When I started this series, I could feel it in my bones, Ryker was gonna be my favorite.

I was right.

Gimme all the gruff grumpy, who seems too stoic to be human but secretly has BIG FEELS. The shy, secret smiles. The acts of service to help. The hug emergencies. *Makes grabby hands* Gimme.

I really enjoyed Bryce and her really trying her best in a shit situation. It was nice to see a parent-like creature not have it all together, as real life parents rarely do. I personally, never do.

Forever ago, I said Drake's book How Sweet It It, was crafted to hold a lot of nostalgia feelings of early aughts romance, and I think Change of Plans brings back those same feelings.

Absolutely adorable. Plenty of hilarious parts but romantic and heartfelt while characters work through real emotions and situations.

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

***Thank you Dylan Newton, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever Romance and NetGalley for the ARC***
Publish Date: 08.01.2023
Summary: Bryce Weatherford's life changed with one phone call - her brother and sister in law are dead. She left the life she had known and moved to care for her three young nieces. Bryce does not really know the first thing about handling these growing girls and one day in a grocery store, shit hits the fan. Luckily, Ryker happened to see what was unfolding in the grocery store and helped make a bad situation - better. Ryker is a veteran battling with PTSD and medical issues that come from having an amputation. The two fall for each other but have enough baggage that getting together seems impossible - until it's not.
Review: Another story I couldn't put down! This is a great small town romance / found family / friends to lovers. I felt this plot was very unique. I love Bryce, I feel like her storyline was realistic. I felt like the nieces dealing with their own grief and family changes were realistic. The battle between Bryce and the girls grandparents were realistic. I was afraid she would lose the girls.
Bryce and Ryker are perfect for each other. Bryce needed stability and Ryker needed someone to remind him that he's alive. They gave me all the warm feels.
The only thing I struggled with, was the amount of names from the gate. I know it wouldn't have worked with the plot but it was hard to start a new story and now have to remember 5 names / who they are / what they bring to the plot.

This was my favorite of the 3 books, which says a lot because I loved all of them so much. But there's something about Ryker that just instantly pulled me in. Dylan did such an amazing job of describing his PTSD and everything he thinks and feels. He is such a well-rounded character and I spent the whole book rooting for him and looking forward to what he'd do next.

Bryce is also so well-written. Watching someone grapple with such a huge loss along with having their life completely turned upside down and seeing her dreams dashed - and then seeing her realize new dreams and goals was so rewarding. It's so understandable that she wouldn't want to risk her heart or deal with the demands and time requirements of love during such a period of turmoil. So to see her get to a place where she could allow love into her life was so rewarding.

It was so nice to see the characters from the first two books and see how those couples were doing and see what the side characters were up to. It was a bit like going home to visit your friends. And the 3 girls were so realistic and felt like she'd plucked them right out of real life. I got some vibes of the girls from Despicable Me, which is a good thing because those characters were so endearing.

Overall this was a really good story and a perfect way to wrap up these Matthews brothers stories.

I almost didnt make it through Change of Plans. The bulk of my review will focus on a very small scene that nearly tanked my reading experience. Fortunately, I was invested in our main characters and wanted to see them through until the end.

The thing I liked most? These characters.

Ryker was career military until an IED caused him an amputation-necessary injury. Bryce was a up-and-coming chef in the Tampa Bay food scene when she moved north to be guardian to her deceased brother's 3 daughters.

Ryker and Bryce have lives that they never thought would be theirs. This books shows them though that a change of plans isn't always a bad thing.

The nieces are the stars and scene stealers. Face value, they may seem like clichés - the moody tween & oldest, the misunderstood middle child, and the manic fairy dream baby sister - but then you hear their voices, their worries, their joy, and theres so much to love. I cried for them and with them. I was just as distraught when Bryce felt she wasn't doing best by them. I was definitely more invested in their HEA.

The chemistry between Ryker & Bryce was definitely there. A major appreciation note is how Ryker was so turned on by all things Bryce, bits theres a special note fornher passion and knowledge of cars. More importantly, we never get the put down of 'shes not like other girls' or any language of the sort. We simply get Ryker completely fall for Bryce for exactly who she is. As if she was made just for him. And never is there a put down of women in general.

*

The scene that almost had me quit reading was also about choice of words, but this one was so very bad.

Ryker is home from babysitting the nieces. They gave him a beautiful makeover - eyeshadow, blush, hair clips, the works. His brother meets up with him the sameday (?) or in time that the makeup hadn't been thoroughly washed off. The brother invokes queer/trans accusations/insinuations as attempted humor. And even if the brother's words are supportive as is, the context and tone reads as sarcastic. In response, Ryker calls his brother a 'dick' reinforcing the queer accusation was a insult. The moment is capped off with the brother then using drag performance as his next joke accusation.

As far as I could tell, the scene was meant to establish the brothers' relationship and their brand of communication. Did the brothers not notice the pirate ship was right there in the shop? How about using that to connect Ryker to the nieces and use it to tease him? Of course not, so lets be lazy and use the outdated 'makeup on a man is something to laugh at' zinger.

The previous scene which revealed the nieces had played makeover with Ryker has its sweetness undermined the moment its revised by the toxic heteronormative attempt at humor. Can we please not do this. Can we please stop using Queer life as a punchline or in a derogatory connotation.

Further, I'm reading this book 'out of order' in that Ryker's brothers are the main characters of their own books that I have not read. But if this is their humor, and seeing how they proceed to gaslight Ryker (this whole brother sceen was painful to read) I don't want to know them.

*

To many readers, Queer life as a punchline, will be a deal breaker. I would not be surprised when this book gets marked DNF on end-of-year reviews. And again, if that language or toxic humor is a feature of these side characters or the author, I want nothing to do with them.

I ultimately continued reading. I wanted to know more about Ryker, Bryce and her nieces. The idea that love can find you when you're not looking or even not believing you're worthy of it makes me weak. Its how they grow their lives to include joy along side their struggles that kept me turning pages.

A cute insta-love Hallmark-esque romance. Bryce and Ryker meet in a grocery store - she’s struggling as the new guardian of her three nieces while he’s battling PTSD. Neither of them seem ready for a relationship but they find themselves increasingly attracted to one another.

Ryker was the highlight of the book for me - he has largely withdrawn from his friends and family and is trying to make more of an effort to be out in public and socializing. I’m not usually a fan of the insta-love trope and here, there wasn’t a lot of tension or build up of the relationship. Ryker and Bryce are suited for one another but they aren’t very exciting as a couple. Would recommend this to fans of All Fired Up and How Sweet It Is or insta-love, small town romance tropes. 2.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

From start to finish this book had me hooked. I loved Bryce as a parent like creature and amazing chef. Ryker was the ultimate cinnamon role hero but with PTSD and communication issues. He comes to her rescue more then once as Bryce tries to figure out how to balance the care of her three nieces after her brother dies with work. She meets Ryker in a grocery store when one of her nieces needs rescuing and the chemistry between them is instant. Not only that but there is a comfort that they don’t feel with anyone else. Now the challenge for Bryce will be to find a place for him in her busy life and not loosing the kids in a custody battle with their grand parents. For Ryker the challenge will be to not scare or push her away. Can they make this new found trust and passion last or was it doomed before it really began? Such a good book, I wanted them to work from the start and rooted for them all throughout. This book made me want to read the entire series!

I can't wait for Dylan Newton to write another book, the writing had an easy flow to it that made it fun to read. Her characters and scenes were like watching a movie play out and I loved the witty personality of our female MC.
Having said that, there was a lot going on in both of the MC's lives and I would have liked to get to know them better and peel away some of their drama.
I also am not a huge fan of miscommunication, and while it didn't last long, it was annoying.
After her brother and sister in law both died, she was named guardian of their 3 children. While she tries to reestablish her life as a mom-like figure, the kids maternal grandparents are fighting her for custody of them, despite the parent's wishes.
When she meets a sexy guy at the grocery store that helps her get one of the girls out of a sticky situation, she realizes shed like to see him again.
Mr. Sexy grocery store guy has PTSD and was badly injured in the war. He also happens to own his own car mechanic shop and has very sexy forearms.
She just so happens to work as a chef in his mom's restaurant and the small town romance trope abounds.
Overall, super cute, but less drama and more character development would have been great.
Thank you to netgalley for an eARC to review.

"Change of Plans" by Dylan Newton is a heartwarming and delightful contemporary romance that takes readers on a journey of unexpected twists, second chances, and the transformative power of love. With its endearing characters, charming small-town setting, and emotionally satisfying storyline, this novel is sure to captivate fans of the genre.

Review: Change of Plans
Author: Dylan Newton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

I struggled my way through this book. The plot was tired. A story we’ve heard many times. With the most compelling potential moments left out.

But the worst part for me was the chemistry between Bryce and Ryker- it was just not there. It felt forced and awkward.

The one redeeming part was the kids characters in this book June, Cecily and Addison were super cute and funny.

I think I just struggled to find this story as believable and I struggled to root for Bryce and Ryker :/

The Marine vet, middle Matthews brother and a former fancy restaurant chef—now small-town soup and salad cook and guardian of three—fall in love in Dylan Newton’s Change of Plans.

Dare I say it, this may be my favorite Matthews brother book.

Here’s a collection of my thoughts on this book:
- The meet-cute had me cackling.
- I adore and am impressed by how Newton captures the children’s personalities and quirks—from the surly sullenness of the tween, who really wants to be seen and valued underneath it all to the middle child that can get lost in the shuffle to the whimsy of a preschooler—and how grief manifests for each one differently.
- The family and found family aspects warmed my heart.
- I loved being back in small-town Wellsville.
- I want to institute an emergency hug policy at my house.
- I also feel the urge to build a massive, cardboard pirate ship.
- Honestly, my heart melted with the way Ryker responds to the children.
- I love that Newton created such a kick*** heroine to go along with the kick*** hero.
- Newton manages to portray lightness and levity in the midst of so much heaviness.

This is the third book about the Matthews brothers but can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading the other two first, though, to become acquainted with the secondary characters in this book as well as with the town.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Forever and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

The content may be sensitive for some readers. Please check trigger warnings.

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
Out August 1, 2023
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When Aunt Beamer’s brother and his wife die suddenly, she’s transplanted from a comfortable job in Florida to a life caring for three girls and a new job many would consider a step backwards. The dynamic between her becoming a parent, the girls adjusting to their new life, and a side of romance was delightful! And of course, our favorite siblings and their love interests all make an appearance!
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If you’ve read about the other Matthews brothers, I will say this book was probably the most challenging in terms of heavy hitting topics. Like his brother, Ryker served in the military, but was discharged for a serious injury. “Beamer” is in a custody battle with the girls’ maternal grandparents as well. It’s not light in many ways, but that did not make it any less enjoyable of a read for me.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this ARC.

Ryker is the last Matthews brother to find romance in this heartwarming return to one of my favorite fictional families. He is a veteran struggling with physical and psychological effects of his time in the military. When he meets Bryce, he hasn’t dated in a long time and is a bit unsure of himself.
Bryce, meanwhile, has recently moved to town to take guardianship of her brother’s 3 young girls after their parents tragically passed away in a car accident. She is dealing with unsupportive grandparents, a new job, and a sudden thrust into parenthood.
But their attraction to each other is undeniable. Their multiple meetings are sweet, but I did wish for more conversation and interaction just between them, without kids or coworkers or grandparents in the mix.
This is a strangers to lovers, he falls first, found family, military rep, and miscommunication romcom that wraps up the Matthews brothers trilogy in all the best ways. Newton does a great job balancing funny and silly with serious and real-life. Bryce and Ryker are getting to know one another and learning how to support one another a day at a time and we get to watch them through it all. Their love story is messy for sure, but endearing all the same. We also get a few peeks of Kate and Drake, Imani and Zander, and even Mom - which I absolutely loved! I wish all romcom trilogies had interconnected characters like the Matthews family - this is one series of books I highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book I’ve read by Dylan Newton and I was just as in love with this book as I was All Fired Up!

The storyline drew me in because it was unique to anything I’ve read. A single aunt trying to juggle taking on the responsibility of raising her brother and sister in laws three daughters after unexpectedly losing both her brother and sister in law.

Bryce and Ryker were both just characters you could help but love! I loved so many things about this book, but what I love that Dylan does with her books is showcasing different mental health issues. This book brought to light PTSD.

This book was the perfect mix of everything! A must read!!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to be honest and say this book was simply just not for me. There just seemed to always be so much going on! Also, the miscommunication trope, a big no from me. I just can't stand it!!!! There also wasn't much romance in this book?? I wanted them to have more development in their relationship, more spice, more romance!

This is definitely NOT a bad book, it just was not for me :(

After a meet disaster at the grocery store, Ryker and Bryce can feel the connection they share. Too bad Bryce is still figuring out how to transition from single woman to caregiver of three young girls after a car accident claimed her brother and his wife. And Ryker, sticking to a stoic shell since his Marine days, is finally catching feelings for someone since his injury and return home. Through both their trauma, they keep coming back to each other, and as these two know so deeply, the plans you make always seem to change.

This was an absolute treasure of a book!! I was blown away by the emotion and heavy topics that were so well balanced with sweet and funny moments. The opening scene is a comedy of errors that had me laughing and crying in the first two chapters!

Bryce’s nieces steal the show in every scene that they’re in, because they were all so sweet, kind and hilarious. Cici’s habit of saving things from the garbage, Addison’s wings and gentle but fierce nature, and June’s apprehensive affection and pride had me wanting to gather them all up in a big family hug.

I loved the curiosity from the girls about Ryker’s prosthetics, and the connection that they built as he starts falling in love with this new family unit.

I have no experience with PTSD myself, but Ryker’s later realization of how bad things had gotten with isolating himself and shutting everyone out hit me hard. Great example of how you don’t know how low you truly are until you start to improve and look back! 

Also, MENSTRUATION ON THE PAGE!!! It results in a very sweet moment too 💖

This cast of characters, including those from the previous books, was perfection, and this will hit you straight in the heart. You’re going to love Change of Plans!

I have already reviewed this title on my bookstagram @inked_mama_reads

Cute rom com that I was able to be a part of. This included the physical book copy ARC train. Cute characters, realistic representation of handling life, and vet representation! Trigger warnings: death and grief, PTSD.

Question for always fabulous author Dylan Newton: Can’t you find some more Matthews brothers? Or cousins maybe? Change of Plans is the third book in the Matthews Brothers trilogy, and I was sad to see these guys and the loves of their lives go. Instead of another sequel, maybe Newton could write a side-quel or something. If you’ve already read books one and two, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, stop right now and go read them. You don’t want to miss a minute in Wellsville with all these fantastic folks. All three books are fun, funny, spicy, sweet rom coms with lots of serious stuff thrown in. Change of Plans will probably touch your heart the most; it did mine.

Bryce Weatherford has always loved her nieces but she never expected to become their guardian. It’s tough. Really tough. To say her life has completely changed would be an enormous understatement. She used to be a chef, but now she is working at Pattycakes Café; although it’s a great job and Patty is wonderful, the bar for culinary success has been significantly lowered. Her goal of the day is usually just to survive with a five year old who won’t remove her fairy wings, an eight year old who won't bathe, and a tween who is . . . well, a tween. Romance, career advancement? Forget it. Patty has offered them the apartment above the café and that’s a win these days.

Ryker is the serious, brooding, sometimes scary Matthews brother. An ex-Marine amputee with phantom pain and nightmares. He does know he’s lucky to be alive but it doesn’t feel that way. He has his family but he’s lonely for companionship he doesn’t feel will ever be his and keeps his focus on his vehicle restoration business.

Bryce and Ryder meet in a laugh-out-loud funny grocery store mishap. They both feel that little tingle but neither thinks they are in a place to have any kind of relationship, even a very, very casual one. Thing is, that tingle doesn’t feel all that casual. Of course they’ll be thrown together – Bryce works in Ryder’s mother Patty’s shop. And we can tell right off that Fate has something marvelous in store for these two. We just need to get them on board to take that ride.

Newton does an outstanding job of balancing the joy and wonder of a new romance with the very serious issues that both Bryce and Ryder must face each day. The author has obviously done a lot of research into the difficulties of coping with the loss of a limb as well as children trying to regain their balance after losing their parents, and of the adult now responsible for their well-being. The factual information is seamlessly mixed in with the tender moments, the funny moments, and the ugly moments. The story never shies from addressing these hard issues but it always makes us smile at this “maybe” family working to come together and give up hope for that HEA.

Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Change of Plans for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. The entire Matthews Brothers series is the perfect combination of swoony and informative and I recommend all three books without hesitation. I can’t wait to see what Dylan Newton gives us next – even if it’s not another Matthews brother! I voluntarily leave this review and all opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this ARC.

This book was such a heartwarming read! Bryce is such a great main character and I LOVED Ryker. How he fell first even after their chaotic first meeting was super cute. I am usually iffy on single-parent stories but I think the kids had their own unique personalities that helped add to the story and not distract from the plot. The book did have some heavy topics/plots, but I believe it was done really well. In the back of the book I liked how the author did a lot of research into the topics and spoke with experts on each topic.

I will say I wish we had gotten some more conversations between Bryce and Ryker
I hadn't realized the other two brothers had their own stories but I will absolutely be reading them!