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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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Happy March, everyone! Spring is still somehow 84 years away and we’re reading Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley. We got an ARC for this follow up to the Kilt Trip (episode 85), so if you’re reading this, the book is out. Middle Sutherland son Jack fell in love with American student Brooke when they were at the University of Edinburgh, but a lot…
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Katey and Abigail read three Abby Jimenez short stories: “The Situationship,” “Worst Wingman Ever” and “The Fall Risk.” Other topics include what they’d do if their stairs disappeared, the bumper stickers on Katey’s car, “Goodbye Earl”-ing bad men, dog hammocks, self-defense techniques and snooping in other people’s houses.…
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We celebrate Black History Month with the amazingly gorgeous This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan. It’s a first Kennedy Ryan for both of us, and it will not be the last. Soledad discovers the man that she’s given two decades of her life to is a felonious scumbag, and she is inexplicably attracted to the man who uncovers his crimes. Forensic accountant …
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It’s week two of our return to human men! We read Illicit Illustration by friend of the show E.L. Koslo and we’re wondering when we can book a session with Reid. In this best friend’s (v!rg!n) little sister romance, we have the pleasure of watching a reformed rake fall to his knees for a talented woman. Get ready for art and tattoo discussions, as …
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We’ve returned to the land of human men to read Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. But don’t worry, the heroine sh00ts the hero in this book. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this romance classic, we decided to see if this book holds up all these years later. Spoiler alert: some of the language is predictably frustrating (the 90s was a differ…
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Somehow, we’ve made it to our fourth anniversary! It’s time for us to talk about our favorites from 2024, both on the air and off. Join us to hear about favorite heroes, heroines, s*xy times, covers, tropes, stunt casting, quotes, and so much more. Also Discussed: Christmas gifts, the new year, and the fact that Chuck Woolery is still dead. Up Next…
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Continuing to avoid human men, we’re talking about Kidnapped by the Krampus by Emily Shore this week. Journalist Twyla is sent to Krampus World to see if she can uncover whether or not the elusive millionaire is actually real. Even when Krampus kidnaps her, she’s not convinced he’s real. She just thinks he’s dedicated to that costume. Krampus, on t…
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We’re still not ready to read about human men, so we read Whisked Away by the Alien by Julie K. Cohen. Golda heads to her parents’ house to prep for Hanukkah, but in this futuristic dystopian world, she walks into the kitchen to find a giant blue alien. Her dad sent him to help cook–and who is she to turn down the help from the hot blue guy. Sten i…
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Uninterested in reading about human men at this juncture, we’re thrilled to read our ARC of Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson. Lachlan Greer was more than able to carry our weary hearts around for a few hundred pages. He’s a Loss Ness Monster, after all. The thing is, turning into Nessie is a literal curse his family has carried for generations a…
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It worked out really well for two angry ladies to be reading about a dragon shifter instead of a human man. This week, we read The Dragon of New Orleans by Genevieve Jack and we’re so glad. Gabriel is an immortal dragon, but a witch placed a curse on him. He doesn’t have long before his time runs out–he’ll either turn to stone or he’ll have to retu…
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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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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.…
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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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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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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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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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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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