I don’t think I’ll ever be the same person again , I feel like I just have a hole in my heart now 😭😭😭😭😭
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Okay it has been a week since I've read this book and here's a little update on how I'm doing. I still think of the main characters Poppy and Rune every day. Also, I have been listening to the 'Thousand Boy Kisses' Spotify playlist all week to and from work. I'm legit obsessed with this book.

Tillie Cole has written this book in such a spectacular manner making it truly an unforgettable read. The writing is beyond beautiful and the way she created these characters is honestly astounding. You're instantly in love with the characters right from page one where you are introduced to them when they are 5 years old, right up until the very end. The constant rush of emotions was so raw and real that I can't even put into words how I felt reading this. I completely bawled my eyes out reading this - like I'm talking FULL HEARTBREAK UGLY CRYING. There's only ever been one other book in which I cried like a baby to and that was Colleen Hoover's 'All Your Perfects' , but damn 'A Thousand Boy Kisses' definitely knocked that book down a notch and took the overall trophy of saddest and most memorable book I've ever read.

I cannot give this book enough praise, I could go on and on about it. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Go read it when you're in need of a good cry and wanting to read a love story like no other.

I'm glad I read this now so that I have some time to heal before the second book comes out 'A Thousand Broken Pieces' in June of 2024!

I absolutely wept through this book. Who allowed Tillie Cole to write a book this heartbreaking? I genuinely was unconsolable for a few days haha. Read this if you want a good solid cry.

I don't have the slightest clue what to do with myself after reading and finishing this book. I feel like curling into a ball in a dark corner somewhere and rocking like a crazy person. I went into this book knowing it was sad, but damn, I didn't think it was going to be that heartbreaking. I feel dehydrated from the amount of years I cried. I thought Poppy and Rune's story was told beautifully. Thank you Tillie Cole for sharing their story with us.Now I'm going to go find that dark corner and cry again.

This was a breakdown of my review when I first read Tillie Cole's A Thousand boy Kisses. I'm telling you, if you are triggered by cancer and fighting it at a young age, I would highly recommend you go into this novel with your eyes wide open. In all honesty, this is the first novel I read that had me bawling through my entire reading process. I loved Rune and Poppy, I cried for their friendship, for their relationship and for their tragedy. My heart literally was in pieces this second time around reading.

Tillie Cole definitely knows how to bring her readers to the infamous Ugly Cry Breakdown mode. I will be, once again, recommending this book to all readers looking for a ton of angst and a lot of heart in their story. I loved this coming of age romance, it was everything I've come to expect from Tillie Cole, plus so much more!

If you're looking for an emotional novel, with chemistry, friendship, and angst... look no further and pick up A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole. My heart loved every word, every emotion, and every tear that was shed through my reading. Rune and Poppy still hold a place near and dear to my heart. This novel is unforgettable!


Peace, Love and Happy Reading
~Alecia @ The Staircase Reader

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!!! I felt everything that a person can feel while reading this book and I wish I could've read it in one sitting.

I'm going to start this by saying I love romance, and I love YA books. I appreciate what the author was attempting (A Walk to Remember-esque tale), but it really missed the mark for me. It felt overly dramatic in a way that didn't feel real at all. I genuinely could not picture any of the characters because the dialogue was just so unreal. Sure, they were described in a way where it sounded like a person, but then they would open their mouths and become caricatures of actual teenagers. Part of me gets it, I was once a dramatic teen, but I think even my teenage self would find this book to be a bit absurd. I also think the relationships that Rune and Poppy had with their family members felt a little stilted. The author made a point to mention the various family members but then we rarely saw them interact with Rune or Poppy, and when they did it felt like they were the parents in the Peanuts, especially Rune's dad. I understand that Rune is angry and large, but I have a hard time imagining a world where a parent lets their kid talk to them like that and kick them out of their room without ever pushing back or reminding them that it's their house, and they won't be kicked out of a room. I don't know. I almost put this book down a million times but I've seen so much hype about it that I figured I should finish it, especially since I'm a YA librarian. I am interested in discussing this book with teens now that I've read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC.

I must confess that I've largely moved away from young adult fiction as my reading tastes evolved, but when it comes to Tillie Cole, she's an exception. Her writing has a magnetic quality that draws me in every time, so when I picked up A Thousand Boy Kisses, I knew I was in for something special.

This is a story that beautifully captures the essence of first love, and it does so with such a heart-wrenching, soul-stirring depth that it transcends the typical young adult romance. Poppy and Rune's journey, which begins with their friendship at the tender age of five, takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. It's a love story filled with passion, joy, pain, and every other emotion in the spectrum. While I won't give away any spoilers, I can say that their story is a journey worth experiencing without preconceptions.

Poppy and Rune are incredibly endearing characters, and you'll find yourself falling in love with them just as they fall in love with each other. Poppy's spirit and Rune's heart make them unforgettable, and their journey is a testament to the enduring power of love. A Thousand Boy Kisses is a book that will touch your soul, make you cry, and leave you with a profound sense of the beauty and intensity of love. If you're hesitating because of the age of the characters, I urge you to cast those doubts aside and let yourself be swept away by this emotionally charged tale.

This book 😭 I’ve never cried reading a book until now. This book was so heartbreaking. I cried the WHOLE time. It was not at all enjoyable, but it was beautifully written I couldn’t stop. But I don’t think I ever want to read another heart wrenching book like this.

A heartbreaking but beautiful story. Many tears were shed. Beautifully written. I'd recommend some tissues when you read this book!

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Rating: 4 stars

Footprints In The Sand

Blurb: It begins with one kiss with a boy and a girl. They have a bond that started when they first met, and last a decade. Rune returns from his home country Norway and is thinking about one thing, Poppy. What happens when he comes back to find out Poppy his other half cut him off without an explanation. The truth on why she did might lead to even bigger heartache.

-Mini Spoilers-

Review: I would like to start of by saying I'm a wimp. We got two POVs which are our main characters, Rune and Poppy. I will say in the beginning I thought there was a lot of repetition, but when you get farther into the book I didn't mind it a lot because of some dialogue between characters. I was very shocked to see why Poppy cut ties with Rune when he had to go back to Oslo, like I wasn't expecting that at all. I will say a warning the last few chapter made me cry like a baby so if you're a softy like me get the tissues ready. The love story of Poppy and Rune was cute and they are definitely soul mates. The epilogue man it had me going back and forth on what was happening, but it ends in a cute way. I know I say this about some books but I feel like I can relate with what's going on with the characters in this the most out of the other books I've read. But if you need a good cry this could be the book for you. And I'm excited for the next book that comes out June next year.

Do not make the mistake I made and read this book in public. I spent more time trying not to cry in front of strangers than actually reading this on my commute to and from placements. This book will make you sob. It's a tragic love story but it's also so sweet. This book will break your heart. And that epilogue????? As if I already wasn't crying enough.

I can see why people love this book so much! I was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. While I did really enjoy it, I was expecting a bit more due to the hype around it. But still, it was such a cute story that will make you feel deeper. Overall, I'd recommend it.

This is easily one of the most depression yet beautiful books I have ever read. It’s definitely in my top 10 of the year! Poppymin and rune have my heart forever!!!

I liked it. Although I think it's a bit overhyped. It is very cute and sad but at the same time can be very corny.

THIS BOOK!!!! I feel like everyone who hasn't needs to read this book right now. If not for the amazing writing style then for the tears and reminder that life is too short to not live it to the fullest. Tillie Cole did an amazing job with the heart wrenching YA romance novel. I will warn you however, it's not for the faint hearted. I sobbed throughout the last 100 pages.

NON STOP SOBBING 😭 this had me in puddles and gasping for breaths. I have never in my life cried more reading a book.

Although I found certain parts cheesy, and didn’t loveee the epilogue, this was close to perfection and easily a new favorite read. I am so glad I picked this up. It’s sure to be one I’ll refer back to often.

Just yesterday I was leaving the grocery store in the pouring rain, and instead of dreading it - I thought to myself how would poppy feel right now? Every day is a gift. Smile through the storm. Dance in the rain and remember how lucky you are to be here.

4.5 ⭐️

Ugh! If I could only read this book for the first time again! It was perfection. A must read for anyone that wants a beautiful, pure romance book that will bring you to tears. I definitely bought my own copy!

I have never had a book just completely wreck me in the first chapter. I cried and cried so hard all the way home once I started this audiobook. Once the first chapter ended it was hard to listen to. It seemed to drag on for a long while. But Rune and Poppy were still very lovable characters. I just wish there would have been a little more insight as to what was happening while Rune was away. I would have loved to know what he was actually up to. Or the reality of what was going on in Poppy's life.
When Poppy finally came clean about why she just up and vanished from Rune's life I understood the lack of knowledge in the book. I hated how angry Rune was at everyone including Poppy. The things that Rune did for Poppy to make those last few days everything she wanted and needed it to be. Being able to fulfill her dreams of going to New York, going to prom, watching the sun rise on the beach as well as filling her jar to its entirety. I still did not see the ending when it blindsided me.
This book may have had many instances where it was cliché but I believe that this book was meant for those who believe in eternal love. This book was made for those who believe in love at first sight and for those who love with all of their whole being.

I ugly cried through this story. It hits all the right emotional triggers. Dealing with mortality and the concept of true love. And having the main characters at seventeen is such a gut punch. They are so young and deserve a lifetime of happiness.

The author does a phenomenal job showing the characters are fated as soul mates. The plot was sappy and at times a little farfetched. But for a heartbreaking book that has the reader in their feelings, the sappiness was much needed.

The character growth from Rune was executed perfectly by the author. At time he is so angry that it seems to be his only characteristic. The only thing that bothered this reader was how perfect Poppy is and upbeat all the time. At times her acceptance and upbeat attitude were a little bit annoying.

But if you need a good cry, then this is the book for you!

I wish I could give this book a more detailed review but honestly I'm too busy sobbing, I have never cried so much over one book in my entire life 😭

I had heard people talk about this book before, and it really lived up to the hype. This book was heart wrenching, and page turning, and romantic and it was really fast paced and easy to digest. I loved following Rune and Poppy’s story!