Benedicte’s Comments (group member since Mar 23, 2025)

Benedicte’s comments from the Hooked on Books group.

Genre Swap June - Contemporary Romance



I very rarely read contemporary romance, and there is a reason for that. I just don't enjoy the super cheesy romance. That is why I didn't like this book. BUT, I didn't hate it. It was neutral. I think what made it more interesting was that it also was mystery MPG, and that some of the characters were funny and made me laugh a bit.

Prompt #47/ Name: $1 Bill
Book: Siege and Storm
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Date Read: June 15th 2025
Pages: 368
Task: 💵 2. Read a book you got for no money. (I borrowed it at the library)

Kathy wrote: I finally finished "To Sleep In A Sea of Stars". A 32 hours and 29 minutes audiobook. It was really worth it! The narration was exceptional and the ending was a complete surprise. Very, very good. Thanks for the pick."

Great to hear you liked it! I want to read it more than ever now haha. I have read a couple other books from Paolini and really enjoyed them, so when I saw this in your TBR I had to pick it 😉

I haven't read the books you picked for me yet, but I plan to as soon as I finish the ones I am reading right now. I look forward to it!

Thanks! I finally found one of the words in a book, will try to finish it today or tomorrow :)

Sylvia wrote: "Hello everyone!

My name is Sylvia, and I am totally Hooked on Books! Reading and writing have been passions of mine from the moment I learned how, and I love connecting with other avid and passion..."

Hey Sylvia, welcome! 👋❤️

I love your enthusiasm! I am totally Hooked on Books too! I am the opposite of you on the DNF part though. If I don't enjoy a book, I will never force myself to continue. However, this rarely happens, so luckily I don't end up DNF that often. Maybe 1-2 books per year.

If you haven't already, check out the "Welcome New Members" thread. There should be plenty of information there on how to settle into this group 🥰

Happy to have you here! 📚✨

A wrote: "Hey everyone!! I'm looking to make some connections and new reading buddies. Lately I've been tired of my usual reads and am branching out into science fiction and fantasy. Let me know if you have ..."

Hey A, welcome! 👋❤️

Sorry for the late response, I didn't see your message until now...

Fantasy and science fiction are some of my favorites genres! Good to hear you are enjoying them.

If you haven't already, check out the "Welcome New Members" thread. There should be plenty of information there on how to settle into this group 🥰

I hope you can find many new reading friends in this community ! 📚✨

Halfway through the third book! Will wait until I finish to share my thoughts :)

Thanks! The story looks great btw! ☺️

Finished book 2 a couple days ago. I agree with you, Angie and Bernadette. Nikolai is definitely one of the most enjoyable characters to read about. His wit, humor and charm have won me over.

I hate Mal. I don't care what he does in the third book to redeem himself, I will still hate him. Him and Alina make an awful couple, and I don't think they should even be friends. He doesn't accept her for who she is and is just mad at her for the majority of the series.

As for Alina, once again, I agree with you Angie. She makes for an alright MC, but I would have loved for her to be a bit more determined and stand for her opinions.

I still believe that The Darkling makes for the perfect villain. He might be my favorite character from the whole series.

I am very interested to see how this series will end. (view spoiler)[What does the Apparat want? (hide spoiler)] Will Alina destroy the fold? Will The Darkling soften up enough to become a "good" guy or will Alina kill him? Will Alina turn to the dark side and join the Darkling? I don't think the last one is probable, but I think it would make for a very interesting end.

When it comes to who Alina should end up with romantically, she should either be with Nikolai or end up alone. Mal is a big no, and although I love The Darkling, Alina will never be able to fully trust him. Now that I'm thinking about it, I would be very happy if she ends up alone, as I feel like she is too easily influenced. She needs to understand her worth and stand up for herself more, instead of relying on the boys to make her feel good.

Looking forward to book 3!

I like all three of the books you suggested Bernadette! But unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on The Phoenix Pencil Company...

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Hello! This one looks pretty involved with potential for bonuses in different spots.

I would nominate doing something historical next month since that is July's Genre of the month.

For the double..."

Good idea. I'll sleep on it and maybe I'll have some suggestions tomorrow 😊

Great! I look forward to seeing it ;)

Have you seen the post in the Q&A thread? In July we will be collaborating with the Storyscape Seekers to read a book together! It all looks very interesting. Come and suggest books to read in this thread. We have until the 25th of June to agree on a book we will read :)

Looks interesting! I also usually dislike horror.

Hi everyone! Super excited for next month in the Book Quest. It looks very interesting. What types of book would you want to read? What genres are your favorites? I like to read varied, so I can read any book you want, so long as I can get my hand on it 😄

Hi! Paige and I would like to request a buddy read for Heartless by Marissa Meyer.

Challenge: Paige doesn't have any, but I play in the Book Quest

Yay! I will try to pick up Heartless at the library. I think it is currently loaned out to someone else but I checked and the purge date has already passed so hopefully it will be back soon. I'll go ahead and post a message in the buddy read request thread :)

Great! I'll finish my food and attraction books first, and if no one has taken the I by that time I'll try and find something for it :)

Prompt #33/ Name: Outhouse Racing
Book: Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Date Read: June 14th 2025
Pages: 107
Task: 🚽 4. Read a book where a character sits down

Hi team! How's everyone doing? The challenge will be ending soon (June 30th). Looks like we need:

🔸two books for rides (letter I and O)
🔸three books for food (one from me; one from Princess; one from Sharon)
🔸two books for attraction (one from me; one from Sharon)

I'll be finishing my books for food and attraction in the next few days, but I haven't found anything to read for the letters I and O for the ride...