Book Summary
Pen Pal begins with Kayla, a grieving widow, receiving a mysterious letter from a prison inmate named Dante on the day of her husband’s funeral. The message—”I’ll wait forever if I have to”—sparks a haunting correspondence that grows increasingly intimate. As Kayla navigates her crumbling old house and a budding relationship with roofer Aidan, eerie supernatural occurrences escalate. The letters abruptly stop, leading to a shocking revelation: Kayla and Aidan are already dead, murdered by her abusive husband, and their ghostly love story unfolds through fragmented memories and spectral encounters. Market initially as a dark romance, the book subverts expectations with its paranormal thriller twist. Reviews are polarized—some praise its emotional depth and unpredictable narrative , while others criticize misleading marketing and uneven pacing . The unconventional ending, where the lovers haunt their killer from beyond the grave, has sparked intense debate about whether it qualifies as a “happy” resolution .
Key Themes
Love Beyond Death: The novel explores how connection transcends physical existence. Kayla and Aidan’s relationship deepens even after their murders, challenging traditional romance tropes. Their ghostly bond—forged through letters and fragmented memories—suggests love persists as a force stronger than mortality . Abuse and Reclamation: Michael’s psychological abuse and violence (including causing Kayla’s miscarriage) cast a shadow over the story. The haunting becomes a metaphor for reclaiming agency—Kayla and Aidan’s post-death revenge symbolizes breaking cycles of control. Content warnings for domestic violence and pregnancy loss are strongly advised .
What Makes It Unique
Narrative Deception: Geissinger masterfully misdirects readers by framing the first 70% as a standard widow-meets-contractor romance. The paranormal reveal—reminiscent of films like The Others—reshapes every prior scene. Early “hauntings” are later understood as Kayla’s ghost unconsciously interacting with the living . Genre-Blending: The book straddles erotic romance, psychological thriller, and supernatural horror. Steamy BDSM scenes (including lion/rabbit roleplay) contrast starkly with chilling horror elements like the seance revelation scene . This hybrid approach divides readers but ensures memorability.
Reader Reactions
Many praise the twist: My watch notified me of a high heart rate during the reveal—I was THAT shocked!
. Others express frustration: Calling this a ‘romance’ is false advertising; it’s a tragedy with sex scenes
. The letters—initially central—fade in importance, which some find disappointing . Despite controversies, the emotional impact resonates: I sobbed for 10 minutes after finishing. Their love was beautiful yet doomed
. The prison haunting epilogue provides catharsis for some , while others deem it unsatisfying .
About the Author
J.T. Geissinger is a New York Times bestselling author known for mafia romances and paranormal thrillers. A RITA Award nominee, she excels at subverting genre expectations—Pen Pal‘s twist aligns with her reputation for unpredictable narratives . Her experience writing both erotic romance (Melt for You) and dark suspense (Perfect Strangers) informs Pen Pal‘s fusion of heat and horror. The novel reflects her interest in exploring trauma through unconventional love stories .
Memorable Quotes
“I learned that love means nothing unless it’s acted upon. Love isn’t real without intent. It’s a verb.”
“Hey, bunny… Did you miss me?”