Fifty Percent

Katey and Abigail read "Star Shipped" by Cat Sebastian. Other topics include hotel TV channels, what you can’t bring through TSA, reality TV cop shows and why asking for help can feel harder than doing everything yourself.

Katey and Abigail attempt to become video girlies. Other topics include pivoting to video, tattoo lore, and aggressively recommending a new Austin oyster spot.

Abigail and Katey read "The Night We Met" by Abby Jimenez, one of their must-read authors. Other topics include overly grand gestures, stress-puking and late-night Taco Bell.

Katey and Abigail read "How to Write a Love Story" by Catherine Walsh. Other topics include what Katey would bequeath to Abigail in her will, questionable beach hookup logistics, pronouncing Irish names and of course, grief.

Katey and Abigail read B.K. Borison’s “And Now, Back to You,” the second in the Heartstrings series. Other topics include the fever dream of South by Southwest, whether “Saving Private Ryan” deserved the Oscar (it did), TV news insights from Katey, and Abigail’s guitar lessons.

Katey and Abigail read "Skate It Till You Make It" by Rufaro Faith Mazarura, an Olympics-themed book just after the ending of the actual Winter Games. Other topics include the U.S. women's hockey team, Percy Pigs (the best candy) and doomscrolling in bed.

Abigail and Katey shake the dust off and return for 2026 after a long (but needed) absence. They catch up on What Happened, what they read during their time away and how they both got "Heated Rivalry"-pilled. They also share thoughts about the FIRST Emily Henry adaptation!

Katey and Abigail read "Witch You Would" by Lia Amador, a great kickoff to October reads. Other topics include supporting your local newspaper, adjunct professor slander in romance novels and vending machine condoms. Also: Our episodes come out on Fridays now!

Katey and Abigail read “August Lane” by Regina Black, a new-to-them author who ripped their hearts out with this book. Other topics include some recording shenanigans while Abigail dogsits her mom’s dogs, the first cold front of the year, “Mad Max: Fury Road” and war movies, why you SHOULDN’T punch through windows, Ted Bundy and how they’ll be working in the same building again for the first time in six years.

Katey and Abigail read Sarah Adams’ “Beg, Borrow, Or Steal,” a third in a series but a great standalone nonetheless. Other topics include The Perfect Notebook (as deemed by Abigail), The Valley and Vanderpump Rules, trucks, unwanted (or wanted!) feedback and Trader Joe’s pumpkin candles.

In her solo episode debut, Abigail went through her shelves to find some books the have been languishing in her TBR for perhaps no real reason, from romance to the classics. She also (of course) talks about the upcoming Royal Wedding of Tayvis, childhood pop stars, missing being in school, and the next book she and Katey are reading for the podcast!

We WERE going to talk about a book this week, but then Taylor Swift announced her new album "The Life of a Showgirl" and all our plans went out the window. Topics MOSTLY include Taylor Swift, but also tasteful boob jobs, the differences between podcast and print interviews, Katey's fantasy football team, whether this is ACTUALLY Taylor's "tight 12," bonus tracks being our favorites (Abigail's is "Dear Reader") and how we would not argue with Tree Paine even if we were right.

Abigail's on a work trip, so Katey's yappin' solo about her favorite reads of 2025 so far. She's also desperate for tips on organizing her home library, if anyone's got any!

Abigail and Katey revisit one of their faves, Ashley Poston, and discuss her latest romance novel “Sounds Like Love.” Other topics include how badly they wish the Marge was real, the colors of the Teletubbies (which they got wrong), the “realism” of magical realism, “Freaky Friday” and healthy resting heart rates.

Katey and Abigail read the latest book from friend of the pod Sarah Adler, "Finders Keepers." Discussion topics include writing and reading dual timelines, defining success, authorial intent, men wearing gray sweatpants, the bright-colored comforters of the aughts and whether or not they should create merch, question mark?

Katey and Abigail return from their European travels and read "Slow Burn Summer" by Josie Silver. Other topics include writing grief, Book of The Month's recent scandal, summer resolutions to increase attention span and deciding not to be dumb.

Abigail and Katey read “Flirting Lessons” by Jasmine Guillory, a romance OG whom they haven’t read in years. They also discuss being editors, burlesque shows, the joys of gardening, and whether or not they think they’re good at flirting.

It’s SUMMERTIME and that means reading in the pool ignoring how hot it is. Katey and Abigail read the blurbs for some summer-y reads, and discuss their plans for Europe, the one thing Abigail always wants to do on a trip, and how somehow all these books are about divorce.

Abigail and Katey discuss their first 831 Stories novella, “Big Fan” by Alexandra Romanoff. Other topics include a very special cupcake surprise, how often Katey uses her Alamo Draft Pass (to the movie theater, not the historical site), Abigail’s longtime crush on “American Idiot”-era Billie Joe Armstrong, book merch, trinkets and their immediate need for pool lounge chairs.

Abigail and Katey get in their feelings about “Great Big Beautiful Life,” romance queen Emily Henry’s latest book. Topics include the book’s dual timeline structure, its difference from the other EmHens, writing good journalist characters and how they could never sign NDAs because they’re bad at keeping secrets (especially from each other).

Katey and Abigail start the most wonderful time of the year (Abby/Emily April) with Abby Jimenez’s “Say You’ll Remember Me.” As all Abby Jimenez books do, it inspires conversation about trauma and grit, as well as good dogs, pining for far-away lovers and the never-ending quest for Nadia Cakes via Goldbelly.

Katey and Abigail discuss “You Between The Lines” by Katie Naymon, a debut novel that sparked big feelings about poetry, pop culture, and being “not like other girls.” Other topics include imposter syndrome, internalized misogyny, poetic flirting, and why March (not April) might be the cruelest month.

Katey and Abigail debut a new series: Origin Stories, in partnership with author Sarah Adler! Each installment of Origin Stories will feature Katey, Abigail and Sarah revisiting one of the romance (or romance-adjacent) novels that built them—their lore, if you will. In this episode, Sarah asks Katey and Abigail to read Kelly Siskind’s “New Orleans Rush,” which features some not-so-petty crime, a hot magician and a whole lot of insight into how Sarah was inspired to write her novels “Mrs. Nash’s Ashes,” “Happy Medium” and “Finders Keepers” (which comes out in June).

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.

Katey and Abigail discuss B.K. Borison’s “First Time Caller,” a new release that proved they’ve been sleeping on Borison’s books. Other topics include online dating adventures, the Glen Powell Anecdote, where “Sleepless in Seattle” ranks in the broader Nora Ephron catalog, and some very exciting news.

Abigail and Katey read “Not Here to Make Friends” by Jodi McAlister and see themselves a bit in the main characters’ workaholic tendencies. Other topics include what it means to have a cool job, the seedy underbelly of reality TV and the unique extended universe of this book series.

Katey and Abigail round up the romances they’re most looking forward to in 2025 (well, some of them). Other topics include the gas station rebate camping trip on Nathan For You, the price of Moleskines, the proliferation of hiking trips in romance novels and Abigail’s new New Yorker subscription.

Katey and Abigail read “The Second Chance Year” by Melissa Wiesner as their first book of 2025. Other topics include unconventional martini flavors, Dyson hair dryers, how 2024 was a Very Bad Year, and Katey’s big life update.

Abigail and Katey dig into a Christmas romance by one of Katey's faves, Sarah Morgenthaler. Other topics include busted fridges at the back of Katey's family property, how this tiny town has a newspaper, the logistics of divorce proceedings in Idaho, feral hogs and religion in romance novels.

Katey and Abigail return from a two-month hiatus just in time to round up romance novels they’re looking forward to reading this holiday season. Other topics include the Queen Elizabeth II ship, being interrupted by dogs, the long-lost Halloween episode, and 33-hour audiobooks.

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.

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 very cute and furry mayor, Waffle House visits, and poignant writings about grief and all types of love.  ⁠Buy The Dead Romantics⁠ ⁠Shop our Bookshop⁠ Listen to Katey's favorite "The Dead Romantics"-themed playlists ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠.

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.

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. Calling all central Texas book lovers! Fae Ball Austin is coming. A book convention by day and an immersive fantasy book event by night, come celebrate all things romantasy this Labor Day weekend at the Hilton Austin. Enjoy listening to authors, creators, and publishers discuss upcoming releases, self-publishing, representation in the literary community, and yours truly. For more information, ⁠visit this link ⁠and use the code 'PERCENTPOD' for 25% off tickets to the event! We’ll be recording a LIVE episode about “A Court of Thorns and Roses” on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. and we can’t wait to see you there.

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 fantasy book event by night, come celebrate all things romantasy this Labor Day weekend at the Hilton Austin. Enjoy listening to authors, creators, and publishers discuss upcoming releases, self-publishing, representation in the literary community, and yours truly. For more information, visit this link and use the code 'PERCENTPOD' for 25% off tickets to the event! We’ll be recording a LIVE episode about “A Court of Thorns and Roses” on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. and we can’t wait to see you there.

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. Calling all central Texas book lovers! Fae Ball Austin is coming. A book convention by day and an immersive fantasy book event by night, come celebrate all things romantasy this Labor Day weekend at the Hilton Austin. Enjoy listening to authors, creators, and publishers discuss upcoming releases, self-publishing, representation in the literary community, and yours truly. For more information, ⁠visit this link ⁠and use the code 'PERCENTPOD' for 25% off tickets to the event! We’ll be recording a LIVE episode about “A Court of Thorns and Roses” on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. and we can’t wait to see you there.

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), Wawa vs. Buc-ee’s, permanent jewelry, themed motels, listening to steamy audiobooks in public, and whether bunkbeds count toward the “only one bed” trope.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Katey and Abigail discuss their respective “romantasy” journeys — a journey Katey began last year and Abigail is about to embark on. They define the meaning of romantasy, discuss BookTok’s influence on their reading habits and debate the merits of reading in the mornings before work before their brains are fried. Other topics include the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Jason Kelce and whether or not Abigail should buy a new Kindle (she ordered one after recording this episode).

In the spirit of January's chilly weather, Abigail and Katey read Josie Silver's "A Winter in New York," which led to a lot of gelato cravings. Other topics include Cake Boss, noodles, people living in storage units and the questionable ethical decisions of this book's main character.

Katey and Abigail recap their favorite romance reads of 2023 (and a few other genres too!) and talk about what new releases they're looking forward to in 2024.