Releasing 10

The Boys of Tommen series comprises six novels by Irish author Chloe Walsh, with more novels reportedly in production. They are largely set in the fictional private school Tommen College. At the center of each is a romance with one of the titular boys, complicated by issues like trauma, abuse, substance use, and death.

The first two novels in the series, Keeping 13 and Binding 13, explore the relationship between star rugby player Johnny Kavanagh and Shannon Lynch. Johnny is destined to go pro, dedicating his life to practice and training. Meanwhile, Shannon has faced years of physical and emotional abuse, largely at the hands of her father, Teddy. Though she keeps his abuse a secret to protect her younger siblings, she slowly lets Johnny into her life. After Teddy burns down Shannon’s home, killing himself and his wife, Johnny’s parents adopt Shannon and her siblings, finally giving them an opportunity to grow and heal.

In the first two novels, Hugh and Lizzie serve as emotional support for both Johnny and Shannon. While dealing with the pressures of athletic excellence, Johnny also learns to enjoy his adolescence outside of rugby.