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imaginationindex's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
‼️ BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER‼️
I highly stress checking out the trigger warnings for this book. The e-copy I read provided a good overview but it’s always a good idea to give a quick Google. I personally would also recommend this to readers who understand the subject matter before diving in AND you are at least 16+.
I highly stress checking out the trigger warnings for this book. The e-copy I read provided a good overview but it’s always a good idea to give a quick Google. I personally would also recommend this to readers who understand the subject matter before diving in AND you are at least 16+.
“Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he’s a force to be reckoned with and he’s heading straight for the top. Nothing can possibly get in his way, right?
Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College. Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. She arrives mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start, but on her very first day at the prestigious private school, she comes into contact with the notorious Johnny Kavanagh.
Falling into a complicated friendship and grappling with their undeniable chemistry, Johnny and Shannon must face obstacles that threaten their relationship.
Two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks collide. Friendship, first love, rising fame, horrifying secrets, and pain all fuel together in Binding 13.”
What I loved:
- I’ve been searching for “that” slow burn read for some time now and I have to say… this was like a blast from the past angst-fanfic era!! While Shannon and Johnny almost check that box of star-crossed lovers without crossing into the insta-love territory. I also appreciate a good opposites attract pairing (though we didn’t dip our toe into enemies to lovers pairing)
- Irish slang and even better, Irish slang in 2004 (genuinely curious how the audio book reads 👀) Bonus points for the glossary at the beginning.
- Speaking of 2004, the playlists provided… what a time to be alive
- Johnny’s parents even with their limited appearances
What was unlucky 13:
- The Age Gap - there is no avoiding it! Right at the top- if she’s 15 going on 16, and he’s 17 going on 18, there are concerns. Yeah, 16 and 18 isn’t “that” far apart for some but one is still a minor and one is an adult at the end of the day.
- This story was so much longer than it needed to be, which came down to two reasons for me. 1) The amount of telling v showing. Even when we read the scene from Shannon’s POV, Johnny had to repeat the story, or vice versa. That’s too much retelling for me. And 2) the second guessing and repetition. I do understand Shannon’s trauma and needing to question her situation, but for other characters, it was clear the first time! I think we caught it the first time!
- Johnny, as attractive and protective he is made out to be, is indecisive as heck. Sends Shannon on a rollercoaster of emotion with hot and cold feelings, and if he’s so focused on becoming the Rugby star he wants to be, WHY go out drinking and fighting left and right?? (I know teenagers but still… emotional rollercoaster)
- A lotta 🍆 talk, which on one hand part of the plot but also… just ALOT
- Shannon’s parents
This book is always [ALWAYS] on the BookTok table at each and every book store I go to, but other than that I hadn’t heard much else about it.
Would I recommend this for someone looking for romance… hard no.
But if you told me you are in a specific mood for angsty romance, where the beautiful, popular boy protects and defends the shy, innocent girl resulting slow burn and them saving each other that gives ye olde Wattpad days reading under the covers at 2am cause you just can’t put it down… then yes, this might work for you.
But if you told me you are in a specific mood for angsty romance, where the beautiful, popular boy protects and defends the shy, innocent girl resulting slow burn and them saving each other that gives ye olde Wattpad days reading under the covers at 2am cause you just can’t put it down… then yes, this might work for you.
With the cliff ender, I am ready to jump into the next story with Shannon and Johnny.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Vomit, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
aimicampbell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Blood, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
aminasbooks_'s review against another edition
sad
fast-paced
5.0
LOVE THIS BOOK WITH MY WHOLE HEART
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
readw_ithcc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
mishellywelly's review against another edition
4.75
was crazy good and made me cry at the end, which i didnt know could happen while reading a book, the way the author showed how shannon dealt with abuse was written so well and i acc am dying to read the second book, kinda slow asf
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, and Miscarriage
aukohler's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
thejeff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Its a beautiful live altering read.
I wish i could read it for the first time again.
I wish i could read it for the first time again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
rebelbooks101's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book follows Shannon, who starts attending a new school after being heavily bullied at her last one. There she meets Johnny when he accidentally hits her in the head with a rugby ball and the story goes from there.
This book I have some complicated feelings about. On the one hand I would say I really enjoyed this book. On the other hand I also had some major issues with this book.
Let’s start out with the positives. I firstly liked the way the dual POV was written. Shannon and Johnny have such different voices and internal dialogue that their chapters sounded different and were well written.
I also enjoyed the romance. Was it maybe a little toxic? Yes. Did I still like it? Also yes. I really liked their connection and seeing the slow burn development of their relationship made me not want to put the book down. I spent all of yesterday just glued to this book as I waited to see these two get together. At the end of the day, these two just want the best for each other and wants the other to be safe.
What I couldn’t get behind was how violent of a character Johnny was. Given Shannon comes from an abusive household, I don’t know if a guy who solves his problems with his fists is the best guy for her. It’s not really addressed at all. Johnny’s flaws were very apparent so I’ll give the story that. He was always out to fix all of Shannon’s problems so you could take it as he’s in love with her or he’s just obsessed with her (or both). Maybe their relationship is not the healthiest but I also think this is one of those times I’m just going to separate fiction from reality.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I would recommend it but I don’t think it’s a book for everyone so I’d be hesitant on who I’d recommend it to.
This book I have some complicated feelings about. On the one hand I would say I really enjoyed this book. On the other hand I also had some major issues with this book.
Let’s start out with the positives. I firstly liked the way the dual POV was written. Shannon and Johnny have such different voices and internal dialogue that their chapters sounded different and were well written.
I also enjoyed the romance. Was it maybe a little toxic? Yes. Did I still like it? Also yes. I really liked their connection and seeing the slow burn development of their relationship made me not want to put the book down. I spent all of yesterday just glued to this book as I waited to see these two get together. At the end of the day, these two just want the best for each other and wants the other to be safe.
What I couldn’t get behind was how violent of a character Johnny was. Given Shannon comes from an abusive household, I don’t know if a guy who solves his problems with his fists is the best guy for her. It’s not really addressed at all. Johnny’s flaws were very apparent so I’ll give the story that. He was always out to fix all of Shannon’s problems so you could take it as he’s in love with her or he’s just obsessed with her (or both). Maybe their relationship is not the healthiest but I also think this is one of those times I’m just going to separate fiction from reality.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I would recommend it but I don’t think it’s a book for everyone so I’d be hesitant on who I’d recommend it to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Vomit
nessa_cfs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Bullying
Minor: Child abuse
eva2k04's review against another edition
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Death of parent