Title: Kissing Tolstoy
Author: Penny Reid
First published May 8, 2014
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.86
Overview
When Anna ends up in a Russian Literature class, she never expects to come face to face with her super-hot blind date from months ago. The fact that he’s now her professor complicates things even more.
In “Kissing Tolstoy,” the first book of the Dear Professor series, Anna finds herself overthinking everything and hoping for a quick escape from her predicament. This standalone novel by Penny Reid is 46k words and promises a unique and steamy romance that will keep you hooked until the very end.
And if you’re a fan of the shorter version entitled “Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants,” which was available through Reid’s newsletter in 2017, you definitely won’t want to miss out on this expanded version.
About the Author
If you’re a fan of romance novels, you won’t want to miss out on Penny Reid’s latest releases! Penny is a bestselling author with a talent for writing heartwarming stories that will have you swooning. She’s known for her Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series, both of which have garnered rave reviews from readers.
In addition to being a talented author, Penny is also an accomplished knitter and manages Smartypants Romance, which focuses on #OwnVoices mentorship incubator and publishing. She’s based in Seattle, Washington, where she lives with her husband, three children, and beloved dog, Hazel.
Mark your calendars for some exciting upcoming releases from Penny Reid. On October 20, 2022, she’ll be releasing Good Folk: Modern Folktales, Book 2, followed by Three Kings Series, Book 2 on December 13, 2022.
And in 2023, be on the lookout for Ideal Man, Book 1. Don’t miss out on these fantastic reads – sign up for Penny’s newsletter at www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter.
Editoral Review
Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid is a delightful and quirky romance novel, first published on May 8, 2014. Reid is a New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and mystery novels.
Her style is distinct and engaging, with witty dialogue and complex characters. In Kissing Tolstoy, Reid explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming personal obstacles, and finding love in unconventional ways.
The main protagonist is Anna, a smart and ambitious graduate student who is forced to take a course on Russian literature from a notoriously difficult professor, Dr. Leo Tolstoy. Anna is annoyed by Dr. Tolstoy’s arrogance and dismissiveness but is also intrigued by his intellect and charm.
As the two begin to develop a forbidden attraction, they must navigate the complications of their relationship and the potential consequences of their actions. Along the way, they must confront their own vulnerabilities and past traumas to find happiness with one another.
Reid’s writing is excellent, and her characters are well-rounded and nuanced. Anna is relatable and sympathetic, and Dr. Tolstoy’s character is intriguing and complex.
Reid expertly explores the power dynamics and ethical dilemmas that arise from their relationship, creating a compelling and captivating story. The pacing is well-done, with enough tension and conflict to keep the reader invested in the characters’ journeys.
The historical and cultural significance of the novel is minimal, as it is set in modern-day America and only explores Russian literature in passing. However, the novel does touch on issues of intellectual elitism and the pressures of academia, which may be relevant to current events and discussions about class and social mobility.
Overall, Kissing Tolstoy is an enjoyable and engaging romance novel that is sure to charm readers. While the premise may seem unconventional, Reid’s excellent writing and character development make it a satisfying and heartwarming read.
The only potential flaw is that the ending may feel rushed or unsatisfying to some readers, as it wraps up the story a bit too neatly. However, this is a minor criticism, and the novel is otherwise well-executed.
For romance readers who enjoy witty banter, complex characters, and unconventional love stories, Kissing Tolstoy is a must-read. It is a fun and satisfying novel that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Therefore, it is rated four out of five, based on its excellent writing, engaging characters, and compelling storyline.
