Review of Saving 6 (Boys of Tommen, #3) by Chloe Walsh
When I first picked up Saving 6, I was pulling on the emotional thread left by the previous books in the Boys of Tommen series. Chloe Walsh has a talent for threading deep emotional currents through her narratives, and I was eager to dive back into this complex world—though, admittedly, I was also a bit apprehensive given the multi-layered themes of trauma and love. Should I expect another five-star experience like Binding 13 and Keeping 13? Spoiler alert: not quite, but it was still quite the journey.
At its heart, Saving 6 follows Joey Lynch, Shannon’s older brother, and his intricate relationship with Aoife Molloy. Set in a timeline prior to the other books, we witness Joey’s struggles amidst a tapestry of family turmoil and burgeoning love. The overarching themes of mental health, familial obligation, and the complexities of young love resonate through every page, making it a poignant read. Walsh’s honest exploration of Joey’s internal battles is where I truly found connection; his struggles felt achingly familiar, echoing sentiments I’ve felt myself.
Joey’s character unfolds beautifully, a blend of strength and fragility, and I found his journey—through ruin and redemption—to be incredibly relatable. Walsh writes with a rawness that makes you want to reach out and comfort him, despite him being a fictional character. A particularly impactful moment revolved around Joey’s realization of his own demons: “I was paralyzed and trapped in a body that resembled the person I despised the most.” This quote encapsulates not just his struggle but reflects a universal experience that many of us wrestle with silently.
The pacing of the book felt oddly fitting for the tumultuous nature of Joey’s life; time seems to leap forward as if echoing his emotional rollercoaster. Although the writing itself is simple and flows easily—perfect for a 600+ page novel—there are moments that hit hard, punctuated by phrases that linger long after finishing a chapter.
Now, let’s talk romance. Despite my high hopes for Joey and Aoife, I found their love story to be a bit lacking compared to the emotional depth found in the previous installments. Their attraction begins with promise but often felt stunted due to external circumstances. I expected more chemistry, more conflict—not just the push-and-pull dynamic that quickly grew stagnant. Their connection felt like it had immense potential, but I craved a deeper dive into their emotional landscapes beyond the surface.
While I contemplated my initial reaction to the ending—and yes, I was confused—I realized it’s a testament to Walsh’s ability to keep readers on their toes. There may not have been immediate satisfaction, but it sets the stage beautifully for the next adventures in the series, leaving me eagerly awaiting the forthcoming installments.
Overall, I would rate Saving 6 a solid 3.75 stars. It’s not the masterpiece I expected, but it’s filled with heart and pain and lessons that resonate deeply. I’d recommend it to readers who appreciate stories that tackle difficult themes with sensitivity and realism, especially those who enjoy character-driven narratives where personal growth is paramount. If you have a penchant for exploring the complexities of love in dark times, this book might just find a place in your heart, much like it did mine.
So, here we are—waiting for Redeeming 6 and Taming 7. Thank you for joining me on this reflection of a story that, despite its imperfections, touched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Happy reading!
Discover more about Saving 6 (Boys of Tommen, #3) on GoodReads >>