the surprise next door | book review + giveaway

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about the book

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.

publisher: harlequin heartwarming

release date: may 27, 2025

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other books in the series

the single mom's second chance

the hometown cop's forever family

review

spend some time in golden, georgia with the surprise next door!

nicole's back in her hometown—but only temporarily, just to get a job done. she doesn't have the best memories in golden, so she's ready to leave as soon as she can. when her dog starts an unexpected connection with veterinarian ethan price and his adorable daughter though, it might be time to consider changing those plans...

nicole has a lot to work through in the surprise next door, wrestling with her past, her familial relationships, and her growing feelings for ethan and holly. it seems impossible for her to stay, while leaving isn't even an option for ethan, having worked hard to establish some roots. while sorting through these challenges, nicole, ethan, and holly have plenty of cute and lighthearted moments, too. all together, their story proves to be a sweet, sweet read.

i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.
 

considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: a theme of forgiveness
—content: mentions of divorce, adultery, and parental loss

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.

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 HERE

tour schedule

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