In this week’s episode of Buddy Reads, we took a massive detour from our usual romantasy chaos and dove headfirst into Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh — a book that surprised us in more ways than one.

From teenage heartbreak to Irish charm, trauma to tenderness, this story had us feeling everything. We chat about:

• The moment the book clicked and the characters stamped themselves on our hearts

• The tough themes that made us check our own privilege and think deeply about breaking the cycle when there’s no clear way out

• Chloe Walsh’s masterful balance between heavy emotion and light relief

• The surprising depth of her take on academia — and how it hooked us against all odds

• Our… let’s say strong feelings about Bella (was she unhinged or just misunderstood?)

It’s heartfelt, funny, and just the right mix of bookish chaos and deep conversation.