Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Aestas Book Database
Book Review — A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Book Review — A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

by · 82 Comments

Kiss eight hundred and nineteen was the kiss that changed it all. The kiss that proved that a long-haired brooding boy from Norway and a quirky girl from the Deep South could find a love to rival the greats.

It showed that love was simply the tenacity to make sure that the other half of your heart knew he, or she, was adored in every way. In every minute of every day. That love was tenderness in its purest form.

WOW. WOW. WOW!!!!!!

This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful books I have EVER read in my entire life. HOLY FEELS. I cried my way through most of the book because almost every scene was filled with the most intense and powerful emotions you can imagine. The sheer, undying strength of the LOVE that Rune and Poppy shared overwhelmed me. I loved every single word of this book. And the ending was absolutely perfect for their story. This is one of those books that I know will stay with me forever and ever. I loved it with all my heart and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to everyone as my first 6 STAR RATING of the year!!!

I’m exhausted. I’ve slept barely 2 hours. After I washed all the mascara tear streaks from my face, I went to bed thinking about this book. I fell asleep thinking about this book. I woke up thinking about this book. I can’t stop thinking about this book. I keep replaying the story, the beautiful quotes, the powerful scenes over and over in my head. I can’t get over how beautiful this book was. If there has ever been a single book that has EVER made me believe that REAL LOVE truly lasts forever and ever, THIS IS IT.

This is what it’s about…

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.

For anyone who want/needs to know the ending, I’ve included everything in the hidden spoiler at the link below. You don’t have to read it first, but I know many of you like to know. I personally always have to know. I knew everything in this spoiler before I read the book and honestly (just for me), knowing was what made me enjoy the book more because I had that lifeline and reassurance. It’s totally up to you!

Spoiler Inside Show

 

“She’s the love of my life. And I’m not walking away from her, even for a second.”

HOLY INTENSITY. There was more raw emotion in the first few chapters of this book alone than in most entire books I’ve read. I had tears in my eyes, my heart was pounding in my throat, I felt like I couldn’t breathe because of how much I was feeling for this book. I alternated between crying and almost crying, falling in love and feeling overjoyed for the beauty of their fierce love for each other, and feeling broken-hearted for everything they were going through.

I held her. I held her so tightly I thought she would ask me to let go. But she didn’t, and I wouldn’t. I didn’t dare let go, in case when I lifted my head she wasn’t here.
I needed her to be here.
I needed her to stay.

Every few chapters, I had to step away from the book to regain my composure. But even though I wanted to take breathers, I just as desperately needed to keep reading. I wanted more of their story while simultaneously wanting to stop time. No matter what, every time I picked the book back up again, I was crying within moments. On more than one occasion, I’d have to stop reading because I literally couldn’t see the words any longer through my tears. AND I LOVED IT!! Could. Not. Stop. Reading.

I loved how much validity the author gave to young love. It’s so often dismissed as ‘you aren’t ready yet’ or ‘you can’t know what you want yet’, but this book gave it power and strength. I’m a firm believer that you know when you fall in love — forever love — even if you find your soul mate when you’re young.

When he reached me, he didn’t touch the tear stains on my cheeks, as I left his untouched. Closing his eyes, he took my mouth in a kiss. And in this kiss I felt his outpourings of love. I felt a love, that at seventeen, I was blessed to have received.
A love that knew no boundaries.

Poppy’s strength was beyond powerful. And the fierce loyalty and strength with which Rune loved her was beyond intense. He loved this girl with all of his heart and soul and he was willing to do absolutely anything to make every moment of her life be filled with that love.

This book needs to be made into a movie. I could picture every scene so vividly in my mind as I read and it would easily make an incredible transition to screen. *sends up silent prayer to movie gods*

Then she promised, “My kisses are all yours. No one else will ever have these lips but you.”
I brushed my lips against her one more time and echoed her words. “My kisses are all yours. No one will ever have these lips but you.”

I highly recommend this book with all my heart. Be prepared to ugly cry. Possibly more than once. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be full-out sobbing at some point. But know that it is absolutely worth every single tear… because the ending was more beautiful than I could ever have imagined.

Heart-breaking, breathtaking, unforgettable, and profoundly beautiful, this book will stay in my heart a long time to come. More than anything, it truly made me believe in undying love — the kind of love that endures the most intense pain imaginable, and still shines through forever and ever and ever.

“You’ll stay by my side, won’t you?”
Crouching down, I cupped her cheeks. “Forever.”

RATING: 6 STARS!!! Standalone romance.

A THOUSAND BOY KISSES promo2

Comments

  3. I just lost my husband on Saturday. This book made my heart sing. I didn’t document my man kissed but every single one made my heart sing.

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    • Oh wow, I am so very sorry for your loss. But I’m so glad you loved this book. Every kiss is precious whether documented or not because we’ll always have the memories <3

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    • I was scrolling the comments and saw your post. My heart aches for your loss even though we don’t know each other I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS)))

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  4. I am TOTALLY NOT reading the spoiler, but any book you rate as 6 stars will be mine, LOL. I just purchased it to read right after I finish up the Legal Briefs series by Emma Chase. By the way, just wanted to let you know that your blog is my TBR!!

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    • Awww thank you!!! And you can come back and read it anytime if you get to a point where you need it. I love knowing in advance, but that’s mostly because I don’ t have anyone I follow who I trust to give me exactly the kind of book I want so I needed to know. If you get to a point in the story where it’s rough, just trust me that the epilogue will heal your heart. 🙂

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  8. I just finished the book and your review conveys exactly what I feel……Gahhhh!!!!!!THE.FEEEELLSSSSSSS.I almost used up half a box of tissues.
    Please suggest something light to read after this, I need it.
    Looking forward to your exciting reviews in the future!
    P.S:You may already know this but you are AMAZINGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Aestas – Thank you so much for the spoiler,,, I am like you, most of the time – that I need to know before I go and have my heart bashed in,,, I want to know that it will all be worth the heart bashing. I went into The Nightingale without knowing really anything about it, and I wish I did know,,, but after the heart bashing, I loved it and understood why the events in the book HAD to happen.
    I’ll be picking this one up for sure (sounds like a little Kim Holden like)

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    • You are so welcome!! I know every reader is different and some just NEED to know (myself included) so I wanted to give that option. 🙂

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  10. I one clicked 🙂 holding off because once I start it will be over!! 🙂 and I do not like it when an awesome 6 star book ends ……they are very rare!!

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  12. I am one of those that need to know and still on the fence about this one even with the much appreciated spoiler. Because now I wonder about Rune since he was so young. I don’t usually do well with these types of reads so I’ll admit I might not be able to do it even though it sounds amazing. Great review though and it definitely made me think about reading it more so than had I not read your review.

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    • The thing you’re wondering about is explained in the book in a way that makes a lot of sense and that they both are happy with (haha tried to say it without spoilers). Hope that helps 🙂

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  13. Yes! This book is awesome and made me ugly cry for 4 hours straight. The only book that ever made me cry this much is Me Before You.

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  14. Love your review, as always! I finished it at 6:12 am. I pulled an all nighter ~ that’s the only time that the house is quiet and no one is bugging me? Absolutely adored this book. I agree this is a book that’s stuck in my head and anytime I see the cover or hear someone talking about it I will always remember.

    I went in blind ~ you know I just have to do that. I actually didn’t start crying until 70%. I already had someone ask me how that was possible lol. I was worried that something was seriously wrong with me for not getting teary eyed or crying even though I loved the book. But BAM around 70% I started sobbing. I had to go outside and let loose on my ugly cry so I didn’t wake the family ??.

    The ending was absolute PERFECTION. I was so happy with the ending that I had a huge smile and felt like today started out just right!!

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  17. Thank you for the spoiler. I cried just by reading your review. I am not ready to read it yet but it is on my to be read list.

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    • You are so welcome!! I hear you too – you have to be in the right frame of mind for this kind of story. I hope you read it though because it is BEAUTIFUL <3

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  18. I’m 80% into the book after your amazing review and I cant stop crying. I’m feeling all the pain and love that Poppy and Rune have for each other. Its amazing how a their story can be heartbreaking and at the same time hold so much hope and faith. I’m in love with this book and I definitely agree that this is sooooo movie worthy. Thanks Aestas once again for the great review. Even if my swollen eyes dont agree, I am so happy with this book.

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  19. I agree that this NEEDS TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE! It would be EPIC! And though I hate spoilers (I much prefer to go into every book completely blind) I agree with every other word of this review. You summed it up perfectly. This book blew me away and it will be hard-pressed to be beaten by another. Days later and I’m still feeling completely shattered by it.

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  20. I haven’t read this one yet after reading your review and some of the comments I have to get my head right first, transition from what I’ve been reading

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    • Definitely read it when you’re in the mood for INTENSE feels and tears. But… the epilogue is so beautiful that it’s worth all the tears 🙂

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  22. I loved this book and review I sobbed all through the book and I know the story of Rune and Poppy will remain in my heart.

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  23. Simply amazing – Love every part of this book and had a hard time putting it down. Filled with SOOOO many emotions that you feel them all right to your core…Loved it!!!

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  24. I just finished this book and I honestly don’t think I have ever read a book that has made me cry so much or feel so much! Everything you wrote in your review I agree with, your words mirror exactly what I want to say. A Thousand Boy Kisses is honestly my number 1 favourite book ever, the only downside from it is how can you read such an epic love story and be content with other books after reading Poppy and Runes story? I’m happy and sad at the same time, it truly stole my heart. Tillie Cole is one of the best authors ever.

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    • I feel exactly the same. It’s been 2 days for me and I’ve tried to read other books but I can’t. This book is just too special to immediately follow up with anything else. So so beautiful. I’m glad you loved it so much too! 🙂

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  25. Wow…. I can’t count how many times I’ve put my iPad down because my heart couldn’t be are anymore heartbreak…. This was an extremely overwhelming book. ( but in a good way).after reading the spoiler I braced myself .. Prepared my mind .. But nothing nothing could have prepared me for the feelssssssss….. This book will go with me everywhere .

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  26. First..I loved your review of this most amazing book! This book sat on my kindle for a few days before I finally decided I was ready to read it. I started this morning and finished a few minutes ago. All I can say is wow! It was truly an epic love story. Yup, I ugly cried a lot…still have tears in my eyes but also a big smile on my face! The epilogue was just beautiful! This book will stay with me for a long long time!

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  27. Oh my! I’ve finished this book 3 days ago, crying and sobbing, with my heart full of bittersweet emotions: love, joy, hope, sadness..I loved every single word!!! Thank you for making me discover this wonderful book!!!
    I hope it will be transleted soon in Italian, so I can share my ugly cry with my friends!

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  28. I only read the book cause you gave it 6 stars…. I could not stop crying the hole time… I’m so grateful that you highlighted the book… Thanks!

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  29. I love your review!! and this is one of my favourites books of this year!! I love it and cried a lot!! 🙁

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  30. “Every few chapters, I had to step away from the book to regain my composure. But even though I wanted to take breathers, I just as desperately needed to keep reading. ” – I am with you on this one. I just can’t put this book down even if I can barely open my eyes because it’s so puffy from crying already. I just love this book.

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  31. It was this review that made me read this book. Oh my SOUL!!! i didn’t stop crying.. absolutely AMAZING!!!!!

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  32. One of my favourite books ?. Fantastic review, your review is what finally made me read it and love it ???

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  33. Im only reading the sample at the moment, and their love so apparent already, and i already want to cry. I hate not knowing whats gonna happen, but dont want to read the spoiler. Im getting from everyones comments that it all turns out good in the end, so im getting my tissues ready now. On seond thought, i am at work and was gonna read it during lunch break, but think ill save it fo home instead. Dont want my co workers thinking ive lost it. Lol. THANKS AESTA!!!

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  36. I WANT THIS BOOK TO BECOME A MOVIE; IT HAS TO BE A MOVIE!
    I AM SO IN LOVE WITH IT AND I KNOW EVERYONE SAID IT BUT ; FEEEEEEEEEEEEEELS !!!!
    HONESTLY, THIS HAS TO BE A MOVIE!

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  37. I cried my way thru this book, I couldn’t put it down. More feels in this book than probably any other book I’ve ever read or will ever read

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  38. Never have I been so emotional about a book! Half a year after I read it, (THANK YOU SO MUCH for the recommendation, Aestas!!!!), and I get emotional just thinking about it! Honestly, I think a gem like this only comes along very rarely! It will stay in my heart forever! <3

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  40. I had this book on my kindle since May, but only yesterday I started reading it. I am in the middle of the book and I have cried three times now. I could not cry more yesterday!! I do not like reading books which talk about illnesses, but I started this one without knowing it. I cannot put it down, because it is beautifully written.
    As for the Bronze Horseman, it is my favorite. I have read it in 2006 and I reread it every Christmas. It is my own personal Christmas tradition!
    Once again, congratulations for your blog. It is amazing!
    I wish you a happy new year!

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  44. I decided to read A Thousand Boy Kisses next because I saw your recommendation and it has been sitting in my kindle for a few years. I so hate you BUT I soooooo love you for recommending this book lol. I was on my lunch break at work and I literally have tears running down my face while the waiter keeps coming over to see if I am ok. I am only 1/4 into the book and already I am an absolute mess.

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