Review by ynaiita_5896 - Binding 13

ynaiita_5896 's review for:

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

5.0

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

At just 17, Johnny Kavanagh is on the fast track to rugby stardom, determined to conquer the sport and make his mark. But for the first time in his life, his single-minded focus is challenged by Shannon Lynch, the new girl at Tommen College. Quiet, shy, and guarded, Shannon has been tormented by bullying for years and is desperate for a fresh start. As Johnny tries to hide a painful injury from his rugby scouts, Shannon is battling hard to hide the scars and bruises and the shame of her past. Both are drawn together by a powerful chemistry, all while navigating a fragile new friendship and the emotional walls they each try to keep intact.

This powerful, emotional and heartwrenching book got me hooked. With each page, I was rooting for Johnny and Shannon. While Binding 13 is a romance, it has a beautiful coming of age angle as well. What I really appreciate about Walsh' writing is how well developed the characters were despite their young age. I loved the way their backgrounds were carefully written and the development of their relationship. It's not a typical slow burn, but a coming together of souls and hearts so realistic and believable, it broke the norms of young adult romance.

Content Warnings