SK's Reviews > Binding 13

"Boom, boom, fucking boom...
I'm done for."

Am honestly at a loss for words. I loved this book so much, it's definitely one of my favorites from now on. Y'all that ending was so heart breaking and yet I find myself being happy and loving that pain cause the book was THAT good. In no way it's a perfect book, it's flawed and the writing may not work for everyone, the pacing is slow but the characters and story are simply captivating.

In this character driven story, you'll find yourself rooting for them, understanding their pain and trauma, focusing on relationships, family dynamics and their growth as individuals.

✔️ Sports romance (rugby)
✔️ High School romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Dual pov
✔️ Set in Ireland during the timeframe of 2005
✔️ Found family
✔️ "Who did this to you"

It's only after I bought the whole series that I found out it's a high school romance, it did make me skeptical yet it worked out brilliantly. I especially loved how the actual sport played an important part in the story. I absolutely LOVE watching rugby, so having the inclusion of that made it even a better experience for me.

Coming to the characters, Shannon and Johnny have my heart. These two are so adorable and so smitten by each other. I loved seeing them progress as strangers, to friends and eventually finally accepting their feelings for each other. The romance is so sweet and had me giggling.

🩷Shannon is one of those characters who deserve the whole freaking world. She's been through so much, I wish I could give her the biggest hug. I honestly don't understand how people can find her annoying. Poor girl is so vulnerable and to see her open her heart and start trusting Johnny was such a proud moment for me. I hate what's happening to her. I wish she would reach out and accept help, I simply wish someone would save her and her brothers 😭

🏉Johnny is a fun, dorky and such a loving character. I admire his dedication to rugby and how loyal his teammates are to him, and he to them. His persona instantly puts people at ease and also the guy is straightforward- me likey. But to see him put himself through so much pain to achieve his goals was heartbreaking. I found myself relating to some of his struggles as I have been going through the same, so he does have a soft spot in my heart. I loved the scene in the hospital when he was high tbh, it was funny and so honest from him lol.

The side characters are equally impactful and so easy to like. Joey is someone am really rooting for. I want to see him happy so bad it breaks my heart. I want to get to know Aoife more, she seems so sweet. Claire and Gibsie? Oh gosh, I ship it so hard 😩😩 I love Gibsie, he's so loyal and the sense of humor is elite lol. Lizzy seems upfront and seems to be hiding her own struggles but that's all I know about her. Shannon's parents and Bella can die, if I start ranting about how much I hate them this review will never end.

The ending broke me as it ends on a sad and brutal note. I was expecting it to happen yet it hurt so bad. I have so much hope for the next book, hopefully will love it the same if not more.

Highly recommended.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.

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Am so intimidated by the size of this book but IT'S TIMEEEEEE