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Fifty Percent

Fifty Percent

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Beach reads. Chick lit. Rom coms. The genre goes by many names, but there’s usually one guarantee for each book: People are kissing (or something more) just about 50 percent into it. Katey Outka and Abigail Rosenthal are journalists, former co-workers-turned-friends and romance fanatics who have been trading books for years. Join us for biweekly episodes, including a monthly book club discussion of our pick, as well as chats about new releases, what we love about the genre, HEAs, our favorit ...
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We got an ARC of Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage and we’re SO excited to talk to you about it. This series has us in a chokehold. Lost and Lassoed is book three in the Rebel Blue Ranch series–we finally get to see Teddy and Gus’s chemistry come to a head (giggle). Gus needs childcare assistance while Cam is out of town for the summer and Teddy is in …
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In honor of spooky szn, we’re reading monster romance! This week’s feature is a new-to-us author with a minotaur and fae couple. She’s a journalist trying to land her dream job and he’s the captain of the sportsball team (literally, that’s the name of the sport). Because of the requirements of her probationary period with the newspaper, Cass is for…
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Katey and Abigail kick off spooky season with podcast favorite Jen DeLuca’s “Haunted Ever After.” Other topics include bougie pajamas, passionate defenses of Texas beach towns, a misguided but well-intentioned gift from Abigail’s ex-boyfriend’s mom and the type of ghost Katey wants to be. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod…
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This week, Sam and Tex return to Crown of Midnight, diving into Chapters 30-56! As Celaena Sardothien’s journey intensifies, so do the stakes, with twists and turns that push her to the brink. In this episode, we’ll delve into the escalating tension at court, dissect the evolving relationships, and peel back the layers of secrets emerging from the …
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Time is a flat circle and we’re reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. The last time either of us read the Twilight series, it was 2008 and we read it at the very beginning of our friendship. We were both different people and the world was a different place. What do we think of Edward and Bella today versus 16 years ago? Are we Team Edward or Jacob? …
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We're taking a little break, so enjoy the first official week of fall with this re-release from August 2022! In a bonus book club episode based on Katey’s unwavering insistence, Abigail and Katey chat about “The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston, a love story about a ghostwriter and an actual ghost. It also features the worst man to ever exist, a ve…
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This week, Sam and Tex are back to dive into Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, covering the first half of the book! Celaena Sardothien’s world gets even more intense as she takes on new missions and faces increasingly complex challenges. In this episode, we’ll unpack the growing tension within the castle walls, explore the relationships that are …
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This week we’re immersing ourselves back into The Bachelor-esque world Kay Marie has curated for The Love Lie! Loyal listeners might remember the first installment in this series, The Love Rematch from Episode 73. In this followup, we see the aftermath of Emily’s decision to swap places with her identical twin Samantha. As we learned in the epilogu…
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This episode is a live recording from Katey and Abigail’s first ever live show at Fae Ball Austin! Katey makes Abigail finally read Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” They also play several rounds of “smash or pass” with the various fae men and chat about faerie sex parties and whether or not Feyre can actually paint. --- Support this po…
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In this special preview episode, Tex and Sam dive into the world of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas—only this time, we're doing it Fantasy Draft style! We’re boldly predicting the twists, turns, and swoon-worthy moments that Maas is sure to throw our way. Will Celaena embrace her destiny or continue to guard her secrets? Who will come out on top…
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This week we’re clinging to the Olympics by reading The Kraken Games by Lilith Stone! Luna is the first human to have ever entered the Kraken Games in Motham City. Kai is this year’s chosen kraken, who will have to fight every single entrant in order to win–and he must win if he’d like to bring honor back to his people. Last year’s kraken lost to a…
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Katey and Abigail discuss the things (cishet) men could learn from romance novels, including communication, empathy and — yes — sex. Other topics include their feelings on grand gestures, Abigail’s panic before her husband proposed, Katey’s dog escaping during her proposal, and which fictional men are the best (and worst) examples for IRL men. Call…
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This week, Sam and Tex are back to discuss the latest twists and turns in Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, covering chapters 30 through 55. Things are heating up for Celaena Sardothien as she faces new challenges, both on and off the battlefield. In this episode, we’ll explore the mounting tension within the castle, the deepening relationships tha…
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It’s a double episode tonight, ladies and gentlemen! Last year, Tracy Sumner threw out the idea of getting some historical romance authors together and we were absolutely psyched about it. It took awhile to get schedules together, but we’ve finally nailed it. We’re focusing on The Rake Review series, specifically The Fake February Rake Charlie Lane…
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Katey and Abigail read Lizzy Dent’s “Just One Taste” and dream of eating copious amounts of Italian food. Other topics include flying with cremains, their chaotic beach trip, being nosy in vacation rentals and a VERY exciting announcement! Calling all central Texas book lovers! Fae Ball Austin is coming. A book convention by day and an immersive fa…
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This week, Sam and Tex are diving into a world of magic, assassins, and, yes, intense palace drama with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. And while we might not be the typical target audience for a fantasy novel featuring a fierce female assassin deciding betwixt two lovers, we’re here to give you our take on the first half of this epic saga. Join …
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Hey there, book enthusiasts! We’re Sam and Tex, and we’re kicking off our new podcast with a deep dive into the enchanting world of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. We’re here to give you our unfiltered take on the series that’s got everyone talking. In this introductory episode, we’ll set the stage for our journey through Celaena Sardothien’s wor…
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Back to our regularly scheduled programming, we read Muffin Top by Avery Flynn! BBW heroine Lucy is debating going home to her 15th high school reunion when her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law plops down in the chair opposite her and offers to be her date. Frankie is on a self-imposed celibacy streak and is looking forward to the distractio…
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In honor of Abigail's honeymoon (that Katey tagged along on...long story), the girls listen to Christina Lauren's audio-exclusive "The Honeymoon Crashers," the sequel to all-time fave "The Unhoneymooners." Other topics include pizza at weddings, the YMCA, their individual audiobook listening habits and how expensive this trip must have been. Callin…
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Slight change of plans! We got an ARC of Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto, so we pulled an audible and read that one instead. Given our background in music, this one was catnip for us. Xander and Gwen play in the same pops orchestra–although they don’t really play “together.” In fact, he doesn’t even know she’s in the orchestra until she tells h…
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In the dead heat of summer, Katey and Abigail read “Summertime Punchline” by Betty Corrello. Other topics include several stories about the times they met Glen Powell (including one swoonworthy moment on the University of Texas campus), as well as Katey’s longing for a pair of Margaritaville Crocs (size 7 if anyone can get their hands on some), Waw…
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Strap in because this week, we’re diving into our inner cat ladies with The Unnatural Habitat of a Cat Lady by Dani Elias. When Ben realizes that the love of his life–a woman who broke up with him 20 years ago–matches with him on a very specific dating app, he’s determined to talk things out. For her part, Amelia agrees to talk to him… and then to …
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Abigail and Katey read Ashley Poston's latest magical realism rom-com, "A Novel Love Story." Other topics include Thundercloud Subs (#iykyk), Abigail's busted-but-maybe-not-too-busted(?) car, failed hobbies and the tiny baby bird they spotted out of Katey's office window. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-perce…
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We’re diving head first into some monster romance and no one here has a single refret. Today, we’re talking about Wed to the Basilisk by Layla Fae AND you get to hear from Layla herself! Wed to the Basilisk is part of the Arranged Monster Mates series, in which humans and monsters are matched using DNA at a temple. Voss, the last surviving basilisk…
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Katey and Abigail round up the romance novels they’re looking forward to reading this summer. Other topics include the enduring legacy of “Smooth” by Santana feat. Rob Thomas, Abigail’s sister’s aspiring stand-up routine, Cybertrucks, and Hot European Summer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/su…
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Welcome back, dearest gentle readers! We watched the second half of Bridgerton Season 3 and we have THOUGHTS. Some of those thoughts are good and some of them are bad and some of them made us shout “WE DON’T CARE ABOUT THIS.” After this, we’ll be waiting for two years for Benedict’s story. (eyeroll.) Up next: Wed to the Basilisk by Layla Fae SHOW I…
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We’re jumping back to Victorian England to discuss The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett! But the best part? We’re actually TALKING to Elizabeth! Apothecary Lucy Peterson is on the brink of financial ruin. A rival apothecary stole the formula for a throat lozenge and is passing it off as his own invention and she believes he stole another formula th…
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Katey and Abigail read "The Paradise Problem" by Christina Lauren, revisiting the writing duo that started their bookish friendship. Other topics include the LEGO sets Katey is saving up for, the golden age of magazines, papasan chairs and Anthony Bourdain. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/supp…
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Between books, we like to "cleanse our palates" by sharing a book that means a lot to us. This week, Tex has chosen the winner of the 1953 Pulitzer Prize, The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemingway. Set against the backdrop of the Cuban coast, Hemingway's masterpiece immerses readers in the poignant tale of Santiago, an aging fisherman, as he gra…
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Riders, you are not ready. This week, we’re diving into Downpour by Maggie Gates. Downpour picks up during that critical moment when Ray is in the chute, waiting for the gate to open. We see snapshots of his recovery and the process of him becoming more independent, but he still needs some at-home assistance. Enter: Brooke, a beautiful disaster att…
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Katey and Abigail read "Happy Medium" by Fifty Percent fave Sarah Adler. Other topics include baby goats (obviously), morally gray main characters, ghosts who love TV, "divorced dad shampoo" and good (and bad) tattoos on male leads in romance novels. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/support…
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The two-year wait is FINALLY over! Kind of! We got the first half of Bridgerton season three–the long awaited Colin and Penelope season and Rae cannot contain herself. Here, we cover the first half of the new season. We talk about each episode, what we like and what we don’t, and what we’re anticipating for the second half. We’ll finish this up nex…
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The day has FINALLY come, dear listeners! We’re talking about one of Rae’s all-time favorites: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. In case you’ve been living under a rock, this is Colin and Penelope’s story and it’s so very sweet (with a little spice). This episode is about the book, but we do discuss the upcoming season of Bridgerton from Net…
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We're wrapping up Fourth Wing and we've invited our friend Amanda, who introduced Sam to the series, to talk about the book, the phenomenon and Amanda even gives some recomendations for our next book! Connect with Amanda Amanda references the Real Life Book Reviewerद्वारा Samuel Scott and Tex Fry
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In this episode, Katey and Abigail tackle the newest book from their favorite romance girlie Emily Henry: "Funny Story". Other topics include the feminine urge to run away to Michigan, stock tank pools, the snacks to bribe Katey with and healthy adult friendships. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podca…
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Hello, hello, loves! We got an ARC of the latest work from S.L. Prater—Coven of Ill Repute. This series opener introduces our main characters, Quiet (a witch) and Rorick (a vampire). They’re investigators charged with solving a murder, which just happens to be one of Quiet’s sister witches and Rorick’s cousin. What neither of them realizes is that …
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In this episode, Katey and Abigail step away from romance novels for a moment to talk about their OTHER obsession: Taylor Swift. Take a track-by-track journey through “The Tortured Poets Department,” featuring some early-20s relationship reflections and an argument for why every woman should date a himbo at least once in her life. --- Support this …
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You won't want to miss out on the excitement that's about to unfold! The story of Violet, Xaden, and their friends is just heating up, and you don't want to be left out in the cold. With new books being released and rumors of even more on the horizon, the adventure is just beginning. But before the VENIN problems take hold, there's a banquet to att…
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Welcome everyone! Today, we’re not only talking about Risks and Whiskey by Dani McLean, but we’re talking to Dani McLean herself! Risks & Whiskey is a friends-to-lovers workplace romance with a double grand gesture and plenty of spice. We do our regular compliment sandwich plus ratings, stunt casting, and recommendations, and in between, you’ll get…
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In this episode, Abigail and Katey read “Just for the Summer,” another banger from one of our fave girlies, Abby Jimenez. Other topics include the subreddits we lurk in, Culver’s, crowdfunding to get Nadia Cakes delivered to Texas, and the moment in the book that made our jaws literally drop. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com…
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Today's episode features a discussion of content in the book that features sexual content, discretion is advised. Join Tex and Sam on the latest episode of their podcast as they embark on a thrilling discussion of chapters 26-30 of "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros. In this episode, listeners are taken on a whirlwind journey as Violet Sorrengail trav…
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Welcome lovely listeners! Today, we’re discussing Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon. We got an ARC through NetGalley and we’re covering it early for scheduling reasons. Marketed as a playful romantic comedy featuring dueling delis, fake dating, a shockingly awesome ex, and juuuuuust the right amount of amnesia. Having read the book, we can confirm …
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In honor of Abigail’s impending nuptials, Abigail and Katey read “Do You Take This Man?” by Denise Williams. Other topics include…mostly wedding-related things, like how much officiants get paid these days, but also discuss RJ the raccoon from “Over The Hedge” and Jeff Bezos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-p…
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The ladies are getting in on the single dad action (...what?) with Dust Storm by Maggie Gates. Christian Griffin, widower with two adorable daughters, took over operations from his father, but business doesn’t always go as planned, and they’ve hit a rough patch. City slicker Cassandra Parker is in hot water at work, so she’s being exiled to the spr…
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Katey and Abigail read Robinne Lee’s “The Idea of You” ahead of the movie’s premiere at SXSW (and on Amazon Prime in May). Other topics include seasonal allergies, fake artists, paparazzi and Abigail’s impending nuptials. Buy 'The Idea of You' Shop our Bookshop Follow us on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show…
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Tex and Sam are on the case, unraveling the latest escapades in "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros in Chapters 21-25. Brace yourselves for the steamy encounter between Violet and Xaden. Meanwhile, Violet faces off with her mortal enemy, Jack, on the sparring mat. And just when you think things can't get crazier, the gang decides a heist into Violet's …
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Hiya, wee lads and lasses! We landed an ARC of https://www.threads.net/@akileybooks debut novel Kilt Trip, which means you get to listen to Rae’s Scottish accent. When Addie Macrae’s wanderlust leads her to her homeland—specifically, Edinburgh—to consult with a family-run travel company, she’s thrown face-first into ghosts from her past. And the pe…
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Abigail begins her romantasy journey in this "Divine Rivals" book club! We read it using Storygraph's buddy read feature, which we loved. Other topics include the value of newsroom coffee pots, hierarchy of settlements, Katey and Abigail’s potential Halloween costume, T-Rexes and whether Rebecca Ross has ever met a journalist. --- Support this podc…
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Our second pick for Black History Month is Never Tell by Stacey Abrams (writing as Selena Montgomery). Never Tell is a romantic suspense initially published in 2004, but republished in 2023 by St. Martin’s Griffin. Dr. Erin Abbott is a professor in New Orleans, Louisiana, who finds herself at the center of a serial killer’s tangled web—and journali…
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We continue our epic journey through Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Join Tex and Sam as they discuss the latest chapters, 16-20, of this romantic fantasy (or "Romantasy"). They dive into Violet Sorrengail's growing relationship with Tairn, her dragon, and all the JUICY drama surrounding Dain Aetos and Xaden Riorson. Of course, they can't help but t…
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