We dive deep into our thoughts on the Family Business series finale on BET Plus, discussing how the TV adaptation compares to Carl Weber's original book and why most of us enjoyed the show more.

• The stellar casting elevated the series beyond the book, especially David Banner's commanding performance
• The show's ending deviates significantly from the book, creating an exciting cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more
• Background music throughout episodes creates subtle atmosphere that enhances dramatic scenes
• Character dynamics between spouses reveal tensions between providing materially versus emotional connection
• Gabriel's obsession with Big Shirley demonstrates the dangers of fixation and how differently people interpret shared experiences
• Chess-like power moves throughout the series show how quickly leverage can shift in business dealings
• The portrayal of New Orleans culture makes viewers want to experience the unique city firsthand

Make sure to join us for our upcoming discussion when Season 2 drops, and share your theories about who came through that door in the final scene!

Ever noticed how the media loves to paint everything in black and white? Literally. Our spirited discussion dives into the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry that's dominating sports headlines, questioning whether this is truly about race or simply two competitive athletes who don't particularly like each other. We examine RG3's controversial comments and ask the deeper question: why can't we just let these talented women be competitors without forcing a racial narrative?

Between fits of laughter and inside jokes that perfectly demonstrate our friendship, we share our current reading journeys and audiobook adventures. From A'ja Wilson's "Dear Black Girls" to Dawn Staley's "Uncommon Favor," we're absorbing wisdom from successful Black women who've blazed trails in their respective fields. There's something powerful about hearing these stories directly from the women who lived them—and we're soaking it all in.

We celebrate a major milestone: our podcast being featured in not one but TWO magazines (Heat Seekers and Black Page Turners) just five months into our podcasting journey! This leads to a more personal health check-in, where we get real about monitoring blood sugar levels and how outward appearances don't always reflect our internal health metrics. And yes, we confirm what we all suspected—Pop-Tarts are indeed just "sugar formed in a square," delicious as they may be.

The magic of Abbott Elementary lies in its ability to blend laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with anyone who's spent time in a school setting.

The conversation begins with passionate debates about favorite characters, with Ava Coleman's hilarious antics winning significant praise. Her character development throughout the season reveals surprising depth beneath her seemingly self-centered exterior, especially when she willingly takes the fall to protect her school's funding. We explore how Abbott Elementary masterfully portrays the often-overlooked but crucial roles within school environments. Mr. Johnson, the wise-cracking janitor, represents those unsung heroes whose impact on students extends far beyond their job descriptions. As one host points out, "Janitors, cafeteria workers, security guards – these positions are vital to a school's functioning, yet rarely receive the recognition they deserve."

The episode also tackles the show's handling of real-world issues, particularly highlighting the banned books storyline that cleverly illustrates our tendency to condemn without proper investigation. This sparks a broader conversation about media literacy and how quickly misinformation spreads in today's digital landscape.

Relationship dynamics get special attention, from Janine's awkward non-relationship with her ex-boyfriend to the developing romance between her and Gregory, culminating in that painfully relatable "meeting the parents" episode where she tries too hard to impress Gregory's father.

The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations―a search for the truth that threatens to consume him

Will her actions save her marriage or destroy it?

As a publicist for professional athletes, Antonio Vega is used to solving problems and spinning stories to the benefit of his clients. Yet he can’t seem to convince his wife that he has been and always will be faithful, and her lack of trust tests the limits of his patience.

Cassidy Hawthorne-Vega grew up in a home rocked by infidelity. When she suspects her husband is hiding something from her, she takes drastic steps to uncover the truth. Her actions result in a confrontation that threatens the bond of their marriage. It’s only when she reveals a painful secret from the past that Cassidy learns to accept the love her husband freely gives.

Who doesn’t love a bad boy?

Lorena Vega knows better than to have anything else to do with Matthew Hawthorne. Then he comes to her and asks for her help in writing a proposal for a grant to benefit the community center where he volunteers. She agrees to do the work, but she has her guard up, because having Matthew in her life again is a problem she doesn’t need.

Matthew still carries some guilt from when he hurt Lorena. Seeing her again for the first time in months makes him realize what a huge mistake he made, and he wants another chance to be the kind of man she deserves. He’s determined to win her back and prove he’s not the player he used to be, and nothing will stand in his way.

Not even the new man in her life.

Hating him is easy. Loving him is hard. 

Derrick Hoffman never quite got over not having a relationship with his biological father. The woman he was seeing is pregnant, and there’s no way he’s going to let her raise his child without him—even if it means coercing her into marriage. 

Eva Jacob made the mistake of falling in love with Derrick, a man she knows is incapable of love. After their breakup, she discovers she’s pregnant. When she agrees to a loveless marriage, she tries to shield her heart from further pain. But she soon discovers that the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Derrick’s love.

Can true love be found after one night of passion?

Celeste Burton goes out with her girlfriends to celebrate turning thirty and winds up spending an unforgettable night with the man of her dreams. One week later, as a favor, she attends a wedding with a friend as his date and is shocked when she sees Roarke again.

Roarke Hawthorne despises cheating. Cheating tore apart his family years ago. When the physics professor sees the woman he spent the night with show up at his sister's wedding on the arm of his brother, he knows he should keep his distance. But because of the night they set fire to the sheets in his hotel room, he can't resist the urge to be close to her—nor can he resist the temptation to have her back in his bed.

Explore the story of Leilani and Toby's past romance and their current complex relationship in 'More Than Friends: The Love & Music Suite Book 3', which discusses themes like neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, and past trauma.

A trip down Memory lane with self discovery. Explore a world in the eyes of adults who deal with Love, Past trauma and ADHD

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding, a petty prank by his scheming ex, and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

Content Notes:
MORE THAN FRIENDS deals with a variety of issues that may be difficult for some readers. Please note that this story deals with the following:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• ADHD
• Prison / Justice system
• Physical abuse described
• Explicit language
• Explicit love scenes

Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama. Her books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot.

Check out Reese Ryan and her catalog

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Adventuring into one of many Christina C. Jones series we hope to read.