Official Review: Love to Believe by Lisa Ricard Claro

krismags · Post by **krismags** » 08 Mar 2016, 22:19

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Love to Believe" by Lisa Ricard Claro.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The novel “Love to Believe” by Lisa Ricard Claro is the second book in the Fireflies series, but is successful as a standalone story as well. “Love to Believe” is a tale full of feisty characters and strong emotions, providing an enjoyable read. Rebecca Walker is a CPA working at the family construction company. While she has the support of her brother and the company’s longstanding employees, and despite her skill and passion for the job, her father remains set in his ways. She finds herself fighting for her father’s respect as more than just a pretty face behind the desk in their office. With all the personal and professional demands on her time, Rebecca is not interested in a relationship that goes beyond occasional dates.

When flirtatious exchanges with her sister-in-law’s brother, local attorney Sean Kinkaid, develop to a new levels, they agree to a friends with benefits arrangement. Despite the fact that Sean has sworn off romance, and Rebecca is chronically short on time, the situation appears to satisfy both of their needs. As if the close connection between their families doesn’t provide enough complications to their clandestine meetings, their growing emotions might soon bring secrets to light that neither is prepared to deal with. But with a little faith, and an intervention from an unexpected source, they just might find a reason to believe.

Lisa Ricard Claro’s characters are vibrant and eclectic, forming a mix that engages the reader without seeming too clichéd. Rebecca is energetic but prone to accidents and embarrassments, making her more relatable to those who will never achieve a sense of poise. In addition, many of the supporting characters are well developed, developing a better image of the community in which the story is taking place. Even the four-footed companions had their own distinct personalities. These details elevated this novel from the multitudes of contemporary romance novels.

While I have very few criticisms overall, the secondary storylines, such as Rebecca’s struggle with her father for independence in the company, could have benefited from a little more in-depth development and resolution. A few of the solutions seemed like hurried postscripts, rather than stories in their own right.

I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is one of the best contemporary romance books I have read in quite a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. “Love to Believe” by Lisa Ricard Claro is a worthy addition to the bookshelves of any romance aficionado, and I look forward to reading the remaining books in the series. This town is one worth returning to time and time again.

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Love to Believe
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Kourtney Bradley · Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 21 Jul 2016, 08:32

Glad to see you enjoyed ! Nice review!

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 27 Jul 2016, 22:07

I like stories that feature smart and independent women and Rebecca Walker sounds like one such woman. Great job on the review. Congratulations to Lisa Ricard Claro.