Obsession-Worthy: Why Punk 57 is my absolute FAVORITE

Brittany C
Mar 18
4 min read

Rating: 5++++/5 Stars (Would Rate Higher If I Could)

Some books leave an impression. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas? It has my soul. This book isn’t just a favorite—it’s the favorite. The one I go back to over and over, whether it’s on my Kindle, in a physical copy, or through the audiobook. If there were a limit on how many times you could reread a book before it became part of your DNA, I’d have hit it.

But why? Why is Punk 57 that book for me?

Let’s talk about it. And fair warning—this review is full of spoilers.

Pen Pals to Lovers: A Trope Done to Perfection

Misha and Ryen have been writing to each other since fifth grade, thanks to a school pen pal project. They’ve never met, never seen pictures of each other, but they’ve become each other’s closest confidants. They share everything—dreams, fears, insecurities. They just get each other.

But there’s one rule: No meeting in person. Ever.

That all changes when Ryen stumbles into Misha's world by accident. And let me tell you, the girl he meets is not the girl he’s been writing to. Ryen is the textbook definition of a mean girl—popular, superficial, and playing the high school game with ruthless precision. And Misha? He’s angry. He’s hurt. And he’s ready to make her see exactly what kind of person she’s become.

What follows is a deliciously angsty, tension-filled enemies-to-lovers romance with a revenge plot that shouldn’t be sexy but absolutely is.

Misha: The Perfect Broody, Musically Gifted, Morally Gray Hero

Misha is everything I love in a romance hero—tortured, passionate, and just a little bit dangerous. He’s got that whole “I hate you but I can’t stay away from you” energy that makes every interaction between him and Ryen electric. But he’s also grieving, dealing with personal loss that makes his need to expose Ryen’s hypocrisy feel even more justified.

And can we talk about his music? The way he channels his emotions into lyrics, the way his band, Cipher Core, is woven into the story? It adds another level of depth to his character that makes him impossible not to fall for. Music is such an integral part of Punk 57, and it’s one of the things that makes the story feel so raw and alive.

Misha isn’t perfect, though. He makes mistakes. He’s reckless. He’s downright cruel at times. But that’s what makes his redemption arc so satisfying. He doesn’t just waltz in and fix Ryen—he has to fix himself too.

Ryen: A Flawed, Realistic, and Completely Redeemable Heroine

Ryen is complicated, and I love her for it. She’s insecure, desperate for validation, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep her social status intact. But beneath it all, she’s still the girl who writes heartfelt letters, who loves art, who feels like an outcast even when surrounded by people.

Her journey in Punk 57 is one of self-discovery and growth, and watching her strip away the mask she’s worn for so long is one of the most satisfying parts of the book. She’s frustrating at times, but that just makes her redemption even more rewarding.

She also owns her mistakes. When she realizes how much she’s hurt people, when she sees how much she’s lost because of her need to fit in, she takes responsibility. She doesn’t become perfect overnight, but she becomes real. And that’s what makes her one of my favorite heroines in romance.

Enemies-to-Lovers Done Right

The tension between Misha and Ryen is insane. Every moment they’re on the page together is dripping with chemistry, whether they’re fighting, flirting, or toeing the line between love and hate. Douglas writes angst like nobody else, and Punk 57 is a masterclass in slow-burn, tension-filled romance.

The push and pull, the banter, the sheer need between these two—chef’s kiss. Every scene, whether it’s a heated argument or a stolen moment of vulnerability, feels raw and real.

And let’s not forget the reveal—when Ryen finds out who Misha really is? One of the best “oh crap” moments in a romance book, hands down.

The Smut? Next-Level.

Look, if you’ve read Penelope Douglas before, you know she doesn’t hold back. The steam in Punk 57 is intense, passionate, and perfectly in tune with the characters. It’s not just there for the sake of it—it means something. Every encounter between Misha and Ryen is charged with emotion, making it all the more addictive.

And the kinks? Let’s just say, Douglas knows how to write a scene that sticks with you.

The Themes: Deep, Dark, and Necessary

Beyond the romance, Punk 57 tackles some real issues—bullying, peer pressure, self-worth. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts of high school, and it forces its characters (and readers) to confront them head-on.

The message? Be who you are. Don’t let fear dictate your choices. Don’t hide behind a version of yourself that isn’t real. It’s a lesson both Misha and Ryen have to learn, and watching them get there is an emotional rollercoaster in the best way.

That Ending? Perfection.

By the time we get to the ending, every bit of angst, every frustrating miscommunication, and every heart-pounding moment has built up to a resolution that feels earned. Ryen finds herself. Misha lets go of his anger. And together, they finally allow themselves to be the people they were always meant to be—with each other.

Final Thoughts: This Book Owns Me.

If I could rate Punk 57 higher than five stars, I would. This book has everything—angst, passion, flawed characters, and a love story that feels. It’s the book I return to when I need something that grips my heart and won’t let go.

So if you haven’t read Punk 57 yet, what are you waiting for? Just be prepared for an emotional roller coaster that will ruin you in the best way possible.