Copyright Date:
2023
Edition Date:
2023
Release Date:
11/28/23
Pages:
xi, 609 pages
ISBN:
1-7282-9994-2
ISBN 13:
978-1-7282-9994-5
Dewey:
Fic
Dimensions:
23 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
A battered girl and an injured rugby star spark up an ill-advised romance at an Irish secondary school.Beautiful, waiflike, 15-year-old Shannon has lived her entire life in Ballylaggin. Alternately bullied at school and beaten by her ne'er-do-well father, she's hopeful for a fresh start at Tommen, a private school. Seventeen-year-old Johnny, who has a hair-trigger temper and a severe groin injury, is used to Dublin's elite-level rugby but, since his family's move to County Cork, is now stuck captaining Tommen's middling team. When Johnny angrily kicks a ball and knocks Shannon unconscious ("a soft female groan came from her lips"), a tentative relationship is born. As the two grow closer, Johnny's past and Shannon's present become serious obstacles to their budding love, threatening Shannon's safety. Shannon's portrayal feels infantilized ("I looked down at the tiny little female under my arm"), while Johnny comes across as borderline obsessive ("I knew I shouldn't be touching her, but how the hell could I not?"). Uneven pacing and choppy sentences lead to a sudden climax and an unsatisfyingly abrupt ending. Repetitive descriptions, abundant and misogynistic dialogue (Johnny, to his best friend: "who's the bitch with a vagina now?"), and graphic violence also weigh down this lengthy tome (considerably trimmed down from its original, self-published length). The cast of lively, well-developed supporting characters, especially Johnny's best friend and Shannon's protective older brother, is a bright spot. Major characters read white.A troubling depiction of an unhealthy relationship. (author's note, pronunciations, glossary, song moments, playlists) (Romance. 16-18)
An epic and unforgettable love story begins in Binding 13, the first in the international bestselling and TikTok-phenomenon The Boys of Tommen series, from Chloe Walsh. He wants to save her. She wants to hide. She's damaged. He's determined. Fate brought them together. Love binds them. Johnny Kavanagh is the definition of popular. He is an all-star rugby player with loads of friends, which means he should be enjoying the many perks of his life. But what people don't know is that he has been dealing with a painful injury that could halt the magnificent trajectory of his career. This means he has no time for distractions or mistakes. Especially not a girlfriend. Shannon Lynch has been bullied all her life. She is shy and would rather hide herself away to make it through school. But when she arrives at Tommen College for a fresh start, she meets the notorious Johnny Kavanagh on her first day in a not-so-romantic way. What follows is a complicated friendship that turns into undeniable chemistry. It seems that Shannon won't be able to hold onto the anonymous status she once hoped for. But maybe that's alright? Johnny won't give up on Shannon. No matter what it might cost them both. Filled with angst and an attraction like no other, Binding 13 will suck you into the bingeworthy Boys of Tommen universe. This book is perfect for readers looking for: New adult/YA crossover Irish romance Dual POVs Friends-to-lovers TikTok books Sports romance Readers are gushing: "You need this book in your life." "I'm beyond obsessed. no review could do this book justice but wow. I'm SPRINTING to Keeping 13!!!!!" "I NEED A JOHNNY KAVANAGH " "Instantly became one of my top 5 books of all time." "This was so, so good. Excellent character building. Excellent relationship building. Just excellent all around."