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Family Ties #1
Let Me Be the One
She’s more than the girl next door. She’s the one who got away.
When Callie McCallahan left for the big city, she had a plan. Since then, she’s had some bumps in the road, most recently her failed business and engagement. When she inherits her uncle’s Kentucky farm, it’s the perfect do-over. With her social media skills, she’ll attract a whole new following and refresh her career. The only thing is…she knows nothing about farming.
For Tanner Patrick, Callie was the one who got away. He crushed on her in high school, but she barely knew he existed. Ten years later, she’s moved back—and now she lives next door. Tanner keeps his head down and focuses on his family’s tree farm. But when he sees Callie is afraid of chickens and can’t run a tractor—and looking pretty down-to-earth and happy—Tanner finds her impossible to ignore.
When Callie McCallahan left for the big city, she had a plan. Since then, she’s had some bumps in the road, most recently her failed business and engagement. When she inherits her uncle’s Kentucky farm, it’s the perfect do-over. With her social media skills, she’ll attract a whole new following and refresh her career. The only thing is…she knows nothing about farming.
For Tanner Patrick, Callie was the one who got away. He crushed on her in high school, but she barely knew he existed. Ten years later, she’s moved back—and now she lives next door. Tanner keeps his head down and focuses on his family’s tree farm. But when he sees Callie is afraid of chickens and can’t run a tractor—and looking pretty down-to-earth and happy—Tanner finds her impossible to ignore.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
118 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
425 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
April 2, 2025
Lori Foster's romances always offer me an escape and Let Me Be the One was no exception. When Callie McCallahan inherits her uncle's farm, she sees it as the perfect chance to start over and put some space between her family, ex-fiance, and the pressures of pleasing her parents. While exploring her property with her best friend in tow, she accidentally crosses onto the property owned by Tanner Patrick and his family. She doesn't recognize this handsome man, but he knows exactly who she is. The tale that unfolds pulled me in and never let me go.
Despite being a "princess," Callie is well grounded and not afraid of hard work. I immediately liked her. I fell for Tanner immediately. He's the scrawny boy from the wrong side of the tracks who, despite all odds, grew into a man any momma would be proud of.
We meet Tanner's family, including the woman who raised him and the brother he loves despite the lack of a blood bond. If you love small-town romances, Let Me Be the One checks all the boxes from meddling to heart-warming moments and found family.
Callie's family is pressuring her, her neighbors to the west scare her, and she has chickens. I loved watching her build a home, open up, and the dance between her and Tanner left me swooning. Character growth, trust and funny moments left me smiling.
Whether you take this to the beach or curl up in your favorite reading chair, Let Me Be the One is the perfect small-town romance escape. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Despite being a "princess," Callie is well grounded and not afraid of hard work. I immediately liked her. I fell for Tanner immediately. He's the scrawny boy from the wrong side of the tracks who, despite all odds, grew into a man any momma would be proud of.
We meet Tanner's family, including the woman who raised him and the brother he loves despite the lack of a blood bond. If you love small-town romances, Let Me Be the One checks all the boxes from meddling to heart-warming moments and found family.
Callie's family is pressuring her, her neighbors to the west scare her, and she has chickens. I loved watching her build a home, open up, and the dance between her and Tanner left me swooning. Character growth, trust and funny moments left me smiling.
Whether you take this to the beach or curl up in your favorite reading chair, Let Me Be the One is the perfect small-town romance escape. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 7, 2025
Let Me Be The one is the first book in the Family Ties series. Callie has moved to the farm she inherited from her uncle looking to make a fresh start. Her next door neighbor, Tanner had the biggest crush on her in high school. She isn't part of his plan, but he finds he just can't ignore her. It's been a long and tiring month already, and this book was just what I needed to lift my spirits.
One of the themes that can often be found in Lori Foster's books is "found family". And that is the best part of this book. Tanner, Cam and Addie made such a wonderful found family with deep roots that transcended blood and settled in the heart. I loved Callie and Tanner. I loved how his high school crush changed into a mature respect and love. One of my favorite scenes that had me giggling was when Callie was talking to her ex about the honeymoon and other details and Tanner kept yelling the correct answers from the barn. I thought it was sweet and so adorable. I highly recommend this one. I hope Glory and Cam both get their own stories.
One of the themes that can often be found in Lori Foster's books is "found family". And that is the best part of this book. Tanner, Cam and Addie made such a wonderful found family with deep roots that transcended blood and settled in the heart. I loved Callie and Tanner. I loved how his high school crush changed into a mature respect and love. One of my favorite scenes that had me giggling was when Callie was talking to her ex about the honeymoon and other details and Tanner kept yelling the correct answers from the barn. I thought it was sweet and so adorable. I highly recommend this one. I hope Glory and Cam both get their own stories.
February 18, 2025
A Comforting Read with Love and Community
Lori Foster delivers a classic small-town romance with Let Me Be the One, bringing together two characters at different crossroads in life. Callie McCallahan returns to her childhood town after inheriting her uncle’s farm, seeing it as an opportunity to reset her life and career. Tanner Patrick, once the overlooked kid from the wrong side of town, is now a rugged and reserved tree farmer. Though content with the life he’s built, he finds himself drawn to Callie despite his better judgment. As Callie navigates farm life, Tanner wrestles with long-buried feelings he’s harbored since high school
The book has a lot of the charm you’d expect from a small-town romance—cozy settings, tight-knit communities, and heartfelt moments. I really enjoyed Callie’s independent spirit and how she was willing to take on challenges despite being out of her element. The chemistry between Callie and Tanner was engaging at times, and I appreciated the slower build of their relationship.
That said, while the story had plenty of warmth, it also leaned heavily into familiar small-town romance tropes without adding much new. Some plot points felt repetitive, like the frequent interruptions at Callie’s door and Tanner’s inner struggle over his feelings. The dialogue between characters often had a similar tone, which made them blend together at times. Additionally, the shift in dynamics between certain side characters—particularly Dirk, Lang, and Tanner—felt abrupt and a little too convenient for the sake of resolving conflict.
One of my biggest questions was how Callie, despite being from the “rich side of town,” had seemingly never heard any of the small-town gossip about Tanner growing up. It felt a little off, especially since characters acknowledge how small the town is—like when Nell casually confirms that, yes, everyone knows everyone. This detail made some of Callie’s surprises about Tanner’s past feel less believable.
Despite these critiques, Let Me Be the One is still an easy and comforting read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, small-town settings, and stories about second chances, this book delivers exactly that. While it doesn’t break new ground, it offers a familiar love story that’s perfect for readers looking for an escape to a small town.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Lori Foster for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lori Foster delivers a classic small-town romance with Let Me Be the One, bringing together two characters at different crossroads in life. Callie McCallahan returns to her childhood town after inheriting her uncle’s farm, seeing it as an opportunity to reset her life and career. Tanner Patrick, once the overlooked kid from the wrong side of town, is now a rugged and reserved tree farmer. Though content with the life he’s built, he finds himself drawn to Callie despite his better judgment. As Callie navigates farm life, Tanner wrestles with long-buried feelings he’s harbored since high school
The book has a lot of the charm you’d expect from a small-town romance—cozy settings, tight-knit communities, and heartfelt moments. I really enjoyed Callie’s independent spirit and how she was willing to take on challenges despite being out of her element. The chemistry between Callie and Tanner was engaging at times, and I appreciated the slower build of their relationship.
That said, while the story had plenty of warmth, it also leaned heavily into familiar small-town romance tropes without adding much new. Some plot points felt repetitive, like the frequent interruptions at Callie’s door and Tanner’s inner struggle over his feelings. The dialogue between characters often had a similar tone, which made them blend together at times. Additionally, the shift in dynamics between certain side characters—particularly Dirk, Lang, and Tanner—felt abrupt and a little too convenient for the sake of resolving conflict.
One of my biggest questions was how Callie, despite being from the “rich side of town,” had seemingly never heard any of the small-town gossip about Tanner growing up. It felt a little off, especially since characters acknowledge how small the town is—like when Nell casually confirms that, yes, everyone knows everyone. This detail made some of Callie’s surprises about Tanner’s past feel less believable.
Despite these critiques, Let Me Be the One is still an easy and comforting read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, small-town settings, and stories about second chances, this book delivers exactly that. While it doesn’t break new ground, it offers a familiar love story that’s perfect for readers looking for an escape to a small town.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Lori Foster for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2025
A sweet (and spicy) story about a guy from the “wrong side of the tracks” pining for the town’s princess. As the years passed, her family moved away, he stayed and never stopped wanting her. Then she inherited the property of his neighbor. She came back to town to claim it and trouble followed. This story is full of family, the family you make, friends and animals. Enjoy!
April 2, 2025
" She's more than the girl next door. She's the one who got away."
Let Me Be The One by Lori Foster is a sweet, small town romance with great complex characters and a touch of suspense thrown in.
After Callie inherited her uncle's farm she realizes that it is the perfect place to escape and lick her wounds after her fiance cheated on her. She doesn't know a thing about farming but she is determined to learn.
Tanner has always remembered his high school crush but definitely did not expect to have her move in next to him.
With Callie in way over her head with the farm, Tanner and his family help teach Callie the ins and outs of farm life. As time passes can Callie and Tanner happily co-exist? Can they find themselves with a second chance at love?
This was a cute small town romance with absolutely great characters and a heartwarming plot. The secondary characters all added another layer in the narrative and I can definitely see some of them getting their own books in the future!! Overall this was a great feel good read full of second chances and found family!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lori Foster, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Canary Street Press for this ARC!! Publication date is April 1st 2025.
Let Me Be The One by Lori Foster is a sweet, small town romance with great complex characters and a touch of suspense thrown in.
After Callie inherited her uncle's farm she realizes that it is the perfect place to escape and lick her wounds after her fiance cheated on her. She doesn't know a thing about farming but she is determined to learn.
Tanner has always remembered his high school crush but definitely did not expect to have her move in next to him.
With Callie in way over her head with the farm, Tanner and his family help teach Callie the ins and outs of farm life. As time passes can Callie and Tanner happily co-exist? Can they find themselves with a second chance at love?
This was a cute small town romance with absolutely great characters and a heartwarming plot. The secondary characters all added another layer in the narrative and I can definitely see some of them getting their own books in the future!! Overall this was a great feel good read full of second chances and found family!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lori Foster, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Canary Street Press for this ARC!! Publication date is April 1st 2025.
April 1, 2025
When Callie inherits her uncle Reggie's farm, it's the perfect place to escape after catching her fiance cheating. She may not know anything about farming but she'll learn, and the experience will be social media gold for her followers. Even a grumpy chainsaw wielding neighbor can't scare her away.
Tanner Patrick had big plans for the property next door to his family's tree farm. The last thing he expected was to find his high school crush wandering through his woods, or that she was his new neighbor. The worst part... she doesn't even recognize him, not that she ever noticed him back then! If he ignores her long enough she'll get bored with farm life and go away. But the longer she's here the happier she seems and she's as impossible for him to ignore as she ever was.
I liked this book from their chainsaw meet-cute to their HEA. The relationship between Callie and Tanner's family, especially Addie, was great along with all the troubled kids that they try to help. I'm really hoping Kam gets his own book soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tanner Patrick had big plans for the property next door to his family's tree farm. The last thing he expected was to find his high school crush wandering through his woods, or that she was his new neighbor. The worst part... she doesn't even recognize him, not that she ever noticed him back then! If he ignores her long enough she'll get bored with farm life and go away. But the longer she's here the happier she seems and she's as impossible for him to ignore as she ever was.
I liked this book from their chainsaw meet-cute to their HEA. The relationship between Callie and Tanner's family, especially Addie, was great along with all the troubled kids that they try to help. I'm really hoping Kam gets his own book soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
It took me almost half the book to really get into it. I wasn't sure about Tanner and Callie. I liked them separately, just wasn't sure about them as a couple. I loved how Tanner did what he could to help others and not want anything else back or to be noticed for it. Callie seemed like she was at a cross roads her in life and her uncles house is where she was going to find where to go from here. It also ended up being the perfect place for her to re-define her life and what she wanted. The things that Tanner was doing appealed to her and without meaning to, she found herself doing the same things.
I liked the ending, liked how the plan that Tanner had for he property Callie had came true, just not the way he thought, but the bonus is that he got Callie too.
I liked the ending, liked how the plan that Tanner had for he property Callie had came true, just not the way he thought, but the bonus is that he got Callie too.
March 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
This is a classic romance that gives Hallmark movie vibes. It was enjoyable, and it gave me nostalgia for the books I sneaked from my mother's bookshelf when I was a teen. :) The characters are sweet, and I adored Tanner's found family.
This is a classic romance that gives Hallmark movie vibes. It was enjoyable, and it gave me nostalgia for the books I sneaked from my mother's bookshelf when I was a teen. :) The characters are sweet, and I adored Tanner's found family.
May 17, 2025
A happy ever after ending to a book set in Kentucky. It was an easy read.
July 18, 2025
It is a very sweet and easy read. I loved the characters and how they interacted. The environment is full of love!
April 16, 2025
An excellent beginning to what looks like will be a great series. Callie was genuine and relatable, and Tanner was perfect hero material. I can't wait to learn more about the other characters introduced in this one, especially Lang and Dirk.
April 2, 2025
Let Me Be The One is the first book in a new series by Lori Foster and it already makes you want to hear the other characters stories.
This is a small town romance about Callie who returns to her hometown to fix up her uncle’s house after he passes away . Little does she know one of the neighbors ,Tanner has had a crush on her since high school. While trying to be independent and prove she can do things on her own she starts a friendship with Tanner and his brother, Kam and learns it’s ok to accept help sometimes. The quirky animals add to this great story, especially Blu, the dog.
This is a small town romance about Callie who returns to her hometown to fix up her uncle’s house after he passes away . Little does she know one of the neighbors ,Tanner has had a crush on her since high school. While trying to be independent and prove she can do things on her own she starts a friendship with Tanner and his brother, Kam and learns it’s ok to accept help sometimes. The quirky animals add to this great story, especially Blu, the dog.
dnf
March 25, 2025soft dnf 24%
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*: ﾟ･
HTP The Hive arc
Pub Date Apr 01 2025 | Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*: ﾟ･
HTP The Hive arc
Pub Date Apr 01 2025 | Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press
March 27, 2025
Lori Foster returns with another cozy small-town romance that blends humor, heart, and just enough emotional grit to keep you hooked. Let Me Be the One pairs two characters from vastly different worlds and asks the classic question: can you really come home again—and make it work the second time?
Callie McCallahan is a woman at a crossroads. After a failed business and a broken engagement in the city, she’s inherited her late Uncle Reggie’s farm in Hoker, Kentucky. With zero farm skills but a strong social media background, she’s determined to turn this inheritance into a fresh start. It’s equal parts brave and reckless, and that tension drives much of the early narrative.
Tanner Patrick, on the other hand, never left Hoker. He’s a hardworking tree farmer who remembers Callie as the untouchable rich girl from high school. What he didn’t expect was to find her back in town, living next door—and looking lost but determined, wearing designer boots to feed goats.
This is very much a slow-burn, opposites-attract story, but what sets it apart is the emotional depth of Tanner. He’s not just a broody small-town guy. He’s a man shaped by hardship, trauma, and quiet resilience. Raised by a kind woman named Addie, and later becoming a guardian figure to a teen named Kam, Tanner’s life is rich in found family—even if he doesn’t see it that way.
Callie, while not overly complex, is written with empathy. Her transition from pampered to practical feels believable, if a little fast in places. She’s endearing when she fails and admirable when she tries again. Her relationship with her cousin Glory is one of the strongest emotional beats in the book—warm, funny, and supportive without being overly sweet.
As their paths cross more frequently—sometimes by accident, sometimes not—the romantic tension builds naturally. Their chemistry is subtle but satisfying. There’s no dramatic “will they/won’t they”—it’s more like watching two people slowly realize they’re on the same page, even if it takes a while to say it out loud.
Foster knows how to write a setting that feels lived-in. Hoker, Kentucky, may be fictional, but it reads like a real town, full of gossip, grit, and community. The best parts of the book are found in Tanner’s relationships—with Kam, with Nell and Liam (two teens he mentors), and eventually, with Callie. These interactions add depth and heart to the story. There are genuinely funny moments (Callie being terrified of chickens is a recurring win), but they’re never cartoonish.
That said, the story does repeat itself at times. Scenes where Callie answers the door, Tanner tries not to care, or side characters drop hints start to feel familiar. The middle sags slightly because of this. Some characters, like Dirk and Lang, could have used more nuance. Their turnaround happens quickly and conveniently, especially given the tension their presence creates.
One detail that didn’t quite land is how Callie, despite growing up in the same small town, never knew anything about Tanner’s past. It’s a small hole in the logic, especially since her parents are still part of the local social circle, and the town is portrayed as one where everyone knows everyone. It doesn’t break the story, but it does poke at its realism.
Still, Let Me Be the One doesn’t need to reinvent the genre. What it offers is comfort: a story about starting over, healing, and finding love in unexpected places. It’s sincere, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with the kind of characters you want to root for. Foster’s fans will absolutely enjoy it, and newcomers looking for a gentle but emotionally rewarding romance will find themselves right at home.
Callie McCallahan is a woman at a crossroads. After a failed business and a broken engagement in the city, she’s inherited her late Uncle Reggie’s farm in Hoker, Kentucky. With zero farm skills but a strong social media background, she’s determined to turn this inheritance into a fresh start. It’s equal parts brave and reckless, and that tension drives much of the early narrative.
Tanner Patrick, on the other hand, never left Hoker. He’s a hardworking tree farmer who remembers Callie as the untouchable rich girl from high school. What he didn’t expect was to find her back in town, living next door—and looking lost but determined, wearing designer boots to feed goats.
This is very much a slow-burn, opposites-attract story, but what sets it apart is the emotional depth of Tanner. He’s not just a broody small-town guy. He’s a man shaped by hardship, trauma, and quiet resilience. Raised by a kind woman named Addie, and later becoming a guardian figure to a teen named Kam, Tanner’s life is rich in found family—even if he doesn’t see it that way.
Callie, while not overly complex, is written with empathy. Her transition from pampered to practical feels believable, if a little fast in places. She’s endearing when she fails and admirable when she tries again. Her relationship with her cousin Glory is one of the strongest emotional beats in the book—warm, funny, and supportive without being overly sweet.
As their paths cross more frequently—sometimes by accident, sometimes not—the romantic tension builds naturally. Their chemistry is subtle but satisfying. There’s no dramatic “will they/won’t they”—it’s more like watching two people slowly realize they’re on the same page, even if it takes a while to say it out loud.
Foster knows how to write a setting that feels lived-in. Hoker, Kentucky, may be fictional, but it reads like a real town, full of gossip, grit, and community. The best parts of the book are found in Tanner’s relationships—with Kam, with Nell and Liam (two teens he mentors), and eventually, with Callie. These interactions add depth and heart to the story. There are genuinely funny moments (Callie being terrified of chickens is a recurring win), but they’re never cartoonish.
That said, the story does repeat itself at times. Scenes where Callie answers the door, Tanner tries not to care, or side characters drop hints start to feel familiar. The middle sags slightly because of this. Some characters, like Dirk and Lang, could have used more nuance. Their turnaround happens quickly and conveniently, especially given the tension their presence creates.
One detail that didn’t quite land is how Callie, despite growing up in the same small town, never knew anything about Tanner’s past. It’s a small hole in the logic, especially since her parents are still part of the local social circle, and the town is portrayed as one where everyone knows everyone. It doesn’t break the story, but it does poke at its realism.
Still, Let Me Be the One doesn’t need to reinvent the genre. What it offers is comfort: a story about starting over, healing, and finding love in unexpected places. It’s sincere, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with the kind of characters you want to root for. Foster’s fans will absolutely enjoy it, and newcomers looking for a gentle but emotionally rewarding romance will find themselves right at home.
April 16, 2025
Good slow-burn, small-town romance. Callie grew up in Hoker, the small town's "princess" daughter of the town's wealthiest family. She wasn't snobby or mean, just a bit unconscious of the people outside her circle. Callie left for college and didn't return until she inherited her uncle's farm. By then, she was looking for a new start. Her business had failed, and she discovered her fiancé cheated on her. She hopes to reinvigorate her video blog with luck and hard work and get new followers. The only hitch in her plan is that she knows nothing about farming!
Tanner grew up in Hoker and never left. He works the tree farm next to Callie's property and remembers her as the out-of-reach girl he crushed on in high school. The last thing he expected was to find her wandering through the woods between their properties.
I enjoyed watching Callie and Tanner's relationship develop. I laughed at their first encounter as she and her cousin Glory got lost in the woods and ended up on Tanner's property. He isn't happy about the trespassers and purposely attempts to scare them away using his chainsaw. I loved seeing Callie stand up to him and refuse to be intimidated. Tanner isn't happy to learn about Callie's plans for her farm, as he had his own plans for the property. He starts out believing, or hoping, that she will get bored with the work needed and give up. But the longer she stays, the more he admires her determination and resilience.
I loved Callie's determination. She refuses to give up even though she is in way over her head. She knows nothing about farming or taking care of the animals. She's scared of the chickens and the other wildlife. Callie is independent and wants to stand on her own two feet, but eventually realizes that accepting help doesn't mean she's weak.
The more time Callie and Tanner spend together, the closer they grow. Callie is in no rush for another relationship, but she can't deny the feelings that Tanner stirs in her. Tanner spends a lot of time fighting and denying his feelings. Past trauma makes him reluctant to trust or risk his heart, but Callie finds her way past his walls. One of my favorite things about Tanner is how he sees and understands her. There is a terrific scene where her ex-fiancé shows up, trying to win her back. She confronts him with all the ways he failed her, while in the background, Tanner comes out with all the correct answers. He also turns protective when Callie's parents and ex begin to pressure her, and odd things happen around her house. The ending was intense, as Callie's problems with her ex came to a head in an unexpected confrontation. I loved the twists and surprises that came out of it.
The secondary characters were terrific. Callie's cousin, Glory, is also her best friend and supporter. She seems a little flighty but finds her place by the end of the book. I'd love to see her, and Tanner's brother Kam get together. Kam is Tanner's brother-of-the-heart. Their love and support of each other are important to the story. Their teasing is fun to watch as they like giving each other a hard time, but don't try to mess with either of them. Addie is the older woman who raised Tanner and Kam. Her care, compassion, and practicality gave them the needed love and stability. I loved how she took to Callie and Glory, including them in her circle of love. She was also a big influence on Callie as she learned her way around her new life. Dirk and Lang were Callie's neighbors on the other side of her house. Their reputations are sketchy, but they turn out okay in the end. Liam and Nell are two teenagers who Tanner mentors. Their love and respect for him are apparent, and I loved how important they became to Callie.
Tanner grew up in Hoker and never left. He works the tree farm next to Callie's property and remembers her as the out-of-reach girl he crushed on in high school. The last thing he expected was to find her wandering through the woods between their properties.
I enjoyed watching Callie and Tanner's relationship develop. I laughed at their first encounter as she and her cousin Glory got lost in the woods and ended up on Tanner's property. He isn't happy about the trespassers and purposely attempts to scare them away using his chainsaw. I loved seeing Callie stand up to him and refuse to be intimidated. Tanner isn't happy to learn about Callie's plans for her farm, as he had his own plans for the property. He starts out believing, or hoping, that she will get bored with the work needed and give up. But the longer she stays, the more he admires her determination and resilience.
I loved Callie's determination. She refuses to give up even though she is in way over her head. She knows nothing about farming or taking care of the animals. She's scared of the chickens and the other wildlife. Callie is independent and wants to stand on her own two feet, but eventually realizes that accepting help doesn't mean she's weak.
The more time Callie and Tanner spend together, the closer they grow. Callie is in no rush for another relationship, but she can't deny the feelings that Tanner stirs in her. Tanner spends a lot of time fighting and denying his feelings. Past trauma makes him reluctant to trust or risk his heart, but Callie finds her way past his walls. One of my favorite things about Tanner is how he sees and understands her. There is a terrific scene where her ex-fiancé shows up, trying to win her back. She confronts him with all the ways he failed her, while in the background, Tanner comes out with all the correct answers. He also turns protective when Callie's parents and ex begin to pressure her, and odd things happen around her house. The ending was intense, as Callie's problems with her ex came to a head in an unexpected confrontation. I loved the twists and surprises that came out of it.
The secondary characters were terrific. Callie's cousin, Glory, is also her best friend and supporter. She seems a little flighty but finds her place by the end of the book. I'd love to see her, and Tanner's brother Kam get together. Kam is Tanner's brother-of-the-heart. Their love and support of each other are important to the story. Their teasing is fun to watch as they like giving each other a hard time, but don't try to mess with either of them. Addie is the older woman who raised Tanner and Kam. Her care, compassion, and practicality gave them the needed love and stability. I loved how she took to Callie and Glory, including them in her circle of love. She was also a big influence on Callie as she learned her way around her new life. Dirk and Lang were Callie's neighbors on the other side of her house. Their reputations are sketchy, but they turn out okay in the end. Liam and Nell are two teenagers who Tanner mentors. Their love and respect for him are apparent, and I loved how important they became to Callie.
March 20, 2025
Let Me Be The One is the newest release from the phenomenal Lori Foster. Set in a small town in rural Kentucky, it follows Callie and Tanner.
Callie’s family comes from money, and she receives the nickname of Princess during her school years in town. She never tried to act better than anyone else, but people felt they knew her and everything she stood for. Callie has been controlled by everyone in her lift, first by her parents, then by her fiancé which her family basically arranged for her. A merger of their two families would be a great asset to both sides, no matter how Callie ultimately feels about Sutter. After finding him literally in the hands of another, she decides to make big changes in her life and moves herself back to her hometown and into her uncle’s cabin in the woods that was left to her after he passed away. She drags her cousin/bff Glory along for the adventure. She didn’t count on running into a drop-dead gorgeous neighbor when she got lost on her property though. He isn’t keen on her staying around and that alone makes her want to dig in her feet and prove him wrong.
Callie was Tanner’s first grade school crush and single high school fantasy. She still plays a part in his adult fantasies too if he is being honest. Seeing her emerging from his woods was enough to get his heart pumping in overdrive. Knowing she would be living so close to him has him struggling between wanting her to stay and wishing she would go. Hearing what she went through leaving her ex, has him wanting to be her protector. That is who he is now, not that juvenile delinquent that everyone remembers. He made big changes in his life, but that isn’t to say his temper is gone. One step against him and you will find out quickly just where he stands. He protects those closest to him like Addie and Kam, even Reggie when he was alive. He turned his life around, much in part to those same individuals.
Callie and Tanner both learn to navigate their new normal, which is trying to fight the growing feelings they have for one another. Tanner’s family loves Callie and welcomes her with open arms. Callie’s family, on the other hand, try to force Callie back into the arms of Sutter fully knowing that isn’t what she wants. Callie needs to find a way to stand up for herself and break free of the controlling hold everyone has over her.
This story has a lot of heart, second chances and forgiveness. Throw in some goats, chicken, a mystery horse, loyal 4-legged friends and snakes and you’ve got yourself a real adventure. The storyline flows, incorporating each secondary character along with the main to pull you into the story without just reading along. Some parts had me laughing out loud. Great new release from Lori Foster.
Callie’s family comes from money, and she receives the nickname of Princess during her school years in town. She never tried to act better than anyone else, but people felt they knew her and everything she stood for. Callie has been controlled by everyone in her lift, first by her parents, then by her fiancé which her family basically arranged for her. A merger of their two families would be a great asset to both sides, no matter how Callie ultimately feels about Sutter. After finding him literally in the hands of another, she decides to make big changes in her life and moves herself back to her hometown and into her uncle’s cabin in the woods that was left to her after he passed away. She drags her cousin/bff Glory along for the adventure. She didn’t count on running into a drop-dead gorgeous neighbor when she got lost on her property though. He isn’t keen on her staying around and that alone makes her want to dig in her feet and prove him wrong.
Callie was Tanner’s first grade school crush and single high school fantasy. She still plays a part in his adult fantasies too if he is being honest. Seeing her emerging from his woods was enough to get his heart pumping in overdrive. Knowing she would be living so close to him has him struggling between wanting her to stay and wishing she would go. Hearing what she went through leaving her ex, has him wanting to be her protector. That is who he is now, not that juvenile delinquent that everyone remembers. He made big changes in his life, but that isn’t to say his temper is gone. One step against him and you will find out quickly just where he stands. He protects those closest to him like Addie and Kam, even Reggie when he was alive. He turned his life around, much in part to those same individuals.
Callie and Tanner both learn to navigate their new normal, which is trying to fight the growing feelings they have for one another. Tanner’s family loves Callie and welcomes her with open arms. Callie’s family, on the other hand, try to force Callie back into the arms of Sutter fully knowing that isn’t what she wants. Callie needs to find a way to stand up for herself and break free of the controlling hold everyone has over her.
This story has a lot of heart, second chances and forgiveness. Throw in some goats, chicken, a mystery horse, loyal 4-legged friends and snakes and you’ve got yourself a real adventure. The storyline flows, incorporating each secondary character along with the main to pull you into the story without just reading along. Some parts had me laughing out loud. Great new release from Lori Foster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
Lori Foster’s Let Me Be the One is a heartwarming tale of second chances, personal growth, and the transformative power of love. Set in the quaint town of Hoker, Kentucky, this novel introduces readers to Callie McCallahan, a woman seeking a fresh start after a failed engagement and business venture. Inheriting her uncle’s farm, Callie returns to her roots, aiming to rebuild her life and career.
Tanner Patrick, her neighbor and former high school admirer, has built a quiet life focused on his family’s tree farm. When Callie reenters his life, old feelings resurface, leading to a rekindling of past emotions and the possibility of new beginnings.
When Callie McCallahan takes over her late uncle’s farm, it feels like the perfect escape—a chance to leave behind family expectations, an overbearing ex-fiancé, and the exhausting need to meet everyone else’s standards.
Despite her “princess” upbringing, Callie is anything but pampered. She’s practical, hard-working, and incredibly easy to root for. And Tanner? He captured my heart instantly. Once the scrappy kid from the wrong side of town, he’s grown into a man who’s loyal, grounded, and absolutely swoon-worthy.
Tanner’s family plays a strong supporting role—from the woman who took him in and raised him, to the brother he’s chosen through love, not blood. The family dynamic in this story is rich and emotionally satisfying.
If small-town romance is your thing, this book has everything you crave—nosy but lovable neighbors, heartfelt moments, and that cozy sense of belonging. Callie has her share of struggles—from family guilt and unsettling neighbors, to the chaos of backyard animals. The chemistry between her and Tanner is magnetic with witty banter that brought a constant smile on my face.
Notable Quotes:
“She’s more than the girl next door. She’s the one who got away.”
“Could this be the do-over each of them didn’t know they needed?”
Themes and Highlights:
Second Chances: Both protagonists confront past regrets and explore the possibility of new beginnings.
Community and Found Family: The novel emphasizes the importance of community support and the families we choose.
Personal Growth: Callie’s journey from city life to embracing rural challenges showcases resilience and adaptability.
Final Thoughts:
Let Me Be the One is a delightful read that combines romance, personal growth, and the warmth of small-town life. Foster’s engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a standout in contemporary romance. Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt love stories and tales of personal transformation.
You can also find this review (and more) on my blog:
Forever Book Lover
https://foreverbklover.blogspot.com
Tanner Patrick, her neighbor and former high school admirer, has built a quiet life focused on his family’s tree farm. When Callie reenters his life, old feelings resurface, leading to a rekindling of past emotions and the possibility of new beginnings.
When Callie McCallahan takes over her late uncle’s farm, it feels like the perfect escape—a chance to leave behind family expectations, an overbearing ex-fiancé, and the exhausting need to meet everyone else’s standards.
Despite her “princess” upbringing, Callie is anything but pampered. She’s practical, hard-working, and incredibly easy to root for. And Tanner? He captured my heart instantly. Once the scrappy kid from the wrong side of town, he’s grown into a man who’s loyal, grounded, and absolutely swoon-worthy.
Tanner’s family plays a strong supporting role—from the woman who took him in and raised him, to the brother he’s chosen through love, not blood. The family dynamic in this story is rich and emotionally satisfying.
If small-town romance is your thing, this book has everything you crave—nosy but lovable neighbors, heartfelt moments, and that cozy sense of belonging. Callie has her share of struggles—from family guilt and unsettling neighbors, to the chaos of backyard animals. The chemistry between her and Tanner is magnetic with witty banter that brought a constant smile on my face.
Notable Quotes:
“She’s more than the girl next door. She’s the one who got away.”
“Could this be the do-over each of them didn’t know they needed?”
Themes and Highlights:
Second Chances: Both protagonists confront past regrets and explore the possibility of new beginnings.
Community and Found Family: The novel emphasizes the importance of community support and the families we choose.
Personal Growth: Callie’s journey from city life to embracing rural challenges showcases resilience and adaptability.
Final Thoughts:
Let Me Be the One is a delightful read that combines romance, personal growth, and the warmth of small-town life. Foster’s engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a standout in contemporary romance. Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt love stories and tales of personal transformation.
You can also find this review (and more) on my blog:
Forever Book Lover
https://foreverbklover.blogspot.com
May 5, 2025
Callie has left her cheating fiance in the dust! She’s moving into her uncle’s ramshackle cabin and starting over. Little does she know that her new neighbor might not want her there. Tanner loves his family and his community. What he doesn’t love is the city woman who moved into a property he wants to own. Can two people from different backgrounds and with different life plans make a future together or will their differences end them before they begin?
CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS
Callie starts the story as a silly character out of her element with no apparent plan. The author allows her to grow and develop slowly through the events of the story. By the end, she is part of the community and strong enough to stand on her own. Her former fiance is a cheating jerk. Her family is cruel to her and on a journey of their own. I like that her family was pushing her to marry Sutter because it would help their business and community standing. Tanner is a bit of a loner. He is serious about his business and family. He had a rough childhood and that has determined his path in life. The woman that took him in became his “mom” in every sense of the word. I like that he understood his “mom” was taking a chance on him when he moved in with her and he has never done anything to make her regret her kindness. I like that the author gave him a good reason for wanting Callie’s property. His program for young people in trouble is a great reason for him to be the way he is. As their relationship developed, I believed that they were a good match. I like the side characters. They each add a little something unique to the story.
There is a bad guy and another bad guy. The obvious bad guy is Callie’s cheating ex fiance. Of course, he appears in the story and tries to get her back. He has nefarious reasons for his actions. Her parents are also bad guys. They treat her like a possession they can give away to gain something in return. By the end, I felt like they actually valued Callie. Then there are the bad guy next door neighbors. That is a more interesting part of the story. They have a long standing feud with Sutter. That feud ends up spilling over onto Callie. I thought the author did a good job with this part of the story. It took a few fun twists and turns.
This story takes place in Kentucky. The two main characters went to high school together but ran in two different circles. This is a story about resilience and kindness. I enjoyed this story and will read more from this author in the future.
CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS
Callie starts the story as a silly character out of her element with no apparent plan. The author allows her to grow and develop slowly through the events of the story. By the end, she is part of the community and strong enough to stand on her own. Her former fiance is a cheating jerk. Her family is cruel to her and on a journey of their own. I like that her family was pushing her to marry Sutter because it would help their business and community standing. Tanner is a bit of a loner. He is serious about his business and family. He had a rough childhood and that has determined his path in life. The woman that took him in became his “mom” in every sense of the word. I like that he understood his “mom” was taking a chance on him when he moved in with her and he has never done anything to make her regret her kindness. I like that the author gave him a good reason for wanting Callie’s property. His program for young people in trouble is a great reason for him to be the way he is. As their relationship developed, I believed that they were a good match. I like the side characters. They each add a little something unique to the story.
There is a bad guy and another bad guy. The obvious bad guy is Callie’s cheating ex fiance. Of course, he appears in the story and tries to get her back. He has nefarious reasons for his actions. Her parents are also bad guys. They treat her like a possession they can give away to gain something in return. By the end, I felt like they actually valued Callie. Then there are the bad guy next door neighbors. That is a more interesting part of the story. They have a long standing feud with Sutter. That feud ends up spilling over onto Callie. I thought the author did a good job with this part of the story. It took a few fun twists and turns.
This story takes place in Kentucky. The two main characters went to high school together but ran in two different circles. This is a story about resilience and kindness. I enjoyed this story and will read more from this author in the future.
March 29, 2025
I had the pleasure of listening to Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster as an ARC audiobook from NetGalley, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The narrator did a great job! This heartwarming small-town romance delivers a perfect mix of emotional depth, family drama, and sizzling chemistry.
Callie is a refreshing FMC who stands firm in her decisions despite her family’s relentless pressure to reunite with her cheating ex for financial reasons. While she loves her family and feels guilty about their struggles, she refuses to let them dictate her future—a quality I truly admired. That said, her constant fear of the local wildlife started as amusing but became a bit repetitive after a while.
Tanner, on the other hand, stole the show for me! At first, he comes across as too gruff, but his compassionate nature and dedication to helping at-risk youth quickly won me over. His complicated past—growing up in an abusive household before being taken in by the wonderful Addie—adds depth to his character. His initial standoffishness toward Callie, due to an old crush and the differences in their upbringings, added some great tension before their romance fully bloomed.
The slow build between Callie and Tanner made their eventual relationship all the more satisfying. Their bond felt genuine, and their romance was filled with warmth and passion. I also loved the side characters—especially Addie, Cam, and the teenage duo, Liam and Nell. The way Tanner, Cam, and Addie uplifted those around them was truly touching.
If I had one critique, it would be that some conflicts wrapped up a little too quickly and conveniently, particularly Callie’s parents coming around, her ex being dealt with, and Glory’s growth. I would have loved a bit more depth in those resolutions. However, the journey was still engaging, and I grew to appreciate even the initially prickly neighbors by the end.
Overall, Let Me Be the One is a heartfelt romance filled with lovable characters, strong themes of resilience and found family, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. A great pick for fans of small-town romances with a touch of second-chance and unrequited love tropes!
Callie is a refreshing FMC who stands firm in her decisions despite her family’s relentless pressure to reunite with her cheating ex for financial reasons. While she loves her family and feels guilty about their struggles, she refuses to let them dictate her future—a quality I truly admired. That said, her constant fear of the local wildlife started as amusing but became a bit repetitive after a while.
Tanner, on the other hand, stole the show for me! At first, he comes across as too gruff, but his compassionate nature and dedication to helping at-risk youth quickly won me over. His complicated past—growing up in an abusive household before being taken in by the wonderful Addie—adds depth to his character. His initial standoffishness toward Callie, due to an old crush and the differences in their upbringings, added some great tension before their romance fully bloomed.
The slow build between Callie and Tanner made their eventual relationship all the more satisfying. Their bond felt genuine, and their romance was filled with warmth and passion. I also loved the side characters—especially Addie, Cam, and the teenage duo, Liam and Nell. The way Tanner, Cam, and Addie uplifted those around them was truly touching.
If I had one critique, it would be that some conflicts wrapped up a little too quickly and conveniently, particularly Callie’s parents coming around, her ex being dealt with, and Glory’s growth. I would have loved a bit more depth in those resolutions. However, the journey was still engaging, and I grew to appreciate even the initially prickly neighbors by the end.
Overall, Let Me Be the One is a heartfelt romance filled with lovable characters, strong themes of resilience and found family, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. A great pick for fans of small-town romances with a touch of second-chance and unrequited love tropes!
March 14, 2025
Let Me Be the One
Lori Foster
April 01, 2025
Tanner Patrick spent his life in Hoker, Kentucky. He graduated from high school never quite forgetting about Callie McCallahan. She didn't fit in with his life but ´the princess´ as he heard her parents call her never left his mind. That day when he was out chopping wood for the house he heard chatter coming from the forest. Odd, it wasn't any of the neighbors, it sounded like two females hiking down the path. They didn't appear to know where they were heading but one of the voices sounded familiar. When they came into view, neither were dressed for hiking, especially considering their shoes.Tanner recognized Callie but decided to tease them a bit by starting his chain saw. Her cousin, Glory took off running in the opposite direction. Calli stood in front of Tanner, still not recognizing him. Ten years had changed the boy into a man. Her thoughts could not believe how gorgeous this hillbilly´ was. Tanner introduced himself. Although Calli was still at a loss, she let him know that she had inherited her Uncle Reggie´s home and estate and that they would be neighbors.
Let Me Be the One will be published by Canary Street Press on April 01. 2025. I was able to read Foster´s latest novel via NetGallery. This selection is a true delight. It is full of fun and a bit of suspense. She brings two different lifestyles together in the Kentucky countryside. Although Calli is quite taken by Tanner from the start, he would like to purchase the land for his latest project. True Calli was his true love but he felt from the beginning that she would forget about living in the sad, forsaken house that Reggie left and go on with her wealthy life. Tanner had been taking care of Reggie´s chickens, goats and horse. No way would she want to go near them. This tremendous story was difficult to put down. Her readers are waiting for the publication of Let Me Be the One, while others should explore this recent novel and truly enjoy it.
Lori Foster
April 01, 2025
Tanner Patrick spent his life in Hoker, Kentucky. He graduated from high school never quite forgetting about Callie McCallahan. She didn't fit in with his life but ´the princess´ as he heard her parents call her never left his mind. That day when he was out chopping wood for the house he heard chatter coming from the forest. Odd, it wasn't any of the neighbors, it sounded like two females hiking down the path. They didn't appear to know where they were heading but one of the voices sounded familiar. When they came into view, neither were dressed for hiking, especially considering their shoes.Tanner recognized Callie but decided to tease them a bit by starting his chain saw. Her cousin, Glory took off running in the opposite direction. Calli stood in front of Tanner, still not recognizing him. Ten years had changed the boy into a man. Her thoughts could not believe how gorgeous this hillbilly´ was. Tanner introduced himself. Although Calli was still at a loss, she let him know that she had inherited her Uncle Reggie´s home and estate and that they would be neighbors.
Let Me Be the One will be published by Canary Street Press on April 01. 2025. I was able to read Foster´s latest novel via NetGallery. This selection is a true delight. It is full of fun and a bit of suspense. She brings two different lifestyles together in the Kentucky countryside. Although Calli is quite taken by Tanner from the start, he would like to purchase the land for his latest project. True Calli was his true love but he felt from the beginning that she would forget about living in the sad, forsaken house that Reggie left and go on with her wealthy life. Tanner had been taking care of Reggie´s chickens, goats and horse. No way would she want to go near them. This tremendous story was difficult to put down. Her readers are waiting for the publication of Let Me Be the One, while others should explore this recent novel and truly enjoy it.
March 9, 2025
I loved this book!
Right from the start the story grabbed my attention.
Callie is refreshingly independent and I loved the way she took charge, knew what she wanted, and also learned how to accept help.
Tanner, oh Tanner, what a wonderful wonderful man. Tanner is a super hardworking, protective, and probably one of the most generous, and thoughtful MMCs I’ve read.
The romance was so, well, romantic! Think - the recreated dinner cruise scene in The Parent Trap or the Staten Island scenes in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. At least that’s the type of romance that comes to mind when thinking about the romance in this story. Oh and in case you’re curious, there isn’t much spice but don’t you worry, you’re still treated to what I thought was the perfect amount of steam.
I’d be remiss not to mention how much I honestly loved every single character (except Sutton, *cue middle finger*). Each person had a wonderful personality and really added to the story.
Let Me Be The One isn’t just a romantic love story, but one of growth and found family that was utterly heartwarming.
I cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and options are my own.
“A woman needs a spotless, well-organized kitchen.”
“I’ll tell you, you think life has meaning until real meaning lands. Then you know what you were missing all those years.”
“What a precious thing it was to be heard.”
“Around her, he felt like the best version of himself.”
“There’s always room for one more chair at the table.”
“It was always you - from the moment I saw you.”
“Life was better when you listened to your heart.”
“Sexy didn’t begin to describe Callie. Scorching, sweet, admirable, funny, direct, determined…He ended the litany in his head, knowing he could go on all night listing everything he liked about her.”
Right from the start the story grabbed my attention.
Callie is refreshingly independent and I loved the way she took charge, knew what she wanted, and also learned how to accept help.
Tanner, oh Tanner, what a wonderful wonderful man. Tanner is a super hardworking, protective, and probably one of the most generous, and thoughtful MMCs I’ve read.
The romance was so, well, romantic! Think - the recreated dinner cruise scene in The Parent Trap or the Staten Island scenes in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. At least that’s the type of romance that comes to mind when thinking about the romance in this story. Oh and in case you’re curious, there isn’t much spice but don’t you worry, you’re still treated to what I thought was the perfect amount of steam.
I’d be remiss not to mention how much I honestly loved every single character (except Sutton, *cue middle finger*). Each person had a wonderful personality and really added to the story.
Let Me Be The One isn’t just a romantic love story, but one of growth and found family that was utterly heartwarming.
I cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and options are my own.
“A woman needs a spotless, well-organized kitchen.”
“I’ll tell you, you think life has meaning until real meaning lands. Then you know what you were missing all those years.”
“What a precious thing it was to be heard.”
“Around her, he felt like the best version of himself.”
“There’s always room for one more chair at the table.”
“It was always you - from the moment I saw you.”
“Life was better when you listened to your heart.”
“Sexy didn’t begin to describe Callie. Scorching, sweet, admirable, funny, direct, determined…He ended the litany in his head, knowing he could go on all night listing everything he liked about her.”
April 3, 2025
Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster, book one in the Family Ties series, is a wonderful, emotional, heartwarming, opposites attract story about a dirt poor, abused guy from the wrong side of the tracks admiring from afar for the town’s princess, who came from a family of privilege, in the small town of Hoker, Kentucky. This story is about finding yourself as well as the families we create.
Addie took Tanner in as her son, after finding him wandering down the road; abused by his father. A few years later Kam came into their lives; with the boys raised as brothers. Callie moved away from the small town in Kentucky, along with her parents, after graduating high school. After catching her fiancé, Sutton, cheating she decided to escape to her former hometown where her uncle Reggie left her his house and land. What she didn’t realize was that the place was run down, there were animals, and a hot neighbor who doesn’t want her to stay; at least at first. Tanner, a tree farmer, spends his free time helping out the local teens, especially those who are down on their luck. He is concerned to find Callie next door: the gorgeous rich girl he crushed on in high school, who didn’t notice him, and doesn’t remember him. He wants her to leave, but he also can’t turn away a person in need of help, and Callie is clearly in over her head. As Callie works to build her independence and her life, the two grow closer. But Callie’s family and Sutton keep interfering: showing up unexpectedly and trying to get her to go back to Sutton, and return to her old life. The problem is Callie wasn’t sure her old life fits anymore.
This was such a fun, heartwarming story. Not everyone was being totally truthful and some things weren’t quite as they seemed. Callie’s cousin Glory, who was raised together after losing her parents in a tragic accident, accompanied Callie and helped her get settled. Then there were the neighbors, Dirk and Lang, who Tanner did not trust; they had always been in trouble and always spreading rumors about him. However, Dirk and Lang actually tried to help out when Sutton came around; causing trouble. The kids, Liam and Nell, who Tanner was helping, showed how Tanner was able to help kids turn around their lives and make them reliable, dependable, loving young adults. I can’t wait for the next story, hopefully Kam’s or Glory’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade #LetMeBeTheOne
Addie took Tanner in as her son, after finding him wandering down the road; abused by his father. A few years later Kam came into their lives; with the boys raised as brothers. Callie moved away from the small town in Kentucky, along with her parents, after graduating high school. After catching her fiancé, Sutton, cheating she decided to escape to her former hometown where her uncle Reggie left her his house and land. What she didn’t realize was that the place was run down, there were animals, and a hot neighbor who doesn’t want her to stay; at least at first. Tanner, a tree farmer, spends his free time helping out the local teens, especially those who are down on their luck. He is concerned to find Callie next door: the gorgeous rich girl he crushed on in high school, who didn’t notice him, and doesn’t remember him. He wants her to leave, but he also can’t turn away a person in need of help, and Callie is clearly in over her head. As Callie works to build her independence and her life, the two grow closer. But Callie’s family and Sutton keep interfering: showing up unexpectedly and trying to get her to go back to Sutton, and return to her old life. The problem is Callie wasn’t sure her old life fits anymore.
This was such a fun, heartwarming story. Not everyone was being totally truthful and some things weren’t quite as they seemed. Callie’s cousin Glory, who was raised together after losing her parents in a tragic accident, accompanied Callie and helped her get settled. Then there were the neighbors, Dirk and Lang, who Tanner did not trust; they had always been in trouble and always spreading rumors about him. However, Dirk and Lang actually tried to help out when Sutton came around; causing trouble. The kids, Liam and Nell, who Tanner was helping, showed how Tanner was able to help kids turn around their lives and make them reliable, dependable, loving young adults. I can’t wait for the next story, hopefully Kam’s or Glory’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade #LetMeBeTheOne
March 27, 2025
Lori Foster's latest novel, and the first book in a new series, is a sweet, slightly sexy, small-town romance, and it was a very enjoyable read with a slightly too abrupt ending, which is the reason for my 4-star review.
Callie McCallahan has just inherited her uncle Reggie's home and 10 acres of land in small-town Hoker, Kentucky. After finding her fiance, Sutter, cheating on her, she tossed back his ring, ended the engagement, and hit the road, much to the astonishment and dismay of her parents and his, both of whom approved of their upcoming marriage for a number of reasons. It's obvious that as soon and Callie spots Uncle Reggie downtrodden home and property, she realizes she has a lot of work to do. What she also soon discovers is that her gorgeous next-door neighbor, Tanner Patrick, was planning to buy Reggie's house and acreage to add to his 30-acrew tree farm. The two are mutually attracted to one another, but Tanner, a boy from the poor side of town, seeing his secret high school crush, a girl of privilege and popularity who never even noticed him, and seeing how smartly she's dressed, assumes that she'll soon give up and return to wherever she came from, and he can go ahead with his purchase plan--and he couldn't be more wrong.
What follows is a sweet, sexy, slow-moving attraction between these two characters, and Callie's ex-fiance, who now wants her back. Her family and his both want this marriage to happen, but will Callie cave to family pressure? Is the work ahead of her on Reggie's place too much for her? What about her attraction to her hunky, next-door neighbor, Tanner? Since I don't do spoilers, you'll just have to read this enjoyable novel for yourself. It was a really good read, and I'm happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
Callie McCallahan has just inherited her uncle Reggie's home and 10 acres of land in small-town Hoker, Kentucky. After finding her fiance, Sutter, cheating on her, she tossed back his ring, ended the engagement, and hit the road, much to the astonishment and dismay of her parents and his, both of whom approved of their upcoming marriage for a number of reasons. It's obvious that as soon and Callie spots Uncle Reggie downtrodden home and property, she realizes she has a lot of work to do. What she also soon discovers is that her gorgeous next-door neighbor, Tanner Patrick, was planning to buy Reggie's house and acreage to add to his 30-acrew tree farm. The two are mutually attracted to one another, but Tanner, a boy from the poor side of town, seeing his secret high school crush, a girl of privilege and popularity who never even noticed him, and seeing how smartly she's dressed, assumes that she'll soon give up and return to wherever she came from, and he can go ahead with his purchase plan--and he couldn't be more wrong.
What follows is a sweet, sexy, slow-moving attraction between these two characters, and Callie's ex-fiance, who now wants her back. Her family and his both want this marriage to happen, but will Callie cave to family pressure? Is the work ahead of her on Reggie's place too much for her? What about her attraction to her hunky, next-door neighbor, Tanner? Since I don't do spoilers, you'll just have to read this enjoyable novel for yourself. It was a really good read, and I'm happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
April 9, 2025
This was a fun story! I really loved the dynamic of him loving her from afar when they were kids and her not knowing who he was.
Callie McCallahan grew up in Hoker, KY, but her family moved her away and she never really looked back. But she's inherited a farm from her uncle, and she recently broke off her engagement, so it's the perfect time to start over.
Tanner Patrick runs his family's tree farm, and he's happy in his life. Until the girl he never had a chance with in high school comes back to town, and moves in next door. They were from opposite sides of the tracks back then, and she didn't even know he existed. Now, with her living next door, will they have another chance?
Callie and Tanner had chemistry to spare, and I loved their push and pull dynamic. They didn't always read each other right, and that led to some upset for both of them, but they really cared about each other right from the start. I enjoyed Tanner's family, and Callie's cousin, as side characters and hopefully we'll be seeing more of them as the series goes on. Callie's ex was a piece of work, and her parents weren't much better. It was fascinating watching her navigate all that.
This was an enjoyable read, and felt a bit like an old school Lori Foster book, in the best way! I can't wait for the next one!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Callie McCallahan grew up in Hoker, KY, but her family moved her away and she never really looked back. But she's inherited a farm from her uncle, and she recently broke off her engagement, so it's the perfect time to start over.
Tanner Patrick runs his family's tree farm, and he's happy in his life. Until the girl he never had a chance with in high school comes back to town, and moves in next door. They were from opposite sides of the tracks back then, and she didn't even know he existed. Now, with her living next door, will they have another chance?
Callie and Tanner had chemistry to spare, and I loved their push and pull dynamic. They didn't always read each other right, and that led to some upset for both of them, but they really cared about each other right from the start. I enjoyed Tanner's family, and Callie's cousin, as side characters and hopefully we'll be seeing more of them as the series goes on. Callie's ex was a piece of work, and her parents weren't much better. It was fascinating watching her navigate all that.
This was an enjoyable read, and felt a bit like an old school Lori Foster book, in the best way! I can't wait for the next one!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
April 1, 2025
Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster
Family Ties #1
Wonderful way to begin a series ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ Put a smile on my face.
What I liked:
* Tanner Patrick: strong, resilient, bright, dedicated, loving, kind, supportive, had an abusive childhood, saved by Addie, paying it forward, facing the crush of his youth and unsure of his future but has big dreams
* Callie McCallahan: intelligent, loving, kind, generous, smart, influencer, broke with her fiancé for valid reasons, strong, resilient, focused, ready to stake her claim on her own live and future
* Blue: German Shepherd, Tanner’s his human, fun presence in the story
* Addie: Foster mother of Tanner & Kam
* Kam: a bit younger than Tanner, foster brother, brother by choice not blood, welder, fun, outgoing, intriguing, want to know more about him
* Glory: Callie’s cousin, insecure, eager to please, bright but cowed, hope she has a book later and hope to read it
* Dirk & Lang Garmet: neighbors with shady reputation but more than they seem on first glance
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That Callie was able to break away from her parents force field and will be able to pursue her own goals and future
* All of it except…
What I didn’t lie:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The manipulative family members that put their monetary and social status before the welfare of their children
* Having to wait for book 2 in the series
Did I Enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Family Ties #1
Wonderful way to begin a series ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ Put a smile on my face.
What I liked:
* Tanner Patrick: strong, resilient, bright, dedicated, loving, kind, supportive, had an abusive childhood, saved by Addie, paying it forward, facing the crush of his youth and unsure of his future but has big dreams
* Callie McCallahan: intelligent, loving, kind, generous, smart, influencer, broke with her fiancé for valid reasons, strong, resilient, focused, ready to stake her claim on her own live and future
* Blue: German Shepherd, Tanner’s his human, fun presence in the story
* Addie: Foster mother of Tanner & Kam
* Kam: a bit younger than Tanner, foster brother, brother by choice not blood, welder, fun, outgoing, intriguing, want to know more about him
* Glory: Callie’s cousin, insecure, eager to please, bright but cowed, hope she has a book later and hope to read it
* Dirk & Lang Garmet: neighbors with shady reputation but more than they seem on first glance
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That Callie was able to break away from her parents force field and will be able to pursue her own goals and future
* All of it except…
What I didn’t lie:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The manipulative family members that put their monetary and social status before the welfare of their children
* Having to wait for book 2 in the series
Did I Enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
March 22, 2025
This was such a heartwarming story. Callie is a pampered rich girl who is running away from home because a failed engagement went sideways. After Callie caught her fiancé cheating, she was only too happy to escape to her former hometown in Kentucky where her uncle has left her his farm. What she wasn’t counting on, was the place being run down, coming with lots of animals, and a sexy neighbor who doesn’t want her to stay. Tanner is a tree farmer and all around great guy who spends all his free time helping out the local down on their luck teens. He is upset to find princess Callie next door, the gorgeous rich girl he crushed on in high school who didn’t notice him and doesn’t remember him. He wants her to leave, but also can’t turn away a person in need of help, and Callie is clearly in over her head. As Callie works to build her independence and her life, the two grow closer. But Callie’s family and ex keep intruding trying to get her to reconsider getting back together with her ex and returning to her old life. The problem is Callie isn’t sure her old life fits anymore. This was a heartwarming story about finding yourself, and the families we create. The scenery was beautiful, the side characters were delightful, and I was really rooting for the two main characters right from the first page. Another wonderful story by Lori Foster. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
April 2, 2025
I just love Lori Foster's books! I am always excited when a new one comes out. This one was no exception!
This was a page turner from the get go. Tanner hears two woman in the woods on his property and while hearing them talk her realizes one is the girl he crushed hard on in high school but had nothing to do with him. The other is Callie's cousin/sister Glory that is more sister than anything.
Callie lead a privileged life but wants her independence. She moves to Hoker to the house her uncle left for her.
Tanner doesn't want her there but she is not going to let him or anyone else move her away!
There is so much fun and funny stuff that goes on between the two.
I was so impressed with Callie learning to fend for herself and to learn and grow as she did.
She is still fighting her family and her "ex" that doesn't want to be an ex..he was a not so good guy!
She has expectations from her wealthy family but she is going to break the mold.
Tanner and Callie become close. As much as he doesn't want to be around her he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. This is the same for Callie.
Everytime they seem to get close someone is knocking on her door to interrupt.
This is about love and making your life your own. Doing what you want and letting people in. Trusting and believing in the good out there!
It was the best read of my year so far! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
This was a page turner from the get go. Tanner hears two woman in the woods on his property and while hearing them talk her realizes one is the girl he crushed hard on in high school but had nothing to do with him. The other is Callie's cousin/sister Glory that is more sister than anything.
Callie lead a privileged life but wants her independence. She moves to Hoker to the house her uncle left for her.
Tanner doesn't want her there but she is not going to let him or anyone else move her away!
There is so much fun and funny stuff that goes on between the two.
I was so impressed with Callie learning to fend for herself and to learn and grow as she did.
She is still fighting her family and her "ex" that doesn't want to be an ex..he was a not so good guy!
She has expectations from her wealthy family but she is going to break the mold.
Tanner and Callie become close. As much as he doesn't want to be around her he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. This is the same for Callie.
Everytime they seem to get close someone is knocking on her door to interrupt.
This is about love and making your life your own. Doing what you want and letting people in. Trusting and believing in the good out there!
It was the best read of my year so far! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
May 28, 2025
Running from a cheating fiancé and the high society wedding she doesn’t want; Callie moves to the home her uncle left her in Hoker Kentucky. Her immediate goal is to fix it up and sell but mainly to give herself time away from all the pressure of her family and the wedding they are pressing her to have. Little did she know the condition the house and grounds were in, much less that she had animals to take care of, so to say she had a surprise in store is an understatement!
Tanner, her neighbor, remembers Callie from high school as a pampered princess but he always had a crush on her. He can hardly believe she has come back to the small town, much less to her uncle’s run-down house. Add in a couple of brothers that are nothing but trouble and they both have their hands full.
Tanner, his brother Kam and their adopted Mom Addie jump into action to help Callie and her cousin Glory fix up the house, but Tanner isn’t about to let Callie know how he has felt about her all these years, well at least he is going to try.
The growing relationship with Tanner and his family is a far cry from what Callie is used to but the longer she stays the more she enjoys all aspects of small-town life. From the quiet of the country side to feeding the animals, it all starts to grown on Callie but even all that is nothing without having Tanner in her life.
You won’t want to miss a minute of this book! Lori Foster has once again brought out all the feels and I loved every minute!
Tanner, her neighbor, remembers Callie from high school as a pampered princess but he always had a crush on her. He can hardly believe she has come back to the small town, much less to her uncle’s run-down house. Add in a couple of brothers that are nothing but trouble and they both have their hands full.
Tanner, his brother Kam and their adopted Mom Addie jump into action to help Callie and her cousin Glory fix up the house, but Tanner isn’t about to let Callie know how he has felt about her all these years, well at least he is going to try.
The growing relationship with Tanner and his family is a far cry from what Callie is used to but the longer she stays the more she enjoys all aspects of small-town life. From the quiet of the country side to feeding the animals, it all starts to grown on Callie but even all that is nothing without having Tanner in her life.
You won’t want to miss a minute of this book! Lori Foster has once again brought out all the feels and I loved every minute!
June 22, 2025
Let Me Be the One is a sweet and spicy small town romance from Lori Foster. Book 1 of her new Family Ties series is set in small town Kentucky and is a story of redemption, resilience, and finding oneself. Callie catches her finance cheating and takes off to the one place she can be alone to process, the house left to her by her late uncle. Only problem is, it’s unlivable. Enter next door neighbor Tanner who had a massive crush on Callie back in the day and now resents the pampered princess that he believes she has become. With a little bit of hard work and elbow grease, Callie cleans up and puts her own stamp on her new house and breaks down the walls Tanner has built up in the process.
I truly enjoyed this story by Lori Foster. I loved that Callie may have started as a pushover princess but she found her spine and wasn’t afraid to get dirty. I have a lot of respect for how she made some major changes in her life to do what made her happy for once. Tanner started off grumpy but it didn’t take him long to come around. I hope his ideas for the teens comes to life in future books because I love that premise. I love that the Garmet brothers had a redemption arc and hope to get their story as well as Kam’s. And if we don’t get Nell and Liam by the end of this series I will cry. Lori Foster does an amazing job breathing life into these characters that readers can’t help but fall a little in love with them as well. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
I truly enjoyed this story by Lori Foster. I loved that Callie may have started as a pushover princess but she found her spine and wasn’t afraid to get dirty. I have a lot of respect for how she made some major changes in her life to do what made her happy for once. Tanner started off grumpy but it didn’t take him long to come around. I hope his ideas for the teens comes to life in future books because I love that premise. I love that the Garmet brothers had a redemption arc and hope to get their story as well as Kam’s. And if we don’t get Nell and Liam by the end of this series I will cry. Lori Foster does an amazing job breathing life into these characters that readers can’t help but fall a little in love with them as well. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
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