felt a little forced and abrupt. Something was missing and I was hoping to find it but didn't.

I did like Luca. My heart hurt for what she endured. I wanted her to succeed and overcome all her life's obstacles. Griffin was good too but I wanted more from his character. Maybe more background history so we could get a better understanding of who he really is. The subject of his father was touched upon very briefly and I would have loved to learn more about that situation. I just wanted to connect and understand who he was and all he went through throughout his life, career and family. I just missed the connection to these characters that I desperately wanted to feel.

Overall, I did enjoy Dirty Letters and I would recommend it even though it missed some marks with me personally.

I truly love this duo and I am excited to see what they come up with next!

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward a five-star read that will leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth. This is possibly one of the best reads of 2019, this has it all and more. The emotions behind this story will just pull you in, I loved the premise of pen pals writing to each other, and these two just did it so much better than I could have thought. This wasn’t what I was expecting, it was so much more, it was deeper and more complex, Luca and Griffin tell you the story, and they have such a way with words that will keep you hooked, you can hear Griffin talking to you as you read its so well done. Luca is such a powerful character; she will surprise you at every point. Thank you both for being having such an amazing way with written words.

This story of Griffin and Luca was really great. I got caught up in the story and turned the pages nonstop. I appreciate that the story line moves along at a nice pace, while balancing the element of delayed gratification. Great story even if you took out the spicy stuff, and there is PLENTY of spice.

Quick summary: Griffin and Luca were childhood pen pals. They got to know each other through the years through correspondence. One event leads to another and they become part of each others lives. Leaving out spoilers because I don't want to ruin even one bit of the story.

OMG...I so loved this. I so felt for Luca especially since I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety, a topic that was handled so beautifully throughout the story! Loved Griffin and all his patience and humor! This was a wonderful story and I look forward to getting a copy for my library.

This was cute! I love broody characters and this was the second book by this duo that I've read - it certainly will not be the last!! It was fascinating reading about Luca's anxiety and his past with Griffin...definitely a steamy love story.

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have done it again. There isn't a book by these two that doesn't astonish me. The story, the characters are always absolutely fantastic and this book is not different.
The plot is completely new and refreshing. The struggles that the characters go through are different and they make you think what would happen if something similar occurred in your life.
Great love story with an amazing swooning hero.
One of the best reads of 2019! A must read for sure!

I love a book with letters embedded, and Dirty Letters was so much fun! If you already love Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, then this book is for you. It's fun and dirty!

Nobody does it better than this author duo! Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward know the right mix of humor, sexy time, and a great character to make their books a success!!

Dirty Letters had more of an emotional, heart-wrenching story than I am used to from these authors, but I still loved it. I quickly grew attached to Luca and Griffin and loved their story!!

There’s so much goodness here, I don’t even know where to start. Complex, interesting, multi-layered characters. A sweet, sexy friends-to-lovers with a hint of second chance storyline. And the writing of this dynamic duo that never fails to pull me right in and keep me reading compulsively and obsessively.

I loved the original idea behind this storyline. Texting as a way of communicating is one of my favorite things in books, so I knew that having these characters be pen pals would be fun. And it was fun, I enjoyed their letters even if I did sometimes think that they moved maybe a little too quickly and too easily into a sexually charged exchange. I didn’t always connect with that, and felt like I would have liked some more emotional depth to their story. I felt like the emotional piece was told to me, while the physical chemistry was shown to me, and in the end it left me feeling a little let down. I mean, this storyline by nature was incredibly emotionally charged and I think it could have packed a huge emotional punch – and I never really felt that.

That said, it was still an incredibly addictive read. I still found myself needing to know what happened. And I still loved Griffin and Luca (and the adorably quirky Doc) pretty fiercely. Dirty Letters was a little bit of a mixed bag for me, but overall a satisfying read nonetheless. ~ 3.5 Stars

Pretty good book. A little slow getting into it but it really picked up in the third chapter. So if it feels slow give it a chance to pick up.

If you loved Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, then you HAVE to read Dirty Letters!!

This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this writing duo. It was a fun and entertaining read but it also had all the feels you want in a romance book.

I loved the storyline of this book. They covered a subject not usually seen in books and also added a new take on already seen genre. I thought the storyline was fresh and original and I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it.

Dirty Letters is a standalone novel that is told in Dual POV. You don’t have to read any other book to thoroughly enjoy this one, but let me tell you, if you haven’t read this duo before, after reading Dirty Letters, you are going to want to read all their books!! I thought the flow and pace of the story was perfect. This story will sweep you off your feet.

Dirty Letters is the story of Griffin and Luca. It is about a friendship that spans over a decade, but only through letters. See Luca and Griffin first met through a pen pal connection when they were in elementary school. They continued to write every week until something tragic happens and Luca cuts off all communication. Now we fast forward to them in their 20’s and Griffin has reached out again but this time the letter isn’t all that friendly. Can Luca explain what happened all those years ago?? Will Griffin be able to move past it and rekindle their friendship? What happens when their letters turn towards the sexy, flirty side?? Can these two get their HEA even if they are both hiding some secrets that could change things once they are revealed?? Read this wonderful story to find out all the answers and more.

I absolutely LOVED Luca and Griffin. I thought they were witty, fun and totally relatable characters. Griffin made my heart pound and my panties melt ;) Luca was a strong heroine in her own way. She had some serious hurdles to overcome, but I loved watching her character grow as the story went on. These two are my favorite co-written couple that Vi and Penelope have given us.

I would 100% recommend this book to all romance readers. It is a story about love, healing and overcoming ones fears. Proving that sometimes love is enough!!!! READ THIS BOOK!!! You won’t be sorry.

AHHH! I was so excited about this story. Luca and Griff's romance and friendship was real and romantic. This story was full of feels, hot sexy times and had me hooked from the start! 4 stars! ~Ratula