Dive into the captivating world of the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh, a heart-wrenching and addictive saga that’s taken BookTok by storm. Set in the nostalgic early 2000s in County Cork, Ireland, this series blends rugby, romance, and raw teenage emotions, following the lives of Johnny Kavanagh, Shannon Lynch, and their tight-knit group of friends at the fictional Tommen College. With themes of found family, slow-burn romance, and overcoming personal struggles, this series delivers an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you’re a new reader or a devoted fan, this guide provides the correct reading order, key insights, and tips to fully immerse yourself in this emotional journey.
Why Read the Boys of Tommen Series?
The Boys of Tommen series is perfect for readers who crave:
- Emotional Depth: Heartfelt stories of love, friendship, and resilience.
- Relatable Characters: Teens navigating real-life challenges like bullying, trauma, and self-discovery.
- Sports Romance: Rugby-driven plots with intense, slow-burn relationships.
- Irish Charm: Authentic dialogue and early 2000s nostalgia, complete with Irish slang (don’t worry, there’s a glossary!).
With over 1 million copies sold and a passionate fanbase on platforms like Reddit and Goodreads, this series is a must-read for fans of contemporary young adult romance.
List Of Boys of Tommen Books in order
| Book Title | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Binding 13 | July 2018 | Book 1: Introduces Johnny Kavanagh and Shannon Lynch’s slow-burn romance. |
| Keeping 13 | November 2018 | Book 2: Concludes Johnny and Shannon’s main story arc. |
| Saving 6 | January 2023 | Book 3: Focuses on Joey Lynch and Aoife Molloy’s story. |
| Redeeming 6 | March 2023 | Book 4: Continues Joey and Aoife’s emotional journey. |
| Taming 7 | April 2024 | Book 5: Centers on Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson and Claire Biggs. |
| Releasing 10 | February 2025 | Book 6: Latest installment, continuing the Tommen universe. |
Boys of Tommen Books in Order
To fully appreciate the interconnected storylines and character development, reading the series in order is highly recommended. Below is the complete reading order for the Boys of Tommen series as of 2025:
- Binding 13 (Book 1)
- Summary: Johnny Kavanagh, a star rugby player with a hidden injury, meets Shannon Lynch, a shy new student escaping a troubled past. Their slow-burning romance begins with a complicated friendship, filled with angst, humor, and undeniable chemistry. This book sets the stage for the series’ emotional depth and found family themes.
- Why Read It?: Introduces the core characters and the vibrant world of Tommen College. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and sports romance.
- Pages: 832 | ISBN: 9780349439273
- Keeping 13 (Book 2)
- Summary: The epic continuation of Johnny and Shannon’s story. As their relationship deepens, secrets and challenges threaten to tear them apart. This book solidifies their bond while introducing more of the group’s dynamics.
- Why Read It?: A satisfying conclusion to Johnny and Shannon’s arc with a focus on love and healing. Fans call it “bingeworthy” and “obsessive.”
- Pages: 576 | ISBN: 9780349439280
- Saving 6 (Book 3)
- Summary: Shifts focus to Joey Lynch, Shannon’s brother, a troubled teen battling addiction and a destructive world. His friendship with Aoife Molloy, a bold and supportive classmate, sparks a slow-burning romance that tests their resilience.
- Why Read It?: A darker, more intense story exploring trauma and redemption. Joey and Aoife’s chemistry is a fan favorite.
- Pages: 576 | ISBN: 9780349439297
- Redeeming 6 (Book 4)
- Summary: Joey’s journey continues as he fights to protect his loved ones and himself. Aoife’s unwavering support becomes his lifeline in this emotional rollercoaster of love and sacrifice.
- Why Read It?: Readers praise this as one of the most heart-wrenching books, with “happy tears” and deep character growth.
- Pages: 576 | ISBN: 9780349439303
- Taming 7 (Book 5)
- Summary: Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson, the group’s lovable class clown, hides a painful past behind his humor. His childhood best friend, Claire Biggs, sees the real him, but crossing the line from friendship to romance brings new challenges.
- Why Read It?: A fan-favorite for its grumpy-sunshine dynamic and exploration of Gibsie’s hidden depths. Expect plot twists and heartfelt moments.
- Pages: 576 | ISBN: 9780349439358
- Releasing 10 (Book 6)
- Summary: The latest installment continues the saga with new developments in the Tommen universe. While specific details are spoiler-sensitive, it’s described as an “epic and unforgettable love story” that keeps the series’ emotional intensity.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for fans craving more of the group’s interconnected stories. Pre-order now to stay current!
- Pages: 576 | ISBN: 9780349439365
Note: Future books (potentially 2–3 more) may focus on characters like Hughie, Lizzie, Katie, or Feely, but details are unconfirmed. Follow Chloe Walsh’s Instagram or the r/BoysOfTommen subreddit for updates.
Tips for Reading the Boys of Tommen Series
- Start with Binding 13: The series builds on itself, so starting at the beginning ensures you don’t miss key character arcs or plot points.
- Check Trigger Warnings: The series tackles heavy themes like bullying, addiction, and trauma. Review content warnings on sites like Goodreads to prepare.
- Embrace the Nostalgia: Set between 1999 and 2007, the series captures a pre-smartphone era with authentic Irish slang, adding charm and relatability.
- Join the Fandom: Engage with fans on r/BoysOfTommen or BookTok for discussions, fan theories, and recommendations for similar reads like the Addicted series by Krista and Becca Ritchie.
Why Fans Love Boys of Tommen
Readers on Reddit and BookTok rave about the series’s ability to balance humor, heartache, and romance. One fan said, “I sobbed through Redeeming 6 until the early hours—it’s so beautiful!” Another praised, “The friendships are as important as the romance, making every character feel lived-in.” The series’s focus on loyalty, found family, and emotional growth resonates with readers of all ages, while the rugby backdrop adds a unique edge.
Where to Start Your Journey
Ready to dive into Tommen College? Start with Binding 13, available on Amazon, Storytel, or PangoBooks. Check your local bookstore or library for paperbacks, or join the audiobook craze on Audible for an immersive experience. With six books and more potentially on the way, now’s the perfect time to join the Boys of Tommen fandom.
Happy reading, and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that’ll leave you with the ultimate book hangover!
