Binding 13: Epic, emotional and addictive romance from the TikTok phenomenon (The Boys of Tommen)

It takes quite a bit for me to want to re-read a book, it doesn't happen often - quite the opposite, yet I keep coming back to this one. For me, a successful book is good story, good characters, good writing, and it has to make me FEEL. If it has all of those elements, which let's face it, is sadly rare, then I'm gone hook, line and sinker. This series - Shannon, Johnny, Gibs, Claire, Joey, Mammy K, all of them, is unlike anything I've ever come across before. It is so good, that even though I know what's going to happen, I Feel everything these books evoke just as much each time I read them. I cry with them, rage with them, rejoice with them, grieve with them, laugh out loud at the humour and the antics they get up to (especially Gibs - hands down funniest book character I have ever had the pleasure of coming across). I'm not sure I've ever had that from one book before. Shanon may come across as a bit doormat-ish at the start, but peel back those onion layers, and you find the heart of a fighter, an incredibly strong girl who doesn't even know it herself. Johnnys the definition of overthinker; a strong, good guy with so much commitment, dedication & passion for the things he fights and cares for. I loved these two. This absolute gem of a book, and series, is so unlike anything I've ever come across before, and I know for a fact that I'll still be coming back time and time again because they are "bleeding brilliant". If you're looking for a beautifully written, heart wrenching, hilarious book with dark secrets, characters so seemingly real that it's almost seems plausible that one could bump into them in Ballylaggin, and want one hell of a book hangover, then do yourself a favour and read these pronto.

This book CONSUMED me. I'm not joking when I say 600 pages were not enough pages for these characters. More over Mariana Zapata, we have another slowburn queen I'm town. (Don't worry, I still love Mariana!!). This book tells a story of Shannon and Johnny, who live and go to school in Cork, Ireland. Shannon was severely bullied in school, where it got to the extent that her mother had to take her out of school and pay to send her to a private school. Here, Shannon meets Johnny, the popular boy who is the captain of the rugby team and has unlimited fangirls following him. When Johnny accidentally knocked Shannon out with a stray rugby ball, everything changed for these characters. Johnny becomes protective of Shannon and Shannon for the first time, feels safe! There are a lot of triggers warnings with this book, so PLEASE read them before diving into this book because it can be tough! Being from Ireland myself, I understood the slang and banter between the characters. There is a glossary at the start just for your FYI. OK, so the characters- Johnny and Shannon - come from completely different worlds, but they find each other, and it works. They are what each other didn't know they needed. The vulnerability and strength Shannon has broke me!! The protective and passion Johnny has powered me! Even though these characters were 15 and 18, I didn't care! I usually don't read YA or teenage love, but this book was perfection!! The plot! This book is 100% of a slow burn! That being said, every interaction, every chapter, was important and needed in order to showcase these characters and show their story and growth! This book does end on a cliffhanger, so bring on the next book!! I'm ready to dive me! I need everyone to read this book so I can talk to them about it!!!! I could write an essay of a review for this book, and it wouldn't cover how much I loved it. The banter, the vulnerability! I don't think I've ever read a book that had me gripping the book, in shock, sadness, or laughter all in one chapter! It was amazing

One of the best books I've ever read

Wow. What an emotional rollercoaster the last 48 hours have been. I put off reading Binding 13 for so long, unsure if it could live up to the hype. Now I get it and honestly I’m glad I waited. I didn’t think a high school romance this long would grip me the way it did, but Chloe Walsh completely proved me wrong. Despite the school setting, it never felt immature. The story dives deep into trauma, mental health, love, and survival, with a level of emotional intensity that kept me hooked. Even at nearly 800 pages, I flew through it. There was a stretch around the 500-page mark where the emotional push-pull got a bit repetitive, but by 700, I was right back in it and completely invested. The characters are where this book shines. Gibsie is a standout, hilarious but clearly hiding his own pain. I know there’s more to him than the funny best friend but I just can’t work it out! And Joey. Oh, Joey. His pain was so overlooked. He’s trying so hard to hold it all together, to protect his family, to be everything for everyone and you can see it’s slowly breaking him. My heart ached for him with every chapter. He deserves peace more than anyone. Shannon’s journey was heartbreaking and beautiful. Watching her slowly find her voice and begin to trust again was powerful. Johnny loyal, protective, and emotionally raw felt like the anchor she needed. He wasn’t perfect, and that made him all the more real. Binding 13 is about so much more than young love, it’s about healing, loyalty, friendship and surviving what life throws at you. I cried, laughed, got angry, and fell in love with every page. Now excuse me while I go dive into Keeping 13, because I am not done with this world yet.

This was brought for a family member who really is into books by Chloe Walsh a really captivating story

I cant put into words how phenomenal this book was. I loved everything about it. From the first page of Shannon powerful intro into her life in ireland, I was hooked....and you will be too. The book tackles themes of abuse, love, dreams, injury, sports and so much more that its just perfect. The characters are also so well fleshed out and complex that I just loved everything about it! I listened to the audio first then this.. and was transfixed. Im afraid im obsessed with this world and never want to let it go

Binding 13 is hands down one of the most captivating and addictive books I’ve ever read. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the story — the tension, the chemistry between the characters, and the unfolding drama had me hooked and glued to every word. It’s the kind of book that makes you lose track of time because you just have to know what happens next. The characters are brilliantly written: flawed, complex, and incredibly relatable. Their emotions leap off the page, making every triumph and heartbreak feel personal. I laughed, cried, and swooned all within the span of a few chapters. The romance is intense and passionate, but it’s also layered with real, emotional stakes that make the story feel genuine and grounded. The plot is expertly paced, with twists and turns that keep you guessing while still giving room for the characters’ relationships to grow and evolve. The author’s writing style is immersive and lyrical, making it easy to picture each scene vividly and feel every moment as if you were living it alongside the characters. Honestly, Binding 13 is a complete rollercoaster of emotion — epic, heartfelt, and utterly binge-worthy. It’s the kind of romance that stays with you long after you close the book, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This is, without question, one of the best reads I’ve ever experienced, and it deserves every bit of praise it’s getting. If you’re looking for a romance that will make your heart race and your emotions soar, don’t miss this one.

Really addictive read. The characters are well written and the story keeps you hooked. Hard to put down once you start.

this book is SOOO good

Binding 13 (Standard Edition) delivers an emotional and engaging story with strong character development and plenty of tension. The writing draws you in quickly, balancing romance, drama, and deeper themes. The characters feel real and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their journey. Overall, a compelling read that keeps you hooked from start to finish—perfect for fans of emotional, character‑driven stories.

The last thing I expected was to love this book as much as I did, and for this book to destroy me more than anything else I’ve ever read. I am not sure why I thought this was YA? Maybe because the characters are in high school but the more I read, the more this book is definitely not YA and definitely not for the faint hearted. This story and I presume the rest of the series tackles some HUGE topics and themes that are quite difficult to read about. I do think it handled the topics of family violence and child abuse very delicately whilst also not trying to downplay the seriousness of it. What I loved is that Chloe Walsh sprinkled enough humour into the dialogue of this story to break up this challenging themes so it didn’t feel so overwhelming to read about. Trust me, it isn’t all dark and gloomy in this world. I felt like it was a very nice balance without taking away from how bad abuse can be and the dark reality of it. This felt less romancey and more of a character study in the same way of Magnolia Parks. I felt like this story, whilst definitely being a romance between Johnny and Shannon, was more about these people as characters and their unique experiences that actually aren’t as unique and otherworldly as they think. It was about finding safety and security in a life where you are anything but. The romance just added to Johnny and Shannon’s connection, but I think it went beyond that. I initially thought that Johnny had a saviour complex, and I think he thought he did too, but as the story moves and he learns more about Shannon, he realises she cannot be saved but just needs someone to keep her safe. It’s a safety complex, rather than a saviour, and as Johnny learns that, the story gets better. Fair warning, this man talks about his genitals A LOT, especially in a book where they kiss once and right at the end. Nevertheless, I do think it aided in lowering the seriousness of the book and making it more friendly and appealing for people to read. However, I did get tired of hearing about this man’s genitals. I also did feel, at times, they were immature but then I had to self correct and remember that I too was 16 once and acting like this. I’m in too minds. I was also sick of hearing about HOW SHORT SHANNON IS. I loved the set up for the rest of the characters and how each person gets their moment but it is focussed on Johnny and Shannon. I love these two and I love that their story is a slow burn, broken into two parts marked by a big shift in their lives. I LOVE this structure. The set up of the rest of the characters was a perfect way to slowly introduce the rest of the series too, so 5 stars there. I also love that Chloe Walsh has the perfect balance between showing and telling. So much happens on the page (I mean, this book is like 700+ pages) but so much happens off the page as well and that makes it even better to read. Some of the writing is a bit cringey and the internal dialogue does get exhausting after a while, especially when it’s “I shouldn’t do this” *proceeds to do it*, but I can let it slide because they are young, in love, and navigating a world so foreign to them. Overall, loved this and very excited for the rest of the series. I’m already halfway through Keeping 13 as I write this.

My heart goes out to little Shannon. This story is so heartbreaking and so true.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟯 by Chloe Walsh Sweet, emotional, and just the right amount of spicy tension If you love slow-burn romance, wounded heroes, soft-hearted heroines, and a story that absolutely wrecks you before piecing you back together, Binding 13 is pure perfection. This book isn’t just a romance—it’s an emotional journey about trauma, loyalty, found family, and the kind of love that heals the deepest wounds. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗵 is the golden boy of Irish rugby—talented, admired, and carrying the crushing weight of expectations. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝘆𝗻𝗰𝗵 is quiet, fragile, and trying to survive a life no one else sees. When their worlds collide, what starts as a simple connection grows into something protective, tender, and completely unforgettable. What makes this book shine is how gentle their relationship is. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆 isn’t just a swoony athlete—he’s observant, patient, and fiercely protective of 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻. Their bond builds slowly through glances, quiet moments, and the smallest acts of care. The sweetness is overwhelming in the best way. “𝖸𝗈𝗎'𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝖿𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗆𝖾, 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗇. 𝖨 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗌𝖾.” And the way Johnny sees her—truly sees her—melts your heart: “𝖲𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾𝖼𝗍, 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗂𝗍 𝗈𝗋 𝗇𝗈𝗍.” The romance has just enough spice to keep your heart racing, but it’s the emotional intimacy that really delivers. Every touch, every moment of closeness feels earned. The tension is electric, yet always wrapped in softness and respect. Chloe Walsh’s writing is immersive and raw. She doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, but she balances the darkness with humor, friendship, and so many heart-fluttering moments. The side characters feel like real people, and the rugby team’s banter adds warmth and levity to the heavier themes. By the end, you’ll feel completely attached to Johnny and Shannon. Their story is tender, painful, hopeful, and absolutely addictive. And just when you think you can breathe again… the ending reminds you there’s more heartbreak and healing ahead. If you love: •Slow burn with emotional depth •Protective, soft-hearted heroes •Found family vibes •Sweet moments with a touch of spice •Stories that make you feel everything …then Binding 13 deserves a permanent spot on your favorites shelf. This book didn’t just give me butterflies—it gave me bruises on my heart in the best possible way. I laughed, I cried, and I immediately needed the sequel. 𝗔𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱. 💔✨📚