Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, 1)

I absolutely loved this story! It was a phenomenal read and completely engaging from the very beginning. These characters are so well written and pull on your heartstrings with what they have going on and how they are trying to handle it all. Shannon has been bullied pretty much from the time she started school and things have only gotten worse for her. And her home life with her father is just as bad if not worse. Things finally get so bad at school that her mom pulls her right before Christmas break and enrolls her at Tommen College with her starting for second term right after the first of the year. Shannon has no idea what to expect but is hopeful that things will be better and she won't be such a target and alone. She has her two best friends she found in primary school but they both went to Tommen so she is excited to join them there. She is hoping to be able to hide and fly under the radar and not become a target again. She has no idea what is headed her direction. On her first day she ends up having a run in on the rugby pitch and catches a ball to the head and a tumble down a hill from that Johnny kicked and it changes everything for both of them. Johnny did not mean to do it and feels horrible and in the midst of helping her to the office and staying with her they have an instant connection, one that neither of them really knows what to do or how to handle. It brings out Johnny's protective instincts and side instantly and he makes sure that Shannon isn't going to be talked about. I loved seeing them both grapple with that instant connection and them both trying to keep things under the radar and not making any moves for more but they are so drawn to each other that a friendship starts as they just can't avoid it. Both know they feel something more but neither believe it can turn into anything for different reasons but that connection is there. Johnny pays attention to her and knows that something is going on and he wants to protect her and keep her safe. He is also dealing with an injury that he is trying to hide the extent of in order to chase his professional rugby dreams. While it takes time to get there the more time they spend together building their friendship and connection the more they flirt closer at the edge of being more. Shannon still has her walls up especially regarding who is hurting her but other walls are coming down with Johnny and she is sharing other pieces of herself that she doesn't share with anyone else. I loved watching their dynamic grow and change throughout this story. I loved Johnny and his protective instincts and how he interacted with Shannon without pushing her too far. This story is well done and absolutely gets your emotions engaged and tugs on your heartstrings without. I loved seeing the character development throughout this story. It isn't short and thank God for that as we really needed the length to get the depth out of the story and the characters. As things start coming to a head and secrets coming out the bond they share is undeniable and something they are both coming to rely on. This book had plenty that kept me engaged without and has me addicted to this world and these characters. It does end on a cliffhanger and I absolutely need the next one asap to get more of Johnny and Shannon and see how things all play out!

I LOVED JOHNNY AND SHANNON! Johnny was chef's kiss and I loved all of his rugged and soft sides. He's the exact definition of kind, possessive, and witty, and I'm here for it! Shannon is very different from him, coming from a dysfunctional household and lacking self esteem, and I related SO much to her. However, Shannon isn't spineless, and I loved how she stood up to others to protect herself. As a couple, these two are so perfect together, and I loved reading their healing and romantic journey. I loved how every side character was purposeful and Claire and Gibsie's side story was also so intriguing. Other than the main couple, it had to be them two that stole my heart, LOL.This book was the perfect balance of angst, sadness, comedy, and romance, and I laughed just as hard as I cried. Gibsie and Johnny's friendship is so wholesome and chaotic at the same time, and I'm here for it!I normally don't buy books and prefer to borrow from the library, but DAMN, I loved this book so much I bought this one and Keeping 13. Chloe Walsh absolutely outdid herself in this beautifully written book!

4/⭐️1/🌶️I absolutely adored this book! I’ve heard so many good things about The Boys of Tommen series and I decided that it was time to read them. I normally have a hard time when it comes to committing to series, but I am prepared to endure this one.This book follows Johnny & Shannon. After being transferred to Tommen college from BCS, Shannon’s first day was anything but normal. After spending her entire childhood and early adult life being severely bullied at school, Shannon figured her first day would end up being no different. Except after that first day, everything was different. After accidentally kicking a ball into the back of her head, and causing the whole rugby team to see what’s up her skirt-literally, it ripped-Shannon has no idea if she can truly trust Johnny or not or if his act was intentional. As time goes on, and their friendship starts to form, Shannon starts to realize just how protective Johnny is over her.Johnny being an all star rugby player means he has no time for distractions. Yet, when this small brown haired girl with the big blue eyes landed on the pitch that day, he found himself thinking that he would do just about anything for this girl. As their bond deepens, secrets are at risk of being exposed while Johnny has a hidden injury and Shannon is constantly making up excuses about where the bruises are coming from. Each afraid of sharing their most vulnerable secrets and the parts of their lives they’ve kept tucked away, hidden from everyone.Johnny and Shannon’s relationship is tense, but so beautiful at the same time. They are both madly in love with each other yet deny their feelings. They are perfect for each other. Everyone around them can see and feel the chemistry between them though. I loved Gibsie & Claire the most out of all of the side characters, but I’m most excited for Joey & Aoife’s story.The Irish banter makes it ALL the better as well 🥵🍀 Johnny being a dub >>>>I can’t wait to see where this series will take me next, onto Keeping 13!

The torment, bullying, abuse, pain..my heart seriously ached for Shannon and Johnny! You can’t help but want to step right into the book and protect them. And when Shannon finally gets a chance to somewhat live how a teenager should, she’s timid and mistrustful but who can blame her?! Then there’s Johnny with one goal in mind and has lived his entire life to make his dream come true, cross paths with Shannon and queue in devotion, protection, and yearning.Ch 65 had me cackling, I freaking loved Gibs. And Claire, the BFF Shannon needs. By the end I was teary-eyed and you can bet your bottom dollar I’m diving into book 2.