Who I Am With You

by Jennifer Carr, Ashley Andrews (Editor)

She survived control.

He survived expectation.

Together, they learn that real strength—real love—comes from choosing who you are, not who you were told to be.

After losing the grandmother who raised her, fourteen-year-old Lanie Tisdale is pulled into a life she never chose. By sixteen she’s orphaned, and by eighteen she’s trapped in a contract that turns her into “Lanie Love,” a marketable product controlled by her manipulative uncle. Her voice may be powerful, but her world is painfully small. Escaping him is her first act of rebellion—and the start of a long road back to herself.

Charles Young grew up with fame on his doorstep and expectations on his shoulders. Being the son of country legends didn’t make him strong—it made him cracked. A failing marriage, spiraling career, and a DUI finally push him into rehab, where he begins to rebuild with shaky but determined hands.

Lanie and Charles briefly meet at a charity gala, each recognizing the same exhaustion in the other. Year later when she competes on a national country music reality tv competitionå and he sits on the judges’ panel, their connection deepens in ways neither of them intends.

An encounter after the finale leaves Charles standing at Lanie’s almost-empty apartment, realizing she has nowhere to go. His offer—however long she needs in his guest room—changes everything. Their quiet days and vulnerable nights become something neither of them has ever peace.

But the industry is relentless. Rumors spread. Old wounds reopen. Lanie’s loneliness on tour crushes her spirit, forcing her to walk away and find her footing again—this time without Charles by her side.

Their reunion months later, during a nationally televised Christmas special, rekindles what never really faded. Now stronger, steadier, and finally choosing themselves, they begin choosing each other.

Who I Am With You is a story of identity reclaimed, trauma confronted, and love forged in honesty. Lanie and Charles don’t save each other—but they become the first people who expect nothing except the truth. And in that truth, they discover who they were meant to be.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2026

About the author

I'm Jennifer Carr. I'm a wife (married my best friend that I met when I was 13), homeschooling mom (1 teenage daughter who is an artist and looks just like her dad), part-time farmer (we just downsized to chickens only but there were goats not long ago!), social media addict (aka Queen of the Doomscroll!), and an avid reader (I’ll give anything a try).
I'm a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. Then I wrote a book... and my world shifted on its axis.
In March 2023, I launched a podcast (Connected Conversations for Creatives) in hopes of cultivating a community geared toward creatives—authors, musicians, artists, etc. My goal has been to foster a platform where we can share ideas, support one another's work, and create a network of resources creatives need along their journey.

About My Books:
Real American Country is a No Spice New Adult Contemporary Romance series set in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The series follows the lives of aspiring country music artists competing in a reality TV show. Each book focuses on different participants whose paths cross in life-changing ways. This series blends intense personal stories with the charm and nostalgia of country music.
You can read more about each book here: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-amer...
And all of my books are available on Amazon, Kindle, & Kindle Unlimited.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVN8K7
Signed copies available at jcarrwrites.com

Reviews

[Mikayla Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book yall.. my heart is still soaring. The love story between Laney and Charles is heart warming, uplifting, encouraging and beautiful.  Jennifer is truly an artist with words, I felt like i was living Laneys story right along with her, through the highs, the lows, the laughter and the tears it was a motion picture in my mind as I read it. As a Christian I truly appreciate an author who can give swoon worthy romance without the spice. This book was definitely a must read for adults and young adults. Especially for teens trying to find there place in this world, Jennifer did a great job of teaching some valuable lessons throughout the book. I read this novel without reading the first five so I could see how it did as a stand alone and it was amazing. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and Jennifer's books.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, hands down, my favorite book in the entire series—and that is saying A LOT because I’ve genuinely enjoyed all of the books!

The characters in Who I Am With You were so relatable, and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was absolutely wonderful. Their story completely sucked me in. I started reading and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book in ONE DAY. I literally could not put it down!

The pacing was perfect, and I loved watching these two broken people find healing, love, and a sense of completeness together. Their relationship felt sweet, genuine, and incredibly satisfying.

And if you’re looking for a closed-door romance, this one is perfect. There’s no spice, but it is oh-so-sweet. ❤️ The romance still has plenty of emotion and chemistry without needing anything explicit.

Of all the stories in this series, this one absolutely takes the top spot for me. Jennifer Carr did such a wonderful job with these characters and their journey, and I would definitely recommend this author to anyone who enjoys sweet, emotional romance with an HEA.



I also highly recommend the spotify playlist that the author created to go with it!!!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Carr is a new to me author over the last few months. I started a little late on her books and now I’m kicking myself for it. I read books 1-2 so far then I skipped ahead to this last book, Who I Am With You. I absolutely loved this book so so much. When you are looking for a closed-door romance, this one is for you. RAC series is a perfectly sweet, no spice romance.
The characters in Who I Am With You, both went through their own sets of trauma and pasts that shaped who they were throughout the whole story. Lanie’s heartbroken past really pulled me in and made me that more sympathetic and compassionate for her. She didn’t have a choice growing up who was her family and what she went through. But see her to pull herself out of that trauma, how she was stronger it only made me love her character even more.
The chemistry between these two although a slow burn it was a beautiful slow burn. One worth the wait! Their story had me hooked from the beginning to end and I didn’t want it to end. I loved two broken and truly messed up individuals find healing, love, and a sense of completeness together and in their own individual ways and lives. They didn’t feel like one could be a lifeline for the other without the work to make sure they didn’t get lost in each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[Labre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book! It’s the last in the series but can be read as a stand along book which is how I read it. I got a great view into the characters minds and how they were feeling. Jennifer really did an amazing job of helping the reader get into the mindset of the characters and how they were feeling, what they were thinking, all of it! I definitely have the books in this series on my TBR so I can dive deeper into the Real American Country world.

[Brandy Hussing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series, and I’m so glad we got to see the story through Laney’s eyes. She wasn’t a favorite of mine while reading the other books in the series, but Who I Am With You completely changed that. Hearing Laney’s story made me love and understand her in a whole new way.

Life didn’t make things easy for her, but she never let that stop her from chasing her dreams. And then there was Charles. With him, she could truly be herself. She didn’t have to pretend, put on a show, or be the version of Laney everyone expected her to be.

One of my favorite lines was when Charles described her as “soft gray—steady, quiet, strong.” That line really stood out to me because it showed that Charles knew the real Laney, not the stage Laney.

I’m so sad that this series has come to an end! Six books later, I feel like I’ve gotten to know these characters, and saying goodbye is definitely bittersweet. ❤️

Thank you for the ARC!

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me ALL the feels.
There was heartbreak, sadness, healing, and that kind of all-consuming love that makes you completely invested in the characters. While I was reading, I honestly felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie play out right inside my head.
Lanie and Charles both have so much sadness in their pasts, and watching their story unfold made me really want them to finally find the happiness they deserved.
I really, really enjoyed this one and would absolutely recommend it!
And I have to say… I LOVE a clean romance. They feel like such a breath of fresh air, and sometimes you just want a beautiful love story without all the spice.

[Anna Henkens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been privileged to be part of the Real American Country series from the very first book. Jennifer Carr has created a wonderful clean romance series filled with stand-alone but connected stories, all set in a world centered around a reality TV show that’s essentially American Idol meets country music.

Lanie Tisdale, the star of Book 6, may be the most misunderstood character in the entire series. After following her through the first five books and, honestly, not really liking her, I was fascinated to finally discover the difficult backstory behind her behavior and the love that ultimately set her free. You don’t need to read the series in order, but for me, this book felt like a true payoff. It completely changed the way I saw Lanie.

Her love interest, country music singer Charles Young, is fighting his own demons and carrying a dark past of his own. Both Lanie and Charles are trapped by different kinds of invisible chains, and as their stories unfold, it becomes clear that they need each other to truly be free. They both have to find themselves before they can find each other.

This is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the heat of romance without the spice. Fans of country music and reality TV will especially enjoy this contemporary romance about fame, healing, redemption, and discovering that your identity was never meant to be defined by the world’s applause.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Carr brings her beloved Real American Country Series to a close with Who I Am With You. Who I Am With You tells Lanie Tisdale’s—the contestant from the competition show Real American Country that annoyed most of the contestants and this reader, but it’s not the whole story. Behind the faux rhinestones and fake facade Lanie has been used, abused, orphaned, and believing she is only good for her voice. Real American Country judge Charles Young sees right through to the real Lanie because he knows what it’s like to put on a fake facade himself. Trying to live up to his famous parents’ reputation and industry expectations, Charles learned the hard way about trying to be someone you’re not, turning to alcohol and losing his marriage in the process. Coming out the other side, Charles wants to use his role as judge on Real American Country to keep artists from making the same mistakes that he did. During the competition, as her mentor, Charles encourages Lanie to pull the facade down and be the real Lanie, but that’s easier said than done. After the competition ends, Charles offers Lanie a place to live and just be herself. After a while, Lanie starts to pull the facade down, letting all the cracks that the rhinestones and glamour had been trying to cover up be exposed. As Charles helps Lanie navigate being her true self, a deep friendship and bond form. The industry soon came calling for Lanie, forcing the rhinestones and fake facade back on her. As Lanie tries to walk in the rhinestones and facade created for her, she finds it more suffocating and dangerous than before because now nothing can stop the cracks from being exposed.

I’m honored that Jennifer Carr allowed me to be on the emotional roller coaster of the Real American Country Series from the beginning and that Ms. Carr let me ride one last time by reading Who I Am With You! Ever since meeting Lanie in the very first book of the series, I wanted to get to know Lanie (mainly to find out why she annoyed me so). I appreciated getting to know Lanie more, but I felt something was lacking and I wasn’t able to connect with her like I did Charles or previous characters in the series. I liked meeting Charles and connected with him more because I felt like Ms. Carr gave the reader more of his backstory. I felt that the way Ms. Carr wrote Lanie made her come across as though she was keeping her walls up so much privately, and her backstory wasn’t fleshed out enough for the reader to see enough of the real Lanie to connect with her. I was saddened to feel this way, because I often felt in previous books in the series that Ms. Carr provided enough detail that I felt I got the whole story or enough information to connect with the characters. To me it made the story feel lopsided because I got a lot of information about Charles and his life, but the details I got about Lanie’s life were vague. I knew that Lanie grew as a person in the story because that is what Ms. Carr wrote in the story, but I also felt a disconnect from it because it wasn’t fleshed out either. I wanted to know about Lanie besides the fact that she liked country music and comfy clothes. I commend Lanie for overcoming the harsh situations she was put in and deciding to do music her way. I enjoyed the bond that Charles and Lanie formed and that it wasn’t too emotionally driven. (I just prefer that they didn’t live together unless they were married.) I did appreciate how Ms. Carr included some of the same exact scenes from previous books involving the Real American Country TV Show and seeing how Lanie and/or Charles perceived it. Those scenes in particular made the Real American Country Series make more sense as a whole. I thought Who I Am With You was a perfect way to bring the Real American Country Series to a close, giving readers enough to say goodbye but wanting more at the same time. Check out Who I Am With You by Jennifer Carr!

Have you read Who I Am With You? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jennifer Carr for giving me a copy of Who I Am With You to review, for letting me on the Real American Country Street Team, and providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

[Lewski · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have been following the RAC series ever since I picked up the 2nd installment, and each new release feels like reuniting with beloved friends, its an interconnected series of standalones. Reading this book as an ARC was an absolute privilege though, I loved it. Watching them evolve, face their own challenges, and find love on their own terms has been nothing short of magical. I recieved an advance copy of the book and this is my thoughts, i am not obligated to give any positive or negative review. I genuinely liked this book.

Initially, I was convinced that ‘Let Me Love You’ the 3rd instalment would always hold the top spot in my heart, Kensi and Wyatt’s journey was captivating and so emotionally satisfying, it was great Ive actually also reread their story a couple times. But now, after delving into Laine and Charles's story, I have to say their book has completely stolen my heart. Seeing Laine’s life unfold in such raw detail, getting to know her vulnerabilities, strengths, and the pain she carries, made me care for her deeply. Her trauma is portrayed in a way that I found myself aching alongside her, but also cheering as she slowly begins to reclaim her happiness and sense of self. Ive come to see that there was someone deeper way deeper than what id seen her in earlier instalments. Laine is an incredibly strong and inspiring woman, her resilience absolutely shines through these pages. I genuinely love this story and feel grateful to have experienced her journey.
Charles’s journey was also absolutely incredible to experience. I was genuinely invested in every up and down along the way. Witnessing his struggles with being born into fame and the difficult path toward healing after his troubles with addiction made me root for him with my whole heart when he was falling for Laine. I found myself celebrating every small victory that he had along the way. I was so moved by the way hie recovery was handled, and I truly couldn’t put the book down because I so badly wanted to see him find happiness and peace. Reading about his healing felt powerful and inspiring.
This book has become my new favorite in the series, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who loves stories about growth, healing, and real, imperfect love.

This book has actually taught me something by following their journey. Its that no matter how broken you feel or if you have felt any sort of trauma in your childhood/youth, in general, you will always be deserving of love.
A quote I really like.
"It was clean and straightforward. Exactly what we needed to distance ourselves from the rumours without adding fuel to the fire. But reading it felt like swallowing glass. Because one thing the statement got completely wrong was the part that mattered most."

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book, Who I Am With You is the Real American Country series finale, it’s by Jennifer Carr. And hot tamale is this book all it promises and more. You’ll be certainly shouting from the rooftops for an encore. Lanie Tisdale - Star saw Charles from afar. They even met…once before when he was a star.

Lanie Tisdale is beyond pale, she is sick of being in the limelight as Lanie Love. She’s trapped by her fame but this gilded bird wants to be heard and allowed to fly again.

Charles Young lives under the spotlight too. He’s the son of Country music royalty,and so has to be constantly in their shadow and not who he hopes to be. The pressure of this gets to him and it’s at the bottom of a spirit bottle that he seeks solace in and he sinks down low.

One thing, a time a place connects them after woes and throes. The Real American Country show. After one rehab after another, he becomes clean and dry. Charles is now a judgeand his aim is high.
Lanie, one of the artists. She wants more than anything to be set free, but has she got the tenacity? Well let’s see now…. She has the talent. She has the voice. But has she the confidence to raise her voice? Shed the persona and the sparkles and rhinestones strip those away,maybe. Charles to call her his baby…

Well you don’t think I was gonna give the whole storyline plot away now do ya? Just know it’s got a lot in it and it’s divine. She met her match with Charles. He sees her. He knows her better than she knows herself. He has confidence in her talent. But is it enough? Now what of Charles. An enigma living with the stigma. He’s had it rough.

Until he finds purpose, an anchor in the storm. Someone who has weathered her own turn of the tide, who wanted to hide too. But maybe it takes the right person to make that dream a reality. A comfortable place where two hearts can rest and be heaven bless, and at peace, with their own piece of happiness. A home , a stage a new page for two. Jennifer Carr. I love what you do. How you shape the worlds you create and keep us on the edge of our seat. There’s action there’s attraction , there’s a great Real American Country beat. This series is everything I hoped it would be and more. We’ve cried ,we’ve laughed, we’ve sung our hearts out and boy at some point I didn’t half shout. That’s what great writing is all about bar for the shout. That’s what they say. This book series finale blew me away.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lanie and Charles stole my heart in a way I wasn’t quite prepared for. There’s something so relatable about the struggle to figure out who you are when the world has spent years telling you who you’re supposed to be. Lanie’s journey to reclaim her voice and Charles’s determination to rebuild his life made their story about so much more than falling in love. It was about learning to trust yourself again, letting people see the parts of you that aren’t picture-perfect, and realizing your past doesn’t have to define your future.

And their romance? Oh, my heart! I loved that beneath all the noise of fame, rumors, and public expectations, these two found something genuine. Their connection felt meaningful, and watching them navigate everything standing between them made me want to keep turning those pages. This is the kind of romance that reminds you love doesn't have to be loud or flashy to be powerful.

The country music backdrop was such a perfect fit, too. Jennifer has created a world that feels right at home for readers who love music, heartfelt connections, and characters who have to fight a little to find their happy ending.

As the final book in the Real American Country series, this was a wonderful way to say goodbye. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in finishing a series and feeling like the story got the ending it deserved. I closed this book feeling happy, a little emotional, and grateful for the journey.

If you love clean romance with heart, characters who feel human, and stories about healing, redemption, and finding your way back to yourself, please put this series on your reading list. Jennifer Carr delivered a five-star ending, and I couldn't have asked for a sweeter final note.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I love a good musician romance, so I've definitely been drawn to this series about a country music television competition. And while this is only the second of the series that I have read, these stories did not disappoint. Charles and Lanie's story very quickly drew me in. These are two characters who have seen the downfalls of the music industry, him with addiction and her with being under control of others... among other things. I thought it was a great portrayal of the not so glamourous parts, which also gave us beautiful moments of redemption and healing for them both. And together? Oh, I adored them. They had a really easy chemistry between them and while theirs was definitely a slower burn, the payoff was absolutely worth it. This story took me on a roller coaster of emotions, and I enjoyed every moment.

Who I Am With You is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language. It is the sixth book in the Real American Country series. I personally had only read one of the previous books and I found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed following the Real American Country series, and Who I Am With You was such an emotional read! This one definitely tackles some heavy topics, and I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the difficult realities of the entertainment industry. Having studied criminal justice, I'm unfortunately familiar with some of these realities, and there were definitely moments that made me angry and broke my heart. It's sad to think about how something that starts as a dream can become something that leaves a person feeling so lost.

I really appreciated the depth of Lanie and Charles's characters and the struggles they faced. There was so much emotion in this one, especially when it came to identity, healing, and learning that your past doesn't have to define who you are. I loved the message of finding your voice and learning to be yourself despite the expectations of others. Such a meaningful conclusion to a series I've really enjoyed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who I am with you by Jennifer Carr

This is book 6 and final book of the real American Country series! This is a wonderful series! They can be read out of order. However reading book 1 before this one would be ideal.

This book is about Laney and Charles. They had a chance meeting at a charity gala. Then their lives took major turns.

Now they run into each other on the set of Real American country. Laney as a performer and Charles as a judge.

I LOVE a clean romance. They feel like such a breath of fresh air, and sometimes you just want a beautiful love story without all the spice.

Such a meaningful conclusion to a series I've really enjoyed this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[A.M. Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so much depth. I had never read anything by this author before, and I was given this book to review. It’s definitely clean but you can still feel the tension. Jennifer Carr explores a lot of deep issues like dealing with addiction, abuse, and advocating for yourself. I was sort of blown alway because this book is about famous country singers (which I most definitely am not) but their problems and thoughts were so relatable. I really felt close to the characters and was impressed how the author could make the characters so likable despite their deep flaws. If you like dramas, this book is for you! Give it a try! I’ll be picking up Carr’s other books for sure!

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lanie and Charles' story. Lanie had a difficult childhood with inattentive parents who died when she was young. Her uncle Ray took her in but took advantage of her. He insisted that she dress, act and speak in a way that was absolutely not her. Charles was the son of Country legends trying to find his own way. Charles is a judge on a talent show and is intrigued by Lanie. Charles is a steady supporter of Lanie through all of her difficulties. I loved the kindness and generosity that he shared. Their story is a sweet romance.

[Carmen Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to the Real American Country series! I'm so glad the author included Lanie's story since we were introduced to her in the beginning of the series. I think her story could reflect actual situations with people in the spotlight. I was moved to sympathize with her even though she wasn't very likable at the start. I enjoyed the slow burn clean romance with Charlie. This series is very addicting and makes me want to start again from the beginning now that I know all the back stories!

[Cherish Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has had my heart from book 1. This book is a great read highly recommend. Jennifer you have done it again.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series has been so beautifully written. The characters stick with you as the reader. I’ve enjoyed reading them and feeling the emotions that they felt and connected with characters that will stay with me for quite some time. This is the last book in the series and it definitely did not disappoint this reader at all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lanie & Charles Story. Loved this series, the country music and scene, and reality television too. Beautifully written. I will miss all these characters.