Keeping 13 (Boys of Tommen, 2) Paperback – December 26, 2023

This book was phenomenal! It is the second book in the series and you really do need to have read the first book, Binding 13, prior to starting this one. We get more of Johnny and Shannon in this one and they have taken that step into more and crossed that line. Then all hell broke loose for Shannon at home when she got back from the rugby match where Johnny's secret about his injury came out and the hospital. She has been beaten and broken and is trying to find her way back while doing the best thing for her younger brothers. Her one solace and place she feels safe is with Johnny. Johnny is dealing with the devasting news about the set back with his injury and having had another surgery and his healing time reset with new rules and regulations and rugby being out for now until he is healed and cleared by multiple doctors. He is watching his dream inch out of his heads depending on that healing time and finding comfort in Shannon and occupying his time in unraveling her secrets and climbing her walls. Their bond is so strong and I loved seeing them be there for each other and be that safe place. Johnny knows that something is wrong from his hospital room and he won't stop until he figures it all out. I loved how protective Johnny was with Shannon and how he didn't push too far but found ways to make her feel safe and secure and to scale her walls. This book was very well done and I loved so many of the secondary characters with Gibsie and Claire being right towards the top. They definitely add a lot of humor and fun to the story/series while also being the best friends. This story absolutely gets your emotions engaged and tugs on those heartstrings as you watch Shannon and Johnny dealing with the obstacles in their paths both as a couple and individuals. I loved watching them continue to grow closer to together and support each other. They definitely have that soul mate connection going on. There is plenty going on in this story as well to keep it moving forward and attention fully engaged. It is another longer one but it never feels too long or drawn out. It was needed to really get that depth and to deal with what the characters had going on. I loved every bit we got with these two and can't wait for the next book in the series and to see more of Johnny and Shannon in the future. Absolutely love this series!

This book is long but it really wrapped up all the loose ends for Shannon & Johnny! I felt the fire was a better alternative to her dad going to jail. I liked that Bella got expelled and the adoption of the brothers was great! Overall, I feel it could have been a tiny bit shorter and been a little less repetitive with words and phrases but overall…good novel.

Oh my god, I don’t think I’ve experienced such a rollercoaster of emotions in a series as much as this one, and I absolutely loved it!! This series has my heart!As Shannon and Johnny’s story continues, darkness still tries to find a way to destroy what good they have. We see bits and pieces into the stories of Joey, Aofie, Gibsie, Claire, Hughie, and Lizzie, and we finally get to see the personalities of Shannon’s brothers peak through.The beginning of this book broke me into pieces, on the floor crying, on the bed crying, to PIECES! I stayed up hours until 5 am to keep reading this book and ended up passing out a couple of times in the process. I don’t know how to talk about such a long and heart-wrenching book, but I do know that the character development and the plot were spot on. I saw so much growth in Shannon and how strong she is for dealing with all the pain her family and bullies have caused her. I’m so proud of Johnny as well, for following his dreams and following his heart with Shannon. They both saved each other when they needed it, and I loved that about them. I also loved Johnny’s parents because of how kind and considerate they are towards Shannon and her family. There’s something happens in the book that changes everyone, for the good I honestly believe. I think it’s important to recognize that grief is like a new beginning. It’s a chance to learn more about yourself and although there is pain involved, there is always light in the darkness. The fact that these characters have such a strong bond with each other is beautiful, and I would love to have something like that.I wanted to point out that I really enjoyed the nostalgic feel to the book and how the characters aren’t distracted by their phones and social media like we are today. They’re able to act like teenagers and have fun and just be themselves. The found family aspect of this series is one of the most beautiful I’ve read. I love the banter between friends and family! I love how Johnny and Shannon continued to choose each other through hell and back! God I loved the ending of the book and I’m so dang excited to read Joey’s story. I hope he’s able to heal in his books!Overall, this series is becoming one of my favorite series and it is definitely a 5 star read 100%!! Please read the boys of tommen series!!

4.5⭐️This book was so good. Chloe Walsh’s writing is incredibly strong, and she handles difficult topics with such care and depth. ⚠️ Definitely check the trigger warnings—this story continues the heavy themes from Binding 13 and doesn’t shy away from emotional intensity.There were moments that were genuinely hard to read, but Shannon’s journey felt incredibly real and deeply relatable. Seeing her navigate the aftermath of trauma was like a breath of fresh air—raw, honest, and surprisingly hopeful.Shannon and Johnny’s love story? Absolutely heartbreaking and impossibly sweet. Their relationship had such a solid, patient foundation. While there may have been a hint of trauma bonding in how they connected, the way it was written felt authentic and respectful.Despite the heaviness, there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Just like in book one, the side characters stole the show in the best way—you can’t help but fall in love with every single one of them.Overall, I loved this book. It was emotional, healing, and beautifully done. 🥹🌶️🌶️