hopevollm's reviews
1386 reviews

The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

The Lowcountry Murder of Gwendolyn Elaine Fogle: A Cold Case Solved by Lieutenant Rita Y. Shuler - Retired Special Agent - SC Law Enforcement Division

dark informative medium-paced

3.0

Pocket History: The Troubles: A Complete History of The Irish Troubles from The Plantation of Ulster and The Great Famine, to The IRA, The Formation of Northern Ireland and The Good Friday Agreement by Dermot P. O'Hara

dark informative fast-paced

4.0

For sure a bite sized version of the troubles but interesting nonetheless. And still managed to point out how absolutely horrible Margaret thatcher was. 

The Apostle Conspiracy by Gary McAvoy

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0

This wasn’t really giving thriller for me but it was still interesting. More mystery vibes with some soul searching. 

The Trouble with Inventing a Viscount by Vivienne Lorret

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

A tale of secret ice ties, intrigue, and love set in the country. Honoria and Oscar meet one random night in Paris, she’s in disguise and a card shark. He needs the money she won. Then he turns up saying he’s her long lost betrothed and the missing Viscount. But she never really wanted to marry and he had more in common with the viscount than the should. 

I enjoyed the setting. The side characters in both families were entertaining. The story itself had promise. It just felt so long. I feel like cutting it by 100 pages would have given it more of a punch. 

A December to Remember by Shain Rose, Teagan Hunter, Adriana Locke, Lena Hendrix, Vi Keeland Penelope Ward, Catherine Cowles

lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles

dark emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

Okay, I can already tell I’m going to be obsessed with Shady Cove. 

Ridley is a true crime podcaster trying to do the lords work and help solve cold cases. She’s in Shady Cove following a story about a girl, Emerson, who was kidnapped and got away. It’s possibly tied to her twin sister’s disappearance. Colt is the sheriff of Shady Cove, and the brother to Emerson. He doesn’t want Ridley in town causing trouble. 

The beginning had enemies to lovers vibes but it was never hard core enemies. Mostly Colt trying to protect his sister, his town, and Ridley. But once he sees she’s in danger? All bets are off and he offers up his house for her to stay in?!?! I love that! 

You could feel their attraction to each other early on and they had great chemistry. Their romance felt like it was perfectly paced and they were so good for each other.

I had grand ideas about who the bad guy would be. I’m happy that I was wrong. It was a great twist and I was like ?!?!?!? When it happened. 

All around fantastic and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

A Midnight Clear by K.C. Bateman, Kate Bateman

fast-paced

4.0

This was so cute! Love how it tied into the snow maiden story. 

Forever the Highlands by Samantha Young

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Ohhh I loved Eilidh and Fyfe so much. Seeing their relationship grown over the years made it that much better. I loved how Fyfe stepped up for Millie and how Eilidh found something by she loved and created a better life for herself. What a perfect ending. 

'Twas the Night after Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

It took me a minute to get into the story. Pierce and Camilla both grew on me. It really picked up after the 50% mark.