Member Reviews

A charming romance between a chef who now has custody of her three nieces and a mechanic who is dealing with PTSD and other ramifications from his time served in Afghanistan. I loved the previous book in the series, All Fired Up, but one scene between the three Matthews brothers came across as transphobic which was incredibly disappointing. There is no need for that to be a punchline, especially in 2023. Without that one scene, I would have had no hesitation at giving the book a solid four stars.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the advanced review copy, which did not impact my review.

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Change of Plans can be read as a standalone, but the entire trilogy of Matthews brothers books are worth reading! Thanks to the author for having such an awesome ARC program and to Forever for the NetGalley copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This will publish on Tuesday 8/1.
I was so excited to participate in the traveling ARC program for Change of Plans back in April - however I didn’t have much time to read (since I was out of town visiting my fam!) and I passed it onto the next reader when I got back to Boston. Luckily, I got a NetGalley version, too, but silly me put off finishing it until right before pub day. It was fitting to finish it while cuddling with the golden retriever I’m currency dogsitting.
I know some people on principle don’t read romance, but this is such a stunning example of how a romance read can include emotionally deep topics in a way that doesn’t feel either forced or too dark. Romance reads are not all happy - this one includes handling the death of loved ones, a custody battle, post-Army grief, prosthetic leg due to an IED explosion, and PTSD. But the emphasis is on positive growth and how the right relationship can help move toward healing. I'm sad this series has ended but I look forward to what will come next from the author!

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Dylan Newton is the queen of the meet-cute. From the very start to the end of this book, I was completely captivated by Bryce, Ryker, and Bryce's three nieces. Bryce is loving her life as a chef in Florida when her brother and wife die, leaving their three girls under Bryce's care. She heads north to take on the task of raising June, Addie, and Cecily. Ryker is still struggling with PTSD years after his tour in Afghanistan that took part of his leg. He has reconnected with his family but hasn't truly re-entered society. Ryker and Bryce meet and sparks fly in one of the funniest meet-cutes I have read.

This book has so much heart in it. I felt for Bryce as she took on a very challenging task while also desperately missing her brother and having the girls' grandparents fight her for custody. Through it all, she stays true to herself and has so much spunk, it's impossible not to admire her. As a military spouse, I appreciated Ryker's story and the care with which Newton portrayed his struggles with PTSD. He wasn't overly simplified and showed his own grit, personality, and strength. I loved the amputee rep and the matter-of-fact way in which various topics are covered in this book. It's there without being over the top as that wouldn't be true to their stories. While this book acts well as a standalone, it was great to revisit characters from previous books in the series.

The book left me with a full heart and smile. It read quickly as I found it really hard to put down. I generally don't love children in my romances but these three just melted my heart. They were never annoying or unrealistically written. Newton has made me a solid fan of her work with this being my favorite in the series. I cannot wait to see what she brings next!

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Loved it. Entertaining and engaging. Serious subject matter including PTSD and death of parents of young children are included in this humorous tale that made me laugh and cry. I skipped the intimate details. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

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Wonderful romance with low-key explicitness between female chef and war hero
If you want sweet, sensitive and sexy, go no further than this book with these characters! Adorable kids, sweet dog and perfect epilogue. I loved this book about regular people falling in love.
When Bryce Weatherford, a new guardian to her brother’s three sweet but mischievous daughters meets Ryker Matthews in the grocery story, I wasn’t the only one getting all tingly. Unbeknownst to Ryker, Bryce was his mom’s new chef at PattyCakes with whom his mom had been trying to introduce him for a while. At the time he is babysitting for his brother’s infant daughter Elise, whom he fondly calls Lisi. Bryce believes that Ryker is a single father. Oops! When she finds out the truth, she lets Ryker know she does not like “liars, cheats and people who don’t keep their cooking stations clean.” Ryker loves it! And maybe her! Could it be?
Smooth and captivating writing in this book which I couldn’t put down. I loved so many parts of it. Even loved the bickering of the sisters: June (12yo); Cecily (8yo) and Addison (5yo). This book was so fun and if you want to know why I chose that word, look at chapter 10. Got a good eye-washing when Ryker connects with Six and again when Bryce leaves the plum position in Niagara Falls. I don’t know why but I thoroughly enjoy a book about an injured war hero. If you want to read a wonderful romance with limited explicitness, you will love this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through NetGalley.

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I enjoyed the first two books in this connected standalone series about the Matthews Brothers, so I was excited for Ryker to finally have his story told.

With the sudden death of her brother and sister-in-law, Bryce finds herself guardian of her three young nieces. Between juggling the demands of a "mom-like creature," full-time work at PattyCakes cafe, and her nieces' grandparents fighting for guardianship, she is drowning in overwhelm.

Ryker is dealing with his own emotional issues - military PTSD, the loss of his foot and other medical complications, and his struggles to interact with the world.

After their grocery store aisle meet-cute, Bryce and Ryker start to become more involved in each other's lives, and both are wondering if the other person is able to handle the extra baggage they come with.

I appreciated how the author handles these hard topics in the story and how she shows the struggles that each character faces. Bryce and Ryker's relationship is sweet and their communication problems are understandable, considering all that they are facing.

My one complaint is that some of the dialogue felt unnatural, and I wish there would have been a little more maturity in how these two adults dealt with their problems.

Overall, a good addition to this series, and I'm glad this author writes about these kinds of challenges in her stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Level: Adult
Content: 1 open-door scene, some language, military PTSD

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Bryce has moved home to be the guardian of her three nieces after the deaths of her brother and sister in law. She left a job as a chef in Florida and found a job at a cafe expanding their menu and it included an apartment upstairs for them to live in. While shopping at the grocery store, her middle niece accidentally drops a special item and it rolls under the shelves. She somehow got stuck under there and while trying to unstick her, Ryker, a medically discharged Marine, comes along with his niece and helps rescue her. After the fact, Bryce learns that he is her boss’s son. Neither of them is looking for love and they both need to learn to accept help. This is a well written story and I would give it 4.5 stars.

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Love love love this book!!!

Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

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3.5 ⭐️
I jumped in without having read the first two. Ryker and Bryce are both dealing with a lot of change. Ryker is dealing with PTSD from his military service. Bryce is the newly appointed guardian for her three nieces who have lost their parents. Needless to say, their lives are all in utter chaos.

You can’t help but be drawn in with how this little unit comes together and how they all interact with one another. It’s a heartwarming story dealing with some pretty heavy content.

I think I would have preferred to read the first two prior to jumping in.

Thank you to the netgalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC. In return I am providing my honest review.

Highlights:
🏘️ Small Town
🗣️ 3rd Person POV
💕 He falls first
👧 Guardian to hilarious nieces
🪖 PTSD Rep
🔥 Slow Burn

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Change of Plans is a romantic comedy and the sequel to Dylan Newton’s novels, How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up. Ryker Matthews is the middle brother of Zander Matthews, the hero in All Fired Up, and best-selling horror writer Drake Matthews, the hero in How Sweet It Is.

Chef Bryce “Beamer” Weatherford has recently relocated to upstate New York to care for her three young nieces after her beloved older brother, Bentley, and his wife are killed in a car accident. Even though Bentley and Heather named Bryce as the guardian of their daughters, Heather’s parents, Adele and Harvey Payne, are contesting it. Bryce is working at Patty Matthews’ bakery, PattyCakes, and living in a small apartment above it with her nieces. She is struggling to make ends meet due to legal fees associated with the guardianship dispute. Additionally, she is mourning her brother, and the girls are acting out. Five year old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight year old Cecily won't bathe, and twelve-year-old June is majoring in belligerence.

Ryker Matthews was a Marine until he was blown up by an IED and had his lower leg amputated eight years ago. He now restores old cars and deals with health issues related to the amputation, which he hides from his close-knit family. He sees a therapist for his PTSD and is on a waiting list for a service dog. He hasn’t had a romantic relationship in over three years because he views himself as damaged.

Ryker meets Bryce and the girls in the grocery store's baby aisle, where he frees Cecily from being stuck under the rack. Bryce and Ryker are very attracted to each other, but they’re both afraid to start a relationship. Once Bryce realizes that Ryker is Patty’s son, she accepts his help with the girls. Bryce does catering on the side to pay her mounting legal bills, and tries to pay Ryker back in delicious food.

Bryce’s financial struggles aren’t explained very well, in my opinion. Even though Bentley and Heather were killed by an uninsured drunk driver, their auto insurance should have made a pay-out. Bentley was a plumber and may have been self-employed and not had life insurance. There was no mention of Heather having a job. The girls should be eligible for Social Security Death benefits, which Bryce would be able to use to house, feed, and clothe them.

This is a well-written story with engaging characters and realistic dialogue. It is easy to follow the story even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed the closeness of the Matthews and Weatherford families and was glad when Bryce was able to resolve things with the Paynes.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Forever for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Yet again with another Matthews brother, what can I say I love this series of books. Ever since I got my hands on How Sweet It Is, i've been obsessed with the romance in each of them.

Each of the books has a different setting and this one is no different. The new protagonist Bryce goes from being a chef to struggling keeping up with her three nieces. This book combines difficult moments about being a parent but also bring wonderful moments about this new-found family. The romance is the same as always: Exquisite.


Thanks to Netgalley and Forever for sending me this e-arc.

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"Change of Plans" is a charming romantic comedy that not only brings laughter but also explores deeper themes of loss, trauma, healing, and family.

Bryce Weatherford, a talented chef, is suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver for her three young nieces after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. Her determination to protect and care for her nieces despite being unprepared for the task is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Ryker Matthews, a reclusive Marine veteran grappling with PTSD and a below-the-knee amputation, is a particularly compelling character. The author portrays his struggles with sensitivity and realism, giving a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by veterans returning from service. As Ryker's character develops throughout the novel, readers witness the raw emotions of his journey towards healing, making him a truly endearing hero.

The romance between Ryker and Bryce builds gradually as they navigate life's hurdles together. The chemistry between them is evident from their first encounter, and their banter adds a touch of humor that perfectly balances the more serious themes of the novel. I found myself rooting for them..

The secondary characters, especially Bryce's three nieces, are well-crafted and add another layer of warmth and charm to the story. Their interactions with Ryker bring out his softer side, showcasing the growth of his character as he learns to embrace love and family once again.

With well-crafted characters, delightful banter, and a perfect balance of humor and emotion, "Change of Plans" is a wonderful love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC.

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Ugh, I love the Matthews brothers so much, they’re each so good in their own different ways.

Between Bryce and Ryker, life hasn’t been easy lately, but I really appreciated how they recognized what the other needed, and stepped all the way up for each other.
My heart went out to Addison, Cecily and June as they navigated the grief and trauma of losing their parents, and while I didn’t particularly like Harvey and Adele, my heart went out to them as well.
I really loved getting to know Ryker more, because I definitely liked what I saw of him in How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up. It was nice to see him come out of his shell after everything he’s been through.
As for Bryce, while it was sometimes heartbreaking, it was interesting to see her navigate the role of guardian while also grieving the loss of her brother and sister in law.
It’s always nice to see appearances from Kate & Drake as well as Imani & Zander, I wish there was another brother so we could see them more!

Once again, Dylan Newton knocked it out of the park. Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of Change Of Plans in exchange for review!

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Change of Plans is a small town romance with a single guardian (the aunt- Bryce) who gains custody of her three nieces after the death of her brother. She meets a local veteran (Ryker) who lost his left leg in Afghanistan, and they start a tentative friendship, all while dealing with the drama of handling a 5 (Addison), 8 (Cecile), and 13 year old (June). Oh, and did I mention the girls maternal grandparents undermine Bryce and are suing for custody?

This story is about more than a developing romance between a shy, awkward Marine and a tough as nails Chef. It’s also about healing, dealing with various types of loss, and handling becoming a new parent. It shows us that there is no manual to life and that sometimes we make mistakes, but that’s how we grow and learn.

I loved watching the dynamic change between the kids and their aunt throughout the book, especially Bryce’s relationship with June. And when I found out why Cici refuses to bathe or let her clothes be cleaned, I cried my eyes out. I went through the emotional ringer with the end of this book, and loved every minute of it. It’s definitely something I would re-read.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for the eARC in return for my honest review. This ARC put this author on my radar!

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The heroine has been appointed as the legal guardian of her three nieces after their parents died from a car accident. Struggling being a single parent as well as dealing with her nieces' maternal grandparents wanting guardianship, the heroine encounters the hero at the supermarket when one of her nieces needed help. From that auspicious meeting, the heroine and the hero have more encounters that brings them closer together. Yet they also must deal with their own personal issues, which includes the hero's health and the heroine's future career path.

This is the third Dylan Newton book I've read and it's also my favorite one. This book has a disabled military hero dealing with PTSD and other health issues, who is also not looking for any romantic entanglements, but the heroine changed his mind on that. The heroine is dealing with grief and the struggles of being the guardian of three grief-stricken children, which changed the direction of her life. The precarious nieces have strong personalities that have distinctive ways of dealing with grief, yet they are endearing characters who really love the heroine and began to get closer to the hero as time goes on. The main couple were surrounded with supportive secondary characters, especially the hero who has his brothers and his military friend. I would have liked a bit more details in certain areas of the story, but my particular preference wasn't detrimental to my enjoyment of the book. Overall, a highly recommended Dylan Newton book and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.


** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **

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There is just something about these Matthews brothers.

Ryker is back from Afghanistan with one less limb and a whole lot more PTSD. He's taking every day one at a time and keeping his hardships to himself.

Then theres Bryce. She became the guardian for her three nieces after a tragic accident that left them without parents. Bryce has absolutely no idea how to parent ( I mean, who does?).. and is in survival mode trying to make sure she can keep custody, make money and be there for all of her nieces needs.

When Ryker and Bryce stumble across each other, its game ocer. Ryker Is just the kindest MMC, Who has the biggest heart. Unfortunately his communication skills aren't great, but let's be honest... I think that's just males in general.

I love how this novel really shows how challenging it is to be a parent, no matter what your circumstances are. There's no perfect way, and supporting one another is really the only way to go.

The witty banter was on point in this novel. I loved Bryce's new nickname at the end of the novel 😍

Fun fact... I don't know which brother is my favorite yet. I need to go back and read All Fired Up!

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of this novel!!! I loved it!

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This book was adorable! From the meet cute in the supermarket to Ryker building a pirate ship for Bryce’s nieces, there were so many heartwarming moments. Along with the heartwarming moments, this author did a great job at showing the difficult parts of life, from struggling with your past to the challenging parts of parenting. As both characters tried to rise above their challenges, they grew together and developed such a sweet found family. Highly recommend this sweet rom com if you want to read a lighthearted book that will make you feel all the feels!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕

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4.5 Stars

Life can change in the blink of an eye and tragedy can strike at any moment. Bryce Weatherford, a Florida-based chef, is whisked away from her beloved life when she suddenly becomes the guardian of her three young nieces. The Weatherford girls have to navigate the stages of grief, a new way of life, and the chaos that can come with parenthood.

Ryker Matthews is a veteran that was honorably discharged from the Marines after an in-battle injury ended his career. Years after his below-the-knee amputation, Ryker is haunted when phantom pains, PTSD, and the painful realization that he can no longer follow in his father's footsteps. After helping the Weatherford girls out of a tight spot, Ryker knows his life is forever changed… hopefully for the better.

Watching Bryce grow into her “mom-like-creature” role came with so many laughs, a few frustrations, and a lot of heartfelt moments. Readers got to read about how the Weatherfords got through each and every growing pain; each niece had their own hiccups the family had to navigate and the chaos and growth were illustrated perfectly. The three girls may be side characters, but they were written with so many details that they felt so powerful to the storyline. Ryker, the reclusive cinnamon roll, added plenty of heartwarming moments to the book; his inner monologue let readers in and helped clarify a lot. The mental health and disability representation in this novel was refreshing and author Dylan Newton wrote every detail in a respectful and informative way. Although there were some frustrating bits here and there with the usual miscommunication we have all been through, you could tell how every character grew from it and built a better bond. The end of this book was a rollercoaster of stomach-cramping laughter and heart-tugging love; it was worth every second spent reading

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DNF at 15%

This book isn't bad and I would recommend it to certain friends, but it isn't for me at this time. I struggled with the pacing of the writing, which felt choppy, as well as some of the language used (for example, the word "kook" and also the idea of being a "real boy"). Ryker and Bryce seem like wonderful MCs and I hope so many others get to enjoy them.

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It's official Dylan Newton is an auto buy author! I love the Matthew brothers. I read How Sweet It is when it came out and adored it, as well as All Fired Up. I couldn't wait to read Ryker's story. And it did not disappoint!

Ryker is very closed off ever since he retired from the marines and lost part of his leg. Understandable. But we have the best meet cute ever, when he runs into Bryce and her nieces at the grocery store.

Bryce has a lot on her plate since she is not guardian of her three very active nieces after her brother and his wife are killed in a car crash. I felt like this book dealt very well with hard topics without making it too heavy.

I loved how into each other Bryce and Ryker were. It was cute to see them navigate their relationship with so much else going on.

Definitely a 5 star book!

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