We Read This Terrible Book So You Don’t Have To: A Review of Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

Rarely do books leave you feeling this bewildered. Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger tries to be an edgy, dark romance but ends up being a chaotic blend of clichés, forced angst, and questionable plot twists. Right from the start, it’s clear that something doesn’t quite add up — and unfortunately, that vibe never improves.

The premise is interesting enough: a grieving widow starts receiving letters from an anonymous admirer, and their correspondence quickly becomes intense. But rather than diving into a suspenseful, engaging story, the book takes wild turns that feel more like attempts to shock than to develop a coherent plot. The romance itself lacks depth, and instead of chemistry, we’re served a strange mix of over-the-top declarations and contrived drama that often leaves you rolling your eyes.

Character motivations are poorly developed, and the plot holes are glaring. The writing occasionally shows promise, but even Geissinger’s usual knack for emotional depth feels muddled here. The twist, which should have been a major reveal, feels less like a revelation and more like a desperate attempt to salvage the story’s lack of structure.

If you’re looking for a dark romance with intensity and genuine suspense, Pen Pal might just leave you disappointed. Save yourself the frustration — we read this one so you don’t have to.

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Welcome to Romance at a Glance, a podcast that uses romance novels to dive into candid conversations about life, relationship dynamics, and sexual desires.

As hosts Bridget and Shani review books and interview some of romance's biggest authors, they explore the breadth of the genre, openly embracing the sex, diverse couplings, and taboos to create a safe space for listeners to be exposed to different lifestyles, fantasies, and to pique their naughty curiosity.

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