Get to know the world of Boys of Tommen
When it comes to emotionally gripping and utterly unforgettable storytelling, Chloe Walsh is in a league of her own. An Irish author known for her vivid characters and emotionally charged plots, Walsh delivers stories that stay with you long after the final page. Her Boys of Tommen series, set against the backdrop of an Irish rugby-playing school, is no exception. It’s a deeply evocative series filled with love, heartbreak, resilience, and the complexities of teenage and young adult life.
Who is Chloe Walsh?
Hailing from Ireland, Chloe Walsh writes with a raw authenticity that captures the heart of her homeland while delving into universal themes of love, loss, and identity. Her works often explore deep emotional connections, challenging life circumstances, and characters who feel so real, you’ll swear you’ve met them before. Walsh’s stories aren’t just romances—they’re experiences that take readers on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Boys of Tommen: A Rugby Backdrop and Heavy Themes
The Boys of Tommen series follows a group of teenagers navigating the trials of adolescence, rugby culture, and the tangled webs of their personal lives. The rugby backdrop adds an exhilarating layer of camaraderie and tension, but the series is about so much more than sports. Walsh doesn’t shy away from heavy and poignant topics like mental health, family struggles, and the search for self-worth, making these books feel profoundly authentic and impactful.
Characters You’ll Fall For
The characters in the Boys of Tommen series are as complex as they are lovable. From the rough-edged boys learning what it means to be men to the fierce and resilient girls who challenge and support them, each character has a story that tugs at your heart. The series does an incredible job of showing growth, resilience, and the power of love in its many forms.
Characters we meet in BOT:
The Lynch family:
– Teddy (Dad, alcoholic, abusive father)
– Marie (Mom, abused by Teddy, depressed)
– Darren (Oldest brother, ran away when he was 18)
– Joey (second sibling, drug addict from the age of 13, MC of the second duet, hurler)
– Shannon (third sibling, only sister, MC of the first duet, Johnny’s girlfriend)
– Tadhg [Tie-g] (fourth sibling, hurler)
– Oliver (Ollie) (fifth sibling)
– Sean (youngest sibling)
The Kavanagh family:
– John Sr (Dad, lawyer)
– Edel (Mom, aka Mammy K, clothes designer)
– Johnny (only child, Shannon’s boyfriend, rugby star #13)
Friends:
– Aoife [E-fa] Molloy (Joey’s best friend, girlfriend and baby mama, MC of the second duet with Joey)
– Gerard “Gibs/Gibsie” Gibson (MC of Taming 7, rugby player #7)
– Claire Biggs (Shannon’s best friend, MC of Taming 7)
– Hughie Biggs (Claire’s older brother, rugby player #10)
-Patrick Feely (Rugby player #12)
– Elizabeth (Liz/Lizzie) Young (Shannon and Claire’s friend)
– Katie Wilmot (Long time girlfriend of Hughie and Aoife’s friend)
Tropes That Shine
Walsh expertly weaves beloved romance and coming-of-age tropes into her narratives, such as:
- First Love: The raw and vulnerable experiences of young love.
- Friends-to-Lovers: Lifelong connections that evolve into something more.
- Angst: Emotional turmoil that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- Forbidden Romance: Love that defies expectations and rules.
- Slow Burn: Relationships that simmer and build until they reach an unforgettable crescendo.
A Series That Pulls No Punches
Walsh doesn’t shy away from tackling the tough stuff. The Boys of Tommen series is known for its willingness to explore themes like trauma, addiction, self-discovery, and the journey toward healing. These elements make the stories heavy, yes, but also deeply rewarding as you watch characters rise above their circumstances to find hope and love.
Why This Series Stands Out
What makes Boys of Tommen truly special is its unflinching honesty. Walsh captures the messiness of life and relationships with a skill that makes her books feel incredibly real. The pain, the joy, the growth—it’s all there in vivid detail, and it makes the series unforgettable.
Whether you’re in it for the romance, the rugby, or the emotional depth, the Boys of Tommen series is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that touch the soul. Chloe Walsh’s ability to weave together humor, heartbreak, and hope is nothing short of masterful. If you’re ready for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, this is the one for you.
Let’s get into each book and the people in it. Trust me, you want to read this series and you will remember it for a long time!
TRIGGER WARNING: These books contain big and heavy subjects, so I really want to warn you and give you a heads up!
The books of Boys of Tommen:
The Heartfelt and Harrowing Love Story of Johnny Cavanagh and Shannon Lynch
(Binding 13 & Keeping 13 Duet by Chloe Walsh)
The story of Johnny Cavanagh and Shannon Lynch from Chloe Walsh’s Boys of Tommen series is one of those rare duets that burrows into your soul. These books, Binding 13 and Keeping 13, are a deeply emotional rollercoaster that not only explores the fragile beauty of first love but also dives into the dark, unspoken truths of trauma, abuse, and healing.
The Beginning of Their Story
Shannon Lynch is a timid, introverted girl with a dark secret. On her first day at the prestigious private school of Tommen, she’s rushing between classes when a stray rugby ball, kicked by none other than Johnny Cavanagh, collides with her head. The resulting concussion sends Shannon reeling, and Johnny, the school’s rugby superstar, steps in to help her. He escorts her to the principal’s office, and from that very moment, Johnny is drawn to the mysterious girl with striking blue eyes.
Johnny, known for his charisma and larger-than-life personality, quickly realizes that Shannon is unlike anyone he’s ever met. Beneath her quiet demeanor lies a girl carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. At home, Shannon endures a horrific reality: an abusive, alcoholic father who terrorizes her family. Despite her efforts to hide the truth, Johnny’s protective instincts and genuine care for Shannon bring her pain into the light.
As their connection deepens, Johnny becomes Shannon’s safe haven—a place where she can let her guard down and feel loved for who she truly is. And for Johnny, Shannon is a grounding force, someone who sees the boy behind the rugby legend. Their bond isn’t just romantic—it’s life-changing.
The Journey Through Love and Healing
Over the course of the duet, we witness Shannon’s journey toward healing and self-acceptance, all while Johnny battles to be the rock she needs. Johnny isn’t perfect, and his own struggles add depth to his character, but his unwavering devotion to Shannon is what makes him one of the most unforgettable heroes in contemporary romance.
Chloe Walsh masterfully writes their love story as both beautiful and raw, filled with tender moments, heart-wrenching challenges, and an unshakable bond that proves true love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances.
5 Tropes & Character Dynamics
- Hurt/Comfort: Johnny becomes Shannon’s protector, shielding her from her abusive home life and giving her the comfort and love she’s never known.
- Innocent Heroine & Protective Hero: Shannon’s shy, sheltered nature contrasts beautifully with Johnny’s confident, caring personality.
- Found Family: The friendships and relationships they build at Tommen become a source of strength and solace for both characters.
- Trauma and Healing: The duet explores Shannon’s traumatic experiences and her journey toward reclaiming her life.
- Sports Romance: The backdrop of rugby adds excitement and depth, with Johnny’s role as a team leader highlighting his loyalty and determination.
Why This Duet is So Special
The Binding 13 and Keeping 13 duet isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to resilience, kindness, and the transformative power of love. Johnny’s unwavering commitment to Shannon and his ability to make her feel seen, safe, and cherished is nothing short of inspiring. Likewise, Shannon’s growth from a girl burdened by pain to someone who learns to fight for herself is incredibly empowering.
These books are raw, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable. They will break your heart, piece it back together, and leave you believing in the kind of love that saves lives. If you’re ready to laugh, cry, and feel every emotion under the sun, this duet is an absolute must-read.
Joey Lynch and Aoife Molloy’s story in Saving 6 and Redeeming 6 is an emotional, gut-wrenching masterpiece that dives into the depths of love, addiction, and the unrelenting fight for survival. Chloe Walsh delivers a story that shatters your heart, piecing it back together with hope, love, and resilience, only to break it all over again with the raw reality of addiction and its devastating impact.
Their Story
From the moment Joey Lynch lays eyes on Aoife Molloy on his first day at BCS, he’s captivated. Aoife’s light and warmth draw Joey in, offering him a reprieve from the chaos and darkness of his home life. Over the years, their relationship grows into a deep, unbreakable friendship. But despite their closeness, it remains strictly platonic, as Aoife is in a relationship with another boy, and Joey hides his feelings for her, believing he’s unworthy of her love.
Joey’s struggles with drug addiction begin at the heartbreaking age of 13. The relentless abuse he endures at the hands of his father leaves him desperate to escape the pain, and drugs become his refuge. As the years pass, his addiction worsens, creating an insurmountable chasm between him and those who care about him, except for Aoife.
Aoife is Joey’s anchor, his unwavering source of support, even when his addiction threatens to consume them both. Her love for him runs deep, but it’s not without cost. Witnessing Joey’s self-destruction tears her apart, yet she refuses to give up on him. In their fifth year of secondary school, their relationship shifts from friendship to love, and they embark on a tumultuous, passionate romance.
In their sixth year, Aoife becomes pregnant, adding another layer of complexity to their story. With a baby on the way, Joey is forced to confront his addiction and the damage it’s caused. But the road to redemption is far from easy, as his demons continue to haunt him and threaten to pull him back into darkness.
The Emotional Depth of Joey and Aoife’s Story
Reading Joey and Aoife’s story is an emotionally exhausting yet profoundly rewarding experience. Chloe Walsh doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal reality of addiction—the lies, the betrayals, and the self-loathing that come with it. But she also weaves in moments of hope, love, and healing, making their journey all the more impactful.
Joey’s addiction is not just a personal struggle; it’s deeply rooted in his abusive upbringing and the societal pressures he faces as a young man trying to protect his family. Aoife’s role as his steadfast supporter showcases the strength and resilience of love, even in the face of overwhelming pain.
5 Tropes & Character Dynamics
- Friends-to-Lovers: Joey and Aoife’s relationship starts as a deep, platonic friendship before blossoming into a romantic connection.
- Broken Hero: Joey is the epitome of a broken hero, battling his inner demons and trying to overcome his past.
- Caregiver Heroine: Aoife’s nurturing and selfless nature makes her Joey’s lifeline, even when it takes a toll on her own well-being.
- Addiction and Redemption: The story explores the devastating effects of addiction and the arduous path to recovery.
- Teen Pregnancy: Their relationship takes a pivotal turn with Aoife’s pregnancy, forcing both characters to grow and face their future together.
Why Joey and Aoife’s Story Stands Out
Joey and Aoife’s story is unforgettable because it’s brutally honest and deeply human. It captures the rawness of addiction, the complexities of love, and the strength it takes to fight for a better life. Chloe Walsh doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges they face, which makes their moments of triumph all the more powerful.
This duet isn’t just about romance—it’s about survival, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It will break your heart, challenge your perceptions, and leave you with a lasting impression of what it means to truly fight for the people you love.
Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson and Claire Biggs have a connection that’s been nurtured since childhood, their bond deeply rooted in a friendship that began in their nappies. In Taming 7, Chloe Walsh takes us on a journey of laughter, love, and heartbreak as childhood friends tentatively explore the possibility of something more, all while grappling with their pasts and the dynamics of their tight-knit friend group.
Their Story
Gibsie is the lively, quick-witted joker of the group, always ready with a sarcastic remark or a prank to lighten the mood. Claire, on the other hand, is his calming counterpart—kind-hearted, gentle, and unassuming. Together, they’ve shared years of friendship, a bond so strong that neither dares to risk it for the possibility of romance.
But beneath their playful banter and undeniable chemistry lies a deeper connection, one that becomes impossible to ignore. Over time, their mutual attraction grows, and despite their fears of jeopardizing what they already have, they take a leap of faith into uncharted territory. Their journey from best friends to lovers is filled with hesitation, tender moments, and the kind of love that feels both comforting and electrifying.
As their relationship evolves, tension begins to simmer within the friend group, particularly between Gibsie and Lizzie. The two constantly clash over the tragic loss of Lizzie’s older sister, each holding a different version of the events that led to her death. The truth, once revealed, sends shockwaves through the group, testing their bonds and forcing them to confront their individual traumas.
The Emotional Core of Gibsie and Claire’s Story
What sets Taming 7 apart is how it delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and grief. Gibsie and Claire’s relationship isn’t just about romantic love—it’s about trust, healing, and the courage to face the truth. Their journey is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, as they navigate the challenges of their changing dynamic while supporting each other through life’s darkest moments.
Gibsie’s humor and Claire’s kindness create a perfect balance, but their individual struggles—Gibsie’s guilt over the past and Claire’s quiet strength in the face of adversity—add layers to their characters, making them feel incredibly real.
5 Tropes & Character Dynamics
- Friends-to-Lovers: Gibsie and Claire’s long-standing friendship blossoms into a romance built on trust and shared history.
- Slow Burn: Their journey from friends to lovers is gradual, filled with hesitations and tender, stolen moments.
- Grief and Healing: The story explores how unresolved grief impacts individuals and relationships, and the healing that comes from facing the truth.
- The Golden Retriever and His Anchor: Gibsie’s boisterous, lively nature contrasts beautifully with Claire’s calm and steady demeanor.
- Found Family: The friend group’s dynamic is a testament to the power of chosen family, even when tensions threaten to pull them apart.
Why Taming 7 is a Must-Read
Gibsie and Claire’s story is a testament to the beauty of friendship and the courage it takes to risk it all for love. Chloe Walsh masterfully balances humor, romance, and emotional depth, creating a story that resonates long after the final page. The themes of grief, forgiveness, and personal growth make Taming 7 a poignant addition to the Boys of Tommen series, leaving readers with both a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit.
It’s a love story that celebrates the power of connection—whether as friends, lovers, or the family you choose for yourself.
Upcoming release of Chloe Walsh next book in the BOT series:
A love that couldn’t be broken, except by the truth.
Lizzie Young has always felt she was too much everything. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age, she’s never fit in with her family, her friends, her community. Lizzie wants to be accepted and understood, but with few family or friends in her corner, she’s carries her burdens and her trauma on her own.
But when she meets a kind boy on the school bus, things start to look bright for the first time in her life…
Hugh Biggs has an old soul and the wisdom of someone far beyond his years. A young man with a sharp mind and a firm code of ethics, he sees something in Lizzie Young that he can’t resist. He wants to be her everything and shoulder her burden. And Lizzie wants that too.
Lizzie and Hugh’s bond seems unbreakable ― their chemistry is electric, their love is potent, and their connection is soul deep – but even the truest love can be shaken by forces beyond control.
Releasing May 27th! Pre-order your copy right now –> HERE