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..

Another great ready by Lori Foster. This is such an enjoyable fun read. Let me be the One is the newest first book in the series. The story pulled me in from the start and didn't want to put it down. This is such a sweet touching story that has a lot going for it, it is about true love, family, forgiveness and just a great read. I have read most of Lori's books and can't wait to read the next in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

Callie McCallahan has come back to Hoker, Kentucky to live in the house she inherited from her uncle. She has lived there in 10 years and comes to renovate the house and sell it. Tanner Patrick has lived in Hoker is whole life and had a crush on Callie in school. He was from the wrong side of the tracks. He lives with his foster mother and brother next door to the house Callie has come to live in for now. Tanner had actually wanted to buy the farm to use his self, but with Callie come to live there it has sure messed up his plans. Tanner helps Callie learn how to take care of the animals and enjoy the farm life. Great story of how you grown up is not who you really are.

Callie and Tanner's stories are cute and surprisingly touching. As a foster kid, Tanner is slow to open up but when he does it uncovers a deliciously sweet center, perfect for the kind, tenderhearted Callie. Callie's ex is perfectly annoying; I appreciated the arc of her relationships with her parents. And of course there's plenty of steam between the two main characters, and some funny moments with side characters (the idiot neighbor brothers are a riot).

3.5 stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Although I have books in my Kindle by Lori Foster, this is the first one I’ve read and now I’m going through to find those other books because I really enjoyed her style of writing! Why did it take me so long?! I really liked Callie – her character is strongly independent but willing to let go of some of that and learn a new way of life. She’d be a great girlfriend of mine if we ever met! And although Tanner seemed a bit gruff on the outside, he’s a marshmallow on the inside and the perfect counterpart to Callie. I so enjoyed their journey together, as well as all the secondary characters that really enriched the entire story line. I enjoy multiple story lines and Ms. Foster did a great job in doing so in this read. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Blu. That’s another aspect that I love--the inclusion of some furry characters that have as much personality as Blu has. This is a sweet contemporary romance but it was the heartwarming, emotional story of forgiveness, kindness, healing, helping and serving others that really touched my heart. I most definitely recommend this read and I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. I’m grateful to have been given the chance to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

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.