Books I Make My Husband Read

Next up in season five is The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff — a story about a marriage in freefall after a house fire forces them to move in with their parents. We get into the asymmetry of guilt between April and Leo, Deb’s quietly devastating storyline, the lines that stopped us mid-read, and whether the ending was earned.

Links

Chapters

Episode 2 analyzes Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — a haunting, atmospheric novel set on a remote island near Antarctica. We get into the mystery of Rowan’s arrival, the quiet devastation of the Salt family’s situation, the climate grief baked into the world of the book, and whether the ending is brilliant or heartbreaking — or both.

Links

Chapters

We’re kicking off Season Five with The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez — a companion novel to Say You’ll Remember Me set in the same world. We get into the wrong-person trope, the slow build between Chris and Larissa, what loyalty and timing do to two people who are trying to do the right thing, and whether the pacing of the resolution worked for us.

Links

We’re recapping season four—breaking down the books we read, the films we watched, and the moments that surprised us most along the way. From unexpected favorites to heated takes, we’re looking back at what stuck with us (and what definitely didn’t).

Chapters

For our season finale, we discuss Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Join us as we dive into Ryland Grace’s journey, the science that makes the story so compelling, and the unexpected emotional core of the book. We also compare the novel to the film adaptation and discuss whether the movie captured the humor, heart, and friendship that made the story so memorable.

Links

Cha...

In this episode, we discuss Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Specifically, Kya’s journey of survival and isolation, the novel’s exploration of loneliness and belonging, and how the story translates from page to screen in the film adaptation.

Links

Chapters

For episode five, Kristy throws Jon a classic, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. And as a bonus this season, we'll also be discussing the 2013 film adaptation. We explore the novel’s themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream, talk through its major symbols, and compare how the story translates from page to screen.

Links

Chapters

In episode four, we analyze Regretting You by Colleen Hoover — discussing both the book and its film adaptation. We talk about the mother-daughter dynamic at the heart of the story, the twists that reshape everything, and how the themes of grief, secrets, and second chances land differently on the page versus on screen. We also get into what worked for us, what didn’t, and whether the adaptation captured the emotional core of the novel. If you’ve read it, watched it, or are deciding if either is worth your time, this one’s for you.

Links

In this episode, we’re talking People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry — the book and its film adaptation. We get into the friends-to-lovers slow burn, the years of miscommunication, and how nostalgia and timing shape Poppy and Alex’s relationship. We also debate whether this story works better on the page or on screen and how the adaptation handles the emotional buildup.

Links

Chap...

In this episode, we sift through a classic: Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption—yes that movie. We talk about what makes this story so enduring, the unforgettable characters, and what it means to stay human in a place designed to break you.

Links

Chapters

Kicking off season four is The Housemaid — and its brand-new film adaptation. We revisit Millie’s tense, twisted experience working inside the Winchesters’ home before unpacking how the movie brings that psychological tension to the screen. We compare what worked (and what didn’t), talk casting and those jaw-dropping twists, and debate whether the book or the film tells this story best.

Links

Chapters

A full season of reading, chaos, arguments, hot takes, and two author interviews—all wrapped in one recap episode. We’re looking back, calling ourselves out, and gearing up for Season Four.

Chapters

In this episode, we dive into My Friends by Fredrik Backman—a deeply human story about connection and the messy devotion that holds friendships together. We talk about friendships as a lifeline, the way humor softens heartbreak, and why these characters feel so lived-in. Listen for the themes that hit hardest and if we recommend adding this to your TBR.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we dissect The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood—the STEM rom-com packed with fake dating and grumpy/sunshine chemistry. We talk about what felt rom-com convenient, power dynamics inside academia, and whether the resolution sticks the landing—professionally and romantically. Join us for our favorite laugh-out-loud moments!

Links

Chapters

In this episode, author Paige Harbison joins us to unpack The Other Side of Now—a grief-tinged “what if” that drops a woman into an alternate version of her life. We talk about how loss reshapes identity, the fault lines in friendships when reality shifts, and why the book’s timeline jump works without leaning heavy into sci-fi.

Links

Chapters

For this episode, Kristy made Jon read Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson—a thriller where a 27-year-old, given one week to live after a Halloween attack, decides to investigate her own impending murder. We talk about the impending tension and who to trust when everyone’s a suspect. Listen for our takes on character choices, twists, and whether the premise sticks the landing.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we discuss Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri, joined by the author herself. It’s a powerful story of motherhood, identity, and the phantom life that lingers in the background. We unpack the choices, struggles, and regrets that make Leah O’Connor’s journey unforgettable.

Links

Chapters

Kristy and Jon dive into Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a sweeping novel set in NASA’s 1980s shuttle program. They unpack Joan Goodwin’s path from professor to astronaut, the heartbreaking tension of mission STS-LR9, and the slow-burn love story that had them publicly sobbing by the pool. With laughs, tears, and plenty of side-eye for Barbara, they explore ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to find love among the stars.

Links

We’re back in the world of Basgiath—and things are darker, deadlier, and dragon-ier than ever. In this episode, we dive into Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros to unpack the twists, the trauma, and THAT final reveal. Violet’s world is crumbling and Xaden’s fate hangs in the balance. So. Many. Thoughts.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we discuss The Love Haters by Katherine Center, a witty, heart-filled rom-com where a jaded producer meets her match in a real-life hero. We discuss the importance of self-love, sibling rivalries, and why George Bailey is a great name for a dog.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we dive into Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry—a genre-bending story of rival writers, buried secrets, and one enigmatic woman at the center of it all. We unpack parental expectations, weird endings, and why being 5'7" is apparently a plot point.

Links

Chapters

In this week’s episode, we’re talking The Trade Off by Samantha Greene Woodruff—a sharp, fast-paced historical fiction set in 1920s New York. Join us as we dig into ambition, gender roles, market chaos, and what it means to be the smartest (and most ignored) person in the room.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we dive into Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez—a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that’s equal parts swoony and soul-stirring. We’re talking long-distance love, grief, family struggles, and why Abby’s stories always hit deeper than your average love story. This one gave us all the feels. Tune in for our take on one unforgettable night, an unexpected connection, and the kind of love that refuses to fade.

Links

In this episode, Kristy and Jon dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—a heartwarming tale of magical children, unlikely friendships, and finding your voice. They unpack themes of prejudice and humanity, gush over favorite characters like Chauncey and Talia, and reflect on the cozy magic of this feel-good read. Come for the laughs, stay for the tears... and maybe a surprise Rudolph reference.

Links

In this episode, we dive into The Family Experiment by John Marrs, where various families volunteer for a cutting-edge virtual reality competition that pairs adults with children to form instant families. We break down the hidden agendas, the crazy tech, and the total emotional chaos.

Links

Chapters

In this week’s episode, we dive into Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli — a magical tale filled with rebellion, romance, and just the right amount of witchy chaos. But the real question is… did Jon fall under its spell or was he ready to banish this book to the shadow realm?

Links

Chapters

In this episode, we dive into Kristin Hannah's powerful novel The Women, a gripping exploration of one woman’s journey through love, loss, and resilience during the Vietnam War. Join us as we unpack the novel’s themes, characters, and unforgettable moments. We’ll share our thoughts, reactions, and — of course — how Jon felt about reading this intense and emotional journey.

Links

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for—our contest episode is LIVE! Four incredible finalists. Four passionate book pitches. One very overwhelmed Jon. Who made the most convincing case? Which book will Jon actually read? And will he survive the wrath of the book community if he makes the wrong choice? Tune in now to hear all the drama, all the passion, and the final decision!

Links

This episode unpacks The Crash, where eight-months-pregnant Tegan’s desperate escape lands her in a brutal Maine blizzard. Stranded with a dead car, a broken ankle, and a rescue that quickly turns ominous, danger follows every twist. Join us for Season Two, Episode Two, as we debate the ethical costs of survival and the unsettling lure of stranger danger.

Links
Official author website: https://www.freidamcfadden.com/ 

Freida McFadden on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7244758.Freida_McFadden 

The Crash on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216223604-the-crash 

Chapt...

Season Two kicks off with a fiery deep-dive into Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros! In this episode, Kristy and Jon tackle everything from Violet’s frustrating decisions to dragon conspiracies, lost history, and that jaw-dropping ending—plus, wild theories about her second signet. Tune in for laughs, debates, and a sneak-peek at the rest of the books coming up this season! 🔥📖

Links
Official author website: https://rebeccayarros.com/   

Rebecca Yarros on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros 

Iron Flame on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90202302-iron-flame

—

BIM...

It’s the season finale! Jon and Kristy break down their favorite parts of each book from season one (spoiler-free, of course!), reveal their most memorable moments, and share what’s sparking their excitement for season two. You won’t want to miss it!

Links
BIMMHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksimakemyhusbandread/

BIMMHR website: https://bimmhr.com/ 

Kristy on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kristypritzl

Jon on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jkpritzl

Chapters

In this episode, Jon and Kristy discuss A Very Merry Bromanceby Lyssa Kay Adams. This fun, “Christmas-adjacent” book, as Kristy calls it, isa second-chance holiday romance that includes members of the Bromance Book Club. Join us as we talk about which characters we are in A Christmas Carol, what the superior Christmas meat is, and why Santa has three gardens.

Links
Official author website: https://lyssakayadams.com/

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59831299-a-very-merry-bromance

—

BIMMHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksimakemyhusbandread/

BIMMHR email: booksimakemyhusbandread@gmail.com 

Kr...

In this episode, Jon and Kristy discuss The Boyfriend, a psychological thriller about obsession and the things we’ll do for love. New York Times best-selling author Freida McFadden proves that crimes of passion are often the bloodiest… Join them as they discuss deep secrets, dark passengers, and who they’d call if they had to bury a body. For an episode about murder, there sure are a lot of laughs.

Links
Official author website: https://www.freidamcfadden.com/ 

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208503280-the-boyfriend  

—

A Very Merry Brom...

In this gem of an episode, Kristy and Jon discuss Book Lovers by Emily Henry, a story that turns the classic Hallmark lovers trope on its head. They’ll cover topics about compromise, sibling dynamics, and… weird crushes on animated characters?!
 
Links
Official author website: https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/ 

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers 

—

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208503280-the-boyfriend 

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59831299-a-very-merry-bromance?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17 <...

Witches and witch hunters take center stage in Episode 06 as Kristy and Jon discuss Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli. The duo talk about morally ambiguous characters, sacrifices, and whether they are Team Gideon or Team Alex. While it is their longest episode to-date, they think it might be the best one yet!

Links
Official author website: https://www.kristenciccarelli.com/ 

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305713-heartless-hunter 

Video recap: https://youtu.be/tpcTAg8HCGM 

—

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers 

T...

For their fifth episode, Kristy and Jon transition from the lightheartedness of Episode 04’s romantic comedy to a more serious topic: how would you spend your life if you knew exactly how long you had to live?

Links
Official author website: https://www.nikkierlick.com/

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58884736-the-measure
---

Heartless Hunters by Kristen Ciccarelli: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305713-heartless-hunter

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers
---

BIMMHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bo...

For their fourth episode, Jon and Kristy tap into their love for rom-coms with Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. They talk about their favorite scenes, Kristy asks a hot-or-not question, and they also touch on how mental health plays a role with the main characters. It’s their most entertaining episode yet!

Links
Official author website: https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/ 

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195820807-just-for-the-summer 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ 

National Council for Mental Wellbeing: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/ 

M...

In Episode 03, Jon and Kristy discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. This historical fiction novel is set in 1789 in Hallowell, Maine. The story follows the life of Martha Ballard, a 54-year-old midwife who delivered more than 1,000 babies and never lost a mother. However, Martha finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, providing a glimpse into life during the late 1700s, when women were expected to be seen but not heard.

They cover their favorite characters and scenes from the book, household chores in the 1700s, and who they would cast if the book were...

In this episode, Jon and Kristy discuss If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. The story follows seven drama students who are deeply immersed in Shakespeare and confronted with an untimely tragedy. The book explores themes of corruption, morality, and the power of Shakespeare's plays.

Links

Chapters

In this episode, Jon & Kristy talk about complex character development, the awesomeness of dragons, as well as themes of trust, betrayal, and the power of self-belief. The episode ends with a discussion about the different quadrants and where they feel they'd fit in.

Links
Official author website: https://www.rebeccayarros.com/
ReCaptains recap: https://recaptains.co.uk/2023/07/fourth-wing-by-rebecca-yarros/
---
BIMMHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksimakemyhusbandread/
BIMMHR email: booksimakemyhusbandread@gmail.com
Kristy's Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/kristypritzl
Jon's Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/jkpritzl

Chapters<...