Tara Randel

Always the One may be my favorite second chance with your first love book I’ve read yet. The fact that Derrick has searched for Hannah and held onto her in his heart for so many years reminds me of why I love Jane Austen’s Persuasion. There’s something about falling so hard and deep in love at a young age, a love that stands the test of time and separation, that gives me all the feels.

Tara Randel ups the ante with a good bit of suspense, a reluctant Hannah, and the competition of her show more fiancé. Derrick has his work cut out for him whether he wins her back or lets go of her for good. And this story has plenty of ups, downs, and heated moments.

Throughout this series, I’ve enjoyed hanging out with the Matthews brothers. From the way they have each other’s backs to their love and protectiveness of their mothers, this family is fantastic., and Randel saved the best of their romances for last.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

I don’t know what it is about veterinarians in clean romances that makes my heart pitter-patter, but they do. Then throw in an adorable little girl and a rambunctious canine, and I am a goner. So charming and swoon-worthy, which is exactly how I felt about The Surprise Next Door.

This is a heartwarming novel that was truly inspiring. There is a brightness to this novel despite a lot of the story being self-reflection and the fight for forgiveness and acceptance when it comes to Nicole and show more her family. While the family dynamic was interesting, I adored the aspect of dressing up a small town for a photo shoot and could clearly see the picturesque scenery in my mind’s eye. There are some charming scenes, particularly the afternoon on the boat, which was wonderful! It brought back such delightful summer childhood memories of my own, spent on my grandparents’ boat, soaking up the Texas summer sun.

I adored watching Ethan, Nicole, and Holly bond so much. Every time they were together was so wonderful, and it’s evident that they were meant to be together. Holly is so precocious and immensely adorable, and Gus, the golden retriever, had me smirking quite a few times. This was a sweet escape in the best way and exactly what I needed.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

I’ve said it enough here that y’all know my favorite romance trope is the best friends to more one, and in Stealing Her Best Friend’s Heart, Tara Randel hits the bullseye.

Heidi and Reid were childhood friends who were sometimes rivals and have grown apart, but a house renovation brings them into each other’s proximity again. Add in some of the more mature Golden, GA residents who are dead set on making sure these two get together, and you’ve got the makings for a romance that will show more warm your heart and make you laugh.

Both Heidi and Reid wear wounds from relationships with their families. Though different, they are both affected by them and how they react to situations tells a lot about them. Heidi is a determined overcomer I couldn’t help but like. Reid takes a little more convincing but when push comes to shove, he knows what his heart wants.

It was an added delight to return to Golden and catch up with Logan and Serena (from Trusting Her Heart) but Heidi, Reid, and the Golden Matchmakers Club raised the bar. I'm looking forward to finding out who the club sets their sights on next.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

There’s something extra special about a clean sports romance. I’m not particularly a baseball fan, but I do enjoy a variety of sports, and I loved the scenes with the baseball games themselves and seeing the coaching styles of both our main leads. This was a sweet escape with engaging characters and baseball fun all wrapped up in delicious small-town cozy vibes.

I appreciated the fact that the author made this novel feel realistic. From Nolan’s prognosis to the realities of an show more unexpected mature romance as a bonus side story, I really felt this novel. I enjoyed the planning of the fitness center and seeing Addie and Nolan work together as a team. It’s clear they were meant to be in one another’s lives. Jacob is also a bright spot that shines brightly throughout. It’s clear he’s a good kid, and his bond with Nolan was so sweet!

There is something truly endearing about this story. It helps that I’ve read the first book in the series, as it sets the stage not only for Golden in general but also Addie, her sisters, and their unique family dynamic. It felt good to be back and see life through another sister’s eyes.

While predictable, this is a sweet story with a happy ending and was a ray of sunshine on a bitterly cold winter day.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less