The Surprise Next Door: Read an Excerpt + Enter to Win

 

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.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

     

Book Excerpt

Making sure he had everything, Ethan handed the bags to Nicole, who placed them on the dock. He helped Holly off, then did one last run-through to make sure he hadn’t left anything behind. He grabbed the keys and joined the small group.

“This was really amazing,” Nicole said as she shouldered her bags. She turned to walk backward. “I’ve never been boating but—”

“Nicole, you really need to watch where you’re—”

Before he could finish the warning, her ankle got tangled in rope piled on the dock. She tripped, her arms flailing in the air to stop her fall. Ethan raced forward, wrapping an arm around her waist to tug her upward.

She landed hard against his body. He held tight, his heart racing.

Their gazes met. He saw the heat reflected there and put a little distance between them.

Oh, boy, this was getting serious.

“Daddy, you can let go now. Nicole is safe.”

His daughter’s words shook him out of the spell Nicole had cast over him. He stepped back, slowly letting go of his beautiful neighbor. She might be safe, but Ethan’s heart was not.

“Thanks,” she said as she got her footing back. “I promise, I’m not usually this clumsy.”

“I’d catch you anywhere,” he unintentionally blurted.

Her eyes went wide, and she picked up her pace, hotfooting it farther up the dock.

“Too much,” he muttered.

“Too much what, Daddy?”

He smiled down at Holly. “Too much activity today.”

---

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!