Keeping 13: the exciting conclusion to Binding 13

Keeping 13 is the second book of the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. The story begins immediately after the events of book 1 Binding 13 as both Shannon and Johnny face life changing decisions, each with their own fallouts and dire consequences. After a devastating injury, Johnny is sidelined while he recovers and struggles to stay the course for his ultimate dreams. Feeling lost and insecure, he sets his attention to unraveling the mystery and secrets of the only other person who has been able to take his sights off his goals. Keeping secrets is second nature for Shannon as her family life demands it. Traumatized and desperate to protect herself and her little brothers, she finds herself falling into old patterns with cover-ups and walls in place to keep everyone out. However, Johnny is the only one with the ability to climb those walls. Falling in love with each other was the easy part, what they now face will be the test. 

Keeping 13 is a story of friendship, first love, friendship, and horrifying secrets in this love story of two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks. After reading Binding 13, I couldn’t wait to finish this heartbreaking story and hoping for a happy ending. Picking up right where Binding 13 left off, Keeping 13 was a wild ride that kept going with its dips and turns until the very end. There were a number of surprises especially at the end. Just when I thought the story was over, it wasn’t!  It had heartbreaking moments with sobs and tears as well as heart gripping fear. However, there were side splitting laughter and smiles for miles as the teenagers will be teenagers. As I warned with Binding 13, I will give the warning again. It is written in the Irish teen vernacular with heavy foul language. I loved this story and I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Keeping 13. 

Keeping 13 is available in paperback and eBook

Binding 13: a chance encounter leads to friendship and love

Binding 13 is the first book of the Boys of Tommen series by Chole Walsh. Johnny Kavanagh lives and breathes rugby. It has been his main focus until he met her. An unfortunate accident puts Johnny face to face with Shannon Lynch, the new girl on campus, and he is captivated. Shy and hiding physical and emotional damage, all Shannon wants is to be invisible. Coming from a horrifying situation at a previous school, where she was bullied and tortured, she is desperate for as much peace and quiet that she can get. He doesn’t know why but Johnny feels protective of Shannon and is determined that her experience at Tommen College is better for her. Despite dealing with his own pressures and needing to keep his eyes on the ultimate prize, but, Johnny can’t stay away from the girl with the sad, soulful eyes. What starts as a complicated friendship turns into an undeniable attraction, can Johnny and Shannon overcome the obstacles in their path? 

I was introduced to Binding 13 through TikTok and I was intrigued. While I am not a fan of rugby, I was drawn to the story of Johnny and Shannon. Two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks who find friendship, love and the reality of the real world around them. Based in Ireland, Binding 13 is a stark look into the world of rugby, teenage love and heartbreak. Once I started this story, I could not put it down. This book has it all. It is real, gritty and heartbreaking. It had humor and banter. It has tense and tender moments with tears and smiles. My heart broke for Shannon and I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her, to save her. I loved Johnny’s character and his connection with Shannon. Word of warning: it is written in the Irish teen vernacular with heavy foul language. I highly, highly recommend Binding 13 and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. 

Binding 13 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook