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This Changes Everything: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26An aspiring actor caught on the Hollywood roller coaster is torn between following her dreams and choosing between two of her own leading men—her childhood sweetheart and the one who got away, or the fellow actor who understands just what she’s fighting for. A funny, sexy and heartfelt romance for readers of Yulin Kuang, Rebecca Serle and Emily Henry.
Ellie McCain has always dreamed of a bigger life, so when she’s accepted into a prestigious acting school in New York City, she packs her bags—even if it means leaving her family, her friends and Rory Campbell, the boy who held her heart for years, behind.
At first, life in New York is even better than she’d dreamed it would be—she loves her classes, she gets a position at a fancy production company and she’s even falling in love with her classmate-turned-roommate-turned-best friend, Ben. But soon the shine starts to wear her boss has made it clear that the only role he’ll be casting her in is “Unpaid Intern #3,” and while she’s happy that Ben’s career is starting to take off, she’s struggling to stay afloat. And it doesn’t help that everyone around her seems to be passing her by—even her childhood sweetheart, Rory, is living out his dreams as a professional golfer. But when she runs into Rory for the first time in ten years, she starts to wonder what exactly it is she’s running from, where she’s going and who is running with her.
Told in alternating timelines of the past and present and moving between Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles, This Changes Everything is the story of love—first love, one-that-got-away-love and true love—and asks if maybe, just maybe, all those loves can be one and the same.
Ellie McCain has always dreamed of a bigger life, so when she’s accepted into a prestigious acting school in New York City, she packs her bags—even if it means leaving her family, her friends and Rory Campbell, the boy who held her heart for years, behind.
At first, life in New York is even better than she’d dreamed it would be—she loves her classes, she gets a position at a fancy production company and she’s even falling in love with her classmate-turned-roommate-turned-best friend, Ben. But soon the shine starts to wear her boss has made it clear that the only role he’ll be casting her in is “Unpaid Intern #3,” and while she’s happy that Ben’s career is starting to take off, she’s struggling to stay afloat. And it doesn’t help that everyone around her seems to be passing her by—even her childhood sweetheart, Rory, is living out his dreams as a professional golfer. But when she runs into Rory for the first time in ten years, she starts to wonder what exactly it is she’s running from, where she’s going and who is running with her.
Told in alternating timelines of the past and present and moving between Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles, This Changes Everything is the story of love—first love, one-that-got-away-love and true love—and asks if maybe, just maybe, all those loves can be one and the same.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC📖
5⭐️!!! I really enjoyed this one!
This story follows an aspiring actor who leaves her family and childhood sweetheart heart behind in Vancouver to chase her dreams in New York. Her story is told over alternating time lines from the then and now and then everything after. She has BIG dreams and feels a great need to prove herself to everyone back home. As she moves through life she experiences two great loves- Rory and Ben. The author wrote both of these relationships so well for where she was in life and her age during each one. I feel like overall this was more about Ellie discovering herself and learning who she really is apart from her childhood dreams and wishes. We see her during very messy times in her life and we see her in very fun and exciting moments, it all feels so nostalgic while reading. Give this a go if you’re an Emily Henry fan. Overall a 5⭐️ read for me!!!!
5⭐️!!! I really enjoyed this one!
This story follows an aspiring actor who leaves her family and childhood sweetheart heart behind in Vancouver to chase her dreams in New York. Her story is told over alternating time lines from the then and now and then everything after. She has BIG dreams and feels a great need to prove herself to everyone back home. As she moves through life she experiences two great loves- Rory and Ben. The author wrote both of these relationships so well for where she was in life and her age during each one. I feel like overall this was more about Ellie discovering herself and learning who she really is apart from her childhood dreams and wishes. We see her during very messy times in her life and we see her in very fun and exciting moments, it all feels so nostalgic while reading. Give this a go if you’re an Emily Henry fan. Overall a 5⭐️ read for me!!!!
May 27, 2026
Lmao absolutely not. This was so childish and the dialogue was EXTREMELY stilted and I just cringed the entire time. I didn’t even care about Ellie and Rory’s supposed childhood romance cause I didn’t feel a damn thing. And then it was fine that she and the other dude had been together for TEN YEARS and just said fuck it let’s be friends? I’m crying with laughter at how utterly stupid this was.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I devoured this book - it was a page turner and I just wanted to know what happened next! I read this in two sittings (only stopped for sleep).
This Changes Everything follows Ellie as she grows up from being a girl with big dreams to her journey to achieve them and finding her place. Her story is definitely messy, chaotic, and hard as we see her discover and experience the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry and question herself and her path.
As she goes through life, Ellie experiences two great loves: Ben and Rory. Rory and Ellie are childhood sweethearts and each other's soulmate. The story goes through time jumps from when they were teens and young adults to when they are 29/30: the "before" and "after" a pivotal moment in their relationship. Their "before" relationship was definitely so messy and filled with frustrating misunderstandings and miscommunications, but their relationship was also hard to look away from (like witnessing a disaster). They each undergo a lot of character development and by the time the story time-jumped to their "after," they are both so much more mature, confident, and intentional with each other.
Ben was there for Ellie when she first moves to NY as a bright-eyed novice, and he was definitely what she needed at that time as she transitioned from a kid to an adult. He was Ellie's first real mature relationship and he really grounded her and supported her. I thought the love triangle was done so beautifully: there was definitely some jealousy but there was also understanding and a great amount of love even after the triangle ended. There were no bad guys, and I thought that each guy gave Ellie what she needed at that time in her life. Sure, it's heartbreaking to let go of the one that you love, but sometimes it's not a bad thing, and maybe that's just what you need right now to grow.
I loved this book and 100% recommend. It was funny at times, but it didn't shy away from the emotional and the hard parts of life. Ellie is such a good character: she gets knocked down a lot and she gets discouraged, but she has a lot of grit and is able to scrap her way back. She's unapologetic about her goals in life despite the naysayers and the obstacles that are placed in her way. She follows her heart in everything she does, even if it's painful, and it was a joy to watch her finally find her role in life and her right person at the right time.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Netgalley for the ARC!
This Changes Everything follows Ellie as she grows up from being a girl with big dreams to her journey to achieve them and finding her place. Her story is definitely messy, chaotic, and hard as we see her discover and experience the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry and question herself and her path.
As she goes through life, Ellie experiences two great loves: Ben and Rory. Rory and Ellie are childhood sweethearts and each other's soulmate. The story goes through time jumps from when they were teens and young adults to when they are 29/30: the "before" and "after" a pivotal moment in their relationship. Their "before" relationship was definitely so messy and filled with frustrating misunderstandings and miscommunications, but their relationship was also hard to look away from (like witnessing a disaster). They each undergo a lot of character development and by the time the story time-jumped to their "after," they are both so much more mature, confident, and intentional with each other.
Ben was there for Ellie when she first moves to NY as a bright-eyed novice, and he was definitely what she needed at that time as she transitioned from a kid to an adult. He was Ellie's first real mature relationship and he really grounded her and supported her. I thought the love triangle was done so beautifully: there was definitely some jealousy but there was also understanding and a great amount of love even after the triangle ended. There were no bad guys, and I thought that each guy gave Ellie what she needed at that time in her life. Sure, it's heartbreaking to let go of the one that you love, but sometimes it's not a bad thing, and maybe that's just what you need right now to grow.
I loved this book and 100% recommend. It was funny at times, but it didn't shy away from the emotional and the hard parts of life. Ellie is such a good character: she gets knocked down a lot and she gets discouraged, but she has a lot of grit and is able to scrap her way back. She's unapologetic about her goals in life despite the naysayers and the obstacles that are placed in her way. She follows her heart in everything she does, even if it's painful, and it was a joy to watch her finally find her role in life and her right person at the right time.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
Grab this book! If you like Emily Henry or Carly fortune, you will fall in love with Danielle McKechnie’s new book.
This Changes Everything is a beautiful romance that balances heart, humour and ambition. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book Ellie McCain is the kind of heroine you root for, she is ambitious, messy, hopeful, and painfully real. Her journey from wide-eyed dreamer to someone forced to confront the realities of the acting world felt so honest. I loved how the story didn’t shy away from the quieter struggles—feeling left behind, questioning your path, and wondering if the life you imagined is still the one you want.
The love triangle is so well done—both relationships feel meaningful and fully developed, which made the emotional tension hit that much harder. Rory, the childhood sweetheart, brings all the nostalgia and “what if” energy, while Ben, the fellow actor, offers something deeply romantic and exciting.
Funny, heartfelt, and undeniably romantic, this book captures the complicated nature of love and ambition in such a compelling way. It’s about growing up, letting go, and figuring out what—and who—truly feels like home.
Perfect for fans of character-driven romances with emotional depth. I devoured this book! (FYI- would make a great book club read)
This Changes Everything is a beautiful romance that balances heart, humour and ambition. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book Ellie McCain is the kind of heroine you root for, she is ambitious, messy, hopeful, and painfully real. Her journey from wide-eyed dreamer to someone forced to confront the realities of the acting world felt so honest. I loved how the story didn’t shy away from the quieter struggles—feeling left behind, questioning your path, and wondering if the life you imagined is still the one you want.
The love triangle is so well done—both relationships feel meaningful and fully developed, which made the emotional tension hit that much harder. Rory, the childhood sweetheart, brings all the nostalgia and “what if” energy, while Ben, the fellow actor, offers something deeply romantic and exciting.
Funny, heartfelt, and undeniably romantic, this book captures the complicated nature of love and ambition in such a compelling way. It’s about growing up, letting go, and figuring out what—and who—truly feels like home.
Perfect for fans of character-driven romances with emotional depth. I devoured this book! (FYI- would make a great book club read)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read this book so fast! An aspiring actor, Ellie, moves to New York to follow her dreams. She leaves behind her family and friends and Rory, her childhood sweetheart. Then in New York she meets Ben, a fellow actor and classmate who turns into one of her best friends and becomes her roomate and eventually her boyfriend. Meanwhile, she watches from afar as Rory also gets to live out his childhood dream as he becomes a professional golfer. Her acting career on the other hand, isn't taking off and she is starting to feel lost. After years, and a move to Hollywood, she sees Rory again and feelings immediately start rushing back. This causes her to question things - what she wants in life, and who she wants to do life with.
I really liked the alternating timelines, moving between past and present, as well as the three different locations - Vancouver, New York and Hollywood. The main characters were great and I liked their growth. The secondary characters were also enjoyable. Ultimately, its a story about love. We get to journey with the characters as they experience first love, the love that got away, the heartbreak that comes from loving someone, and rekindled love. It was a really good story! Special thanks to the publisher, Harper Collins, for my early review copy.
I really liked the alternating timelines, moving between past and present, as well as the three different locations - Vancouver, New York and Hollywood. The main characters were great and I liked their growth. The secondary characters were also enjoyable. Ultimately, its a story about love. We get to journey with the characters as they experience first love, the love that got away, the heartbreak that comes from loving someone, and rekindled love. It was a really good story! Special thanks to the publisher, Harper Collins, for my early review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
6️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Devastatingly beautiful. Poignant. Heartbreaking.
Ellie McCain has the privilege of having two great loves in her life—and we have the privilege of reading about her love and loss of both.
A story told in two parts, “Everything Before” and “Everything After”, This Changes Everything is more than a contemporary romance. It’s a story about love, loss, growth, and the steady, unwavering realization that the “right person, wrong time” doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.
Ellie’s two biggest loves, Rory and Ben, show us how love can bring us down, lift us up, leave us, and return to us in ways that we might not even realize we need. This romance may include a love triangle, but you’ll be wishing for each of them to find happiness with every page you turn.
I didn’t know it before I started reading this book, but Ellie’s story is one that’s irrevocably altered my reality. There was so much that happened in this book that I can’t even find the words to truly describe how it’s impacted me—all I can tell myself is:
“Remember this, Kat.”
Thank you to the author, HarperCollins Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Devastatingly beautiful. Poignant. Heartbreaking.
Ellie McCain has the privilege of having two great loves in her life—and we have the privilege of reading about her love and loss of both.
A story told in two parts, “Everything Before” and “Everything After”, This Changes Everything is more than a contemporary romance. It’s a story about love, loss, growth, and the steady, unwavering realization that the “right person, wrong time” doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.
Ellie’s two biggest loves, Rory and Ben, show us how love can bring us down, lift us up, leave us, and return to us in ways that we might not even realize we need. This romance may include a love triangle, but you’ll be wishing for each of them to find happiness with every page you turn.
I didn’t know it before I started reading this book, but Ellie’s story is one that’s irrevocably altered my reality. There was so much that happened in this book that I can’t even find the words to truly describe how it’s impacted me—all I can tell myself is:
“Remember this, Kat.”
Thank you to the author, HarperCollins Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"This Changes Everything" is exactly the kind of book that makes you stay up until 2 AM because you simply cannot put it down. I loved it!!
This book has everything I look for in a contemporary romance: witty banter, electric love story, sexy, and deeply heartfelt. The dual timelines kept me hooked, and the tension between the main characters was captivating from start to finish. I felt like I stepped into their world and couldn't put the book down. With "laugh-out-loud" moments, authentic relationships, and the perfect amount of spiciness, this book is now one of my favourites!
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s witty dialogue and emotional depth, you are going to absolutely devour "This Changes Everything". I'm recommending all my friends to put it on their summer TBR list because this is the perfect book to dive head over heels into.
Thanks Danielle for creating this beautiful novel! Is there going to be a sequel though? I sure hope so!!
This book has everything I look for in a contemporary romance: witty banter, electric love story, sexy, and deeply heartfelt. The dual timelines kept me hooked, and the tension between the main characters was captivating from start to finish. I felt like I stepped into their world and couldn't put the book down. With "laugh-out-loud" moments, authentic relationships, and the perfect amount of spiciness, this book is now one of my favourites!
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s witty dialogue and emotional depth, you are going to absolutely devour "This Changes Everything". I'm recommending all my friends to put it on their summer TBR list because this is the perfect book to dive head over heels into.
Thanks Danielle for creating this beautiful novel! Is there going to be a sequel though? I sure hope so!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story consumed me in the best ways possible. It is much more than a rom com - it is heartwarming and emotionally devastating at the same time. McKechnie's writing style flowed so naturally between Ellie's "before" and "after". Ellie, Ben and Rory were extremely well-developed characters and it was impossible to not feel like you were living their lives alongside them. The characters matured and grew as the story unfolded. They experienced real life challenges and heartbreak that anyone who has been in love or experienced hard decisions in a relationship will relate to.
I had to force myself to stop reading at times to make this book last as long as possible. This is the perfect book to binge in the best kind of way possible.
This is much more than a 5 star book. I will recommend this one to every single person I can as a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this ARC. I cannot wait for Danielle McKechnie's next book!
I had to force myself to stop reading at times to make this book last as long as possible. This is the perfect book to binge in the best kind of way possible.
This is much more than a 5 star book. I will recommend this one to every single person I can as a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this ARC. I cannot wait for Danielle McKechnie's next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was enthralled with Ellie's story from the opening pages of This Changes Everything. Danielle's humorous writing style had me engaged and laughing out loud from the beginning, and the emotional depth of her characters kept me coming back for more. This book feels like a blend of Meghan Quinn's humor and witty banter, along with Abby Jimenez's emotional angst and feels. I couldn't put it down and ended up staying up far too late finishing it so I could find out how the story ended. Danielle's writing made me FEEL the emotions of these characters. I fell in love with Ellie, Rory, and Ben and wanted all three of them to find happiness.
This book isn't just a romance; its a story of personal growth, friendship, learning to stand up for yourself, and figuring out what makes you truly happy in life. I absolutely loved this book and am grateful I was able to read an early copy!
This book isn't just a romance; its a story of personal growth, friendship, learning to stand up for yourself, and figuring out what makes you truly happy in life. I absolutely loved this book and am grateful I was able to read an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book genuinely had a bit of everything, and I loved it!
It follows the main character through her early love life onwards, across different cities and different phases of her life, and it felt comfortingly familiar while also being such a happy, uplifting read. Those early years of love are sappy and intense and dramatic in a way that instantly takes you back, while the later chapters capture the excitement of finding new love when you know yourself a little better.
And the book is FUNNY! I laughed out loud more than once at the awkward moments and painfully relatable moments. Add in genuinely cute, swoony scenes and just the right amount of spice, and it really does have everything.
I devoured this, closed it smiling and honestly missed it the second it ended.
It follows the main character through her early love life onwards, across different cities and different phases of her life, and it felt comfortingly familiar while also being such a happy, uplifting read. Those early years of love are sappy and intense and dramatic in a way that instantly takes you back, while the later chapters capture the excitement of finding new love when you know yourself a little better.
And the book is FUNNY! I laughed out loud more than once at the awkward moments and painfully relatable moments. Add in genuinely cute, swoony scenes and just the right amount of spice, and it really does have everything.
I devoured this, closed it smiling and honestly missed it the second it ended.
April 10, 2026
I was so lucky to get an advanced copy of this gem of a book, I've already read it twice!
This book effortlessly weaves humour, vulnerability, spice, and heart.
The visceral feeling of first love to last love is so alive in Ellie's story. As a reader, I want to stand by her side as she navigates who she is in the world and who she loves without compromising her dreams. I was gutted when I finished reading, it left me wanting to stay in her world a little longer.
The book has a similar vibe to Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez, yet still feels uniquely its own. I can't wait to read this again and whatever comes next.
This book effortlessly weaves humour, vulnerability, spice, and heart.
The visceral feeling of first love to last love is so alive in Ellie's story. As a reader, I want to stand by her side as she navigates who she is in the world and who she loves without compromising her dreams. I was gutted when I finished reading, it left me wanting to stay in her world a little longer.
The book has a similar vibe to Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez, yet still feels uniquely its own. I can't wait to read this again and whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy
This book wrecked me - 5 stars without question.
I was so lucky to be able to get an ARC of this - thank you to Danielle McKechnie's team.
This story was so beautiful, and raw, and nostalgic, and real, and and and... I could go on and on.
Ellie, and Ben, and Rory - what a journey we went on with these three. Oh, and the chemistry...top notch. We continue to get pulled into each layer of first love, young dreams, the love that got away, self-discovery, and the impossibility of trying to balance all of it.
love love love - i'll never recover from this in the very best way.
I was so lucky to be able to get an ARC of this - thank you to Danielle McKechnie's team.
This story was so beautiful, and raw, and nostalgic, and real, and and and... I could go on and on.
Ellie, and Ben, and Rory - what a journey we went on with these three. Oh, and the chemistry...top notch. We continue to get pulled into each layer of first love, young dreams, the love that got away, self-discovery, and the impossibility of trying to balance all of it.
love love love - i'll never recover from this in the very best way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book suffered for me because it was very clear to me from the beginning that the outcome of this love triangle was not designed to go the way that I wanted it to. Even with all the backstory that was supposed to make me feel like Ellie and Rory were destined to be together, I just liked her relationship with Ben better. The Rory parts of the book, especially the backstory ones felt so boring to me and there felt like way too many of them. I did like the present day version of Rory better, but I still preferred Ben.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW I’m having a hard time putting into words how much I loved this book! This book made me feel like I was growing up right alongside Ellie, experiencing every moment with her in real time. Ben and Rory fit so naturally into that journey too, supporting her in their own ways and loving her for exactly who she is. It’s not often in a a love triangle that I’m rooting for both mmc, but with Ben and Rory I couldn’t help it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Changes Everything is more than just a romance - it is a journey of self discovery. It balances humor and heart and had me "feeling all the feels." What stood out most is how it focuses on growth and timing, not just who Ellie ends up with. Danielle McKechnie is my new favourite author and I will be waiting for her upcoming novels like I wait for Carley Fortune and Emily Henry.
May 26, 2026
Okay wow. This was interesting. It really pulled on my heart strings. I kind of thought the book was going in the opposite direction and honestly would have preferred she ended up with the opposite guy but that's okay! I reallyyyy need spin offs with her friends finding love please! Her friends were so great I need them to be happy too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, got angry, cried - so many strong reactions which I love in a truly engaging book! Definitely recommend this read, it’s a beautiful journey with well-crafted characters and I look forward to what this author brings us next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read this book so fast, it was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it I could not put it down. I highly recommend it.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Want to Read
May 22, 2026I won an ARC of this book in a giveaway! :D Will be updating my review once I receive the book and read it. Super excited for it!!
Review of advance copy
This book was refreshingly beautiful. I often find that today’s romance novels are always centered around overused, basic tropes in which the protagonist’s whole life is centered around their bland, “bad boy” love interest. It’s always shallow, sloppy, and exaggerated. However, the love in this book is real. The love between Ellie, Ben, and Rory… is extremely and devastatingly beautifully real.
This book made me feel like I was watching a real person, Ellie, grow up and experience the events of the book in real time. That is how connected I felt to her. Ellie is incredibly dynamic and ambitious, and her drive from childhood to accomplish her dreams is an emotional rollercoaster that I am grateful I got to ride on. Ben and Rory are also simply there along for the ride, supporting her in their own unique ways and loving her for who she is whole heartedly.
This book made me fall in love with the song November Rain by Guns N’ roses. The phrase “Somehow you’re all three” lives rent free in my head. Same with, “I would’ve been an ostrich.”
A real quote from notes I took while I was reading this book: “This book is destroying me. Slowly, painfully, and beautifully”
Overall, I have yet to encounter such a raw and exquisite narrative like this one. If It ever gets adapted into a film or tv series, I will be SAT!
This book made me feel like I was watching a real person, Ellie, grow up and experience the events of the book in real time. That is how connected I felt to her. Ellie is incredibly dynamic and ambitious, and her drive from childhood to accomplish her dreams is an emotional rollercoaster that I am grateful I got to ride on. Ben and Rory are also simply there along for the ride, supporting her in their own unique ways and loving her for who she is whole heartedly.
This book made me fall in love with the song November Rain by Guns N’ roses. The phrase “Somehow you’re all three” lives rent free in my head. Same with, “I would’ve been an ostrich.”
A real quote from notes I took while I was reading this book: “This book is destroying me. Slowly, painfully, and beautifully”
Overall, I have yet to encounter such a raw and exquisite narrative like this one. If It ever gets adapted into a film or tv series, I will be SAT!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews