Book Review: Kissing Toads

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

In the quest for Prince Charming, Annie learns the most important love story is the one she writes for herself.

Kissing Toads is a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply relatable fictitious memoir that chronicles one woman’s journey as she navigates the choppy waters of romance, self-discovery, and empowerment in the late 20th century. 

With an engaging mix of humor, heartbreak, and nostalgia, Wilson crafts a love letter to women of a generation carving their own paths while grappling with societal expectations. With her ever-present best friend Sophie by her side, Annie (never Annabelle) ventures into the world of dating and self-realization.

The narrative begins in Annie’s high school years, where her first boyfriend, Oz, introduces her to Sophie. From that moment on, the two women are inseparable. Sophie becomes Annie’s rock and a constant presence through college misadventures and shared apartments. 

Wilson portrays the beauty of this enduring friendship, showing how Sophie’s unwavering support provides Annie the courage to face heartbreaks, toxic relationships, and the evolving demands of womanhood. Their friendship feels authentic, tender, and inspiring—a reminder of the importance of having someone who stands beside you, rain or shine.

Annie’s search for Prince Charming leads her to some unforgettable characters—some delightful, others downright infuriating. From the raucous laughter sparked by a “Quinton” to the gut-wrenching reality of dating a “Marshall,” women everywhere will recognize a version of their own romantic escapades in Annie’s. Through every misstep, Annie grows stronger and more independent, learning that her worth isn’t defined by her relationships but by her sense of self.

This novel captures the spirit of rebellion and progress in the eras of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This cultural context adds depth to Annie’s story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of a generation of women learning to navigate life on their own terms.

While the romance and heartbreak are central to the story, what truly elevates it is its exploration of the friendships and self-discovery that sustain us through life’s challenges. Sophie and Annie’s relationship is the heart of this story, providing a sense of safety and love that transcends the fleeting nature of romantic entanglements. Together, they laugh, cry, and grow, proving that true soulmates can come in the form of lifelong friends and that sometimes the most authentic love has been in front of us all along.

What sets Kissing Toads apart is its heartfelt sincerity. Though fictional, Annie’s voice resonates with such genuineness that it’s hard not to imagine her as someone you’ve laughed with over wine. Wilson writes with warmth and wit, making her readers feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether it’s Nancy in Oklahoma or Betty in Regina, this book wraps its arms around readers and nudges them to ponder their own adventures in life and love.

This is more than a romantic journey—it’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the messy, beautiful process of becoming yourself. Wilson invites readers to reflect on their own paths while laughing, crying, and cheering alongside Annie and Sophie. It reminds us that sometimes finding your Prince Charming isn’t the goal—it’s learning to love yourself, to laugh at the mistakes, and to keep leaping forward. True love, it turns out, really does conquer all—even when it starts with kissing a few toads. 

A must-read for romantics, rebels, and anyone who’s ever looked back and thought, “What a ride it’s been!”

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