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Book Summary Contents
- 1 Heart-Wrenching Releasing 10 Summary: Lizzie & Hugh’s Raw Journey
- 2 Releasing 10 Summary And Review
- 3 Releasing 10 Summary by Chapter
- 4 Chloe Walsh: The Author Who Bleeds Truth
- 5 Releasing 10 Book Details:
- 6 FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
- 6.1 Q1: Is Releasing 10 a stand-alone book?
- 6.2 Q2: What’s the main plot?
- 6.3 Q3: How many pages is Releasing 10?
- 6.4 Q4: Does Lizzie get her own book?
- 6.5 Q5: How dark is this book?
- 6.6 Q6: Is there a HEA (Happy Ever After)?
- 6.7 Q7: Are the mental health portrayals accurate?
- 6.8 Q8: Why the Irish setting?
- 6.9 Q9: Can I skip earlier books?
- 6.10 Q10: Is Hugh toxic for leaving?
- 7 Conclusion: Why This Book Demands to Be Felt
Heart-Wrenching Releasing 10 Summary: Lizzie & Hugh’s Raw Journey
Ever loved someone so much it terrified you?
That’s Hugh Biggs’ reality in Releasing 10. I ached reading this gut-punch of a novel. Chloe Walsh doesn’t flinch from hard truths: bipolar disorder, trauma, and love’s brutal limits. This Releasing 10 summary unpacks Book 6 of the Boys of Tommen series.
Follow Lizzie Young’s stormy mind and Hugh’s fierce loyalty across 1990s Ireland. Their bond is tested by self-harm, betrayal, and a system that fails them. Warning: this isn’t light reading. It’s a lifeline for anyone drowning in darkness.
TL;DR: Releasing 10 at a Glance
Core Conflict: Hugh’s unconditional love vs. Lizzie’s bipolar disorder in 1990s Ireland.
⚠️ Heavy Themes: Suicide, self-harm, trauma (author includes detailed content warnings).
⭐ Rating: 5/5—Painfully authentic, but not for everyone.
Perfect For: Fans of emotionally brutal romances like Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us.
✅ Pros:
Mental health portrayal praised by readers
Hugh and Lizzie’s chemistry devastates
Irish setting adds unique grit
⚠️ Cons:
No HEA (continues in next book)
Graphic scenes may trigger some
Verdict: A MASTERCLASS in dark romance. Demands your heart and doesn’t give it back.
Readers Weep: Real Reactions
“Lizzie’s mania scene? I felt seen. FINALLY someone gets bipolar.”
“Hugh’s ‘no matter what’ WRECKED me. Love isn’t always enough.”
“Cried for Caoimhe. Walsh exposes how systems fail abuse victims.”
“Gibsie’s silence hurt worse than a villain. That’s REAL betrayal.”
“The breakup wasn’t cruel—it was mercy. Hugh’s bravest act.”
“Walsh doesn’t write romance. She writes war manuals for the heart.”
*”Finished at 3 AM. Ugly-sobbed. This book is a lifeline.”*
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Releasing 10 Summary And Review
Introduction: When Love Isn’t Enough
What if protecting someone meant breaking your own heart? Releasing 10 wrecked me in the best way. Chloe Walsh crafts a story where love battles mental illness, trauma, and Ireland’s grey skies.
I felt Hugh’s desperation as Lizzie’s “brave knight”—and her terror when bipolar disorder convinced her she was “bad.” This Releasing 10 summary explores why this book isn’t just a romance. It’s a survival manual for broken souls. If you’ve ever fought for someone who couldn’t fight for themselves, Lizzie and Hugh’s story will leave you breathless.
What is Releasing 10 About? (Non-Spoiler Summary)
Releasing 10 tracks Lizzie Young and Hugh Biggs from childhood (1991) to young adulthood (2005) in Cork, Ireland. Lizzie battles bipolar disorder: manic highs, crushing depression, and chilling hallucinations (her “monster” and “scary lady”). Hugh becomes her anchor, swearing “I’ll always protect you” at age six. Their bond deepens into a fierce, all-consuming love.
But life isn’t kind. Lizzie’s sister Caoimhe dies by suicide after abuse by Mark Allen (stepbrother of Hugh’s best friend, Gibsie). When Lizzie accuses Mark, no one believes her—except Hugh. Their world fractures as friends pick sides.
Amid grief, Lizzie’s mental health spirals. She self-harms (“cutting to bleed the pain away”), battles medication, and pushes Hugh away. Hugh researches her condition, becoming her advocate. But her manic episodes strain their relationship, leading to betrayal during a hypersexual phase.
The climax isn’t a tidy resolution. It’s Hugh’s agonizing choice: “I’ll always love you, but I can’t be with you.” Lizzie enters treatment, whispering their lifelong promise: “No matter what.” Their story continues, unfinished—because healing isn’t linear.
Releasing 10 Summary by Chapter
| Part | Title | Timeframe | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Formative Years | Jun 1991–Dec 1993 | Lizzie’s early developmental struggles, violent outbursts, family tension, abuse by Mark, and introduction of mental health concerns. |
| 2 | The Foundations of Friendship | Oct–Dec 1994 | Lizzie befriends Hugh and the gang, early signs of affection, mother’s cancer return, and Hugh vows to protect Lizzie. |
| 3 | Devastating Departures | Apr–Oct 1995 | Gibs’ family tragedy, Lizzie’s trauma deepens, Hugh comforts her, Caoimhe denies Lizzie’s abuse fears. |
| 4 | Crushing Realizations | Aug–Dec 1996 | Lizzie diagnosed with early-onset bipolar, first period at age 9, nightmares, Hugh commits to staying with her. |
| 5 | Friendship Lifelines | Mar–Aug 1997 | Treehouse bonding, Lizzie on meds, starts writing stories, plans to stop Mark’s abuse of her sister. |
| 6 | Growing Pains | Jun–Oct 1998 | Lizzie’s 10th birthday, nightmares return, Hugh is her anchor, Halloween antics, Lizzie rejects Feely’s proposal. |
| 7 | The Dangerous Art of Dissociation | Nov–Dec 1998 | Tensions rise among friends, Hugh overhears betrayal, Claire and Caoimhe show romantic interest in Mark. |
| 8 | Monsters Everywhere | Jan–Dec 1999 | Nightmares cause real injuries, Hugh defends Lizzie and Gibs, emotional confessions, Lizzie opens up about fear. |
| 9 | Joining the Dots | Mar–Dec 1999 | Lizzie hospitalized, Hugh learns about bipolar disorder, vows love, reads DSM, supports Lizzie’s therapy journey. |
| 10 | Igniting Flames and Embers | Jun–Aug 1999 | Lizzie’s mom’s health worsens, romantic moment in sea cave, Hugh and Lizzie’s love deepens. |
| 11 | Limbo | Jul–Aug 1999 | Spin-the-bottle anxiety, ghost story connections, Lizzie & Hugh officially become a couple. |
| 12 | New Millenniums | Dec 1999–Jan 2000 | NYE kiss, mother’s cancer returns, Mark threatens Hugh, Lizzie leans on Hugh for strength. |
| 13 | Uncharted Turbulence | Mar–Apr 2000 | Lizzie’s breakdowns intensify, nightmares, Hugh reassures love, defends Lizzie from family blame. |
| 14 | Dissolution of Life As We Know It | Apr–May 2000 | Caoimhe dies by suicide, Lizzie accuses Mark of abuse, traumatic memories, family tensions rise. |
| 15 | The Great Divide | May–Aug 2000 | Lizzie’s trauma resurfaces, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks about Mark, Hugh reassures her, town rumors grow. |
| 16 | New Horizons | Aug–Dec 2000 | Tommen College begins, Hugh defends Lizzie, romantic development, attempt to report Mark fails. |
| 17 | Fresh Starts | Aug–Oct 2002 | Lizzie joins Tommen, rekindles relationship with Hugh, sexual boundaries tested, ongoing therapy and trust issues. |
| 18 | The Downward Spiral | Sep–Oct 2003 | Medication fails, Lizzie spirals, hypersexuality, self-harm, emotional strain, Hugh struggles to support her. |
| 19 | The Great Betrayal | Nov 2003 | Hugh discovers Lizzie with Pierce, devastating breakup, trust shattered, emotional fallout begins. |
Why This Book Gut-Punches: Core Themes
| Theme | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Mental Health Realism | Lizzie’s bipolar portrayal is raw: mania, depression, hallucinations. Walsh shows med struggles and stigma (“They think I’m crazy”). |
| Trauma’s Long Shadow | Childhood abuse haunts Lizzie. Caoimhe’s suicide reveals how trauma silences families and fractures friendships. |
| Unconditional Love vs. Limits | Hugh’s “no matter what” loyalty is tested. Can love survive when protecting someone destroys you? |
| Betrayal’s Many Faces | Mark’s abuse, Gibsie’s silence, Lizzie’s infidelity—Walsh explores how betrayal corrodes trust from all angles. |
| The Fight for Belief | Lizzie’s accusations ignored by authorities mirrors real victims. Hugh’s fierce advocacy becomes her only light. |
Characters: Hearts Laid Bare
| Character | Role | Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Lizzie Young | Protagonist • Bipolar warrior | Child to adult battling mental illness. Learns self-harm isn’t weakness—it’s survival. |
| Hugh Biggs | Lover • Protector • Burnout | From “brave knight” to shattered caregiver. Chooses love over romance to save them both. |
| Gibsie | Hugh’s best friend • Trapped | Loyal but torn by Mark (stepbrother). His silence breaks the friend group. |
| Caoimhe | Lizzie’s sister • Victim | Abuse and pregnancy lead to suicide. Her death exposes family secrets. |
| Mark Allen | Antagonist • Predator | Manipulates everyone. Symbolizes evil that thrives in silence. |
| Claire Biggs | Hugh’s sister • Innocence lost | Represents childhood crushed by adult trauma. |
Hidden Scars: Symbolism That Speaks
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lizzie’s “Monster” | Childhood trauma + bipolar hallucinations. The shame she can’t escape. |
| Hugh as “Sun” | Stability in Lizzie’s chaos. His light helps her breathe. |
| Self-Harm Scars | Externalizing internal pain. Proof survival isn’t pretty. |
| Treehouse | Childhood sanctuary. Where “no matter what” promises began. |
| Water/Drowning | Depression’s suffocating grip. Hugh’s lifeline when Lizzie “goes under.” |
| Medication | Society’s “fix” vs. Lizzie’s loss of self (“I’m a zombie on pills”). |
Chloe Walsh: The Author Who Bleeds Truth
Chloe Walsh isn’t just writing fiction—she’s baring her soul. The Irish author (Cork-based) spent 10 years crafting New Adult romances before Boys of Tommen exploded globally in 2018. Her work is translated worldwide, but Releasing 10 is her most personal. In her words: “I’ve revealed more of my heart here than to people I’ve known my whole life.”
Her style? Unflinchingly raw. Walsh uses:
Authentic Irish slang (makes you taste the rain)
Dual POVs (we feel Lizzie’s spirals and Hugh’s helplessness)
Chronological timelines (dates stamp every heartbreak)
Trigger-heavy realism (no sugarcoating bipolar disorder or trauma)
A mental health advocate, Walsh writes for survivors. Her disclaimer isn’t legal—it’s a love letter: “Keep breathing. Keep writing.” Fun fact: She’s a TV junkie and music addict who crafts playlists for her characters.
Releasing 10 Book Details:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Boys of Tommen: Book 6 (Special Edition) |
| Series | Book 6 of 6 – Boys of Tommen |
| Publisher | Bloom Books |
| Publication Date | May 27, 2025 |
| Edition | Special Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 768 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1464248516 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1464248511 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #640 in Books (Overall) |
| #1 in Teen & YA Loners & Outcasts Fiction | |
| #11 in Sports Romance (Books) | |
| #16 in New Adult & College Romance (Books) | |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,156 ratings) |
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q1: Is Releasing 10 a stand-alone book?
A: No. It’s Book 6 in the Boys of Tommen series. Start with Binding 13 for full context.
Q2: What’s the main plot?
A: Lizzie and Hugh’s battle against her bipolar disorder and trauma after her sister’s suicide. Love is tested by betrayal, grief, and broken systems.
Q3: How many pages is Releasing 10?
A: Approx. 500+ pages (exact count varies by edition). It’s immersive and intense.
Q4: Does Lizzie get her own book?
A: Yes! Releasing 10 is Lizzie and Hugh’s story. Previous books focused on other couples.
Q5: How dark is this book?
A: Very. Walsh includes explicit warnings: suicide, abuse, self-harm, and sexual content. Not for sensitive readers.
Q6: Is there a HEA (Happy Ever After)?
A: No. It ends with hope but no romance resolution. Their story continues in the next book.
Q7: Are the mental health portrayals accurate?
A: Critically praised for raw, realistic bipolar depiction (mania, depression, med struggles).
Q8: Why the Irish setting?
A: Walsh is Irish. Cork’s atmosphere—grey skies, tight communities—intensifies the story’s emotional weight.
Q9: Can I skip earlier books?
A: Not advised. Character histories (Gibsie, Mark, Caoimhe) build across the series.
Q10: Is Hugh toxic for leaving?
A: Walsh’s triumph: Shows love sometimes means releasing someone to heal. His choice sparks debate.
Conclusion: Why This Book Demands to Be Felt
Releasing 10 isn’t entertainment—it’s an emotional excavation. I closed it with tear-soaked pages and newfound respect for mental health warriors.
Walsh’s genius? She makes you feel Lizzie’s mania, Hugh’s burnout, and the suffocating weight of “no matter what.” The ending shatters you because it’s honest: love doesn’t cure illness.
My verdict? 5/5 stars—but only if you’re ready. This book is for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who’s loved someone battling demons. If you crave fluffy romance, run.
If you want truth that leaves you changed? Grab it now.
Get Your Copy
Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: amazon.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes Source: Goodreads.com
