Caroline Frank

Penny Marquez is sick of New York, her ex, and her old life. After a miserable breakup, she realizes it's time for a change and decides to run away to London and pursue a Master's degree away from the man who broke her heart. Penny soon resolves that relationships just aren't for her and that it's time for her to figure out who she really is. With the help of her friend, Oliver, Penny starts to have some fun for the first time in her life. Despite all her new adventures, however, she quickly finds out moving on and "just having fun" isn't as easy as it sounds. Between school being a massive letdown and realizing that she might be falling for her best friend, Josh, Penny starts to think that maybe moving to London was a massive mistake. *this work of fiction contains graphic and sensitive content pertaining to sex and eating disorders.*

In For a Penny

Ebony Cropper

I was expecting this book to be a typical Rom Com, where she moves across the world to start fresh and get over her break up and find the love of her life which we all know and love. Which in a sense we got but jesus this book packed so much more than this that I was not expecting. 

Penny could be described as a hot mess in all aspects, beautiful, Latina New Yorker in London turning heads trying to navigate what an earth she wants to do with her life. 

Honestly I initially didn't feel any kind of way to her friends so when I found myself truly melting and excited by her friendships I was quite surprised. The standout for me was Oliver. Flirty, egotistical and arrogant is what you are supposed to see but loyal, caring, supportive and funny is what I got. Their relationship was amusing and I found myself in happy disbelief at their antics but I could see how much the friendships we valued above all else. 

Her gal pals a consistent and supportive mechanism was nice which I always love to see. But then theres Josh. The reason I couldn't put five stars was the earlier description of their time together although I knew what was being suggested didn't fully reach my core in being invested or fully believing what was being conveyed. Of course they drastically changed as time went on and I found myself shouting at the book frustrated at this dance they were doing. Also Eloise... thank you next. The snacks and granola bars were a cute touch but can I add, although I was rooting for them. He was such an ass at times and I found myself thinking nope do not let that slide. 

My other pet peeve was the ex Austin. Like I was screaming on the inside like who in the 21st century would believe and accept the BS this tool was spouting. Like come on! I just wanted to shake her back to reality. 

I was caught off guard when the incident happened, it really wasn't something I was expecting. As I read I found myself having a physical reaction, my palms were sweating, my body tensed up I was grinding my teeth while my heart nearly pounded out of my chest. I couldn't believe what I was reading but it was saddening because it's all too familiar for many women. 

This was not just a finding yourself rom com. This covered really emotional and deep topics and content showing us the stark reality of social pressure, mental health, eating disorders, womens safety and the ridiculously high and pressured expectations placed on women in their 20s. When will you marry, will you have children, stay looking young, act mature, don't eat this, have an amazing career, be independent, get yourself a good man. There is just so much to unpack ans I am glad and sad almost furious everytime I read the stark reality of the life we still live. 

Overall a little raunchy but very impactful book.

In For a Penny

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