Keeping 13: Epic, emotional and addictive romance from the TikTok phenomenon (The Boys of Tommen)

Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh Review: TikTok's Favourite Rugby Romance

Why TikTok Can't Stop Talking About Johnny and Shannon

Johnny Kavanagh is rugby's golden boy with demons that would make a therapist rich, whilst Shannon Lynch carries scars that run deeper than anyone realises. Their relationship has been building through the series, and Keeping 13 is where Walsh finally lets them have their moment — though she puts them through absolute hell first.

What sets this apart from other YA romance is Walsh's unflinching approach to mental health. Johnny's struggles with anxiety and self-harm aren't glossed over or magically cured by love. Shannon's trauma from her abusive home life isn't used as mere backstory decoration. These are real issues handled with surprising maturity for a book targeted at teenagers.

The Rugby Element That Actually Works

I've read sports romances where the sport feels like window dressing, but Walsh clearly knows her rugby. The descriptions of training, matches, and team dynamics feel authentic without drowning you in technical jargon. More importantly, rugby isn't just Johnny's hobby — it's his lifeline, his identity, and potentially his destruction all rolled into one.

The pressure Johnny faces as Tommen's star player creates genuine tension. You feel the weight of expectation crushing him, and when things go wrong, the stakes feel real rather than manufactured drama.

Emotional Damage Warning Required

Fair warning: this book will wreck you emotionally. Walsh doesn't pull her punches when it comes to depicting the realities of abuse, mental illness, and family dysfunction. The Lynch family situation is particularly harrowing, and there are scenes that genuinely made me uncomfortable — which is probably the point.

Some readers have complained that it's too heavy, too intense for what should be escapist romance. I understand that criticism, but I also think it's what makes the book memorable. The darkness makes the light moments feel earned rather than handed out freely.

The Writing That Hooks You

Walsh has a talent for writing dialogue that feels natural — no small feat when your characters are Irish teenagers. The banter between Johnny and his teammates is particularly well done, capturing that specific brand of masculine affection that exists in sports teams.

Where the writing occasionally stumbles is in pacing. There are stretches where the emotional intensity becomes almost overwhelming, and I found myself needing breaks between chapters. It's not necessarily a flaw, but it's worth knowing what you're signing up for.

At 99p, You'd Be Mad Not To

Here's where things get interesting from a value perspective. At 99p, Keeping 13 is cheaper than a coffee, and it'll last considerably longer. Even if you end up hating it, you're out less than a pound. But if you're like most readers who've discovered this series, you'll immediately want to buy the rest.

The low price point is clearly a hook to get you invested in the series, and it works. Walsh has created characters you genuinely care about, which makes the inevitable book hangover when you finish particularly brutal.