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Dear Professor #1
Kissing Tolstoy
Proceeds for the month of release go to hurricane relief efforts.
What do you do when you discover that your super-hot blind date from months ago is now your super-hot Russian Lit professor?
You overthink everything and pray for a swift end to your misery, of course!
‘Kissing Tolstoy’ is the first book in the Dear Professor series, is 46k words, and can be read as a standalone. A shorter version of this story (28k words) was entitled ‘Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants’ and was available via Penny Reid’s newsletter over the course of 2017.
What do you do when you discover that your super-hot blind date from months ago is now your super-hot Russian Lit professor?
You overthink everything and pray for a swift end to your misery, of course!
‘Kissing Tolstoy’ is the first book in the Dear Professor series, is 46k words, and can be read as a standalone. A shorter version of this story (28k words) was entitled ‘Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants’ and was available via Penny Reid’s newsletter over the course of 2017.
183 pages, ebook
First published May 8, 2014
796 people are currently reading
7883 people want to read
About the author
Penny Reid
92 books22.4k followersSign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
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July 13, 2018
The Kissing Tolstoy audiobook is LIVE and so is PART ONE of Nobody Looks Good Naked, book #2 in the Dear Professor series!
All Purchase Links
Read Part One of Nobody Looks Good Naked
**LINKS**
Amazon:http://amzn.to/2yIoKXC
iBooks: http://apple.co/2zsjrZP
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kissing-tolstoy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2zqqWSV
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2zHqPU8
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2zsrp7j
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2zH1gT6
January 12, 2018
“If Russian literature and tragic novels had taught me one thing it was this: disappointment and heartache might be around the next corner. But adventure, love, joy, and happiness—the living of a rich, meaningful life—was now.”
Holy adorable, this was the cutest. This is a fluffy, but sexy, short, little romance, that centers around two people and their love for Russian literature!
And before I even start this review, let me state that this is a book about a relationship between a college student and her professor. And there is a ten-year age gap. Yet, the power imbalance is constantly brought up and discussed in a super healthy way. Like, I was so impressed with the way it was handled. But I know this trope isn’t for everyone, and I know it makes a lot of readers uncomfortable, so I just want everyone to be aware that this element is in this story.
Also, this book has a few spoilers for War and Peace and Anna Karenina, so use caution if you haven’t already been exposed to major storylines from those novels.
This story starts out with our main character, Anna, coaxing herself to email a guy who her friend is trying to set her up with. After a swift moment of confidence, Anna sends the email, but soon becomes an anxious ball of nerves when she actually has to show up for the blind date. One thing leads to another, and after a very awkward encounter, Anna flees the date.
Then, months later, and unbeknownst to her, the guy she awkwardly fled from teaches the hard to get into Russian Lit class that she’s finally gotten into. More awkwardness, humor, angst, and romance ensue.
Plus, there is some good rep in this short little story, too. Our main character is biracial (Nigerian) and has pretty severe anxiety that is shown throughout this book.
Also, there are honestly some really good philosophical discussions in here, too. Like, this is a smart book and I felt so much enjoyment just learning about these two characters, and their thought processes, their morals, their values, their beliefs, and just their honest opinions on books. Don’t get me wrong, I loved their relationship, but I loved watching their friendship even more maybe.
“Don’t worry, the world will always need art, and artists, and literature. Just like it will always need industry and medicine. One is not more or less important than the other…”
And beyond anything else I could say that would maybe entice you to pick this book up; this book is about a girl who loves books, and reading, and stories. Books are a constant theme of this novella, and this truly reads like a love letter to literature. I mean, how could that not appeal to anyone who is taking the time to read this review?
“… I’d held myself in check and hadn’t (yet) thrown myself at Luca and his big . . . library.”
This was my first Penny Reid novel, but it won’t be my last. This novella blew me away and I cannot wait to see what else she has instore for us with this series. The writing was great, the humor was actually funny, the romance was swoon worthy, and the story was a joy to read.
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December 6, 2017
4 stars!
I love all things Penny Reid, so when I saw this book was live, I jumped to one-click it. Something more amazing? The first months proceeds went to hurricane relief efforts. Penny is a fantastic human being, but enough about that! On to the book…
Kissing Tolstoy is the story of Anna. Anna is a smart and quirky girl. I loved her from the start. She goes on a blind date, it turns kind of weird, seeing as she has the wrong guy, then discovers months later that ‘wrong guy’ is her professor. Her super-hot Russian professor. Whats a girl to do?
Luca and Anna have a connection from the moment they first meet. You can feel it between them. Their relationship is complicated though. Even though it’s not completely forbidden for a professor and student to be together, it’s definitely frowned upon. This led to some back and forth with their romance.
I adored this book and the two main characters. I only wish it would have been longer, and we would have gotten to know some of the secondary characters more and to have more of an ending. Overall, I still loved the story and Penny’s super smart writing and characters! I recommend if you’re looking for a quick read!
“You are flawless to me”
I love all things Penny Reid, so when I saw this book was live, I jumped to one-click it. Something more amazing? The first months proceeds went to hurricane relief efforts. Penny is a fantastic human being, but enough about that! On to the book…
Kissing Tolstoy is the story of Anna. Anna is a smart and quirky girl. I loved her from the start. She goes on a blind date, it turns kind of weird, seeing as she has the wrong guy, then discovers months later that ‘wrong guy’ is her professor. Her super-hot Russian professor. Whats a girl to do?
Luca and Anna have a connection from the moment they first meet. You can feel it between them. Their relationship is complicated though. Even though it’s not completely forbidden for a professor and student to be together, it’s definitely frowned upon. This led to some back and forth with their romance.
I adored this book and the two main characters. I only wish it would have been longer, and we would have gotten to know some of the secondary characters more and to have more of an ending. Overall, I still loved the story and Penny’s super smart writing and characters! I recommend if you’re looking for a quick read!
“Come self-sufficient. Come powerful. Or come weak and uncertain. Just come to me. And stay. Trust that you are precisely the right piece, because you are the missing piece—in my life and of my heart.”
December 16, 2017
The book universe needs more authors like Ms Reid. Kissing Tolstoy is such a refreshing take on the student-professor trope and with a bi-racial (Nigerian) heroine to boot.
Loved it!
November 13, 2017
"Proceeds during November go to hurricane relief efforts."
A win-win situation right there: Readers essentially get a book and make a donation to a worthy cause all with one 1-click. And that's the best thing this book has going for it....
2 Stars
Anna Harris, 21, lives a boring life for a college student. She’s afraid to take chances, and she’s losing opportunities in the process. Luca Kroft, 31, is the leather clad, motorcycle riding by Valentine’s Day/ suit and bowtie wearing professor by summer session man who shakes up her world.
Full disclosure: I was once in my life an English lit major. Russian classic literature was not my specialty though. None the less, I never met anyone in six years of university studies who fantasized about kissing these dead white guys. But the title is not to be taken quite literally.
I should also note that Anna isn’t a lit major; it’s just a fascination in her pastime. I’m rather thankful for that because I hate to think she was meant to be a stereotype of literature majors. The story plays strongly on certain literary works. I’ll admit it initially attracted me to the story. By half way through it was beginning to turn me off.
Anna is not my tastes for a modern heroine. She’s too jumpy (or as her friend aptly put it, “…you freaked out like a dork.”) and she overreacts to situations. For example, telling a guy (a ‘stranger’ as she stressed), who you are conversing with in a public place, that you have no siblings or that one of your parents passed away when you were little isn’t exactly confidential information sharing worth stressing over. Or bolting from the premises over. Nor is finding out that said guy (who you really shared no—nadda—intimate encounters with) is now your summer class professor something to cause your hands to shake and make you grip the desk. To her credit, she does acknowledge that she’s overreacting. But once again her instinct is to bolt. At only 13%, in I was starting to question if the heroine needed to see a shrink over the summer more than she needed this lit class.
Meanwhile, Luca’s sister accuses him of getting sucked in by the “broken bird” type (overly educated and delicate). To me, I couldn’t agree more that Anna fit the bill. (No pun intended). I suspect what follows is meant to convince readers that Anna has more spirit and passion, but it only makes her come off immature. And thus, Anna continued to frustrate me, choosing to take the easy way out while at the same time sulking when Luca behaved like the adult professional he was.
“Luca had omitted all personal and possessive pronouns referring to himself…”
Because he’s writing to her as her professor!!! I would hope that a man with a doctorate would be able to write a professional letter to his student…the same way an almost senior year undergraduate student should be able to figure that out!
At a certain point the story makes some valid points about the importance of critical thinking and supporting the arts. I’m behind that 100%. But the way classic literature operates in the story feels very heavy handed. In fact, I think the author got too hung up on it. Missing from this contemporary romance is better pacing (it drag and drags and then abruptly moves to an end); more character development from Luca (most of the story is told via Anna’s first person POV with only a few chapters from his); a bigger role from Luca’s family (who are hinted at having a significant role in his life); and their sex life (it doesn’t happen till the freaking epilogue!)
In the end, I still didn’t know what Luca saw in her, and I still wanted a better picture of him.
Safety Recap:
I purchased this title from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.
A win-win situation right there: Readers essentially get a book and make a donation to a worthy cause all with one 1-click. And that's the best thing this book has going for it....
2 Stars
Anna Harris, 21, lives a boring life for a college student. She’s afraid to take chances, and she’s losing opportunities in the process. Luca Kroft, 31, is the leather clad, motorcycle riding by Valentine’s Day/ suit and bowtie wearing professor by summer session man who shakes up her world.
Full disclosure: I was once in my life an English lit major. Russian classic literature was not my specialty though. None the less, I never met anyone in six years of university studies who fantasized about kissing these dead white guys. But the title is not to be taken quite literally.
I should also note that Anna isn’t a lit major; it’s just a fascination in her pastime. I’m rather thankful for that because I hate to think she was meant to be a stereotype of literature majors. The story plays strongly on certain literary works. I’ll admit it initially attracted me to the story. By half way through it was beginning to turn me off.
Anna is not my tastes for a modern heroine. She’s too jumpy (or as her friend aptly put it, “…you freaked out like a dork.”) and she overreacts to situations. For example, telling a guy (a ‘stranger’ as she stressed), who you are conversing with in a public place, that you have no siblings or that one of your parents passed away when you were little isn’t exactly confidential information sharing worth stressing over. Or bolting from the premises over. Nor is finding out that said guy (who you really shared no—nadda—intimate encounters with) is now your summer class professor something to cause your hands to shake and make you grip the desk. To her credit, she does acknowledge that she’s overreacting. But once again her instinct is to bolt. At only 13%, in I was starting to question if the heroine needed to see a shrink over the summer more than she needed this lit class.
Meanwhile, Luca’s sister accuses him of getting sucked in by the “broken bird” type (overly educated and delicate). To me, I couldn’t agree more that Anna fit the bill. (No pun intended). I suspect what follows is meant to convince readers that Anna has more spirit and passion, but it only makes her come off immature. And thus, Anna continued to frustrate me, choosing to take the easy way out while at the same time sulking when Luca behaved like the adult professional he was.
“Luca had omitted all personal and possessive pronouns referring to himself…”
Because he’s writing to her as her professor!!! I would hope that a man with a doctorate would be able to write a professional letter to his student…the same way an almost senior year undergraduate student should be able to figure that out!
At a certain point the story makes some valid points about the importance of critical thinking and supporting the arts. I’m behind that 100%. But the way classic literature operates in the story feels very heavy handed. In fact, I think the author got too hung up on it. Missing from this contemporary romance is better pacing (it drag and drags and then abruptly moves to an end); more character development from Luca (most of the story is told via Anna’s first person POV with only a few chapters from his); a bigger role from Luca’s family (who are hinted at having a significant role in his life); and their sex life (it doesn’t happen till the freaking epilogue!)
In the end, I still didn’t know what Luca saw in her, and I still wanted a better picture of him.
Safety Recap:
I purchased this title from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.
December 13, 2018
Thanks to my friend Kiki for recommending this book to me!
The book is brilliantly written, well, Penny Reid is known for her intelligent writing. She did it again!
I happened to know a bit about Russian literature and I didn’t find any inaccuracies, so the author knows the topic well. Amazing!
As to the romantic side of the story – not quite my kind of a romance. I didn’t like MCs much, they frustrated me a lot.
The heroine came across as immature, though she had a little backbone.
The hero was a bit too… too… too poetic for my taste.
Read Kiki’s review, the girl has a point.
But also Book-Bosomed blog wrote an an excellent review.
I stand somewhere in the middle...
In my rebellion phase as teenage I was obsessed with books, well, I was always a bookworm *lol*
I read a lot of Russian literature in my puberty.
Almost all books mentioned in this story were read and reread by young Alex. Dostoyevsky was my favorite.
Fyodor & Alex just bonded *lol*. I reread 'Crime & Punishment' about 4 times. I liked the idea of Penny’s heroine about Halloween costume as Rodion Raskolnikov, I may try it next year *lol*
Before you fall asleep reading my review, I only say, that the lines of this hero about my less favorite book ever ‘War and Peace’ by Tostoy made me almost cry, because…. he spoke to my soul… he told exactly what me as 15-year-old girl thought…
And this one, this one is my absolutely favorite quote, best words ever, teenage me is crying with excitement…
Yes! Yes! 1000 times YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny, thank you so much!!!
I don’t completely agree with the ending of this quote: "She (Natasha) didn’t belong with Pierre, she belonged with Andrei, but she was blind and selfish and she ruined him." I didn’t like any character in W&P.
Maybe I would think different if I read it now, but they couldn’t pay me enough to read this book again. Sorry!
I don’t want to bash Tolstoy. He was extremely talented writer. No doubt!
But my younger version didn’t connect to his books. I remember asking my mom (after I finished Anna Karenina) why Tolstoy hated women so much…
Enough about my dark times as a pubescent teenager *lol*
This book is brilliantly written!
You may learn some interesting facts about Russian Literature, if you are interested.
I didn’t like the romance, but it’s me…
OMG, I can’t get enough…
Pushkin on the title
Tolstoy in the title
None of them needed to be kissed!!! ;-)
The book is brilliantly written, well, Penny Reid is known for her intelligent writing. She did it again!
I happened to know a bit about Russian literature and I didn’t find any inaccuracies, so the author knows the topic well. Amazing!
As to the romantic side of the story – not quite my kind of a romance. I didn’t like MCs much, they frustrated me a lot.
The heroine came across as immature, though she had a little backbone.
The hero was a bit too… too… too poetic for my taste.
Read Kiki’s review, the girl has a point.
But also Book-Bosomed blog wrote an an excellent review.
I stand somewhere in the middle...
In my rebellion phase as teenage I was obsessed with books, well, I was always a bookworm *lol*
I read a lot of Russian literature in my puberty.
Almost all books mentioned in this story were read and reread by young Alex. Dostoyevsky was my favorite.
Fyodor & Alex just bonded *lol*. I reread 'Crime & Punishment' about 4 times. I liked the idea of Penny’s heroine about Halloween costume as Rodion Raskolnikov, I may try it next year *lol*
Before you fall asleep reading my review, I only say, that the lines of this hero about my less favorite book ever ‘War and Peace’ by Tostoy made me almost cry, because…. he spoke to my soul… he told exactly what me as 15-year-old girl thought…
“It’s Tolstoy’s naturalist reflection on inequality and the inevitable disappointment of life. It’s about the stark pragmatism required to navigate a reality ripe with injustice. It’s about settling. War and Peace is brilliant because of the very fact that it’s an anti-romance.”
And this one, this one is my absolutely favorite quote, best words ever, teenage me is crying with excitement…
"Natasha is a faithless twit and Pierre is vapid and brainless."
Yes! Yes! 1000 times YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny, thank you so much!!!
I don’t completely agree with the ending of this quote: "She (Natasha) didn’t belong with Pierre, she belonged with Andrei, but she was blind and selfish and she ruined him." I didn’t like any character in W&P.
Maybe I would think different if I read it now, but they couldn’t pay me enough to read this book again. Sorry!
I don’t want to bash Tolstoy. He was extremely talented writer. No doubt!
But my younger version didn’t connect to his books. I remember asking my mom (after I finished Anna Karenina) why Tolstoy hated women so much…
Enough about my dark times as a pubescent teenager *lol*
This book is brilliantly written!
You may learn some interesting facts about Russian Literature, if you are interested.
I didn’t like the romance, but it’s me…
OMG, I can’t get enough…
"Natasha is a faithless twit and Pierre is vapid and brainless."
Pushkin on the title
Tolstoy in the title
None of them needed to be kissed!!! ;-)
November 13, 2017
*******reviewing ebook - Kissing Tolstoy*******
Also known as: Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants (or bowties)
I was speechless for a while after reading what was part 13 in the newsletter.
I couldn’t believe my eyes and from that point this book already became a 5 star read for me.
I loved that part so much, that I was contemplating writing an email to Penny Reid and cyberstalking her and gush about how much I love her and serenade her or something.
Instead I read that part about 50 more times!
Oh!There’s definitely pet peeves.
However one part of this book was more than sufficient for it to earn the five star rating.
This has a somewhat taboo relationship between a student and a professor.
But what surprised me the most was this hero here was an actual adult.
Not a commitment phobe manchild or a guy with jaded view on women.
A completely responsible respectful adult who doesn’t let his dick take over his brain.
Did he come across as rude and a jerk? Yes.
However he had excellent reasons for that.
He has done everything he should have done.
Anna was Luca’s student.
Which meant they needed boundaries.
And as he was the one holding power here he was the one who had to respect that. His instinct was to protect her, and that’s the path he chose first.
And my respect for Penny Reid has increased so much after this book!
Pet peeves:
However given the fact that Anna is part adult part childish quirky human being, it sort of made sense and I was absolutely blown over by the aftermath of that stupidity that I no longer care.
Part I loved most:
The book may have its faults.
However the book has one solid hero who respects the heroine and counts her as his equal.
It’s the overall feeling of the book which gained my 5 star!
****safety:
Also known as: Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants (or bowties)
I was speechless for a while after reading what was part 13 in the newsletter.
I couldn’t believe my eyes and from that point this book already became a 5 star read for me.
I loved that part so much, that I was contemplating writing an email to Penny Reid and cyberstalking her and gush about how much I love her and serenade her or something.
Instead I read that part about 50 more times!
Oh!There’s definitely pet peeves.
However one part of this book was more than sufficient for it to earn the five star rating.
This has a somewhat taboo relationship between a student and a professor.
But what surprised me the most was this hero here was an actual adult.
Not a commitment phobe manchild or a guy with jaded view on women.
A completely responsible respectful adult who doesn’t let his dick take over his brain.
Did he come across as rude and a jerk? Yes.
However he had excellent reasons for that.
He has done everything he should have done.
Anna was Luca’s student.
Which meant they needed boundaries.
And as he was the one holding power here he was the one who had to respect that. His instinct was to protect her, and that’s the path he chose first.
And my respect for Penny Reid has increased so much after this book!
Pet peeves:
However given the fact that Anna is part adult part childish quirky human being, it sort of made sense and I was absolutely blown over by the aftermath of that stupidity that I no longer care.
Part I loved most:
The book may have its faults.
However the book has one solid hero who respects the heroine and counts her as his equal.
It’s the overall feeling of the book which gained my 5 star!
****safety:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Kissing Tolstoy was a cute, short read. I really liked these characters together and the added bonus of a forbidden professor-student relationship only made me like it even more. The best thing about this was that Anna and Luca didn't fall into a relationship easily. There was a lot of back and forth between them and they challenged each other. I really liked getting to watch them together and I'm actually sad that this book had to end because I could read about them for ages.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Kissing Tolstoy was a cute, short read. I really liked these characters together and the added bonus of a forbidden professor-student relationship only made me like it even more. The best thing about this was that Anna and Luca didn't fall into a relationship easily. There was a lot of back and forth between them and they challenged each other. I really liked getting to watch them together and I'm actually sad that this book had to end because I could read about them for ages.
November 14, 2017
4.5 STARS
Loved this. My only objection was that it was too short. Loved the characters and their witty banter. Loved all the philosophical musings of life, love and tragedy. For being such a short book, I sure did my share of highlighting. So the ending came abruptly, and left me wanting much more from the characters and the story.
Be prepared to add some Russian lit books to your TBR list. And just for the record, a real life Luca Kroft might just ruin me for all other men.
Oh and just a little bonus, PR is donating her first month's profits for book sales to hurricane relief. A good reason to purchase sooner rather that later. Definitely worth the expense. :)
Loved this. My only objection was that it was too short. Loved the characters and their witty banter. Loved all the philosophical musings of life, love and tragedy. For being such a short book, I sure did my share of highlighting. So the ending came abruptly, and left me wanting much more from the characters and the story.
"You infect me, body and soul, with primitive thoughts of claiming and conquering. I do not know who I am when I touch you. I am no longer civilized, I am blood and heat and lust. I barely recognize myself."
Be prepared to add some Russian lit books to your TBR list. And just for the record, a real life Luca Kroft might just ruin me for all other men.
Oh and just a little bonus, PR is donating her first month's profits for book sales to hurricane relief. A good reason to purchase sooner rather that later. Definitely worth the expense. :)
April 20, 2017
Updated 04.20.2017
Do you LOVE getting one of your favorite author's newsletter? I do because each month we get a new chapter in this story!!
This short story has evolved into a serial written by Penny Reid and only available to her newsletter subscribers.
Do you LOVE getting one of your favorite author's newsletter? I do because each month we get a new chapter in this story!!
This short story has evolved into a serial written by Penny Reid and only available to her newsletter subscribers.
“These are truths universally acknowledged. Men who ride motorcycles, who wear leather like a second skin, and look hot doing it don’t date ladies who idolize Tolstoy. Tuesday night is trivia night for me, unless I have a new jigsaw puzzle I’m excited about or I’m in my tragic love story reading cave.”
January 14, 2019
Those of you who love teacher/student romances - grab this!
Penny Reid is a queen of quirky and unique heroines... probably one of the things I love about her books the most. A fun, enjoyable read. Recommend!
Penny Reid is a queen of quirky and unique heroines... probably one of the things I love about her books the most. A fun, enjoyable read. Recommend!
January 9, 2021
Edit: Ne može da ostane na dve zvezdice knjiga gde glavna likuša (da, likuša) za sebe kaže da je uvrnuta i čudna jer voli da čita, voli slagalice i pab kvizove, ALI i takvi uvnrnuti i čudni ljudi imaju seks. Sa ljudima. Zamislite, i štreberi imaju seks.
Ima mnogo boljih knjiga ovog žanra (bar se nadam, pošto ih ne čitam toliko), a ova pokušava da dobije neku nepostojeću dubinu na račun ruske književnosti.
Vulkan povećao font sa 8 na 16 kako bi nakupio strane i opravdao cenu.
Ima mnogo boljih knjiga ovog žanra (bar se nadam, pošto ih ne čitam toliko), a ova pokušava da dobije neku nepostojeću dubinu na račun ruske književnosti.
Vulkan povećao font sa 8 na 16 kako bi nakupio strane i opravdao cenu.
November 12, 2017
The motorcycle man has a brain
I am so glad Penny Reid decided to raise money for a good cause. See, I’m not a fan of reading snippets or excerpts. Crazy, I know, but I don’t want to get sucked in without instant satisfaction. A snippet ends too soon. An excerpt doesn’t leave me satisfied. What if I got to the end and I’m desperate for more…and I have to WAIT. That waiting could be, like 5 minutes (search, buy and download) or it could be days (it’s not released) it could even be weeks (first chapter of an author's “idea”). THE HORROR!!
Every time Penny Reid sent her newsletter, I would see her tease for the next instalment of a book. I was tempted, lordy how I was tempted, but I knew it would leave me unsatisfied. Lucky, I’m a patient girl. My dreams and wishes were granted and I finally found out why she thought Nobody looks good in leather pants.
Full disclosure…I love leather pants. Sure, you have to get the right ones and it depends on who’s wearing them, but I love putting together outfits with leather pants as the base. Seems, I’m not the only one. Our heroine got a wee bit turned on when her blind date walked in wearing his. Our hero was mesmerized by the sexy woman in leather pants who emailed him. Leather pants can look good, especially on someone you’re attracted to.
I really enjoyed Kissing Tolstoy. What I loved the most, was the reinforcement that there’s someone out there for everyone. I found the conversations between Anna and Luca so over the top of my head that it was laughable. In some ways, it made their conversations more enjoyable to me. See, I loved that they had that. I wouldn’t imagine there would be too many people out there who could love and appreciate Tolstoy’s work like Luca and Anna did. What better way to enjoy and observe someone else’s love story, than seeing them connect in a way that others won’t understand. It’s the private jokes, secret signals and hidden messages between couples that show they really understand each other. I loved seeing the obvious connection, and for a change, it was outside the bedroom.
This was not a smooth flowing love story. It definitely comes good, but there are a few obstacles that must be conquered before Anna and Luca can be together. We are treated to some heated scenes that show their attraction is not just with each other’s brains. There are also times we’re exposed to their doubts, insecurities and inner-conflicts, which we see them deal with in their own ways. I was satisfied and confident that this couple were good for each other and could go the distance.
Kissing Tolstoy is a fairly short story and one that I found very satisfying. I cannot wait for more in the series, and I’m hoping that they will be released as a full story in the future.
I am so glad Penny Reid decided to raise money for a good cause. See, I’m not a fan of reading snippets or excerpts. Crazy, I know, but I don’t want to get sucked in without instant satisfaction. A snippet ends too soon. An excerpt doesn’t leave me satisfied. What if I got to the end and I’m desperate for more…and I have to WAIT. That waiting could be, like 5 minutes (search, buy and download) or it could be days (it’s not released) it could even be weeks (first chapter of an author's “idea”). THE HORROR!!
Every time Penny Reid sent her newsletter, I would see her tease for the next instalment of a book. I was tempted, lordy how I was tempted, but I knew it would leave me unsatisfied. Lucky, I’m a patient girl. My dreams and wishes were granted and I finally found out why she thought Nobody looks good in leather pants.
Full disclosure…I love leather pants. Sure, you have to get the right ones and it depends on who’s wearing them, but I love putting together outfits with leather pants as the base. Seems, I’m not the only one. Our heroine got a wee bit turned on when her blind date walked in wearing his. Our hero was mesmerized by the sexy woman in leather pants who emailed him. Leather pants can look good, especially on someone you’re attracted to.
I really enjoyed Kissing Tolstoy. What I loved the most, was the reinforcement that there’s someone out there for everyone. I found the conversations between Anna and Luca so over the top of my head that it was laughable. In some ways, it made their conversations more enjoyable to me. See, I loved that they had that. I wouldn’t imagine there would be too many people out there who could love and appreciate Tolstoy’s work like Luca and Anna did. What better way to enjoy and observe someone else’s love story, than seeing them connect in a way that others won’t understand. It’s the private jokes, secret signals and hidden messages between couples that show they really understand each other. I loved seeing the obvious connection, and for a change, it was outside the bedroom.
This was not a smooth flowing love story. It definitely comes good, but there are a few obstacles that must be conquered before Anna and Luca can be together. We are treated to some heated scenes that show their attraction is not just with each other’s brains. There are also times we’re exposed to their doubts, insecurities and inner-conflicts, which we see them deal with in their own ways. I was satisfied and confident that this couple were good for each other and could go the distance.
Kissing Tolstoy is a fairly short story and one that I found very satisfying. I cannot wait for more in the series, and I’m hoping that they will be released as a full story in the future.
Read
July 13, 2018The Kissing Tolstoy audiobook is LIVE and so is PART ONE of Nobody Looks Good Naked, book #2 in the Dear Professor series!
All Purchase Links
Read Part One of Nobody Looks Good Naked
**LINKS**
Amazon:http://amzn.to/2yIoKXC
iBooks: http://apple.co/2zsjrZP
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kissing-tolstoy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2zqqWSV
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2zHqPU8
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2zsrp7j
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2zH1gT6
Merged review:
Read part one of the next free newsletter serial Nobody Looks Good Naked!
January 3, 2016
Probably one of the best short stories I've ever read.
Penny Reid is a freaking genius.I love her writing,her characters,her humor-everything she writes,even if it's as short as this story,is just fantastic and extremely fun.I wish that she would write more of this story,I NEED TO KNOW WHAT "I" STANDS FOR!
Oh,and you can read this beast on Nocturnal Book Reviews Blogspot.
Penny Reid is a freaking genius.I love her writing,her characters,her humor-everything she writes,even if it's as short as this story,is just fantastic and extremely fun.I wish that she would write more of this story,I NEED TO KNOW WHAT "I" STANDS FOR!
Oh,and you can read this beast on Nocturnal Book Reviews Blogspot.
September 17, 2019
The hottest part of this book was Luca. He was the gorgeous professor that had to deal with his students (and me) falling in love with him. He was incredibly cerebral and it was impossible not to squirm at the way his brain worked or for how passionately he would debate his argument. Don't you just love when a man's intelligence, and not just his utter beauty, is what really turns you on? While I found his aloof manner and awkwardness absolutely adorable, when it came to Anna... not so much. She drove me nuts and upset me SO MUCH, but I think that was the point. At least I hope it was. As a geek/nerd girl, I love seeing myself represented in books, but I found it hard to relate to Anna. She was immature and acted like a brat and I'm tired of using age as an excuse. I think it was a matter of book smarts vs. street smarts and she severely lacked the latter. Navigating social relationships and conversations didn't seem to be her forte no matter how many times she found it necessary to tell me, the reader, that she was quite proficient. Nope. She wasn't. But I loved this girl's big brain.
Kissing Tolstoy was a sweet and charming student/teacher romance that made me fall deeply in love with Dr. Luca. He was perfection! I'll take him with leather pants or bowties or button-down shirts or t-shirts or a brown paper bag. I'll take him however I can get him!!
Kissing Tolstoy was a sweet and charming student/teacher romance that made me fall deeply in love with Dr. Luca. He was perfection! I'll take him with leather pants or bowties or button-down shirts or t-shirts or a brown paper bag. I'll take him however I can get him!!
December 11, 2017
Penny Reid has this book on sale at Amazon for $2.99 to benefit hurricane relief. Great cause, great author, great book!
Anna meets a man on a blind date. She tells him he can recognize her by her leather pants. He shows up on a motorcycle dressed all in leather. Then she finds out a mistake was made and he is not the friend of her friend. Embarrassment ensues, she dodges the date. Then finds out he is her new professor in Russian Literature. 💕
Gotta tell ya, I wasn’t a huge fan of Russian Literature. All the unhappy endings. Ugh! But after reading Penny Reid’s beautiful book with insights I had never looked at, I’m ready to give more of it a try.
Penny Reid writes romances that have unabashed nerds. They are smart, hopeful, and self confident. I adore her books!!!😊💕📖
Merged review:
December brought the last installment of this book in Penny Reid’s newsletter. I didn’t want it to end, of course. I became so invested in the characters that it was hard to say goodbye. But, luckily I bought Kissing Tolstoy, which is the same story with some additions. Yay! 😘
Anna meets a man on a blind date. She tells him he can recognize her by her leather pants. He shows up on a motorcycle dressed all in leather. Then she finds out a mistake was made and he is not the friend of her friend. Embarrassment ensues, she dodges the date. Then finds out he is her new professor in Russian Literature. 💕
Gotta tell ya, I wasn’t a huge fan of Russian Literature. All the unhappy endings. Ugh! But after reading Penny Reid’s beautiful book with insights I had never looked at, I’m ready to give more of it a try.
Penny Reid writes romances that have unabashed nerds. They are smart, hopeful, and self confident. I adore her books!!!😊💕📖
Merged review:
December brought the last installment of this book in Penny Reid’s newsletter. I didn’t want it to end, of course. I became so invested in the characters that it was hard to say goodbye. But, luckily I bought Kissing Tolstoy, which is the same story with some additions. Yay! 😘
November 14, 2017
My favorite type of romance novel is the forbidden kind, especially student/teacher. I was so excited to see my very favorite author was writing a book with this theme and it was even more than I was expecting. Romantic, well written, and characters with unique personalities - I loved everything about this story! The characters were really fantastic! The way they met was funny and the chemistry between them from that very first meeting was amazing! My only complaint is that I wish this was a bit longer because I would've loved more time with these wonderful characters.
As a side note, I just want to say how amazing it is that this author donated all the proceeds from Novembers sales to hurricane relief.
As a side note, I just want to say how amazing it is that this author donated all the proceeds from Novembers sales to hurricane relief.
June 12, 2021
Love, Love, Love this book! I picked this one up on a whim and decided to start it right away because who doesn’t love fun, fluffy romance right?
This book was so fun, and funny, and sexy, and just plain wonderful. I’ve read a couple of other Penny Reid books and liked them, but this one just blew those out of the water for me. This has exactly everything I love when I’m reading Contemporary Romance. The heroine is relatable and hilarious and the hero is sweet and sexy.
The banter between these two was wonderfully done… and that’s saying a lot because most of the banter is about Tolstoy and Russian Literature. AND I STILL LOVED IT! At times I found myself laughing out loud while reading and that’s rare!
Those of you who are wary of this because it hints at a teacher/student thing … I get it, I have major hang-ups over that too, but this works that issue out really quickly and in a believable and no drama way.
If you like fun, quirky, romance I can’t suggest this one more – I’m hoping to see more in this series very soon!
This book was so fun, and funny, and sexy, and just plain wonderful. I’ve read a couple of other Penny Reid books and liked them, but this one just blew those out of the water for me. This has exactly everything I love when I’m reading Contemporary Romance. The heroine is relatable and hilarious and the hero is sweet and sexy.
The banter between these two was wonderfully done… and that’s saying a lot because most of the banter is about Tolstoy and Russian Literature. AND I STILL LOVED IT! At times I found myself laughing out loud while reading and that’s rare!
Those of you who are wary of this because it hints at a teacher/student thing … I get it, I have major hang-ups over that too, but this works that issue out really quickly and in a believable and no drama way.
If you like fun, quirky, romance I can’t suggest this one more – I’m hoping to see more in this series very soon!
March 19, 2015
4 Stars! Fabulous Freebie Short!!
Weeeeellll...that all depends on who's wearing the leather pants! Goodness gracious, I hope the author takes the leather pants and runs with them...I want more!
Adorable! My first Penny Reid and just from this short I can see why so many readers find her stories appealing. Thanks for free read Penny Reid, now I'm off to buy one of your books, we need to keep you in money so you can keep writing!
March 16, 2015
This is a free read written by Penny as part of Nocturnal Book Review blogoversary celebration!
Dear Ms. Penny Reid,
I myself would like to know what the "I" in Mary I. Harris stands for.
So if you could write more...that would be great. :D
Geri
Dear Ms. Penny Reid,
I myself would like to know what the "I" in Mary I. Harris stands for.
So if you could write more...that would be great. :D
Geri
May 4, 2020
3.5 Stars.
I read Kissing Galileo (The second book in this series) before I read this one. And that is definitely a better book all around, doesn't mean that this isn't super cute. I listened to this audiobook while doing my chores, and it was exactly what I needed - quick, fun, interesting, sweet, and a little bit forbidden.
Luca Kroft was the perfect sexy, smart, brooding, leather-pants-wearing, motorcycle-riding, hero. Anna was also interesting and had hilarious inner monologue. However, because this is very short it ends up not being too memorable, there's not a ton of development and in the end I was like: Huh, ok. Fun! Moving on...
But, alas, that's exactly what I want from my audiobooks from time to time, just something easygoing to keep my mind occupied for a few hours.
I read Kissing Galileo (The second book in this series) before I read this one. And that is definitely a better book all around, doesn't mean that this isn't super cute. I listened to this audiobook while doing my chores, and it was exactly what I needed - quick, fun, interesting, sweet, and a little bit forbidden.
Luca Kroft was the perfect sexy, smart, brooding, leather-pants-wearing, motorcycle-riding, hero. Anna was also interesting and had hilarious inner monologue. However, because this is very short it ends up not being too memorable, there's not a ton of development and in the end I was like: Huh, ok. Fun! Moving on...
But, alas, that's exactly what I want from my audiobooks from time to time, just something easygoing to keep my mind occupied for a few hours.
March 13, 2018
This was a short and sweet novel about forbidden romance where a college senior falls for a guy she’s set up with on a blind date by one of her friends, and then later he turns out to be one of her professors. I liked Anna’s independence and thought the chemistry in this one was steamy. Great for classic literature lovers!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
November 2, 2025
3,5⭐️ 💕🍷
- "Budi puna samopouzdanja. Budi jaka. Budi slaba i nesigurna. Samo mudi moja. I budi sa mnom. Veruj da si baš na pravom mestu, jer si ti deo slagalice koji nedostaje u mom zivotu i u mom srcu."
- "Izgovaraš najlepše reči, iako ništa ne znaš matematiku."💋
- "Budi puna samopouzdanja. Budi jaka. Budi slaba i nesigurna. Samo mudi moja. I budi sa mnom. Veruj da si baš na pravom mestu, jer si ti deo slagalice koji nedostaje u mom zivotu i u mom srcu."
- "Izgovaraš najlepše reči, iako ništa ne znaš matematiku."💋
November 13, 2017
How does she do it? Put you through a wringer of emotional highs and lows?
I'v never been so jealous of any character as I am of Annabecause she has someone like Luca in her life, dammit!
I'v never been so jealous of any character as I am of Anna
November 20, 2017
Spot on! Brilliant! Love it! Incredible! Smart! Witty! Delicious!
Believe me, I could go ON and ON and ON about Penny Reid’s writing! She’s absolutely magnificent in EVERYTHING she does and KISSING TOLSTOY is just another example of her brilliance!
Kissing Tolstoy kicks of a brand new series titled ‘Dear Professor’. If you are a subscriber to Ms. Reid’s newsletter (which you absolutely SHOULD BE) then you will recognize some of this because a shorter version of this story that was titled ‘Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants’ was available via that newsletter over the past year! Now we get KISSING TOLSTOY which is a beautiful BEEFED-UP version of this contemporary forbidden romance and I absolutely LOVED IT!
With a hero that will no doubt frustrate the HELL out of you and a heroine that doesn’t necessarily do the things you expect her to do - KISSING TOLSTOY was an absolute MARVEL ROMANCE! I devoured it page by page, not missing a single beat. Even though this was a fairly short read, it packed no less of a punch in the romance department! These characters, their chemistry, the forbidden element; combined with Reid’s brand of witty comedic romance; it was a PURE DELIGHT to devour!
Believe me, I could go ON and ON and ON about Penny Reid’s writing! She’s absolutely magnificent in EVERYTHING she does and KISSING TOLSTOY is just another example of her brilliance!
Kissing Tolstoy kicks of a brand new series titled ‘Dear Professor’. If you are a subscriber to Ms. Reid’s newsletter (which you absolutely SHOULD BE) then you will recognize some of this because a shorter version of this story that was titled ‘Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants’ was available via that newsletter over the past year! Now we get KISSING TOLSTOY which is a beautiful BEEFED-UP version of this contemporary forbidden romance and I absolutely LOVED IT!
With a hero that will no doubt frustrate the HELL out of you and a heroine that doesn’t necessarily do the things you expect her to do - KISSING TOLSTOY was an absolute MARVEL ROMANCE! I devoured it page by page, not missing a single beat. Even though this was a fairly short read, it packed no less of a punch in the romance department! These characters, their chemistry, the forbidden element; combined with Reid’s brand of witty comedic romance; it was a PURE DELIGHT to devour!
January 22, 2018
4 " i almost read 'war & peace' coz of this book" stars
And i hate tragedies and historical fiction with everithing in me!
There is a reason i read so much romantic hea fiction books😅
So, that's something.
Now back to the book-
First of all kudos to the author, who always makes brilliant efforts and research for her books and knowing she's a science person m not suprised but seriously i always learn something new from her books.
So, now on the story. I already love a good teacher- student romance and this book reminded why i do so..
The characters were full of life and awesomness..
I loved H 🔥 he was totally my type and i mean in real life 😍 and i totally swooned over him when his sister mentioned that whenever he falls, he falls hard💋
I adored h and her drunk ass emails😂
The whole book left me wanting more with its abrupt ending😐 i mean they just got together nd baam 💥epilogue.
Otherwise good read and second books sneak peek left me panting!
And i hate tragedies and historical fiction with everithing in me!
There is a reason i read so much romantic hea fiction books😅
So, that's something.
Now back to the book-
First of all kudos to the author, who always makes brilliant efforts and research for her books and knowing she's a science person m not suprised but seriously i always learn something new from her books.
So, now on the story. I already love a good teacher- student romance and this book reminded why i do so..
The characters were full of life and awesomness..
I loved H 🔥 he was totally my type and i mean in real life 😍 and i totally swooned over him when his sister mentioned that whenever he falls, he falls hard💋
I adored h and her drunk ass emails😂
The whole book left me wanting more with its abrupt ending😐 i mean they just got together nd baam 💥epilogue.
Otherwise good read and second books sneak peek left me panting!
November 15, 2017
6+++++ “Andrei and Natasha” stars
Lord help me this book was like crack.
“You infect me, body and soul, with primitive thoughts of claiming and conquering. I do not know who I am when I touch you. I am no longer civilized, I am blood and heat and lust. I barely recognize myself.”
I’ve only ever felt this happy reading one other book and that’s The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
GUYS. READ.THIS.RIGHT.NOW
Honestly
My cheeks hurt from grinning; I’ve highlighted so much Luca just made by list of best book boyfriends.
This book is about Anna, a quirky, nerdy girl who mistakenly emails the wrong person to ask him out on a date……the guy shows up they have a great time but she bolts! Before the date is over after he comes clean and tells her that she emailed the wrong person, but he was so charmed by her email he decided to show up anyways.
The guys name is Luca Kroft and he’s sexy leather wearing big, broad, Russian Lit professor….HER Russian lit professor. And she had no idea until she shows up to her much anticipated class and it’s the guy she bailed on from her date!
This was just so much fun so much gush!
“Men who ride motorcycles and wear leather like a second skin, and look hot doing it, they don’t date ladies who idolize Tolstoy. Tuesday night is trivia night for me, unless I have a new jigsaw puzzle I’m excited about or I’m in my tragic novel reading cave.”
Anna is so endearing! She loves puzzles, trivia night, tragic romance novels and Russian literature. She’s so incredibly down to earth and sweet and very opinionated! She’s also Bi- Racial. Ughghgh I love her. I loved absolutely everything about her. Penny Reid does such a fantastic job making a heroine that I’m always a bit taken aback when I read her books. They’re always so distinctly quirky. Thank god for that because I’m beyond tired of nice blonde heroines.
“She smells like wildflowers and quiet libraries, redolent of peace and excuberance.”
Ok Lets talk about Professor Luca Kroft. Aka F**** me Papi *pretend that’s in Russian* have you ever met a guy and just known right away that you wanna sit on their face…yea that’s how I feel about Luca. He made me tingly…everything that came out of his mouth made me melt and him and Anna are my O fucking T P. They are literally made for each other. He’s big blonde and blue eyed and just a manly nerd..I don’t know how to explain it. He’s so witty and passionate, he’s all heart and soul and he just doesn’t know what to do when Anna’s equal wit and passion fall into his life…I ate it up.
Alright, I’m just babbling because I just finished this book and I feel so lost. This book was my missing puzzle piece and now I have to go read Russian Literature and cry over my precious babies.
For more reviews check out my blog: Bookish Paloma
November 14, 2017
"I suspect we will be the life of each other."
Oh Reid. You are just so delightful. You with your silly but intelligent and insightful ladies. You also with your broody and intensely sexy men as ever helpless to resist said ladies. I could've read so much more of this even though, as usual, more than half of it was too smart for me.
My ex was the John Willoughby to my Marianne Dashwood, if John Willoughby had quoted Pokemon and anime instead of Shakespearean sonnets.
If you haven't already picked this one up, do. Not just because it's Reid and she's a hoot. But because, for the month of November, all proceeds go to hurricane relief. Funny, sexy, swoons and something that not only makes you feel good but also helps you do good? How does one even say no?
4 "contrary to depictions on TV, nerds do it. a lot. with other humans" stars
Oh Reid. You are just so delightful. You with your silly but intelligent and insightful ladies. You also with your broody and intensely sexy men as ever helpless to resist said ladies. I could've read so much more of this even though, as usual, more than half of it was too smart for me.
My ex was the John Willoughby to my Marianne Dashwood, if John Willoughby had quoted Pokemon and anime instead of Shakespearean sonnets.
If you haven't already picked this one up, do. Not just because it's Reid and she's a hoot. But because, for the month of November, all proceeds go to hurricane relief. Funny, sexy, swoons and something that not only makes you feel good but also helps you do good? How does one even say no?
4 "contrary to depictions on TV, nerds do it. a lot. with other humans" stars
December 8, 2017
I so enjoy Penny Reid's writing. I love her originality, wit and creativity. Her characters are always fun and endearing. Anna was sweet and open hearted and Luca was rather commanding. But of course he was handsome and sexy too.
Such a fun story to read. Loved the dual epilogues we got too. So sweet.
I'm looking forward Nobody Looks Good Naked!
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