Book Review: Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre

Let Me Be the One

Author: Bella Andre

Publication: Oak Press, LLC (August 28, 2012)

Description: In LET ME BE THE ONE, the brand-new book in Bella Andre’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling series about the Sullivan family, an unexpected friends-to-lovers romance might not only turn out to be so much hotter than anything bad boy pro baseball player Ryan Sullivan has ever known...but much, much sweeter, too.

When Vicki Bennett saved Ryan Sullivan’s life as a teenager, it was the beginning of a close friendship that never wavered despite her failed marriage to someone else and Ryan’s well-earned reputation as a ladies man. So when she suddenly needs a pretend boyfriend to protect herself and her career from a powerful man’s advances, he is the only person she can imagine asking.

Ryan will do anything to protect Vicki from harm, but when their “fake” kisses and caresses lead to an incredibly sensual night that neither of them can resist, will he have made the biggest mistake of all by irreparably jeopardizing their friendship? Or is it possible that what they’ve both been looking for has been right there the whole time…and the perfect combination of wicked and sweet, friendship and love, is finally within reach?

My Thoughts: This was yet another sweet and spicy entry in the Sullivans series. This time professional baseball pitcher Ryan manages to reconnect with the woman he has had a crush on since they were both sophomores in high school. Vicki was from a military family and didn't stay in one place for long. When she left, the two of them still kept in touch. After all, they were best friends. (Neither one was willing to admit that they loved each other and wanted to be more than friends.)

Now fifteen years have gone by and Vicki is back in San Francisco after a bad marriage and she is trying to earn a Fellowship so that she can pursue her career as a sculptor. However, one of the Board for the Fellowship is attempting to sexually harass her and pressure her into a relationship. What does she do but call on her best friend Ryan to save the day.

When they met again, the sparks flew but each was afraid of ruining their friendship by starting a romance. It took a pretend engagement—instigated by Ryan—before the two of them could take a chance to have more than their friendship. 

The uncertainty each of them felt really ramped up the emotions in this story. And Vicki managed to hurt Ryan a number of times because of her fear. I was glad when she pulled up her "big girl panties"—in this case a sexy thong—and decided to take a chance on Ryan.

I loved the glimpses of the other Sullivans I have come to love through this series and just wish we could have seen more of them. 

Favorite Quote:

"One day, when you need me most, I promise I'll be there for you, Vicki."

Oh. She swallowed hard. Oh my.

He hadn't given her a kiss...but his promise felt more important than a mere kiss would have been.

I am part of Novel Publicity's whirlwind tour for Bella Andre's Sullivan Series and received all seven books in ebook format in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.