Binding 13 is a masterpiece of emotional hurt/comfort. It will break your heart, stitch it back together, and leave you immediately reaching for the sequel, Keeping 13 . It proves that the best sports romances aren’t about the game you play, but the game of surviving high school, family, and yourself.
The boy behind the ball is , the school's star athlete and rugby prodigy. Johnny is a "golden boy" with a promising professional career ahead of him, leaving him with no room for distractions—especially not a girl from the "wrong side of the tracks". What begins as a guilt-ridden encounter evolves into a complicated friendship and a slow-burn romance that challenges both characters to confront their deepest fears. Key Themes and Tropes Instagram·pageturnerpaddock Binding 13-
Binding 13 , published in 2018 by Chloe Walsh, is the first novel in the Boys of Tommen series, a contemporary "New Adult" romance set in rural Ireland. It follows the intense, slow-burn relationship between star rugby player Johnny Kavanagh and Shannon Lynch, a girl attempting to escape a history of severe trauma. Binding 13 is a masterpiece of emotional hurt/comfort
The story follows , a fifteen-year-old girl who has spent her life as a target for relentless bullying. Seeking a fresh start at Tommen College, her hope for anonymity is instantly shattered when she is accidentally injured by a rugby ball on her first day. The boy behind the ball is , the
The series has expanded to include other characters:
Johnny Kavanagh is the king of this trope. While Shannon trembles in the hallways, Johnny uses his status as the school's alpha to shield her. He doesn't just like her; he claims her as his responsibility. The moment he steps between her and a bully, the chemistry is electric.
It is essential to note that is not a fluffy high school romance. It handles incredibly dark subject matter with brutal realism. Potential readers should be aware of: