"Binding 13" by Chloe Walsh is a story that revolves around Johnny Kavanagh, a rugby player destined for success, and Shannon Lynch, a shy and damaged girl with a troubled past. Johnny, focused on his rugby career, is determined to reach the top, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Shannon, a new girl at Tommen College dealing with her own demons.

As Johnny and Shannon form a complicated friendship, their undeniable chemistry becomes a source of both comfort and challenge. Shannon's past, marked by bullying and torment, is a constant shadow, and the two characters must navigate hidden pain and complex secrets. The story explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

With Johnny's determination and Shannon's strength, "Binding 13" promises a narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and personal struggles. The blend of sports, romance, and the challenges of overcoming a difficult past adds layers to the characters' journey, making for a compelling and emotional read.

Some parts of this book were hard to read because bullying in any way, shape, or form is emotionally damaging. Not to mention the physical abuse that occurred.

Shannon Lynch has been the subject of many bullying situations. She hid a lot of it from her mother until she couldn't. She transferred to the private Tommen College where the administration was made aware of what she's suffered at school. So when on the first day she gets hit on the head by a rugby ball by none other than Johnny Kavanagh, Shannon's mother and the principal were livid. There began a secret friendship between Shannon and Johnny. He was very protective of her and warned off the rugby team from subjecting Shannon to anything. No side glances, no conversations, nothing. Someone doth protest too much. Johnny's feelings for Shannon throughout the book but his only focus was rugby. Except he was not healing properly from his surgery. Shannon and Johnny could be themselves around each other and confided their deepest secrets while keeping their friendship on the down low. For a book more than 600 pages that was not spicy at all, I sure was riveted to this story. It did end in cliffhanger so I must wait to find out what happens with Shannon's family, Johnny's rugby career, and the future of their relationship.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

The chokehold this book had me in for the ENTIRE 600 pages....I can't even begin to describe it. The innocence of Shannon and her awkwardness/shyness immediately brought me back to high school days. The issues she deals with in her personal life had me SCREAMING at the book because all you want to do is jump into the book and help her. The genuine kindness Johnny displays easily has you falling for him from the beginning of the book and to watch their friendship start and progress had me turning page after page. The cliffhanger the book ends on had me immediately running to Book #2. Highly recommend!

Stop whatever you are doing and read this book. Everything I thought I wouldn’t enjoyed about this book, I ATE up. If you don’t typically like high school romance. Same. But that’s okay, because this takes place in Ireland and it just hits differently. Don’t like 18 year romance? Also same but Johnny and Shannon read like they are older in the best ways. Not a big fan of sports in stories? Same, but Johnny’s rugby doesn’t overpower the story. The side characters are perfection. You go through all of the emotions. It’s a long story but I didn’t want it to end.

Johnny and Shannon!

Shannon Lynch just wanted a fresh start at Tommen College after being bullied at the local school but getting knocked out the first day by an errant rugby ball kicked by Johnny Kavanagh wasn’t the start she wanted.

Johnny Kavanagh has bet his future rugby career on healing quickly after his surgery at Christmas but everything turned upside down when he accidently injured the new girl Shannon Lynch on her first day at Tommen.

I originally thought that is would be about a rugby star meeting the really shy girl but I don’t need a reminder every chapter on how short Shannon was compared to Johnny because it is a long book. But you will really get into the feelings between Johnny and Shannon to understand them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved Binding 13. As a big fan of One Tree Hill/90210, I would say I felt very similar vibes. I enjoyed the character building of this story and the friendships. I suggest checking content warnings as this book is full of heavy subject and may not be suitable content for those younger than 18.

When I first started the book I was a bit intimidated by the page count, but I very quickly found that it was easy to get into the story, and connect with the characters. I even felt like I was living in their world and often found myself reaching for this book at any chance I could get.

There were a few things that I struggled with, while this book is long it is also a very slow burn. Still didn’t have much resolution by the end, in which it is a must to read keeping 13! I felt like the main characters went back and forth in a very unhealthy manner for most of the book. I understood why, but also became frustrating as I just wanted the FMC to let the MMC in so that he could better understand her!

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of Binding 13 in exchange for an honest review! I will absolutely be finishing the series!

Omg I am reeling after the ending of this book. I don’t even know how to describe what all of these emotions are. LIKE WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER IS THAT?! My heart is 💔💔

I have heard amazing things about this series, but when I picked it up to start reading I didn’t realize it would be almost 900 pages and based in high school. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what it was about, but it sucks you in from the first page and the author did not disappoint. Don’t let the thickness or the high school setting deter you because IT IS WORTH IT!!

It starts off with “tiny” Shannon explaining her background of being bullied and how traumatic her home life is. She’s getting transferred to a new school where she prays she can get an escape from all of that. And on her first day, none other than super star, Johnny Kavanaugh, kicks the rugby ball wrong and smacks her in the back of the head and gives her a concussion.

From there, the characters friendship develops no matter how much distance they try to keep. The angst between them is so good. But there’s also so much character development between them both - learning to trust each other, confiding in each other, etc.

They come from two separate worlds but they’re both looking for the same thing - love and acceptance.

Top tier book full of so many emotions. You’re literally pulling for the characters and hoping they come through on the other side unscathed. ❤️

This book is raw, and gritty and beautiful and real. Its no holds bar on the good the bad and the ugly. It's romance and life. It's happiness meets life as a teenager. For a YA book, it was not what I expected. This was better. If you looking for something that's ugly, and raw and real as well as beautiful in the building of something new, then this book is for you. Please be aware that there are some serious triggers in this book, so please take the warning from the author seriously.

Chloe Walsh's "Binding 13" is a breathtaking journey that transcends the boundaries of young adult romance. This emotionally charged novel explores the transformative power of love and resilience, taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

At the heart of the story are Johnny Kavanagh and Shannon Lynch, two characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Johnny, a rugby powerhouse with dreams of greatness, is immediately drawn to Shannon, a girl burdened by a painful past. The novel beautifully unfolds the complexities of their relationship, blending elements of friendship, chemistry, and an unyielding determination to overcome the demons that haunt Shannon.

Walsh's storytelling is both raw and tender, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles and triumphs. The exploration of bullying, hidden pain, and the healing power of connection is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. The characters are impeccably crafted, and their growth throughout the narrative is both believable and inspiring.

The chemistry between Johnny and Shannon is palpable, creating a magnetic pull that keeps readers invested in their journey. Walsh masterfully navigates the highs and lows of their relationship, allowing it to unfold organically, complete with moments of vulnerability, passion, and unwavering support. The love that binds them is portrayed with a depth that goes beyond the typical YA romance, making it a profoundly moving experience for readers.

"Binding 13" is more than a love story; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for love to heal even the deepest wounds. The novel beautifully explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of genuine connections. The pacing is impeccable, drawing readers into the characters' lives and holding their hearts captive until the very end.

Heart wrenching and angsty rolled up in an unputdownable sports romance. I’m not usually one that reads books with younger protagonists nowadays, but the writing was so mature and beautiful that it never took me out of it. I need the sequel asap

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Was I slightly intimidated by the page number?! Yes! but I want another 600+ pages of Shannon like the River and Johnny.

Wow was this story so good! Shannon and Johnny need to be protected at all cost! My heart hurt so much through this story for our sweet Shannon all that she went through and still push through life the best was she knows how. I loved her brother and how hard he fought to protect her. Her friendships that she had and also the ones she made theo fit her journey. && Johnny protecting this sweet girl at all costs. Knowing how fragile she is and slowly showing her she is safe 😭😭😭. & his bestie Gibsie 🥹🥹 we all need that kind of friendship. I wanted another 600+ pages of this!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to finish the rest to the books in this series!

How is it fair this book ended like that?! I am making grabby hands for the next one. This book was beautifully heartbreaking. I adored Johnny and how he was for Shannon. And Shannon like the river. She must be protected at all costs. My heart weeped for her. At times this book did feel a smidgen long but it was beautiful. I loved every minute of it.

I need to talk about this book! ALL the FEELS! From plot to character building this book just hits and doesn’t let go. I cannot wait to read the series. Book one was PHENOMENAL, ten stars!!!!

Normally, I read romance/fantasy and anything spicy, so at first I wasn't sure of this book. However, this book pulled at all my hearstrings. Chloe Walsh does an excellete job with character development through the dual POV of the book. She also does an AMAZING job tackling heavy emotional topics in a way that you relate to the reader and want to be there to help them yourself. Not just another YA romance book. Amazing 12/10

5⭐️

I will protect these characters at all costs!

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
• Sports romance (rugby)
• Coming of age
• Irish slang
• Trauma/healing
• Found family

⚠️ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀs ғᴏʀ sᴏᴍᴇ. ⚠️

Shannon Lynch has had a rough life to only be 15. She’s been bullied for years and transfers to Tommen College hoping for fresh start. It’s there that she meets Johnny Kavanagh, the star rugby player. Johnny has only had one goal all of his life - to make it to the pros. What he didn’t expect was the connection he would feel to Shannon. They are both harboring secrets though. One that can destroy his career and one that can destroy her life.
_

The story captures you right from the start. I loved every minute of it. I saw another review state that it reads like a movie and I couldn’t agree more.

Stop the ending 😩😩😩 my heart is pounding and I feel like it’s not going to calm down u til I dive into book 2 (which I will be doing immediately)

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! This book has been out for a while, but I got an arc for the trad published, Bloom Books release.

Honestly if I didn’t get this on my kindle idk if I would have ever read it because of how thick the book is, but dang I’m so happy I did finally pick it up. I can see this becoming my new obsession EASILY.

I had a few minor issues with the writing which bumped it down one star for me, but the story 🙌 the plot 🙌 THE CHARACTERS 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 I can’t 😩❤️

I am suddenly Rugby’s #1 biggest fan and I have never seen a single game!

I went into Binding 13 relatively blind. I knew it was a high school romance with a “jock/normal girl” relationship but it was so much more than that. Shannon and Johnny had a great slow burn relationship. I was kicking my feet, my jaw was on the floor, pacing around my room, YOU NAME IT. I was a HOOKED. It was such a slow burn that it left me wanting MORE. Thankfully, there is another book on the way!! I thought this was great when it came to pacing and if you are looking for a SLOW BURN, this is the book for you.

The only problem for me was that it was hard to “get into it”. There was a LOT of background necessary to cover for both characters so it took some time for it to pick up. I did feel somewhat bored but when it takes off, IT TAKES OFF. Don’t be too afraid of the length! It feels a lot quicker than it is once you reach about 30% in. The comic relief and banter also balance out the heavier details of the book so it seems quick. That being said, please check TWs!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC! I can’t wait for the next book!!

If you want a slow burn like Mariana Zapata and a heartwarming and heart wrenching story at the same time, this is for you! I’m so happy this got trad published and the cover is gorgeous. Totally recommend this series, if you’re thinking about reading it, do it!!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

This book made me feel everything. From happiness, laughing, sweetness, to kicking, screaming, crying. This book literally has everything. First off, Shannon’s dad can literally ROT, he is so disgusting. I admire Shannon and her siblings so much, even if they are only fictional, and my heart goes out to anyone who has dealt with or is dealing with a similar situation. I really liked Johnny’s character too, and I want to see how he grows from here because he definitley is a 17 year old boy. I finished this in tears at 3am and immediately picked up the second book. Despite its loooong length, I read this in one day?! The first few chapters were hard to get into because I was getting used to the authors writing style. They use a lot of words, and at first it wasn’t my favorite sometimes with the dialogue or internal thoughts, but it grew on me and this was a beautiful story. I appreciate the pronunciation and glossary! It was so helpful.

My one complaint is I don’t like how childlike Shannon is described as. She’s repeatedly described as small, underdeveloped, tiny, fragile, also sometimes she acts childlike especially with how much she falls down, and also comparing her to other girls and even guys her age she’s just described as so childlike. It is a little weird to me especially reading a romance, and I feel like this is a trend in how authors describe FMCs and it’s not it for me.

This book made me feel all the emotions. I cried, and screamed while reading this book. This book deals with real life situations that kids and teens are going through right at this moment!!!! This book is EVERYTHING TO ME!!!!! THIS BECAME MY ALLL TIME FAVORTIE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!!! Shannon and Johnny are A Game, they are everything!! AND JOHNNY IS THE BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND EVERRRR!!!! I was hesitant to read this book for awhile because of the font and the book size (since I got them physically) and I ATE IT UP LIKE A COOKIE!!!!! The dad can rot in hell for what he do to his kids. NOBODY I MEAN NOBODY DON’T DESERVE TO BE ABUSED!!!


100000000000000/5 stars