Keeping 13

If Binding 13 cracked my heart open, Keeping 13 stomped on it, kissed it better, and then tucked it in with a warm blanket. Chloe Walsh delivered. This sequel was everything I needed and more, emotional, intense, healing, and so full of love it hurt in the best way.
I was already obsessed with these characters, but Keeping 13 made me fall even harder. The growth? The vulnerability? The way they fight for each other? I was in it. I cried real tears. I laughed. I screamed. I hugged the book like it was a living thing. It’s not just a continuation, it’s a full-on emotional experience.
The romance is still slow burn, but now it’s deeper, more raw, and so satisfying. You feel every ounce of pain and joy with them. And the way Chloe show more writes trauma and healing? So respectful, so real. It’s heavy at times, but it’s also full of hope. I didn’t want it to end.
I gave it 6 stars out of 5 because it deserves to break the rules. Chloe Walsh, you’ve officially ruined me (again), and I’m not even mad. show less

An unbreakable bond born from heartache.

Johnny Kavangh is an injured rugby player recovering from a sports related injury. His world is turned upside down when his girlfriend, Shannon, is sent to the hospital after a domestic violence altercation with her father. Johnny is drawn into Shannon's world of fear, heartbreak and insecurity as his love deepens for her over time. Johnny's fight to remain with Shannon exposes him to detrimental effects of domestic violence as it extends to her brothers. Through Johnny's unyielding support for Shannon through her most painful times, she learns to live and embrace life.

Chloe Walsh's novel is a tear jerker and highly emotional read of teenage love. Chloe holds nothing back on domestic violence and show more it's physiological and psychological effects as experienced by Shannon. Shannon comes from a home of violence, fear and insecurity as her father is often drunk and violent. When she goes to Johnny's house, these things do not exist. Johnny must also decide his future as a rugby player and with Shannon.

I enjoyed this book tremendously although it does pull at your heart. The frustration and feelings of helplessness to take Shannon and her brothers out of that situation is felt by Johnny throughout the book. Although domestic violence is a difficult subject, Chloe writes a gripping novel. Readers will root for Johnny's and Shannons love to conquer all as they fight to stay together through tragedy and Johnny's career decision. show less

May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review

The second book which is also the conclusion to Johnny and Shannon's story. In this one it picks up right off of where Binding 13 ends. Now this conclusion was so heartbreaking at times. It really strikes a deep chord with you on a human level. We see the determination and commitment that our pair have together. There is even more forbidden feels in this book due to the circumstances. I just felt for these two and what they have to overcome. Shannon is having to deal with feeling even more trapped with her new situation but willing to sacrifice so much just to have some alone time with Johnny. Johnny really shows his true colors in what he is able to sacrifice for his girl in show more this one here. I just wanted so much to see these two find their way through their struggles. And really well the whole family of Shannon I just wanted to cry for. We also get some great laughs with the group of Johnny's friends. We also see the difference between Shannon's home to Johnny's home. The difference between loving supportive parents and parents that are only out for their own interests. I had so much love for Johnny and Shannon and their group. Seeing these two find their own way, that is different than what everyone else would have for them was so poignant at times in the strength of their relationship together.

I had a beautiful experience reading the beginning of the Boys of Tommen. Its a story of pain and sacrifice, but of healing and growth and fighting for the one that you love that concludes with such hope and promise. A TRUE GEM AND A TOP READ OF THE YEAR! show less

Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh is AMAZING! It's the second book in the "Boys of Tommen" series and OMG, it’s so good. If you liked "Binding 13," you’ll love this one even more!
The story picks up right where the first book left off, with Johnny and Shannon dealing with so much drama. Shannon is trying to get over all the bad stuff that happened to her, and Johnny is just the sweetest, always there for her. Their relationship is so intense and real. I love how they’re there for each other through everything. They'll definitely have a special place in my heart ❤️.
The character development is awesome. Shannon gets stronger and starts to find her voice, and Johnny isn’t just a hot rugby star; he’s got his own problems too, which show more makes him so much more interesting. The side characters are great too, and they make the whole story feel more real and alive.
The book is a rollercoaster of emotions. There are some really heavy topics like abuse and trauma, so be prepared for that. But Chloe Walsh writes about these things really well. The pacing is perfect, with lots of exciting moments and some quieter, emotional ones.If you’re into books with deep, complex characters and real-life issues, you have to read "Keeping 13." It’s emotional, powerful, and just so, so good. I can’t wait to read the next book! Definitely a 5 ⭐. show less

Slow. Builds momentum but can't keep it, getting bogged down by large chunks of book heavily focused on the characters, not a plot. The last chunk of the book more closely resembled a long-winded (50+ page) epilogue than a requisite part of the story. Still, I understand why people read the series - if you're simply looking for an escape, this is almost 700 pages of it.

“I want your trouble, and your complications, and everything else that comes with you.”

-5 stars-

Tropes:
-Friends to lovers
-Age Gap
-Found Family
-Sports romance
-He's protective

Spice:
3/5

Yeppp
It's official! I'm TOTALLY hooked on this book series. I'm obsessed!
I loved Shannon and Johnny, like I really... I just love them so much! Their relationship is sooooo good like I'm here now wishing I had myself a Johnny. I love their playful chemistry they have and the funny ways they make fun of each other.
I'm actually going to be 1000% honest, when I was about 30-50% through this book I was SO close to DNF-ing this book. I'm happy I stuck with it though. I struggled with it because it was just spice and spice and spice. It didn't have THAT much show more spice, but it was just repetitive.
Anywho, the writing just keeps getting better and better. The characters keep getting better and better, and the WHOLE entire thing is just so good!

“Every bit of me misses every bit of you.” show less

Keeping 13
By Chloe Walsh

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had Binding 13 for months. The hype over this series has been huge. I read the trigger warnings and because some of them are personal to me. I took the leap recently and read it. I know this review is about keeping 13 but I had to give a shot out. There are many books to this series. Keep this in mind, there are several books but they are NOT about the first two. They only have some of the same characters. Book 3-4 are about the love between two other characters mentioned in 1-2!

On to my review of Keeping 13…. this story was beyond words for me. I was so emotional during this book. CHAPTER 63-65 WILL GIVE YOU A HEART ATTACK AND SO MANY TEARS. This story had the show more ending it should have but still giving us more to look forward to. I highly suggest experiencing this story but have tissue ready!

Shannon and Johnny love was intense, meaningful, and hectic! The story and romance had every element a teenage love story should have! Keep in mind THESE are teenagers. There’s going to be teenage angst and drama! show less