A review by ashlightgrayson
Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid

emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed reading this, but it felt like it ended very abruptly because it was so short compared to other novels I've read by Penny Reid. I think it could have used another 100 pages or so in order to have more time to develop the interactions between the two love interests. I liked their banter back and forth, but I can't help but give Luca a bit of a side eye for not resigning or putting in more parameters to keep the relationship between him and Ana more professional. I feel that in this regard, the sequel to this novel does a better job. This story definitely came off as cheesier than I would have wanted. Ana is 21 and still coming into her own person, and it shows through some of her thought process. There is definitely some level of immaturity for her which shows through her extensive level of fantasizing. It's not enough to make her unlikeable to me, just less likeable than other female leads. It was entertaining, but not necessarily one of the books I'd recommend reading by Penny Reid.
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