Every Encounter
Changes Everything.
A Chance Encounter • A Random Encounter • A Social Encounter
Set in the heart of Kansas City, where ambition, romance, and redemption collide. Step into George H. Cook's compelling story of choices, fate, and connection that reshape every character's destiny.
Three Encounters. One Story.
A Trilogy of Fate, Ambition, & Redemption in Kansas City
A Chance Encounter
Set in the heart of Kansas City, where ambition, romance, and redemption collide. Greg, Carry, and Veronica navigate fateful choices in an unforgettable introduction to the trilogy.
A Random Encounter
The journey deepens as ambition and loyalty clash. Secrets surface in Kansas City, testing bonds and choices when unexpected encounters alter every character's trajectory.
A Social Encounter
The dramatic conclusion to The Encounter Trilogy. High-stakes rivalries, pivotal chapters, and life-changing decisions bring every character's journey to a powerful climax.
Pivotal Excerpts & Previews
Peek into dramatic scenes and boardrooms from Kansas City before reading.
Cast of Characters
The Characters Behind The Encounter Trilogy
Greg Garrelson
Founding tri-partner/COO and top investment manager at Pimico (Professional Investment Management Innovation Corporation).
Carry Mitchelson
Greg’s new personal assistant, described as a stunning bombshell with captivating green eyes, well-built, and highly capable.
Veronica LaFayette
Successful singer-songwriter with a mesmerizing voice and striking dark hair. Highly intelligent and deeply passionate.
David Michaels
Greg’s best friend, CEO, and founding tri-partner at Pimico.
Tessa Garrelson
Greg’s younger sister, close in age, described as important to Greg and David’s past.
Erica Stamson
Greg’s ex-girlfriend, described as a longtime consort whose sudden exit triggers Greg's downward spiral.
Janet Thompson
Greg’s longtime personal assistant, described as highly competent and reliable.
Molly Kierson
David’s personal assistant, described as a beautiful, medium dark-skinned woman in her early 30s.
Dr. Darren Michaels
David’s twin brother, a dedicated doctor at the clinic, tall with dark hair and light green eyes.
Wendy Calput
Marketing student and server. Intelligent, ambitious, and calculating as she plots her rise.
Cassie Easthaus
College student and waitress who lives with Carry. Chooses to protect Carry and expose family secrets.
George H. Cook
The Writer Behind The Encounter Trilogy
Born and raised in Southwest Kansas. A graduate of Protection High School in 1986, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1995, traveling the world and experiencing the vibrancy and differences of many cultures around the globe as well as seeing many historical sites. He moved to Kansas City in 1999, marrying his wife Carmen in August 2001.
The Reform Party of Kansas nominated him for United States Senate – Kansas in both 2002 and 2004. Following those campaigns for public office, George and his wife Carmen focused on family, raising their four children.
This led to the writing of his first short story — I had a bad dream on a dark, stormy Night. As the children expressed their ideas for what they wanted to become, more short stories followed, culminating in his debut collection — Adventures in Dreamland — published in May 2022.
“What started as a love triangle concept in 1988 morphed into a compelling trilogy of fate, ambition, and redemption set in Kansas City.”
Thirty-one months of writing labor, even after overcoming a stroke, brought forth the first book of the trilogy — A Chance Encounter — published in November 2025 and now available for purchase. Book two — A Random Encounter — is also available for purchase. The third and final book in The Encounter Trilogy is currently in preview and available for pre-order.
Testimonials From Readers
What Readers & Reviewers Are Saying About The Encounter Trilogy
A wonderful contemporary romance for library shelves. A Chance Encounter is exactly the kind of story library patrons love: charming, emotional and easy to get lost in. Greg's imperfections make him compelling and Carry is a warm, bright presence from the moment she appears. The pacing is excellent and the corporate setting adds depth without overwhelming the romance. This book is going straight on my recommended reading list.
5 STAR REVIEW! A romance that feels alive. This book hooked me fast. The chemistry between Greg and Carry feels natural and Veronica's confidence adds the perfect amount of fire. Their moments at Club Euchre bring the whole world to life. Greg's flaws, especially his issues with drinking, make him relatable and human. And I cannot overlook the excellent side characters: Nurse Greta had me cracking up more than once.
A thoughtful mix of romance and life lessons. From an educator's point of view this book offers more than romance: it provides meaningful emotional lessons. Greg's journey from denial to accountability is portrayed with surprising nuance. The relationships, especially the trio of Greg, David, and Darren, highlight loyalty, conflict resolution, and personal growth. The Prom backstory and its lingering effects were handled excellently.
Hear The Story
Step Inside The Encounter Trilogy
Scene: An Afternoon Date With Carry - Book 1
Featured Characters: Carry & Greg
Scene Description: An audio preview from Book One ("An Afternoon Date With Carry") featuring Carry and Greg.
Scene: Make A Choice - Book 2
Featured Characters: Veronica, Greg & Carry
Scene Description: An audio preview from Book Two ("Make A Choice") capturing Veronica, Greg, and Carry.
Scene: The Attempt
Featured Characters: Greg, Veronica & Keith
Scene Description: An emotional audio preview from Book 3 ("The Attempt") detailing the high tension moment when Greg's home is invaded by The Enforcer, featuring Greg, Veronica and Keith.
Scene: Live For Her
Featured Characters: Greg & Billy
Scene Description: A dramatic turning point clip from Book 3 ("Live For Her") capturing a life altering conversation between Greg and Billy discussing how Carry has affected both of them.
Explore The Encounter Trilogy
Discover where each encounter begins and follow Greg, Carry, and Veronica's journey.
EXPLORE THE TRILOGY →