Book Review: Keeping 13 (Boys of Tommen Book 2) by Chloe Walsh
Introduction
Chloe Walsh’s Keeping 13 (2018) is the emotional, addictive sequel to Binding 13 in the viral TikTok-phenomenon Boys of Tommen series. At ~800 pages (paperback editions vary), it’s a new adult/YA crossover sports romance set in Cork, Ireland, focusing on rugby star Johnny Kavanagh and vulnerable Shannon Lynch. The book exploded in popularity through BookTok, earning a devoted following for its raw portrayal of first love, trauma, friendship, and healing. Walsh, an Irish author, crafts a heartfelt, angst-heavy duology conclusion (for Johnny and Shannon) that cements the Tommen universe—full of found family, banter, and high-stakes teen drama. In 2026, with the full series complete and deluxe editions circulating, Keeping 13 remains a fan-favorite for its tear-jerking depth and swoony moments.
Content and Structure
Picking up immediately after Binding 13‘s brutal cliffhanger, the story alternates dual POVs between Johnny and Shannon as they navigate love amid chaos.
- Johnny’s arc: Sidelined by a devastating hip injury that threatens his rugby dreams and beloved number 13 jersey, Johnny grapples with identity loss, physical pain, and frustration. He leans on his loyal friends (especially Gibsie) while pursuing Shannon, determined to protect and win her despite his uncertain future.
- Shannon’s arc: Shannon faces escalating domestic abuse at home (her father’s violence, family dysfunction), social isolation, and the aftermath of trauma. She slowly opens to Johnny, her brothers (especially Joey), and the Tommen crew, finding safety and love for the first time.
- Relationship & supporting cast: Their slow-burn romance deepens—tender moments, steamy tension, and heartfelt confessions—while side characters (Gibsie, Claire, Joey, the Lynch siblings) shine with humor, loyalty, and growth. The plot weaves family crises, school drama, rugby matches, and emotional breakthroughs, culminating in life-altering revelations and a hard-won HEA.
The structure is epic and character-driven: long, immersive chapters packed with banter, inner turmoil, and Irish slang. Walsh balances heavy topics with light-hearted friend-group antics.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Central is healing through love and community: overcoming trauma, reclaiming agency, and building trust. Themes include domestic abuse’s ripple effects, the pressure of athletic dreams, mental health, friendship as family, and young love’s power to endure pain. Walsh handles sensitive issues (abuse, injury, anxiety) with care, emphasizing consent, support, and resilience—making it empowering despite the angst.
Strengths and Criticisms
Strengths: Emotional depth is unmatched—readers report ugly-crying, rooting hard for characters. The found-family dynamic (Tommen crew banter is gold), Irish authenticity, and slow-burn romance feel real and addictive. Dual POVs add layers; many call it “comforting yet devastating.”Criticisms: Length can feel bloated with repetitive angst or side plots. Heavy themes (abuse, injury) trigger some; pacing drags in spots. Writing occasionally draws criticism for typos or melodrama, though fans defend its raw honesty.
Conclusion
Keeping 13 is an emotional powerhouse—heartbreaking, hopeful, and impossible to put down. Walsh delivers a satisfying close to Johnny and Shannon’s story while setting up the wider Boys of Tommen world. Rated 4.5/5 for angst, romance, and character love. Essential for sports romance fans, TikTok virals, or anyone craving tear-jerking YA/NA with Irish heart. If Binding 13 hooked you, this one wrecks and heals you in equal measure. Proceed with tissues.