The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel | Book Review

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Surprise Next Door
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #1
Author: Tara Randel
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Should they take a chance…

On unexpected love?

Chasing her escape-artist rescue dog, Gus, into the neighbor’s yard wasn’t on Nicole Connelly’s agenda for her first day back in her hometown. Especially when Gus’s antics bring her under the suspicious gaze of the gorgeous single dad next door. Staying on the move has kept her heart safe for twelve years. But veterinarian Ethan Price and his adorable daughter make Nicole wonder if staying in Golden might be worth the risk. Is she ready to overcome the past and find her forever home with a loving instant family?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

My Review of The Surprise Next Door

I adored The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel which is set in the cozy, small town of Golden, Georgia. It’s the first book in the Golden, Georgia Romance series. If you’re familiar with the author’s books, you’ll recognize the town from her Golden Matchmakers books. There are a few familiar faces; however, this kicks off a brand new series focusing on the Connelly sisters.

Nicole Connelly has stayed away from Golden for years. When she was younger, her family’s drama became fodder for the Golden rumor mill, so she disconnected from the town and her sisters. Her job leads her back to Golden to decorate the town for a magazine spread. As a newer tourist attraction, the town hopes to attract more tourists, and Nicole is showcasing all four seasons with her staging skills. She figures that she’ll only be there for a few weeks, so she should be able to just focus on the job and get back out. Her golden retriever, Gus, has other ideas.

Ethan Price, the town’s new veterinarian, is understandably worried when he sees a woman in his backyard talking to his young daughter Holly. That woman is his new neighbor “rescuing” her dog. And…it’s the start of something new.

I really loved Ethan and Nicole even though Nicole was pretty stubborn about her resolve to do her job and leave. Of course, since there’s a happily ever after, she does eventually realize that she’s been holding on to misplaced bitterness. Ethan has trust issues from life with his former wife that he has to overcome through the book. I loved Holly. She was a bundle of energy and joy. I’m excited to see what the next books bring for Nicole’s sisters since I really enjoyed getting to know them a bit too.

If you’re a fan of clean romance with entertaining characters, you love this sweet small town romance! I highly recommend The Surprise Next Door!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a bookish tote bag, 2 autographed books by Tara Randel, and a bookmark!

(1) additional winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!