Welcome to the latest Entertainment Wrap-Up, where I share some of the books, TV shows, and movies that have been keeping me engaged recently. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or just want to see what’s been on my radar, this post is filled with fresh recommendations and thoughts. Grab a cozy spot and let’s dive into some great entertainment together.
Books
What am I reading lately? I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like, but I’m working on getting back into the groove. Right now, I’m juggling two physical books—We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough and Lead by Kylie Scott—and two audiobooks—This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum and Silver or Lead by Darcy Halifax. Since I’ve never really delved into romance novels before, I decided to give the genre a try with a couple of romantic reads.
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We Live Here Now
Sarah Pinborough
Here is an overview from GoodReads….
“After an accident that nearly kills her, Emily and her husband, Freddie, move from London to a beautiful Dartmoor country house called Larkin Lodge. The house is gorgeous, striking—and to Emily, something about it feels deeply wrong. Old boards creak at night; fires extinguish; and books fall from the shelves—all of it stemming from the terrible presence she feels in the third-floor room.
But these things happen only when Emily is alone, so are they happening at all? She is still medically fragile. Her post-sepsis condition can cause hallucinatory side effects, which means she cannot fully trust her senses. Freddie does not notice anything odd and is happy with their chance at a fresh start. She, however, starts to believe the house is haunted by someone who had been murdered in it even though she can find no evidence of a wrongful death. As bizarre events pile up and her marriage starts to crumble, Emily becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about Larkin Lodge. But just as the house has secrets so do Emily and her husband.”
I’m currently on page 154 of 287, and the story has me intrigued—it might be a ghost tale, or maybe not, I’m still trying to figure that out. Oh, and there’s a raven in the mix that adds an extra layer of mystery! The book has a 3.72-star rating on Goodreads, and I’d probably give it a 3 to 3.5 so far. I’ve started skimming a bit, which usually means I’m ready to wrap it up. I do like the story and am curious about what’s really going on—is it a ghost, human interference, or maybe the raven? Who knows! Lol.
Lead
by Kylie Scott
Here is an overview from Goodreads…
This Story Might Save Your Life
By Tiffany Crum
Goodreads Overview…
“Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.
The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny will stop at nothing to find them, even as the police zero in on him as their prime suspect.
Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.”
I’m almost finished with This Story Might Save Your Life, with just 52 minutes left on the audiobook. The writing is good, and the narration truly brings the story to life. I’ve become attached to many of the characters along the way. Goodreads rates this book at 4.09 stars, and I’m leaning toward giving it a solid 4 myself. Stay tuned for my full review once I’ve finished!
Silver or Lead
By Darcy Halifax
Goodreads Overview…
“I want to save you as much as I want to kill you.”
“They are words Dr Angela Hawthorne can’t stop thinking about. Especially because they were whispered into her ear by a rebel Mafia prince in the throes of passion.
But she doesn’t need saving. And she doesn’t fear death. She isn’t the high society princess she appears to be.
She isn’t afraid of Roman, nor his reputation. Not even when he kidnaps her and gives her an ultimatum: take the money or take the bullet.
Angela wants neither. But she will take him .”
I’m almost done with this audiobook, one of the romance novels, and it’s living up to the genre’s promise. I’ve grown fond of many characters—even though they’re connected to the mafia, they’re the good kind of bad guys. There’s just an hour and a half left, and I’ll share my full review once I’m finished.
Warning: Although I have not finished the book I am close to the end. I have really liked the build up of the romantic relationship it goes a bit too far for me with the descriptions being a bit too crude. So if you want to read it just be aware of that fact.
Hoopers
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Primate
Primate, now streaming on Paramount+, is an intense 90-minute natural horror thriller where a tropical island paradise quickly turns into a nightmare. When Lucy’s family chimpanzee, Ben, becomes rabid, she and her friends are trapped in a fight for survival with the very creature they once trusted. The film blends primal terror with a chilling survival story. Critics gave it a solid 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, while viewers rated it 71%, showing a generally positive reception.
I watched Primate with Rocky, and it’s a wild mix of animal-attack horror and slasher vibes. You really connect with Ben, the clever chimp, and the family, initially, but things take a terrifying turn when Ben encounters a rabid animal—and soon after, chaos erupts. What makes it extra intense is Ben’s intelligence; with his smarts, he becomes a relentless force of destruction. This movie doesn’t hold back on gore, blood, and death—there are plenty of jump scares that had me closing my eyes more than I could count. Definitely not a film for kids, but as a horror movie, it knocked it out of the park for me.
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Mercy
Mercy is a sci-fi thriller set in near-future Los Angeles (2029), starring Chris Pratt as a detective accused of murdering his wife. Forced into a high-stakes “Mercy Court,” he has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence before an AI judge who decides his fate. Using digital evidence like camera footage, emails, and phone records, he must reduce the probability of his guilt below 92% while strapped to the “Mercy Chair.” While critics weren’t impressed, with a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the general audience responded much more favorably, giving it an 82% score.
I actually really enjoyed Mercy. Chris Pratt delivered an amazing performance that kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I will admit, the AI character’s emotionless nature got a bit annoying now and then, but it fit the futuristic setting and added to the tension. Overall, it’s a fun, gripping ride with a cool look at the power of AI and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone craving a sci-fi thriller that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Pitt
I watch this show on Hulu
The Pitt (2025) transports viewers to the intense world of a major hospital’s emergency department, evoking the spirit of classic medical dramas like ER. Starring Noah Wyle, the series has been praised by doctors for its medical accuracy and realistic depiction of the chaos, understaffing, and stress healthcare workers face today. Created by former ER producers, The Pitt offers a gripping, authentic look into emergency medicine.
Having worked in the ER myself, The Pitt resonates with me on so many levels. The scenarios and emotions vividly bring back memories from my time as an RN. I’ve formed strong connections with many of the characters on this show—some endearing, others infuriating. I highly recommend this show; it’s quickly become one of my favorites to watch each week, blending authenticity with compelling storytelling.
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The Madison
I watch this show on Paramount.
The Madison, Taylor Sheridan’s latest family drama on Paramount+, delves into the profound impact of grief following an unimaginable tragedy. Centered on the Clyburn family, the series explores how unexpected sorrow can either fracture or unite loved ones, shifting perspectives and altering life’s direction. While Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a powerhouse performance alongside Kurt Russell, the show leans heavily on stunning landscapes and dramatic music, sometimes at the expense of a deeply engaging story. Spanning six episodes, The Madison offers a contemplative look at pain and family that may resonate, but leaves some storytelling potential untapped.
I’ve only seen the first episode of The Madison, but it already paints a powerful picture of a close-knit family rocked by tragedy and their journey through the emotional upheaval that follows. The acting is exceptional—at times infused with humor, and at others, deeply moving—bringing moments that genuinely tug at the heartstrings. This show struck a chord with me and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a poignant family drama.
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Chopped
I watch this show on Hulu
Chopped is an exciting Food Network cooking competition where four chefs face intense, timed challenges to create a three-course meal—appetizer, entrée, and dessert—using four mystery ingredients that are often unusual or unexpected. Hosted by Ted Allen, the show tests chefs’ skill, speed, and creativity as they race against the clock to impress a panel of expert judges. After each round, one chef is eliminated—or “chopped”—until only one winner takes home the $10,000 prize.
I’ve been watching Chopped on and off for years, and with 64 seasons under its belt, it never fails to entertain. It’s fascinating to see chefs compete using all kinds of ingredients—some I’ve never even heard of! I plan to keep watching and try out any interesting foods or recipes that catch my eye. One thing I do wonder about, though, is why some chefs come across as so arrogant—it’s a bit off-putting to me. That said, I really enjoy the show; I learn a lot about unique ingredients and get inspired to experiment in my own kitchen.
That wraps up this month’s Entertainment Wrap-Up! I hope you find something here that sparks your interest and adds a little joy to your downtime. I’m always on the lookout for new books, shows, and movies to share, so stay tuned for more recommendations in future posts. Until then, happy watching, reading, and enjoying all the great stories out there!
Happy Watching and Reading!
KathieyV