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Change of Pace
JESSE REEVES wants to live life to the fullest. After a Kawasaki Disease diagnosis and an ICD implant, she’s determined to make every moment count—including tackling her carefully curated bucket list.
First on the list? A no-strings-attached one-night stand.
Enter ASHER JAMISON, a charming stranger who helps her check that box. Their night together is everything she hoped for, and then some. But the surprise comes the next day when she discovers Asher isn’t just a stranger, he’s her best friend’s brother.
Understanding how important her bucket list is to Jesse, her best friend suggests a road trip with Asher in his RV to help her check off as many items as possible before her new job begins. Though hesitant, Jesse agrees with one they must keep things strictly platonic.
But as Jesse and Asher explore quirky roadside attractions, share experiences, and navigate close quarters, keeping their feelings in check becomes harder.
The question is, can Jesse overcome her fears and let him into her heart?
First on the list? A no-strings-attached one-night stand.
Enter ASHER JAMISON, a charming stranger who helps her check that box. Their night together is everything she hoped for, and then some. But the surprise comes the next day when she discovers Asher isn’t just a stranger, he’s her best friend’s brother.
Understanding how important her bucket list is to Jesse, her best friend suggests a road trip with Asher in his RV to help her check off as many items as possible before her new job begins. Though hesitant, Jesse agrees with one they must keep things strictly platonic.
But as Jesse and Asher explore quirky roadside attractions, share experiences, and navigate close quarters, keeping their feelings in check becomes harder.
The question is, can Jesse overcome her fears and let him into her heart?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
248 people are currently reading
2230 people want to read
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April 25, 2025
Change of Plans by Kayla Gross
Contemporary romance. Health issues. Curvy female and dad body hero.
After a heart attack and ICD implant because of Kawasaki Disease, Jesse Reeves created a bucket list for her life. The first item on the list is a one-night stand and Jesse’s long time friend takes her to a bar get that item crossed off. Though the night doesn’t start out well, she soon meets Asher Jamison who is everything she hoped for. Now he wants more. He won’t push her, but he might have the perfect plan. A trip in his RV to help her with the bucket list. They can go as just friends. No pressure.
Their sparks aren’t so easily ignored. Especially when there is a severe lack of privacy when traveling together in an RV.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by Victoria Connolly and Grayson Owens. They each did their chapter POV and had voices for both characters. Both did a fantastic job with the performance and the emotions were easily heard. The characters came alive and had me actively listening to find out reactions.
I did listen to this at 1.5 and slightly higher to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
Adored the story. He fell instantly and could see their future and I fell for him too in that moment. He has a cat. There are highs and lows, of course. She planned only one night and doesn’t think she can have more because of her disease.
Swoon worthy romance.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking for her backlist.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Select.
Contemporary romance. Health issues. Curvy female and dad body hero.
After a heart attack and ICD implant because of Kawasaki Disease, Jesse Reeves created a bucket list for her life. The first item on the list is a one-night stand and Jesse’s long time friend takes her to a bar get that item crossed off. Though the night doesn’t start out well, she soon meets Asher Jamison who is everything she hoped for. Now he wants more. He won’t push her, but he might have the perfect plan. A trip in his RV to help her with the bucket list. They can go as just friends. No pressure.
Their sparks aren’t so easily ignored. Especially when there is a severe lack of privacy when traveling together in an RV.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by Victoria Connolly and Grayson Owens. They each did their chapter POV and had voices for both characters. Both did a fantastic job with the performance and the emotions were easily heard. The characters came alive and had me actively listening to find out reactions.
I did listen to this at 1.5 and slightly higher to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
Adored the story. He fell instantly and could see their future and I fell for him too in that moment. He has a cat. There are highs and lows, of course. She planned only one night and doesn’t think she can have more because of her disease.
Swoon worthy romance.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking for her backlist.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Select.
August 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐ / Kayla Grosse does sweet just as well as she does smut, and Change of Pace proves it. It’s the perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and romcom charm and exactly the kind of contemporary romance I knew Kayla could write, but still managed to surprise me with. You can feel how personal this story is, every page imbued with care and love.
I was especially taken with Asher Jamison. He’s cocky and completely down bad in equal measure, which is pretty much everything I look for in a book boyfriend. He’s the heart of the story, and his presence pulled me in again and again. Jesse was more complex for me. Her stubborn streak sometimes made it harder to connect with her choices, but it’s also part of what makes her feel real. Even when that determination didn’t quite work for me, it still created tension that made the romance’s payoff feel rewarding.
Overall, Change of Pace is a beautiful testament to Kayla’s range as a writer. Near perfect for contemporary romance fans, and brimming with heart.
I was especially taken with Asher Jamison. He’s cocky and completely down bad in equal measure, which is pretty much everything I look for in a book boyfriend. He’s the heart of the story, and his presence pulled me in again and again. Jesse was more complex for me. Her stubborn streak sometimes made it harder to connect with her choices, but it’s also part of what makes her feel real. Even when that determination didn’t quite work for me, it still created tension that made the romance’s payoff feel rewarding.
Overall, Change of Pace is a beautiful testament to Kayla’s range as a writer. Near perfect for contemporary romance fans, and brimming with heart.
April 25, 2025
Change of Pace is a new release from Kayla Grosse and I really just enjoy the way this author blends spicy and emotional aspects in her romances, the balance is so good! This one was fun with the road trip aspect. It’s also best friend’s brother, includes a bucket list, only one bed, he falls first (and hard), he’s a cat daddy, Kawasaki disease and ICD implant rep for the heroine, and ADHD rep.
Jesse and Asher meet and end up having a fabulous one night together, they go their separate ways and then later find out he’s her best friend’s brother (that said friend has been trying to introduce them to one another). He finds out about her bucket list and is about to go on a road trip of his own so she ends up tagging along. I loved their travel adventures together and how into her he was. Her hesitations of being a burden on someone else and her feelings towards that all felt so real and I liked how it was handled in the story. Definitely one of my favorites from this author!
I had an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
CW: own-voices/author is Kawasaki disease survivor and has an ICD implant. Talk of death and dying, near death experiences, Kawasaki disease rep, ICD implant rep, past heart attacks, discussions of body image, weight loss, and disordered eating. Talk of medications, ADHD rep (medicated with a stimulant), light bondage.
Jesse and Asher meet and end up having a fabulous one night together, they go their separate ways and then later find out he’s her best friend’s brother (that said friend has been trying to introduce them to one another). He finds out about her bucket list and is about to go on a road trip of his own so she ends up tagging along. I loved their travel adventures together and how into her he was. Her hesitations of being a burden on someone else and her feelings towards that all felt so real and I liked how it was handled in the story. Definitely one of my favorites from this author!
I had an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
CW: own-voices/author is Kawasaki disease survivor and has an ICD implant. Talk of death and dying, near death experiences, Kawasaki disease rep, ICD implant rep, past heart attacks, discussions of body image, weight loss, and disordered eating. Talk of medications, ADHD rep (medicated with a stimulant), light bondage.
June 25, 2025
I think I wanna buy an RV
KU Read 342 Pages
Road Trip with Bucket List
Health condition Rep
Curvy FMC
Husky MMC
ONS turned friends
Insta Love
He Falls First and falls hard
One Bed
This book really has the feel-good factor and for a number of reasons. Jesse is curvy with serious health problems that she is overcoming and finding a new "Pace" to live her life and be happy. She has made a bucket list and while trying to fulfil the first item on her list (to have a one night stand) she meets Asher.
Asher loved life his way and when he meets Jesse, it's almost instant love for him. By chance, it comes to light that she is friends with his sister, and with her help, he convinces Jesse to go on a road trip with him to complete some of the items on her bucket list... It also gives him 20 days to win over the girl of his dreams.
But Jesse isn't looking for long term. Why would she do long term when she feels like she could die any day...
Love against the odds? I dunno but I loved the way Asher and Jesse interacted. I found them both to be endearing and the fact they both were overcoming issues that had held them back when they were younger have a 'right time and place' vibe to it all. I was rooting for them all along. A thoroughly enjoyable story with cosy summer feels.
KU Read 342 Pages
Road Trip with Bucket List
Health condition Rep
Curvy FMC
Husky MMC
ONS turned friends
Insta Love
He Falls First and falls hard
One Bed
This book really has the feel-good factor and for a number of reasons. Jesse is curvy with serious health problems that she is overcoming and finding a new "Pace" to live her life and be happy. She has made a bucket list and while trying to fulfil the first item on her list (to have a one night stand) she meets Asher.
Asher loved life his way and when he meets Jesse, it's almost instant love for him. By chance, it comes to light that she is friends with his sister, and with her help, he convinces Jesse to go on a road trip with him to complete some of the items on her bucket list... It also gives him 20 days to win over the girl of his dreams.
But Jesse isn't looking for long term. Why would she do long term when she feels like she could die any day...
Love against the odds? I dunno but I loved the way Asher and Jesse interacted. I found them both to be endearing and the fact they both were overcoming issues that had held them back when they were younger have a 'right time and place' vibe to it all. I was rooting for them all along. A thoroughly enjoyable story with cosy summer feels.
April 11, 2025
ARC Review
If you’re in the mood for a little cry (or, at least a little teary), this one’s for you. Change of Pace hits right in the feels but it’s not all tears and heartbreak. It’s also funny, warm, and full of that soft, slow-burn kind of love that makes your chest ache in the best way.
Jesse doesn’t believe she’s worthy. Of love, of being remarkable, of taking up space. Some of that’s rooted in her illness/heart condition, and some in the kind of insidious, deep-rooted fatphobia society so kindly bestows on us. Watching her grow throughout the story and realise she’s more than enough just as she is was genuinely moving. I just wanted to give her a big, squishy hug.
Then there’s Asher. Sweet, patient, head-over-heels Asher, who falls hard and fast (not a spoiler, it’s right there in his dreamy little eyes from the jump). I loved how tenderly he holds space for Jesse while also desperately hoping and waiting that she’ll see what they have. He’s a total sweetheart, and their banter? Top tier.
Also, can we talk about Melissa? The true MVP. Often in the best friend’s brother trope, the sibling throws a tantrum and ruins the vibe. Not here. Melissa is all in. She loves her best friend, she loves her brother, and she’s basically out here manifesting their relationship like the unbothered queen she is. She also plays hype woman for Jesse’s road trip and reminds her, sometimes gently and sometimes with a metaphorical kick in the arse, to stop playing it safe and actually live her damn life.
It’s an emotional, uplifting, cute as heck read with themes of self-worth, grief(regarding health), love, and learning to live life on your own terms. Oh, and that epilogue? Spicy as hell. The perfect way to wrap it all up.
Fave quotes:
“This is your road trip, your bucket list, your time to have fun. Don’t give yourself all these rules and guides to follow. Be spontaneous and live, Jesse. You deserve it.” —Melissa
“This is our first kiss. Our only first kiss, and I want to savour it. Memorise it and burn it into the fibre of my being so even when we’re old and grey, I’ll never forget it. Jesse (last name unknown) doesn’t know it yet, but this is our last first kiss. I’ve never been more certain of anything.” —Asher
“My entire life, I’ve been fat. And since my heart attacks, I’ve focused more on learning to love myself and be proud of my body for being strong and helping me survive. But the trauma from a lifetime of living in a bigger body in a society that tells you it’s wrong doesn’t go away overnight.” —Jesse
If you’re in the mood for a little cry (or, at least a little teary), this one’s for you. Change of Pace hits right in the feels but it’s not all tears and heartbreak. It’s also funny, warm, and full of that soft, slow-burn kind of love that makes your chest ache in the best way.
Jesse doesn’t believe she’s worthy. Of love, of being remarkable, of taking up space. Some of that’s rooted in her illness/heart condition, and some in the kind of insidious, deep-rooted fatphobia society so kindly bestows on us. Watching her grow throughout the story and realise she’s more than enough just as she is was genuinely moving. I just wanted to give her a big, squishy hug.
Then there’s Asher. Sweet, patient, head-over-heels Asher, who falls hard and fast (not a spoiler, it’s right there in his dreamy little eyes from the jump). I loved how tenderly he holds space for Jesse while also desperately hoping and waiting that she’ll see what they have. He’s a total sweetheart, and their banter? Top tier.
Also, can we talk about Melissa? The true MVP. Often in the best friend’s brother trope, the sibling throws a tantrum and ruins the vibe. Not here. Melissa is all in. She loves her best friend, she loves her brother, and she’s basically out here manifesting their relationship like the unbothered queen she is. She also plays hype woman for Jesse’s road trip and reminds her, sometimes gently and sometimes with a metaphorical kick in the arse, to stop playing it safe and actually live her damn life.
It’s an emotional, uplifting, cute as heck read with themes of self-worth, grief(regarding health), love, and learning to live life on your own terms. Oh, and that epilogue? Spicy as hell. The perfect way to wrap it all up.
Fave quotes:
“This is your road trip, your bucket list, your time to have fun. Don’t give yourself all these rules and guides to follow. Be spontaneous and live, Jesse. You deserve it.” —Melissa
“This is our first kiss. Our only first kiss, and I want to savour it. Memorise it and burn it into the fibre of my being so even when we’re old and grey, I’ll never forget it. Jesse (last name unknown) doesn’t know it yet, but this is our last first kiss. I’ve never been more certain of anything.” —Asher
“My entire life, I’ve been fat. And since my heart attacks, I’ve focused more on learning to love myself and be proud of my body for being strong and helping me survive. But the trauma from a lifetime of living in a bigger body in a society that tells you it’s wrong doesn’t go away overnight.” —Jesse
June 7, 2025
Change of pace by Kayla Grosse
-I love a bucket list , this book found me at the right time, i’m in a little life slump, almost mid 20s and wanting an oomph in my life so I feel like Jesse wanting to live her life to the fullest. I’m also in the middle of health stuff and I don’t want it to stall the enjoyment of life so I too need a change of pace.
-I relate so much with being the plus size bestie (duff if you will iykyk) , I get Kate trying to help but also they don’t get it 😭
-AHHH we love a tall man he 6’4 and charming eeee i’m giddy
-their banter ahh I want a meet cute like them
-love the ADD and Kawasaki Disease awareness and rep
-gotta love a rugged man that acts like a teddy bear but takes charge when its needed 👀
-Kayla knows how to write spice cause damnnn oufff 🔥
-love the best friends brother dramaaa
-I love a good road trip. I really should go on one soon and revamp my bucket list
-I’m obsessed with how he helps her check things off her bucket list but also become the best version of herself
-omg the cat has me cackling I love him 🐈
-I truly feel like i’m on the road trip with them and learning about them inside and out
-the tension, the spice, the connection is sooo good KAYLA you have done it again with this one
-the audiobook truly felt so immersive , I feel like i’m there with them on a road trip and falling in love
-the tattoo I AM UNWELL 😭
-I hope I find someone like Ash that love my curves and doesn’t see my illnesses as weakness 🥹
-naughty naughty with a tie hell yeah go off 👀👔
-this book was everything and more , this masterpiece was just what I needed at this time in my life 😭♥️
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-I love a bucket list , this book found me at the right time, i’m in a little life slump, almost mid 20s and wanting an oomph in my life so I feel like Jesse wanting to live her life to the fullest. I’m also in the middle of health stuff and I don’t want it to stall the enjoyment of life so I too need a change of pace.
-I relate so much with being the plus size bestie (duff if you will iykyk) , I get Kate trying to help but also they don’t get it 😭
-AHHH we love a tall man he 6’4 and charming eeee i’m giddy
-their banter ahh I want a meet cute like them
-love the ADD and Kawasaki Disease awareness and rep
-gotta love a rugged man that acts like a teddy bear but takes charge when its needed 👀
-Kayla knows how to write spice cause damnnn oufff 🔥
-love the best friends brother dramaaa
-I love a good road trip. I really should go on one soon and revamp my bucket list
-I’m obsessed with how he helps her check things off her bucket list but also become the best version of herself
-omg the cat has me cackling I love him 🐈
-I truly feel like i’m on the road trip with them and learning about them inside and out
-the tension, the spice, the connection is sooo good KAYLA you have done it again with this one
-the audiobook truly felt so immersive , I feel like i’m there with them on a road trip and falling in love
-the tattoo I AM UNWELL 😭
-I hope I find someone like Ash that love my curves and doesn’t see my illnesses as weakness 🥹
-naughty naughty with a tie hell yeah go off 👀👔
-this book was everything and more , this masterpiece was just what I needed at this time in my life 😭♥️
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2025
Jesse Reeves is a sweetheart. A sweetheart who's ready to change her life. She has a heart condition that she has to monitor, that's caused two heart attacks and a new outlook on life. Jesse is ready to start that bucket list. one of the items? A one night stand.
And it would have just been a perfect one night stand... if he wasn't the brother of her best friend. After meeting again, the two of them decide that Asher will be the one to take her on the rest of her road trip bucket list.
Asher travels the country in his RV, with his cat, GusGus (ok loved the name!), so taking Jesse to all the places she wants to see is perfect. Because Asher? So down for Jesse. It's so sweet, y'all. Asher is a cinnamon roll who treats Jesse with the respect she deserves. Down bad, I tell ya.
Jesse is pretty gun shy. I won't go into specifics but the revelation? Broke my heart for her.
To see Jesse grow with how Asher treats her? Grow as a woman who becomes even more ok with herself? He's a man, I tell you. A man. I enjoyed it so much.
And it would have just been a perfect one night stand... if he wasn't the brother of her best friend. After meeting again, the two of them decide that Asher will be the one to take her on the rest of her road trip bucket list.
Asher travels the country in his RV, with his cat, GusGus (ok loved the name!), so taking Jesse to all the places she wants to see is perfect. Because Asher? So down for Jesse. It's so sweet, y'all. Asher is a cinnamon roll who treats Jesse with the respect she deserves. Down bad, I tell ya.
Jesse is pretty gun shy. I won't go into specifics but the revelation? Broke my heart for her.
To see Jesse grow with how Asher treats her? Grow as a woman who becomes even more ok with herself? He's a man, I tell you. A man. I enjoyed it so much.
April 29, 2025
4.25⭐️
Oh hellllll ya I ate this one up!! Jesse had a bucket list but this one is a bit different—she’s been through some medical hardships and is doing this to allow herself to liveeeee. First bucket list crossed off is a one night stand who just so happens to be her besties brother, Asher!!
One thing leads to the next and now Jesse & Asher are roomies along for a roadtrip to work through both fo their bucket list items!
God it was cute & I had such a great time listening to the audio!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Best friends brother
Only one bed
Cat daddy
Forced proximity
One night stand
Oh hellllll ya I ate this one up!! Jesse had a bucket list but this one is a bit different—she’s been through some medical hardships and is doing this to allow herself to liveeeee. First bucket list crossed off is a one night stand who just so happens to be her besties brother, Asher!!
One thing leads to the next and now Jesse & Asher are roomies along for a roadtrip to work through both fo their bucket list items!
God it was cute & I had such a great time listening to the audio!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Best friends brother
Only one bed
Cat daddy
Forced proximity
One night stand
April 29, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️ Open door scenes with dirty talk and some light bondage. Honestly, fairly vanilla for Kayla Grosse.
Okay, I’ve read this twice now. I read an ARC and an ALC, so I can confidently say this is my favorite Kayla Grosse book. Personally, I felt more connected to the characters more than I ever have when reading her books. It felt like she put more of herself in this one. You can tell how personal it was for her, and I really enjoyed that. The audiobook was absolutely incredible. Sometimes dual narration audiobooks can feel less special than duet which are my personal favorite, but this was really good. Both narrators do an amazing job. Now, it is also just an incredible story backing them up.
This book!! Such incredible characters. I always describe well-developed characters as textured because when something is written really well it tends to come alive more when I’m visualizing it in my mind. Amazing characters and descriptions of gorgeous settings. Seriously. I loved Jesse SO much. I joked on social media that their only flaws are their preference for dark roast coffee and I stand by that. I need to warn you. No MMC will measure up against Asher called Ash once you read this book. There has never been such a perfect cinnamon roll simp of a man written. When Kayla Grosse said, “He falls first and hard,” on social media…GIRL. She was not kidding. Man has it BAD. Just so good. Literally my face while reading chapter 3? His first POV? 😯
This was just simply too good. They were TOO cute. Jesse had such an incredible character arc of self love and self discovery. Ash is so incredibly supportive. I cried so many times while reading this, and honestly…as much as I go on and on about having a detailed rating system? Did a book make me cry a bunch? Was I giggling and kicking my feet? Immaculate vibes? 5 stars. This was just…you know when you’re watching a great rom-com with your girlfriends and it’s hitting just right? Or like a comfort show? That’s like the vibe this gave me. I kept stopping to do other things because I didn’t want it to end. This is the type of book you’ll want to come back to again and again. I definitely will be listening to it on audio. Can’t wait!
Content warnings: body image (weight loss and disordered eating are discussed), bondage, death & dying conversations, heart attacks (past), ICD implant, Kawasaki disease, medications, near-death experiences
2/5 🌶️ Open door scenes with dirty talk and some light bondage. Honestly, fairly vanilla for Kayla Grosse.
Okay, I’ve read this twice now. I read an ARC and an ALC, so I can confidently say this is my favorite Kayla Grosse book. Personally, I felt more connected to the characters more than I ever have when reading her books. It felt like she put more of herself in this one. You can tell how personal it was for her, and I really enjoyed that. The audiobook was absolutely incredible. Sometimes dual narration audiobooks can feel less special than duet which are my personal favorite, but this was really good. Both narrators do an amazing job. Now, it is also just an incredible story backing them up.
This book!! Such incredible characters. I always describe well-developed characters as textured because when something is written really well it tends to come alive more when I’m visualizing it in my mind. Amazing characters and descriptions of gorgeous settings. Seriously. I loved Jesse SO much. I joked on social media that their only flaws are their preference for dark roast coffee and I stand by that. I need to warn you. No MMC will measure up against Asher called Ash once you read this book. There has never been such a perfect cinnamon roll simp of a man written. When Kayla Grosse said, “He falls first and hard,” on social media…GIRL. She was not kidding. Man has it BAD. Just so good. Literally my face while reading chapter 3? His first POV? 😯
This was just simply too good. They were TOO cute. Jesse had such an incredible character arc of self love and self discovery. Ash is so incredibly supportive. I cried so many times while reading this, and honestly…as much as I go on and on about having a detailed rating system? Did a book make me cry a bunch? Was I giggling and kicking my feet? Immaculate vibes? 5 stars. This was just…you know when you’re watching a great rom-com with your girlfriends and it’s hitting just right? Or like a comfort show? That’s like the vibe this gave me. I kept stopping to do other things because I didn’t want it to end. This is the type of book you’ll want to come back to again and again. I definitely will be listening to it on audio. Can’t wait!
Content warnings: body image (weight loss and disordered eating are discussed), bondage, death & dying conversations, heart attacks (past), ICD implant, Kawasaki disease, medications, near-death experiences
May 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely LOVED this book. I did the audio and loved the narrators. They added so much to the characters.
Jesse and Asher’s journey from one night stand to traveling across the country together was so much fun. Jesse has a heart condition that led her to create a bucket list of things she wants to experience before she dies, as it could happen at any time. Asher sets out to help her check off items on her bucket list as they travel across the country in his RV. Their relationship grows really quickly and I think it goes right along with the title and theme. The pace may not be for everyone, but it works for them and it was really beautiful to experience along with them.
Already have a few friends in mind who I will be recommending this to. Also always love plus size rep :)
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC!
Jesse and Asher’s journey from one night stand to traveling across the country together was so much fun. Jesse has a heart condition that led her to create a bucket list of things she wants to experience before she dies, as it could happen at any time. Asher sets out to help her check off items on her bucket list as they travel across the country in his RV. Their relationship grows really quickly and I think it goes right along with the title and theme. The pace may not be for everyone, but it works for them and it was really beautiful to experience along with them.
Already have a few friends in mind who I will be recommending this to. Also always love plus size rep :)
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ALC!
April 18, 2025
Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️
March 26, 2025
Kayla Grosse, the queen you are.
This book was everything I needed even when I didn’t know it. I was absolutely floored by the incredible storytelling and the writing style. I felt like I was both reading a story and listening to my best friend retell the events that leading to her happy ending.
I also have never read a character that I can relate to as much as Jesse. Heart condition, plus size and with a bucket list? It’s me. Im her.
I loved her and I loved how loud Asher loved her.
I will never be over them
This book was everything I needed even when I didn’t know it. I was absolutely floored by the incredible storytelling and the writing style. I felt like I was both reading a story and listening to my best friend retell the events that leading to her happy ending.
I also have never read a character that I can relate to as much as Jesse. Heart condition, plus size and with a bucket list? It’s me. Im her.
I loved her and I loved how loud Asher loved her.
I will never be over them
April 29, 2025
Okay, all the feels. This couple is the least toxic couple I've ever met. I want to be their friends, I want to watch Gus Gus when they go on vacation, I want to babysit their future kids. My heart is so happy.
As always, Kayla Grosse brings the heat, but she also brings the romance. Asher is the biggest golden retriever I have ever read and I have no notes. The way this was written was something you could use as a blueprint for all relationships, the support all around here was 10/10. Seeing her work through her diagnosis and issues she had from childhood regarding her weight was so well done. I love that Kayla not only gave us a body positive FMC but a MMC too, I feel like this is rare to read and it was a breath of fresh air to see REAL people.
This audio narration was phenomenal and I am so glad I got a copy from NetGalley. Kayla Grosse is an autoread author for me, and she always has great narrators!
As always, Kayla Grosse brings the heat, but she also brings the romance. Asher is the biggest golden retriever I have ever read and I have no notes. The way this was written was something you could use as a blueprint for all relationships, the support all around here was 10/10. Seeing her work through her diagnosis and issues she had from childhood regarding her weight was so well done. I love that Kayla not only gave us a body positive FMC but a MMC too, I feel like this is rare to read and it was a breath of fresh air to see REAL people.
This audio narration was phenomenal and I am so glad I got a copy from NetGalley. Kayla Grosse is an autoread author for me, and she always has great narrators!
April 18, 2025
“What other choice do I have?”
“You could be miserable. You could be at home still thinking of doing the things you’ve been dreaming of. But you’re not. You’re here, you’re doing it. And you’re doing great.”
3.5✨ -arc review- thx Kayla🫶🏼
Si bien el romance es uno de los temas centrales, siento que el libro trata más sobre Jesse y como afronta la vida. Es una experiencia donde de su boca para afuera dice que todo está tranqui pero realmente siente que cada día puede ser el último. Y por esta manera de pensar toma ciertas decisiones.
Asher es alguien muy atento y romántico. No soy fan del insta love pero entiendo lo que es sentir esa conexión con alguien y saber que, si todo funciona, podrías tener una gran vida a su lado.
La autora creo hace una buena representación de la enfermedad Kawasaki y los ICD, y también brinda información de la que antes tenía desconocimiento. Por otro lado, Asher también ayuda a visibilizar a las personas con TDAH.
Me hubiera gustado ver más de Melissa y de Jesse compartiendo tiempo con sus amigas sin tener conversaciones sobre Ash.
Tenía miedo del nivel de spicy por otros libros que había visto de la autora pero este tiene como tres escenas y se siente como una relación sexual bastante real.
Creo que mi queja más grande han sido algunos diálogos porque personalmente me daban cringe, pero es porque yo no hablaría así. Sin embargo, puedo visualizar a otras personas haciéndolo.
[eng]
Although romance is one of the central themes, I feel like the book is more about Jesse and how she deals with life. It’s a story where, on the outside, she says everything’s fine, but deep down, she feels like any day could be her last. That mindset drives a lot of the choices she makes.
Asher is incredibly thoughtful and romantic. I'm not usually a fan of insta-love, but I get what it’s like to feel that instant connection with someone and to know that, if things work out, you could really build a beautiful life together.
I think the author does a great job representing Kawasaki disease and ICDs, and even shares information I didn’t know before. On top of that, Asher also helps bring attention to people living with ADHD.
I would’ve loved to see more of Melissa and more scenes of Jesse just hanging out with her friends, without every conversation revolving around Ash.
I was worried about the level of spice because of other books I’ve seen by the author, but this one only has about three scenes and they feel like a pretty realistic sexual relationship.
My biggest issue was probably with some of the dialogue— at times it made me cringe a little, but that’s more of a personal thing because I wouldn’t talk like that myself. Still, I can easily picture other people saying those lines.
April 13, 2025
I very sincerely love a man who knows what he wants, says what he means, means what he says, and does not play games. Asher called Ash was an awesome change of pace (pun unintended but leaving it there) from other MMCs who hold back their feelings and like to keep secrets. Jessie and Ash have an awesome banter together. This sloooooow burn was nice and hot though.
I had a great time reading this and now maybe want to road trip.
I had a great time reading this and now maybe want to road trip.
Read
September 18, 2025Loved reading this one!!
April 12, 2025
I just finished reading the ARC of Change of Pace and love it. I have been to several of the places on their road trip, so it brings back fond memories. My mom and I stopped at the Corn Palace on a road trip from New Jersey to Utah and it was just like you described. Sharing the story of KD and ICDs was wonderful.
April 22, 2025
Change of Pace is Kayla’s newest novel following a woman with Kawasaki disease trying to cross off all the items on her bucket list after surviving two heart attacks and getting an ICD implant. As someone with chronic pain, I enjoy finding new books with disability representation and Kawasaki disease was not something I was familiar with before reading this. The author herself has this disability and you can tell she really put her heart into this character, and I applaud her for being so vulnerable 🤍
Anddd this is where I have to be a negative Nancy ☹️ I just didn’t see the chemistry between these two characters, and their dialogue felt really juvenile. These two thirty year old adults sounded like teenagers, and If this mmc said “facts” one more time, I was going to put down the book 😭 I also just really struggled with the “we can’t be together” argument leading to the third act breakup.
Overall a cute road trip romance with a strong main character wanting to live life to the fullest. I also want to mention that Asher (the mmc) had ADHD and both main characters were plus size! MORE DAD BODS IN BOOKS PLEASE 👏🏻
Anddd this is where I have to be a negative Nancy ☹️ I just didn’t see the chemistry between these two characters, and their dialogue felt really juvenile. These two thirty year old adults sounded like teenagers, and If this mmc said “facts” one more time, I was going to put down the book 😭 I also just really struggled with the “we can’t be together” argument leading to the third act breakup.
Overall a cute road trip romance with a strong main character wanting to live life to the fullest. I also want to mention that Asher (the mmc) had ADHD and both main characters were plus size! MORE DAD BODS IN BOOKS PLEASE 👏🏻
April 26, 2025
Cat dad
Bucket list/fuck it list
Plus size FMC
MMC w/ adhd
FMC w/ heart condition
3.5 stars
After how much I enjoyed Whirlwind, I wanted to love this one just as much, but I just didn't. I very much enjoyed it overall, and I especially love a good road trip romance! It's one of my favourite tropes, and while this was a very good story, the spice was great, I loved the MMC, I just struggled to connect with the FMC. And I feel like my disconnect from the FMC made it difficult for me to be invested in the connection between the MCs.
There was so much about this book that I enjoyed, I just felt it lacked that je ne sais quois that I want to feel from a story I love and am heavily invested in.
I truly felt like the narrators Victoria Connolly and Grayson Owens did such a great job. Their narration was wonderful, but I also found myself comparing to how incredible the production of the Whirlwind audio was with duet narration, including a separate actor for a side character and all the sound effects. Whirlwind was fantastic. Change of Pace was good. Unfortunately, I don't really have much more of an explanation than that.
Bucket list/fuck it list
Plus size FMC
MMC w/ adhd
FMC w/ heart condition
3.5 stars
After how much I enjoyed Whirlwind, I wanted to love this one just as much, but I just didn't. I very much enjoyed it overall, and I especially love a good road trip romance! It's one of my favourite tropes, and while this was a very good story, the spice was great, I loved the MMC, I just struggled to connect with the FMC. And I feel like my disconnect from the FMC made it difficult for me to be invested in the connection between the MCs.
There was so much about this book that I enjoyed, I just felt it lacked that je ne sais quois that I want to feel from a story I love and am heavily invested in.
I truly felt like the narrators Victoria Connolly and Grayson Owens did such a great job. Their narration was wonderful, but I also found myself comparing to how incredible the production of the Whirlwind audio was with duet narration, including a separate actor for a side character and all the sound effects. Whirlwind was fantastic. Change of Pace was good. Unfortunately, I don't really have much more of an explanation than that.
June 20, 2025
It’s not that i didn’t enjoy this. It was beautifully body positive. But in the same way you sometimes meet someone who was home schooled and you can tell, occasionally I pick up a book that was self published and I can tell.
The dialogue here feels so corny and unnatural. I can’t imagine people who actually speak this way. And this FMC is exhausting. The real heroes here are the narrators who really took this cringe ass book and made it tolerable.
The dialogue here feels so corny and unnatural. I can’t imagine people who actually speak this way. And this FMC is exhausting. The real heroes here are the narrators who really took this cringe ass book and made it tolerable.
April 22, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
Thanks to Kayla for providing me with an ALC of her latest novel, A Change of Pace.
I am no stranger to Kayla’s books. I usually devour them greedily in a day. This one was no exception! All of her novels feature fun and interesting plus-size FMCs and the men who worship them.
This story focused on Jesse, a Kawasaki disease survivor, and Asher, her best friend’s older brother. Given that Jesse has had close calls with her disease, she decides to make a bucket list, to live life to the fullest and get to do things before it’s too late.
She starts the bucket list with a one night stand. That one night stand turns out to be her best friend’s brother (that she had never met before). After learning the news that he’s related to her best friend, her best friend encourages her to join her brother on a cross-country road trip to mark off the items on her bucket list.
They have one month of travel before Jesse and Asher both start new jobs. They travel from Wisconsin (where the story starts) to Oregon to Maine. They become quite close friends themselves… and maybe more?
If you haven’t read anything by Kayla, do yourself a favor and pick up any of her books. I promise you will end up wanting to read her entire backlog!
1.5/5 🌶️
Thanks to Kayla for providing me with an ALC of her latest novel, A Change of Pace.
I am no stranger to Kayla’s books. I usually devour them greedily in a day. This one was no exception! All of her novels feature fun and interesting plus-size FMCs and the men who worship them.
This story focused on Jesse, a Kawasaki disease survivor, and Asher, her best friend’s older brother. Given that Jesse has had close calls with her disease, she decides to make a bucket list, to live life to the fullest and get to do things before it’s too late.
She starts the bucket list with a one night stand. That one night stand turns out to be her best friend’s brother (that she had never met before). After learning the news that he’s related to her best friend, her best friend encourages her to join her brother on a cross-country road trip to mark off the items on her bucket list.
They have one month of travel before Jesse and Asher both start new jobs. They travel from Wisconsin (where the story starts) to Oregon to Maine. They become quite close friends themselves… and maybe more?
If you haven’t read anything by Kayla, do yourself a favor and pick up any of her books. I promise you will end up wanting to read her entire backlog!
April 13, 2025
I’ve never felt so seen in a romance. 🥹🩷
As someone who lives life with ADHD and has always navigated the world in a plus-size body, Change of Pace hit me in a way not many books do. Jesse isn’t just a character—I was Jesse in so many moments. Her voice, her energy, her fears and hopes… it was like reading a version of my own story wrapped up in a swoony, heartfelt romance.
What I loved most was the genuine friendship between Jesse and Asher. There’s no insta-love or forced chemistry—just two people who truly see each other and grow closer with every mile of their road trip. Asher never tries to change Jesse; instead, he supports her, builds her up, and makes her feel strong, capable, and enough. And that? That kind of love is everything.🙌
Kayla Grosse gave me the kind of representation I’ve been craving—messy, beautiful, joyful, and real. This wasn’t just a love story; it was a reminder that people like me deserve main character energy, confidence, and someone who cheers us on.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, or like your story wasn’t being told—read this one. It felt like the warmest, positive affirmation of a book-hug! 🤗
As someone who lives life with ADHD and has always navigated the world in a plus-size body, Change of Pace hit me in a way not many books do. Jesse isn’t just a character—I was Jesse in so many moments. Her voice, her energy, her fears and hopes… it was like reading a version of my own story wrapped up in a swoony, heartfelt romance.
What I loved most was the genuine friendship between Jesse and Asher. There’s no insta-love or forced chemistry—just two people who truly see each other and grow closer with every mile of their road trip. Asher never tries to change Jesse; instead, he supports her, builds her up, and makes her feel strong, capable, and enough. And that? That kind of love is everything.🙌
Kayla Grosse gave me the kind of representation I’ve been craving—messy, beautiful, joyful, and real. This wasn’t just a love story; it was a reminder that people like me deserve main character energy, confidence, and someone who cheers us on.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, or like your story wasn’t being told—read this one. It felt like the warmest, positive affirmation of a book-hug! 🤗
April 17, 2025
When Jesse decides to go out for the night and check off the first item on her bucket list, she doesn’t expect that one-night stand to be her best friend’s brother. And when Ash offers to help Jesse complete her bucket list, she doesn’t expect her world to get turned upside down.
Asher is a fantastic character and a great representation of ADHD. He was so lovable and I just wanted to give him a hug. The way he instantly fell for Jesse was adorable. I loved his cat GusGus too!
Jesse is a Kawasaki disease survivor and doing everything in her power to prove to everyone around her that she isn’t a fragile doll. She was extremely relatable and I truly felt for what she went through.
If you are looking for a fun story full of friendship, bucket lists, and emotional moments, then look no further.
Asher is a fantastic character and a great representation of ADHD. He was so lovable and I just wanted to give him a hug. The way he instantly fell for Jesse was adorable. I loved his cat GusGus too!
Jesse is a Kawasaki disease survivor and doing everything in her power to prove to everyone around her that she isn’t a fragile doll. She was extremely relatable and I truly felt for what she went through.
If you are looking for a fun story full of friendship, bucket lists, and emotional moments, then look no further.
May 26, 2025
i am constantly finding myself with this unbidden desire to kiss kayla grosse on the mouth and here i am again
kayla writes fat girls in love like few others can and i am eternally grateful. i have read darn near everything she’s written and i can say with confidence that she just keeps getting better.
jesse and asher hold such a special place in my heart. asher is quite literally a man straight from my dreams. this also took “instalove” in a very different direction and allowed us to still experience the yearning will they won’t they that all good romance readers desire.
i love this book. i love kayla grosse. i love fat girls in love. i love obsessive nerdy sarcastic men with dad bods. that is all.
kayla writes fat girls in love like few others can and i am eternally grateful. i have read darn near everything she’s written and i can say with confidence that she just keeps getting better.
jesse and asher hold such a special place in my heart. asher is quite literally a man straight from my dreams. this also took “instalove” in a very different direction and allowed us to still experience the yearning will they won’t they that all good romance readers desire.
i love this book. i love kayla grosse. i love fat girls in love. i love obsessive nerdy sarcastic men with dad bods. that is all.
July 16, 2025
I swear she can do no wrong. This book was a little different than her others and I loved it! The story. The characters. The banter. The dialogue. All of it. Asher and Jesse were perfection and their chemistry was so good. Even Gus Gus had his moments.
April 29, 2025
I DEVOURED this one! This story is so real and the characters are so human. I loved Jesse so much, I have never read a fmc with an ICD implant/Kawaski disease but as a nurse I’m well versed in what Jesse endured. The fact that Asher tries to be everything and more for her, even if she doesn’t always want that, is so freaking sweet.
You will feel your soul sucked out and put back but in the best way
You will feel your soul sucked out and put back but in the best way
April 8, 2025
ARC Review
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
I’ve read and loved every book Kayla Grosse has written, and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved all of the characters and their interactions.
✨Bucket list
✨Best friend’s brother
✨Only one bed
✨Road trip
✨Cat daddy
✨ADHD rep
✨Banter
✨Kawasaki disease rep
✨ICD implant rep
✨He falls first and HARD
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
I’ve read and loved every book Kayla Grosse has written, and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved all of the characters and their interactions.
✨Bucket list
✨Best friend’s brother
✨Only one bed
✨Road trip
✨Cat daddy
✨ADHD rep
✨Banter
✨Kawasaki disease rep
✨ICD implant rep
✨He falls first and HARD
June 6, 2025
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️ 5🎧
April 17, 2025
My ARC Review
Kayla Grosse delivers a warm and utterly delightful read with Change of Pace, a story that effortlessly balances playful humor with heartfelt emotion. One of the standout joys of this book is the banter—quick, charming, and so full of chemistry that it made me kick my feet up with excitement on several occasions. Grosse has a true talent for crafting those back-and-forth moments that feel both natural and swoon-worthy, bringing a constant sense of giddiness to the page.
Besides all the fun moments, it's a touching and sincere story about finding your way—even when life throws a curveball. The main female character is self-reforming and humorous, navigating change as a quietly resilient individual who hits close to home. Her journey is emotional, authentic, and one many readers will see themselves in.
Change of Pace is the kind of book that makes you smile from start to finish, leaves your heart warm, and keeps you grinning long after the last page. If you love heartfelt stories with playful banter, slow-burn tension, and spicy chemistry, this one’s a gem. The steamy scenes aren’t just hot and fun—they’re charged with real emotion and a deep connection between the main characters, making them all the more worth savoring.
I’m truly honored to have been selected for the ARC review of this book. Thank you so much, Kayla Grosse!
Kayla Grosse delivers a warm and utterly delightful read with Change of Pace, a story that effortlessly balances playful humor with heartfelt emotion. One of the standout joys of this book is the banter—quick, charming, and so full of chemistry that it made me kick my feet up with excitement on several occasions. Grosse has a true talent for crafting those back-and-forth moments that feel both natural and swoon-worthy, bringing a constant sense of giddiness to the page.
Besides all the fun moments, it's a touching and sincere story about finding your way—even when life throws a curveball. The main female character is self-reforming and humorous, navigating change as a quietly resilient individual who hits close to home. Her journey is emotional, authentic, and one many readers will see themselves in.
Change of Pace is the kind of book that makes you smile from start to finish, leaves your heart warm, and keeps you grinning long after the last page. If you love heartfelt stories with playful banter, slow-burn tension, and spicy chemistry, this one’s a gem. The steamy scenes aren’t just hot and fun—they’re charged with real emotion and a deep connection between the main characters, making them all the more worth savoring.
I’m truly honored to have been selected for the ARC review of this book. Thank you so much, Kayla Grosse!
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