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The Hometown Cop's Forever Family: A Clean and Uplifting Romance
Solving crimes
And falling in love!
Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Golden, Georgia Romance
Book 1: The Surprise Next Door
Book 2: The Single Mom's Second Chance
Book 3: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family
And falling in love!
Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Golden, Georgia Romance
Book 1: The Surprise Next Door
Book 2: The Single Mom's Second Chance
Book 3: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Tara Randel
88 books811 followersTara 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 has received the Heart of Excellence Readers' Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2026
I was looking forward to getting back to Golden, Georgia! This is book three in ‘A Golden, Georgic Romance’ series by Tara Randel, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This wholesome second-chance romance highlights the friends-to-more and the co-workers-to-more tropes.
After a choice made upon graduation separates BFFs Briana and Jax, they go their own way and establish themselves; Jax to serve his country and Briana to serve her community. Randel shows how the established friendship (since Gr. 1) makes the compatibility and romance between Briana Connely and Jax Walker unmatched. Randel beautifully shows the dynamics of working together and falling in love, the unspoken feelings and long glances and light touches kept me turning pages to see, not if but when, these lovebirds would give in and recognize the beauty of what they had. It was good to see how Cami played an important part in the development of their romance and how a workplace emergency became the catalyst for change that shifted their tension-filled dynamic.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
After a choice made upon graduation separates BFFs Briana and Jax, they go their own way and establish themselves; Jax to serve his country and Briana to serve her community. Randel shows how the established friendship (since Gr. 1) makes the compatibility and romance between Briana Connely and Jax Walker unmatched. Randel beautifully shows the dynamics of working together and falling in love, the unspoken feelings and long glances and light touches kept me turning pages to see, not if but when, these lovebirds would give in and recognize the beauty of what they had. It was good to see how Cami played an important part in the development of their romance and how a workplace emergency became the catalyst for change that shifted their tension-filled dynamic.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 13, 2026
Whether this is your first or third time in Golden, Georgia, you’re going to love this delightful small town and its community. The Hometown Cop’s Forever Family sees two former best friends reunite. Their friendship has become strained after their difficult parting 14 years ago; however, Briana and Jackson (Jax) begin to see that what started out as friendship in first grade is developing into more than it was when the inseparable 20 year old friends parted ways.
There is so much to love about this book! If it were possible to go live in a book town, Golden, GA would be on my list! (I’m sure that if you’re like I am, you’ve got lots of book towns you want to live in.)
I got to know the Connelly sisters in the first two books in this series, so I was really looking forward to reading Briana’s story! I thought that it fit her perfectly, and I loved it! It was unique since it held a little bit of mystery as well as a blooming romance. Briana and Jax had to let go of their past hurts when Jax returns to town and is thrown right into the police force as Briana’s partner. They slowly fall back into the rhythm of their past friendship as they begin to forgive the slights they felt during those many years apart. I loved Cami, Briana’s adopted four year old daughter, and Jax’s Grandpa Alvin. As a former officer himself, Alvin along with three other friends take it upon themselves to keep an eye on their small town. Briana’s sisters and mom also added a lot to the story.
I thought that the pacing of the book was perfect, and the romance was realistic in that Briana and Jax had been best friends for so many years. Though they had obviously grown as adults with new responsibilities, their true personalities stayed the same; they just matured. It was obvious to everyone in town that they were meant to be! I highly recommend this charming, small-town, friends-to-more, heartwarming kisses only romance! 5 stars and lots of swoons and smiles!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
There is so much to love about this book! If it were possible to go live in a book town, Golden, GA would be on my list! (I’m sure that if you’re like I am, you’ve got lots of book towns you want to live in.)
I got to know the Connelly sisters in the first two books in this series, so I was really looking forward to reading Briana’s story! I thought that it fit her perfectly, and I loved it! It was unique since it held a little bit of mystery as well as a blooming romance. Briana and Jax had to let go of their past hurts when Jax returns to town and is thrown right into the police force as Briana’s partner. They slowly fall back into the rhythm of their past friendship as they begin to forgive the slights they felt during those many years apart. I loved Cami, Briana’s adopted four year old daughter, and Jax’s Grandpa Alvin. As a former officer himself, Alvin along with three other friends take it upon themselves to keep an eye on their small town. Briana’s sisters and mom also added a lot to the story.
I thought that the pacing of the book was perfect, and the romance was realistic in that Briana and Jax had been best friends for so many years. Though they had obviously grown as adults with new responsibilities, their true personalities stayed the same; they just matured. It was obvious to everyone in town that they were meant to be! I highly recommend this charming, small-town, friends-to-more, heartwarming kisses only romance! 5 stars and lots of swoons and smiles!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 29, 2026
This was such a sweet story. It definitely had the vibes of suspense and mystery mixed in with a friends to more romance. I think what made me more invested was that I had read the two books prior to it, so I was already aware of Brianna and her backstory, as well as the family of women this series is centered around.
All in all, this story is definitely for the friends to more readers...It is about two friends, Jax and Brianna, who are cops, who end up paired as partners as security for an event coming into their town. And as forced proximity works its magic they are forced to unpack all the feelings they left unsaid, as well as what really broke them apart all those years ago... while trying to solve a crime that's taken place in their town.
This is very much a slow burn romance but be patient with it, it's worth the wait! I would say I was hoping for a stronger romance thread. This one definitely had more suspense and mystery than I was expecting, but it was still a wonderful read.
I am looking forward to Taylor’s love story coming at the end of this year.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
All in all, this story is definitely for the friends to more readers...It is about two friends, Jax and Brianna, who are cops, who end up paired as partners as security for an event coming into their town. And as forced proximity works its magic they are forced to unpack all the feelings they left unsaid, as well as what really broke them apart all those years ago... while trying to solve a crime that's taken place in their town.
This is very much a slow burn romance but be patient with it, it's worth the wait! I would say I was hoping for a stronger romance thread. This one definitely had more suspense and mystery than I was expecting, but it was still a wonderful read.
I am looking forward to Taylor’s love story coming at the end of this year.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
May 6, 2026
The author has skillfully blended together a courageous military veteran, an independent strong-minded single mother, a delightful four-year-old, and a loving extended family to give readers this well-written story . . .
Longtime friends, Brianna Connelly and Jackson Walker, share many happy memories from their childhood and teen years. When an impulsive moment damages their close bond for more than ten years, both of them grieve the loss of their close friendship.
When they're assigned to be partners at the Golden, Georgia, police department things between them are tense and awkward. Slowly they work together to heal their friendship and move on in their personal and professional relationship.
An engaging and unique mystery was a highlight of this plot for me. I have always loved history, and this mystery surrounds a collection of historical objects from a movie that was filmed using props made from gold mined Golden decades earlier.
The characters involved in the events preceding the upcoming release of a remake of the movie are varied and well-developed. Twists, turns, dead ends, and red herrings hinder the police department's pursuit of a missing object from the display. Danger and suspense elements offer fans of the romantic suspense genre a unique angle to the story.
The book is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of the book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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Longtime friends, Brianna Connelly and Jackson Walker, share many happy memories from their childhood and teen years. When an impulsive moment damages their close bond for more than ten years, both of them grieve the loss of their close friendship.
When they're assigned to be partners at the Golden, Georgia, police department things between them are tense and awkward. Slowly they work together to heal their friendship and move on in their personal and professional relationship.
An engaging and unique mystery was a highlight of this plot for me. I have always loved history, and this mystery surrounds a collection of historical objects from a movie that was filmed using props made from gold mined Golden decades earlier.
The characters involved in the events preceding the upcoming release of a remake of the movie are varied and well-developed. Twists, turns, dead ends, and red herrings hinder the police department's pursuit of a missing object from the display. Danger and suspense elements offer fans of the romantic suspense genre a unique angle to the story.
The book is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of the book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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May 7, 2026
another connelly sister is falling in love in golden, georgia!
this time, police officer briana is just doing her job, as a tour of a movie prop collection comes to town—but her partner is jackson walker, the best friend who left her and golden behind so many years ago. of course, when one of the props goes missing, it's up to them to find the culprit... or take the blame.
the hometown cop's forever family is a sweet blend of romance with mystery and suspense. brie and jax not only need to catch a criminal, but also uncover all the broken pieces of their friendship. spending so much time together makes their reconciling feel natural, and i enjoyed seeing them rekindle their friendship. it's heartwarming, too, to see cami, brie's four-year-old daughter, with them as they do so.
this book is the third one in a series, and the previous books establish the complicated family dynamics. i would recommend reading them in order to best understand the relationships, but this book could be easily enjoyed on its own, too.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or 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: none
—content: mentions of loss of parent
this time, police officer briana is just doing her job, as a tour of a movie prop collection comes to town—but her partner is jackson walker, the best friend who left her and golden behind so many years ago. of course, when one of the props goes missing, it's up to them to find the culprit... or take the blame.
the hometown cop's forever family is a sweet blend of romance with mystery and suspense. brie and jax not only need to catch a criminal, but also uncover all the broken pieces of their friendship. spending so much time together makes their reconciling feel natural, and i enjoyed seeing them rekindle their friendship. it's heartwarming, too, to see cami, brie's four-year-old daughter, with them as they do so.
this book is the third one in a series, and the previous books establish the complicated family dynamics. i would recommend reading them in order to best understand the relationships, but this book could be easily enjoyed on its own, too.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or 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: none
—content: mentions of loss of parent
Did Not Finish
May 6, 2026The Hometown Cop's Forever Family is book 3 of the "A Golden, Georgia Romance" series. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first two! It can be read as a stand alone, even though it is part of a series.
Any story about a single parent and their child, and love growing again, is one of my favorite kind of stories. This friends to more and co-workers to more story definitely "hits the spot," as far as I'm concerned!
Briana and Jax were best friends all through elementary school and high school, until they parted ways after high school. Jax has come back to Golden, after his military career. Now he and Briana are partnered in the local law enforcement team.
I enjoyed watching their relationship heal and bloom, and Briana's daughter, Cami, is a delight.
If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance, with a touch of mystery and a dose of faith, then you will want to add this one to your (ever growing) TBR list!
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
Any story about a single parent and their child, and love growing again, is one of my favorite kind of stories. This friends to more and co-workers to more story definitely "hits the spot," as far as I'm concerned!
Briana and Jax were best friends all through elementary school and high school, until they parted ways after high school. Jax has come back to Golden, after his military career. Now he and Briana are partnered in the local law enforcement team.
I enjoyed watching their relationship heal and bloom, and Briana's daughter, Cami, is a delight.
If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance, with a touch of mystery and a dose of faith, then you will want to add this one to your (ever growing) TBR list!
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
May 8, 2026
This slow burn, sweet romance has a definite friends to more vibe, however, the twist is that these friends grew apart over the years due to distance and a difficult parting, which makes their working together now a bit uncomfortable.
It was nice to see Brie and Jax grow closer to each other as they worked together as police officers. They definitely had some awkward moments as they both struggled to define what they were to each other now, but there were also some heart melting moments, too. It was also so sweet to see Jax bond with Brie’s daughter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was nice to see Brie and Jax grow closer to each other as they worked together as police officers. They definitely had some awkward moments as they both struggled to define what they were to each other now, but there were also some heart melting moments, too. It was also so sweet to see Jax bond with Brie’s daughter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 12, 2026
In a small town, two friends that have grown close and everyone thought would get married, have a sudden falling out when one wants to leave home and the other wants to stay. Family is at the root of it all.
Briana did not want to join her Jax, her best friend once upon a time, while he went off to the military. She cared for him and they did everything together, but she was unwilling to leave her mom and her sisters after the devastating heartbreak they had all endured. Jax wanted to get out of town as fast as he could, so their friendship obviously took a hit.
Years later Briana is a single mom and a cop still in her hometown and she loves her life. Then Jax returns to stay. Why? His family this time. Now he is also a cop, and Briana is assigned as his partner. Could anything be worse or better?
This was a story of second chances with family and love at the center of all of it. There is also a bit of mystery thrown in as both are cops and their main assignment is to protect some golden treasures. A crime ensues and both must work together to solve it. Within all of that these two become distant friends to lovers and show that you can have both family and love.
I was provided a copy of the novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Briana did not want to join her Jax, her best friend once upon a time, while he went off to the military. She cared for him and they did everything together, but she was unwilling to leave her mom and her sisters after the devastating heartbreak they had all endured. Jax wanted to get out of town as fast as he could, so their friendship obviously took a hit.
Years later Briana is a single mom and a cop still in her hometown and she loves her life. Then Jax returns to stay. Why? His family this time. Now he is also a cop, and Briana is assigned as his partner. Could anything be worse or better?
This was a story of second chances with family and love at the center of all of it. There is also a bit of mystery thrown in as both are cops and their main assignment is to protect some golden treasures. A crime ensues and both must work together to solve it. Within all of that these two become distant friends to lovers and show that you can have both family and love.
I was provided a copy of the novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
May 4, 2026
Harlequin Heartwarming books are a wonderful series of books. The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel is Book 3 in the A Golden, Georgia Romance series. I have been enjoying this series from the beginning and have been looking forward to this release.
I can honestly say this book was very intriguing from the first chapter. The main characters in this book are Briana Connelly and Jackson Walker. Bri is raising her 4 year old daughter in her childhood hometown of Golden, Georgia, She loves her jobs as a Police Officer in her small town. Life is great for Bri and then Jackson Walker returns to town. Jackson and Bri were longtime friends, until they drew apart. Jackson is also a Police officer and Bri is taken aback when they are assigned to be Partners. I really LOVE how Bri and Jackson begin to spend time together investigating a theft, they also begin to realize fences can be mended. Bri notices how her daughter and Jackson interact so well and it just melts her heart. Bri and Jackson really work at letting go of the past and moving forward. The book is one of Second Chances, Family, Faith and forgiveness. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Wholesome Romance books. FANTASTIC BOOK!
I can honestly say this book was very intriguing from the first chapter. The main characters in this book are Briana Connelly and Jackson Walker. Bri is raising her 4 year old daughter in her childhood hometown of Golden, Georgia, She loves her jobs as a Police Officer in her small town. Life is great for Bri and then Jackson Walker returns to town. Jackson and Bri were longtime friends, until they drew apart. Jackson is also a Police officer and Bri is taken aback when they are assigned to be Partners. I really LOVE how Bri and Jackson begin to spend time together investigating a theft, they also begin to realize fences can be mended. Bri notices how her daughter and Jackson interact so well and it just melts her heart. Bri and Jackson really work at letting go of the past and moving forward. The book is one of Second Chances, Family, Faith and forgiveness. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Wholesome Romance books. FANTASTIC BOOK!
May 8, 2026
The hometown Cop’s Forever Family is book 3 in the Golden, Georgia Romance series. While you probably could read it as a stand alone, I recommend reading the first two books as they follow the same family. It would be more enjoyable if you understood what’s been happening in their lives.
Book 3 follows another Connelly sister, Briana and her daughter Cami who is adorable. Now a police officer, Bri is assigned to guard some Hollywood props that are quite expensive. She is surprised when former best friend Jax is assigned to duty with her. Can they rebuild their friendship? Can it lead to more?
I enjoy a second chance friends to more story. It’s always fun to watch the relationship rebuild. Throw in a mystery and you may like it even more! I will say this wasn’t my favorite story line of the three books, but that’s just a personal preference. It is well written with well developed characters. Give it a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Book 3 follows another Connelly sister, Briana and her daughter Cami who is adorable. Now a police officer, Bri is assigned to guard some Hollywood props that are quite expensive. She is surprised when former best friend Jax is assigned to duty with her. Can they rebuild their friendship? Can it lead to more?
I enjoy a second chance friends to more story. It’s always fun to watch the relationship rebuild. Throw in a mystery and you may like it even more! I will say this wasn’t my favorite story line of the three books, but that’s just a personal preference. It is well written with well developed characters. Give it a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
April 29, 2026
Another in the Golden, Georgia Romance series, in which police officer and single mom, Briana Connelly is shocked when her former best friend returns to town and ends up being assigned as her partner on the police force. Both are caught up in what looks like a crime that people are blaming her and her little town for when an expensive diamond tiara, part of a famous movie prop collection, appears to be stolen.
Briana is certain she might figure out what happened, if only she wasn't pulled off the case at the insistence of the person running the show related to the movie in question. And when she does, with Jackson's assistance, both are involved in taking down not one but two of the people directly involved. But will Jax's insistence on wanting to keep Briana safe get in the way of their feelings for each other, which involve more than friendship but could affect both their professional positions with the local police force and their personal desires?
Briana is certain she might figure out what happened, if only she wasn't pulled off the case at the insistence of the person running the show related to the movie in question. And when she does, with Jackson's assistance, both are involved in taking down not one but two of the people directly involved. But will Jax's insistence on wanting to keep Briana safe get in the way of their feelings for each other, which involve more than friendship but could affect both their professional positions with the local police force and their personal desires?
May 13, 2026
Another Golden, Georgia romance for the win! I love the small-town setting for these books along with the family/sister dynamics. I read the previous book so I understood the back story of the sisters, but there is a brief recap at the beginning for new readers so they don't feel lost along the way with the character dynamics and drama.
I loved the mystery part of this story-it definitely added to the heartwarming romance part. Police officers Briana and Jax were great main characters, and I liked their long-time friendship dynamic. I thought it was very brave of Briana to adopt a little girl as a single working mom; especially after hearing how she was introduced to the birth mother.
I loved the side antics of the Golden Matchmakers and Golden Watch Network throughout the book. Fun characters, twists and drama, clean romance-so much to love about this story! I can't wait to read more Golden Georgia books!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
I loved the mystery part of this story-it definitely added to the heartwarming romance part. Police officers Briana and Jax were great main characters, and I liked their long-time friendship dynamic. I thought it was very brave of Briana to adopt a little girl as a single working mom; especially after hearing how she was introduced to the birth mother.
I loved the side antics of the Golden Matchmakers and Golden Watch Network throughout the book. Fun characters, twists and drama, clean romance-so much to love about this story! I can't wait to read more Golden Georgia books!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews