I rate this novel five out of five stars. 

Mature fans of romance novels that represent the life experiences of a normal person will find Kissing Toads appealing. Potential readers should be aware that the book contains profanity and moderately explicit scenes, making it unsuitable for young readers. Likewise, this book could aid therapists who work with readers who are struggling with codependent behaviors.

 

Stephanie Runyon, onlinebookclub.org

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LITERARY TITAN 5 out of 5 stars

Danissa Wilson’s Kissing Toads is a nostalgic, heartfelt, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny journey through the highs and lows of finding love in the 80s and 90s. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a romantic memoir, following Annie as she navigates the minefield of romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Raised with the belief that a woman’s worth is tied to the man she lands, Annie embarks on a decades-long quest to find her “Prince Charming” by kissing an array of metaphorical (and sometimes literal) toads. Through first loves, bad boyfriends, and the chaos of early online dating, her story unfolds with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and a healthy dose of reality. But just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s headed, Wilson throws in an unexpected twist that flips the script entirely.

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Wilson’s writing shines in its ability to be both sharp and self-deprecating. The humor is biting but never forced, and Annie’s voice is refreshingly honest. The opening chapter, where Annie details the absurdity of being named after her mother’s beloved golden retriever, immediately sets the tone. Lines like, “Being the namesake of the family pooch? Does it get more humiliating than that?” make it clear that this book isn’t just about romance; it’s about identity, self-worth, and breaking free from expectations. The book doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of young love either. Annie’s high school relationship with the Ozzy Osbourne-worshipping, eyeliner-wearing “Oz” is painfully relatable, showing how teenage romance can be both intoxicating and utterly misguided.

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One of the most compelling aspects of Kissing Toads is its exploration of societal expectations placed on women, particularly in past decades. Annie’s mother, a woman who abandoned her own dreams for the role of perfect wife and mother, serves as both a loving figure and a cautionary tale. She constantly reinforces the idea that Annie’s happiness hinges on finding a man. This generational pressure is woven throughout the book, making Annie’s journey all the more meaningful. When she starts to question whether she’s searching for love or simply fulfilling a script handed down to her, the book reaches its most thought-provoking moments. Scenes like her internal struggle over a sexist “No Fat Chicks” sticker she bought as a teen highlight the subtle ways misogyny is ingrained in everyday life. Wilson brilliantly captures how these influences shape Annie’s choices, often without her even realizing it.

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The book’s pacing is another strong point. Wilson moves seamlessly from high school heartbreaks to the cringe-worthy infancy of online dating, never lingering too long on any one phase of Annie’s journey. Each relationship teaches her something new, sometimes through devastation, other times through sheer absurdity. The dialogue is snappy, the 80s and 90s references are spot-on, and there’s an authenticity to Annie’s experiences that makes her deeply relatable. However, what sets Kissing Toads apart from a typical rom-com or coming-of-age novel is its refusal to tie everything up in a neat bow. Without giving too much away, Annie’s “happily ever after” isn’t what you’d expect but it’s so much more satisfying because of it.

This book is for anyone who has ever looked back on their past relationships and cringed, laughed, or wondered what the hell they were thinking. It’s for Gen Xers who lived through the rise of online dating, for women who’ve been told that their worth is measured by their romantic success, and for anyone who loves a story that balances humor with heartfelt moments. Wilson has crafted a novel that’s both wildly entertaining and deeply resonant, proving that sometimes, kissing toads isn’t about finding a prince, it’s about finding yourself. Highly recommended.

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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

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Kissing Toads by Danissa Wilson is an engaging exploration of the quest for love through the metaphor-laden journey of kissing toads to find a prince. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the late 20th century, the story follows Annie, a young woman whose romantic misadventures reflect the shared experiences of a generation navigating the complex waters of love. Annie’s story begins in her youth, shaped by her mother’s strong influence and societal pressures to find a partner. This establishes the foundation for a series of comical yet disheartening romantic entanglements.

First and foremost, the pop culture and nostalgia are second to none. Anyone who’s ever had a ceremonial mock wedding, remembers the avocado era, or dated a guy who always brought along a parade of friends, won’t want to miss Danissa Wilson’s book. The narrative is rich with cultural references that anchor the reader in the period, from the early days of online dating to the social norms that shaped relationships. Her writing style combines sharp wit with smooth, flowing prose. Annie’s evolution from a wide-eyed romantic to a self-assured individual is beautifully portrayed, with each “toad” she encounters teaching her more about her desires and boundaries. In the face of tragedy, readers see a new side of Annie as she confronts the challenges of grief and resilience, uncovering aspects of her character previously hidden by her carefree romantic adventures. Kissing Toads is also a feminist critique of the expectations placed on women to secure happiness through marriage. It challenges these notions subtly and directly, making it a powerful read for contemporary audiences.

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Readers Favorite Review

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Danissa Wilson creates a likeable, if not frustrated, character in 50-something Annie’s review of her life efforts to find a man. The story introduces family hierarchies and expectations, ideals of love and connection, and intergenerational contrasts as Annie reflects on precedents and the impetus for creating new approaches to valuing life and love...

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While young adults may appreciate the nuts and bolts of Annie’s emotional journey, adult women who see parts of themselves in Annie’s revelations will find the story particularly insightful and engrossing.

 

Libraries that choose Kissing Toads for its shifting perspectives on women’s lives, times, and interests will also want to recommend the novel to book club and women’s reading groups, who will find it holds plenty of discussion opportunities about women’s lives, romantic ideals, and issues of independence and growth.

 

D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review