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In the Garden #3

Not in the Plans

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Adelyn is an expert at planning and making lists--including one with the required qualities for the perfect man. This mythical specimen, unfortunately, seems harder to find with every passing year. She tells herself she's not picky, she's discerning, but sometimes it's hard to be sure.

Her best friend's older brother, Jason, has been slowly falling in love with Adelyn since returning from his final deployment with the Army more than a year earlier, but she sees him only as a buddy. So how does he get her to see that he is the perfect man she describes on her list? It's time Adelyn took another solid look at her plans.

178 pages, ebook

Published February 27, 2018

154 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

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Heather Tullis

50 books100 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
November 20, 2019
.
As you hop into the third volume of this series, you are presented with the drama, intrigue, and the possibility of a chance at love. Jason is Maddie's brother and has developed romantical feelings for one of her best friends, Adeline, since returning home from his final deployment.

Adelyn is very detail-oriented. She has a list for everything, including her idea of the perfect man for her. She hasn't been able to find anyone that meets her specifications yet. As she plans weddings for her two best friends, she ropes Jason into redecorating his back yard and kitchen area for the wedding and reception. They spend a lot of time working on the renovation and wedding details. She doesn't recognize any of his hints about his feelings until he feels like he is beyond hope.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Adelyn's list describes the perfect guy. Jason is determined to prove he fulfills every item.

Adelyn is an expert at planning and making lists--including one with the required qualities for the perfect man. This mythical specimen, unfortunately, seems harder to find with every passing year. She tells herself she's not picky, she's discerning, but sometimes it's hard to be sure.

Her best friend's older brother, Jason, has been slowly falling in love with Adelyn since returning from his final deployment with the Army more than a year earlier, but she sees him only as a buddy. So how does he get her to see that he is the perfect man she describes on her list? It's time Adelyn took another solid look at her plans.


. . . . . . . . . . .

Read all of the In The Garden romances!

1. Hello Again

2. First Crush

3. Not In The Plans

4. Last Chance


Some of the main characters were woven in from the previous series and allow the reader to not only reconnect but also have the opportunity to see a more in-depth look at these characters in this series.

Escape into the world of suspense and romance with this clean and wholesome contemporary backdrop, unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron out. It was captivating and provided a gratifying experience, including spurts of inspiration, hope, and romance.

This first volume in this series is a spin-off from The Carver Ranch series, also written by Heather Tullis. Thankfully, both series are available to Prime members on Amazon through the Kindle Unlimited program. It was clean and wholesome, so that makes me smile! I would recommend the series for sure.

I recommended this series!

NOTE: This book is currently available through the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program..

Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
776 reviews142 followers
March 24, 2018
So... I'm having a hard time with this one. I did not connect with Adelyn at all. I loved her in the first two books but her own book? Not so much. For someone who is extremely smart, she really isn't all that smart when it comes to love.

Throughout the entire book she was completely oblivious to Jason's feelings for her. I found myself extremely frustrated with her. I thought she deserved to stay with Daniel and that Jason needed to find someone who would love and appreciate him a whole heck of a lot more than Adelyn.

And speaking of Daniel... he seemed to be one person for most of the book and then BAM! All the sudden he was someone else who has ulterior motives when it comes to his relationship with Adelyn. What?!

Compared to the first two books in the series, this one fell flat for me. I would have LOVED to see more of Adelyn and Jason's relationship. It wasn't until the very end of the very last chapter that she realized she had feelings for Jason and told him.

I really, really wish I could have loved this book but sadly I did not. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,955 reviews70 followers
February 28, 2018
I loved this book! It's the third book of the In the Garden series by this author. I loved the way it builds on the previous two books, but can stand on it's own as well.

Adelyn is one of my favorite characters. I love the way she thinks, I actually saw a lot of myself in her. She's so busy planning out every little detail that she sometimes misses out on life and she definitely misses out on the fact that Jason is falling in love with her. For pretty much the whole book! I liked the way she fooled herself, telling herself that she and Jason weren't dating, when everyone else thought they were.

Jason...wow! I loved the way he didn't give up. He knew what he wanted and he worked to be what Adelyn wanted, even down to the very last item on her list. It broke my heart a little bit when he decided he was done trying. I loved that he was even willing to enter a lawn tractor race for her! So sweet!

I loved the plot of this one. It's just fun and sweet. There's characters I've loved from the other books finally getting their happy ending, even if they hadn't quite planned on how things turned out. This is a great love story that you won't want to miss!
Profile Image for Amy Koster.
140 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2019
This series has become a favorite of mine. I love how each book grows with, not only the main characters, but with all the previous characters together. This one in the series continues the fun, romance, and wit that the previous two have. A story of true deep friendship and the realization that they really loved all along.

I enjoy the characters Jason and Adelyn. There were so many times I wanted to reach in and pull Adelyn out of herself. I really feel she refused deep down to see Jason for who he really is. Jason wants only to make her happy. He will do anything for her. He is strong and full of determination.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series and see where love is planted next. A fun, sweet, and clean romance for all to enjoy.

*Please note that I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I was under no obligation to leave a review.

999 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2018
Review

I'm glad I have all 4 books in this series, it's great to read them one after the other. This one is about Adelyn and Jason. She 's planned the weddings for Piper and Maddie, both held at Jason's, a week apart, in the backyard she spent the summer planning and planting, with help from all their friends. Jason finally realizes he loves her but she's dating Daniel. Takes her awhile to see the differences in the 2 guys, and which one really fits her. One more to go!
2,365 reviews12 followers
June 9, 2019
Reviews for In The Garden 1-4
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Hello Again (In The Garden Book 1) Apr 27, 2015 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with a millionaire romance. Easy flowing with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, vivid descriptions and enough family drama to keep things interesting. Struggling Crystal Creek Dental Hygienist Piper meets her first love Reese Stone when she tries to start a city garden in her neighborhood to keep her autistic brother Spencer out of trouble.

****
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel First Crush (In the Garden Book 2) Mar 22, 2016 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with your brother's best friend clean romance with family drama and a sinister undertone. The story in book one continues with one of Piper's best friends, 3rd grade school teacher Maddie and her frustration when her brother Jason's best friend officer Ben continues to ignore her. A complex and interesting story containing two romances, the planning of Piper and Reese's wedding, gang activity, the topic of physical abuse, the anxiety that can occur with the uncertainty of loving a police officer, and Ben's surprise fatherhood.

****
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Not in the Plans (In The Garden Book 3) Feb 27, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
The trio of friends complete their status as couples when Adelyn finally recognises and accepts former army serviceman now construction worker Jason's labors of love. This novel combines vivid descriptions, family drama, a little humor and a happy ending with the pitfalls of online dating, the rocky preparations for Piper and Maddie's weddings as well as hinting at a second chance for love romance for Comfrey.

****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Last Chance (In The Garden Book 4) Apr 19, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
This book covers the same time frame as book 3 but from Comfrey's view. Comfrey aka Channing must decide between local accountant Tony and her attorney ex-fiance Nick who is being blackmailed by Comfrey's parents to bring her back to Boston. A rocky romance, lottery winners,overbearing and self centered parents,


Profile Image for Cait M.
1,369 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2023
Meh 2.5 🌟
When two of her best friends both become engaged, Adelyn writes a list of attributes for her dream partner. Her best-friend's brother Jason has been secretly pining for Adelyn for a year and a half, since his return from from Afghanistan, but she is oblivious.

Adelyn is helping Jason design and landscape his backyard in time to host his sister's wedding. He has recently bought a house which he is renovating and asks Adelyn for decorating advice. The two become close, though Adelyn starts using a dating site looking for a boyfriend who might meet her criteria.

Through the dating site she starts seeing Daniel who appears to be a fine man, widowed with a young son. They date and all is going well. Jason sees the chance to be with Adelyn slipping away and finally comes out and tells her his feelings. She is blindsided but deep down, not averse at all to dating Jason who has become one of her best friends.

The reason I didn't like this book was because when Adelyn and Daniel start dating, he seems to be a kind, caring man (if a little boring), but as soon as Adelyn becomes aware of Jason's feelings, Daniel's behaviour becomes shallow, pushy and almost mean. It's like it was too difficult to write a story where the heroine has to make a choice between two good options, and so the secondary character has to have a personality transplant to make him suddenly ineligible for a relationship.

This book is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
July 1, 2018
Adelyn & Jason can’t seem to get it right. They are never in the same place in their relationship at the same time. Adelyn had a crush on Jason when they were younger but she didn’t think he reciprocated. Instead, the developed a friendship that grew & flourished. Now, working to get his lasted flip house remodeled & the yards in order for two friends weddings, Jason is seeing Adelyn in a different light.

As Adelyn starts a relationship with Daniel, Jason finds out she has a list of requirements for her significant other & starts trying to prove he meets every one. Adelyn can’t see what’s in front of her. She doesn’t want to lose their friendship. Can they find their way together?

I enjoyed this story. So many times, we get used to seeing people in one way & we can’t change our perceptions. That’s what’s happened her. Adelyn has forced herself to see Jason as just a friend & it’s hard to change that. She’s afraid of being hurt & also afraid that if they change their relationship she’ll lose him forever if it doesn’t work out. Although this is book 3 & the weddings of the couples from book 1 & 2 are a large part of it, it really stands on its own. I can’t wait to read the final book!
247 reviews
April 26, 2018
This is the third book in "In the Garden" series. This story follows Adelyn and Jason as they work together to get Jason's house ready to host two weddings. Jason has feelings for Adelyn and she sees him as just her best friend's big brother and loyal friend. The dynamics between the two are interesting as he continually gives her hints of his feelings and she is completely oblivious to them. I was a little frustrated with Adelyn in this book because not only does she not see the perfect guy right in front of her but she continually ignores warning signs that the guy she's dating is not right for her. Although I loved this book and all the characters in it, I would have loved to have seen more of Adelyn and Jason as a couple. This is a light-hearted romance that anyone would enjoy.
841 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2020
Yet another book in this series that I absolutely loved! I love how the friendship between Jason & Adelyn turned into that relationship Adelyn had always dreamed about. When he wrote on her list, I was totally swooning *sigh*!!!!

I loved when he told her "I don’t know when I first started loving you. I just realized one day that you had filled up all the lonely corners of my life, but I didn’t know how to tell you.” *swoon* Then I loved her last thought of "sometimes you couldn’t plan the best things in life".
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,841 reviews39 followers
May 19, 2025
sweet, contemporary romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary; series, but stand alone read
Adelynn and Jason’s story was a lovely fall. Jason knew he wanted to be much more than friends, and when Adelynn approached him for a date as part of a bet he turned her down. Settling on doing things he was already doing, but showing her that he could complete her ‘list’ for an ideal partner, seems like the perfect plan until she starts dating someone else.
Sweet romance, lots of other characters but not enough of them together wished for just a little bit more. Still a lovely read.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,251 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series. I got to know Adelyn and Jason in the first two books and couldn't wait to read their story. Adelyn is all about lists but doesn't see what is right there. Jason is a great character. He doesn't play games with Adelyn or get upset over how clueless she is. He is right there helping her and being a good friend. I like love story that start out with a strong friendship.
343 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2019
More awesome garden love.

Jason and Adelyn are so wonderful together while helping their friends during their wedding plannings. The feelings are their but they don't want to hurt each other since they have been friends for years. The house seems so beautiful and they all have worked so hard on it. Love the ups and downs in their relationship. Love all the characters in this book.
1,572 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2019
Dumb premise

A smart guy, served in the armed forces overseas, owns his own home he’s renovating, lots of other plusses for him yet he can’t ask a woman out on a date for well over a year. A dumb premise! And when he does tell her of his feelings he blurts out that he loves her. I mean really? Felt very immature to me, not what I’d expect from people in the late 20’s early 30’s of life. A sweet enough story but wow there was a lot of garbage in it.
Profile Image for K.
184 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2021
sometime what we think we know we don't. It's always easier for someone on the outside to see what is oblivious to us especially love. I was happy to see the Adelyn & Jason finally connected but it was the last chapter of the book which was depressing. I get the drama before and leading up but it's like with all the books you are left hanging till the next to get the bits and pieces of their story.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,529 reviews18 followers
June 18, 2018
This third book in the Garden Series picks up right after book 2. I highly recommend reading them in order. What a delightful series. The books are predictable but I love the relationships and friendships that are shown throughout them. The characters are so likable. This book was well written. The plot moves quickly and steadily. This series is the perfect summer read!

Content: clean
Profile Image for Jill.
835 reviews39 followers
May 28, 2019
Not what I hoped it would be

I have loved the books I have read by this author. This one though fell short for me. I felt like there was a lot of long lasting tension building up in Jason and Adelyn’s relationship/friendship and then the book was over. Naturally, there is a HEA involved but I don’t want to give any spoilers.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
September 14, 2019
Great Story

Heather writes such great stories. She makes the characters come to life. This story includes two beautiful weddings and the friends that help make it happen. Jason and Adelyn have known each other forever. His sister Maddie and her have been friends forever. But she has had a thing for him but it's taken a bit for him to see. Can they?
Profile Image for Chelsea Gardner.
296 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2018
Adelyn has tunnel vision. Super bad tunnel vision. She can't see a great man in Jason, even though he is perfect for her. I love that this book has two people start as friends. They work well together and make a great team. A fun sweet read!
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,060 reviews14 followers
September 18, 2019
Jason is in love Adelyn and she is totally unaware. Adelyn keeps searching for the perfect man that fits her list of requirements. She starts dating another man; and Jason sets out to prove he is the right man.
312 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2018
Wow, this is the best of the series. Truly love how Adelyn and Jason find their happy ever after. Sometimes the best things are just right in front of you.
2,390 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2018
A great romance

This is a great love story that deals with tunnel vision. Sometimes what we want has been right in front of us all along. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
February 5, 2019
2.5 stars. In this book, Adelyn comes across to me as cold, unemotional, and arrogant. She seems more concerned about her appearance than any interest in people’s feelings, etc.


Profile Image for Elaine Bennett.
148 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2020
Wedding day's

Awesome read, loved this one. Ready for the next book in the series. I love happy ever afters. Must-read for sure
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
March 12, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/12/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Adelyn is an expert at planning and making lists--including one with the required qualities for the perfect man. This mythical specimen, unfortunately, seems harder to find with every passing year. She tells herself she's not picky, she's discerning, but sometimes it's hard to be sure.

Her best friend's older brother, Jason, has been slowly falling in love with Adelyn since returning from his final deployment with the Army more than a year earlier, but she sees him only as a buddy. So how does he get her to see that he is the perfect man she describes on her list? It's time Adelyn took another solid look at her plans.
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