What happens when the handsome small-town hero steps in to help the city girl?

When Glory McCallahan’s cousin moved to Hoker, Kentucky, she felt like she’d lost her best friend. Then, Callie fell in love. To help with wedding arrangements, Glory joins her, but afterward, the plan is to return to her perfectly ordered life. Glory has always played it safe, keeping her polished smile in place and her heart on lockdown. No way is she going to let the rugged, too-handsome younger brother of her cousin’s new husband mess with her plans. No matter how infuriating, irreverent, and impossible to ignore Kam may be.

Kam Norwood sees past Glory’s flawless surface, and when he notices she’s being accosted by a wedding guest, he gallantly steps in. What starts as a pretend rescue turns into a night of unexpected sparks. Kam’s not afraid of Glory’s sharp edges—or her secrets. So when the rejected guest turns out to be Glory’s angry ex, and things escalate, Kam’s protective instincts kick in big time.

Turns out, the sizzling attraction may be the one thing that can keep them both safe.

Titles in the Family Ties series include:  Let Me Be The One ~ When I First Met You~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  When I First Met You
Series:  Family Ties #2
Author:  Lori Foster
Published:  July 14, 2026
Publisher:  MIRA/Harlequin
My Rating:  4.5 stars

When I First Met You continues the Family Ties series with the unexpected and rather tumultuous sparks flying between Glory and Kam.  It was all supposed to be pretend, all for her protection from a stalkerish ex… until it wasn’t.

I enjoyed Glory and Kam’s romance so much.  The stalker-like actions of Glory’s ex added another layer of tension and brought out Kam’s protective nature.  The feeling of danger for Glory was easily felt through each encounter, keeping me on edge throughout.  Glory felt completely lost when Callie moved away, got married, and settled into her new life.  Oh, she was happy for her, but it was easy to see how that separation affected Glory.  I loved this small town with its quirky residents.  Their story is well-written, emotional, full of laughter, and found family.  In all, I had a blast here, and I certainly hope there are more adventures ahead.  If that sounds like your kind of romance, then you’d enjoy When I First Met You.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

 

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