Releasing 10- Chloe Walsh

This entire series has my whole heart, mind, and soul. Releasing 10 absolutely broke me—I finished it feeling completely wrecked, with no idea what to do with myself after. I needed more, immediately. It was raw, emotional, and everything I didn’t know I was craving in a book.

Synopsis:

Releasing 10 follows the heart-breaking and beautiful story of Lizzie Young and Hugh Biggs. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a very young age, Lizzie grows up carrying a weight far heavier than most. We witness her childhood unfold—her struggle to fit in, to be accepted, and to simply be understood—as she battles her mental health largely in silence.

Then she meets Hugh, a quiet, thoughtful boy with an old soul and a brilliant mind, who sees her in a way no one else ever has. From a seat on a school bus, their bond begins to grow—deep, real, and seemingly unshakable. But even the strongest love can be tested by life’s harshest realities. This story is raw, powerful, and emotionally devastating in the best way—a true testament to resilience, love, and healing.

I honestly can’t even put into words how I felt reading Releasing 10. It was absolutely heart-breaking—page after page, I found myself silently begging for someone to save Lizzie from all the pain she was carrying. I kept hoping Hugh would come to her rescue, that he’d finally see the truth and fight for her… but the truth never came out, and that gutted me even more. It left such a heavy, aching feeling that’s stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

Although I wanted Hugh to save Lizzie, I also felt so bad for him. At times, it seemed like his whole life revolved around looking after her, and that must have been exhausting. But honestly, I just wish Lizzie had been able to say something sooner—so she could have gotten the proper help she needed.

I’m not a fan of Hugh being with Katie, so I’m really hoping that in the next book, both Lizzie and Hugh get some time apart to heal, grow, and figure out who they are—because they deserve that chance.

I have never hated a character as much as I hate Mark Allen. I absolutely loathe him. The way he treated Lizzie made my blood boil—I genuinely wanted to reach into the pages and hurt him for everything he put her through. I hope he gets some sort of punishment in the next book, I hope Hugh gets hold of him! ( I'm not looking forward to how devasting High will be when he finds out what has been happening for years)

And as for Cáimhe, Lizzie’s sister... I struggled with her so much. She was cold, dismissive, and never gave Lizzie the support or kindness a sister should. Instead, she made Lizzie feel even more alone. I know people are flawed, but it broke my heart how little grace she showed someone who was clearly drowning.

On a whole Releasing 10 is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, just like the other books in the series. I’m already counting down the days until the next one—I can’t wait to see where Lizzie and Hugh’s journey goes next.

My favourite saying in Releasing 10 is simple but powerful: “No matter what.” It perfectly captures the unbreakable bond between Lizzie and Hugh, even through all the pain and chaos.

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