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Matthews Brothers #3
Change of Plans
In this charming romantic comedy, a hometown hero comes to the rescue of a chef unexpectedly left to care for three little girls—who may end up saving him too.
When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?
When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
142 people are currently reading
13300 people want to read
About the author
Dylan Newton
10 books471 followersDylan Newton was born and raised in a small town where the library was her favorite hang-out. After over a decade working in corporate America, Dylan quit to pursue her passion: writing books. The gamble paid off with seven published novels, and more to come! When she isn’t writing, Dylan is pursuing her own happily ever after with her high school sweetheart as they split time between Florida and Upstate New York with their two much cooler daughters.
Visit Dylan at her website or on her Facebook page.
Visit Dylan at her website or on her Facebook page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
September 23, 2023
In a Nutshell: A romcom where I enjoyed a lot of the ‘rom’ and disliked a lot of the supposed ‘com’. USP: a male protagonist with a prosthetic leg and PTSD, thanks to his days as a marine. Worth a read especially for this factor.
Story Synopsis:
This is the final book of the ‘Matthews Brothers’ series. I haven’t read the first two books, but each book contains one brother’s love story. As such, the books can be read as standalone, except that you will get a few spoilers in the later books about the earlier couples.
Bookish Yays:
❤ I liked the two main characters. Their inner strength and courage is visible almost throughout the book. More than their almost-instant sparks, I enjoyed their banter, especially the way they exchanged dirty jokes when the kids weren’t around. They were cute as a pair!
❤ Rarely do romcoms give the male character a voice, so I loved to see the narration balanced between Bryce and Ryker. Seeing the male perspective in romance is a nice experience, especially when the MC is also struggling with his issues.
❤ I am the kind who doesn’t go awww at romantic scenes but at cute kids. And this book gave me three kiddos to gush over. Cecily, Addie, and baby Lisi were adorable! (Except during certain unhygienic accidents.)
❤ Through Ryker’s perspective, the story covers the important issue of how PTSD can trouble marines, to the extent that it can impair even daily functioning. I loved how genuine this portrayal felt. The author’s note reveals the extent of her research in order to depict this correctly. Kudos!
❤ One specialty of this romance novel is its choice of having an amputee as the MMC. (How I wish the cover had highlighted the prosthetic leg better!) Ryker’s disability gives us a glimpse of his struggles with his missing leg, whether through phantom pains or because of HO (heterotopic ossification). There are also details about his prosthetic, and about his getting a service dog through PAWS. Rarely does a portrayal of a disabled person feel so authentic in this light-hearted genre.
❤ On that note, the story has a wonderfully sweet service dog, though in a limited role. Every such dog deserves a separate capitalised YAY!
❤ The ending is as expected, happy without going much over the top. It redeemed my rating to a certain extent.
Bookish “Nay-For-Me-Possible-Yay-For-Others”:
📌 I’m not a fan of steamy romances. I prefer reading about a connection of the mind than of the body. The steam level in this book, though not a 5 on the spice meter, was still too much for me. I also don’t like books where the characters view each other mainly through the physical lens. A couple of mentions of anatomical attraction is probably fine, but to keep referring to it feels too shallow.
(On the anatomical note, do large-chested women seriously refer to or ponder about their bra size every time they are donning a bra? I didn’t get Bryce’s repeated reference to her DD cups. Yes, she has big breasts. We get it. Move on!
PS: I had honestly assumed that the author is a male, considering the extensive focus on breasts. Whoops!)
Bookish Nays:
💔 I disliked the portrayal of the eldest child. June is supposed to be eleven, so I get why she was sketched with some teenage (tweenage?) angst. But her character development isn’t consistent, and her behaviour seems to swing abruptly between positive to negative, sometimes within the same scene. I’d have preferred a more realistic depiction.
💔 I’m equally dissatisfied with the sketching of the grandparents. They were so ridiculously stereotypical in their ‘Grandparents have the priority’ attitude. I get that the book needed some conflict, but doing it through hackneyed characters in roles that no longer suit this millennium is passé.
💔 Honestly, the author is really good at crafting emotional scenes, humorous interactions, and heartfelt romance. I have no idea why she felt the need to add OTT fiasco situations in the story. There’s hardly any scene with the kids where there is no disaster. The mid-book puke scene was the most ridiculous. (And that’s not the only puke scene in the story!) Who the heck wants to read an extended vomit scene in between a romance? Not I, for sure.
💔 The story goes way overboard with the miscommunication trope. And it’s not just miscommunication on the lines of characters not revealing the complete truth. But every time a character is on the verge of confessing something serious, there’s an interruption, and the other character totally forgets that they are having a meaningful conversation and moves onto some other topic. It was so repetitive!
All in all, this is a story that has a lot to offer. With loveable characters, great themes, and a great meet-cute-turns-steamy, it would have been the perfect contemporary romance book. Unfortunately, it tries too hard to be funny with the OTT situations, which is really sad as the story had enough substance and didn’t need to resort to cheap attention-grabbing tactics.
Of course, this could just be my personal bugbear. I’m not a regular reader of this genre, so I have no idea what’s *in*. Maybe cheesy or cringey scenes add to the OMG effect of such books for other readers. If you are one of those, I am strongly recommending this read to you.
To those who are more like me in your romance-reading preferences: if you can grit your teeth and make it through the steamy scenes and the puke overload, you might like this one for its disability and PTSD rep, and for the DOG and the KIDDOS! So yeah, still recommended to you, but be prepared to roll your eyes many times.
3.5 stars. (Rounding up because I did love the essence of the story, and it’s not the book’s fault that I prefer slow-burn romances that are clean in terms of open-door scenes as well as hygiene.)
My thanks to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the DRC of “Change of Plans”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
After her brother and sister-in-law lose their lives in an accident, Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three nieces: June (11), Cecily (8), and Addie (5). As a chef, the only mess Bryce knows how to handle is the one in her kitchen. But to fulfil her brother’s last wish, she knows she will do whatever it takes to sort out teenage June’s moody grumpiness, Cecily’s determination to not have a bath, and Addie’s refusal to take off her fairy wings. Handling all this along with her job at PattyCakes, she has no time for anything else, least of all romance.
Enter Ryker Matthews, a disabled ex-marine, who is focussed on his car restoration business while keeping himself locked away from displaying any kind of emotion so as to not worry his family. But he knows that his PTSD is getting worse.
When Bryce and Ryker bump into each other at the supermarket… Ah well, you can guess the rest.
The story comes to us through the limited third-person perspectives of Bryce and Ryker.
This is the final book of the ‘Matthews Brothers’ series. I haven’t read the first two books, but each book contains one brother’s love story. As such, the books can be read as standalone, except that you will get a few spoilers in the later books about the earlier couples.
Bookish Yays:
❤ I liked the two main characters. Their inner strength and courage is visible almost throughout the book. More than their almost-instant sparks, I enjoyed their banter, especially the way they exchanged dirty jokes when the kids weren’t around. They were cute as a pair!
❤ Rarely do romcoms give the male character a voice, so I loved to see the narration balanced between Bryce and Ryker. Seeing the male perspective in romance is a nice experience, especially when the MC is also struggling with his issues.
❤ I am the kind who doesn’t go awww at romantic scenes but at cute kids. And this book gave me three kiddos to gush over. Cecily, Addie, and baby Lisi were adorable! (Except during certain unhygienic accidents.)
❤ Through Ryker’s perspective, the story covers the important issue of how PTSD can trouble marines, to the extent that it can impair even daily functioning. I loved how genuine this portrayal felt. The author’s note reveals the extent of her research in order to depict this correctly. Kudos!
❤ One specialty of this romance novel is its choice of having an amputee as the MMC. (How I wish the cover had highlighted the prosthetic leg better!) Ryker’s disability gives us a glimpse of his struggles with his missing leg, whether through phantom pains or because of HO (heterotopic ossification). There are also details about his prosthetic, and about his getting a service dog through PAWS. Rarely does a portrayal of a disabled person feel so authentic in this light-hearted genre.
❤ On that note, the story has a wonderfully sweet service dog, though in a limited role. Every such dog deserves a separate capitalised YAY!
❤ The ending is as expected, happy without going much over the top. It redeemed my rating to a certain extent.
Bookish “Nay-For-Me-Possible-Yay-For-Others”:
📌 I’m not a fan of steamy romances. I prefer reading about a connection of the mind than of the body. The steam level in this book, though not a 5 on the spice meter, was still too much for me. I also don’t like books where the characters view each other mainly through the physical lens. A couple of mentions of anatomical attraction is probably fine, but to keep referring to it feels too shallow.
(On the anatomical note, do large-chested women seriously refer to or ponder about their bra size every time they are donning a bra? I didn’t get Bryce’s repeated reference to her DD cups. Yes, she has big breasts. We get it. Move on!
PS: I had honestly assumed that the author is a male, considering the extensive focus on breasts. Whoops!)
Bookish Nays:
💔 I disliked the portrayal of the eldest child. June is supposed to be eleven, so I get why she was sketched with some teenage (tweenage?) angst. But her character development isn’t consistent, and her behaviour seems to swing abruptly between positive to negative, sometimes within the same scene. I’d have preferred a more realistic depiction.
💔 I’m equally dissatisfied with the sketching of the grandparents. They were so ridiculously stereotypical in their ‘Grandparents have the priority’ attitude. I get that the book needed some conflict, but doing it through hackneyed characters in roles that no longer suit this millennium is passé.
💔 Honestly, the author is really good at crafting emotional scenes, humorous interactions, and heartfelt romance. I have no idea why she felt the need to add OTT fiasco situations in the story. There’s hardly any scene with the kids where there is no disaster. The mid-book puke scene was the most ridiculous. (And that’s not the only puke scene in the story!) Who the heck wants to read an extended vomit scene in between a romance? Not I, for sure.
💔 The story goes way overboard with the miscommunication trope. And it’s not just miscommunication on the lines of characters not revealing the complete truth. But every time a character is on the verge of confessing something serious, there’s an interruption, and the other character totally forgets that they are having a meaningful conversation and moves onto some other topic. It was so repetitive!
All in all, this is a story that has a lot to offer. With loveable characters, great themes, and a great meet-cute-turns-steamy, it would have been the perfect contemporary romance book. Unfortunately, it tries too hard to be funny with the OTT situations, which is really sad as the story had enough substance and didn’t need to resort to cheap attention-grabbing tactics.
Of course, this could just be my personal bugbear. I’m not a regular reader of this genre, so I have no idea what’s *in*. Maybe cheesy or cringey scenes add to the OMG effect of such books for other readers. If you are one of those, I am strongly recommending this read to you.
To those who are more like me in your romance-reading preferences: if you can grit your teeth and make it through the steamy scenes and the puke overload, you might like this one for its disability and PTSD rep, and for the DOG and the KIDDOS! So yeah, still recommended to you, but be prepared to roll your eyes many times.
3.5 stars. (Rounding up because I did love the essence of the story, and it’s not the book’s fault that I prefer slow-burn romances that are clean in terms of open-door scenes as well as hygiene.)
My thanks to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the DRC of “Change of Plans”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
September 5, 2023
Bryce is a young up and coming chef living in Florida when tragedy strikes. Her brother and his wife are killed in a horrific car accident. Much to the surprise of everyone they have left Bryce as the guardian to their three young daughters.
To say she's learning on the fly would be an understatement. Her 12 year old niece, June, has a permanent scowl on her face and sarcasm quick on her lips. Cecily, her 8 year old niece, has decided she no longer wants to bathe or have her clothes washed, and it's becoming an epic battle between the two. Addison, a vivacious 6 year old, refuses to remove her fairy wings and is convinced she'll one day be able to fly.
Thankfully, Patty from Pattycakes, has taken her under her wing. Giving her a job making various soups for the cafe's menu and an apartment to rent right above the shop.
During a shopping trip at the local grocery store Bryce and her nieces make quite the spectacle of themselves catching the eye of a fellow shopper, Ryker. When it appears that Cecily finds herself stuck under the shelving in an attempt to save her favorite rock it is Ryker that swoops in to save the day. And he may have stolen a heart or two along the way.
This was a super sweet romcom that kept me smiling and rooting for their happily ever after. Bryce was a fabulous character. A woman that loves with all her heart even though she second guesses herself time and time again. And let me tell you she had my tummy rumbling in hunger pains with all the descriptions of yummy food she makes. Ryker, oh my, tough on the outside and all ooey gooey on the inside. He is a veteran that lost part of his leg in Afghanistan and suffers from severe PTSD. His anxiety is a burden he carries everyday but when he lays eyes on Bryce and her nieces it's as if hope for his future doesn't seem impossible anymore.
Of course, there's oodles of miscommunication, which at times was frustrating but I've come to expect that in this genre. All the best things in life are worth fighting for if you truly want them badly enough.
So Bryce and Ryker are great but it was really the nieces that stole the show here. The shenanigans Bryce and the girls would find themselves in never failed to make me chuckle. I adored them.
When I requested this book I wasn't aware that it was book 3 in a series but I felt it read just fine as a standalone. If you're looking for a sweet treat that isn't too spicy then this may be just what you're craving. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for my complimentary copy.
To say she's learning on the fly would be an understatement. Her 12 year old niece, June, has a permanent scowl on her face and sarcasm quick on her lips. Cecily, her 8 year old niece, has decided she no longer wants to bathe or have her clothes washed, and it's becoming an epic battle between the two. Addison, a vivacious 6 year old, refuses to remove her fairy wings and is convinced she'll one day be able to fly.
Thankfully, Patty from Pattycakes, has taken her under her wing. Giving her a job making various soups for the cafe's menu and an apartment to rent right above the shop.
During a shopping trip at the local grocery store Bryce and her nieces make quite the spectacle of themselves catching the eye of a fellow shopper, Ryker. When it appears that Cecily finds herself stuck under the shelving in an attempt to save her favorite rock it is Ryker that swoops in to save the day. And he may have stolen a heart or two along the way.
This was a super sweet romcom that kept me smiling and rooting for their happily ever after. Bryce was a fabulous character. A woman that loves with all her heart even though she second guesses herself time and time again. And let me tell you she had my tummy rumbling in hunger pains with all the descriptions of yummy food she makes. Ryker, oh my, tough on the outside and all ooey gooey on the inside. He is a veteran that lost part of his leg in Afghanistan and suffers from severe PTSD. His anxiety is a burden he carries everyday but when he lays eyes on Bryce and her nieces it's as if hope for his future doesn't seem impossible anymore.
Of course, there's oodles of miscommunication, which at times was frustrating but I've come to expect that in this genre. All the best things in life are worth fighting for if you truly want them badly enough.
So Bryce and Ryker are great but it was really the nieces that stole the show here. The shenanigans Bryce and the girls would find themselves in never failed to make me chuckle. I adored them.
When I requested this book I wasn't aware that it was book 3 in a series but I felt it read just fine as a standalone. If you're looking for a sweet treat that isn't too spicy then this may be just what you're craving. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for my complimentary copy.
August 3, 2023
Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
3rd in series although not named as such online. Contemporary romance / romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Heroine = New guardian parent. Hero = Veteran with PTSD.
Bryce Weatherford has recently become the guardian of her three nieces. As a new and single parent, she is juggling their care while still working. She meets Ryker one night at the local grocery store where sparks fly. While dating is difficult for a single parent, as a group they manage both family entertainment together and a bit of alone time. Can they make a relationship work between his PTSD and her parenting needs and in-laws that are fighting for custody?
While I loved all the 3 books, this is my favorite. Happy stuff, making family work, a hero that needs a hug, a heroine that loves a baudy joke, children that have individual personalities, and a dog that can handle the lease. Touching and emotional, I cried in several parts over the last 15% of this adorably sweet and heartwarming romance.
Series, 3 brothers in a small town, each with their own story.
Book 1, How Sweet it is.
Book 2, All Fired Up.
Book 3, Change of Plans.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will purchase this series in full to share. Opinions are my own.
3rd in series although not named as such online. Contemporary romance / romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone. Heroine = New guardian parent. Hero = Veteran with PTSD.
Bryce Weatherford has recently become the guardian of her three nieces. As a new and single parent, she is juggling their care while still working. She meets Ryker one night at the local grocery store where sparks fly. While dating is difficult for a single parent, as a group they manage both family entertainment together and a bit of alone time. Can they make a relationship work between his PTSD and her parenting needs and in-laws that are fighting for custody?
While I loved all the 3 books, this is my favorite. Happy stuff, making family work, a hero that needs a hug, a heroine that loves a baudy joke, children that have individual personalities, and a dog that can handle the lease. Touching and emotional, I cried in several parts over the last 15% of this adorably sweet and heartwarming romance.
Series, 3 brothers in a small town, each with their own story.
Book 1, How Sweet it is.
Book 2, All Fired Up.
Book 3, Change of Plans.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will purchase this series in full to share. Opinions are my own.
August 1, 2023
Stories about "mom-like creatures" stepping up and doing their best when circumstances demand are quickly becoming some of my favorite types of romances to read and Change of plans by Dylan Newton is one of the best!
When Bryce's brother and sister-in-law die suddenly in a car crash, she moves home to take guardianship of her three nieces. Things are no where near easy though as she's constantly putting out fires, fighting their grandparent's for custody and dealing with three rambunctious, grieving girls.
Enter Ryker, the middle Matthews' brother with a hero complex who is suffering from PTSD after serving in Afghanistan and losing part of his leg to an IED. Ryker seems to be in the right place at the right time when Bryce and the girls need help and soon these two lost adults find comfort in an unexpected place.
I've been eagerly awaiting Ryker's story and it did not disappoint. He's a strong cinnamon roll and the perfect match for Bryce. I loved them together and thought the caregiver, PTSD and disability rep in this book was outstanding!
Hilarious and full of heart, I can't recommend this dual POV romance enough, especially for fans of books like Life's too short by Abby Jimenez, Next of kin by Hannah Bonam-Young or The ones we fight for by Katie Golightly (other next of kin caregiver romance books). Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
🔥Steam level: mild/fade to black
When Bryce's brother and sister-in-law die suddenly in a car crash, she moves home to take guardianship of her three nieces. Things are no where near easy though as she's constantly putting out fires, fighting their grandparent's for custody and dealing with three rambunctious, grieving girls.
Enter Ryker, the middle Matthews' brother with a hero complex who is suffering from PTSD after serving in Afghanistan and losing part of his leg to an IED. Ryker seems to be in the right place at the right time when Bryce and the girls need help and soon these two lost adults find comfort in an unexpected place.
I've been eagerly awaiting Ryker's story and it did not disappoint. He's a strong cinnamon roll and the perfect match for Bryce. I loved them together and thought the caregiver, PTSD and disability rep in this book was outstanding!
Hilarious and full of heart, I can't recommend this dual POV romance enough, especially for fans of books like Life's too short by Abby Jimenez, Next of kin by Hannah Bonam-Young or The ones we fight for by Katie Golightly (other next of kin caregiver romance books). Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
🔥Steam level: mild/fade to black
April 26, 2023
This book was such a cute and heartwarming read 💙 The main characters, Bryce and Ryker, found one another at the perfect time, and I loved how supportive they were of each other.
This book has:
• Strangers to lovers and a hilariously chaotic meet cute in a grocery store
• He falls first!!
• The found family trope 💞 My heart melted every time Ryker interacted with Bryce’s nieces
• The miscommunication trope: I dislike this trope SO much, and this book relied heavily on it, especially in the third act
Overall, this was a heartwarming, uplifting, and quick read! I’m excited to read the first two books in this series.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This book has:
• Strangers to lovers and a hilariously chaotic meet cute in a grocery store
• He falls first!!
• The found family trope 💞 My heart melted every time Ryker interacted with Bryce’s nieces
• The miscommunication trope: I dislike this trope SO much, and this book relied heavily on it, especially in the third act
Overall, this was a heartwarming, uplifting, and quick read! I’m excited to read the first two books in this series.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
August 1, 2023
I've read all three of the books in this series and enjoyed them all. I've liked each one more and more. This is no exception. It's my favorite of the series.
From the little we have seen of Ryker Matthews in the prior books, I knew his story was going to be great and that he would be my favorite Matthews brother. He was honorably discharged from the Marines and is still dealing with PTSD from what happened to him. He's a bit of a recluse, preferring to work on cars in his garage.
Until he meets Bryce Weatherford.
Bryce is the guardian of her three nieces and barely making it. Parenting in general is not easy, but for Bryce, who was not expecting it and is thrown into it, she feels like a failure. Bryce and Ryker's meet in the grocery store is definitely "cute." I love how willing and kind Ryker is to help out Bryce and the girls.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the little we have seen of Ryker Matthews in the prior books, I knew his story was going to be great and that he would be my favorite Matthews brother. He was honorably discharged from the Marines and is still dealing with PTSD from what happened to him. He's a bit of a recluse, preferring to work on cars in his garage.
Until he meets Bryce Weatherford.
Bryce is the guardian of her three nieces and barely making it. Parenting in general is not easy, but for Bryce, who was not expecting it and is thrown into it, she feels like a failure. Bryce and Ryker's meet in the grocery store is definitely "cute." I love how willing and kind Ryker is to help out Bryce and the girls.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 20, 2023
If you liked the movies No Reservations and Raising Helen, then I definitely recommend this to you. The premise is similar— a young woman’s (Bryce) life is turned upside down when her brother and sister-in-law unexpectedly die in a car crash and she becomes the guardian of their three kids. What is different, and what I really thought stood out and enjoyed, is that our male main character, Ryker, is a Marine vet who suffers from PTSD and is an amputee. I loved that he wasn’t placed there to save her, but rather they are both working through the challenges life throws at you and together they make it out better.
Bryce’s three nieces, June, Cecily, and Addison were so well fleshed out and multidimensional for side characters. I felt the way their grief showed and how they processed things were nuanced and honest. They were also cute, funny, and petulant like all children.
This is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. Ryker’s family makes multiple appearances and while I didn’t feel I missed anything not knowing his brothers’ backstories, I think reading the previous books would enhance those scenes with them.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Bryce’s three nieces, June, Cecily, and Addison were so well fleshed out and multidimensional for side characters. I felt the way their grief showed and how they processed things were nuanced and honest. They were also cute, funny, and petulant like all children.
This is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. Ryker’s family makes multiple appearances and while I didn’t feel I missed anything not knowing his brothers’ backstories, I think reading the previous books would enhance those scenes with them.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
I keep telling myself to stop requesting random ARCs, but I can't, and the reason is books like this. The premise sounded intriguing, and I adored this incredibly charming story. Chef Bryce Weatherford becomes guardian to her three nieces June, 12; Cecily, 8; and Addison, 5, after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. If suddenly leaving her job and moving to a small town to care for these spunky girls isn't enough, Bryce has to fight off guardianship overtures from the girls' maternal grandparents. She finds an unlikely ally in Ryker Matthews, who rescues the group at the grocery store. The former Marine is struggling with own demons, though.
This is a delightful romance filled with fun and serious moments. I'm a total sucker for stories with kids, and Bryce's nieces are silly but very touching as they grapple with the death of their parents. Ryker is a guarded Marine dealing with PTSD; he has a below-the-knee amputation and phantom pain from his missing limb. It's rare to read a book that handles the military, PTSD, and amputation so well--and with the respect these topics deserve. I adored the stoic Ryker and his introverted ways.
CHANGE is still a really funny and cute story even if it touches on some tough subjects. Both Ryker and Bryce have hang ups, between his PTSD and her trying to keep the girls and figure out her life, but the instant attraction between the two crackles. Their banter is witty and sexy. Bryce is a tough cookie, and both main characters are more unique than you see in your usual romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize it when I read it, but it's the third in a series about the Matthews brothers, but can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to catching up on the first two! 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.
This is a delightful romance filled with fun and serious moments. I'm a total sucker for stories with kids, and Bryce's nieces are silly but very touching as they grapple with the death of their parents. Ryker is a guarded Marine dealing with PTSD; he has a below-the-knee amputation and phantom pain from his missing limb. It's rare to read a book that handles the military, PTSD, and amputation so well--and with the respect these topics deserve. I adored the stoic Ryker and his introverted ways.
CHANGE is still a really funny and cute story even if it touches on some tough subjects. Both Ryker and Bryce have hang ups, between his PTSD and her trying to keep the girls and figure out her life, but the instant attraction between the two crackles. Their banter is witty and sexy. Bryce is a tough cookie, and both main characters are more unique than you see in your usual romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize it when I read it, but it's the third in a series about the Matthews brothers, but can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to catching up on the first two! 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.
July 22, 2023
The reclusive Ryker Matthews did not disappoint! After glimpses of him in How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up, I had a sneaking suspicion he'd be my favourite Matthews brother. And I was right! He instantly won me over in this hilarious meet-cute involving a grocery store mishap.
Unexpectedly gaining guardianship of her three nieces, chef Bryce is hanging on by a thread. This book truly captured the absolute chaos of parenthood. Gosh, it was fun! It's labeled as a romantic comedy, and it certainly does have its funny moments, but what really stood out to me was the soft, effortless connection between Ryker and Bryce.
After his honourable discharge from the marines, Ryker spends his time restoring vintage vehicles. I really enjoyed how the story weaved in his experience with PTSD and living with a prosthetic leg. He has certainly been through a lot, but this man exuded kindness.
Ryker might be the king of acts of service. I loved the simple ways he was there for Bryce. And Bryce was equally there for Ryker. The compassion she shows towards him, especially in his raw, vulernable moments was so admirable.
With both their lives completely derailed, this title couldn't be more fitting. A change of plans, indeed. It was super heartwarming to see these two lower their guards and find room for love.
(heat level: one open-door scene, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unexpectedly gaining guardianship of her three nieces, chef Bryce is hanging on by a thread. This book truly captured the absolute chaos of parenthood. Gosh, it was fun! It's labeled as a romantic comedy, and it certainly does have its funny moments, but what really stood out to me was the soft, effortless connection between Ryker and Bryce.
After his honourable discharge from the marines, Ryker spends his time restoring vintage vehicles. I really enjoyed how the story weaved in his experience with PTSD and living with a prosthetic leg. He has certainly been through a lot, but this man exuded kindness.
Ryker might be the king of acts of service. I loved the simple ways he was there for Bryce. And Bryce was equally there for Ryker. The compassion she shows towards him, especially in his raw, vulernable moments was so admirable.
With both their lives completely derailed, this title couldn't be more fitting. A change of plans, indeed. It was super heartwarming to see these two lower their guards and find room for love.
(heat level: one open-door scene, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2023
Initial Thoughts
This was so good! Bryce and Ryker are both going through some big things. Bryce has recently become the guardian to her 3 young nieces which has turned her life completely upside down. I loved that the kids played a huge role in the story. Ryker lost part of his leg in Afghanistan and is dealing with not only some physical issues but also battles PTSD as a result of what he has been through. A chance meeting at the grocery store puts these two in each other's paths and I knew that they would be great together. I think that we really see a lot of growth for each of these characters over the course of the story and they really do seem perfect for each other.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Full review to be posted soon.
This was so good! Bryce and Ryker are both going through some big things. Bryce has recently become the guardian to her 3 young nieces which has turned her life completely upside down. I loved that the kids played a huge role in the story. Ryker lost part of his leg in Afghanistan and is dealing with not only some physical issues but also battles PTSD as a result of what he has been through. A chance meeting at the grocery store puts these two in each other's paths and I knew that they would be great together. I think that we really see a lot of growth for each of these characters over the course of the story and they really do seem perfect for each other.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Full review to be posted soon.
April 13, 2023
This is unfortunately very very not for me.
This is about Bryce and Ryker, who both frankly have way too much going on. Until a few months ago, Bryce was a single chef living in Miami, until her brother and his wife suddenly died, forcing her to move to a small town in NY state to take care of her three nieces where she has to fight their maternal grandparents for custody. Ryker is a former marine who was honorably discharged after losing his left foot on duty. He has PTSD, and apparently a complete inability to communicate. They (kind of) date?
First and foremost, these two people just had way too much personal drama to actually be in a successful romantic relationship with each other. So much of this book was about their individual tragedies that it barely felt like a romance, and more like two people who interact sometimes while they figure out their stuff separately. I certainly don't mind external plot and personal growth, but I kind of like romance to be at the center of my romances, ya know?
I have a pretty low threshold for the miscommunication trope. Sometimes it's realistic, and sometimes it's relatable, but sometimes it's like this. Every time they need to have a big important conversation it's like "we really need to talk" and then a wacky mishap will happen and then they never talk. Or one character literally LEAVES TOWN for days without telling anybody where or why (it's literally to get a dog, okay), and then they're shocked that the other person thinks this is a bad sign for their relationship. And it's just all of this on repeat for like 300 pages. There would actually be very few obstacles for this couple if they simply had one fairly short conversation.
It is also never clear to the reader (or I guess maybe just me) exactly why Bryce wants custody of these children. She was named as their guardian in the will, but admits that she's never actually spent much time with them. She talks a bit about the grief of losing her brother, but nothing really indicates why she feels like she needs to take this on, or why he would have chosen her to do it. Especially when the grandparents, who have been a constant presence in the children's lives, really want to do it. Maybe I just don't have a maternal bone in my body, but I would simply let them have the children...
Finally, Ryker is a military vet. And while that might work for some people, this man is out here using military jargon constantly -- including during their one weird sex scene (like he is literally saying things like "Roger that" while he is inside her; I would LEAVE).
Objectively, I actually don't think this is a bad book, but it was unfortunately a big collection of things that I really just don't like. I would actually recommend this for anyone who is a fan of The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (which I did give one star lol). This had a really similar writing style/relationship dynamic, and deals with similarly heavy themes.
**eARC provided by NetGalley and Forever Publishing
This is about Bryce and Ryker, who both frankly have way too much going on. Until a few months ago, Bryce was a single chef living in Miami, until her brother and his wife suddenly died, forcing her to move to a small town in NY state to take care of her three nieces where she has to fight their maternal grandparents for custody. Ryker is a former marine who was honorably discharged after losing his left foot on duty. He has PTSD, and apparently a complete inability to communicate. They (kind of) date?
First and foremost, these two people just had way too much personal drama to actually be in a successful romantic relationship with each other. So much of this book was about their individual tragedies that it barely felt like a romance, and more like two people who interact sometimes while they figure out their stuff separately. I certainly don't mind external plot and personal growth, but I kind of like romance to be at the center of my romances, ya know?
I have a pretty low threshold for the miscommunication trope. Sometimes it's realistic, and sometimes it's relatable, but sometimes it's like this. Every time they need to have a big important conversation it's like "we really need to talk" and then a wacky mishap will happen and then they never talk. Or one character literally LEAVES TOWN for days without telling anybody where or why (it's literally to get a dog, okay), and then they're shocked that the other person thinks this is a bad sign for their relationship. And it's just all of this on repeat for like 300 pages. There would actually be very few obstacles for this couple if they simply had one fairly short conversation.
It is also never clear to the reader (or I guess maybe just me) exactly why Bryce wants custody of these children. She was named as their guardian in the will, but admits that she's never actually spent much time with them. She talks a bit about the grief of losing her brother, but nothing really indicates why she feels like she needs to take this on, or why he would have chosen her to do it. Especially when the grandparents, who have been a constant presence in the children's lives, really want to do it. Maybe I just don't have a maternal bone in my body, but I would simply let them have the children...
Finally, Ryker is a military vet. And while that might work for some people, this man is out here using military jargon constantly -- including during their one weird sex scene (like he is literally saying things like "Roger that" while he is inside her; I would LEAVE).
Objectively, I actually don't think this is a bad book, but it was unfortunately a big collection of things that I really just don't like. I would actually recommend this for anyone who is a fan of The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (which I did give one star lol). This had a really similar writing style/relationship dynamic, and deals with similarly heavy themes.
**eARC provided by NetGalley and Forever Publishing
August 7, 2023
I love this series and the Matthew's brothers! I am in love with any book that features a chef and Bryce cooked up some yummy recipes. Not to mention the emotional punch this one had.
Bryce is raising her three nieces after her brother and his wife perish in a car accident. She has been named in the will as guardian, but their mother's parents are also fighting for custody. She feels like she is being stretched in all the directions and she doesn't have time for someone like Ryker, but being with him is so easy and effortless that it doesn't make things harder, it makes them easier.
Ryker came back from Afganastan with an amputed leg and severe PTSD, but he doesn't let on just how bad it is. He sticks to his garage and doesn't go out into society much. When a chance encounter at the supermarket throws them together, he can't help but feel like she brings him back to his old self. It is nice to smile.
They both have secrets they are hiding, which i didn't like, but I understood. They both thought their baggage was too much for someone to take on so they kept some hidden. They fell fast and hard and were worried the other would not feel the same way.
I really did wish they would have communicated more, but in the end it all worked out just as it ought to be. There were a few items that I thought needed to be addressed but overall this one was a great emotional read.
Thanks to Dylan Newton, Netgalley and Forever for an early copy.
Bryce is raising her three nieces after her brother and his wife perish in a car accident. She has been named in the will as guardian, but their mother's parents are also fighting for custody. She feels like she is being stretched in all the directions and she doesn't have time for someone like Ryker, but being with him is so easy and effortless that it doesn't make things harder, it makes them easier.
Ryker came back from Afganastan with an amputed leg and severe PTSD, but he doesn't let on just how bad it is. He sticks to his garage and doesn't go out into society much. When a chance encounter at the supermarket throws them together, he can't help but feel like she brings him back to his old self. It is nice to smile.
They both have secrets they are hiding, which i didn't like, but I understood. They both thought their baggage was too much for someone to take on so they kept some hidden. They fell fast and hard and were worried the other would not feel the same way.
I really did wish they would have communicated more, but in the end it all worked out just as it ought to be. There were a few items that I thought needed to be addressed but overall this one was a great emotional read.
Thanks to Dylan Newton, Netgalley and Forever for an early copy.
June 9, 2023
This is third book in the Matthew Brothers series but can still be read as a stand-alone. It follows Ryker, the middle brother and former marine, who suffers from PTSD and keeps to himself. However, that all changes when he meets Bryce and her three nieces. The two instantly connect and as Ryker helps Bryce with her new role as guardian, he begins to heal and open up.
This was a great small-town romance that was light-hearted and funny despite dealing with some more serious themes. My favorite part about this story was Bryce’s relationship with her three nieces. It felt so real, and Newton did a great job accurately depicting how kids that age would act around certain situations, especially after losing parents. And Ryker. He was the hero I grew to adore! It was the smallest acts of kindness from him that melted my heart the most. Also, if you read the two earlier books in the series, there is a ton of cameos from Imani, Zander, Drake and Kate and it was great to see all brothers get their happily ever afters!
Read if you like:
-Small-town romance
-Single parent trope
-Heroine who is a chef
-Cinnamon roll hero
-PTSD and disability rep
-Book series centered around brothers
Thank you Forever for the ARC! Pub 8/1
This was a great small-town romance that was light-hearted and funny despite dealing with some more serious themes. My favorite part about this story was Bryce’s relationship with her three nieces. It felt so real, and Newton did a great job accurately depicting how kids that age would act around certain situations, especially after losing parents. And Ryker. He was the hero I grew to adore! It was the smallest acts of kindness from him that melted my heart the most. Also, if you read the two earlier books in the series, there is a ton of cameos from Imani, Zander, Drake and Kate and it was great to see all brothers get their happily ever afters!
Read if you like:
-Small-town romance
-Single parent trope
-Heroine who is a chef
-Cinnamon roll hero
-PTSD and disability rep
-Book series centered around brothers
Thank you Forever for the ARC! Pub 8/1
July 31, 2023
Fun, touching, and sweet!
Change of Plans is a tenderhearted, amusing tale that transports you to the small town of Wellsville, NY and introduces you to the overwhelmed, stressed Bryce as she struggles to juggle the loss of her brother, a relocation, a custody battle, the guardianship of her three nieces, and a budding relationship with the scarred, hunky former Marine turned mechanic Ryker who is having a hard time of his own dealing with his debilitating nightmares from his time in Afghanistan and the ongoing pain in his partially amputated leg.
The prose is polished and light. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are flawed, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is an irresistible blend of heart, humour, life, loss, guilt, grief, misunderstandings, tender moments, PTSD, family, friendship, tension, and attraction.
Overall, Change of Plans is another cosy, charming, heartwarming tale that I absolutely adored and which easily once again solidified why Dylan Newton holds a top spot on my must-read author list.
Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Change of Plans is a tenderhearted, amusing tale that transports you to the small town of Wellsville, NY and introduces you to the overwhelmed, stressed Bryce as she struggles to juggle the loss of her brother, a relocation, a custody battle, the guardianship of her three nieces, and a budding relationship with the scarred, hunky former Marine turned mechanic Ryker who is having a hard time of his own dealing with his debilitating nightmares from his time in Afghanistan and the ongoing pain in his partially amputated leg.
The prose is polished and light. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are flawed, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is an irresistible blend of heart, humour, life, loss, guilt, grief, misunderstandings, tender moments, PTSD, family, friendship, tension, and attraction.
Overall, Change of Plans is another cosy, charming, heartwarming tale that I absolutely adored and which easily once again solidified why Dylan Newton holds a top spot on my must-read author list.
Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Change of Plans is a sweet and heartwarming romantic comedy following two characters who meet each other at what should be the worst time in their lives. Together, they embark on a journey of found family, love, and a second chance they never knew they needed. This book will make you swoon and pull at your heartstrings at the same time. I absolutely adored this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
October 9, 2023
CUTE!!! I immediately fell in love with Bryce and Ryker. This might be my favorite Matthews Brothers novel. I just thought the characters were genuine and the love was mature. Bryce had a lot on her plate with being her nieces guardian and Ryker never asked questions and was also lending a helping hand. There wasn't a big miscommunication like you see in a lot of romance novels. I could've lived without the girl's annoying grandparents, but I knew where that was going. Sad to see there's no more Matthews brothers to write a book about.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC.
July 19, 2023
Quick Breakdown:
Single Parent Vibes
Veteran Hero
PTSD / Diasability Rep
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Small Town
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild to Moderate Detail
Bryce’s life immediately turned upside down after the death of her brother & sister in law. Named the guardian of her three nieces, she leaves her bougie chef job in Florida & moves to New York State to care for them. While at the grocery store, Ryker charms her & her nieces after coming to their rescue. Ryker, who’s been avoiding excessive human interaction after leaving the military, continually finds himself drawn to Bryce & the girls.
I REALLY enjoyed this. First of all, I’m a big sucker for the guardianship trope. Gimme ALL the parents that didn’t have to be 🙌🏻 The MCs here stole the show. I loved how strong Bryce was. I can’t imagine being in her shoes & jumping into parenthood to not one, but three girls. Ryker comes off as a grumpy recluse when really he’s the biggest cinnamon roll. He’s the ultimate caregiver, showing his love through acts of service for Bryce & the girls.
Parenthood is repped SO WELL in this. The chaos parenting can some times be was incredibly realistic, as we’re the three young girls. I loved them & the comedic relief they brought.
This is the third book in Dylan’s Matthew Brothers series & as someone who is starting with book three, I didn’t feel lost at all. I recommend this as a standalone if these tropes speak to you.
Single Parent Vibes
Veteran Hero
PTSD / Diasability Rep
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Small Town
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild to Moderate Detail
Bryce’s life immediately turned upside down after the death of her brother & sister in law. Named the guardian of her three nieces, she leaves her bougie chef job in Florida & moves to New York State to care for them. While at the grocery store, Ryker charms her & her nieces after coming to their rescue. Ryker, who’s been avoiding excessive human interaction after leaving the military, continually finds himself drawn to Bryce & the girls.
I REALLY enjoyed this. First of all, I’m a big sucker for the guardianship trope. Gimme ALL the parents that didn’t have to be 🙌🏻 The MCs here stole the show. I loved how strong Bryce was. I can’t imagine being in her shoes & jumping into parenthood to not one, but three girls. Ryker comes off as a grumpy recluse when really he’s the biggest cinnamon roll. He’s the ultimate caregiver, showing his love through acts of service for Bryce & the girls.
Parenthood is repped SO WELL in this. The chaos parenting can some times be was incredibly realistic, as we’re the three young girls. I loved them & the comedic relief they brought.
This is the third book in Dylan’s Matthew Brothers series & as someone who is starting with book three, I didn’t feel lost at all. I recommend this as a standalone if these tropes speak to you.
June 17, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 4.5/5
I can always count on Dylan Newton for an adorable small town romance featuring fun characters and serious chemistry. Change of Plans follows Ryker Matthews, who is struggling with the physical and mental impact of his Marine career. When he meets Bryce, a chef who recently got custody of her three nieces, sparks immediately fly. However, falling in love is not in either’s plans.
This was such a sweet, emotional love story. Ryker and Bryce are two lovable characters that you immediately root for. I loved their love story and how they helped each other through their difficult circumstances. I enjoyed catching up with past characters and am so sad we have reached the end of the Matthew Brothers romances. I cannot wait to see what Dylan Newton writes next.
Overall, Change of Plans is a heartwarming romance full of humor, swoons, and adorable characters.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 4.5/5
I can always count on Dylan Newton for an adorable small town romance featuring fun characters and serious chemistry. Change of Plans follows Ryker Matthews, who is struggling with the physical and mental impact of his Marine career. When he meets Bryce, a chef who recently got custody of her three nieces, sparks immediately fly. However, falling in love is not in either’s plans.
This was such a sweet, emotional love story. Ryker and Bryce are two lovable characters that you immediately root for. I loved their love story and how they helped each other through their difficult circumstances. I enjoyed catching up with past characters and am so sad we have reached the end of the Matthew Brothers romances. I cannot wait to see what Dylan Newton writes next.
Overall, Change of Plans is a heartwarming romance full of humor, swoons, and adorable characters.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2023
Change of Plans.
By Dylan Newton
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever
Romance
Rating: 5/5
Let me start by saying that before I was even 4% into Change of Plans the author Dylan Newton had me laughing so hard I had happy tears rolling down my face. Every page I read only added to the hilarity, and I couldn't help but be impressed once again by Newton's sense of humor and cleverness. Change of Plans is quick-witted and well-timed, making it a delightfully entertaining read.
Although Change of Plans is my third book in the Matthew Brother's series, they are all heartwarming. (If you have not read the others, they each work standalone.) Having read the entire series it was enjoyable to see the characters from the first two books carried into the conclusion. I found the culmination of the Matthew Brother's saga to be both exciting and comforting. I am sorry to see this series end, but I look forward to thrilling upcoming material. The books in this series have been well-received, and I can't wait to discover what creative ideas and stories Newton can bring to life in her next project.
I'm so grateful to have experienced Dylan Newton's work. It's like reading pure sunshine in a book. Change of Plans was a light-hearted read that dealt with serious topics with heart and compassion. I highly recommend this book. It's ideal for a cozy night in.
It has been my honor to review Change of Plans thanks to NetGalley, Dylan Newton and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Reading Change of Plans was pure joy and pleasure -
You can purchase Change of Plans in paperback and ebook formats. Pre-order now to ensure your copy on the release date.
Other books in the series:
How Sweet It Is
All Fired Up
#ChangeOfPlans #DylanNewton # @ReadForeverPub
#netgalleyapproval #Netgalleyapprovals @advancedreaderscopy #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishiel
By Dylan Newton
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever
Romance
Rating: 5/5
Let me start by saying that before I was even 4% into Change of Plans the author Dylan Newton had me laughing so hard I had happy tears rolling down my face. Every page I read only added to the hilarity, and I couldn't help but be impressed once again by Newton's sense of humor and cleverness. Change of Plans is quick-witted and well-timed, making it a delightfully entertaining read.
Although Change of Plans is my third book in the Matthew Brother's series, they are all heartwarming. (If you have not read the others, they each work standalone.) Having read the entire series it was enjoyable to see the characters from the first two books carried into the conclusion. I found the culmination of the Matthew Brother's saga to be both exciting and comforting. I am sorry to see this series end, but I look forward to thrilling upcoming material. The books in this series have been well-received, and I can't wait to discover what creative ideas and stories Newton can bring to life in her next project.
I'm so grateful to have experienced Dylan Newton's work. It's like reading pure sunshine in a book. Change of Plans was a light-hearted read that dealt with serious topics with heart and compassion. I highly recommend this book. It's ideal for a cozy night in.
It has been my honor to review Change of Plans thanks to NetGalley, Dylan Newton and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Reading Change of Plans was pure joy and pleasure -
You can purchase Change of Plans in paperback and ebook formats. Pre-order now to ensure your copy on the release date.
Other books in the series:
How Sweet It Is
All Fired Up
#ChangeOfPlans #DylanNewton # @ReadForeverPub
#netgalleyapproval #Netgalleyapprovals @advancedreaderscopy #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishiel
August 2, 2023
Bryce and Ryker both have a lot going on in their lives. Bryce has recently been awarded custody of her 3 nieces after the death of her brother and his wife and Ryker is a soldier back from serving and learning to deal with a prosthetic leg and PTSD. Bryce had been working in New York as a chef until she moved to the little town where the girls live to care for them, which happens to be where Ryker lives. When their paths cross, sparks fly, but there’s always something keeping them apart, and it’s usually miscommunication, which is generally a trope that I don’t like! But in this case it kinda worked because it helped both of them have to work on their own feelings and themselves. When they finally do start dating, he ,eaves town without telling anyone! What?! Who does that? He ends up having a good reason and of course she forgives him instantly, but that drive me crazy. That’s my one big complaint with the story. Other than that, I enjoyed it. And I adored Ryker!!
Thanks to Forever Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Thanks to Forever Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
April 7, 2023
Change of Plans follows Ryker as he struggles with the physical and emotional effects of his time in Afghanistan and Bryce as she is thrust into a new normal where she is the sole guardian of her three nieces following the loss of their parents.
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. Ryker is my favorite of the brothers, and I really loved getting more of their mom in the story too.
The story felt really well balanced between the serious challenges the MCs were facing and their blossoming romance. Part of why this worked so well for me was that both Ryker and Bryce were in positions in their life where a shallow dalliance was not realistic. Bryce had three kids to consider and Ryker was dealing with PTSD, night terrors, and physical pain from the injury that led to his amputation. The overlapping themes of family and uncertainty about the future worked so well, and Bryce had an incredible amount of empathy, which made me fall in love with her.
Single parent stories aren't usually my favorite because the kids become a plot device or a distraction, but I loved these kiddos so much. Dylan did an excellent job giving them unique personalities and the situations they were a part of felt vibrant and genuine. Dylan has kids of her own and it felt evident in the story; Bryce's nieces had a mischievousness that felt very rooted in reality.
I loved the use of Ryker's brothers to provide levity and an almost self-awareness to certain moments. In particular, I got a kick out of Zander telling Ryker that not communicating was definitely the wrong move at one point in the story. It felt like a humorous nod to the typical miscommunication-fueled third act breakup in many rom-coms.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, but I'll leave you with this. If you love genuinely funny books with heart, go ahead and pre-order yourself a copy right now. This will be taking a place of honor on my shelf among my favorite romantic comedies.
Thank you to Dylan Newton for providing the opportunity to read this early as part of a traveling ARC team! All thoughts are my own.
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. Ryker is my favorite of the brothers, and I really loved getting more of their mom in the story too.
The story felt really well balanced between the serious challenges the MCs were facing and their blossoming romance. Part of why this worked so well for me was that both Ryker and Bryce were in positions in their life where a shallow dalliance was not realistic. Bryce had three kids to consider and Ryker was dealing with PTSD, night terrors, and physical pain from the injury that led to his amputation. The overlapping themes of family and uncertainty about the future worked so well, and Bryce had an incredible amount of empathy, which made me fall in love with her.
Single parent stories aren't usually my favorite because the kids become a plot device or a distraction, but I loved these kiddos so much. Dylan did an excellent job giving them unique personalities and the situations they were a part of felt vibrant and genuine. Dylan has kids of her own and it felt evident in the story; Bryce's nieces had a mischievousness that felt very rooted in reality.
I loved the use of Ryker's brothers to provide levity and an almost self-awareness to certain moments. In particular, I got a kick out of Zander telling Ryker that not communicating was definitely the wrong move at one point in the story. It felt like a humorous nod to the typical miscommunication-fueled third act breakup in many rom-coms.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, but I'll leave you with this. If you love genuinely funny books with heart, go ahead and pre-order yourself a copy right now. This will be taking a place of honor on my shelf among my favorite romantic comedies.
Thank you to Dylan Newton for providing the opportunity to read this early as part of a traveling ARC team! All thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2023
Thank you to @netgalley and @forverpub for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
And thank you for asking me to be part of the traveling ARC program @wordnerdbookworm and for sharing the book with us Dylan Newton in exchange for an honest review ❤️
This is the third book in the Matthew brothers series. I do think it ended up being my favorite. I’ve been looking forward to Ryker’s story since I read the first book. The meet-cute in the beginning was hilarious! 😂 I loved that children were a big part of the story and the chaos and messiness that comes with life when you have kids.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
•I loved that kids were part of this story!
• I did love the veteran, PTSD, amputee and service animal representation! 👏🏻 It was refreshing.
This book does rely heavily on miscommunication and communication problems in general, so just a heads up!
⚠️Open door romance. Fairly mild.
And thank you for asking me to be part of the traveling ARC program @wordnerdbookworm and for sharing the book with us Dylan Newton in exchange for an honest review ❤️
This is the third book in the Matthew brothers series. I do think it ended up being my favorite. I’ve been looking forward to Ryker’s story since I read the first book. The meet-cute in the beginning was hilarious! 😂 I loved that children were a big part of the story and the chaos and messiness that comes with life when you have kids.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
•I loved that kids were part of this story!
• I did love the veteran, PTSD, amputee and service animal representation! 👏🏻 It was refreshing.
This book does rely heavily on miscommunication and communication problems in general, so just a heads up!
⚠️Open door romance. Fairly mild.
April 17, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of Change of Plans by Dylan Newton in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a lot of the right ingredients, but, unfortunately they did not mix well together.
I was so excited to read this book. Based on the synopsis, it was just the feel-good rom com I needed. As I kept reading, though, I realized this book was mis-marketed. Where was the rom? Where was the com? It had a few chuckle moments and a couple of romantic gestures, but overall, it read more like a drama than anything.
Each time Bryce had a parenting fail, I either hurt or cringed or wondered when her win was coming. They weren’t even funny or silly mishaps that happened less over time as she learned how to parent. It was just constant problem after problem. I kept wondering when was she going to have fun experiences with her nieces, when where they going to bond? It was just one dumpster fire after another and each one made it harder and harder for me to want to pick the book back up.
And the romance needed a lot more development. Bryce was confusing and inconsistent with her thoughts and feelings towards him and Ryker never really communicated much of anything with her. The I-love-yous were much too soon and felt super forced. They didn’t spend enough time connecting and learning enough about one another to fall in love in such a short time period. The ending also wrapped up way too neatly and didn’t feel realistic at all.
All that said, there were some things I did like about the story. The “hug emergencies” were super cute and very relatable (I do this with my boyfriend.) The three girls were adorable in their own, unique ways. And I liked the way Ryker tried bonding with the girls.
2 out of 5 ⭐️
This book had a lot of the right ingredients, but, unfortunately they did not mix well together.
I was so excited to read this book. Based on the synopsis, it was just the feel-good rom com I needed. As I kept reading, though, I realized this book was mis-marketed. Where was the rom? Where was the com? It had a few chuckle moments and a couple of romantic gestures, but overall, it read more like a drama than anything.
Each time Bryce had a parenting fail, I either hurt or cringed or wondered when her win was coming. They weren’t even funny or silly mishaps that happened less over time as she learned how to parent. It was just constant problem after problem. I kept wondering when was she going to have fun experiences with her nieces, when where they going to bond? It was just one dumpster fire after another and each one made it harder and harder for me to want to pick the book back up.
And the romance needed a lot more development. Bryce was confusing and inconsistent with her thoughts and feelings towards him and Ryker never really communicated much of anything with her. The I-love-yous were much too soon and felt super forced. They didn’t spend enough time connecting and learning enough about one another to fall in love in such a short time period. The ending also wrapped up way too neatly and didn’t feel realistic at all.
All that said, there were some things I did like about the story. The “hug emergencies” were super cute and very relatable (I do this with my boyfriend.) The three girls were adorable in their own, unique ways. And I liked the way Ryker tried bonding with the girls.
2 out of 5 ⭐️
March 2, 2025
Please, please, please. Do NOT have Ryker wear this running blade when he isn't running!
That's gonna WRECK his hip.
A running blade is JUST for running.
That's gonna WRECK his hip.
A running blade is JUST for running.
September 6, 2023
Change of Plans
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Dylan Newton
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?
My Thoughts: This is book no. 3 in the Matthews Brother series. I did not read the first two books and had no issue following along in this book. A young, aspiring chef has to leave her life behind to raise three young children when her brother and his wife were killed in a tragic accident. An unexpected meet cute in the grocery store leads Bryce and Ryker down a journey. This follows the tropes of found family, small town, and miscommunication.
The story is narrated in a dual POV, which I love. The nieces all have quirky attitudes. June is very sarcastic with an attitude to boot. Cecily despises taking a bath and further despises having her clothes laundered. Lastly, Addison, cutest six-year-old ever is obsessed with her fairy wings. Bryce does not know what she is doing but is taking it day by day, she loves like there is no tomorrow, but is insecure at times. Bryce has a lot on her plate, learning how to be an instant mother, walking through their grief with them, all while battling the grandparents for custody. Ryker is charming, extremely charismatic, and suffers from PTSD from the war. The author did an amazing job at representing PTSD and disability. The characters were well developed, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, creative, had serious moments balanced with witty moments, flowed well, and had excellent pace.
I loved this book. It was a first read for me by Newton, but I will go back and read the prior books. It was an endearing, sweet, heartwarming read that just engulfs you in a hug through words. I highly recommend picking up today.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Dylan Newton
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?
My Thoughts: This is book no. 3 in the Matthews Brother series. I did not read the first two books and had no issue following along in this book. A young, aspiring chef has to leave her life behind to raise three young children when her brother and his wife were killed in a tragic accident. An unexpected meet cute in the grocery store leads Bryce and Ryker down a journey. This follows the tropes of found family, small town, and miscommunication.
The story is narrated in a dual POV, which I love. The nieces all have quirky attitudes. June is very sarcastic with an attitude to boot. Cecily despises taking a bath and further despises having her clothes laundered. Lastly, Addison, cutest six-year-old ever is obsessed with her fairy wings. Bryce does not know what she is doing but is taking it day by day, she loves like there is no tomorrow, but is insecure at times. Bryce has a lot on her plate, learning how to be an instant mother, walking through their grief with them, all while battling the grandparents for custody. Ryker is charming, extremely charismatic, and suffers from PTSD from the war. The author did an amazing job at representing PTSD and disability. The characters were well developed, witty banter, chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, creative, had serious moments balanced with witty moments, flowed well, and had excellent pace.
I loved this book. It was a first read for me by Newton, but I will go back and read the prior books. It was an endearing, sweet, heartwarming read that just engulfs you in a hug through words. I highly recommend picking up today.
August 3, 2023
✨ PRINCEMAN ARC REVIEW ✨
📝 Bryce Weatherford was climbing the ladder as a talented chef until her brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident. In an instant, she not only lost her brother but she also became the guardian to her three nieces. Raising these three girls is absolute chaos, but what doesn't help is the girl's grandparents fighting for custody. Enter Ryker. A former marine who had his leg amputated after his deployment in Afghanistan. He's suffering from PTSD, but for some reason, these Weatherford girls seem to bring him out of his shell. Maybe each other is exactly what they need in order to heal.
What I 🤍:
👧👧👧 Adorable Nieces
💪 Strong, Resilient FMC
🌀 PTSD/Anxiety Rep
💕 Found Family
🏔️ Character Driven Story
What I appreciated most about this book is how it's so much more than a romance. It's a character driven plot about the journey of Bryce and Ryker as individuals. Bryce on her journey of becoming a parent, while also maintaining her love for cooking, and Ryker on his journey of recovery. Together, they help one another heal, and deal with their new normal. To me, this felt very realistic. I can also tell Newton did a lot of research when writing this book.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥 (One Open Door Scene)
Read If ➡️: You love emotional romances.
Read 📅: Easter Time, Spring
CW ⚠️: Death of Family Members (off-page), PTSD, Amputated Limb, Guardianship Disagreements
A few things didn't work for me. First, this book is marketed as a comedy. While the girls provided some comedic relief, the tone overall was heavy. To me, it was more of an emotional romance. I had ALL THE TEARS towards the end of the book, and I would describe this as an emotional read. Please consider the content warnings before reading this book. Additionally, while I understand Ryker was in the military, using military jargon during romantic moments gave me the ick.
Change of Plans is the third installment in the How Sweet it Is series. I would recommend reading this series in order because all the characters from previous books are in this one. You'll also get a glimpse into Ryker. If you're looking for an emotional read, this is for you!
Thank you to Forever Publishing, Dylan Newton and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
📝 Bryce Weatherford was climbing the ladder as a talented chef until her brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident. In an instant, she not only lost her brother but she also became the guardian to her three nieces. Raising these three girls is absolute chaos, but what doesn't help is the girl's grandparents fighting for custody. Enter Ryker. A former marine who had his leg amputated after his deployment in Afghanistan. He's suffering from PTSD, but for some reason, these Weatherford girls seem to bring him out of his shell. Maybe each other is exactly what they need in order to heal.
What I 🤍:
👧👧👧 Adorable Nieces
💪 Strong, Resilient FMC
🌀 PTSD/Anxiety Rep
💕 Found Family
🏔️ Character Driven Story
What I appreciated most about this book is how it's so much more than a romance. It's a character driven plot about the journey of Bryce and Ryker as individuals. Bryce on her journey of becoming a parent, while also maintaining her love for cooking, and Ryker on his journey of recovery. Together, they help one another heal, and deal with their new normal. To me, this felt very realistic. I can also tell Newton did a lot of research when writing this book.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥 (One Open Door Scene)
Read If ➡️: You love emotional romances.
Read 📅: Easter Time, Spring
CW ⚠️: Death of Family Members (off-page), PTSD, Amputated Limb, Guardianship Disagreements
A few things didn't work for me. First, this book is marketed as a comedy. While the girls provided some comedic relief, the tone overall was heavy. To me, it was more of an emotional romance. I had ALL THE TEARS towards the end of the book, and I would describe this as an emotional read. Please consider the content warnings before reading this book. Additionally, while I understand Ryker was in the military, using military jargon during romantic moments gave me the ick.
Change of Plans is the third installment in the How Sweet it Is series. I would recommend reading this series in order because all the characters from previous books are in this one. You'll also get a glimpse into Ryker. If you're looking for an emotional read, this is for you!
Thank you to Forever Publishing, Dylan Newton and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
August 2, 2023
CHANGE OF PLANS by Dylan Newton is a delightful romantic comedy that tugs at your heartstrings. The story revolves around Bryce Weatherford, a chef who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her three young nieces. Chaos ensues as Bryce tries to navigate her new role, and that's when Ryker Matthews enters the scene. Ryker, haunted by his past as a Marine, sweeps Bryce off her feet, sparking a connection between them. The relationship between Bryce and Ryker is filled with humor, tenderness, and genuine moments. Bryce's dedication to her nieces is commendable, and the portrayal of the children's complex emotions is realistic and touching. The story is lightened by humor, making the darker moments more bearable. Change of Plans is a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the power of love and the importance of family.
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April 17, 2023
This was such a touching and cute read. Our main characters, Bryce and Ryker, have endured difficult and tragic things in life. Bryce just lost a sibling and is the guardian of her three nieces, while Ryker is a disabled Veteran who is still working through his PTSD. Bryce juggles being a parent figure, work, and a guardianship contestation, and meets Ryker after he steps in and is there to help Bryce with her nieces and becomes a source of support for them.
As they spend time with each other, Ryker finds that he's smiling more and loves spending time with Bryce and the girls for the first time since his accident. I liked how the author wrote grief and caregiving it was well done. There were very serious topics but humorous moments that reduced the heaviness. The characters were excellent. I loved the nieces and the community and grew to love the niece's grandparents. I liked the romance between Ryker and Bryce, it was sweet, with some low-spice moments. They were perfect for each other. I wish we had gotten more communication and conversations between them about their relationship.
I didn't know this was part of a series, and now I have to read the other books. It's a standalone, so nothing was spoiled. Overall this is a heartwarming well written rom-com with great characters and a quick read.
Thank you Forever Pub, for this arc for an honest review.
As they spend time with each other, Ryker finds that he's smiling more and loves spending time with Bryce and the girls for the first time since his accident. I liked how the author wrote grief and caregiving it was well done. There were very serious topics but humorous moments that reduced the heaviness. The characters were excellent. I loved the nieces and the community and grew to love the niece's grandparents. I liked the romance between Ryker and Bryce, it was sweet, with some low-spice moments. They were perfect for each other. I wish we had gotten more communication and conversations between them about their relationship.
I didn't know this was part of a series, and now I have to read the other books. It's a standalone, so nothing was spoiled. Overall this is a heartwarming well written rom-com with great characters and a quick read.
Thank you Forever Pub, for this arc for an honest review.
dnf
August 4, 2023DNF @ 15%
Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
I have really enjoyed the Matthews brothers books from Dylan Newton, however this one just wasn't for me. I think that there were some really important themes in here - particularly loss of a loved one, PTSD, disability, grief, and trauma. But in general, military romances are hard for me to connect and get on board with.
The heroine, Bryce, unexpected inherits custody of her 3 young nieces after the sudden loss of her brother. At the start of the book, she is struggling to hold everything together. The hero is trying to open up and step out of his shell while dealing with PTSD and the loss of his leg.
When the 2 meet at the grocery store, they're immediately drawn to each other. But the heroine thinks they're bonding over being single guardians. When in reality Ryker is only babysitting.
First of all. I'm going to leave this link to Jesse's video on Police and Military stories. They are so much more equipped and eloquent in their discussion over why romanticizing these groups is inherently problematic.
I really struggle to read romances featuring military MCs and it definitely held me back from getting on board with this romance.
But beyond that, I didn't find myself caring about either main character. This opening felt very info dumpy in my opinion. It was clear that the author did a TON of research for this book. Because there were so many inorganic discussions about mental and physical health. And it made me feel very aware of the fact that I was reading a story instead of part of one.
Lastly, it was clear that the main conflict of the book hinged on the miscommunication that Ryker was a guardian instead of an uncle. And I had no interest in reading 300 pages of misunderstanding that could have been fixed in 3 words...
Communication is sexy guys.
Overall, this one just wasn't for me. I think if you're a big contemporary fiction fan, this will 100% work for you. It has some great discussions and themes and it's definitely going to be a more hard hitting story.
While this one was a dnf, I am very curious to see where Dylan Newton goes next!
Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
I have really enjoyed the Matthews brothers books from Dylan Newton, however this one just wasn't for me. I think that there were some really important themes in here - particularly loss of a loved one, PTSD, disability, grief, and trauma. But in general, military romances are hard for me to connect and get on board with.
The heroine, Bryce, unexpected inherits custody of her 3 young nieces after the sudden loss of her brother. At the start of the book, she is struggling to hold everything together. The hero is trying to open up and step out of his shell while dealing with PTSD and the loss of his leg.
When the 2 meet at the grocery store, they're immediately drawn to each other. But the heroine thinks they're bonding over being single guardians. When in reality Ryker is only babysitting.
First of all. I'm going to leave this link to Jesse's video on Police and Military stories. They are so much more equipped and eloquent in their discussion over why romanticizing these groups is inherently problematic.
I really struggle to read romances featuring military MCs and it definitely held me back from getting on board with this romance.
But beyond that, I didn't find myself caring about either main character. This opening felt very info dumpy in my opinion. It was clear that the author did a TON of research for this book. Because there were so many inorganic discussions about mental and physical health. And it made me feel very aware of the fact that I was reading a story instead of part of one.
Lastly, it was clear that the main conflict of the book hinged on the miscommunication that Ryker was a guardian instead of an uncle. And I had no interest in reading 300 pages of misunderstanding that could have been fixed in 3 words...
Communication is sexy guys.
Overall, this one just wasn't for me. I think if you're a big contemporary fiction fan, this will 100% work for you. It has some great discussions and themes and it's definitely going to be a more hard hitting story.
While this one was a dnf, I am very curious to see where Dylan Newton goes next!
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