Reviews with content warning for Body shaming - Binding 13

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Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

84 reviews

tiah_22's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

addison11's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

autumnwitch14's review against another edition

3.25

dark emotional sad slow-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

eubia_'s review against another edition

5.0

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

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Binding 13 is a powerful and emotional romance that completely pulled me in from the very first pages. It tells the story of Shannon Lynch, a quiet, deeply hurt girl who's spent most of her life being bullied and surviving a violent, broken home. Hoping for a fresh start, she transfers to Tomen College, where she meets Johnny Kavanagh — a rising rugby star carrying a heavy secret of his own.

At first, Shannon and Johnny seem to come from completely different worlds. She's shy, invisible, and damaged in ways most people don’t see. He’s popular, confident, and loved by many, but under enormous pressure and hiding an injury that could end his career. Somehow, they find something real in each other — not out of pity or obligation, but genuine care, protection, and a rare kind of understanding that grows into a complicated friendship… and something more.

This book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics. It deals with bullying, domestic violence, mental health, abuse, and trauma, but it does so with care and depth. Chloe Walsh builds a world that feels raw and real — one where people are messy and flawed, but still capable of love, growth, and healing.

What really stood out to me was how layered and well-developed the characters are. Shannon is incredibly strong, even when she doesn’t see it herself, and Johnny is so much more than the sports star image everyone expects of him. Their bond is slow-building, emotional, and incredibly well-written. I also loved the friendships — Johnny and Gibsie’s brotherhood, Shannon’s beautiful connection with Claire and Lizzie — they all added warmth and depth to the story.

The pacing is slower, but it works perfectly for a book like this. It gives you time to really sit with the characters and feel everything with them — the pain, the tension, the healing, the laughter, and the love. The writing flows smoothly and captures every emotion in a way that’s heartfelt and completely immersive.

I honestly loved it. It’s not just a romance — it’s a story about survival, trust, vulnerability, and finding light in dark places. I’d give it a solid 5 stars.

I’d definitely recommend Binding 13 to anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven romances, especially those that explore deeper issues. If you’re into sports romance, slow burns, or stories that make you feel a little bit of everything — this one is absolutely worth reading.

PS.: Gibsie, I freaking love you.

⚠️ Content warning: child abuse, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, body shaming, injury, alcoholism, panic attacks, and miscarriage.

Content Warnings

tiffanyjones823's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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

mrscassian's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I have laughed out loud on numerous occasions and I may have cried. This book is an emotional rollercoaster filled with teenage angst and drama whilst tackling adult problems and emotions. I'm going straight into book2 because I have to know.

Content Warnings