This is a quick and predictable read back in the same universe as "How Sweet It Is" and "All Fired Up." If you enjoyed the other two in the series, you will like this one. A big family loss results in Chef Bryce's nieces to come live with her. Her life is kind of falling apart, she is in a custody battle with the kids, work is crazy, the girls are having a hard transition with loss of their parents. Then she meets Ryker, who has his on demons with PTSD and limb loss.

You don't have to have read the other books in the series, but seeing the characters again felt like hanging out with old friends. There is a warmth and joy and it all works out in the end.

Thank you to Netgalley & Forever Books from the advanced reader copy.

⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ open door, mild

💛 Contemporary Romance
💛 Romantic Comedy
💛 Single Parent/Guardian
💛 Veteran Hero
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Grumpy/Sunshine
💛 Amputee Rep

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton was such a great read! I haven't read all of Dylan Newton's books, but after reading this eARC, I ran to my library to hold the rest of this series. While this is the third book following the Matthews brothers, I was not lost at all so it Change of Plans can definitely be read as a standalone if you want.

I thought Dylan Newton did a great job at tackling tough topics like PTSD and single guardianship with just the right amount of comedic relief. I fell in love with these characters - Ryker and Bryce were wonderful together! The meet-cute was amazing and their chemistry was off the charts from the get-go. I loved seeing Ryker's tough Marine exterior absolutely melt for Bryce and her nieces; it was everything.

Both Bryce and Ryker had great character growth throughout the story. While there was a little bit of the miscommunication trope, I didn't mind it and really enjoyed the grand gesture and HEA. Change of Plans will make you laugh while also making you feel all the feels. Thank you, NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advanced copy!

TW: Veteran PTSD, Death of Sibling

This book was a fun, quick read. I do wish we could’ve seen more of their relationship. They spent about 3 collective days together on page and were suddenly in love. There were a lot of family dynamics here that were enjoyable, especially seeing the Xander, Drake, Imani, and Kate again in such a large capacity. Bryce’s nieces were holy terrors. The book was very well researched, especially with the guardianship and PTSD angle.

This book was full of so many great things. This book has well-written characters, humor, a little bit of spice, some great coverage of heavy topics like dealing with PTSD and grief, exploration of family dynamics and of course, love. This book was fun, but also had so much depth. I genuinely really loved seeing Bryce and Ryker as well as the girls June, Addison and Cecily grow throughout this story. I think this is a great portrait of a non-traditional family and highlights how important it is to have people in your corner always. I loved the beautiful community that exists in this book to help Bryce with the daunting task of raising three girls on her own. I loved that this was a romance, but not just that. This was a book about love in all of its forms, like the love of a parent figure for her kids, the love of siblings, the love of community. This book was most of all, full of love. Also this book deserves 4.5/5 stars!!

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This was such a beautiful and heartwarming book!

Bryce has gained temporary guardianship of her three nieces, after her brother and sister in law are killed in a car accident. She is struggling with her career and taking care of three grieving children.
Ryker is a war hero and dealing with PTSD. He meets Bryce at the grocery store and saves the day. They instantly are attracted to each other. Neither of them are looking for love but fate keeps bringing them together.

I thought the writer did an excellent job of discussing mental health and disabilities. This book had love, laughter, trauma, family, and healing. I absolutely loved the way Bryce and Dylan were there for each other and helped each other grow and find themselves. I also enjoyed the dual pov. This was such a feel good story! Just what the heart needs!
Definitely add this book to your tbr list!


📘: Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
🗓️: August 1, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley, Dylan Newton, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads.

"Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Dylan Newton, for the chance to read and review Change of Plans before its publication on August 1!

As a child/teen, my favorite movie was Raising Helen, so I knew this would be a hit for me. Bryce Weatherford has experienced a drastic ""change of plans"" after her brother and sister in-law pass and she is given guardianship of her three wild nieces, Addison, Cecily, and June. Those three were such a hoot-- everytime I thought their antics hit its peak, even more were around the corner! She's at her wits end, holding everything together just barely while things are tense with the girls' maternal grandparents who are fighting for custody. Enter Ryker Matthews, who manages to fix so many of the problems that arise for Bryce and they fall into a nice, helpful ""something"" ship. Ryker is himself dealing with PTSD and a painful disabilty from an IED-related incident as a Marine. I really liked Ryker and Bryce's relationship; neither were perfect, but I felt like they fit together well. HOWEVER, as an anti-fan of miscommunication in books, I have to say, I was frustrated with both of them come the 3rd act. Thankful to Ryker's family especially for calling Ryker out on his B.S.!

All in all, read Change of Plans if you fancy books about the making of a new, imperfect family situation in the aftermath of tragedy, characters that feel realistically flawed, and children-characters who genuinely feel like (wild, unpredictable) children! 4.5 stars!"

I love Dylan Newton and her How Sweet It Is series about the Matthews brothers! I fell in love with the first book not long after it released, I jumped on the chance to get an arc of the second and read it quickly after I got it, and it’s my fave (Zander and Imani’s story), and as soon as book 3 came up, I also snagged a review copy. While book 2 remains my fave, Bryce and Ryker have a great ride and it’s also extremely bumpy and emotional.

Bryce is new to town, having relocated from Florida (where she was a saucier in a great restaurant), after her brother and sister-in-law are killed in an accident and she suddenly has custody of her three nieces. She and the girls have quite an interesting meet-cute with the reclusive Matthews brother Ryker at the grocery store one day, leaving him enchanted and her intrigued. Bryce works for Patty, his mom, causing quite a stir in the community as they start talking, causing the town to start speculating.

Struggling with custody issues with the girl’s grandparents, struggling with the girls accepting her and change, working the new job, missing her old life, and this interesting new guy (and him being an amputee from a war injury) who she’s very keen to know, it’s an extremely emotional journey with a lot of challenges, conflicts and so many difficulties. A lot to get through as the reader, and not nearly as lighthearted and comedic as the first two books, which is the only reason I couldn’t give the same 5-star rating as the others. I still definitely highly recommend it, though, just know going in it’s heavy!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and this is my honest feedback.

I enjoyed the quick romance by Dylan Newton. This is the first novel I’ve read from this series. While there were a couple times I could sense missing back story with minor characters I felt this worked quite well as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed meeting each of the characters and felt there was solid independent character development in addition to the budding romance of the ,win characters. I genuinely enjoyed the way each character was written into the story!

Becoming the guardians of her three young nieces hasn't been easy for chef Bryce Weatherford and a legal challenge is only adding to her struggles. But Aunt Beamer is determined to do her best by the girls. Ryker Matthews is a wounded warrior who keeps to himself and his vehicle restoration business. He's a doer but not much of a talker. Bryce and Ryker find each other at the right time and eventually find they are each what the other needs.

I loved Bryce and Ryker's story! While it's the third book in the Matthews brothers series it can stand alone. It's written in dual POV with banter and a great set of characters. I liked that the girls were written with very different personalities too. Issues of grief, loss, guardianship and PTSD were handled well by the author. Bryce and Ryker are both strong characters with realistic problems. I enjoyed seeing them fall in love and find a way to work things out together. I look forward to seeing what's next from this author!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ecopy.

It is time for Ryker’s story, the last book in the Matthew’s brothers series but can be read as a stand alone. I have been looking forward to learning more about the quiet brother for a while.

The story opens with Bryce and Ryker having a meet disaster at the grocery store. Bryce is there with her 3 nieces, when one gets stuck under the shelf. Ryker comes down the aisle and helps recuse her niece. After the rescue, a few jars fall off the shelf triggering Ryker’s PSTD from when he served in Afghanistan. The form a connection shortly after this meeting.

This is a a sweet story with a lot of emotions about recovering from trauma - Ryker and PSTD, Bryce grieving the death of her brother and his wife and now trying to take care of her nieces. It’s also about having the courage to ask for help and accept help offered. I was crying a few times during the story.

There were also some lighter moments in the book with the girls giving Ryker a makeover and other silly moments when playing on a cardboard ship as pirates.

The miscommunication trope is strong in this book which is usually not my thing. But it works here because not communicating fits Ryker’s personality.

I recommend this for readers that enjoy:

🧡 Small town setting
🧡 Cinnamon roll hero
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Open door romance

I wasn't aware this was part of a series, but felt it worked fine as a standalone.

I loved Bryce and I adored Ryker!! I was hooked immediately with the sweet and funny grocery store scene.

Bryce became guardian to her three young nieces upon the death of her brother and sister in law.
She left her job as a chef and moved home, taking another chef job at a local plce to care for them.
She's dealing with all that is parenthood to three girls various ages with no preparation.
It was funny and sweet.

Ryker - this man was a superhero hard exterior with a cinnamon roll heart. The scenes with he and Bryce were sweet, and oh my heart, his scenes with her nieces.

Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Pub) for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars
This is my new favorite book in this series!

This book was filled with so many laugh out loud moments and excellent banter between the main characters!

I definitely fell in love with Ryker, with every single attempt he made, just trying his absolute best to help out. This book had an amazing cast of support characters, and it was an absolute joy to see these couples again that we’ve seen in previous books in the series.

I really loved that. Bryce and Ryker started out on a very hard separate journeys at the beginning of this book, and those journeys brought them together, messy and chaotic as it could be, but there was so much laughter and fun throughout.

I could not put this book down! The kids in this book brought a lot of levity and so much heart to each scene they were in. There was so much love in this family. It definitely took a while for these characters to settle in to their new roles as a new family, but once they got it, they just worked.

Change of Plans is the perfect ending to a fabulous rom-com series.

I've adored every book in this series. Dylan knows how to write a rom-com that is refreshing, funny, heartfelt, and full of lots of smouldering moments. Change of Plans is the last book in The Matthews' Brother series, and it does not disappoint. Like most rom-com series, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the other two books because they are fabulous. There is so much to love about this book. There is fast, witty banter, characters with tremendous depth, and an interesting story with a lot of heart. Fans of the previous books will love catching up with the previous main characters, who make plenty of appearances in this book.

Change of Plans focuses on Bryce, who has become the guardian of her three nieces after her brother and his wife die in a car accident. Bryce's quiet life has become this burning dumpster fire. Her three nieces are a hand full and are still grieving the loss of their parents, her niece's grandparents feel Bryce is an unfit guardian and are fitting Bryce for custody, and Bryce is struggling to keep it under control. Bryce doesn't need her life to become any more complicated, which is why she is reluctant to start a new relationship with Ryker, the gorgeous man who makes her heart beat a little faster. Ryker isn't looking for a relationship either, but he can't help but be drawn to Bryce and the cloud of chaos that seems to follow her around. But Ryker has his own struggles with PTSD and also complications from losing his leg while serving in the army.

Bryce and Ryker are both wonderful characters. They have those qualities that draw you in; before you know it, you find yourself invested in their lives. Bryce is a kind, sassy, no-nonsense character who loves her nieces with all her heart. Bryce's journey in this book really tugs are those heartstrings at times. Bryce is giving it her all and trying her best, but everything that could go wrong does, and whenever something goes wrong with her nieces, their grandparents are nearby to criticize her. Bryce not only finds herself guardian to three grieving girls but also has to deal with her own grief. All of Bryce's highs and lows just hit me right in the heart, and I just wanted things to work out for her. Not all readers love kids in romance books, but I adored June, Cecily, and Addie. These three girls had wonderful personalities and brought so much laughter, joy, and heart to the story. The situation those girls often got themselves into was hilarious. I also liked how Dylan should readers how everyone deals with grief differently. Each girl has this weird quirk (wearing fairy wings or not showering) that is their way of dealing with the loss of their parents. Dylan does deal with this topic with care and a lot of thought.

Ryker is one swoonastic man. He just has my heart pitter-patter the whole time. His interactions with June, Cecily, and Addie are so sweet and made my heart melt. Ryker's character gives off these vibes that he has everything under control and knows what he is doing, but once you get to know him, you see this more vulnerable side that he tries to hide from everyone. Ryker struggles with PTSD from his time in the army and doesn't want to be around others because he doesn't feel like he knows how to interact with the normal world anymore. Ryker's story highlights some of the struggles that veterans have trying to join society again. Ryker fears that his PTSD nightmares might hurt or freak Bryce out. He doesn't want to burden his family with his medical setbacks or emotional struggles. Focusing on these issues that Ryker is dealing with gives his character tremendous depth and makes him feel deliciously complicated.
Both Bryce and Ryker have a lot going on in their lives but don't worry; there are still plenty of romantic spicey moments between these two. First of all, their meet-cute is hilarious and unforgettable. I loved how Dylan used Bryce's nieces to bring these two together. Those sparks were flying right from the beginning. I loved that Bryce's often fast banter left Ryker feeling tongued tied. What stood out most for me between these two is that no matter what was thrown at them, they stood and supported each other. Most men would have run for the hills after the first dumpster fire incident with Bryce's nieces, but Ryker didn't blink an eye and went out of his way to help in any way he could. That unwavering support is just sexy as hell.

Change of Plans is an addictive rom-com with a lot of heart.

Thank you, Forever Publishing, for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

'Change of Plans' by author Dylan Newton may be her best work yet. The author packs quite an emotional punch into this small town romance. With elements of grief, loss, and PTSD, it would be easy for this story to be mired in misery and heartbreak. However, while there are plot points that will certainly make the reader's heart ache, there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that help strike a good balance in this story.

While 'Change of Plans' is a romance between Bryce, a new guardian dealing with grief and the challenges of raising her three nieces, and Ryker, a wounded war veteran and the last single Matthews brother, every character in this story is a shining star. The relationships between Bryce and each of her nieces -June, Cecily, and Addison- are just as important as the romance itself.

This is a good book to pick up if you are in the mood to feel all of your feelings.

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton is an uplifting story of grief, love, and overcoming challenges. I just adored this story as it took me through all the emotions I could possibly feel for these characters. It reads wonderfully as a stand-alone, as each book in the trilogy focuses on a different brother.

I loved the two focuses - one on PTSD through Ryker and his struggles and the other on grief and trusting that the recently departed knew what was best for the ones they were leaving behind. Newton handled it all with empathy and plenty of relevant information. It was outside the story's scope to tackle these subjects too profoundly. However, I still felt very satisfied with each topic of concern's handling.

The characters are all lovable and relatable - they could be your neighbors and friends. They are also developed authentically down to the three children Bryce has assumed guardianship of. I loved the comic relief the children provided with their kid-type situations throughout the story. I had more than one laugh-out-loud moment. And the romance is a fun, grumpy/sunshine pairing. It is an open door, but I believe it was only once in the book that the door was open.

This was such a lovely feel-good story that I didn't want to put it down even after there were no more pages to read.

I LOVED the last book, Change of Plans, in the Matthews brother trilogy. I'm going to be sad to see these characters go. Dylan Newton did a fantastic job of creating a realistic relationship between the grumpy-sunshine combination of Ryker Matthews and Bryce Weatherford. I loved the instant chemistry between the Ryker and Bryce and how they didn't have to change who they were to be in a relationship with each other. Their relationship made each character better. In a real relationship isn't that the way it should be? The relationship between Ryker and Bryce's nieces was also precious.

As with the previous books in the trilogy, readers are greeted to the other members of the Matthews family so you can see where their relationships are after their stories. If you haven't read any of the other books in the trilogy, Change of Plans could easily be read as a standalone book. If your'e going that route, I still recommend reading How Sweet It is (Kate and Drake) and All Fired Up (Imani and Zander) because they're also fantastic.

Thank you to Forever Pub for a copy in exchange for my review.

I love this series, so I was very excited about Ryker's book.

As well as being sweet and funny like the two books prior, this was also definitely the most emotional book of the series. There is a lot of grief processing from most of the characters, so tread lightly. There are also other sensitive topics that are handled with care.

Bryce has had the rug swept out from under her. She's taking care of her three nieces after her brother and his wife die in a tragic accident. She's always felt like a failure and really wants to do right by her brother and she really loves these kids. I got so frustrated for her, at times. She's really trying her best.

Ryker is sick of watching his brothers live out their HEAs, so he's become a recluse. He's also struggling with PTSD and having a hard time with his below the knee amputation. He's understandably a grump, but he's a cinnamon roll at heart.

The humor and heart balance out the harder stuff. It's definitely funny. The meet cute...er disaster sets you up to feel for both MCs. There are some VERY sweet moments between Ryker and Bryce's nieces. Swoon, with a capital "S". And of course, the series wouldn't be complete with out some meddling from mom. We also get to check in with our MCs from the previous books.

Overall, I really loved it. It had a great mix of humor, emotion and steam. I do think How Sweet It Is is just slightly in the lead, ahead of this, as my favorite of the series, but not by much. I can't wait to see what Dylan Newton comes up with next.

Thank you to Forever (GrandCentral Publishing) and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

4 1.2 Stars

This may have been the first book of Ms. Newton's that I've read, but it definitely won't be the last! I will be obtaining Zander's and Drake's books because there's no doubt in my mind I'll enjoy them just as much. I love "found" family romances and this one really hit me in the "feels" -- I laughed, I cried and I cheered for these wonderfully flawed, but perfect characters. I felt Bryce's frustration and grief deep in my heart and after reading their story, I feel like I personally know Addison, Cecily and June--these girls and their personalities made this book just flow seamlessly. I didn't want to put it down. And the way this author handled Ryker's PTSD was enlightening and inspiring and heartbreaking all rolled into one spectacular story. Such a wonderfully written book with real characters and a lovely story line. I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of this book, and most especially I would like to thank all our military men and women who serve our country. You have given our country your life, your time, and your unselfish love -- Thank you just doesn't seem adequate to express all that you sacrifice for the rest of us.

Absolutely delightful - and heartfelt. Bryce is doing the best she can as the guardian of her brother's girls Addison, Cecily, and June but often it feels like she's running behind empty. And then they meet Ryker, who turns out to be the son of the woman who owns the cafe where Bryce works. Ryker has struggled with his PTSD since being wounded badly by an IED and he's not had a love interest in a long time. However, he feels something with Bryce and the girls. He's got terrific brothers and sisters-in-laws and a wonderful friend in Tarun but he hasn't made much of an effort for himself. But then, slowly, the girls break down his barriers. And Bryce lets some of her guard down as well. It's a love story, yes, but it's also about healing. You, like Bryce, won't learn the reasons behind some of the things the girls do until - well, no spoilers. These are real people. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This will make you cry a little and it will definitely make you smile. Great read.