dee_licious_reading's reviews
863 reviews

The Marriage Auction: Book One by Audrey Carlan

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Book Review: The Marriage Auction by Audrey Carlan

I went into The Marriage Auction completely blind, drawn in solely by the intriguing title and the fact that the Audible version was included. I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Audrey Carlan masterfully weaves together the lives of four women who enter an exclusive, high-stakes auction where billionaires bid for wives. Each woman comes from a different background, carrying her own secrets, struggles, and reasons for participating in this unconventional arrangement. What truly hooked me was how deeply invested I became in each of their stories. The characters are complex, well-developed, and so easy to connect with—whether you’re rooting for them, sympathizing with them, or just trying to figure out what’s coming next.

The alternating POVs kept the story fresh and fast-paced, making it hard to put down (or in this case, stop listening to). The blend of romance, drama, and emotional depth added layers beyond just a typical steamy read.

If you love stories with strong female leads, unexpected twists, and a touch of forbidden allure, this book is worth diving into. I can’t wait to continue the series and see how each of these women’s journeys unfold!

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Wow.

This book was a tough read at times, not because of the writing (which was stunning), but because of how eerily close it feels to reality. Written in the 90s but set in the 2020s, Butler vision of a collapsing society, driven by political and economic turmoil, feels way too familiar. It’s alarming, thought-provoking, and honestly, a little terrifying.

But what I love most is the thread of hope woven through it all. Despite the chaos, the story carries resilience, faith in new beginnings, and the power of community. I couldn’t put it down. Octavia Butler was truly ahead of her time, and this book proves why shes a legend.

If you haven’t read this yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I held out for so long before diving into this series, and now I’m wondering what took me so long! A Court of Thorns and Roses had me hooked with its stunning world-building and unforgettable characters. Prythian is so richly described, it felt like I was there, wandering the magical Spring Court alongside Feyre. The mix of beauty, danger, and mystery made it impossible to put this book down.

Feyre is everything I love in a heroine—completely underestimated but so much stronger than people give her credit for. I love a FMC who starts off overlooked and proves everyone wrong, and Feyre does exactly that. Her resilience and determination made me root for her every step of the way. The slow-burn romance with Tamlin and the witty banter with Lucien added layers to an already captivating story.

Listening to the Graphic Audio while reading was a game-changer! It made the experience so immersive with sound effects, music, and voice acting that brought every moment to life. If you’re on the fence about this series, don’t wait any longer. It’s an incredible mix of fantasy, romance, and character growth that will leave you obsessed!

Master of Me by Keke Palmer

funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I picked up Master of Me by Keke Palmer expecting more of a memoir, but instead, I got something I didn’t realize I needed—a self-help book filled with wisdom, motivation, and actionable advice. While I initially wanted more personal stories from Keke’s life, I truly appreciated the guidance and inspiration this book provided.

Keke writes with such authenticity and clarity, offering readers practical tools to embrace their most authentic selves while striving to become better versions of themselves. The title is spot-on—this book is about learning how to master yourself: your emotions, choices, and path in life.

What stood out the most for me was how much of the content resonated with my current journey. It felt less like advice and more like confirmation, which made the experience all the more meaningful. Keke encourages readers to focus inward, embrace their individuality, and lead with purpose, which are powerful reminders for anyone looking to grow and evolve.

While I hoped for more glimpses into her personal life, the lessons and motivation I gained from this book far outweighed my initial expectations. Master of Me is a read that will inspire you to reflect, refocus, and take control of your life.

If you’re looking for a book to fuel your personal growth and inspire self-mastery, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Bride by Ali Hazelwood ventures into paranormal romance, showcasing her signature humor and sharp wit. The story follows Misery, a brilliant coder and Vampyre, navigating an arranged marriage with Lowe, a Were Alpha, to strengthen alliances between their species. While the world-building is light and accessible, the focus remains on character relationships and personal growth, making it approachable for readers new to the paranormal genre.

The slow-burn romance is a highlight, as Misery and Lowe work to build trust and connection despite the challenges of their circumstances. Themes of belonging and challenging authority add depth to the narrative, making it an engaging and entertaining read once it picks up momentum. Fans of Hazelwood’s humor and strong heroines will appreciate this fresh foray into a new genre.

Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson

informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I recently finished Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson, and it was such a powerful and inspiring read! I paired the physical book with the audiobook, and hearing her recount her journey made the experience even more impactful.

This memoir beautifully highlights the experiences and upbringing that shaped her into the trailblazer she is today—the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Her parents’ unwavering support and the values they instilled in her truly paved the way for her success.

One of my favorite aspects was how she shared her journey of balancing motherhood, being a devoted wife, and excelling in her career. Her reflections on navigating these roles felt incredibly authentic and relatable. The love and pride her husband has for her were especially touching, and her daughter’s letter brought me to tears.

I also appreciated the snippets of her speeches, which were both moving and thought-provoking. Though I’m not deeply knowledgeable about politics, this book reminded me that with hard work, dedication, and resilience, anything is possible.

Ketanji’s story is a testament to breaking barriers and staying true to oneself, and I couldn’t be prouder of her after reading this. Lovely One is more than a memoir—it’s a masterclass in perseverance and grace. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an inspiring read!

New Year, New Us by Aubreé Pynn

tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Whew, that ending?! I’m still trying to process it! This author definitely knows how to keep me on my toes and fully entertained. I’m already looking forward to seeing these characters again because I know it’s going to be good!

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I absolutely loved Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage! As a city girl now living further south, I found this story’s small-town charm so refreshing and inspiring. The journey of Clementine and Luke was heartwarming—watching their relationship grow from childhood antagonists to a partnership built on trust and emotional openness was beautiful.

The story beautifully captured the dynamics of ranch life and the challenges Clementine faced in rediscovering herself after a major setback. Luke’s unwavering support and their undeniable chemistry made their romance feel authentic and uplifting.

This book is a perfect mix of romance, personal growth, and the charm of small-town life. If you’re looking for a feel-good, heartfelt read, this one is a must!

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The plot twist completely caught me off guard—I did not see it coming. I can’t believe I let ‘The Silent Patient’ sit on my TBR for so long, but it was absolutely worth the wait. If you’ve been debating whether to pick it up, stop overthinking and just dive in—you won’t regret it!