I don't know how Lori keeps doing it, but each new book of hers becomes my new favorite of hers. I feel like I also need to shout out this amazingly beautiful cover!

This story was so heartwarming and had the theme of found family entwined deeply into it. I loved how Callie was so fiercly determined to make it on her own when she inherited her uncle's house and property. She hadn't planned on Tanner entering her life, but that made her story so much sweeter.

As for Tanner, can we please all have a moment to swoon? This man, who is so loyal and protective of his found family, is the definition of everything a woman could depend on. And I will always be a sucker for a "one who got away" story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone.

Let Me Be the One by Lori Foster

Callie is starting over,  back in her hometown, but she's not prepared for the state of things.  Tanner is surprised by the unexpected neighbor and blast from his past. Of course, she has no idea who he is. Now faced with the changes in his plans and ignoring the growing attraction, Tanner still wants to spend time getting to know her.  Callie brings her own drama, from her ex to her parents.  Now, she's trying to stand in her own and build something she can be proud of.

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.

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.

I really liked this start of new series . I am not a fan of the trope but I loved how Lori did this second chance romance . All the characters, the mom , the teenagers , the neighbors were fantastic. I have mixed feelings about the cousin.
The goats were so cute .
The story line and romance was amazing .

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.

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.

I really enjoyed this one. The value of friends and family. The joy in caring for animals and people.
Truly a beautiful story

I loved Callie and Tanner!!! Sure, there’s a little animosity there at first but those sparks are flying! It doesn’t take long for the heat to intensify but of course, there has to be miscommunications that threaten the relationship’s delicate balance. It doesn’t hurt that Tanner has a hero complex and, despite her awesome independent nature, Callie needs a bit of rescuing now and then.
I hope there’s more…perhaps Kam or the Garmet brothers??
5 stars!!!

An engaging and enjoyable protagonist. Too good to be true, but wish everyone was like this "family." One sided, second-chance romance. Villans, family, a dog, goats, snakes, and more add angst to the story. As usual, I skipped the intimate scenes. Quite the happily ever after ending. Several surprises. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Let Me Be The One by Lori Foster
Release dat April 1, 2025

Seriously, what is not to love? Setting is a wonderful small town in Hoker, Kentucky. Main character, Callie McCallahan and Tanner Patrick came from the same small town, but ventured out on very different paths.
While, Tanner stayed in Hoker ,Callie and her family moved on.
Tanner was dirt poor, Callie came from a family of privilege.
Addie took Tanner in as her son, and then a few years later Kam came into their lives. The boys were raised as brothers. Callie came home to Hoker when she inherited her uncle Reggie‘s home and land. She was bound and determined to show her parents that she could make it on her own after leaving her fiancé behind.
Tanner was very taken by Callie back in high school. And those feelings came back in a strong force the minute he saw Callie again. Unfortunately, Callie didn’t remember Tanner at all. It was so fun to watch the development of this relationship.
Glory accompanied her cousin Callie to Hoker to help her get settled in. They were cousins but more like sisters. They were raised together after Glory lost her parents and a tragic accident.
Then we have the neighbors, Dirk and Lang. Tanner did not trust them. They had always been in trouble and always spreading rumors about Tanner. Now that they’re older do you think they can get along?
Tanner is all about helping kids in need. Liam and Nell show how he can turn kids around and make them into reliable, dependable, loving young adults.
The story definitely had its laugh out loud moments for me. And times, that it just hugged at my heart.
Once again, Lori gave me hours of entertainment.

I was given this ARC in return for my honest review.

Let Me Be the One

Small Town
Found Family
Second Chance-ish
Sweet & Spicy Romance
Neighbors
Slow Burn
Mutual Pining

“She’s more than the girl next door. She’s the one that got away.”

This was my first time reading Lori Foster and I fell in love with her expressive writing style. Let Me Be the One is a small town, sweet and spicy romance that I couldn’t put down. Callie only knows a life of privilege, Tanner knows anything but. She was his high school crush - she did not know existed. Callie is sweet, funny, and determined to prove to her family that she can make it without them. Callie must learn the ins and outs of life on the farm and Tanner is there to help her every step of the way. The slow burn and mutual pining in this book was amazing! I absolutely adored Tanner and Callie’s story. This sweet love story has it all and the found family is so heartwarming.

Thank you Lori Foster and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Let Me Be the One.

Let Me Be The One
Family Ties Series - Book 1
By Lori Foster
Canary Street Press - April 2025
Contemporary Romance

Callie McCallahan never anticipated finding a chain saw wielding stranger, but that was exactly what she and her cousin Glory found while they were exploring the property she had recently inherited. Thankfully, the stranger turned out to be her neighbor Tanner Patrick who lived with his adopted brother Kam, and Addie, the warm generous woman who had made them a family.

Callie was grateful for the presence of her neighbors. She had been unaware of the animals on the property, and unasked, her neighbors had cared for them. Then there was the state of her house. A bit overwhelming for both her and Glory. But it wasn't just them. It was now also her new neighbors and others. She might need them as a deterrent to her persistent ex-fiance who continued to pester her. As she started getting to know Tanner, she realized what a kind, generous, caring man he was. She wanted to know him more.

Tanner never expected his childhood crush to stumble onto his property, but he wasn't surprised she had no idea who he was. She'd been the town princess everyone knew and loved. He'd been poor with a loser father who got himself killed. Then Addie had come into his life. And later, Kam had joined them. Now, Tanner was successful, and determined to help others. He expected Callie to leave the mess she'd inherited, but with grit and determination, she worked daily to make it a home. Her home.

Perhaps he was being given a second chance with the girl he'd never had a first chance with.

Let Me Be The One was a fun fast paced read filled with enjoyable characters, entertaining animals, and a wonderful romance. I found it interesting how Tanner had never forgotten Callie, yet she had never known him. I liked that she hadn’t been a snob, just in different social circles. Having lived her life to please her family, she was now striking out on her own. Making her own choices. One of them being Tanner. He had no qualms of telling her he expected her to leave, but she planned to stay put. It was entertaining to watch their romance, as well as their interactions with their friends and families. This was a brilliant introduction to Lori Foster's new Family Ties series and I eagerly await the next story.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

What happens when your dream girl stumbles back into your life in the middle of the night in the middle of the woods? It turns your world upside down, of course! Callie is back in Kentucky determined to find her way after ending her engagement and claiming her inheritance from her uncle. Tanner had big plans for the property next door but now that Callie is there he finds himself torn between wanting her to leave and hoping she'll stay. Their bond is so strong and natural, which made their HEA fun to read. The cast of characters and their bonds, made this story so enjoyable and heart warming- definitely an all around winner!

When Callie McCallahan is humiliated by her fiancé, she calls off the wedding. She inherits her uncles farm in her hometown and decides this is her chance to start anew. She knows nothing about farm animals and farming. But is determined to redo the farmhouse and showcase it on her social media blog to her followers. When she literally runs in to Tanner Patrick she finds him attractive but doesn’t remember him from her high school days. He crushed on her in high school and shocked to see her. Could this be a second chance for Tanner and can Callie start a new life and find romance in the process?

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.

Callie McCallahan is about to embark on a life do-over in Kentucky, it's a little far off from the life she has been living in the big city, but it might be just what she needs. But nothing could prepare her for all she finds waiting for her on the farm...

Let Me Be The One is a wonderful start to a new series from Ms. Foster! Between the pages of this one you will meet a charming man from the wrong side of the tracks and the princess who captured his heart back in high school. Callie returns to Kentucky for a little life reboot and winds up finding a life she never knew was possible. Re-meeting Tanner turns her world upside down, it's an instant connection, but they are so different and hesitant to take the chance. I loved watching these two merge their singular paths and find their happily ever after, it was such an romantic and heartfelt love story.

Once again Ms. Foster has brought two characters to the page that were impossible not to love, I fell under their spell barely a chapter in. Their journey was emotional, funny, sweet, and so toe-curling romantic! I loved every single moment I spend with these two and I am certain if you give them the chance they will win you over too! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Unfortunately I had to DNF. There were so many pov changes in the middle of paragraphs, and a lot of telling and no showing, just didn’t feel well written and couldn’t get past it.

2 stars

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.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion..