Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review.
I will admit, I had no idea this book had been published before in 2016. I kind of wish I'd had that information before beginning it. Not sure why the publisher chose to publish is again, to be honest, since I had to DNF at 40%
First I want to say there was so much potential. When I read the blurb, I got all the feels. It seemed like it would be such a great story. Romance, first time love, true love, a twist, and more. But it just didn't hit the mark for me.
I usually love a dual POV. It gives the author a lot to work with as far as plot goes. It's easier to get the know the characters but also allows the author to build tension since the characters see things differently. I was hopeful this would help me understand the relationship between Rune and Poppy. It just served to show me the relationship was very codependent and actually a bit creepy on the side of Rune. The way he talks about Poppy and how he acts with her is super possessive and made me feel like he would be angry if she ever thought to be with anyone else.
I could not connect with either character and I had no empathy for them. They just didn't seem realistic.
I won't get into tons of spoilers but the 15 year old characters share something that just didn't feel right. It actually made me cringe.
When I started to get The Fault in Our Stars vibe I got excited. Maybe it would turn around, Maybe it would get better. But it wasn't that book (which I loved) or the characters of that book (who I also loved). It just felt like it was trying to be that book and it was not even close.
Then there are the chapter lengths and the fact that the chapters take you nowhere.. It's the same information presented over and over. 40 minutes for one chapter? No thank you. It threw off the pacing and didn't add to the plot in any way.
Once I go to 40% I decided to go and look at some reviews, which is when I realized this book was published prior. I also realized many people were feeling the same way I was and had the same complaints about how the book was set up and progressing.
The writing was sub par for me, as well. I don't feel like the author has a grasp of how to tell her story without dumping information that is not useful and pacing the story so it moves.
The best part of this book was Poppy's relationship with her grandmother and the adventure she sends her on. Other than that, I just didn't feel a connection or a want continue reading.
Perhaps others will love this one (I did see some 4 and 5 star reviews) but I did not.

A thousand boy kisses is a MUST READ!

This book follows Poppy and Rune who have known each other since they were kids and grew up together until rune must return back to Norway, poppy completely cuts him off and they go two years without speaking till rune returns to the town where he met poppy. The only thing that comes to rune's mind is what happened between him and poppy for her to cut him out... Until rune finds out the truth.

Tillie Cole is an amazing writer I absolutely loved a thousand boy kisses! This book made me cry from beginning to end. No book has made me feel this way usually i'm getting a tear or two but this is an absolute masterpiece and I was crying like my heart was really breaking in two.

Poppy and Rune will always have a place in my heart. This book leaves an imprint on your mind, I will always look back on their relationship, the ending was perfect and over all this books is amazing and I recommend it to anyone who needs a good cry and want to feel heartache.

I want to thank Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for sending me a copy for a honest review.
I will be reading more from Tillie Cole

Rating: infinite stars ♾️

This book really fucked me up. I cried my eyes out for 3 hours, the story was just so beautiful that I couldn’t stop reading. 😭

I went into this book blind and had an amazing reading experience, please give it a chance. It's a MUST read! ✨

Tillie Cole wrote a heartbreaking story that will get you addicted from the start. ❤️

I totally understand the hype around this book now and I'm really excited to read her next release 'A Thousand Broken Pieces' which comes out January 2024.

Poppy and Rune are next-door neighbours that grew up together, until they grew apart for some reason. After a few years, they see each other again but everything and also someone changed..

There are a few TW for this book (grief, loss of a friend,..).

Thank you to Netgalley, Tillie Cole and Sourcebooks - Bloom Books for providing me with this copy for the republishing of this book. All opinions are my own.

Tillie Cole's "A Thousand Boy Kisses" is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally charged novel that will tug at your heartstrings from the very first page. With its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters, this book is a true gem that will leave you with a lasting impression.

Cole's writing is incredibly immersive, capturing the essence of young love and friendship in a way that feels raw and genuine. The depth of emotion conveyed throughout the book is truly remarkable, as readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of joy, heartbreak, and hope. Each scene is vividly described, allowing readers to visualize the picturesque setting of Blossom Grove and feel the characters' emotions as if they were their own.
The characters themselves are beautifully crafted and evoke a range of emotions in the reader. Rune and Poppy's connection is palpable, and their bond is portrayed with such tenderness and intensity that it will leave you breathless. Their love story is filled with genuine moments of laughter, tears, and countless kisses that will make your heart swell with both joy and longing.

What sets "A Thousand Boy Kisses" apart is its ability to explore profound themes such as loss, resilience, and the power of love. The challenges faced by Rune and Poppy are heart-wrenching, but their unwavering determination to overcome obstacles is truly inspiring. The novel serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment, to love fiercely, and to never lose hope, even in the face of unimaginable pain.

Tillie Cole's writing style is beautifully lyrical, and her ability to capture the complexity of human emotions is commendable. She weaves a narrative that effortlessly balances heartache and hope, creating a story that resonates long after the final page is turned. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as you experience the highs and lows of Rune and Poppy's journey.

"A Thousand Boy Kisses" is an exceptional book that will touch your heart and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Tillie Cole has crafted a timeless love story that explores the depths of human emotions, reminding us of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. If you're looking for a profoundly moving and uplifting read, this book is an absolute must-read.

Do you like a book where it rips your heart into a thousand pieces and then those pieces get stomped on a thousand times and thennnn it gets put back in your chest without being repaired? Then this book is for you.

This book leaves you completely heartbroken.
Poppy and Rune have been friends since they were 5. This book is the span of 5-teens then a 10 year later epilogue. So we get friends to lovers in the cutest growing up way.

If you have triggers please read them for this book, it is not a sunshine happy book like that cover makes you think.

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for the arc of this book.

💔 my heart is currently broken into pieces.

what an incredibly beautiful story but oh how it hurt. I don't cry easily but sometimes I really had to wait a while because I couldn't read the text through my tears anymore.

the love poppy and rune have for each other is so deep and so pure.
in the first chapters where we said goodbye to mamaw there was already a lump in my throat.

there were so many beautiful words and wisdom in this book. it really makes you think about life and every day that you are given.

I really liked the writing style, the book was not too thick and once I started I didn't want to put it down. I read it in 1 day.

This is a book I will think back to on a regular basis, I'm sure.

This book broke my heart. I’ve never cried so much while reading a book. The relationship between Rune and Poppy was beautiful til the very end. I loved this book so much. I highly recommend this to all the romance lovers out there!

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for the arc of this book.

A Thousand Boy Kisses by T. Cole, published by Sourcebooks, Bloom Books, is the most emotional, heart-wrenchingly read of all times.
I read this book over the years over and over again. And the characters and their raw and gritty story get me every single time.
When you think you know where the story leads, bam, there are unexpected twists and turns that had me in more suspense than before.
I highly, highly recommend this gem of a story and wish I could give more than 5 stars. Outstanding and wonderful.

A Thousand Boy Kisses was a beautiful and powerful love story. I absolutely love Tillie Cole's books because her writing has a way of hooking you to the story and they keep you on your toes. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy friends to lovers type of reads but keep in mind the characters the meet around age 5 and the story takes place between that and teenage years, add 10 years and you get an epilogue that I can say I never expected, not only did I not expect it to end that way but I'm still unsure of exactly how it ended that way.....What exactly happened to Rune?? I know it was quick and painless but I'm still asking HOW??? I want to know! You can't give me every detail of the characters' lives and leave me guessing exactly how he ended up where he did besides the obvious, I wanted details. Other than that, I honestly loved this book. It wasn't an ugly cry type book for me, but I did drop a few tears, so yes it was a heartfelt story for me and even though the characters were young I still enjoyed them a lot and I look forward to my Tillie Cole story.

Rounded up from 3.5
Poppy and Rune have been friends ever since they were kids. He moves away to Norway for a while, but when he comes back 2 years later, at 17, all he thinks about is Poppy, because while he was away, she completely cut him off of her life without telling him why. And when he finally knows why, his heart is shattered.
This is a YA romance that broke my heart into a million pieces. I felt like it was redundant and dragged at times, but I cried my eyes out in the last 25%. If you don't want to cry, don't read this. But a good cry can sometimes be good for the soul. This version contains a bonus epilogue.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A THOUSAND BOY KISSES broke my heart over and over again. Poppy is from a small town in Georgia. Rune is from Norway. I’m so mad at myself for taking so long to read this heart tugging and emotional story! A THOUSAND BOY KISSES opens up with Rune moving next door to Poppy and they are both five years old. They are each other’s soul mates, even at five years old! Both of their families can even see it. They become inseparable over the years, one never without the other, until one day when Rune must return to Norway. It is only for a few years because of his Pappa’s job, but you just won’t believe what happens to Rune and Poppy after this. You are going to fall in love with Rune right away. He is very protective of Poppy and you are going to swoon over him on almost every page. He would love her forever if he had the chance to. I honestly didn’t think I would be able to finish this fabulous story. I cried and cried and cried.

Tillie Cole owes me a box of tissues! A THOUSAND BOY KISSES broke my heart over and over again! What an emotional story this is! When I was finished reading I couldn’t get Rune and Poppy out of my head and went through half a box of tissues thinking about them! I can honestly tell you this, I am going to read everything that Tillie Cole has written and she will be an auto buy for me from now on. A THOUSAND BOY KISSES had my emotions all over the place and near the end, I was afraid to keep reading. I thought I knew what was coming, knew it was going to shatter my heart and took a four hour break to prepare myself for what was going to wreck me! To say that this heartbreaking story gave me all the feels would be such a huge understatement!

A THOUSAND BOY KISSES is an unforgettable story that will grab you from the very first page. I was crying so much, happy and sad tears, while praying for Poppy and Rune. The emotions and feelings from the characters become your own. While reading I was even holding my breath at some parts and I was afraid to keep going. How much more heartache and grief could Rune put up with? Tillie Cole’s writing has made me a forever fan and I’m sure I will devour everything she has written or has yet to write. Her characters are not perfect, they all come with flaws but that won’t stop you from falling in love with them. I can not wait to read more by this fabulous author and have my heart broken all over again.

“I’ll give you a thousand kisses, Poppymin. All of them. No one will kiss you ever, but me.”

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that requires boxes and boxes of tissues. I felt uncomfortable in the early part of the book with a child kissing a child, but it is the basis of the story. Rune and Poppy become friends, and more, due to the immovable force that is Poppy. A strong woman who is not physically large or imposing, her will carries them forward. And, when dealing with the unthinkable, finding a way around the mistakes and misunderstandings, lies on her shoulders.
Did I love the book? No. But I'll purchase it for my high school library and I already know several girls that want to read it right away.

This book has a deceivingly cute and innocent cover - don’t be fooled (but do go in blind!) Painfully beautiful and heartfelt, this is a book that validates young love, and the love between Poppy and Rune was wholesome and pure, and so damn sweet. A moonbeam hearts + sunshine smiles kinda love (iykyk).

‘𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚, 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙘, 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪.’

The beginning of the book was cute, and the ending heart-SHATTERING. If you can put aside the cheesy teenage dialogue of first love, the middle wasn’t BAD but I found myself occasionally skimming pages- I felt there wasn’t much happening, just a lot of kisses and talking.

HOWEVER. The last quarter of this book DESTROYED me. Honestly thought I was going to pass out from crying. Cole had no business ripping apart my heart like that. I haven’t cried so hard since UGLY LOVE. This was the kind of book you finish and your heart still aches for days after (the epilogue adding insult to injury whilst you’re already ugly crying in a puddle of your own tears.)

This is one of the saddest and most emotional book I’ve read this year!
The plot might be simple, predictable and the writing style also feels a bit cheesy, but there’s something about this story that really captivate my heart.
The idea of a thousand boy kisses jar is really sweet and I love it!

Poppy is my most favorite character in this story. She's a wonderful character and I love the way she views this life, instead of being angry or sad she remains cheerful and always view things in a positive way – I really admire her for that.

While I like most parts of the story, there are some things that I wish for more. Like Ruhn, I didn’t agree with how he behaves when something didn’t go his way. Compare to Poppy, he’s not very mature but I’m glad to see that he’s starting to see things the way Poppy does a little bit.

I also wish things are a bit different for the epilogue, nevertheless it’s still a quite satisfying end for Poppy and Ruhn story.

Overall, this is a really good story and I recommend it if you’re in the mood for a good cry and you don’t mind reading YA books.
This book will stay with me for a long time cause it delivers a really good message about how to view this short life as an adventure, a short trip before we go back to our real home.

I will definitely check out other books from this author and I'm waiting for any new release books from this author in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley, Publisher and author for sending me this review copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

When I tell you this book broke me, I mean it in a soul-crushing way and I loved every second of it. It’s a coming of age, childhood sweethearts story about Rune and Poppy, who are like soulmates since they were little. They kissed a thousand times and swore to be together forever. But then something awful happened and Poppy stopped talking to him. 😭

Rune came back to find out why, but he was not ready for what he learned. It was so sad and heartbreaking, I can’t even. 😭😭😭

This book made me ugly cry so hard, but it also made me smile and feel things. It’s such a beautiful story of love and loss, you won’t regret reading it. Trust me. ❤️

But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for ages fourteen and up, and you’ll need a lot of tissues. And maybe some chocolate. 🍫

This was an adorable and moving story that I 100% recommended to any romance reader. Rune and Poppy go through all of love’s ups and downs at a young age and learn about themselves and each other along the way.

I have never cried so hard while reading a book. This book BROKE me.

A Thousand Boy Kisses tore my heart out and stepped on it a thousand times. I was crying as soon as I read the first chapter up until the end of the last chapter, No book that I have ever read has ever evoked so much emotion out of me. Poppy and Rune's story was so heartbreaking and to me they felt like real characters and real people. Also, the life lessons the author included and just the way she wrote how Poppy saw the world and the person that she was was so sweet and they are life lessons that will stay with me forever.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I’m a bookseller, I read this book solely because I’m asked about this title at least once a week. The pressure got to me, I kind of regret it. At least this was pretty short

I don’t have a problem with romances that aren’t HEAs necessarily, even though they aren’t my preference and I didn’t realize that’s what this would be. I do have a problem with books that are weirdly preachy (I don’t even have the energy to get into all the things I found strangely judgmental and condescending about the overall attitude of this book) as well as extremely cheesy and overdramatic.

I found the dialogue odd and unrealistic, I thought the characters were poorly developed (were there even side characters? Rune and Poppy’s parents had barely a handful of lines each) and it irritated me that the concept of the book was so sad when ultimately the story didn’t feel good enough to have warranted that sort of empathetic response. I spent the whole book rolling my eyes and waiting for it to end, then was just depressed and angry about it at the end because -
*SPOILER* - in no world is the thought of a kid dying of cancer not depressing, even when the rest of the story was ridiculous uneventful.

Really, I would hands down just recommend anyone who wants to read this pick up The Fault in our Stars instead. At least that’s a book worth putting up with the pain for.