Binding 13 Summary: A Gritty Irish Romance About Trauma & First Love

Introduction to Binding 13 Summary: A Deep Dive into Johnny and Shannon’s Tumultuous Romance and Heartbreaking Journey

⚡️ Have you ever wondered what it feels like to face personal demons while falling for someone who seems out of reach?

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh is the first book in the Boys of Tommen series—a raw, emotional romance between Shannon Lynch, a bullied 15-year-old, and Johnny Kavanagh, a 17-year-old rugby star hiding a career-threatening injury. When Johnny accidentally hurts Shannon on her first day at a new school, their lives intertwine in ways neither expected.

In this Binding 13 Summary, we’ll walk through the key moments, characters, and lessons from the first book in the Boys of Tommen series.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Binding 13 tells the story of Shannon Lynch, a traumatized teen trying to rebuild her life after years of abuse and bullying, and Johnny Kavanagh, a popular rugby star hiding his own pain. Their journey is marked by emotional healing, deep connections, and overcoming challenges together.

Who Should Read Binding 13?

✔ New Adult Romance Fans – If you love Colleen Hoover but want grittier, Irish-set drama.
✔ Sports Romance Lovers – Rugby + emotional depth = a winning combo.
✔ Readers Who Like Heavy Themes – Bullying, abuse, and healing are central.
✖ Those Who Prefer Fluff – This is not a light, breezy romance.

About the Author: Chloe Walsh

Chloe Walsh is an Irish author known for emotional, character-driven romances. She writes raw, intense stories with flawed characters and heavy themes. Binding 13 was originally self-published before becoming a breakout hit.

Binding 13 Summary (Non-Spoiler Version)

Set in 2005 Ireland, Binding 13 follows:

• Shannon Lynch – A quiet, anxious 15-year-old transferring to Tommen College after years of brutal bullying at her old school.

• Johnny Kavanagh – A famous rugby prodigy with a secret injury that could end his career.

Key Events:

• The Accident: Johnny’s rugby ball knocks Shannon unconscious on her first day, sparking his protective instincts.

• The File: Johnny discovers Shannon’s school records—detailing years of abuse—and vows to protect her.

• The Forbidden Bond: Despite warnings, Johnny can’t stay away, and Shannon starts falling for the boy who sees her as more than a victim.

• Hidden Pain: Both hide their struggles—Shannon from her abusive father, Johnny from his worsening injury.

Themes: Bullying, domestic violence, healing through love, and the pressure of fame.

Binding 13 Summary & Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead!)

Part 1: The Collision

• Shannon starts at Tommen College, desperate for a fresh start after years of torment at Ballylaggin Community School.

• Johnny’s rugby ball hits her, leaving her concussed. He’s horrified—especially after reading her file and learning about her past.

• Protective Mode Activated: Johnny threatens anyone who messes with Shannon, including his ex, Bella Wilkinson, who spreads vicious rumors.

Part 2: The Slow Burn

• Johnny secretly watches over Shannon, leaving money for her uniform and defending her from bullies.

• Shannon notices his limp—Johnny’s hiding a groin injury that could ruin his rugby career.

• A car ride home leads to late-night talks, and Shannon realizes Johnny isn’t the arrogant star he seems.

Part 3: Breaking Points

• Shannon’s father beats her for associating with Johnny. She hides the bruises, terrified of foster care.

• Johnny collapses mid-game, needing emergency surgery. High on pain meds, he confesses his love—but doesn’t remember it later.

• Final Confrontation: Shannon’s father attacks her again, and her brother Joey threatens to leave with the kids if their mom doesn’t leave him.

Binding 13 Summary By Chapter (Detailed)

1. High Hopes

Shannon starts at Tommen College, battling anxiety from years of bullying at her old school. Supported by her brother Joey, she hopes for a fresh start.

2. Everything Has Changed

Shannon, though initially hopeful, faces a life-changing moment after an accident involving Johnny Kavanagh, which unknowingly alters her course at Tommen.

3. Flying Balls

Johnny Kavanagh, a rugby star, accidentally injures Shannon, leading him to feel deeply protective of her. He shields her from the school’s leering boys.

4. Face-Planting

Johnny brings Shannon to the principal, showing concern for her concussion. He promises to protect her after learning about her past abuse and bullying.

5. Laying Down Laws and Breaking Them

Johnny confronts his teammates and physically intervenes when they harass Shannon. He secretly reads her file, uncovering the extent of her abuse, and vows to protect her.

6. Awakened Hormones

Shannon feels safer at Tommen thanks to Johnny’s actions, though she starts developing a crush on him. She grows closer to her friends, including Johnny’s friend, Gibsie.

7. Midnight Blue

Johnny’s feelings for Shannon deepen, and he becomes more protective, despite the growing tension in his personal life.

8. Explosive Diarrhea

A humorous moment occurs when Gibsie’s cat creates chaos, symbolizing the unexpected elements in their lives.

9. Birthday Bashes and Broken Glasses

At a birthday party, Johnny breaks up with Bella and grows increasingly attracted to Shannon, even as he struggles with his hidden injury.

10. Boy’s Gonna Shine

Johnny impresses during a rugby match, but his injury worsens. He offers Shannon a ride home but she declines due to fear of her father’s reaction.

11. A Fist in the Face: Preferable to a Pie

Johnny’s frustrations with his injury and his relationship with Bella boil over as he stands up to his rivals and friends.

12. Confession Time

Shannon is excited about a group outing, but tension rises between her and Johnny, especially with her growing attraction to him.

13. Creeping and Winging

Johnny shows clear interest in Shannon, while Gibsie teases him. A confrontation with Lizzie over Johnny’s intentions fuels Shannon’s confusion.

14. Provisional Licenses

Shannon learns more about Johnny’s intentions and feels increasingly conflicted over her growing feelings for him.

15. Bathroom Breaks and Propositions

Johnny’s protective nature is evident as he confronts Ronan McGarry for harassing Shannon. He later offers her a ride home.

16. Keep Your Hands Off

Johnny steps in to protect Shannon from Ronan, then later offers her a ride home, deepening their bond and revealing Johnny’s vulnerability.

17. You’ve Got a Fast Car

Shannon is emotionally triggered during a ride with Johnny, but he reassures her, highlighting their growing closeness despite external pressures.

18. Overreactions and Fading Dreams

Johnny’s injury escalates, and he hides his pain from those around him, while Shannon deals with the consequences of her father’s anger.

19. Late-Night Reality Checks

Shannon’s father lashes out at her over a newspaper photo, while Joey’s protective nature reveals the deep trauma in their home life.

20. Mother Knows Best—Only in the Movies

Shannon confronts her mother about her father’s abuse and defends Johnny, promising to expose family secrets if her mother causes trouble.

21. Closure

Shannon finds herself caught between her mother’s expectations and her loyalty to Johnny, struggling to navigate her complicated emotions.

22. Borrowed Time

Johnny grapples with the fear that his injury will end his rugby career, while Gibsie encourages him to take a break from the pressure.

23. Exes and Hell Nos

Johnny firmly rejects Bella’s advances, realizing that Shannon is what matters most to him. He struggles with his feelings for her while battling his own pain.

24. I’m Taking You Home

Shannon experiences a panic attack, and Johnny’s protective instincts kick in as he takes her home, deepening their emotional connection.

25. Trouble

Johnny drives Shannon home, helping her overcome her fears and anxieties. Their connection grows stronger as Johnny reassures her of her safety.

26. The Boy’s a Hero

Johnny steps up to protect Shannon from her bullies, asserting his dominance and offering her further reassurance and comfort.

27. Keep the Head

Johnny confronts Shannon’s bullies at a pub, declaring his commitment to protecting her while also dealing with his internal struggles.

28. Substitute Parents

Shannon’s family struggles without their mother, while Johnny is forced to confront his worsening injury and his feelings for Shannon.

29. Shifting Jackets

Johnny’s rugby career is on the line due to his injury, and he tries to hide the extent of his pain, while his feelings for Shannon become harder to suppress.

30. We’ll Manage

Shannon and Joey face their difficult home life, while Johnny and Gibsie navigate their own emotional struggles, with Johnny growing closer to Shannon.

31. Bitchy Girls and Burger Breath

Johnny defends Shannon against insults, while the tension between them continues to rise as their connection grows stronger.

32. Days Off and Demon Brothers

Shannon reflects on her home life while learning more about Johnny’s past and his rugby position, as their relationship becomes more intertwined.

33. King Clit Is a Liability

Johnny’s feelings for Shannon become more apparent, while Joey expresses concern about Johnny’s intentions and warns him to be careful.

34. Mauled by Dogs and Feelings

Johnny and Shannon continue to navigate their complicated relationship, with Johnny battling his hidden injuries and his growing emotions for Shannon.

35. Answers

Johnny confronts Joey about Shannon’s injuries, but Joey refuses to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Shannon grapples with the news of her mother’s miscarriage.

36. Bad News

Johnny supports Shannon as she processes the grief of her mother’s miscarriage, while Shannon’s emotional vulnerability intensifies.

37. It’s Your Birthday

Shannon and Johnny’s relationship deepens as they spend time together, with Johnny observing her scars and feeling a protective urge to keep her safe.

38. She’s So Lovely

Johnny’s internal monologue reflects his deep feelings for Shannon, acknowledging her beauty and the vulnerability she has shown him.

39. Bad News and Worse News

Johnny struggles with his rugby career and his emotions for Shannon, while Shannon continues to battle with her father’s abuse.

40. Lines and Bulldozers

Johnny faces the full extent of his injury, realizing that he needs to make life-changing decisions, while his relationship with Shannon remains complicated.

41. Block It Out

Shannon struggles to recover emotionally from her father’s abuse while finding solace in her friends and Johnny’s comforting presence.

42. Catching Shoes and Feelings

Johnny’s affection for Shannon intensifies as he teaches her about rugby, while Shannon struggles with her growing feelings for him.

43. Meddling Mothers

Johnny reflects on his desire to protect Shannon, while also dealing with his mother’s intrusive behavior and her constant questioning of his relationship with Shannon.

44. So, This Is My Room—Again

Shannon finds herself in Johnny’s private space, discovering more about him and their emotional connection as they navigate the boundaries of their relationship.

45. I’m a Virgin

Shannon opens up about her innocence, while Johnny’s protective nature deepens, creating tension and a sense of vulnerability between them.

46. The Consequences of Kissing Boys in Bedrooms

Johnny acknowledges his feelings for Shannon, while she struggles with the consequences of their growing intimacy and her family’s interference.

47. Crying Girls and Burning Hearts

Shannon’s emotional vulnerability surfaces as Johnny steps in to protect her, leading to a deepening bond between the two.

48. You’re Okay

Johnny continues to reassure Shannon, solidifying their emotional connection as they face their personal struggles together.

49. I Fucked Up

Johnny admits to Gibsie that he made a mistake by getting too close to Shannon, despite the growing feelings between them.

50. Period Leaks and Hero Boys

Johnny defends Shannon against Bella’s cruel taunts, reaffirming his commitment to protecting her and navigating their complicated relationship.

51. Losing the Run of Myself

Johnny struggles with his growing feelings for Shannon, realizing that his actions are becoming more conflicted and emotionally driven.

52. Rude Awakening

Shannon’s father’s violence intensifies, leaving her fearful and uncertain, while Johnny faces the realities of his rugby career and his deepening affection for her.

53. Sticky Gifts

Shannon and Johnny face new challenges in their emotional journey, while their connection continues to grow despite the complexities in their lives.

54. Unexpected Field Trips

Shannon faces her emotional turmoil on a rugby bus trip, where Johnny’s supportive presence helps her navigate the tension and discomfort of the situation.

55. Calm Your Tits

Johnny and Shannon’s relationship deepens as they navigate their emotional struggles and growing connection, despite the challenges they face.

56. Loaded Threats

Johnny confronts his fears about his future and his relationship with Shannon, while he continues to struggle with his injury and emotional turmoil.

57. Unexpected Field Trips

Johnny and Shannon’s relationship evolves as they face external challenges and internal emotional growth, particularly during a rugby game in Dublin.

58. Where’s My Head at?

Johnny grapples with his injury and his deep feelings for Shannon, navigating the tension between his future and his emotions.

59. Hushed Whispers and True Colors

Shannon and Johnny continue to explore their emotional connection, facing external challenges and internal growth as their bond deepens.

60. Cupid’s Choke Hold

Johnny and Shannon’s relationship faces new obstacles, leading to further emotional revelations and moments of vulnerability between them.

61. Breathe, Shannon, Just Breathe

Shannon faces intense emotional stress as Johnny’s injury worsens, but her bond with him provides a sense of solace amid the chaos.

62. Time’s Up, Lad

Johnny faces the harsh reality of his injury, forcing him to confront the future of his rugby career and his emotions for Shannon.

63. Oops, I Did It Again

Johnny’s injury becomes more severe, leading to moments of vulnerability between him and Shannon, highlighting the growing emotional depth of their connection.

64. Waiting Game

Shannon stays by Johnny’s side as he undergoes surgery, reaffirming her commitment to him while navigating her own emotional turmoil.

65. Find the Girl

Johnny expresses his love for Shannon in his medicated state, deepening their emotional connection and setting the stage for further intimacy.

66. I Won’t Leave You

Johnny and Shannon’s relationship faces new challenges as they navigate their emotions and confront their personal struggles.

67. Plan B

Johnny faces the future of his rugby career, while Shannon’s family life worsens, leaving her to navigate her emotions with Johnny’s support.

68. Frustrated Fears

Shannon faces further emotional challenges as her father’s abuse intensifies, but Johnny’s unwavering support helps her navigate through the pain.

Binding 13 Main Characters & Their Roles

Binding 13 Key Themes & Analysis

Final Takeaways: Should You Read It?

Binding 13 is heart-wrenching but hopeful—a story about two broken people finding light in each other. It’s not an easy read (check trigger warnings), but it’s raw, real, and unforgettable.

Read this book if you want:
✔ A slow-burn romance with deep emotional stakes.
✔ Complex characters who aren’t just tropes.
✔ A story where love doesn’t magically fix everything—but helps.

❓ FAQ

1. Is Binding 13 a standalone?

No, it’s Book 1 of 4 in the Boys of Tommen series. Johnny & Shannon’s story continues.

2. How old are Shannon and Johnny?

Shannon is 15, Johnny is 17—but be warned, the age gap + power dynamic is a point of tension.

3. Are there trigger warnings?

Yes. Domestic abuse, bullying, violence, alcoholism, and trauma are central to the plot.

Final Thought

Binding 13 isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about survival, healing, and finding someone who sees the real you. If you’re ready for tears, rage, and a love that feels earned, this book will wreck you (in the best way).

Get Your Copy

• Binding 13 (Boys of Tommen, 1) by Chloe Walsh
• Explore Similar Books

Sources & References

• Amazon’s book page
• Goodreaders’s book page
• Author’s image source:  capitallaw.co.uk
• Book Cover: Amazon.com
• Quotes sources: Goodreads