Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Binding 13

Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

472 reviews

wordsbetweenlines's review against another edition

3.0

dark slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a young adult romance with characters aged 15-17 but the content is not young adult. At all. And I really struggled to reconcile that.

The romance for sure is engaging at times but honestly, this should have been 300+ pages shorter and had a normal size of font instead of this tiny print.

I love some parts of the characters and parts of the romance but there was also a lot that was just irritating. A helpless damsel just doesn’t do it for me.

I wanted to love this but just didn’t. I liked it enough, but it has a ton of trigger warnings and truly should not be touted as a young adult book.

Content Warnings

auntierarareads's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

reish3ll's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

📚

Binding 13

by Chloe Walsh – Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 rounded up)

First Impressions:

I immediately loved the inclusion of a glossary and pronunciation guide—it made diving into this very Irish world more immersive. Shannon’s story starts heavy, with bullying and emotional trauma manifesting physically (e.g. loss of periods). The realism here is brutal but powerful. Her father? A textbook misogynist and homophobe—honestly infuriating to read, but sadly too real. Thank god for Joey, her older brother, who steps in like the dad she deserved.

Characters & Dynamics:

Shannon is vulnerable, anxious, and emotionally stunted by trauma. But as she settles into Tommen College, we see flickers of confidence begin to form.

Johnny is the classic grumpy sports star with hidden depths. His protectiveness toward Shannon borders on obsessive at times, especially given how quickly it develops—but it’s clear he sees her pain and wants to be a safe place.

Their age gap (15 vs. nearly 18) does feel a bit uncomfortable at moments—especially considering Johnny’s immediate attraction and internal conflict about it.

Gibsie is the chaotic matchmaker friend with charisma and big brother energy. Claire deserves him tbh.

Lizzie gives me the ick, Bella needs to be arrested, and Dee? 🚩🚩🚩

Plot Thoughts:

There are so many moments that shine with sweetness (Joey letting Shannon sleep in his room for safety, Johnny comforting her during an anxiety episode) but also deeply uncomfortable moments, especially around adult behaviour in the school and how Shannon’s trauma is dismissed.

It’s honestly wild how Johnny became so attached to Shannon within a day—but I get it: broken recognises broken.

The domestic abuse in Shannon’s household is depicted with painful accuracy. Her father is violent and manipulative, while her mother enables it. It’s suffocating, and it makes every safe moment outside that home feel like a breath of fresh air.

The rugby culture is rich (and heavy on jargon), and Johnny’s refusal to rest post-injury hits hard—his fear of losing his dream career, paired with Irish masculinity and the pressure to “tough it out,” was well explored.

Themes & Trigger Warnings:

Domestic violence (physical, verbal, emotional)
Sexual assault & coercion
Abuse of power (teacher/student dynamics)
Eating disorders
Bullying
PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks
Miscarriage
Youth sexuality and consent dynamics

Favourite Moments:

“Virtually strangers” being said 300 pages in had me laughing.
Shannon catching Johnny naked = peak awkward teen tension.
The “I’ll take care of you” hallway vomit moment? Heart. Melted.
Easter egg win? 😭 Soft boys win.
Johnny’s post-surgery rambling was hilarious and super realistic (shoutout from a PACU nurse 👀).

Final Thoughts:

Binding 13 is a beautifully messy, painfully realistic story about trauma, healing, and young love in all its awkward, hormonal, and complicated glory. It left me laughing, crying, raging, and totally invested.

The imagery and analogies are chef’s kiss, the Irish slang and cultural references are enriching, and the cliffhanger ending? Devastating. Can’t wait for Keeping 13.

Content Warnings

rachel_is_a_reader's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I have no words. This book was INTENSE, painful, funny, heartbreaking, and beautiful and I enjoyed every single second of it. Fully obsessed with the series already.

Content Warnings

mollydolly2404's review against another edition

4.0

🎖️ Mid 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION

Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he's a force to be reckoned with. Primed for stardom, he's heading straight for the top. Nothing can possibly get in his way, right? Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College. The one with the sad eyes and hidden bruises. The one that distracts him like no one ever has.

Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. Bullied and tortured, she arrives at Tommen College mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start and desperate to shake off the demons that plague her. On her very first day at the prestigious private school, she comes into contact with the notorious Johnny Kavanagh. Thrown through a hoop over her feelings for him, and desperate to keep a low-profile, Shannon finds herself once again the target of bullies as she forms a fragile alliance with rugby's rising star.

Falling into a complicated friendship and grappling with their undeniable chemistry, Johnny and Shannon could never have foreseen the obstacles that will threaten their blossoming relationship . . .

FORMAT

Digital - Kindle / Audio - Spotify

REVIEW

★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this book and the relationship between Johnny and Shannon.

This book dealt with difficult themes and therefore is not suitable for younger readers.

SPICE

Clean 🥒

TROPES

📖 High School Romance
📖 Sports Romance
📖 Friends to Lovers

READING LOG

▫️2025

Content Warnings

crod9697's review against another edition

4.5

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Love this book! Love Johnny and Shannon. Love the whole characters! Great storytelling and that ending of that book. Need to read that second book right away!

Content Warnings

desert015's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Content Warnings

liz_loves2read's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

bianca_torrente's review against another edition

4.75

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was nothing I expected. I kept hearing that Binding 13 was a beautiful romance story that was highly recommended but I wasn’t expecting the emotional journey I was taken on through the slowest burn! This book is not for the faint of heart as the content of the book is heavy and not easy to read at times. I also couldn’t believe how the story ended, I was left on the biggest cliffhanger and can’t wait to read the next one! I also completely agree with everyone who said that Johnny is the kind of man they want!!!! Chloe Walsh is an incredibly powerful writer and had me hooked from the beginning. If you’re intimidated by the length of this book like I was, don’t be! It goes by so fast and will be over before you know it while leaving your jaw on the floor. I can’t wait to read what’s next!

Content Warnings

v_matovva's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I am at a total loss for words rn.This book was way too close to home......
You just HAVE TO READ IT RN because Shannon Lynch and Johnny Kavanagh are so worth it

Content Warnings

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