Meet New Books
Book Cover

A Thousand Boy Kisses

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

If you love an emotional rollercoaster, grab the tissues for this one! A Thousand Boy Kisses is a heart-wrenching YA romance that beautifully captures the intensity of first love, the struggles of growing up, and the bonds that outlast anything. Poppy and Rune’s journey is filled with epic devotion and unforgettable moments, making it perfect for fans of stories like A Walk to Remember or those who adore soulmates, dual POV, and close-knit friendships. If you're craving a book to make you feel deeply, this one fits the bill.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the drama a bit over the top, with the story leaning very heavily into heartbreak and emotional manipulation. If you’re looking for grounded, nuanced character development or tend to get annoyed by melodrama and repetitive declarations of love, this might not be for you. The writing style and certain plot points also came off as cliché or unrealistic for some, and the ending - especially the epilogue - has been divisive. Plus, if you’re not a fan of ugly-cry reads, you might want to skip this one!

This is a soul-crusher of a YA romance - if you’re in the mood for a story that will give your tear ducts a workout and your heart a serious squeeze, jump in. If melodrama and intense emotional reads aren’t for you, this could be a pass.

About:

'A Thousand Boy Kisses' by Tillie Cole is a heart-wrenching and emotional love story that follows the journey of Poppy and Rune from childhood friends to young lovers. The book beautifully captures the innocence and intensity of their relationship, depicting their struggles, joys, and ultimate bond. Written in a dual POV, the story unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers engaged and emotionally invested until the very end.

The author, Tillie Cole, skillfully weaves a tale of young love that is both tender and heartbreaking. The characters of Poppy and Rune are portrayed as soulmates who share a deep connection that transcends time and distance. Through vivid descriptions and poignant moments, the book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the enduring power of love, making it a compelling and unforgettable read.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Poppy embodying kindness and optimism and Rune reflecting deeper, more conflicted emotions, showcasing their intense bond.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotionally impactful and fluid, crafted to be accessible for young adults while effectively eliciting strong feelings.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the intense and emotional love story between two childhood friends, Rune and Poppy, as they navigate their feelings and experiences of love, loss, and personal growth.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary and relatable for a young adult audience, focusing on the characters' childhood and teenage experiences as they grow up together.

Pacing:

The pacing is emotionally driven and builds up intensity, though some readers note repetitive elements through the narrative.
“We’re not going back home, Rune. And we arenotleaving. This is our home now,” she replied in English. She crouched down and looked me straight in the eye. “Rune,” she said softly, “I know you didn’t ...

Notes:

The book tells a heartbreaking love story between Poppy and Rune, who have been in love since childhood.
Poppy has a close bond with her grandmother, who encourages her to collect 'special kisses' to fill a jar.
The narrative explores themes of young love, loss, and the concept of soulmates.
Readers often describe it as an emotional rollercoaster, capable of evoking intense feelings and tears.
The writing is praised for being accessible and flowing, making it suitable for young adult readers.
The dual point of view allows readers to deeply connect with both main characters' emotional journeys.
Many readers find the ending controversial, with some loving it and others feeling it was unnecessary or unsatisfactory.
Despite mixed reviews about character development, the emotional impact of the story is frequently highlighted.
Poppy is characterized as an 'old soul', with her kind-heartedness and positivity contrasting Rune's more troubled nature.
The book has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, often for its emotional weight and tear-jerking moments.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of grief, loss, emotional trauma, and potential distress from intense emotional scenarios.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central theme throughout the book, deeply affecting the emotional experience of the characters.

From The Publisher:

One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime. One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break.

A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe. When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind.

Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation? Rune's heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come. Standalone Young Adult Tearjerker Romance.

For ages 14 and up.

March 2016
344 pages

Ratings (64)

Incredible (28)
Loved It (13)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (9)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (175):

Read It (72)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (71)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (27)

3 comment(s)

Loved It
10 months

i want to give this 5 stars but it DESTROYED me. it was so good, but the sadness of this just isn’t for me, it wasn’t what i was expecting at all. The only real reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was the word choice the author chose. it didn’t feel natural sometimes, which took away from the story for me.

 
Loved It
1 year

I’m truly heartbroken.

I had a slow start to this and I honestly feel like the first 115 pages it wasn’t for me. Then I read the rest and this book DESTROYED ME.

I haven’t cried this hard at a book in a really long time (and I just finished BoT series!).

You should read it if you want to be destroyed 100%.

 
Did Not Like
1 year

Maybe I’ve read too many books bc by the time I read this I was just bored. It’s sad and of course I felt bad for the tragic element in the story. But the story itself was boring for me.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.