This is one of my favorite YA books that I’ve read in a really long time. The story of Rune and Poppy pulled me in very early and didn’t let me go. I cried through most of the book, and my only issue was with the epilogue. To this day, I still don’t know how I feel about it!! It definitely caught me by surprise and left me with an uneasy feeling. The emotional love story between the two teenagers was very well done, and I really connected and felt their love story through the pages. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional YA romance.

I loved this book. It broke my heart in the best way. I adored Rune and Poppy and seeing them grow up together was so sweet. I also loved the fact that Rune is Norwegian because I’ve never read a book that has anything to do with Norway before lol

☆☆☆☆.5

• This book was a real tearjerker for me. I was sobbing so hard by the end. This book also made me rethink my priorities and to live the life to the fullest with what you have and be appreciative of the lil' things in life.

• Rune & Poppy - I loved seeing them grow and become the person they are for each other and as individuals. The love they had would last a lifetime, this story is so beautifully written.

• I really don't know how to review this book without giving everything away, so I'll just say if you need a good cry... You should definitely read this book.

• I really adored Rune's younger brother, Alton. He was such a sweetheart. Also, the concept of heart jar containing boy kisses .... So freakin' cute.

• Even though the epilogue was beautifully written, it made me so sad, i really wanted to feel whole at the end ... But i didn't (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, I always end up sobbing my soul out. A Thousand Boy Kisses Is beautifully written and while I do cry river, I always enjoy it so much.

Thank you so much Netgalley! I love Poppy and Rune so much. I was basically sobbing in the last half idk how I managed to even read the words on the page LOL. This story holds a special place in my heart and I recommend this to anyone who was to have your heart torn out <3

Looking for a good reason to hug your favorite pillow and cry your eyes out? Because if you like emotional reads, boy do I have the book for you!  I could not put this book down.  I read it in less than a day.  I can honestly say I haven’t read a book that tugged on my heartstrings and brought out that many tears in a WHILE.  I went into this book blindly and I left it blinded by tears.  WHEW! I remember a friend talking about how good it was so I jumped at the chance for a copy through NetGalley.  I don’t want to give anything away but this book will give you a poignant reminder to live life to the fullest and bring joy to each day.  It's is a dual POV, contemporary YA romance between two childhood sweethearts that get a second chance. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, and although I’m not sure how I’d have ended the book differently, this book doesn’t *exactly* have a happy ending.  So FYI if you expect to feel all warm and happy inside after reading. You just have to experience it for yourself.  A Thousand Boy Kisses is a beautifully written, memorable read that I’m sure will stick with me for a long time.  4.5⭐️

"She was my cherry blossom. An unrivaled beauty, limited in its life. A beauty so extreme in its grace that it can’t last. It stays to enrich our lives, then drifts away in the wind. Never forgotten. Because it reminds us we must live. That life is fragile, yet in that fragility, there is strength. There is love. There is purpose. It reminds us that life is short, that our breaths are numbered and our destiny is fixed, regardless of how hard we fight. It reminds us not to waste a single second. Live hard, love harder. Chase dreams, seek adventures… capture moments. Live beautifully."

Thanks so much to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the copy!

I cried so much reading this. It was just sooo sad but really really good. If you are in the mood for a really sad read you should definitely get this one. It will not disappoint and I also think the characters are very good! However keep in my mind that this is a young adult book (as you can guess from the cover) so if you usually read books for older audiences this might not be the one for you.

This book broke me. I think I read it in bad timing because I had to put it down and walk away from it a few times. I thought it was a very good read and if you want a good cry this book will do it for you!

I read this book when it was still an indie book and it broke me. Still breaks me! I love everything Tillie writes she will always be an insta buy author for me! If you read this make sure you have tissues handy!!!

Why did I read this??? Thought this was supposed to be iconic YA but I really struggled to get through this. (I don’t have anything positive to say.)

4.25 stars— an amazing an emotional read from Tillie Cole. I love any story between childhood friends to lovers and this book was an example of that. I was eager to uncover the mystery of why Poppy stopped talking to Rune but all the more moved when I learned why and read about how they reconnected. This was a soulmate love story and despite crying for so much of it, I devoured every moment. I couldn’t put it down and read it so quickly, and the book had the most perfect ending with that epilogue even though it made me sob.

⭐ Characters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Atmosphere – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Writing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Plot – ⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ Pacing – ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⭐ World Building – ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Enjoyment – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole - A Heartrending Journey of Love and Loss

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

I picked up A Thousand Boy Kisses with the intention of experiencing a heartfelt cry, and from the very first pages, tears welled in my eyes. By the time I reached 35% of the book, my heart was already shattered, and I dreaded the inevitable end. At 50%, I found myself clutching the pieces of my heart, desperately trying to hold on to something, only to let go and accept that this book would change me forever. In the end, as Rune aptly put it, I was left feeling "tired, heartbroken, and emotionally scarred" by this powerful and emotional journey.
A Thousand Boy Kisses is a heartwarming and emotionally charged New Adult romance novel that beautifully portrays the profound love shared between childhood sweethearts. Tillie Cole's skillful storytelling evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, making it a must-read for those who crave authentic one true pairings and adore small-town romances.
The characters in A Thousand Boy Kisses are endearing and well-developed, particularly Poppy and Rune, whose unbreakable bond resonates deeply with readers. Their chemistry and unwavering love for each other make them not only memorable but also immensely relatable. The connections between the protagonists and their families add further depth to the story, emphasizing the importance of love and unity.
The novel's enchanting atmosphere draws readers into the heartwarming small town where the story unfolds. Through Cole's vivid descriptions and attention to detail, the setting becomes a picturesque backdrop that enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, making it all the more immersive.
Tillie Cole's writing is exquisite and emotionally charged, masterfully conveying the characters' joys and heartaches. The prose flows beautifully, capturing the essence of love, loss, and hope, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Cole's ability to craft poignant moments through her writing is truly commendable.
The plot revolves around Poppy and Rune's enduring love story, and while it does carry a powerful emotional punch, some elements might be predictable to certain readers. Nonetheless, the heartwarming moments and the profound connection between the characters more than compensate for any predictability.
The novel's pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to become fully invested in the characters and their journey. The story unfolds at a pace that keeps the reader engaged without feeling rushed, skillfully building tension and emotions throughout the narrative.
The small-town setting adds to the charm and allure of A Thousand Boy Kisses, offering a warm and inviting backdrop for the story. While the world-building provides a sense of place, further development could have enhanced the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, A Thousand Boy Kisses is a highly enjoyable novel that tugs at the heartstrings, taking readers on a journey of love and loss. Tillie Cole's emotional storytelling and well-crafted characters create a moving and unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page. Fans of contemporary romance will undoubtedly find themselves deeply immersed in this epic love story.

I realize this is marked YA, but I’ve read and enjoyed several YA books lately, and this one fell a bit flat for me. I genuinely enjoyed Poppy’s relationship with her grandmother and the vivid descriptions of Blossom Grove. Poppy’s strength and passion for life was contagious, but I strongly dislike the miscommunication & other trope (not naming it because I don’t want to give any spoilers) that played a huge role in this story. Rune and Poppy’s love story felt a bit overdone for me. However, Poppy’s nickname from Rune (Poppymin) was adorable!

I will say, Cole’s writing style is beautiful and there were several parts of the story that made me feel alive! Overall, it just didn’t hit the mark for me and I felt very apathetic about the way it ended.

Favorite Quote:
“Why does it take a life ending to learn how to cherish each day? Why must we wait until we run out of time to start to accomplish all that we dreamed, when once we had all the time in the world? Why don’t we look at the person we love the most like it’s the last time we will ever see them? Because if we did, life would be so vibrant. Life would be so truly and completely lived.”

This book has officially earned a spot on the exclusive list of books that have made me cry! Wow, what an emotional story. I loved that we got dual POVs for the characters. I absolutely adored Rune and Poppy. Their relationship is so epic, like on a Shakspearean tragedy level. I don’t know why it took me so long to finally read this one, as it has been on my tbr for so long. But now I totally understand all the hype and it is well deserved! Also, I so loved that it was set in my home state of Georgia! I still can’t believe I actually cried, that’s such a rare thing in books for me. And I’m still not over it. If you’re looking for a kismet, heartwarming, gut wrenching romance, this is for you. I will absolutely be excited to read any future books from this author.

I am so torn on this review. I am not a fan of YA romance. Luckily, this one didn't cross the lines of being too smutty for YA. However, I feel like the epilogue completely ruined the entire theme of the book. I felt like the whole point was for the MMC to accept the outcome and move on with his life like the FMC wanted. What was the point of the jar?
This book made me have all the feelings, and I loved the growth we saw in the MMC. I'd read other books by this author, and still suggest the book to some of my friends. A solid 3.5+star.

“I had no idea how to live a day without her next to me. How to breathe without her by my side.


Rune, age 5, never wanted to leave Norway to go to a town called Blossom Grove, Georgia.

He befriends a girl name Poppy, who lives next door and they soon become best of friends! Until Rune, 15, has to pack his bags and move back to Norway.

Two years later, Rune, 17, returns to Blossom Grove, Georgia. What will happen between Rune and Poppy? Will Poppy be happy to see him again?



⭐️⭐️
I like to give a Thank you to the Tillie Cole, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read “A Thousand Boy Kisses” in return for an honest review.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Tillie Cole’s novels and was very interested when I found her novel on NetGalley!

I did enjoy the connection that Rune and Poppy had when they first met and the novel follows both of them through out!

The reason for the two star review was because I just wasn’t invested in the characters and a hard time reading the writing style.

I definitely will continue to read more Tillie Cole’s novels.

I don't cry often, and many tears have been shed whilst reading this book.

It's so well written and such a beautiful story.

I'm giving it 5 stars for the emotional damage. However, I'm still not sure how I feel about that epilogue!

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. I'm not sure if they are rereleasing it, but am grateful to have received a copy.

A Thousand Boy Kisses was one of the best books I’ve read in ages! The story and characters are absolutely unforgettable. So heartbreaking, yet so beautiful at the same time. Poppy and Rune will stay with me forever. Tillie Cole is now one of my new favorite authors!

If you are looking for a book that will tug on your heart strings look no further. This book is exactly what you’re looking for. Yet while it is devastating it is devastatingly beautiful. You have two strong characters, both of whom know that they have found their match. Yes, they may be young, but love knows no age. They complete each other. Yet life doesn’t always recognize that soul mates are meant to be together always.
I loved Poppy. Her outlook on the whole situation is one that is to be admired. Knowing that you are cutting off someone who you love so much to save them pain is never easy. Yet her outlook on life and her impending death is just beautiful. Sometimes we forget to live in the moment until life forces us to. I am so happy that Rune is able to find away to find peace again and become a self that is more open to love and acceptance. The walls he moves to make Poppy happy truly fill my heart with joy.
Thank you so much to Sourcebook Bloom Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

A Thousand Boy Kisses is beautiful. I love how connected Poppy and Rune are. I love how they grow up together. Poppy is such a sweet ray of sunshine, and she never gives up on Rune. This book is gut wrenching, and it will stay with me for a long time. Tissue’s recommended!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this amazing love story for my honest review!