This episode kicks off with tension as Randall shouts at Boyd while he tries to assist the others in attending his wounds. It feels like Randall’s survival is no accident—it seems part of a larger plan to break Boyd’s spirit. As the sun rises over Fromville, Kristy and Kenny return with the group from their dangerous food-foraging mission to the strange village in the woods. Kristy gets medical attention, while the others unload the food supplies. Back at Colony House, Victor’s father and Donna anxiously search for Victor. Just then, Victor and Sara walk in, hoping to find Jasper—but instead, they make the startling discovery that Victor’s father is alive and was on the ambulance. Victor takes off not wanting to face his father. Meanwhile, Tabitha confesses to the children that she made it back to the real world. Julie struggles to understand how her mother traveled from a tree in the woods, through a lighthouse, and then back to reality. Things escalate when Jade barges in, demanding answers about the tree. Jim, however, is skeptical and dismisses Jade’s urgency. Jade warns them that the town is growing restless, hungry for answers. Though Tabitha agrees to attend the town meeting, Jade says to hell with the meeting and suggests that they head straight to the tree. Boyd and Kenny reflect on the fragile state of the town. Kenny shares troubling news—there’s something else out there, prowling the settlement. When Kenny asks why Randall was left alive, Boyd explains that they want them to be faced with their grim reality. “They can pretend during the day,” Boyd says, but with Randall scarred—and more bitter than ever—”they won’t be able to keep pretending.” Guilt weighs heavily on Marielle after Nikki’s death. Kristy tries to comfort her, but Marielle insists that Kristy, as the patient, should rest. Later, when Randall shows signs of distress, Kristy rushes to check on him, though Boyd’s attempt to intervene might do more harm than good. Donna shows Victor’s father the room at Colony House Victor made his own There he reflects on the painful hope that kept him going—the hope of finding his son. But he also reveals the devastating acceptance he had to make: that his family was dead. He regrets that his search ended too soon and believes that’s why Victor keeps his distance. "I gave up on them," he admits sadly. At the town meeting, frustrations boil over. The townspeople demand answers from Tabitha, but instead of gratitude, they accuse her of not bringing back help. As if the police would have believed her wild story. Meanwhile, Victor recalls how he once convinced himself that everything he saw was a dream. He would express himself through drawings. Now, he's beginning to doubt if creating drawings from those visions was a mistake. Sara urges him to reconnect with his father, but Victor fears that his father is still waiting for the boy he once was—not the grown man he has become. At Colony House, Julie and Elgin bond. Elgin shares unsettling details about a woman who has been haunting both his dreams and his waking reality. The two smoke weed together—weed that Julie either found in Ellis' room or stashed there herself. As they talk, Julie confides in Elgin about the disturbing voices she hears in her head. Back at home, Jim and Jade bicker about Tabitha’s encounter with the tree. When Jim protests, Tabitha insists she has to go—and after some arguing, Jim reluctantly agrees to let her lead Jade to it. Boyd and Ellis clash over Boyd’s reluctance to take risks after Dale’s reckless departure to search for the tree. Boyd challenges Ellis to choose someone to sacrifice, which stings deeply. Later, Boyd lashes out at the surviving EMT, rejecting her efforts to calm the growing unrest in town. His anger, however, is misdirected and unfair. Fatima is on a grim mission of her own—searching for spoiled crops and possibly even dead bodies. Ellis finds her in the greenhouse, where the rotting plants are hidden. When he confronts her, Fatima finally confesses: she’s been eating the spoiled crops and fears something is wrong with their unborn child. As dusk nears, young Ethan heads outside, despite the snow beginning to settle. He encounters Victor’s father and invites him to join him at the barn to feed the animals. The moment feels innocently hopeful—but it's laced with tension, given that Tian-Chen was killed in that same barn. Ethan, in his childlike honesty, explains that Victor “gets grumpy sometimes” and to not take his running away to heart. The episode concludes with a shocking twist that shatters any lingering hope of escape, leaving the townspeople more disillusioned than ever. Final Thoughts This episode focuses heavily on relationships, exploring emotional connections and the strain of unresolved issues. While some progress is made in communication, the townspeople continue to turn against their leadership, driven by fear and frustration. However, they may soon learn the hard way that rushing into action without fully understanding the dangers is a fool’s game. Now its your turn to share your thoughts in the comments and vote in our poll!

This week, only one episode of Ryan Murphy’s chilling series Grotesquerie premiered, featuring an epic twist that revolutionizes everything viewers thought they knew.  The seventh episode, titled “Unplugged,” already started with a twist. In front of Lois, Merritt and Fast Eddie revealed their love and plans to move in together once she starts filming her newly booked series, “half-ton trauma.”  When Lois, who is drunk, receives the news, she reacts poorly and confesses to Merritt that she and Ed had a “dirty thing” going on in the past. The hospital orderly denied it and encouraged Lois not to get messy in front of her daughter. Lois’ reaction escalates further as she goes on to fat-shame her daughter, asking Ed if he enjoys “lifting Merritt’s folds.” Lois declared that her ultimate goal was to push everyone to be as strong as she was, so they could face the town’s killing nightmare. She makes a scene, knocking her glass off the table before storming out.  Despite some emotional resistance from Nurse Redd, and without Merritt’s knowledge, Lois decides to take her husband off life support. Lois reminds Redd that she had wanted to free up his bed, and despite her manipulations, she never relinquished her legal right. Lois gives Marshall a ritual “he would have appreciated,” which includes Red Vine, poetry, and whiskey.  The determined detective then stops by Father Charlie’s church, where he is labeled a cold-blooded killer in a newspaper. In his office, she spots a creepy book filled with pages of the gruesome murder plans.  Megan, who recovered from being shot, speaks with the bishop about the next story for the church newspaper. Bishop agrees that it’s time for Megan to take over the newspaper and boasts about her reporting on the violent murders garnering national attention.  Back at the police department, Lois is surprised with a party congratulating her on solving the case. However, she’s also surprised to learn that she’s being forced to retire, which she strongly opposes. What happens next leads to a shocking discovery and a mind-numbing turn of events that changes the trajectory of the show.  While cooking some hearty stew, Lois starts putting the pieces together of the convenience of Megan replacing Father Charlie as editor. She accuses the quirky nun of working with Charlie, being the brains behind the sick, twisted murders. Megan initially denies the allegations, but after Lois refuses to back down, Megan becomes hysterical and attacks Lois with a knife. The battle between the two was vicious, yet hilarious.  Megan ends up stabbing Lois, then the episode shifts into another world. A world where Lois is the one who cheats in her marriage to Marshall and is in a coma. Not only is Marshall alive and well, but Megan is also a detective, Merritt has a doctorate degree, Ed, Merritt’s husband, had an affair with Lois, and Charlie is Lois’ doctor. Insanity doesn’t even begin to describe this alternate universe.  Things take an even crazier turn when Marshall decides to pull the plug on Lois. Doesn’t that sound familiar? During the unplugging process, Lois’ mind goes back into the original reality, where she gets ahold of her gun and blows Megan’s head off. This leads to Lois waking from her coma.   According to Ryan Murphy, in a Variety article, it is revealed that everything from episode 1 to episode 7 occurred in Lois’ coma-induced dream, which has strong Alice in Wonderland undertones.  Murphy explained that Lois will have to tell everyone what’s been happening in her mind and fight for her survival. A love scene between Niecy Nash and Travis Kelce was also teased, followed by a joke from Murphy about not wanting to “piss off the Swifties.”  Episode 8 of “Grotesquerie” will begin to explore this new reality and move into a new plot. It will premiere October 23 at 10 PM on FX and will stream on Hulu the next day.  What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and remember to vote in our poll.

No need to adjust your TV sets, this season of “Only Murders in the Building,” no doubt, will have you seeing double. With actor portrayals of our favorite true crime podcasters, an array of stuntman lookalikes, and a cavalcade of cameos, the return of Hulu’s hit mystery-comedy has once again kept audiences laughing and guessing, with twice the fun and twice the cast of characters. Though no one seems to be overly alarmed with the growing number of dead bodies regularly found at the Arconia, the luxurious NYC apartment building at the center of each mystery and home to the three amateur super-sleuths played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, it took no time for Season 4 to become a twisted tale of “a podcast, two murders, and a wedding.” Four years in, the show holds true to its winning formula, with its blend of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, as well as its clever writing and engaging plot twists. To round out the strong ensemble cast, guest appearances abound with some well-known faces of the big screen. This season, our trusty trio has been investigating the mysterious murder of Sazz Pataki, played by Glee fav Jane Lynch, Charles' Brazzos stunt double, whose death made up Season 3's ending cliffhanger. Though the mystery surrounding Sazz's demise was further complicated when the trio questioned whether Sazz or Charles was the intended victim. Added to the mix, a second possible murder was uncovered mid-season — that of Professor Milton Dudenoff, the film teacher with an uncanny connection to several residents of the Arconia’s West Tower, and whose apartment may have been the site from which the fatal shot came for Sazz. Fresh off the heels of celebrating the Season 3 murder reveal of Ben Glenroy, No. 4 began with Charles (Martin) as the former television actor, Oliver (Short), the washed-up Broadway director, and Mabel (Gomez), the young artist still looking for a permanent residence, accepting an invitation to Hollywood to announce their podcast being made into a movie. The fun begins with a twist when actors Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria, join the tomfoolery playing themselves playing the “Only Murders” podcast characters.  Thus, at the same time Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are trying to solve Sazz’s murder, they find themselves navigating a story of their lives with the impending movie production of their podcast. The show within a show, is led by high-powered studio exec Bev Melon, played by SNL alum Molly Shannon, and double-trouble directors, ironically-named the Brothers Sisters — a demure set of creepy not-so identical twins. It does not take long to uncover that the two circumstances are somehow connected. The fun ensues as we get to watch them unfold simultaneously.  Not long on the west coast, the true crime friends rush back to NYC after receiving information involving Sazz’s suspicious death. Making quick work of their investigative skills, the podcasters discover the shot fired into Charles’ apartment came from the West Tower, revealing the residents there, aka the Westies, as the primary suspects in the Sazz take-down.  The Westies include a family of sauce loving restauranteurs, their neighbors — Vince Fish, a widower dealing with an ongoing battle of severe to moderate conjunctivitis, and Rudy, the misunderstood side-hustling fitness guru with a year-round penchant for Christmas. Each has a storied connection to Dudenoff, most notably through the professor’s illegal subletting scheme with their rent controlled apartments. In a series of investigative prowess and context clues, the investigators uncover that Professor D may have, in fact, met the same fate as Sazz in the basement of the Arconia. However, the plot thickens when an attempt is made on Oliver’s life during a photo shoot for their fictional movie, indicating they may be moving closer to the truth. The trio retreats to a “safe house” in Long Island — the home of Charles’ sister, Doreen, and her unnerving doll collection, played by the hilarious Melissa McCarthy. Not a minute of comedic timing is lost in these scenes as one-by-one the safe house becomes a half-way house of sorts as not only the podcasters’ acting doppelgängers, but also Oliver’s lady love, Loretta (played by the returning Meryl Streep), arrive on the scene. So much for an undisclosed location.  When their character study-turned method acting leads the podcasters’ onscreen alter egos to dabble in the crime-solving and offer a new perspective in looking at the two possible murders in the building, the sleuths return to the city.  Now believing that Sazz had somehow stumbled onto the Westies’ plot to kill the professor, the podcasters, now a crime-solving sixtet, decide to invite the Westies to a “celebrity-studded game” of Oh Hell at Oliver’s apartment to confront them about killing their benefactor, for what they believed was his retirement money. Still with me?  Then, let’s fast-forward to “Lifeboat,” the flashback-loaded episode 8 where we learn of the Westies’ backstories and their possible role in the death of their beloved professor. Through eerily similar monologues, the residents detail how they came to be neighbors and fellow ham radio enthusiasts in the Arconia’s west tower. What began as an innocuous invitation to join a weekly card game with a family of perfect strangers for comfort and companionship, eventually culminated into each receiving a hand-written invitation from the Professor to sub-let one of his apartments.  The podcasters and their acting twins turn the tables when they invite one of those former Westies named Helga to this sort of “gotcha” party. A young locksmith whose work for Dudenoff also garnered her an invite into the “found family” friend group, Helga, had developed a fondness for Dudenoff. In part, because he reminded her of her late father. When Helga explains that a power-surge in the building on the very night she received a letter from the professor that he was off to Portugal, she tells the group she grew suspicious as the surges often indicated the building’s incinerator was in use, and accused her fellow Westies of plotting to kill Dudenoff.  In a poignant turn in the plot, the remaining Westies admitted that they, too, had received letters from the professor on that night. However, they were asked by the professor, who had just received sobering medical news, to assist with a rather dark and final personal request. To spare Helga, who was still grappling with the loss of her father, the others were asked to not tell the young locksmith. So, keeping up the ruse and honoring their promise to keep the professor’s memory alive by continuing to cash his retirement checks and telling the world he had relocated to Southwestern Europe.  Through it all, Charles wrestles with the idea of confronting a friend’s killer using his emotion suppression techniques, Oliver excitedly plans his impending wedding with Loretta (yes, there was a proposal back at the safe house), as Mabel, ever the stoic, remains the “straight-man” of the group, and, at times, the only adult in the room.  With one mystery down and one to go, it will be Helga who gives the sleuths their next break-through clue to get back to solving Sazz’s murder — it seems in one of her final conversations over the ham radio, Sazz talked about a stuntman protege she found to be dangerous.  But, who? What? And why?  Only time and two more episodes will tell.  Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building,” the four-time Emmy winning series, originally premiered in August 2021. Currently streaming each Tuesday on Hulu.  Drop a comment and vote in our poll below to share your thoughts!

Title:  The Wingman (ARC) Author:  Stephanie Archer Genre: Sports Romance Rating:  Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Darcy is fresh off a long term relationship/broken engagement with her college boyfriend. Now she’s living in a new city with her best friend, NHL star Hayden Owens. What better way to get back into the dating scene than having the NHL’s biggest playboy, as your wingman?  Thoughts:  Normally not a fan of friends-lovers all that much but this was a great exception. Hayden’s crush on his best friend Darcy, is adorable. Everyone but her knows, and the ribbing he gets from his teammates is pretty cute. Darcy’s low on confidence after spending years hiding her true self for someone who didn’t appreciate her. Her attempts to get back into the dating pool are hilariously and sadly the norm irl, but having a hot playboy bestie/roommate more than makes up for it. The romantic and sexual exploration between two friends who have been secretly harboring feelings for one another for years, is both hilarious and charming. Hayden Owen’s “kink” for buying her jewelry is a green flag for me. However, its the way he lifts her up and pushes her to let her true self out, that I loved about him most.  Quotes:  “You want my advice? Hold out for a guy who wants to TI-83 you all night long.”  -Hayden                                                 IG =  @booksteantravel Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend it.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes.

Episode 6 of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, titled “Herald Street,” may be the most explosive episode yet as the New England Patriots tight end tries to balance his double life and does the unthinkable.  The episode opens with Aaron and Chris showing their passion in the stunning city of Cabo. Soon after, when they go out to eat, Aaron reveals that Shayanna is pregnant with his child. Aaron acts nonchalantly about it, even asking Chris if he’s thinking about having kids, but Chris is clearly taken aback.  Aaron has some explaining to do when he gets home because Shayanna finds a gun inside a black bag also filled with money. She declares that they’re having a family now and advises him to stay away from Sherrod.  The Patriots player’s violent side is revealed to the public when his mask slips. While he’s out shopping for baby gear with Shayanna, he receives a call from Chris, who instructs him to stop calling, claiming their relationship isn’t real. When fans approach Aaron asking for a picture, he reacts angrily, knocking the phone out of one’s hand and pushing him.  Chaos ensues when Aaron and Sherrod go to a club. Aaron gets drunk, sniffs cocaine, and cheats on Shayanna. He also nearly gets into a fight with a man who accidentally spills a drink on him, and then hallucinates that the man is laughing at him.  Aaron loses control, pulls up beside the guy at a stop sign and shoots him and his friends in cold blood. Sherrod disposes of the gun, and Aaron hides the car at his cousin’s place.  Aaron’s dark thoughts about the murders are interrupted by the welcome news from his agent, who arrives to inform him that his contract is being extended and he’ll be earning $40 million.  At Shayanna’s baby shower, Aaron makes a surprise appearance and proposes in front of their family and friends. Shayanna gleefully says yes.  Sherrod’s unannounced arrival at Aaron’s house bar, seeking answers for Aaron’s avoidance, would soon put an end to this joy. He jokingly warns the tight end not to anger him again and encourages him to appreciate his life, given that he got away with the murders.  Aaron’s career faces a challenge when he suffers a high ankle sprain, which is expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks. Bill Belichick and the doctors instruct Aaron to avoid putting weight on it so he can progress from being “injured to hurt” by the time the Seahawks game arrives.  Aaron and his issues spiral even more after his injury. He develops an unhealthy habit of taking pain meds and smoking, which makes him completely unproductive, leading Shayanna to feel like she’s doing everything. Aaron gets angry when she insists that they build their baby’s crib together. As he starts constructing it, he starts getting dizzy and kicks the crib, leaving Shayanna mortified.  After the whole ordeal, his cousin comes by to visit and reminds Aaron not to throw his whole life away. Aaron realizes that he has to get back on the field, however, it’s clear he has no interest in taking care of his body.  The episode concludes with Aaron getting a new tattoo that reads “God forgives” and his friendship with Sherrod beginning to crack.  Josh Andrés Rivera keeps elevating his performances as the season goes on. He’s playing Hernandez’s inner turmoil and difficulty to navigate being famous and wealthy perfectly. Episode 7 will premiere October 22 on FX and will stream on Hulu the day after. Drop a comment and vote in our poll.

Matty’s team taking on a case involving a developmentally delayed teenager opens the door for poignant storytelling, especially as they navigate the complexities of the legal system and the societal perceptions surrounding disability. Matty, with her life experience, advocates for this young man and challenges biases along the way. Alfie may be one of my favorite characters of the show after Olympia and Matty of course. While school is very important - Alfie is the brains behind the whole shebang. He tells his granny what he needs to bust the partner who they consider partly responsible for Matty's daughters death. I really enjoy the dynamic of "YouThree" (Billy, Sarah and Matty). The fact the three of them share an office is hysterical. Its almost like grandkids having to watch over their grandmother. Take your grandmother to work day but the grandmother is too savvy for them. Now on to the case of the week: Olympia is leveraged by one of her class action lawsuit clients into taking on a case of her developmentally delayed nephew accused of murder. Time for the team to walk fast (keep up Matty) and get to work. The family that owns the store where the murder victim was found (also the son is the best friend (Charlie) of Michael) are at court to show their support. After some sweet talking to the Judge, Olympia is able to secure her continuance (two days is better than nothing). Skye P. Marshall is brilliant in this role if I haven't said that enough. While Elijah and Olympia are very cute, I am rooting for her and Julian to get back together - they have a fire energy with the fighting. Plus how cute are Senior and Olympia as father and daughter in law. I say this contingent on the reasoning behind the divorce. Senior hinted that Julian did something very wrong to cause the divorce. Also, I need the relationship between father and son explored more - what is up with that resentment? Matty comes up with the brilliant idea to discredit the senior witness who places Michael and the crime and its none other than veteran actor Hal Williams (227)! So great to see him on my screen! Also he ends up giving them the break they need in the case. Matty gets the break, which annoys Sarah and Matty tries to get Olympia to recognize the whole team. I hate when my favs Olympia and Matty butt heads but Olympia has to school her on her privilege and it is a teaching moment for an "old dog." The team see a video from the store of Michael stealing condoms. My heart went out to Michael's mother who is fiercely fighting for her son. This triggers Matty regarding her daughter and what she missed. Kathy Bates is fantastic in the more dramatic scenes when describing her daughter. The subplot with Olympia and Julian adds another layer to the narrative. Their differing views on parenting not only humanize them but also highlight the generational gaps in their approaches, which could lead to some meaningful discussions about responsibility and understanding in modern parenting. This kind of interplay between personal and professional challenges deepen the show’s emotional resonance, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on multiple levels. Another break in the case comes when Alfie points out how easy it is to fake a picture with AI which gets Matty and Olympia thinking someone at the store faked the video of Michael stealing condoms. Olympia further explains why she has been "icing out" Matty to use her as her secret weapon later and sends her to the store for recon. It turns out to pay off because in dramatic OG Matlock fashion the last minute courtroom show down reveals that Charlie caused the death of Arianna and Michael is free to go. The only nitpick I had with the scene is that the Judge did not declare a mistrial or set Michael free - it was kind of just implied. Back at the office, Matty makes a show of how Olympia hurt her and storms off leaving her dinner, causing Olympia to show up at her fake home to apologize and drop off her dinner. All of it was a setup so Alfie could get Olympia's code to her phone. Clever girl. I’m excited to see how the show balances these serious themes with the lighter, more humorous moments that define its charm. The combination of courtroom drama and personal stakes has a lot of potential to create engaging, thought-provoking episodes! What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and remember to vote in our poll below.

Welcome back friends. Class is in session and Sir is covering good manners. [SPOILERS]   His first pupil this episode is Christian, his estranged brother who inadvertently signed up for a pop quiz when his car failed to start. Lucky for him, Sir is sitting in the back seat advising him not to try the engine again. Who knew Sir was also a mechanic? The man is an Onion with so many layers. But one thing stays constant, his pursuit for Gabrielle.  This episode is filled with revelations about Sir, his mindset and emotions towards Gabi. You can tell the writers were having a good time breaking down this script as we see him bare more of himself while also sharing a glimpse of his childhood. Sir has a heart…kind of… Lesson number one: it is impolite to answer a question with a question, “I raised you better than that,” Sir said to Christian. Lesson number two: “I am loved. I have purpose now. And Gabrielle needs me,” Sir continued. Lesson number three: “Gabrielle is family,” and warns Christian from blocking his efforts to reunite with her. Lets say it together – Christian, you in danger boy. Do you know who else is in danger? Lacey. She has a painful concussion and weaves in and out of consciousness at Sir’s new hideout. In her moments of blackout, we are taken to her childhood, where we see Bella kept a knife under her bed. We also learn how Sir tortured her with messages in puzzle books. It’s amazing she ever got her voice back. The clock is running down on “Where is Lacey?” and with the payphone destroyed, Gabi must find a way to reach Sir. Everything has escalated and no one is immune to the fallout of all her lies. Exhausting all potential leads, Gabi decides to use a new case to draw Sir out of hiding. The Runaway Prison Bride hits Sir’s sweet spot and he re-engages after seeing Gabi faint at a press conference. Using Lacey’s phone, the battle of wits commences but Sir is not amused. “You are disappointing me Gabrielle,” he says. Gabi tries to tell him what he wants but all she is focused on is confirmation that Lacey is ok. Sir, staying in control – lets her know “wrong answer.” Gabi forgot. It’s his ball. His bat. His game. Gabi’s road to forgiveness is filled with potholes. Margaret’s super vision is still weak (only works when Gabi is not around) and Trent is still heartbroken that Gabi didn’t trust him with the truth. “Grief does not give you a pass to break the law,” Trent said. Focusing back on the Runaway Prison Bride, Sir calls Gabi again, and this time, she takes it slow. Listening to him. Processing and digesting his words. He believes they are destined to be together, like Romeo and Juliet. But there is always someone trying to pull them apart. Gabi realizes who Betty’s captor is – her lawyer. Done out of friendship, not malice, the lawyer is arrested.  After finding a clue at Sir’s old hideout, the M&A team goes to a book store Sir was at and buys the same books as he did. Gabi sees the message Sir is sending her. The books he bought were also books Gabi got for Lacey when she was child. Lacey is okay. And Gabi knows where to go find them. Now, things get a little surreal for me. We see Lacey on the ground as Gabi enters the room. We are treated to a face-to-face between Gabi and Sir – their push and pull is captivating. It is here where the audience is pulled into the scene, holding their breath as the episode nears a close.  Will Romeo sway Juliet to his side? Sir professes to Gabi in an unexpected way that confirms for me the delight the writers must have had in their room. Sir says, “I thought I was saving you…. this time – it has to be your choice…. So, will you go with me?” Pregnant pause. What did Sir just say?! Lacey, gathers her strength and stabs Sir from behind with the knife Gabi hid in a book she tossed to the ground. In pain, Sir yells “Gabrielle!” and Gabi instantly stops Lacey. This cry for help reveals their heightened bond. This connection for him is real. Sir feels safe with Gabrielle. Protected. As Gabi calls for help, the camera shot widens – Sir is gone. Disappeared from the room. Where did he go? Was he even there?  As Lacey is rushed to the hospital, the last few words from Sir, linger in the air for me.  “It’s Just the two of us now, for the rest of our lives”.  Will it be like this for them? Forever?  The chase continues next week Thursday on NBC and Streaming on Peacock. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and vote in our poll below.

I was first put on LaDarrion Williams "Blood at the Root" via X (formerly Twitter) when I saw a tweet about it. It had to show up on my algorithm as a fan of the supernatural. Anyone that knows me, knows I am a huge Harry Potter fan (I mean I have a tattoo) and love fantasy stories. This story is described as Harry Potter meets an HBCU. I had the pleasure of interviewing the author LaDarrion Williams during my time over at SpoilerTV and I will link that interview below for you to watch. At the time of the interview, I was halfway thru the book and recently finished it. Everything I said during the interview about what I loved about the book was of course true and now that I have finished it, I can give a complete review and lay out my thoughts. I've seen other reviews saying that the book is too much like Harry Potter. As I consider myself somewhat of a Harry Potter expert, I have to address this criticism. JK Rowling did not invent the idea of witches and magical folk attending school to learn about their craft and history; that isn't new she just offered a fresh take, her take and LaDarrion does that here. When you are telling the story of a young person with powers attending school, of course you can expect to have mysterious professors, love interests and bullies. It comes with any young adult story that features a teenager. That concept does not change because of Harry Potter. LaDarrion tells the story of a young black boy with magic attending an all black school in the deep south. It is unique and different than and welcoming. This leads me into my next criticism I would like to address: the story is too black. I am not sure how any content can be too black as this story is a representation of us. Can a person be too black? I do not understand those that felt that way. If you felt the book had language that was too strong or language you do not use then I would be able to understand that, but too black? No, there is no such thing. Malik, the main character is like many black boys from the South. He grew up playing outside, eating soul food and enjoying being a kid until he life was changed with the discovery of his magical abilities and what he believes to be the murder of his mother. Growing up in the system is hard and the book explores what that is like for a black child honestly. I love how Malik looks after his little foster brother, their relationship is one of my favorites. There is also the relationship with his love interest Alexis that brings teenage drama but also adult drama at the same time. Malik's group of friends he makes at the school are so important and so real and they definitely bring the comic relief. Malik's relationship with is grandmother reminds me so much of my aunties growing up. The magic rooted in hoodoo and creole is a brilliant touch. The pacing of the story flowed really well and each character made sense. There is a twist of course that I won't spoil but it had my mouth on the floor and feeling so bad for Malik. This book is a love letter to the black community. Don't take my word for it, pick up a copy and check out my interview with author LaDarrion Williams for SpoilerTV below: What did you think of the book? Drop a comment.

Title:  Strikeout Author: Millie Perez Genre:  Sports Romance Format: ebook Rating:  Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Mateo Martinez, starting pitcher of the New York Monarchs needs one thing. A nanny for his daughter. What he doesn’t need? Is the temptation that is Isabella Morales as his LIVE IN nanny.   Thoughts: From the dedication to the very last page, I was in love. This book was a beautiful picture of the love and heartbreak of being so close, yet so far removed from your roots, cultura and people as well as a sweet and spicy love story.  Mateo is not only a hot professional ball player who is Latine, he’s also an older man and  a single dad who loves his baby girl to pieces. Isabella is still trying to get her life back on track after a traumatic and very public end to her last relationship. Getting out of her childhood bedroom in her parents apartment is step number one.  When Mateo’s search for a more permanent nanny for his daughter reaches her ear, via her mother, who is best friends’ with Mateo’s mom, Isabella decides this could be her chance to get out from under her parents and finally launch her business.  What follows is a mix of spicy and tender moments between the two that left me smiling like a lunatic and getting a little hot beneath the collar. Although the romance was beautiful and funny and all the things I look for in a good story. My favorite parts are where we get to see Mateo’s struggles with the disconnect he feels with his heritage, his people and his cultura. When he talked about that disconnect for the first time in public, it hit something deep in my soul. As a born Nuyorican who didn’t grow up speaking Spanish, I felt every one of his words and when Mateo said “Yo soy Boricua aunque naciera en la luna”, I cried big fat tears. ‘Cause same. I’m always looking for characters that look and sound like me and my familia. I’m constantly looking for myself in the pages of books and as usual, Millie Perez let me (and thousands of other Latine kids, raised away from their ancestral lands) feel seen, between the pages of this book.  Quotes:  “Who pissed in your Cafe Bustelo?”  -Anthony “So I guess that means, for the time being, that your needs are  of my concern.”                               -Mateo “Listen, man, if I was ambidextrous, I’d probably be doing double-handed criss-cross applesauce, too.”                                -Ace  “Yo soy Boricua aunque naciera en la luna.”                                -Mateo  **************                                               Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes. What did you think of Strikeout? Leave a comment and vote in our poll below:

Title:  Iced (ARC) Author: Cala Riley Genre:  College Sports Romance Rating: Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto   Synopsis: Grace has been in love with Kellan since high school but they’ve never been more than best friends. The shy girl and her hockey playing best guy friend. Now they’re in college and things are changing for them both. Grace is no longer okay with being Kellan’s shadow and doormat. When she’s befriended by Clay, captain of the hockey team, it puts further strain on her relationship with her longtime crush. Now Grace must decide between the man she’s always dreamed of being with, or a new adventure with someone who sees the real her.  Thoughts:  This book was so sweet I had to call my dentist.  Clayton James is definitely a top contender for "boyfriend of the year," and considering his lack of hands-on experience in that department, that should tell you a lot.  His dedication to his future and the future of his family is admirable. Though he's a bit of a softee, he's always ready and willing to protect HIS. Clay's biggest green flag is his ability to be protective of Grace while not undermining her independence and individuality.   Grace is every introverted girlie. Rather spend time with a book, has an extroverted bestie who drags her around to do things she doesn't really wanna do, but she's too nice and too content to be around them, to stand up for herself. Super smart at the book stuff, less so with the relationship stuff.  This story is so innocent. Until it’s not so innocent. Clay and Grace are a twosome of cute, innocent love. The way they go from strangers, to friends, to lovers is gradual and adorable and I loved every AWE inducing moment of it. It was really a kick ya feet in the air kinda book. Be prepared to do some swooning.  Their friends provide some great comedy and even some AWE moments of their own. It turns into a  great group of REAL friends who care about each other and their bonds as a whole are really sweet to watch. Hoping to see at least 3 more books on these boys from Walker U in the future. Quote:  “I like it when you come over, so if holding a few of your books hostage makes you spend more time with me, I’ll gladly hold on to them for you.”                   -Clay **************                                                                          Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes. What did you think of Iced? Leave a comment and vote in our poll below:

Title:  Pucking Sweet Author: Emily Rath Genre:  Sports Romance Rating: Love Spice:  Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: A family that doesn’t really see her, a craptastic ex who’s somehow wormed his way into her sister's bed, one year to prove that she can run PR for an international sports team and two men who want to love up on her. What could go wrong? (Or right?) Thoughts:  Emily Rath has been edging us with this story since Pucking Wild and I am so glad it’s finally here! Poppy is a boss babe all day. She runs the Rays PR like a well oiled machine and doesn’t take anything from the larger than life men around her. Lucky her, she’s got two men to take care of her in ALL WAYS. Coltan has been in love with Poppy from afar for two years, now that they are in Jacksonville and he’s at peak performance, it's time to make his move, and the man’s got moves. Colton’s steadfast loyalty to those he loves is so heartwarming to watch. His backstory just makes you love him more and his naughty mouth will have you squirming. Colton gave me ALL the tingles.  Lukas is everyones fav prankster and a sexy slice of fun. His banter with Poppy is funny and the flames of their fire burn high and bright. Lukas’ trauma and loneliness just made me want to hold him and never let him go. This book is such a cute and spicy addition to the Jacksonville Rays world. Once again the open acceptance from the characters' friends and community in this series, gives me hope that one day we can live in this kind of reality.  Quotes:  “In your dreams, Nov. I don’t f*ck desperate men.”  -Colton “I didn’t pick  either of you! You both just keep showing up in my pocket like a couple of bad pennies, offering me stress ulcers and orgasms!” -Poppy “I cry watching sheepherding videos.” -Novy “Don’t worry about what I’ve done, just be jealous of what I’m about to do.”  -Poppy “I think I’m in like with Colton Morrow.”  -Novy “Racism is still alive and well. Not everyone supports interracial dating.”  -Colton **************                                                                                       @booksteantravel Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes. What did you think of Pucking Sweet? Drop a comment and vote in our poll.

Episode 4 of From  continues to deliver on the intense, surreal horror that has captivated audiences from the beginning. This installment masterfully weaves together eerie encounters, emotional breakthroughs, and unsettling twists. As characters teeter between survival and breaking down emotionally, the town of Fromville tightens its grip on them—and on us viewers—by blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. Tabitha's Desperate Plea and a Deadly Encounter In what appears to be the real world, Tabitha urges the EMTs to heed her warnings about the sinister nature of the tree blocking the road. Long-time viewers recognize that this tree signals a descent into the twisted alternate reality of Fromville. Her frantic insistence grows unsettling, especially when she demands they stop at the town before nightfall. There they will receive help and a safe place to camp for the night. This tension culminates in a terrifying encounter when the EMTs stop yards from the bus to investigate a body in the road. Two of them meet a grisly end at the hands of the monsters. Tabitha’s warning—ignored—feels like a grim reminder that fate here operates on its own rules. As gunfire echoes near Colony House, the surviving EMT recklessly shoots at advancing monsters and accidentally shoots a resident, Nicky. Boyd’s Grim Decision Boyd and Randall, stationed on the bus, engage in a tense back-and-forth about the creatures that roam the night. Randall claims that death isn’t the worst thing to fear in Fromville, hinting at darker forces beyond the monsters. His insight—that the monsters aren't following their usual routines—suggests that the rules may be changing. This growing unpredictability casts an ominous shadow, making Boyd’s risky choices even more dangerous. When Boyd and Jim discover Tabitha locked in the ambulance, Boyd faces a harrowing decision. A monster taunts him, offering an impossible choice: save Randall or take the ambulance keys to free Tabitha, Jim, and himself. Boyd, driven by survival and guilt, chooses the keys, leaving Randall to his fate. This agonizing moment showcases the town’s ability to break even the strongest characters, forcing them to live with terrible decisions. Emotional Cracks in Fromville One of the standout moments of the episode is the emotional breakdown between Donna and Boyd. Boyd, wracked with guilt over leaving Randall behind, lashes out at the EMT. Donna—normally the town's unflinching leader—unexpectedly breaks down in front of Boyd, revealing the toll that constant fear and survival have taken on her. Her vulnerability at this moment is heartbreaking and offers a rare glimpse into the emotional burden carried by Fromville’s toughest residents. Meanwhile, Julie opens up to her younger brother, Ethan, in one of the episode’s more tender scenes. She admits that ever since her deep sleep, she hasn’t been the same and is struggling to cope with terrifying things she can’t fully remember. Their conversation is touching, providing a much-needed human moment amid the chaos, and Julie’s honesty makes her less annoying than in past episodes. Victor's Troubled Memories and Creeping Mysteries Victor’s storyline takes a haunting turn as he reflects on his traumatic past. He tells Sara about the day his sister Eloise ignored their mother’s warning to hide, leaving him surrounded by bodies when he emerged. That day, Victor met his only friend, the Boy in White, and began burying objects that belonged to the deceased—a grim coping mechanism that speaks to the depth of his trauma. Victor also recalls Christopher, a ventriloquist with a dummy named Jasper, who descended into madness after seeing strange visions. This eerie revelation hints that Jasper may hold a key to understanding the horrors of Fromville. The scene leaves us wondering if the town’s mysteries are rooted in psychological manipulation or something more supernatural. Fatima’s Unraveling and Tilly’s Tarot Fatima’s storyline takes a dark and disturbing turn as she continues to grapple with her pregnancy and unusual cravings. The suggestion that she may be nourishing a "monster child" becomes more plausible as her behavior grows increasingly erratic. In a chilling moment, she gives in to cannibalism, confirming that the town’s horrors are not just external but are starting to corrupt the residents from within. Tilly’s tarot reading adds to the creeping sense of doom. Her belief that the bird crashing into the window was an omen proves prescient, as events spiral further out of control. Tilly’s growing fear for Fatima adds another layer of unease—could the lady haunting Elgin be connected to Fatima somehow? The Unpredictable Threats Ahead As the episode nears its end, the monsters seem to be growing more cunning. They aren’t following their typical patterns, which adds a new level of dread. With Randall lying on top of the ambulance with wounds on his neck as he coughs up blood, it’s unclear whether he will survive or if the monsters have found a new way to claim victims. The episode hints that there may be forces beyond the monsters lurking in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered. Final Thoughts Episode 4 of From  delivers a captivating mix of emotional vulnerability, psychological tension, and nightmarish horror. The show continues to raise the stakes, leaving viewers questioning the nature of reality and the motives of both the living and the dead. The emotional moments between Boyd, and Donna, along with Julie and Ethan provide much-needed character depth, while Victor’s cryptic memories and Fatima’s descent into darkness keep the mystery alive. While communication between the residents has improved slightly, the lack of group coordination remains a glaring flaw. As the monsters evolve and the town’s secrets become harder to ignore, it’s clear that the residents will need to start working together—or risk falling apart entirely. This episode earns an 8.5/10 for its balance of suspense, character development, and creeping dread. The narrative threads are becoming more tangled, and new questions emerge: Is Fatima somehow connected to the woman haunting Elgin? Will Boyd’s guilt over leaving Randall drive him to more reckless decisions? And what role will Jasper, the ventriloquist’s dummy, play in revealing the truth about Fromville? One thing is certain: From  keeps us hooked, week after week, with no clear end in sight. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and remember to vote in our poll below.