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Those Engaging Garretts #12
The Last Single Garrett
ONE KISS
For twelve years Tristyn Garrett ignored the near kiss with family friend and current boss Josh Slater…until the confirmed bachelor shows up with three adorable little girls in his arms. Making him simply irresistible…
TWO MONTHS
But resist she must, especially when she's trapped for the summer in an RV on the car-racing circuit with the girls and the one man she can't allow herself to have. Because he broke her heart once—she won't let him do it again!
THREE KIDS
Caring for his nieces on the road, Josh needs Tristyn. But the kiss that got away looms large in the small space…till Josh devises a kiss her again and get it out of his system. With three little chaperones, what can possibly happen?
For twelve years Tristyn Garrett ignored the near kiss with family friend and current boss Josh Slater…until the confirmed bachelor shows up with three adorable little girls in his arms. Making him simply irresistible…
TWO MONTHS
But resist she must, especially when she's trapped for the summer in an RV on the car-racing circuit with the girls and the one man she can't allow herself to have. Because he broke her heart once—she won't let him do it again!
THREE KIDS
Caring for his nieces on the road, Josh needs Tristyn. But the kiss that got away looms large in the small space…till Josh devises a kiss her again and get it out of his system. With three little chaperones, what can possibly happen?
- GenresRomance
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
37 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Harlen
393 books83 followersBrenda’s first love was reading.
According to her mother, she fell in love with books even before she could read and was always content when she had a book in her hands. It didn’t surprise anyone when she decided that she wanted to be a writer, but she was encouraged to pursue “a real job” first.
So she did—she became a lawyer. Two years of practicing law taught her a lot about the world—and reinforced her determination to become a writer. Because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending!
Thankfully, she had already met and married a wonderful man to inspire her fictional heroes. And when she was on maternity leave after the birth of their first son, he encouraged her to take a romance writing course at the local community college. It was while enrolled in this class that she completed her first (still unpublished) manuscript.
Three more manuscripts and another baby followed. And then, in June 2002, she finally got the call from Susan Litman—an editorial assistant and contest judge—offering to buy the manuscript she’d submitted to RWA’s Golden Heart® contest as “From This Moment.” This story was re-titled McIver’s Mission and released by Silhouette Intimate Moments in May 2003.
According to her mother, she fell in love with books even before she could read and was always content when she had a book in her hands. It didn’t surprise anyone when she decided that she wanted to be a writer, but she was encouraged to pursue “a real job” first.
So she did—she became a lawyer. Two years of practicing law taught her a lot about the world—and reinforced her determination to become a writer. Because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending!
Thankfully, she had already met and married a wonderful man to inspire her fictional heroes. And when she was on maternity leave after the birth of their first son, he encouraged her to take a romance writing course at the local community college. It was while enrolled in this class that she completed her first (still unpublished) manuscript.
Three more manuscripts and another baby followed. And then, in June 2002, she finally got the call from Susan Litman—an editorial assistant and contest judge—offering to buy the manuscript she’d submitted to RWA’s Golden Heart® contest as “From This Moment.” This story was re-titled McIver’s Mission and released by Silhouette Intimate Moments in May 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 6, 2017
Fun story and terrific conclusion to the series. Tristyn and Josh have known each other for twenty years. He is her cousin's best friend, and also her boss. Josh is also the subject of her girlhood crush. He stepped in and took her to her senior prom when her date came down with the flu. It was a magical evening for her until the end, when he broke her heart by backing away from her kiss. Josh has never forgotten the kiss that almost happened. But Tristyn was his best friend's cousin and just a kid. Since then he's done his best to keep his distance.
I loved the opening of the book, as Tristyn became more irritated with Josh's disappearing act, leaving her to deal with the results. However, her irritation turned to worry as she continued to be unable to reach him. I loved seeing her show up at his house and her determination to find out what was wrong. It was fun to see Josh try to deflect her with his innuendos only to be exposed by one of his nieces. I loved how Tristyn jumped in to help the obviously overwhelmed Josh. That whole scene was fun, from the cellphone to the explanation of the number of dirty dishes.
Over the next few days there are several more encounters, including July Fourth celebrations with her family. I loved how Josh and Tristyn's attraction is obvious to everyone else, but they try to ignore it. Because it's the height of the racing season, Josh's need to care for his nieces presents some interesting challenges. But the biggest challenge comes when Daniel suggests that Josh use an RV to travel the racing circuit with his nieces and Josh insists that Tristyn come along to help. Tristyn is reluctant because she knows that protecting her heart will be hard if they're together that much.
I loved watching the development of their relationship. They had to work together to care for the girls, and underneath it all was that simmering attraction for each other. Eventually that attraction comes to a boil and they have to decide what to do with it. Wanting to protect themselves, both Tristyn and Josh insist that they aren't up for anything permanent, but giving in and "getting it out of their systems" is possible. Of course, each is lying through their teeth, because their feelings are already involved, though neither will admit it to the other. I especially enjoyed seeing Josh realize that what he had was more than just physical, that he also craved the closeness of talking about anything and nothing and just being together. Tristyn knows that she loves Josh, but is afraid risking rejection once again.
When Josh's sister returns earlier than expected and their road trip comes to an end, Josh and Tristyn have to decide what to do. I ached for Tristyn as she allowed her fears to push Josh away. I also hurt for Josh, who really wanted to see where the relationship might go, though he still isn't quite ready to admit his feelings. Josh's big moment at the end was so sweet and romantic and perfect for the two of them. The epilogue was great, and I loved Ren and his checkered flag.
Besides the fun of seeing Josh and Tristyn together, I loved the three little girls. It was so sweet to see "Uncle Josh" turn into a puddle of goo around them. I loved his patience with their food foibles and seeing him cope with car sickness and potty emergencies (oh, that shower scene!). The one that melted my heart was when Hanna had her nightmare. Each of the girls had their own realistic personalities and behavior for their ages. I especially loved Charlotte and her "it's in the book."
I loved the opening of the book, as Tristyn became more irritated with Josh's disappearing act, leaving her to deal with the results. However, her irritation turned to worry as she continued to be unable to reach him. I loved seeing her show up at his house and her determination to find out what was wrong. It was fun to see Josh try to deflect her with his innuendos only to be exposed by one of his nieces. I loved how Tristyn jumped in to help the obviously overwhelmed Josh. That whole scene was fun, from the cellphone to the explanation of the number of dirty dishes.
Over the next few days there are several more encounters, including July Fourth celebrations with her family. I loved how Josh and Tristyn's attraction is obvious to everyone else, but they try to ignore it. Because it's the height of the racing season, Josh's need to care for his nieces presents some interesting challenges. But the biggest challenge comes when Daniel suggests that Josh use an RV to travel the racing circuit with his nieces and Josh insists that Tristyn come along to help. Tristyn is reluctant because she knows that protecting her heart will be hard if they're together that much.
I loved watching the development of their relationship. They had to work together to care for the girls, and underneath it all was that simmering attraction for each other. Eventually that attraction comes to a boil and they have to decide what to do with it. Wanting to protect themselves, both Tristyn and Josh insist that they aren't up for anything permanent, but giving in and "getting it out of their systems" is possible. Of course, each is lying through their teeth, because their feelings are already involved, though neither will admit it to the other. I especially enjoyed seeing Josh realize that what he had was more than just physical, that he also craved the closeness of talking about anything and nothing and just being together. Tristyn knows that she loves Josh, but is afraid risking rejection once again.
When Josh's sister returns earlier than expected and their road trip comes to an end, Josh and Tristyn have to decide what to do. I ached for Tristyn as she allowed her fears to push Josh away. I also hurt for Josh, who really wanted to see where the relationship might go, though he still isn't quite ready to admit his feelings. Josh's big moment at the end was so sweet and romantic and perfect for the two of them. The epilogue was great, and I loved Ren and his checkered flag.
Besides the fun of seeing Josh and Tristyn together, I loved the three little girls. It was so sweet to see "Uncle Josh" turn into a puddle of goo around them. I loved his patience with their food foibles and seeing him cope with car sickness and potty emergencies (oh, that shower scene!). The one that melted my heart was when Hanna had her nightmare. Each of the girls had their own realistic personalities and behavior for their ages. I especially loved Charlotte and her "it's in the book."
June 11, 2019
I loved ❤ this book's storyline. The dialogue made me laugh 😂. I loved ❤ the hot & steamy scenes. I loved ❤ Tristyn's character. I loved ❤ Josh's character. I loved ❤ the girls 👧. The girls 👧 were cute & adorable. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Harlen.
April 29, 2017
Wow! What a way to wrap up a series! Probably one of the best in the series, but I have loved them all. Tristyn Garrett has watched all of her siblings and cousins find love, and was wondering when it would be her time. Tristyn has had a "crush" on family friend Josh Slater for years, he is her cousin Daniel's best friend and business partner in GSR racing and Tristyn's boss. Now Josh could be described as a player, but he also has feelings for Tristyn but out of respect for Daniel, doesn't act on them. Josh's sister Lucy drops off her three daughters for him to watch while she has to go to Spain for some training for her job. Josh knows nothing about taking care of kids, a 7, 5 and 3 year old. He has the racing season ahead of him, so he asks for Tristyn's help. She knows that she shouldn't do it, only to keep those feelings she has for him to herself, but those girls and Josh need her. So, they get an RV and head out. Now, I loved watching Josh get closer to his nieces and learning how to care for them. The journey they take almost as a family was a fun, joyful one to read. Tristyn realizes she can give in to the attraction she has, yeah she knows it's love, for Josh, and let's herself have this time with him and see where it leads. So, what happens when they come home, back to reality? You will have to see if both Josh and Tristyn realize what they have is the real thing and is worth fighting for!
April 17, 2017
This is one of my favorite books I've ever read, I picked it up and didn't stop reading until I was finished. There were so many moments in this book that made my stomach feel like I was on a roller coaster ride. The chemistry between Tristyn and Josh was hot and sweet at the same time. They have known each other for twenty years, Josh is her current boss and her cousins best friend. When Tristyn was 17 Josh stepped in to take her to the prom where they almost kissed. Since they both have had a thing for each other but they hide by arguing when they are together. Everyone around them knows they are attracted to each other but neither want to admit until Josh gets stuck watching his three nieces for the summer and Tristyn steps in to help. Leaving them traveling in an RV together, where they finally have to admit they have feelings for each other. It was so sweet watching Josh with his nieces, he was really good with them even if he felt overwhelmed at times. This book had humor, angst, chemistry and tug at your heart emotions. I know this will be one I read over and over.
May 4, 2017
Knowing this was the final book in the Those Engaging Garretts series, I was torn. I should read slower, savoring Tristyn and Josh's story. Except that I found this book a much faster read than any of the other Garrett books. I didn't have a choice - I was along for the ride. I blinked and it was over. Oh, but what a ride!
I'm a sucker for kids in books. So I loved Josh's interaction with his nieces. And I'm a sucker for big families and returning characters. So the fact that nearly everyone got a mention in this wrap-up for the series made me mushy. But as far as stand alone couples go? Josh and Tristyn burned up the pages! Definitely my favorite of all the couples I've read in Harlen's books.
The perfect ending to a wonderful series. I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm looking forward to her next series. Because if there is anything I've learned about Brenda Harlen -- she is a prolific author and she feeds my reading addiction. I can't wait to see what's in store next.
I'm a sucker for kids in books. So I loved Josh's interaction with his nieces. And I'm a sucker for big families and returning characters. So the fact that nearly everyone got a mention in this wrap-up for the series made me mushy. But as far as stand alone couples go? Josh and Tristyn burned up the pages! Definitely my favorite of all the couples I've read in Harlen's books.
The perfect ending to a wonderful series. I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm looking forward to her next series. Because if there is anything I've learned about Brenda Harlen -- she is a prolific author and she feeds my reading addiction. I can't wait to see what's in store next.
April 12, 2017
I love Tristyn and Josh Slater story. he has a crush on her and she been in love with him her whole life. I saw myself in her character.
May 2, 2017
This was my favorite in the series. The kids were priceless. I am a fan of Brenda's books. I enjoyed this series. Looking forward to what is next.
November 29, 2017
Amazing as usual.
February 25, 2023
I liked this book. The banter in the first half of the book was pretty funny. The conflict in the book was kind of weak, esp once he explained his side. Enjoyable, even if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
June 16, 2017
So sweet. Such a beautiful story.
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May 1, 2017Miniseries: Those Engaging Garretts!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews