A review by jai_98
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

 

As a reader of romance novels, I was eager to dive into "A Thousand Boy Kisses" by Tillie Cole, given its intriguing premise. Unfortunately, I found myself utterly disappointed by the execution of this story, rendering it deserving of only two stars. 

 

My first issue with the novel is the predictability. From the very beginning, it becomes painfully obvious how the plot will unfold. There are no surprises or twists along the way, making the reading experience quite dull. I was hoping for some unexpected turns or unique twists, but sadly, it never materialized. Moreover, the author's excessive reliance on sentimentalism leaves much to be desired. While I appreciate the emotional depth in a romance novel, "A Thousand Boy Kisses" crosses the line, plunging into an ocean of exaggerated sentimentality. The constant focus on heart-wrenching moments and tearful scenes becomes overwhelming, making it challenging to connect with the characters on a genuine level. 

 

Furthermore, the character development felt lacking. Both the protagonists, Rune and Poppy, appear one-dimensional and fail to evolve throughout the course of the story. Their actions and decisions often come across as irrational or forced, making it difficult for readers to empathize with them. I wished for more depth and complexity in their personalities to make their journey more intriguing. By doing this I feel I would be more emotionally connected to the characters and therefore would have felt more sadness when their story comes to an end. 

 

Additionally, the writing style falls short of expectations. While it is descriptive and flows smoothly, there are noticeable moments where the prose becomes hasty and lacks precision. This lack of attention to detail disrupted my immersion in the story, leaving me disconnected from the narrative. It is necessary to mention that A Thousand Boy Kisses deals with heavy themes such as loss, grief, and tragedy. While these themes are integral to the story, some readers may find it too emotionally challenging or triggering. It is vital to approach this book with caution, as it may not be suitable for everyone due to its intense and emotional content. 

 

 

Finally, without giving away any spoilers, I must address the ending. I understand that bittersweet endings can be powerful and evoke strong emotions, but the way it was executed in "A Thousand Boy Kisses" left me unsatisfied. It felt rushed and didn't do justice to the emotional investment made throughout the book. I desired a more thought-provoking and satisfying resolution and would like to know more about what happened to the character. 

 

In conclusion, "A Thousand Boy Kisses" by Tillie Cole failed to live up to my expectations. The overly predictable plot, excessive sentimentality, lacklustre character development, inconsistent writing style, and underwhelming ending prevent me from recommending this novel to others. It certainly had potential, but unfortunately, it fell short in too many areas. Despite its flaws, it remains a story that resonates with the power of young love and reminds us of the fragility of life.