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A review by eubia_
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
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? It's complicated
5.0
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.
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
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cursing, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence