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This Changes Everything
An aspiring actor caught in the Hollywood rollercoaster 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 is she 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 of 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 is she 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 of those loves can be one and the same.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
October 26, 2026
just as the title suggests, i really thought this one would change everything about how i feel regarding love triangles... but unfortunately it only solidified why i don’t like them (aka the guy i like most never gets chosen -_-)
╭➤ the premise ────────────────────────────╮
Ellie McCain left her childhood sweetheart, Rory, behind to chase her dream of becoming an actress in New York, where she built a new life and fell for her best friend and roommate, Ben. Years later, Rory reenters her life, leaving Ellie caught between her first love and the person who understands the life she’s worked so hard to build. told through dual timelines, we get to experience the beginnings of both relationships and watch how they each lead Ellie to the present, where she has to figure out which love belongs in her future
────────────────────────────╯
first off, the dual timelines were genuinely one of my favorite things about this book. if there’s something i absolutely adore, it’s getting to see how two people first met, how they fell in love, and all those little moments that eventually lead them to where they are now. getting that with BOTH of Ellie’s love interests was such a good idea, and i really enjoyed seeing how those relationships developed and shaped her over the years. it gave the story more depth than it would’ve had if we’d only seen the present
i also appreciated that the book explored the sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams, especially the ugly realities of Hollywood and the misogyny and exploitation women can face trying to make it in that industry. there was more going on beneath the romance, and i liked that Ellie’s ambitions weren’t just treated like some cute little dream that would magically work out for her
BUT OH MY GOSH, ELLIE. GIRL. 😭 i went into this genuinely wanting to enjoy the love triangle, and somehow ended up more frustrated with her than anyone else. both men were respectful and supportive in their own ways, and i could understand why she had feelings for each of them, but that didn’t stop me from getting increasingly annoyed with her decisions. i definitely had a preference, and watching everything unfold did NOT make me any less attached to my chosen man. (I was actually shocked at the man I ended up falling for)
the miscommunication also drove me absolutely crazy. (surprise 😐😐) so much tension and heartbreak could’ve been avoided if people had just sat down and actually talked to each other. and on top of that, the writing itself felt kind of amateur to me. some of the dialogue came across as unnatural, and there were moments where the conversations just didn’t feel believable. (the fingernail scene??? what the heck???). between that, the uneven pacing, and the unnecessary miscommunication, i struggled to stay invested in the way i wanted to. the story had so much potential, but the execution just wasn’t there for me
overall, i loved the idea of this book more than the execution. the dual timelines and relationship development had me interested, but the frustrating decisions, unnatural dialogue, and unnecessary drama ultimately overshadowed too much for me. i wanted to love this one, but it ended up being a pretty big disappointment
things to know about the book ↓
🧡 love triangle
🧡 second chance
🧡 forced proximity
🧡 friends → lovers
🧡 roommates
🧡 slow burn
🧡 dual timelines
🧡 single POV (hers)
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 13, 16, 35
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
october 26th- I have a love/hate relationship with love triangles so I'm keeping my expectations at an average level 😬
╭➤ the premise ────────────────────────────╮
Ellie McCain left her childhood sweetheart, Rory, behind to chase her dream of becoming an actress in New York, where she built a new life and fell for her best friend and roommate, Ben. Years later, Rory reenters her life, leaving Ellie caught between her first love and the person who understands the life she’s worked so hard to build. told through dual timelines, we get to experience the beginnings of both relationships and watch how they each lead Ellie to the present, where she has to figure out which love belongs in her future
────────────────────────────╯
first off, the dual timelines were genuinely one of my favorite things about this book. if there’s something i absolutely adore, it’s getting to see how two people first met, how they fell in love, and all those little moments that eventually lead them to where they are now. getting that with BOTH of Ellie’s love interests was such a good idea, and i really enjoyed seeing how those relationships developed and shaped her over the years. it gave the story more depth than it would’ve had if we’d only seen the present
i also appreciated that the book explored the sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams, especially the ugly realities of Hollywood and the misogyny and exploitation women can face trying to make it in that industry. there was more going on beneath the romance, and i liked that Ellie’s ambitions weren’t just treated like some cute little dream that would magically work out for her
BUT OH MY GOSH, ELLIE. GIRL. 😭 i went into this genuinely wanting to enjoy the love triangle, and somehow ended up more frustrated with her than anyone else. both men were respectful and supportive in their own ways, and i could understand why she had feelings for each of them, but that didn’t stop me from getting increasingly annoyed with her decisions. i definitely had a preference, and watching everything unfold did NOT make me any less attached to my chosen man. (I was actually shocked at the man I ended up falling for)
the miscommunication also drove me absolutely crazy. (surprise 😐😐) so much tension and heartbreak could’ve been avoided if people had just sat down and actually talked to each other. and on top of that, the writing itself felt kind of amateur to me. some of the dialogue came across as unnatural, and there were moments where the conversations just didn’t feel believable. (the fingernail scene??? what the heck???). between that, the uneven pacing, and the unnecessary miscommunication, i struggled to stay invested in the way i wanted to. the story had so much potential, but the execution just wasn’t there for me
overall, i loved the idea of this book more than the execution. the dual timelines and relationship development had me interested, but the frustrating decisions, unnatural dialogue, and unnecessary drama ultimately overshadowed too much for me. i wanted to love this one, but it ended up being a pretty big disappointment
things to know about the book ↓
🧡 love triangle
🧡 second chance
🧡 forced proximity
🧡 friends → lovers
🧡 roommates
🧡 slow burn
🧡 dual timelines
🧡 single POV (hers)
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 13, 16, 35
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
october 26th- I have a love/hate relationship with love triangles so I'm keeping my expectations at an average level 😬
September 29, 2026
Thank you Harper Perennial for sending me a copy!
This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. There were highs and lows but it finished strong and on a positive note. Glad I stuck with it.
We got a love triangle on our hands. Ellie moves to NYC to attend a prestigious acting school leaving behind Rory, her childhood friend and kinda, sorta sweetheart. She hits it off with her roommate and acting peer, Ben. The story follows Ellie throughout her 20s and 30s and flashbacks to key moments of her life before she moved to NYC.
Lack of communication was an ongoing theme and it did drive me nuts. I was also really disappointed in the inappropriate humor from Ellie’s dad to a bunch of kids as well as his inability to take a stand and give up his precious golf club after a certain incident. I really did think about throwing in the towel as it’s not fun feeling frustrated with characters. However, the last 1/3 or so of the story really righted the ship. I truly love how the author handled the various relationships.
I’ve been super picky with romances lately so I’m glad this one was worth reading.
This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. There were highs and lows but it finished strong and on a positive note. Glad I stuck with it.
We got a love triangle on our hands. Ellie moves to NYC to attend a prestigious acting school leaving behind Rory, her childhood friend and kinda, sorta sweetheart. She hits it off with her roommate and acting peer, Ben. The story follows Ellie throughout her 20s and 30s and flashbacks to key moments of her life before she moved to NYC.
Lack of communication was an ongoing theme and it did drive me nuts. I was also really disappointed in the inappropriate humor from Ellie’s dad to a bunch of kids as well as his inability to take a stand and give up his precious golf club after a certain incident. I really did think about throwing in the towel as it’s not fun feeling frustrated with characters. However, the last 1/3 or so of the story really righted the ship. I truly love how the author handled the various relationships.
I’ve been super picky with romances lately so I’m glad this one was worth reading.
September 3, 2026
My new favourite love triangle!
For starters, I loved the unique use of two past timelines here, jumping between Ellie’s teenage years in Vancouver with Rory and her early twenties in New York with Ben, chasing her dreams of becoming an actress. With Ellie facing many career setbacks, it also dealt heavily with the misogyny and sexual harassment women face in the entertainment industry, trying to get ahead while powerful, disgusting men hold the strings. Some of those moments felt a little intense and exaggerated (hopefully), but they certainly got the point across.
I loved having both romances unfold simultaneously, eventually connecting in the present. It really captured those giddy, all-consuming, impulsive, lack-of-a-prefrontal-cortex feelings so well. The banter, the palpable chemistry! I was beyond smitten with both options for Ellie. During chapters with Ben, I’d be thinking, Rory who? Then we’d switch to Rory, and I’d be like, Ben who? Ha! I loved that it wasn’t completely obvious who the perfect choice was, which is my main grievance with so many love triangles. I want the emotional turmoil of deciding, you know?
Ellie was such a tenacious character, with her passion and restlessness driving so many of her decisions. I loved that she was never someone who could be told what to do. There’s plenty of angst, but also so much tenderness as these characters are simply trying to navigate life, their dreams, their relationships, and whether there’s actually a way to fit all of those things together. I loved both of these romances so much that I knew I’d be happy with the final choice and still heartbroken over the one Ellie didn’t end up with, which is exactly how I want a love triangle to make me feel.
(spice level: 4 open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For starters, I loved the unique use of two past timelines here, jumping between Ellie’s teenage years in Vancouver with Rory and her early twenties in New York with Ben, chasing her dreams of becoming an actress. With Ellie facing many career setbacks, it also dealt heavily with the misogyny and sexual harassment women face in the entertainment industry, trying to get ahead while powerful, disgusting men hold the strings. Some of those moments felt a little intense and exaggerated (hopefully), but they certainly got the point across.
I loved having both romances unfold simultaneously, eventually connecting in the present. It really captured those giddy, all-consuming, impulsive, lack-of-a-prefrontal-cortex feelings so well. The banter, the palpable chemistry! I was beyond smitten with both options for Ellie. During chapters with Ben, I’d be thinking, Rory who? Then we’d switch to Rory, and I’d be like, Ben who? Ha! I loved that it wasn’t completely obvious who the perfect choice was, which is my main grievance with so many love triangles. I want the emotional turmoil of deciding, you know?
Ellie was such a tenacious character, with her passion and restlessness driving so many of her decisions. I loved that she was never someone who could be told what to do. There’s plenty of angst, but also so much tenderness as these characters are simply trying to navigate life, their dreams, their relationships, and whether there’s actually a way to fit all of those things together. I loved both of these romances so much that I knew I’d be happy with the final choice and still heartbroken over the one Ellie didn’t end up with, which is exactly how I want a love triangle to make me feel.
(spice level: 4 open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
I absolutely adore this book. 🥹 Every single character feels like their authentic self, and Danielle does such a beautiful job taking us along on this journey with them as they figure out what they truly want out of life. There’s something so special about watching characters grow, discover themselves, and learn what really matters to them.
This book is the epitome of to be loved is to be seen. And let me tell you, the ending had me in TEARS. The way Danielle brought everything together was so beautifully done, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to wrap up this story. My heart needed a minute.
I also want to mention that this book tackles some really tough subjects, and I appreciated the way those elements added depth to the story. Getting a glimpse behind the curtain of the acting and producing world was fascinating, too. There’s so much that happens behind closed doors, and seeing that world explored alongside the characters’ personal journeys made this story even more compelling.
This is one of those books that reminds you how important it is to be truly seen, understood, and loved for exactly who you are. It’s about figuring out what you want, embracing who you are, and finding the people who make you feel like you can be your whole, authentic self.
Danielle, you absolutely got me with this one. My heart is so full, and I’m still thinking about that ending. A definite five star read! ❤️
I absolutely adore this book. 🥹 Every single character feels like their authentic self, and Danielle does such a beautiful job taking us along on this journey with them as they figure out what they truly want out of life. There’s something so special about watching characters grow, discover themselves, and learn what really matters to them.
This book is the epitome of to be loved is to be seen. And let me tell you, the ending had me in TEARS. The way Danielle brought everything together was so beautifully done, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to wrap up this story. My heart needed a minute.
I also want to mention that this book tackles some really tough subjects, and I appreciated the way those elements added depth to the story. Getting a glimpse behind the curtain of the acting and producing world was fascinating, too. There’s so much that happens behind closed doors, and seeing that world explored alongside the characters’ personal journeys made this story even more compelling.
This is one of those books that reminds you how important it is to be truly seen, understood, and loved for exactly who you are. It’s about figuring out what you want, embracing who you are, and finding the people who make you feel like you can be your whole, authentic self.
Danielle, you absolutely got me with this one. My heart is so full, and I’m still thinking about that ending. A definite five star read! ❤️
June 15, 2026
This Changes Everything desperately wants to be something it’s not. It wants to be deep, emotional, and messy childhood friends-to-lovers with a love triangle. Unfortunately, This Changes Everything only ever scratches the surface with an inevitable ending and a journey not worth the ride.
This Changes Everything lives under a constant cloud of misogyny, sexual harassment, and child sexual harassment. Trigger warnings. McKechnie, again, only scratches the surface of these topics with the conclusion being that this is the way Hollywood operates.
This Changes Everything follows Ellie as she moves to New York City to pursue an acting career after a messy ending with her longtime best friend, Rory. Once in the city, she meets Ben and falls for him.
The novel is weird and crude. A moment that is meant to forge a connection between Ellie and Ben is mind bafflingly weird. Ellie gets a piece of dried paint stuck under her nail and instead of going to urgent care, she files her nail off with Ben as emotional and physical support.
The characters and their dialogue are just plain crude. After Ellie and Rory get hot and heavy at a night club, one of her friends says something like she’ll find her own pleasure at the memory of them.
Ellie and Rory’s relationship lacks depth. Rory disappears from her life for two years because she decides to stop going to the place they met because of the unwanted older male attention she received.
Those wanting something comparable to Carley Fortune or Emily Henry will be severely disappointed.
Overall, This Changes Everything lives under a constant cloud of misogyny and sexual harassment with a love triangle that’s outcome lacks depth, emotion, and is inevitable.
*** I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This Changes Everything lives under a constant cloud of misogyny, sexual harassment, and child sexual harassment. Trigger warnings. McKechnie, again, only scratches the surface of these topics with the conclusion being that this is the way Hollywood operates.
This Changes Everything follows Ellie as she moves to New York City to pursue an acting career after a messy ending with her longtime best friend, Rory. Once in the city, she meets Ben and falls for him.
The novel is weird and crude. A moment that is meant to forge a connection between Ellie and Ben is mind bafflingly weird. Ellie gets a piece of dried paint stuck under her nail and instead of going to urgent care, she files her nail off with Ben as emotional and physical support.
The characters and their dialogue are just plain crude. After Ellie and Rory get hot and heavy at a night club, one of her friends says something like she’ll find her own pleasure at the memory of them.
Ellie and Rory’s relationship lacks depth. Rory disappears from her life for two years because she decides to stop going to the place they met because of the unwanted older male attention she received.
Those wanting something comparable to Carley Fortune or Emily Henry will be severely disappointed.
Overall, This Changes Everything lives under a constant cloud of misogyny and sexual harassment with a love triangle that’s outcome lacks depth, emotion, and is inevitable.
*** I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2026
This book completely took my breath away. Exceeded all expectations. Instantly became a forever favorite. The amount of highlights I have is insane, and maybe my highest ever?
THE YEARNING.
The right person / wrong time always gets me but like, this one destroyed me.
I am not exaggerating when I say I will think about this book all the time. November Rain by Guns N Roses will forever remind me of Ellie and Rory 🥹🥹
⛳️ “There are billions of people in the world, but I think you only get three big loves. The first love, the one that got away, and the true love. Ellie, you’re all three.”
✍🏼 “I think we became who we were always meant to be because we were apart. And the people we eventually turned into . . . turns out they were always meant to be together.”
THE YEARNING.
The right person / wrong time always gets me but like, this one destroyed me.
I am not exaggerating when I say I will think about this book all the time. November Rain by Guns N Roses will forever remind me of Ellie and Rory 🥹🥹
⛳️ “There are billions of people in the world, but I think you only get three big loves. The first love, the one that got away, and the true love. Ellie, you’re all three.”
✍🏼 “I think we became who we were always meant to be because we were apart. And the people we eventually turned into . . . turns out they were always meant to be together.”
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!!!!
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.
March 28, 2026
Rating of ARC received by publisher
October 6, 2026
“Ellie, there’s before this moment, and everything after. For the rest of your life, you’re living in the after.”
What an incredible story. Finally, a book with a truly full-bodied plot, a double timeline, superbly charming characters and amazing dialogue. Did I mention it's filled with swoon, pining, heartache, and laughs? This book is the full package. A real must-read!
Danielle McKechnie's writing is so wonderfully raw and genuine. Instead of whitewashing the ugly bits, she presents fear and confusion, love and lust, self-growth and discovery all wrapped up in a humorous tone—so often present in the minds of twenty-somethings—creating this amazing story that spans years of maneuvering a complex love triangle.
Some of Ellie's early New York experiences, venturing into the acting world, felt truly personal and reminded me of my own days arriving at an acting school in Union Square with nothing but a few hundred bucks to my name. Though her apartment situation with Ben felt like something out of a Neil Simon play, her struggles in the still very discriminatory entertainment industry were very real.
Seriously, one of the best books I've stumbled upon this year. Highly recommend!
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What an incredible story. Finally, a book with a truly full-bodied plot, a double timeline, superbly charming characters and amazing dialogue. Did I mention it's filled with swoon, pining, heartache, and laughs? This book is the full package. A real must-read!
Danielle McKechnie's writing is so wonderfully raw and genuine. Instead of whitewashing the ugly bits, she presents fear and confusion, love and lust, self-growth and discovery all wrapped up in a humorous tone—so often present in the minds of twenty-somethings—creating this amazing story that spans years of maneuvering a complex love triangle.
Some of Ellie's early New York experiences, venturing into the acting world, felt truly personal and reminded me of my own days arriving at an acting school in Union Square with nothing but a few hundred bucks to my name. Though her apartment situation with Ben felt like something out of a Neil Simon play, her struggles in the still very discriminatory entertainment industry were very real.
Seriously, one of the best books I've stumbled upon this year. Highly recommend!
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August 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
There is a point where "right person, wrong time" stops being romantic and starts making me wonder how these people have managed to avoid one honest conversation for more than a decade. This Changes Everything crossed that line pretty early for me.
The story really wants you to believe in this huge, enduring connection between Ellie and Rory, but I never felt it. We're told how significant their history is and how much they've meant to each other over the years, yet their actual chemistry never convinced me. Instead of getting swept up in the yearning, I spent most of the book frustrated by the choices being made.
I also struggled with Ellie in general. Between her romantic life, career, and friendships, there are plenty of opportunities to make her feel like a complicated, fully developed character. Instead, she often came across much younger than she was supposed to be.
The dialogue was probably my biggest issue. Conversations felt stiff and overly scripted, while attempts at humor regularly gave me secondhand embarrassment. It made it even harder to connect with relationships that already weren't working for me.
I was also uncomfortable with the way workplace harassment and sexual assault were incorporated into Ellie's career storyline. These are serious topics, but their inclusion here felt more like another source of conflict than something the story was prepared to meaningfully explore.
Even with multiple timelines and locations, I never felt particularly attached to these characters or their history together. There's a lot happening, but very little of it hit emotionally.
Unfortunately, this was a complete miss for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This novel was fantastic! It was such a great story that I truly didn’t know what I wanted to happen because I loved all the characters! This book made me laugh out loud with all of the banter between the friends, I wish I had friends like these.
There are some heavy topics so I feel like this should have some sort of trigger warnings. The FMC suffers attempted grooming as a teenager and workplace s&xual abuse from her bosses as she is trying to make her way in the entertainment industry. This is all happening on the page in real time, not flashbacks.
Thanks so much to Harper Perennial for the advanced copy!
There are some heavy topics so I feel like this should have some sort of trigger warnings. The FMC suffers attempted grooming as a teenager and workplace s&xual abuse from her bosses as she is trying to make her way in the entertainment industry. This is all happening on the page in real time, not flashbacks.
Thanks so much to Harper Perennial for the advanced copy!
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.
November 4, 2026
Thank you Harper Perennial for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I have to admit that was an immediate impulse read due to the cover. It’s STUNNING, don’t you agree? And when I learned it was a second chance romance told in past and present timelines, I was hooked. It started out to be a pretty quick read for me but then some elements started to feel a bit stale. I didn’t vibe with the writing much and it reminded me a lot of a book I read recently, that I think handled the similar themes in a more engaging way for my reader brain.
Synopsis:
“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 off: 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 is she 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 of those loves can be one and the same.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
Past and Present Timelines—I always love this aspect of second chance romances because there’s a slight mystery element to them. Where did things go wrong? Why didn’t they work out the first time?
Pacing—Things started off quick and pulled me in, which is so important when there are so many books to choose from. I want to want to pick up the book at every opportunity!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Writing—I hate saying this, but I can’t think of another word to describe it. It felt…immature at times? Underdeveloped?
The Love Triangle—STRESSFUL. I’m not anti-love triangle by any means, but this didn’t work for me because I loved both characters and was like…how is she going to choose?! What will be the breaking point?!
Felt a Bit Repetitive at Points—I felt like the same themes kept coming back into play without new conflict.
Character Authenticity: 3.5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3/5
Content Warnings:
sexual assault, sexual harassment (on page)
I have to admit that was an immediate impulse read due to the cover. It’s STUNNING, don’t you agree? And when I learned it was a second chance romance told in past and present timelines, I was hooked. It started out to be a pretty quick read for me but then some elements started to feel a bit stale. I didn’t vibe with the writing much and it reminded me a lot of a book I read recently, that I think handled the similar themes in a more engaging way for my reader brain.
Synopsis:
“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 off: 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 is she 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 of those loves can be one and the same.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
Past and Present Timelines—I always love this aspect of second chance romances because there’s a slight mystery element to them. Where did things go wrong? Why didn’t they work out the first time?
Pacing—Things started off quick and pulled me in, which is so important when there are so many books to choose from. I want to want to pick up the book at every opportunity!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Writing—I hate saying this, but I can’t think of another word to describe it. It felt…immature at times? Underdeveloped?
The Love Triangle—STRESSFUL. I’m not anti-love triangle by any means, but this didn’t work for me because I loved both characters and was like…how is she going to choose?! What will be the breaking point?!
Felt a Bit Repetitive at Points—I felt like the same themes kept coming back into play without new conflict.
Character Authenticity: 3.5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3/5
Content Warnings:
sexual assault, sexual harassment (on page)
September 13, 2026
This Changes Everything🍂✨review✨ thank you so much @harperperennial for the free copy!
This Changes Everything
by Danielle McKechnie
out now!
An aspiring actor caught in the Hollywood rollercoaster 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.
✨ My thoughts:
“There are billions of people in the world, but I think you only get three big loves. The first love, the one that got away, and the true love. Ellie, you're all three."
I loved this one so much. Like… so, so much. I ended up binging it, and It was perfect. I know there will be readers that get frustrated with the choices made and all the things left unsaid, but for me, that’s exactly what made this story feel so real. It captured the complexities of love, growing up, figuring yourself out, and realizing that sometimes the path you thought you wanted isn’t necessarily the one that feels like home. I’ve experienced some of these same feelings myself, which made Ellie’s journey hit close to home. I also loved the timelines in this story. The way everything unfolded little by little gave the story a satisfying rhythm and made watching all the pieces come together that much more meaningful. BOTH of the romances were tender and emotional and I had a hard time choosing a favorite because both relationships brought something different to Ellie’s story. By the time I reached the end, I knew I would be happy no matter how everything ended. This was a beautiful story about love, timing, growing into yourself, and finding your way back to what truly matters. I finished this with a full heart!
What to expect 👇🏽
🍂 Right person, wrong time
🫶 Friends-to-lovers
⏳ Then-and-now timelines
💭 Growing up & finding yourself
❤️🩹 Love, loss & complicated feelings
🏡 Finding your way back home
📖 Bingeable
Happy reading 📖✨🍂🧡
This Changes Everything
by Danielle McKechnie
out now!
An aspiring actor caught in the Hollywood rollercoaster 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.
✨ My thoughts:
“There are billions of people in the world, but I think you only get three big loves. The first love, the one that got away, and the true love. Ellie, you're all three."
I loved this one so much. Like… so, so much. I ended up binging it, and It was perfect. I know there will be readers that get frustrated with the choices made and all the things left unsaid, but for me, that’s exactly what made this story feel so real. It captured the complexities of love, growing up, figuring yourself out, and realizing that sometimes the path you thought you wanted isn’t necessarily the one that feels like home. I’ve experienced some of these same feelings myself, which made Ellie’s journey hit close to home. I also loved the timelines in this story. The way everything unfolded little by little gave the story a satisfying rhythm and made watching all the pieces come together that much more meaningful. BOTH of the romances were tender and emotional and I had a hard time choosing a favorite because both relationships brought something different to Ellie’s story. By the time I reached the end, I knew I would be happy no matter how everything ended. This was a beautiful story about love, timing, growing into yourself, and finding your way back to what truly matters. I finished this with a full heart!
What to expect 👇🏽
🍂 Right person, wrong time
🫶 Friends-to-lovers
⏳ Then-and-now timelines
💭 Growing up & finding yourself
❤️🩹 Love, loss & complicated feelings
🏡 Finding your way back home
📖 Bingeable
Happy reading 📖✨🍂🧡
September 27, 2026
Thank you to Harper Perennial for sending me a copy of This Changes Everything! It’s out now 🎉
You guys this one is SO good. I’m struggling to organize my thoughts because it’s such a unique story and I just had the best time reading it, so sorry in advance that this is a little scattered!
First, I loved getting to follow the main character, Elle, from age 14 all the way to 30. As someone in my late 30s 😵💫, I find myself enjoying coming of age stories less than I used to, but I REALLY connected with this one. I think a lot of what Elle goes through is universal, and watching her grow up and find herself was really rewarding. There are just a lot of truths about life in this book that I don’t often find in a romance and I just loved that.
The romance itself is great too! I was absolutely giddy reading it, kicking my feet and rooting for our girl Elle to pick the right guy.
Quick note here if “pick the right guy” is not your vibe — I know some readers aren’t the biggest fans of love triangles, but this is less love triangle and more that when you watch someone’s life over 16 years, you’re probably going to see them in relationships with different people!
Other things I loved about this book:
💕The different settings (Vancouver, NYC, and Vegas/LA), how well they’re brought to life, and how they feel symbolic of each life stage more broadly
💕The friend group (even if there are some bumps along the way). I loved their dynamic throughout the story and how they’re always there for each other.
Seriously friends, this book is absolutely wonderful, and it’s not getting nearly the hype it deserves. If you’re a romance fan looking for something that’s introspective but still plot-driven (and also funny), give this a shot!
You guys this one is SO good. I’m struggling to organize my thoughts because it’s such a unique story and I just had the best time reading it, so sorry in advance that this is a little scattered!
First, I loved getting to follow the main character, Elle, from age 14 all the way to 30. As someone in my late 30s 😵💫, I find myself enjoying coming of age stories less than I used to, but I REALLY connected with this one. I think a lot of what Elle goes through is universal, and watching her grow up and find herself was really rewarding. There are just a lot of truths about life in this book that I don’t often find in a romance and I just loved that.
The romance itself is great too! I was absolutely giddy reading it, kicking my feet and rooting for our girl Elle to pick the right guy.
Quick note here if “pick the right guy” is not your vibe — I know some readers aren’t the biggest fans of love triangles, but this is less love triangle and more that when you watch someone’s life over 16 years, you’re probably going to see them in relationships with different people!
Other things I loved about this book:
💕The different settings (Vancouver, NYC, and Vegas/LA), how well they’re brought to life, and how they feel symbolic of each life stage more broadly
💕The friend group (even if there are some bumps along the way). I loved their dynamic throughout the story and how they’re always there for each other.
Seriously friends, this book is absolutely wonderful, and it’s not getting nearly the hype it deserves. If you’re a romance fan looking for something that’s introspective but still plot-driven (and also funny), give this a shot!
October 27, 2026
Alexa play ‘tis the damn season by Taylor Swift
September 4, 2026
Wow. Yes. 6 stars. Made my laugh. Made me cry. Also yay for Canadian authors and Canadian content. I loved the little glimpses of Vancouver - the love (of my life) that got away. This book was special. Healthy & supportive relationships that still face many challenges. Friends and Family who are cheerleaders. Big and sometimes shifting dreams and bumpy roads to success.
One of a very few stories to get the concept of multiple soul mates/ loves of your life/ love triangles right for me. Also- I love a dual timeline and flash backs but I'm not always as big of a fan of "coming of age" stories but this was in the realm of that, and it really delivered.
Also, loved it because it surprised me. I enjoyed the book the whole way through, but I thought I wasn't going to fully understand / be happy with who she ultimately ended up with.
I just hadn't really initially bought into it. I believed the characters felt a connection to each other, I understood there WAS a connection, I just personally felt like the strength of the bond felt nebulous or kind of artificial to me.
The same way you don't understand why your friend is so hung up on that ONE guy. You know there was a connection, and it was a decent relationship and a decent guy- but you see potential for her everywhere so what's the big deal about HIM?
But as the characters grew and evolved and matured you really got to see how people are right for you at some phases of your life and not at others, and that sometimes as cliche and cheesy as it is loving people is letting them go. I love that I finished that book and loved Ellie with both Ben and Rory. That I love all three characters and their dynamics woven over decades.
Ellie was so funny. So real. And goofy. Her friendship and romance with Ben was so fun and encouraging.
It was really interesting seeing Ellie grow into herself but also seeing her encounter the same patterns females face just in different fonts at different phases of life.
Ellie is clearly a beautiful young girl who was confident and self assured in some aspects of her life but also so nervous and awkward and insecure in others. Always feeling like she was teetering on the cusp of success and love. It felt like such a real representation of what so many young girls and women feel, the yo-yo of being told to be unique and yourself and bold, but then also stifled by societal pressures, having to stand out but also fit in, and having any morsel of talent or good looks often rewarded by sexual harassment or manipulation.
The supporting cast of characters were so intriguing. They added drama and nuance without taking away from the main storyline. It also was written in a way I am not sure if there's an intention to have spin offs or for this to be a series - but there is absolutely potential.
Reading Danielle McKechnie's bio it sounds like some of her lived experience is reflected in this book - from the settings to the industry experiences. I really look forward to reading whatever she writes next - this was an absolute joy and I gobbled it up over 48 hours in all forms.
I am very grateful to have been granted advanced reading and listening copies through NetGalley from HarperCollins Canada. When I couldn't read on my kindle or phone, I was listening to the audio driving to work or doing chores. 11/10 recommend in all formats.
One of a very few stories to get the concept of multiple soul mates/ loves of your life/ love triangles right for me. Also- I love a dual timeline and flash backs but I'm not always as big of a fan of "coming of age" stories but this was in the realm of that, and it really delivered.
Also, loved it because it surprised me. I enjoyed the book the whole way through, but I thought I wasn't going to fully understand / be happy with who she ultimately ended up with.
I just hadn't really initially bought into it. I believed the characters felt a connection to each other, I understood there WAS a connection, I just personally felt like the strength of the bond felt nebulous or kind of artificial to me.
The same way you don't understand why your friend is so hung up on that ONE guy. You know there was a connection, and it was a decent relationship and a decent guy- but you see potential for her everywhere so what's the big deal about HIM?
But as the characters grew and evolved and matured you really got to see how people are right for you at some phases of your life and not at others, and that sometimes as cliche and cheesy as it is loving people is letting them go. I love that I finished that book and loved Ellie with both Ben and Rory. That I love all three characters and their dynamics woven over decades.
Ellie was so funny. So real. And goofy. Her friendship and romance with Ben was so fun and encouraging.
It was really interesting seeing Ellie grow into herself but also seeing her encounter the same patterns females face just in different fonts at different phases of life.
Ellie is clearly a beautiful young girl who was confident and self assured in some aspects of her life but also so nervous and awkward and insecure in others. Always feeling like she was teetering on the cusp of success and love. It felt like such a real representation of what so many young girls and women feel, the yo-yo of being told to be unique and yourself and bold, but then also stifled by societal pressures, having to stand out but also fit in, and having any morsel of talent or good looks often rewarded by sexual harassment or manipulation.
The supporting cast of characters were so intriguing. They added drama and nuance without taking away from the main storyline. It also was written in a way I am not sure if there's an intention to have spin offs or for this to be a series - but there is absolutely potential.
Reading Danielle McKechnie's bio it sounds like some of her lived experience is reflected in this book - from the settings to the industry experiences. I really look forward to reading whatever she writes next - this was an absolute joy and I gobbled it up over 48 hours in all forms.
I am very grateful to have been granted advanced reading and listening copies through NetGalley from HarperCollins Canada. When I couldn't read on my kindle or phone, I was listening to the audio driving to work or doing chores. 11/10 recommend in all formats.
September 25, 2026
5.0⭐️ - picked this up in Vancouver and I’m so glad I did. The absolute perfect romance, it felt like an early 2010s film in the best way. So much yearning, so much will they won’t they. 10/10 no notes.
September 20, 2026
4.5/5
This book had a lot of ups and downs for me. When I first realized it was a love triangle, I was sort of disappointed (one of my least favourite tropes). But the way that the relationships and the friendships weaved together.... it was so perfect. There was some cute banter, some hilarious one-liners, and some absolutely adorable love declarations. By the end of this book I was in love with love again! Left me feeling very warm hearted and I want to read this again.
This book had a lot of ups and downs for me. When I first realized it was a love triangle, I was sort of disappointed (one of my least favourite tropes). But the way that the relationships and the friendships weaved together.... it was so perfect. There was some cute banter, some hilarious one-liners, and some absolutely adorable love declarations. By the end of this book I was in love with love again! Left me feeling very warm hearted and I want to read this again.
October 18, 2026
*english review at the end* - Este libro tuvo muchas cositas cutes. Me gustó mucho el sentir detrás de la FMC sobre quien ella es y que las personas esperan de ella. Pienso que hubo muchas situaciones pretty relatable en la historia por lo cual lo hacía sentir más conmovedor. Es un romance que viene formándose desde niños hasta adultos. Y aunque me encantó el dual timeline tengo que decir que en ocasiones me sentía un poco fuera de ritmo porque cómo han pasado tantos años y de repente aparecen X personajes así random especialmente en países diferentes.
En cuanto al romance pues por alguna razon me sentí más atraía hacia Ben, creo que porque la falta de comunicación de Rory me hacían sentir que su interés era como más platónico jijiji.
Me gustó la forma de escribir de la autora y es una lectura bastante ligera para uno divertirse.
Ps* no sabia pero hay escenas de sexual harassment.
Tropes / Vibes:
🧡 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🧡 Love Triangle
🧡 Second Chance Romance
🧡 Dual Timeline
¿Lo recomiendo?
Si, pienso si necesitas un romance o un libro ligero, this will do.
Gracias a Harper Perennial por regalarme este libro.
________________
English review:
This book had so many cute little moments! 🧡 I really loved the feelings behind our FMC’s journey of figuring out who she is versus who everyone expects her to be. I think there were so many pretty relatable situations throughout the story, which made it feel even more heartfelt.
It’s a romance that develops from childhood to adulthood. And although I LOVED the dual timeline, I have to say that sometimes it felt a little all over the place for me. Like, how have so many years passed and suddenly certain characters just randomly show up, especially when they’re in completely different countries.
As for the romance, for some reason I found myself more drawn to Ben. I think it was because Rory’s lack of communication made his feelings seem more platonic to me jijiji.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and overall, it’s a pretty light and fun read!
PS* I didn’t know this beforehand, but there are scenes involving sexual harassment.
Do I recommend it?
Yes! I think if you’re in the mood for a romance or just need something light and easy to read, this will do!
Thank you to Harper Perennial for gifting me a copy of this book! 🧡
En cuanto al romance pues por alguna razon me sentí más atraía hacia Ben, creo que porque la falta de comunicación de Rory me hacían sentir que su interés era como más platónico jijiji.
Me gustó la forma de escribir de la autora y es una lectura bastante ligera para uno divertirse.
Ps* no sabia pero hay escenas de sexual harassment.
Tropes / Vibes:
🧡 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🧡 Love Triangle
🧡 Second Chance Romance
🧡 Dual Timeline
¿Lo recomiendo?
Si, pienso si necesitas un romance o un libro ligero, this will do.
Gracias a Harper Perennial por regalarme este libro.
________________
English review:
This book had so many cute little moments! 🧡 I really loved the feelings behind our FMC’s journey of figuring out who she is versus who everyone expects her to be. I think there were so many pretty relatable situations throughout the story, which made it feel even more heartfelt.
It’s a romance that develops from childhood to adulthood. And although I LOVED the dual timeline, I have to say that sometimes it felt a little all over the place for me. Like, how have so many years passed and suddenly certain characters just randomly show up, especially when they’re in completely different countries.
As for the romance, for some reason I found myself more drawn to Ben. I think it was because Rory’s lack of communication made his feelings seem more platonic to me jijiji.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and overall, it’s a pretty light and fun read!
PS* I didn’t know this beforehand, but there are scenes involving sexual harassment.
Do I recommend it?
Yes! I think if you’re in the mood for a romance or just need something light and easy to read, this will do!
Thank you to Harper Perennial for gifting me a copy of this book! 🧡
September 28, 2026
Thank you Harper Perennial and Danielle McKechnie for the gifted copy of This Changes Everything. I couldn’t put this book down!
Summary:
Ellie McCain has big dreams for herself and her future, and they’re finally starting to come true. After being accepted into a prestigious acting school in New York City, she leaves Vancouver, Canada, behind and heads to the States. But she’s also leaving behind her best friend, Rory Campbell, who has had her heart since she was fourteen. Once she arrives in New York, everything seems incredible. She meets new people, opens her heart to others, and even finds love. Fast-forward ten years, when she unexpectedly runs into Rory again, and a flood of emotions and memories comes rushing back, forcing Ellie to navigate the complicated feelings of her past while trying to make sense of her adult life.
Thoughts:
• Dang…the prologue got me good, and I was INSTANTLY hooked. I felt so much emotion and tension within the first five pages!
• I LOVE the format of this book. Alternating timelines are one of my favorite styles, and I love the depth it adds to the story between the main characters. This is such a great way to truly feel the love, tension, and longing between two childhood friends and their journey into adulthood.
• This book smacks your emotions around…A LOT. I knew I was in for a ride just based on the blurb, but holy smokes. Just when you fall in love with one MMC, the other sneaks up behind you and steals your heart. Then it’s like a seesaw of hot, loving MMCs. Who does she pick?!
• I lost count of how many times I gasped while reading this book. My heart was literally in a vice the whole time, waiting for the next moment, and I swear my heart would start palpitating. It happened at least 5+ times.
• I’ve already recommended this book to a friend, and I will be yapping about this book for a while now.
• I love Danielle’s writing style and the way she hooked me instantly. I can’t wait to see what else she writes, and I sure as heck hope it’s more romance!!!
•If you love romance books, stop what you’re doing and get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Summary:
Ellie McCain has big dreams for herself and her future, and they’re finally starting to come true. After being accepted into a prestigious acting school in New York City, she leaves Vancouver, Canada, behind and heads to the States. But she’s also leaving behind her best friend, Rory Campbell, who has had her heart since she was fourteen. Once she arrives in New York, everything seems incredible. She meets new people, opens her heart to others, and even finds love. Fast-forward ten years, when she unexpectedly runs into Rory again, and a flood of emotions and memories comes rushing back, forcing Ellie to navigate the complicated feelings of her past while trying to make sense of her adult life.
Thoughts:
• Dang…the prologue got me good, and I was INSTANTLY hooked. I felt so much emotion and tension within the first five pages!
• I LOVE the format of this book. Alternating timelines are one of my favorite styles, and I love the depth it adds to the story between the main characters. This is such a great way to truly feel the love, tension, and longing between two childhood friends and their journey into adulthood.
• This book smacks your emotions around…A LOT. I knew I was in for a ride just based on the blurb, but holy smokes. Just when you fall in love with one MMC, the other sneaks up behind you and steals your heart. Then it’s like a seesaw of hot, loving MMCs. Who does she pick?!
• I lost count of how many times I gasped while reading this book. My heart was literally in a vice the whole time, waiting for the next moment, and I swear my heart would start palpitating. It happened at least 5+ times.
• I’ve already recommended this book to a friend, and I will be yapping about this book for a while now.
• I love Danielle’s writing style and the way she hooked me instantly. I can’t wait to see what else she writes, and I sure as heck hope it’s more romance!!!
•If you love romance books, stop what you’re doing and get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
October 12, 2026
Ellie has always dreamed of a bigger life outside Vancouver. While her original dream is to go to LA, she gets accepted into a NYC acting school. It means having to leave her family, friends and Rory, her first love. While in NYC, she meets new friends and ends up falling for her roommate Ben. But when her dream of acting starts to crumble, she needs to decide where she’s going and who she’s going with.
What I liked: Friends to lovers done well is one of my favorite tropes (but also a least favorite when it doesn’t click). I loved the yearning and even the lack of communication because with Rory and Ellie it worked - they were young, friends first, and unsure of how to express themselves. I also loved Ben and Ellie and wished we got more of them.
The book is more than a romance and it’s also Ellie chasing her dream and figuring out how what she wants.
What didn’t work for me: The end dragged a bit for me.
Who should read it: Fans of friends to lovers, second chance, and coming of age.
What I liked: Friends to lovers done well is one of my favorite tropes (but also a least favorite when it doesn’t click). I loved the yearning and even the lack of communication because with Rory and Ellie it worked - they were young, friends first, and unsure of how to express themselves. I also loved Ben and Ellie and wished we got more of them.
The book is more than a romance and it’s also Ellie chasing her dream and figuring out how what she wants.
What didn’t work for me: The end dragged a bit for me.
Who should read it: Fans of friends to lovers, second chance, and coming of age.
October 13, 2026
Okay I have to say, I'm usually NOT a love triangle girl, but something about this book had me so invested!! The childhood friends, missed opportunities and years of unresolved feelings??? I was hooked!
We follow Ellie McCain, who leaves behind her family and Rory Campbell in Vancouver to chase her dream of becoming an actress in New York. Rory is pursuing professional golf, but these two have so much history together that moving on isn't exactly easy.
And then there's Ben!! Ellie's roommate turned boyfriend, who makes everything a little more complicated. Usually with love triangles I'm immediately rooting for one person, but I could actually understand why Ellie was so torn, which NEVER happens to me LOL.
I loved the different timelines and getting to see Ellie and Rory's relationship growing up. It made their connection feel so much more meaningful, although there were definitely moments where I was like CAN YOU TWO PLEASE JUST COMMUNICATE???
I also really appreciated that Ellie had her own journey outside of the romance. Leaving everything familiar behind to pursue her dreams while figuring out what she actually wanted in life made her story feel so much more relatable.
If you love childhood friends to lovers, second chances and a whole lot of yearning, I definitely recommend picking this one up!! Even if you're like me and normally avoid love triangles, this one might surprise you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
We follow Ellie McCain, who leaves behind her family and Rory Campbell in Vancouver to chase her dream of becoming an actress in New York. Rory is pursuing professional golf, but these two have so much history together that moving on isn't exactly easy.
And then there's Ben!! Ellie's roommate turned boyfriend, who makes everything a little more complicated. Usually with love triangles I'm immediately rooting for one person, but I could actually understand why Ellie was so torn, which NEVER happens to me LOL.
I loved the different timelines and getting to see Ellie and Rory's relationship growing up. It made their connection feel so much more meaningful, although there were definitely moments where I was like CAN YOU TWO PLEASE JUST COMMUNICATE???
I also really appreciated that Ellie had her own journey outside of the romance. Leaving everything familiar behind to pursue her dreams while figuring out what she actually wanted in life made her story feel so much more relatable.
If you love childhood friends to lovers, second chances and a whole lot of yearning, I definitely recommend picking this one up!! Even if you're like me and normally avoid love triangles, this one might surprise you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Currently Reading
September 26, 2026Excited to finally start this one! Hoping for Fall vibes as the cover suggests! 🍂🍁
Thank you to the author and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
Thank you to the author and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
October 16, 2026
I felt like I was really growing with these characters. it’s a book about love, and sacrifice, and finding your footing as an adult and i’m really glad I read it at this point in my life 🎬🏌🏻♂️🖤
October 6, 2026
3.75/5
September 10, 2026
I laughed. I cried. My heart is so full. All the freaking stars.
Did Not Finish
August 25, 2026i read most of it too 💀 but since i had to start skimming it doesn't count (tragic).
this just isn't for me. i love second chance but i don't need it packaged in stilted dialogue, lack of chemistry, and storylines that just didn't get the necessary time to breathe. ellie and rory didn't convince me that they really needed to be together... or atleast not now. also rory is annoying as hell. so many of the issues in the book stem from him being a mess and a clown. what ellie needed first before any lover was a therapist.
this just isn't for me. i love second chance but i don't need it packaged in stilted dialogue, lack of chemistry, and storylines that just didn't get the necessary time to breathe. ellie and rory didn't convince me that they really needed to be together... or atleast not now. also rory is annoying as hell. so many of the issues in the book stem from him being a mess and a clown. what ellie needed first before any lover was a therapist.
October 6, 2026
Title:
This Changes Everything
Author: Danielle McKechnie
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: August 18, 2026
I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from HarperCollins Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Commercial • Sincere • Witty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 off: 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.
💭 T H O U G H T S
When putting together my list of 2026 anticipated releases, putting This Changes Everything, the debut romance novel from Canadian author Danielle McKechnie, was an easy addition. Discovering new Canadian talent is something I seek out and everything about this cover screams 'autumn' and I find myself craving heartfelt romances with big emotion as the weather turns cooler.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! Told in alternating timelines, this structural format adds depth and emotion to an already heartfelt narrative. In the past, I could feel the teenage angst and yearning. And in the present day, Ellie is dealing with even bigger issues at work and in her personal life as she tries to figure out who she is. The love triangle is handled well with sharp and clever banter. There really is a lot to love about this book.
However, the jumping around in time and place took a special kind of attention I didn't necessarily have at the time of reading. I found myself needing to circle back time and time again to make sure I was in the right time and place. I know this is more of a me issue, and I am grateful there were indicators at the start of each chapter, but a little something more would have helped for a smoother experience all around.
The audiobook narrated by Abigail Reno is incredibly well done and made for an entertaining listening experience. Her vocal performance plays on Ellie's theatrical energy and she truly embraces Ellie's persona. She manages to capture the complex emotions in both timelines with authenticity and navigates between characters with ease and distinction. As a whole, the audio experience captures the full depth of the romance.
This Changes Everything is a second-chance romance with a good balance of romance and depth. Spanning twenty odd years, Ellie evolves and matures as she confronts what she truly wants and progresses toward the 'big decision'. Nothing particularly stood out about this one, but I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more from this new Canadian author.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• fans of second chance romance
• love triangles
• coming-of-age stories
⚠️ CW: sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexism, misogyny, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, sexual content, death, death of parent, violence, cursing,
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There's before this moment, and everything after. For the rest of your life, you're living in the after."
Author: Danielle McKechnie
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: August 18, 2026
I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from HarperCollins Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Commercial • Sincere • Witty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 off: 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.
💭 T H O U G H T S
When putting together my list of 2026 anticipated releases, putting This Changes Everything, the debut romance novel from Canadian author Danielle McKechnie, was an easy addition. Discovering new Canadian talent is something I seek out and everything about this cover screams 'autumn' and I find myself craving heartfelt romances with big emotion as the weather turns cooler.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! Told in alternating timelines, this structural format adds depth and emotion to an already heartfelt narrative. In the past, I could feel the teenage angst and yearning. And in the present day, Ellie is dealing with even bigger issues at work and in her personal life as she tries to figure out who she is. The love triangle is handled well with sharp and clever banter. There really is a lot to love about this book.
However, the jumping around in time and place took a special kind of attention I didn't necessarily have at the time of reading. I found myself needing to circle back time and time again to make sure I was in the right time and place. I know this is more of a me issue, and I am grateful there were indicators at the start of each chapter, but a little something more would have helped for a smoother experience all around.
The audiobook narrated by Abigail Reno is incredibly well done and made for an entertaining listening experience. Her vocal performance plays on Ellie's theatrical energy and she truly embraces Ellie's persona. She manages to capture the complex emotions in both timelines with authenticity and navigates between characters with ease and distinction. As a whole, the audio experience captures the full depth of the romance.
This Changes Everything is a second-chance romance with a good balance of romance and depth. Spanning twenty odd years, Ellie evolves and matures as she confronts what she truly wants and progresses toward the 'big decision'. Nothing particularly stood out about this one, but I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more from this new Canadian author.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• fans of second chance romance
• love triangles
• coming-of-age stories
⚠️ CW: sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexism, misogyny, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, sexual content, death, death of parent, violence, cursing,
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There's before this moment, and everything after. For the rest of your life, you're living in the after."
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