Marriage Be Hard

12 Conversations to Keep You Laughing, Loving, and Learning with Your Partner

By: Kevin Fredericks, Melissa Fredericks

Narrated by: Kevin Fredericks, Melissa Fredericks

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the keys to upholding your vows while staying sane in this hilariously candid guide to relationships, from the husband-and-wife team of comedian Kevin Fredericks and influencer Melissa Fredericks

FINALIST FOR THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD • “Kev and Melissa are not afraid to tell the truth!”—Tabitha Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Feeding the Soul

Growing up, Kevin and Melissa Fredericks were taught endless rules around dating, sex, and marriage, but not a lot about what actually makes a relationship work. When they first got married, they felt alone—like every other couple had perfect chemistry while the two of them struggled. There were conversations that they didn’t know they needed to have, fears that affected how they related to each other, and seasons of change that put their marriage to the test.

Part of their story comes across like a Christian fairytale: high school sweethearts, married in college, never sowed any wild oats, with two sons and a thriving marriage. But there’s another side of their story: the night Melissa kicked Kevin out of her car after years of communication problems, the time early in their marriage when Kevin bordered on an emotional affair, the way they’ve used social media and podcasts to conduct a no-holds-barred conversation about forbidden topics like jealousy, divorce, and how to be Christian and sex positive. (Because, as Kevin writes, “Your hormones don’t care about your religious beliefs. Your hormones want you to subscribe to OnlyFans.”)

In Marriage Be Hard, the authors provide a hilarious and fresh master class on what it takes to build and maintain a lasting relationship. Drawing on interviews with experts and nearly two decades of marriage, they argue that

• Compatibility is overrated.

• Communication is about way more than simply talking.

• Seeing divorce as an option can actually help your marriage.

• There’s such a thing as healthy jealousy.

Real marriage is not automatic. It ain’t no Tesla on the open road. Sometimes it’s a stick shift on a hill in the rain with no windshield wipers. But if you get comfortable visiting—and revisiting—the topics that matter, it can transform your bond with your partner and the life you’re building together.

Written for those tired of unrealistic relationship books—and for anyone wondering if they’re the only ones breaking all the rules—Marriage Be Hard is a breath of fresh air and the manual you wish existed after you said “I do.”

©2022 Kevin Fredericks, Melissa Fredericks (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Honey, listen, I’ve been married for nineteen years, and the title of the book lets me know that Kev and Melissa are not afraid to tell the truth! They had me at chapter 1, ‘Expectations Be Hard.’ Baby, this book ain’t hard to love!”—Tabitha Brown, actress, vegan foodie, and New York Times bestselling author of Feeding the Soul

“While Kev and Melissa show us how hard marriage can be, they also show us how beautiful it can be if you’re willing to be vulnerable and really do the work. This is essential reading for anyone married or for anyone remotely considering marriage.”—Tommy and Codie Oliver, creators of Black Love, Inc.

“Marriage Be Hard is a relatable, honest take on life, love, and relationships. In their typical style, Kev and Melissa are authentic and engaging, playful and downright hilarious. They humbly offer readers real talk that both models healthy relational skills and vulnerably pulls the curtain back on some of the most common marital concerns. As a relationship counselor, I’d recommend the book to any couple wanting a fun, structured way (with awesome prompts!) to approach some deep, growth-promoting conversations.”—Morgan Johnson, MA, LPC, relationship counselor and trust recovery specialist

Witty, Relatable, and Just In Time

Marriage Be Hard gives glimpse of what a “healthy” relationship really looks like. The realistic account makes me feel
Like it might actually be worth pursuing because the reader is offered tools to increase chances of success. The down-to-earth vignettes and revelations feel like a spot on view of an endeavor worth the effort. My mother was married eight times. My father was married four times. I never saw marriage in the cards for me. Having been in a committed 10 year partnership with my mate without intention of tying the knot, I can attest that if the topic comes up again, I may not immediately brush it off. We’ve worked to make it this far, and since reading and hearing this book, I’m less afraid of failure. Thank you dear Fredericks. I may just jump the broom!

Excellent Read

I love this book. I was a fan of The Love Hour Podcast and now TBTB. I love how deep and vulnerable Mr. and Mrs. Kevonstage went in this book. I know this book is going to spark so many conversations with my wife and I.

Marriage Champions

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and I really gained a lot of wisdom.

Amazing!!

I loved everything about this book! It was authentic, transparent, insightful & hilarious. Enjoyed from beginning to end!

This book is for everyone

You don't have to married or in a relationship to enjoy this book. We have different types of relationships in our lives that we can apply some of these lessons to. Whether you're married or not, read this book. There's something in here for everyone!

A hit for sure!!

Narration and content was amazing!! It was informative and help along my journey of 3yrs in! I loved it!!! May God continue to bless everything you two put your hands on!

I love this couple

I appreciate Kevin and Melissa telling their story as young Christian’s entering a marriage trying to live up to the expectations of the lessons they were taught growing up. I can relate whole heartedly and felt seen. Some of the advice seemed elementary and felt obvious and sometimes it was hard to understand kevin as he talks fast, but overall I enjoyed hearing their story.

This is a must read

I loved this book even more the second time around! I hope there are plans for a second book.

Relatable

I’ve been married for 23 years and I wish I had this when I first got married. Very real, very honest, very relatable. I will be gifting it to my newly married cousin and friend. Very good realistic tips and advice. I loved listening to this book.

Awesome book!

I loved listening to this book it is so special to have the authors read it themselves feels like they are speaking directly to me! I also have the hardcopy of the book that I plan to gift to a newly married couple!