★★✩✩✩ (2.5/5) Not for me, but might recommend to someone else.

Punk 57, by Penelope Douglas
​★★✩✩✩ (2.5/5) Not for me, but might recommend to someone else.

​I just could not get on board with this one. The premise was interesting and had potential, but the execution fell short, big time. I’m all for enemies to lovers, but there’s tension, and then just downright toxic. 

The characters were immature and had very few redeeming qualities. I realize this was about the two of them growing and maturing, but for about 90% of the book they were blatantly awful, individually and together. I ended up absolutely hating their relationship, and the letter at the end that was meant to be Ryen’s redemption is still making me cringe.

ABOUT

Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Their books have been translated into twenty languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, and Tryst Six Venom. Please look for The Hellbent Series, in the works now!

They live in New England with their husband and daughter.

"We were perfect together. Until we met."

Misha
​
I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

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Click here to purchase, Punk 57, by Penelops Douglas.