A Thousand Boy Kisses 💋

By Tillie Cole.

Content warning - Terminal Illness, Grief, Death, Death of a family member.

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“Kiss 1000 with Poppymin. When she returned home. My heart completely burst.”

How have I only just found this book? For once, TikTok has done something good and recommended this to me via my FYP!

As my first Tillie Cole novel, I wasn't sure what to expect, though I knew it came highly recommended and had an irresistible cover.

Right from the start, this book had me in tears. Rune and Poppy meet at five years old when Rune moves from Norway to Georgia, and they become instant best friends. By the time they’re eight, Poppy’s grandmother passes away, gifting her a jar with pink hearts for Poppy to record her “thousand boy kisses”—cherishing love the way her grandparents did. Their first kiss happens at eight, and from then on, they’re literal soulmates.

As the story moves through their teenage years, the sadness only deepens. When Rune has to return to Norway for two years, their separation is agonising, especially when Poppy cuts him off completely. Two years later, Rune returns at 17, determined to find out why.

The emotions in this book are overwhelming. It completely shattered me, even though I'm not typically one to cry over books. Poppy, a whimsical and unique character, brings a lightness that perfectly contrasts Rune’s darker emotions. Their connection is palpable, and although this is a young adult romance, their relationship feels mature and deeply impactful.

I read this book in no time and have been recommending it to everyone since. If you’ve been curious about this book, I highly suggest diving in soon—you won’t regret it.

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