Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

It still rattles my brain that this is real. Not “based on,” not “inspired by,” but an actual human deciding, “You know what my friends fighting in Vietnam need? A cold beer,” and then just… going. The entire premise sounds like something cooked up at 2 a.m. over bar napkins and bad decisions, yet here it stands in nonfiction clothing.

What starts as a ridiculous dare turns into something surprisingly human and heavy. Chick’s journey barrels straight through war zones with equal parts stubborn loyalty and wide eyed naivety, and watching that bravado slowly crack against the reality of combat is where the book really lands. It’s funny in places, tense in others, and unexpectedly emotional when the weight of what he’s walking into finally sinks in.

The writing is straightforward and conversational, which fits the story. No frills, no dramatic over seasoning, just a regular guy narrating an absolutely unhinged act of friendship. That contrast is what makes it hit so hard.

Wild, unbelievable, heartfelt, and somehow both absurd and sobering at the same time. 

This is one of those books I picked up fully expecting to say “well, that was intense but not for me”… and instead it grabbed me by the collar and dragged me straight through the fire.

Crime fiction isn’t usually my comfort zone, but Cosby writes with this sharp, smoldering energy that makes everything feel immediate and dangerous. The story is heavy with family tension, buried secrets, and bad choices. Every chapter feels like a fuse burning closer to something explosive.

What really hooked me was the emotional core under all the grit. It’s not just crime and violence for shock value. It’s loyalty, desperation, generational weight, and the messy pull of family even when it’s toxic. The characters feel raw and human, which made it impossible not to care what happened to them even when they were spiraling.

Definitely darker than my usual reads, but so well written and gripping that I’m really glad I stepped outside my normal lane for this one. 

Julia Quinn always feels like slipping into a warm, witty ballroom where everyone has secrets tucked into their gloves. This one was charming, romantic, and full of that signature Quinn banter I adore… but my heart kept wandering back to the Bridgertons like an ex I still stalk in fictional society papers.

The story itself is sweet and clever. A mistaken identity, a pretend marriage, emotional tension simmering under polite Regency manners. Cecilia is determined and likable, Edward is swoony in that soft wounded soldier way, and their chemistry absolutely works. The romance builds nicely and the writing is smooth and engaging as always.

But Bridgerton casts a very sparkly shadow. That series has this electric mix of drama, humor, and unforgettable characters that set the bar sky high, and while the Rokesbys are enjoyable, they just don’t hit with the same glittering intensity for me.

Still a wonderful read, still Quinn magic, and I’m absolutely continuing the series because once I’m invited to a fictional family gathering, I’m staying for the whole season.

4 Stars

This one is pure starfighter adrenaline injected straight into the veins of the New Republic. The moment Ysanne Isard slithers back into the story, everything tightens. You can practically hear alarms blinking red in the background.

I love how Stackpole writes Rogue Squadron like a found family forged in laser fire. Wedge is steady and sharp as ever, Corran still carrying emotional scars under the flight suit, and the squad dynamics feel lived in and real. The space battles are crisp and tactical without getting lost in jargon, which makes every dogfight feel like you’re strapped into the cockpit watching your shields flicker.

Isard remains such a chilling villain because she doesn’t just attack fleets, she attacks minds. Manipulation, psychological warfare, long layered revenge plots. She’s less Empire and more venom in silk gloves, and her presence raises the stakes instantly.

The plot is fast and engaging, though a few threads feel slightly rushed toward the end. Still, it’s a strong, satisfying continuation of the X Wing series and a great payoff for fans invested in the Rogue Squadron arc.

Fast ships, sharp strategy, and one very angry ice queen hunting from the shadows.