Keeping 13 (Standard Edition)

Since Binding 13 was my book highlight, I just had to pick up Keeping 13 right after. And in my opinion, this was an amazing finale of Johnny’s and Shannon's story. I actually think this one even outshines the first book, and that's saying something. Keeping 13 is a masterpiece in my eyes! Okay, first of all we NEED to talk about Johnny. He was already the ultimate green flag in Binding 13 but somehow, he managed to raise the bar even higher. The way he treated Shannon made my heart melt—so gentle, patient and endlessly sweet. He never put any pressure on her, gave her reassurance every time she felt uncertain and truly helped her to heal and grow from everything she had to go through. He protected her at all costs—Johnny the man you are!!! He is one of the BEST book-boyfriends out there, no debate!! This book was full of moments that just gave me butterflies and made me giggle, that's why I loved it so much. If you're a hopeless romantic like me, you have to read this book. But it wasn't just sweet—Oh no...It broke me too (⊙ _ ⊙ ). It made me cry and “heartbreaking” is an understatement. It’s raw, emotional, and painful at times, yet still so breathtakingly beautiful. I just want to give every character a hug; they deserve the world! The characters are sooo well-written and each of them has a special place in my heart, but there's one character I loved the most and he carried the entire book. There’s only one right answer: of course it was Gibsie (duh). Every single time he appeared; I laughed so hard. He’s hands down one of the funniest, most loveable characters I’ve ever encountered. From the first moment he appears, you can’t help but love him (it’s basically a canon event—I don’t make the rules ┐(´ー｀)┌). To come to an end: Keeping 13 was just as beautiful and incredible as Binding 13. I can absolutely recommend reading it. If you're looking for your next book highlight, look no further! •found family•sports romance•highschool romance•

Shannon and Johnny's relationship establish more and more with the story. He's always by her side when she faces her familiar situation. Shannon's father provides good light on himself when he has plans to take his family down. Her father should be the one who protects the family but it's Joey and Johnny who really care about them. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster. This one will make you cry. Overall it's a beautiful relationship with an extraordinary storyline that will make your heart melt.

After that finale it can only get better right? I won´t spoil anything for the first book but just know it gets intense... Johnny and Shannon finally deserve their happy ever after no matter how long it takes. And again: it is totally worth to keep reading. The found family with the whole friend group? And Johnnys amazing parents? And just the pure adorable moments they share? That´s pure hurt/comfort and i can´t get enough. I love everything about their story and can´t wait to keep reading the next book!

Shannon and Johnny's story goes on... One question and one observation that was in my head throughout the whole book was: How can it be that Binding 13 and Keeping 13 are connected books? And: I definitely shouldn't have read the first one in German! Reading Keeping 13 in English was the best decision I could have made when it came to continuing reading the series. The language was more appropriate, the Irish slang came through and thus overshadowed absolutely nothing. The story was exciting and captivating from the first second. Shannon's terrible fate of her father's domestic violence doesn't let you go and totally affects you on many levels! The book picks up right where we left off in the first one, which I personally thought was so great. From the start on it was an emotional roller coaster and I just flew through the 800 pages like it was nothing. And despite the sensible themes, the book has a fun factor when it comes to friends and the “found family”- trope, but it also warms your heart because we see how strong a young love and friendship develops. How all the characters develop... I was definitely convinced by this band and am now very excited about the next one! (Please also for this tape: don't ignore trigger warnings!)