Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

437 reviews

dark emotional funny hopeful tense 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: Complicated

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emotional sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

reallyyyy felt dragged on, but i might read the second book, since johnny and shannon have me curious to see how their relationship plays and develops!!

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emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging funny inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional 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: Yes

I have seen this book around a lot on Instagram; I knew that I needed to check this one out after reading reviews and the plot of the book itself and I have been saving this for my Holiday down on the Devon Coast and what a book this was to experience whilst on Holiday and having limited Reading time.  This book is rather heavy in the topics that are within so please look up Trigger Warnings if you need to 
 
Binding 13 follows Shannon, a girl who moves to a private school in Ireland after being bullied at her previous schools and Johnny, a star rugby player. Shannon meets Johnny when he accidentally hits a ball at her, and they quickly become friends. Will they stay friends or become something more? 
 
Shannon has a heartbreaking backstory that really pulls at the heartstrings. Bullied at school and abused at home, she's a survivor with huge inner strength. 
Johnny, the male hero, embodies the classic alpha-protective archetype with a side of sweetness. Their connection simmers beneath the surface for most of the book, building anticipation for the inevitable romance. 
 
This book is one of the most emotional and touching stories I have read thus far. Shannon and Johnny will remain in my thoughts forever. I really mean that. There is something about the way this book was written that makes you utterly believe these characters are real. The pain and suffering throughout the book touch’s you in the most gut-wrenching way. And you are left wanting nothing but to protect the characters with every ounce of your being. At least that’s how it was for me. 
 
I’ll never forget these characters. I am starting Keeping 13 right away because what was that ending!!!!! I need MORE. 

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adventurous dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional funny sad tense 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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
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.

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