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Cindy Eller #1
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad
Life isn't always sweet for magical baker, Cindy Eller. All her life she's been cursed-- every man she's ever kissed has turned into a toad. Love isn't likely to come her way.
If that weren't a big enough problem, her 'curse' has come to the attention of the Council of Magic and she may never be able to use her powers.
Enter the perfect man-- handsome, sweet, and loves food just as much as Cindy does. It would seem to be a match made in Heaven, or is it?
Cindy isn't the only one keeping secrets.
With toads, cupcakes, romance, magic and ice cream, life never has time to get dull!
If that weren't a big enough problem, her 'curse' has come to the attention of the Council of Magic and she may never be able to use her powers.
Enter the perfect man-- handsome, sweet, and loves food just as much as Cindy does. It would seem to be a match made in Heaven, or is it?
Cindy isn't the only one keeping secrets.
With toads, cupcakes, romance, magic and ice cream, life never has time to get dull!
315 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
299 people are currently reading
2044 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
April 27, 2013
So...
Well...
OK...
The hero is an Ice Cream Man. (Am I the only one who thinks Ice Cream men are creepy?)
He takes his girlfriend out on a date and drives like a lunatic. (Driving like a lunatic doesn't make you cool, it makes you an asshole)
He is also a thief.
How (not) to Kiss a Toad is very much a fairytale / bedtime story your mother might have told you when you were a little girl...if your mother was a pessimistic slightly depressed realist.
Well...
OK...
The hero is an Ice Cream Man. (Am I the only one who thinks Ice Cream men are creepy?)
He takes his girlfriend out on a date and drives like a lunatic. (Driving like a lunatic doesn't make you cool, it makes you an asshole)
He is also a thief.
How (not) to Kiss a Toad is very much a fairytale / bedtime story your mother might have told you when you were a little girl...if your mother was a pessimistic slightly depressed realist.
May 24, 2013
This book started out really cute and fun but by the end I was so annoyed with the heroine and the lead guy it was a wonder I didn't just put it down. The premise is cute, the main character Cindy Eller is a baker/witch who accidentally turns men into toads when she kisses them. Throughout the book the author is describing yummy cupcakes, icecream, and sweets and my foodie self got to eat vicariously through the characters. But then the leading man, was introduced. He drives like a maniac for no apparent reason, this has nothing to do with the plot and I was extremely confused. Is driving like a psycho supposed to be a turn on? The willingness of Cindy to give up on her dreams or change her dreams to appease this guy disgusted me. He didn't seem to have any redeeming qualities, and I just couldn't understand how she could repeatedly forgive him for lying, stealing, crushing her dreams, and walking out on her. All I can say is it's a good thing Cindy's got good friends because her boyfriend is terrible.
October 13, 2014
I read this one along with several other paranormal romances strung together. As I have said before, I am not a huge fan of PNR – I do too much eye-rolling. However, they can always (usually) be counted on for a happily ever after and sometimes you just need a good HEA. When I picked this one up, I also needed a good laugh. This also served that purpose.
Make no bones about it, this is a piece of light-hearted fluff. It doesn’t pretend to be anything beyond that. Cindy bakes. She bakes cupcakes. And she comes up with enough intriguing flavors that not only did I gain 5 pounds whilst reading, I also started thinking about how to duplicate some of these things. (This could be considered very dangerous . . . ) It seems Cindy has just a touch of magic that manages to imbue everything she bakes with an extra touch of deliciousness – ya know, kinda like Grandma used to do? She also happens to turn guys into toads. That is, guys she kisses. And, even though in about 24 hours, they generally revert to their normal selves, latest guy is not changing back . . . Oops.
This story is all romance – and since it has magic – it lands in the paranormal romance category. There is little adventure, no suspense, and the mystery is . . . um . . . technically THERE, but not very mysterious. It is fairly clear from the beginning what is going to happen and why.
All that being said – this is a fun story. It is not going to win any awards for excruciating plot points, but it is fun. It doesn’t pretend to be more than fun. It is short and sweet (VERY sweet), the characters are endearing and it left me with a smile on my face. What more could you ask?
I would probably give this one 3.5 stars – which I will round up to 4 simply because it made me happy. At a time when I needed a laugh, it gave me a few.
Make no bones about it, this is a piece of light-hearted fluff. It doesn’t pretend to be anything beyond that. Cindy bakes. She bakes cupcakes. And she comes up with enough intriguing flavors that not only did I gain 5 pounds whilst reading, I also started thinking about how to duplicate some of these things. (This could be considered very dangerous . . . ) It seems Cindy has just a touch of magic that manages to imbue everything she bakes with an extra touch of deliciousness – ya know, kinda like Grandma used to do? She also happens to turn guys into toads. That is, guys she kisses. And, even though in about 24 hours, they generally revert to their normal selves, latest guy is not changing back . . . Oops.
This story is all romance – and since it has magic – it lands in the paranormal romance category. There is little adventure, no suspense, and the mystery is . . . um . . . technically THERE, but not very mysterious. It is fairly clear from the beginning what is going to happen and why.
All that being said – this is a fun story. It is not going to win any awards for excruciating plot points, but it is fun. It doesn’t pretend to be more than fun. It is short and sweet (VERY sweet), the characters are endearing and it left me with a smile on my face. What more could you ask?
I would probably give this one 3.5 stars – which I will round up to 4 simply because it made me happy. At a time when I needed a laugh, it gave me a few.
November 9, 2016
HOW (NOT) TO KISS A TOAD is a wonderful example of a fluffy paranormal romance, and was just what I was looking for. Cindy is a witch, although her mother prefers the term Magical Being. While her sisters all did well with their magical studies, Cindy flunked out big time – and the only magic she’s aware of is when she kisses a man he turns into a toad – and the uglier his inner personality the uglier the toad. She firmly believes when Mr Right comes along he won’t turn, but so far she has been out of luck. The book opens with her bringing home a particularly repulsive toad called Nathan, but unlike the other toads before him he doesn’t revert back to human a short time later - he just sits around and annoys her with his toad slime....
To see more of my review click here
To see more of my review click here
no-thank-you
September 28, 2016
December 31, 2012
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was not sure what to expect when I first got this book in my email. I assumed that it was a romance and that it had something to do with finding Mr. Right. I was right and wrong in so many ways. In fact when I began reading and realized it was a witchy book I squee-ed with delight. I love paranormal books and was extremely happy before I could even get through the first chapter. Now I would have known what kind of book it was if I had seen the lovely book cover.
I found the characters believable and pleasant. I kind of felt bad for the guy who became the super toad. I always did go for the bad boys. I have decided that I really need some of these recipes and will be actively searching for some of them. I drooled over the cupcakes and the ice cream as well as the characters. During my reading I expected the typical love story and was thrown off balance by the twist that the author threw at me. I was still happy.
The book was very difficult to put down and kept me up all night long. This book earned 5 out of 5 apples for me and I will happily share it with others.
I was not sure what to expect when I first got this book in my email. I assumed that it was a romance and that it had something to do with finding Mr. Right. I was right and wrong in so many ways. In fact when I began reading and realized it was a witchy book I squee-ed with delight. I love paranormal books and was extremely happy before I could even get through the first chapter. Now I would have known what kind of book it was if I had seen the lovely book cover.
I found the characters believable and pleasant. I kind of felt bad for the guy who became the super toad. I always did go for the bad boys. I have decided that I really need some of these recipes and will be actively searching for some of them. I drooled over the cupcakes and the ice cream as well as the characters. During my reading I expected the typical love story and was thrown off balance by the twist that the author threw at me. I was still happy.
The book was very difficult to put down and kept me up all night long. This book earned 5 out of 5 apples for me and I will happily share it with others.
October 2, 2016
Parts of this just don't make sense to me. I'm sorry.
September 7, 2014
This book was actually rather cute! I got sucked into it almost immediately, and really could not put it down! Cindy was a hoot and I loved what her magic did to guys, though I really would have liked to know the reason why. Timothy was an utter jerk, but he was a likable jerk, and when it came down to it, Cindy stood up for herself. There were lots of parts of the plot that I wanted to know more about, and I am really interested to see where this all leads. One of the better witch stories I've read in a while!
September 18, 2017
Cindy Eller is a baker, a witch, and a girl with seriously bad luck when it comes to men. Every man she has kissed has turned into a toad. This non-sanctioned human transformation has the Magic Council watching her closely. If magic and man troubles weren't enough, she is in danger of losing her job at the bakery.
When Cindy meets Timothy, he seems to good to be true. She does her best not to kiss him. She is desperately afraid of what might happen to him. Is he as great as he seems? Will Cindy be able to keep her magic despite her history of toad transformations?
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad is book 1 of the Cindy Eller series. I will definitely read more of this series - Cindy and her escapades make for great light reading.
When Cindy meets Timothy, he seems to good to be true. She does her best not to kiss him. She is desperately afraid of what might happen to him. Is he as great as he seems? Will Cindy be able to keep her magic despite her history of toad transformations?
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad is book 1 of the Cindy Eller series. I will definitely read more of this series - Cindy and her escapades make for great light reading.
July 19, 2013
Cindy Eller is a magical being (her mom despises being called a witch) with an affinity to bake delectable, decadent treats with unusual ingredients. She has her dream job at a local bakery and rooms with 2 of her friends who know she's magical. Shortly after the story begins, however, she discovers that a new local ice cream maker (who makes excellent ice cream) seems to have all of the flavors of ice cream to match her tasted baked confections. She begins to fear that she's copying their recipes, which isn't a good idea.
The worst thing, however, is the fact that she's unable to prevent herself from turning each and every guy she kisses into toads. When she meets Timothy, a gorgeous new customer in the bakery, Cindy is hoping that she's finally met the one that will change her streak of bad toads....err, men.
What ensues is nothing short of chaos. Loss of employment for starters, then her ability to continue to do magic is threatened when it's found out that she's turning men into toads. In order to keep her magic from being stripped away, she must work with her newest step-dad in changing back the toads to their human self, and learn how to control magic.
Cindy is a pretty likable main character. She's as down to earth as a magic wielder can be and really wants to make it in the world of baking, even though her mother (who is also a fairy godmother) isn't at all impressed. She feels that Cindy can do much better than work in a bakery. Oh, and Cindy's two roommates are a riot. They are both there for Cindy (they are all there for one another) throughout everything that happens.
Timothy is a character I'm on the fence about. He may be good looking and charming but he lost a lot of brownie points with me during a turn in the novel where Cindy's world was falling apart. I'll stop there so as not to ruin anything. Just note that I think that Cindy can do better; either that or the author really needs to improve his character in the next book - which I can't wait to read regardless of how Timothy is written.
So much happens in this novel that you find yourself glued to the pages. I read this entire novel in one night after work....it helped that the hubby was off playing golf :) The writing style is fluid and the author does a great job keeping each thread straight but intertwined throughout the novel as necessary. There are typical misunderstandings, sweet romantic moments, and bitter realizations but no sex or over-the-top swearing or inappropriate passages.
Cute and fun - What's not to love?!
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Amazon Gifted Copy by Author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
The worst thing, however, is the fact that she's unable to prevent herself from turning each and every guy she kisses into toads. When she meets Timothy, a gorgeous new customer in the bakery, Cindy is hoping that she's finally met the one that will change her streak of bad toads....err, men.
What ensues is nothing short of chaos. Loss of employment for starters, then her ability to continue to do magic is threatened when it's found out that she's turning men into toads. In order to keep her magic from being stripped away, she must work with her newest step-dad in changing back the toads to their human self, and learn how to control magic.
Cindy is a pretty likable main character. She's as down to earth as a magic wielder can be and really wants to make it in the world of baking, even though her mother (who is also a fairy godmother) isn't at all impressed. She feels that Cindy can do much better than work in a bakery. Oh, and Cindy's two roommates are a riot. They are both there for Cindy (they are all there for one another) throughout everything that happens.
Timothy is a character I'm on the fence about. He may be good looking and charming but he lost a lot of brownie points with me during a turn in the novel where Cindy's world was falling apart. I'll stop there so as not to ruin anything. Just note that I think that Cindy can do better; either that or the author really needs to improve his character in the next book - which I can't wait to read regardless of how Timothy is written.
So much happens in this novel that you find yourself glued to the pages. I read this entire novel in one night after work....it helped that the hubby was off playing golf :) The writing style is fluid and the author does a great job keeping each thread straight but intertwined throughout the novel as necessary. There are typical misunderstandings, sweet romantic moments, and bitter realizations but no sex or over-the-top swearing or inappropriate passages.
Cute and fun - What's not to love?!
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Amazon Gifted Copy by Author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
I loved this series but stopped after book #6. Book #7 didn't hold my attention like the rest of them but from book 1-6 I read through them as fast as I could go.
These books are a sweet romance since Cindy is a virgin and as far as I have gotten in the series she has stayed one. The most she did with anyone was taking her dress off but she said that her undergarments were extremely modest. I think she was wearing a corset and full coverage underwear. But she stopped him before they did anymore. That was in book #6, I believe.
I honestly just loved the fact that she was a virgin and was waiting for marriage! I want to see that more in fiction.
I think the only problem I had with this series was the language since it was moderate but I think it was generally only used 5 times at most in a book. I prefer no language.
Content: clean romance (see above for details) moderate language
This review is my honest opinion. I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this/ read it on KU/ got it from the library.
These books are a sweet romance since Cindy is a virgin and as far as I have gotten in the series she has stayed one. The most she did with anyone was taking her dress off but she said that her undergarments were extremely modest. I think she was wearing a corset and full coverage underwear. But she stopped him before they did anymore. That was in book #6, I believe.
I honestly just loved the fact that she was a virgin and was waiting for marriage! I want to see that more in fiction.
I think the only problem I had with this series was the language since it was moderate but I think it was generally only used 5 times at most in a book. I prefer no language.
Content: clean romance (see above for details) moderate language
This review is my honest opinion. I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this/ read it on KU/ got it from the library.
January 31, 2016
I got the second in this series free and loved it so much I bought all the rest!! This is my guilty pleasure type of book, a magical story and it involved baking! It moved at a steady pace, not too rushed but not dragging either, from one form of bad luck for Cindy to another.
I loved Cindy and her family, especially her sisters. Her mother is fantastic, exactly the right sort of character to pick the names she did for her daughters (Cindy Eller, Golden Locke are two examples). Even the bad guys were well written and tricksy, I had a lot of fun trying to beat the book in guessing who was bad. And I generally failed.
There were typos throughout the series, it could probably do with a quick proof-read over, but they didn't particularly detract from the story and definitely had no effect on my enjoyment.
Definitely well worth a read, and I'm already on to the spin-off series Goldie Locke and the Were Bears.
★★★★☆ 4 stars
I loved Cindy and her family, especially her sisters. Her mother is fantastic, exactly the right sort of character to pick the names she did for her daughters (Cindy Eller, Golden Locke are two examples). Even the bad guys were well written and tricksy, I had a lot of fun trying to beat the book in guessing who was bad. And I generally failed.
There were typos throughout the series, it could probably do with a quick proof-read over, but they didn't particularly detract from the story and definitely had no effect on my enjoyment.
Definitely well worth a read, and I'm already on to the spin-off series Goldie Locke and the Were Bears.
★★★★☆ 4 stars
January 7, 2016
Warty Fun?
This series must be read in order. The first book is How (Not) to Play with Magic (A Cindy Eller Short Story Prequel) (Cindy Eller Snack). This is the second book.
I love this book! I was seriously disappointed when it was over lol. I do not know how Elizabeth does it but with every book she writes the world becomes more and more immersive and alive :) I admit freely that I am a Cindy Eller addict :) And i want to infect everyone else my addiction :) These books are fast paced and easy to read as Elizabeth's voice breathes life into her characters and their world. The only complaint I ever have is that I want MORE !!!! :)
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy modern fantasy with a fractured fairytale vibe and magical mayhem with a dash of romance :)
This series must be read in order. The first book is How (Not) to Play with Magic (A Cindy Eller Short Story Prequel) (Cindy Eller Snack). This is the second book.
I love this book! I was seriously disappointed when it was over lol. I do not know how Elizabeth does it but with every book she writes the world becomes more and more immersive and alive :) I admit freely that I am a Cindy Eller addict :) And i want to infect everyone else my addiction :) These books are fast paced and easy to read as Elizabeth's voice breathes life into her characters and their world. The only complaint I ever have is that I want MORE !!!! :)
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy modern fantasy with a fractured fairytale vibe and magical mayhem with a dash of romance :)
April 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this book about a Cindy who turns her boyfriends into toads when she kisses them. This time she ends up having two toads that won't turn back to their human bodies. It was enjoyable to read how she handles this and her other problems. This is a fast read because you don't want to stop reading until you find out what happens next. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters in the book and can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next. If you like a sweet story with romance, humor, and magical then you will love this book.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
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May 8, 2013A ditzy redhead lives with a cute blonde and supermodel-worthy brunette, eating ice cream, whilst vowing to give up men forever, because she's had some crap dates. oh yeah she's also a witch, but that doesn't seem to play a major role here.
I just didn't get into this at all - the heroine doesn't have any real personality, to capture my attention. It's not a especially bad book, but it's just a load of overused tropes, strung together to make a story.
It took me three days to make it through the first few chapters, so I just gave up in the end and abandoned it.
I just didn't get into this at all - the heroine doesn't have any real personality, to capture my attention. It's not a especially bad book, but it's just a load of overused tropes, strung together to make a story.
It took me three days to make it through the first few chapters, so I just gave up in the end and abandoned it.
May 4, 2013
Super cute story!! Loved the main character and the overall story. Loved the baking and the cupcakes and Southwesterness of it all. My only complaint is that a few things were left unexplained that really should have been addressed. Also, the author really needs a better editor. There were way too many type-o's. I will certainly be reading the next one!
October 24, 2013
****Read the prequel first****
I love this modern day fairy tale! This is definitely not a story you've read before and you will fall in love with Cindy, her zany group of friends and her kooky magical family. Elizabeth does an excellent job breathing life into Cindy's magical world. It's a great story and leaves you wanting more.
I love this modern day fairy tale! This is definitely not a story you've read before and you will fall in love with Cindy, her zany group of friends and her kooky magical family. Elizabeth does an excellent job breathing life into Cindy's magical world. It's a great story and leaves you wanting more.
May 3, 2013
Cute storyline and good characters but it needs editing. There would be an out instead of an our and other typos that made it hard to figure out what the author meant. This could easy be a 4 with a good copy editor.
September 3, 2013
What a fun book. It's laugh out loud funny and filled with the most enticing flavors. I loved it from beginning to end, finishing it in one day. Thank you, Ms. Reeves for a fun read. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fun novels. Looking forward to the next one.
January 4, 2015
Fun book that is part of a fun series. I have enjoyed all of Elizabeth's books - I especially enjoy the way she weaves decision making, family dynamics and navigating life into this ongoing saga. Love the cupcake flavor ideas, too!
May 9, 2016
I enjoyed reading this. Cindy Eller is an interesting witch who still hasn't figured out her powers. And she manages to turn every guy she kisses into a toad! I will definitely go for the sequel.
December 27, 2024
Note: the copy I have has a different cover that gives more generic fairy tale fantasy vibes, rather than "witchy". I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have picked up this book if I saw this cover. It's partly my fault for not reading deeply into the blurb though.
Minor spoilers ahead!
What I liked:
- Cindy has a good friend group, and while they were a bit stereotypical, they were supportive, encouraging, sweet, and fun to read about
- There's a cat named Merlin
- Intriguing hints of world-building with how magic-users interact with the world around them, their history, and their culture. I would have liked to see more of this.
- The author knows her way around flavors and baking, and it shows. I enjoyed seeing what the main character would come up with for her cupcake flavors.
What I didn't care for:
- the romance. I'm sorry, I just can't root for a relationship that felt so "insta-love" and was based largely off physical attractiveness, even if nothing inappropriate happened. I didn't understand their apparent chemistry, and their constant back-and-forth was irritating. Communication, people. haha.
- Timothy...why does he drive so recklessly? Why does he steal from her? I could absolutely root for his panic/anger/etc. after the kiss event, and he had his sweet moments, but I certainly didn't see enough redeeming qualities or actions from him yet to understand Cindy's infatuation.
- the writing style. Maybe I'm just not used to contemporary romance novels, but the writing style felt very juvenile. Sometimes because of the word choices and grammar, and other times because so many sentences in a row would sound like the following: "I'm writing a short sentence. Maybe it's too short. I can't write long ones. Bummer. It's fine on occasion. But not repeatedly." It was disappointing, and I think fine-tuning it could really help.
- With that, the randomness. I know the series continues, so maybe most my questions are answered later, but I didn't receive enough explanation to want to keep reading. Why did Timothy drive so recklessly? Why did Cindy up and adopt a cat one day? What's the significance of her sister getting married, and her being asked to be a bridesmaid and make the cake? It felt like something big and new was introduced every chapter, and not all of it even made sense together or had any lead-up to clue me into why it was important.
- This isn't a huge complaint because it might have been intentional, but I guessed the plot twist with the bakery owners' nephew as soon as they mentioned it the first time. As more and more hints were dropped, I wondered how in the world Cindy didn't realize it way sooner.
- Some of the content, especially the few instances of foul language.
Overall, I don't mean this to be a scathing review because I think fans of this genre might find it a fun, quick, and light-hearted read. It just wasn't my cup of tea (or pint of ice cream).
CW: one kiss (others referred to, but not shown), several uses of expletives (such as s**t and b***h), descriptions of physical attractiveness and characters feeling crushes/butterflies/etc., a magic system that uses the word witches semi-frequently and involves charms, spells, and transformations.
Minor spoilers ahead!
What I liked:
- Cindy has a good friend group, and while they were a bit stereotypical, they were supportive, encouraging, sweet, and fun to read about
- There's a cat named Merlin
- Intriguing hints of world-building with how magic-users interact with the world around them, their history, and their culture. I would have liked to see more of this.
- The author knows her way around flavors and baking, and it shows. I enjoyed seeing what the main character would come up with for her cupcake flavors.
What I didn't care for:
- the romance. I'm sorry, I just can't root for a relationship that felt so "insta-love" and was based largely off physical attractiveness, even if nothing inappropriate happened. I didn't understand their apparent chemistry, and their constant back-and-forth was irritating. Communication, people. haha.
- Timothy...why does he drive so recklessly? Why does he steal from her? I could absolutely root for his panic/anger/etc. after the kiss event, and he had his sweet moments, but I certainly didn't see enough redeeming qualities or actions from him yet to understand Cindy's infatuation.
- the writing style. Maybe I'm just not used to contemporary romance novels, but the writing style felt very juvenile. Sometimes because of the word choices and grammar, and other times because so many sentences in a row would sound like the following: "I'm writing a short sentence. Maybe it's too short. I can't write long ones. Bummer. It's fine on occasion. But not repeatedly." It was disappointing, and I think fine-tuning it could really help.
- With that, the randomness. I know the series continues, so maybe most my questions are answered later, but I didn't receive enough explanation to want to keep reading. Why did Timothy drive so recklessly? Why did Cindy up and adopt a cat one day? What's the significance of her sister getting married, and her being asked to be a bridesmaid and make the cake? It felt like something big and new was introduced every chapter, and not all of it even made sense together or had any lead-up to clue me into why it was important.
- This isn't a huge complaint because it might have been intentional, but I guessed the plot twist with the bakery owners' nephew as soon as they mentioned it the first time. As more and more hints were dropped, I wondered how in the world Cindy didn't realize it way sooner.
- Some of the content, especially the few instances of foul language.
Overall, I don't mean this to be a scathing review because I think fans of this genre might find it a fun, quick, and light-hearted read. It just wasn't my cup of tea (or pint of ice cream).
CW: one kiss (others referred to, but not shown), several uses of expletives (such as s**t and b***h), descriptions of physical attractiveness and characters feeling crushes/butterflies/etc., a magic system that uses the word witches semi-frequently and involves charms, spells, and transformations.
May 18, 2019
Cindy has magic, but she can't control it unless she's in the kitchen. She's smokin' hot, but her love life is in tatters because of her magic. Every time she kisses a guy, he turns into a toad. If she can't fix the goopy toad, control her magic, and turn back 'The One', her powers will be taken from her. But hey, at least she has a food truck.
Here's what I didn't like: Her friends Tansy and Jessi were defined by their favorite color and their ability to pick out the best ice cream. You could see Timothy and all his complications coming from a mile away. Everyone was skinny, but complained she'd make them fat. No one ran or went to the gym, they ate pints of ice cream by themselves, and trays of cupcakes. While the first half was edited well enough, the second half took a complete nose-dive, and could've used a more critical eye toward misused words (hand should've been hang) sort of thing. There was a lot of this going on. The issue with Amy and Nathan at the end seemed ridiculous. They weren't friends. No real lead up to her awesome relationship with her sisters, esp Rose, but it turned out that way anyhow, and the relationships felt forced. But mostly, the rapid decline in editing in the second half of the book is why I docked a star.
Here's what I liked: baking with magic, and her love of food. Nathan-the-toad was odious, and her mother's pun-tastic choice in naming her children.
Overall, it's a cute story, but needed polish in the first half; an editor for the second half and putting in the work to make the book read cohesively, and not like one draft was taped on to another draft.
Here's what I didn't like: Her friends Tansy and Jessi were defined by their favorite color and their ability to pick out the best ice cream. You could see Timothy and all his complications coming from a mile away. Everyone was skinny, but complained she'd make them fat. No one ran or went to the gym, they ate pints of ice cream by themselves, and trays of cupcakes. While the first half was edited well enough, the second half took a complete nose-dive, and could've used a more critical eye toward misused words (hand should've been hang) sort of thing. There was a lot of this going on. The issue with Amy and Nathan at the end seemed ridiculous. They weren't friends. No real lead up to her awesome relationship with her sisters, esp Rose, but it turned out that way anyhow, and the relationships felt forced. But mostly, the rapid decline in editing in the second half of the book is why I docked a star.
Here's what I liked: baking with magic, and her love of food. Nathan-the-toad was odious, and her mother's pun-tastic choice in naming her children.
Overall, it's a cute story, but needed polish in the first half; an editor for the second half and putting in the work to make the book read cohesively, and not like one draft was taped on to another draft.
December 10, 2023
When Cinder Eller is baking there's magic in the air.
When she's out on a date there's also magic but it is not something she can control and the results are always toadious (i.e. where once there was a man there's now a toad!)
She comes from a witchy family but she has no control over her powers.
Things are getting worse, the Magical Council are seriously considering blocking her from using any magic at all.
It all has something to do with her father but her 12-times-married mother has always refused to give any details about him.
With the owners of the bakery where she stars retiring, and passing it on to their nephew, she needs to come up with a plan for her future.
One bright note – she's got a new boyfriend and she is making very sure that he remains unkissed, no matter how much she wants to.
It's a jolly tale but lacks tightness. Cinder has a tendency to zone out and so does “How (Not) to Kill a Toad.”
3 Stars.
When she's out on a date there's also magic but it is not something she can control and the results are always toadious (i.e. where once there was a man there's now a toad!)
She comes from a witchy family but she has no control over her powers.
Things are getting worse, the Magical Council are seriously considering blocking her from using any magic at all.
It all has something to do with her father but her 12-times-married mother has always refused to give any details about him.
With the owners of the bakery where she stars retiring, and passing it on to their nephew, she needs to come up with a plan for her future.
One bright note – she's got a new boyfriend and she is making very sure that he remains unkissed, no matter how much she wants to.
It's a jolly tale but lacks tightness. Cinder has a tendency to zone out and so does “How (Not) to Kill a Toad.”
3 Stars.
February 6, 2019
I don't think this book was for me. I almost DNF'd less than halfway through because I was so bored. The relationship between the main characters seemed to lack chemistry, was forced, and very rushed. And both characters messed up in pretty big ways, but they were forgiven quickly and easily and there didn't seem to be any consequences for their screw ups.
It was a light and easy read, except when I was bored, so at least I didn't waste too much time on it. I think other readers might like it because of that and because it was a cute story overall. Just maybe I was looking for more depth than was here.
It was a light and easy read, except when I was bored, so at least I didn't waste too much time on it. I think other readers might like it because of that and because it was a cute story overall. Just maybe I was looking for more depth than was here.
October 25, 2018
Likeable.
I enjoyed this. The style of writing is good, it's flows smoothly and I enjoyed the storyline. Great, funny characters.
The male lead Timothy I didn't like. He was immature and annoying. I didn't like him much as a love interest and I actually preferred him when he was the tiny toad.
Still, great story that is recommend to anyone who likes reading paranormal books. It's very light and easy to follow.
Recommend to teens.
The teaser for the next book was soooo mean! It makes you want to read the next story so bad. Sigh.
I enjoyed this. The style of writing is good, it's flows smoothly and I enjoyed the storyline. Great, funny characters.
The male lead Timothy I didn't like. He was immature and annoying. I didn't like him much as a love interest and I actually preferred him when he was the tiny toad.
Still, great story that is recommend to anyone who likes reading paranormal books. It's very light and easy to follow.
Recommend to teens.
The teaser for the next book was soooo mean! It makes you want to read the next story so bad. Sigh.
June 26, 2019
Ok
This book is ok. It's not one of my favorite books but I did manage to finish reading it. Cindy is a witch who turns every man she kisses into a toad. The latest is not turning back as all of the others have so she keeps him with with her until she can find out what to do. Plus, the Magical Court is going to take away her powers (she's a fire witch who loves to bake and create new desserts) if she doesn't get control of her magic. She has a new man who she is trying NOT to kiss to prevent him from turning into a toad, too. This book just seems to drag out the story.
This book is ok. It's not one of my favorite books but I did manage to finish reading it. Cindy is a witch who turns every man she kisses into a toad. The latest is not turning back as all of the others have so she keeps him with with her until she can find out what to do. Plus, the Magical Court is going to take away her powers (she's a fire witch who loves to bake and create new desserts) if she doesn't get control of her magic. She has a new man who she is trying NOT to kiss to prevent him from turning into a toad, too. This book just seems to drag out the story.
August 24, 2022
This was cute if a little fluffy. I'm definitely wishing there had been a little more resolution at the end, but I guess something has to carry over to the rest of the series.
I did feel a little uncomfortable with a little bit of the dynamic between Cindy and Timothy on both sides, and the resolution of their issues definitely happened too quickly and easily.
I enjoyed reading about Cindy's baking and her relationship with her friends the most.
I did feel a little uncomfortable with a little bit of the dynamic between Cindy and Timothy on both sides, and the resolution of their issues definitely happened too quickly and easily.
I enjoyed reading about Cindy's baking and her relationship with her friends the most.
July 6, 2017
Baking, magic, and romance in a delicious treat of a book
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad is a deliciously magical romance that'll make you hungry as it makes you giggle. This cute book would make a darling movie. Nothing heavy or offensive, just lots of sweet fun.
This is part of a series, but it is a also self contained book that is just fine on its own.
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad is a deliciously magical romance that'll make you hungry as it makes you giggle. This cute book would make a darling movie. Nothing heavy or offensive, just lots of sweet fun.
This is part of a series, but it is a also self contained book that is just fine on its own.
October 22, 2018
I loved this entertaining book and immediately started the next book in the series.
Every guy she dates turns into a toad and it gets complicated.
I just don't know why the perfect man drives like a crazy person and the ice cream debacle is left kind of unresolved, in that it's not clear why it happened.
Every guy she dates turns into a toad and it gets complicated.
I just don't know why the perfect man drives like a crazy person and the ice cream debacle is left kind of unresolved, in that it's not clear why it happened.
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