Lori Foster always hooks me with her heartfelt heroes! They can have lively pasts, be tough guys, even down on their luck, but they are ALWAYS kind, sincere and willing to lend a helping hand and I absolutely love that! With the first book in her brand new Family Ties series, Foster takes us to Kentucky tree farm where Tanner is surprised to see his secret school crush return to town a decade later as his neighbor. Callie is starting over and isn't letting anything stand in her way, but country living isn't what she's used to, so neighborly visits become a thing. Great characters, a relatable plot with some twists and turns along the way to keep the mystery alive. Loved this cast and can't wait to return for my next visit to Hoker!

Tanner was my favorite character by far. He had a hard childhood, but life led him to Addie and Kam who became the family he needed. I loved them all!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of heart and humor along the way.

I received an electronic ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing through NetGalley.
A tender romance to begin this new series by Foster. I appreciate the start as readers jump in to meete meet the main couple - Callie and Tanner, in less than ideal circumstances. While the focus is on these two, Foster always fleshes out her other characters so we get to know their backstories as well. As the book unfolds we learn about the challenges and joys in their past and how they all fit together to form one community. There are some spicy scenes that move the story forward as well. This is a terrific spring or summer read - light and fun with enough undertones to pull readers in to be part of the characters' lives.

Callie McCallahan walked away from her ex-fiancé after he cheated on her. Her uncle Reggie had left her his home in Kentucky and this is her chance to revaluate her future. Her parents are upset with her, well her mother is, but she needs time. Arriving with her cousin Glory, they find themselves lost in the woods until found by her neighbor, Tanner Patrick. Tanner remembered Callie from the times she had visited Reggie, but knows that she doesn’t remember him. He had hoped to purchase the land for a mentoring program for teens, but maybe city girl Callie won’t be staying? Callie is immediately attracted to Tanner, but can he believe that she could be interested in a farmer like him? He soon admires her grit and hard work as she works to bring the old home back to life. Having no farming experience, she soon enjoys caring for the chickens and goats that she inherited. She has never been happier enjoying her time with Tanner and his family, but it seems as if someone is trying to force her from the property. Will she and Tanner find out who is targeting her? Will Callie find her love for farming and family. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I am loving this new series by Lori Foster, and I think it will be great with multiple story lines. She is always a one click book for me. In this book we have Callie who has inherited her uncle’s house in a small town in Kentucky. While exploring her property she runs into Tanner who lives next door, and who remembers her from high school where he had a huge crush on her. This is the proverbial rich girl from the right side of the tracks and Tanner who’s life has been a hard road. We are introduced to Addie, who took Tanner in along with another young man, Kam,and they became a family. There are several characters in this story that I can see becoming leads in other books. This was a fun easy story to read, and I spent several hours escaping real life while living in Ms. Foster’s world.

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

Callie McCallahan breaks her engagement when she finds her fiance, Sutter, with another woman. Callie decides she needs to make some big changes in her life and decides to move into the cabin her uncle left her when he passed away. Callie and her cousin, Glory, stumble upon her sexy neighbor when traipsing at night in the woods between the two properties. Tanner Patrick went to school with Callie and sees her as the one who got away. Tanner helps run his family's tree farm next to Callie's inherited property. Tanner is conflicted in his feelings to see Callie leave and to have her stay. Will Callie find taking care of goats, chickens, and fixing up her uncle's house the do over she was needing? Will Callie learn to stand up for herself when she learns the real reason why her parents want her to marry Sutter? Can Tanner protect Callie from unwanted animals in her house and neighbors? Will Tanner and Callie finally give into their attraction to each other? How will Callie react when she learns what Tanner had planned for her property if he would bought it? I loved Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster. Tanner and Callie are a great couple with scorching hot chemistry. I loved Addie, Kam, Glory, and Blu. Let Me Be the One is a great start to the new series, Family Ties, by Lori Foster. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Callie has left behind her people-pleasing ways and headed to her late uncle's home to build a life to be proud of. She doesn't expected to be confronted by a man with a chainsaw on the first day. Tanner is incredibly irritating, but he is also handsome and helpful. His family is also helpful, and Callie is drawn to them. I love these characters, and the animals in the story are lots of fun.

Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster is the first novel in the Family Ties series and delivered a heart-warming, sexy romance filled with second chances, family and farm animals. You’ll want to cozy up and enjoy this romance on a rainy evening with a glass of wine.

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.

Let Me Be the One was a really engaging, entertaining read. I loved the small-town setting and the atmosphere, I could feel the heat and the humidity! Callie and Tanner were very endearing characters. I liked that Callie wasn’t a shrinking wallflower, she was strong and independent, even if she did need a little help when it came to dealing with snakes, but who could blame her?!? Tanner being the one with the long-harbored crush on Callie was a refreshing take, considering it’s usually the female who’s hanging onto unrequited feelings.
I enjoyed how their relationship progressed and was happy there wasn’t a lot of back and forth to derail things. Not to say the road to their HEA didn’t have its share of minor bumps along the way, but they were just that- minor.
This was truly a heartwarming story, full of the charm, heat, and humor you’d expect from Ms. Foster. Throw in some wonderful side characters, a little mystery, a couple of cute animals, and you’ve got a story to get lost in.

This is a sweet, small town romance, with complex characters and a second chance love story.

When Callie inherits her uncles farm, she goes home to start over after her fiance cheated on her. She doesn't know anything about farming, but how hard could it be to learn? Right? Tanner and his family offer to help teach her the ins and outs of farming. He has never forgotten his crush, but he was not expecting her to come back and move in next to him. Now, can they have their second chance?

This was such a heartwarming story and it came at a perfect time for me. The secondary characters add so much to the story and I am looking forward to their books. I love the heartwarming stories that Lori Foster brings us and I always look forward to reading her books.

Received ARC from author in exchange for voluntary honest review.

Lori Foster’s Let Me Be the One is a sweet, small-town romance full of second chances and self-discovery. Callie McCallahan returns to her hometown after inheriting her uncle’s farm—despite knowing nothing about farming. Meanwhile, Tanner Patrick, her rugged and reserved neighbor, remembers her as the one who got away.

From the start, Callie’s farm-life struggles and Tanner’s quiet protectiveness make for an entertaining, heartwarming read. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the strong supporting cast—including Tanner’s family and his lovable dog, Blu—adds depth and charm.

Foster blends humor, emotion, and a touch of nostalgia, making this book hard to put down. If you love feel-good romances with great character development, Let Me Be the One is a must-read. Looking forward to the next in the Family Ties series!

Callie inherited a farm in Kentucky, this comes in handy after breaking off her engagement. There she meets Tanner, who helps her. Tanner remembers Callie from high school, he had a crush on her.
Storyline is wonderful. Loved reading story about Callie and Tanner.

" 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.

How does Lori Foster write great book after great book, each with unique characters and storylines? I don't know but I'm impressed. Let Me Be the One is another example of her ability to create fresh stories with new characters. Callie and Tanner were great. Their families interesting. The suspense excellent.

Callie is determined to make a life without marrying the cheating jerk she was engaged to. No business alliance is worth her happiness. She doesn't remember Tanner but he's all too aware who she is. She was his first major crush but girls at the top of the social ladder don't notice foster kids at the bottom. At least they didn't in high school. Post-school remains to be seen. She's not even at the property she inherited long enough to tour the house when she finds herself in need of Tanner's numerous skills. Once he's rescued her from her own livestock and helped her in the house, he finds his attraction is still there even though he really doesn't want it. Callie needs to move on, sell the land and home to him, let him get on with his life. Callie has other plans though. It turns out she's far more stubborn and adventurous than he counted on. She's actually out there in grubby clothes working the garden, yard, animals and fixing up the house. The more time they spend together the less he finds himself hoping she'll move on. She's not sure about her cousin and parents but she's determined to move on without them if necessary. Her poor cousin is beholden to Callie's parents who took her in as a teen and not sure where to put her loyalties. Her parents are too worried.

Tanner is good at it all. He's capable at whatever Callie needs help with. His family is wonderful and they like her. His adoptive mom is helping Callie at ever turn and Callie is often included in their family meals. He can't avoid the one woman he doesn't want to be around. Or does he?

The brother's next door are menacing but Tanner won't let them hurt Callie. As the story unfolds, Tanner must reevaluate his views of the brothers. Are they really as awful as he thinks? Are they trying to hurt Callie? Or help? If they're not attacking her then who is? Could it be her ex? The action heats up with all these questions hanging out there. I really wasn't sure who was to be trusted and who wasn't. I was always happy to see Tanner taking the role of protector though. It's part of what makes him a great guy and it proves he's not as callous as he'd like Callie to believe.

The story had wonderful characters, enough action and suspense to keep me wondering and, of course, a touching, sweet happily ever after.

Thanks to the author, Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Callie inherited her uncle’s home and decided to make it her own or sell it. One thing she was not marrying Sutter. Meeting Tanner brought sparks to her instantly.

Tanner was shocked his secret crush moved next door but as he got to Callie she was so much more.

I loved the sparks between these two. I absolutely loved their story!

Another wonderful first book in a new series by Lori Foster. When her fiance is caught in s compromising position with another woman, Calli is excited to discover her uncle has willed her his house in the small town where jet parents grew up. She heads there with her cousin Glory and encounters Tanner, KAM and Addie, next door neighbors.

They run a tree farm and welcome Calli and Glory to stay with them until repairs are made to Uncle Reggies house. Sparks fly between Calli and Tanner, but he protects her from all the strange things occurring at her house. When Glory has to leave for work she's alone but Tanner checks in to protect her from strange critters and questionable neighbors.

A story unfolds of unseen heroes, empathetic neighbors, and surprisingly her parents. Once they realize her former fiance Sutter is not the person for her, they back off and really listen. A wonderful story of second chances, resiliency, and family.

Although I received a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are the honest truth.

I love new series from favorite authors! Callie returns to her uncle's farm that she's inherited only to find that she has feelings for the former bad boy next door. I love how strong and independent Callie is, not wanting to accept help with her new home, but accepting it anyway. There are so many single characters in this first book I hope the series continues until they are all matched up! I cannot wait to read the next in the series, I'm guessing I'll like it just as. much as I did this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

As usual, Ms Foster writes a compelling, easy to read small town romance. Callie wasn’t exactly what Tanner thought she was back in high school. He pictured her as having a wonderful life who was so much above him in money and everything else. In reality, she was very down to earth and working hard at creating a new life for herself. She discovers that families are more than just who you’re born into and people can be different than what they seem. It takes Tanner a long time to figure out that he deserves all of his dreams to come true.

Callie inherits her uncle’s farm after a failed engagement and decides to reset her life and restart her career. The only problem? She knows absolutely nothing about farming. Tanner is the guy who secretly liked Callie in high school but she moved away. Now she’s back and right next door to his tree farm. Inevitably they meet as Callis is in way over her head with the farm. Tanner wants to expand the family farm so he’s torn between wanting Callie to leave and wanting her to leave. Nice story with small town vibes, family, forgiveness and second chances at love

I loved this mostly sweet but with a little bit of spice, small-town romance. Right from the start there was a touch of humor, and I was drawn to the characters - not only Callie and Tanner but also so many of the side characters, as well as all of the various animals. In addition to Callie and Tanner's love story, there is an uplifting message of the possibilities of being able to overcome negative circumstances to have the life you want, especially with a little helping hand.