My Punk 57 Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas is a dark, gritty new adult romance that begins with an innocent foundation—Misha and Ryen have been anonymous pen pals since grade school, their letters a safe haven where they can be completely honest. When a tragedy upends Misha’s life, he crosses the line from pen pal to real-world presence and enrolls at Ryen’s school under a fake name. To his shock and disappointment, the girl he sees is nothing like the friend from his letters—she’s the popular mean girl, riddled with insecurities and masks. The story spirals into a tension-filled, enemies-to-lovers dynamic, with secrets, identity crises, and high school social politics at its core. As they provoke, bully, and challenge each other, painful truths are confronted and the line between foe and soulmate isn’t so clear. This is a romance about embracing the real self in a world that punishes authenticity, and what it means to break free from the opinions of others.
Why I Love This Book
I love Punk 57 for its raw messiness: Douglas pulls no punches in her portrayal of toxic habits, flawed characters, and painful growth. Misha and Ryen are both deeply imperfect, and their journey is full of hurt, redemption, and the thrill of release when walls finally come down. The writing is intense and angsty, loaded with both rage and vulnerability. The slow-burn of their real-life connection builds smartly alongside harsh truths and hard-won trust. Yes, they’re at times unlikeable, but their growth—individually and together—makes their story unforgettable. It’s not just about romance; it’s a sharp look at identity, shame, and high-school survival. Douglas’ clever prose and fearless plot twists make for a unique reading experience that lingers.
Who Will Like This Book
This novel is a great fit for fans of dark and angsty romances, especially those who enjoy bully romance tropes, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers arcs, and characters who are forced to confront—and change—the ugliest parts of themselves. If you don’t mind messy, imperfect leads, want plenty of high school drama, and crave an intense, emotional payoff, Punk 57 will deliver. It’s also for readers who are comfortable with problematic behavior and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster of toxic but ultimately redemptive love stories. The story is high on angst, emotional punches, and will especially resonate with those who understand the pain of trying to fit in.
Tagged As
YA/NA romance, dark romance, bully romance, friends to enemies to lovers, slow burn, emotional, angst, toxic romance, identity, redemption, high school, flawed heroine, bad boy, rock music, coming of age
Steam Level
There are several explicit scenes that are passionate and intense, reflecting the turbulent emotions of the leads. The steam is woven into the plot, enhancing both character development and the dark, messy atmosphere. Expect high heat without gratuitous excess—every scene matters for the story's payoff.
