Fifty Percent

Fifty Percent

Arts EN ↓ 92 episodes

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 Psencik 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 favorite authors, recommendations, BookTok reactions and more. Graphic by Parker Story @valetnovel

Author

Fifty Percent

Category

Arts

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jul 3, 2026

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Episodes

'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace 15.03.2023

Katey and Abigail discuss “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace and discover they, too, might be joining the TikTok girlies as puck bunnies. Other topics include casting Chase Stokes as Nate in Katey’s head, Aaron being the new enemy number one of the podcast, “Cruel Summer,” some quick therapy, and the possibility of a Range Rover as a push present. Shop our Bookshop Buy "Icebreaker" Buy our April book, "...

When to DNF a book 01.03.2023

In this episode, Abigail and Katey recap what they read while taking a break from the podcast and discuss Katey’s new habit of (finally) being OK with DNFing books. They discuss when to DNF (did not finish) a book and their personal DNF red flags. Other topics include Christmas gifts from dads, what they thought of Jen DeLuca’s “Well Traveled,” their own Renaissance Faire adventures, and Katey’s s...

'The No-Show' by Beth O'Leary 15.02.2023

Katey and Abigail return! In the first episode of season two, they discuss “The No-Show” by Beth O’Leary, a book that left them skeptical at first but then devastated (in the best way) by the end. Other topics include Abigail’s impending nuptials, dry January and an unlikely choice for a February book club pick. Buy The No-Show Shop our Bookshop Follow us on Instagram

'A Merry Little Meet Cute' by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone 21.12.2022

In their last book club (and last episode!) of the year, Abigail and Katey discuss “A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. Conversation topics include why male leads in romance novels always have bad tattoos, a dancer named Prancer, gingerbread-scented lotion, Katey’s fear of horses and big life news from Abigail to end the year. We’ll be back with new episodes in February!

'You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince' by Timothy Janovsky 07.12.2022

In their first holiday-themed book club episode, Abigail and Katey discuss “You’re A Mean One, Matthew Prince” by Timothy Janovsky, in which a rich socialite’s heart grows three sizes thanks to the magic of bunk beds and small town Christmas spirit. They also discuss the worst movies to make out to, “Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas,” a short story recommendation Katey shouldn’t have taken, and Ab...

Holiday romance recommendations 23.11.2022

Abigail and Katey decided since it’s finally cold where they live, it’s time for the holidays, and that means it’s time to list out some of their favorite Christmas and holiday adjacent books. They also discuss the ordeal they went through acquiring Taylor Swift tickets, the magic of the night before Thanksgiving, and books they’re excited to read this year.

Our favorite books of the year 09.11.2022

In an episode rounding up their favorite books of the year, Abigail and Katey give awards for Best Grand Gesture, Best Male Lead and Best Dog Character, among others. They also discuss books they loved outside of the romance genre, what books they’re looking forward to in 2023 and what they’re excited to read over the holidays.

'Go Hex Yourself' by Jessica Clare 26.10.2022

In their second spooky book club episode of October, Katey and Abigail discuss "Go Hex Yourself" by Jessica Clare, which is best described as "Halloweentown but...spicy?" Conversation topics include old lady food fights, espionage, Legos, pumpkin bread, and, most importantly, Taylor Swift's "Midnights."  Buy Go Hex Yourself

'Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match' by Sally Thorne 12.10.2022

For one of two spooky October book clubs, Katey and Abigail discuss ‘Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match' by Sally Thorne, a delightfully weird piece of Frankenstein fan fiction. They also take BeReal snaps and wonder about the ethical ramifications of reanimating corpses. This spooky romance also inspires discussions of the book’s resemblance to other Victorian romances, sheep afterbirth, d*ck...

If you like _____, then read this book 28.09.2022

Katey and Abigail are in a simultaneous (unplanned) reading slump, so for this episode, they pair some of their favorite movies and TV shows with romance recommendations. Predictably, Katey waxes on about Nora Ephron, and Abigail once again talks about “Gilmore Girls.”

'Delilah Green Doesn't Care' by Ashley Herring Blake 15.09.2022

For their September Book Club episode, Katey and Abigail talk about “Delilah Green Doesn’t Care” by Ashley Herring Blake. They discuss how Delilah is their dream friend from a romance, the effectiveness of “Parent Trap”-esque pranks, glamorous wedding drama, and one cool 11-year-old kid.  Buy 'Delilah Green Doesn't Care' Shop our Bookshop

'The Dead Romantics' by Ashley Poston 31.08.2022

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...

'Honey & Spice' by Bolu Babalola 17.08.2022

In this August book club episode, Abigail and Katey talk about Bolu Babalola’s "Honey & Spice," a fake-dating story between two college students set in England. There’s plenty to talk about in this book, including collegiate political drama, friend break-ups, Kiki’s exceptional insult ability, fantasy cosplay, and the unrealistic communication expectations Malakai gives to 20-year-old men ever...

Favorite romance tropes and our instant-buy authors 03.08.2022

Katey and Abigail discuss how they got into reading romance (including their friendship origin story, which features Christina Lauren), their favorite romance tropes (ONLY ONE BED!), instant-buy authors, the merits of rereading and a speed round with debates on BookTok vs. Bookstagram, ebooks vs. physical books and when a book becomes a DNF. Shop our Bookshop profile Follow us on TikTok Follow us...

'My Killer Vacation' by Tessa Bailey 20.07.2022

For their July Book Club episode, Katey and Abigail talk about Tessa Bailey’s latest, “My Killer Vacation,” which promises twists, turns and *~spicy scenes~*. It also inspires discussions about wood grain, slippery bathrooms, antacid, and the question: Is he truly a hot man on a motorcycle if the motorcycle is a Harley?  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Join our Facebook group Suppo...

Romance novels you should read this summer 06.07.2022

Abigail and Katey offer some of their favorite summer reads prime for the pool or wallowing on the couch with when it’s way too hot. Chuy’s margaritas, wedding drama, and Katey’s recent “study abroad” also get honorary shoutouts as they ponder what makes a good summer read. Shop our summer reading recommendations on Bookshop!

'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry 21.06.2022

In the very first episode of Fifty Percent, Katey and Abigail discuss “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry, including its prevalent use of Bigfoot erotica, sisterly conflict, Pilot G2 pens, romantic scenes in bookstores and libraries, and whether Emily Henry is a “Gilmore Girls” fan. Buy "Book Lovers" on Bookshop Follow us on Instagram @fiftypercentpod

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