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Introduction
Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Louisa
I absolutely adored Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas because it offered a unique perspective on teenage romance. The story delved into the darker and steamier aspects of love, which resonated with my personal taste in romance novels.
It had all the elements I crave in a romance story – passion, temptation, spice, and a shocking twist ending that caught me off guard.
While I understand that Punk 57 may not appeal to everyone, those who fell in love with Ryen and Misha are likely seeking more books that explore dark romance in equally exhilarating ways.
If you were rooting for Ryen and Misha and are in the market for another captivating teen romance, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I have compiled a list of exceptional books similar to Punk 57 that will leave you craving more intense and enthralling love stories.
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Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
Are you short on time but need a book recommendation? Here are my top three favorites that you should definitely check out!
Summary of Punk 57
Before we dive into the best books like Punk 57, let’s quickly recap the story without any spoilers in case you haven’t finished reading it yet.
The adventure begins in fifth grade when a young boy named Misha unintentionally becomes pen pals with Ryen. As the years pass, their correspondence evolves into a deep friendship, eagerly anticipating each other’s letters.
They maintain contact solely through written communication, establishing three essential rules – no pictures, no phone calls, and no social media. They share everything with each other, sharing their hopes, secrets, and dreams.
Their unconventional friendship blossoms until Misha finally gets the chance to meet Ryen in person. To his surprise, the girl who once personified his dream girl turns out to be everything he despises.
Punk 57 tackles important themes such as anti-bullying, prejudice, revenge, and grief. This novel is a unique friends-to-lovers story with a touch of enemies-to-lovers dynamics. Although the characters are teenagers, it falls within the young adult to new adult range and contains some steamy scenes.
Books Like Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Punk 57 kept me hooked from the very first page, evoking a range of emotions by the end. If you’re yearning for similar stories, here are some titles you should consider adding to your reading list.
1. The Deal – Elle Kennedy
Punk 57 features love interests who are complete opposites, and if you enjoy reading about such dynamic relationships, you’ll adore The Deal by Elle Kennedy.
The story revolves around college student Hannah, who excels in everything except romance. She struggles to capture the attention of her crush, desperately yearning for him to notice her.
Enter Garrett, a confident athlete who proposes a deal that Hannah can’t resist. If she helps him improve his grades, he will assist her in breaking out of her shell and catching her crush’s eye.
Initially, the arrangement seems perfect, but Hannah quickly realizes that her heart may have been set on the wrong person all along.
The Deal was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2015. If you’ve already devoured this gem, rest assured that I have more similar books to recommend.
2. RoomHate – Penelope Ward
If you adored the love-hate chemistry between Ryen and Misha in Punk 57, I recommend you explore RoomHate by Penelope Ward, which features a similar dynamic.
After Amelia’s grandmother passes away, she inherits her beach house. However, there is a catch – she only gets half of it, while the other half goes to Justin, a man her grandmother helped raise.
To complicate matters further, Justin happens to be Amelia’s ex-boyfriend, and he still harbors resentment towards her for breaking his heart during their teenage years.
Can Amelia and Justin mend fences and reignite their lost love, or will his new girlfriend stand in their way?
Penelope Ward’s engaging and evocative writing style draws readers into the story, immersing them in the characters’ world and emotions.
3. November 9 – Colleen Hoover
If you’re looking for more books that explore long-distance relationships, you’ll love November 9 by Colleen Hoover.
Ben, an aspiring writer struggling with a lack of inspiration, meets Fallon, a young woman preparing to move across the country. They spend a memorable day together, and from that day forward, they meet every year on the same date.
However, suspicions arise when Fallon begins to question whether Ben is only using her for the plot of his next novel. Are Ben’s feelings genuine, or is Fallon merely a muse for his literary endeavors?
Colleen Hoover is a master of romance and suspenseful fiction. In November 9, she crafts a remarkable cast of characters, each with their own motivations and flaws, making them all the more endearing.
4. The Sweetest Oblivion – Danielle Lori
If you enjoyed the love-hate dynamic between Misha and Ryen in Punk 57, I recommend immersing yourself in the enticing pages of The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori.
Elena finds herself caught between her sister’s impending marriage to Nicholas, a man with a dark reputation whom Elena despises. However, she can’t deny the irresistible charm that draws her closer to him.
As Elena grows more entwined in Nicholas’ world, she faces a difficult decision – betray her sister and succumb to her own desires or resist the temptation that threatens to consume her.
The Sweetest Oblivion is a testament to the power of emotions and showcases how love can unexpectedly blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
5. P.S. I Like You – Kasie West
If you’re drawn to heartwarming tales of pen pals falling in love, I recommend indulging in P.S. I Like You by Kasie West.
Lily begins an enchanting pen-pal relationship after sharing her favorite lyrics on her desk, only to discover the continuation of the lyrics and a note left by an unknown person the next day.
Determined to uncover her secret pen pal’s identity, Lily embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery hidden behind their heartfelt exchanges. However, she soon discovers that love isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
P.S. I Like You explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and self-awareness, captivating readers with the complexities of falling in love with someone you barely know.
6. Dear Aaron – Mariana Zapata
For more pen pal romance books featuring unlikely pairings, turn to Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata. This incredible novel is sure to captivate your heart.
Ruby Santos joins a Help a Soldier Program, where she becomes a pen pal to a soldier assigned to her. Little does she know that her soldier, Aaron, will become the unexpected source of light in her life.
As they continue their correspondence, Ruby and Aaron open up to each other in ways they never could with anyone else. Their connection grows deeper, leading to an intoxicating romance. Can their blossoming love survive the distance between them?
Mariana Zapata expertly develops her characters, providing depth and nuance that make their journey all the more remarkable.
7. If We Were Villains – M.L. Rio
Misha and Ryen found solace in their pen-pal relationship, feeling like outcasts in society. If you crave stories with characters who can relate to that experience, pick up If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio.
The novel follows a close-knit group of thespians who share their own secret society. Their dedication to their roles often pushes the boundaries between fiction and reality. Tragedy strikes when one of them is found dead.
While not directly a romance novel, If We Were Villains expertly weaves a tale of intense relationships that will keep romance fans enthralled.
8. Birthday Girl – Penelope Douglas
If you couldn’t get enough of Penelope Douglas’s writing in Punk 57, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by Birthday Girl.
Jordan is dating Pike’s son, Cole, but finds herself irresistibly drawn to Pike himself. The forbidden chemistry between them creates a tantalizing tension. Prepare for an age-gap romance filled with passion and spice that may require you to put the kids to bed before diving into its pages.
9. Unfixable – Tessa Bailey
For fans of opposites-attract stories akin to Punk 57, Unfixable by Tessa Bailey is a must-read.
Willa, tired of heartbreak, embarks on a journey to Dublin to reignite her old self. Shane, burdened by the recent loss of his father, plans to leave Dublin to pursue his racing career. Their paths collide, and they find each other insufferable yet utterly captivating.
Witness the transformation of their animosity into an undeniable and intense attraction in this sublime grumpy-sunshine romance.
10. The Best Laid Plans – Cameron Lund
If you enjoyed the unlikely pairings in Punk 57, The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund will be right up your alley.
Keely, a small-town high school senior, has known every guy in her grade since kindergarten, leaving her uninterested and frustrated with her lack of a love life. As the last virgin in her class, she enlists the help of her friend Andrew to impress a newcomer. Little does she know, her feelings might have been closer to home all along.
With its fast-paced plot and intense romance, The Best Laid Plans will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
11. The Summer I Turned Pretty – Jenny Han
If you seek more stories about first loves, especially in a young adult setting, make sure to check out The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.
Belly and her family spend every summer at a beach house, where she has always nurtured a crush on Conrad. However, this summer, her deepening connection with Jeremiah further complicates matters. Will the love triangle between the two brothers ruin Belly’s summer vacation?
Jenny Han expertly crafts a story filled with fiery confrontations and steamy encounters that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
12. Corrupt – Penelope Douglas
Readers who relished seeing both the male and female leads’ perspectives in Punk 57 will be engrossed by Corrupt by Penelope Douglas.
Erika’s ex-boyfriend’s older brother has always terrified her, especially since her actions led to the arrest of his friends. Years later, he resurfaces in the city, seeking revenge. Unexpectedly, he finds himself falling for her.
Immerse yourself in the tension and irresistible chemistry that unfolds as they transition from enemies to passionate lovers. With dual points of view, this novel offers a remarkable reading experience.
13. The Bookworm Crush – Lisa Brown Roberts
For those who appreciate unexpected romances, The Bookworm Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts is a delightful choice.
Amy, excited about the opportunity to interview her favorite author, realizes she needs help boosting her confidence. She hires Toff as her confidence coach, unaware of the charm he possesses. Will Toff turn out to be the real deal or just another lesson in finding self-assurance?
Lisa Brown Roberts skillfully creates characters with depth and nuance, making their romance all the more satisfying.
14. The Upside Of Falling – Alex Light
Fans of quirky fake relationship books will adore The Upside of Falling by Alex Light, a heartwarming young adult novel.
Becca Hart hasn’t had a boyfriend in years. When her friend teases her about it, she pretends to be in a relationship already. Brett overhears this conversation and proposes to be her pretend boyfriend. What starts as a no-strings-attached agreement soon reveals mutual understanding and unexpected connections.
Follow Becca and Brett’s heartwarming journey as their relationship deepens, rooting for them as they confront insecurities and unravel their emotional entanglements.
15. After – Anna Todd
If you crave more bad boy-next-door romance stories like Punk 57, you’ll be enamored by After by Anna Todd.
Tessa, a college freshman, finds herself drawn to Hardin, a dark and mysterious guy who challenges her in ways she never imagined. However, Tessa already has a caring boyfriend, complicating her attraction to Hardin. Will Tessa risk her seemingly perfect relationship for a love that seems wrong but feels right?
Anna Todd’s vivid and immersive writing style brings the characters and their world to life, delivering a refreshing and unputdownable college romance.
Final Words on Best Books Like Punk 57
If you’re unwilling to let your heart stop falling in love after reading Punk 57, these romance novels will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re after sizzling and erotic tales or tender and sweet stories, this list has something for everyone.
Did I miss a novel that you adore? Let me know in the comments below.