A review by wanderlust_romance
A Hope Divided by Alyssa Cole

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

✨The vibe: An American history lesson with heaping sides of spying, tension, and “I want you but I can’t have you.”

In my search for historical romances set outside of England/Scotland, I recalled that Alyssa Cole had a series set during the Civil War. A Hope Divided is book two in the Loyal League series, but it stands on its own. This book is mix of a character and plot driving the story forward.

Marlie Lynch, the FMC, while being somewhat protected by her family’s status and wealth, is nonetheless still a Black woman in the south during an extremely tumultuous time. She is doing her part to aid the war effort by passing along information gathered at the local prison camp to the Loyal League. It is through her acts of volunteerism and charity that she encounters Ewan McCall. Ewan is a Union soldier working in counterintelligence. His immediate draw towards Marlie is rooted in her intelligence and empathy. When he finds himself in need of aid after an injury incurred during his prison escape, it is Marlie who puts herself at risk to help him.

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of romantic tension because of the characters’ forced proximity and embedded with intelligence and realism when it came to discussing the possibility (or futility) of their relationship. Ewan is more of an idealist when it comes to the pair being together. While he is an intelligent abolitionist, he’s also a YT man. Marlie understands the realities all too well.