Member Reviews

Wow! I was not expecting to get so emotional so many times over the course of this story. In the best way.

Messy, unconventional, unexpected- Ryker and Bryce’s relationship is everything life is on a regular basis and it was so beautiful to see two humans who just accepted each other at face value. They showed up for each other in ways that we all wish we had someone showing up for us.

I loved Bryce’s quick wit and humor in the face of traversing a new normal. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

I’ll absolutely be reading the other books in this series because I love the characters!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

This is my first by Dylan Newton and with how charmed I am by Change of Plans, I can tell it won’t be the last.

With the loss of her brother and sister-in-law, Bryce has become the legal guardian to three precocious girls, and also is learning to balance work with parenting. Ryker is a middle child, a veteran, part-time superhero, and deals with his PTSD as well as his recovery with being an amputee.

This one has lots of feels involved, but all are handled well. The miscommunication was a bit rough at times but let’s be honest: people who struggle with mental health aren’t great with accepting the fact their their struggles aren’t burdens.

Found family, single parent, broody hero, small town, family hijinks, mental health representation, and plenty of spice all make for an entertaining read.

Special thanks to Dylan Newton for including me in her Traveling ARC team as well as to NetGalley for the ebook copy because I was too excited to wait for my turn to read the physical copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a phenomenal book! So many laugh out loud and swoony moments in Change of Plans!



This book follows Bryce, a new to town chef who has recently taken guardianship of her three nieces, and Ryker, a Matthews brother (of How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up fame) and wounded veteran trying to survive life. After an *interesting* run in at the grocery store, the two form a tentative friendship. With Bryce facing guardianship issues and Ryker working through his PTSD, neither one of them has any time for relationships. But sometimes love doesn’t care about timing.



Change of Plans is the third Matthews brothers book by Dylan and I did not want it to end! I have loved each and every book in this series but Ryker and Bryce made this one extra special. Dylan’s characters always feel so real and her stories so cozy. I could not stop smiling through the entire book.



As long as Dylan keeps writing rom coms, I’ll keep buying and reading them!



Thank you to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

Was this review helpful?

3.75 stars 🌟 the single parent trope will always reel me in and i’m so glad that i was drawn to this book! i really liked bryceryker and their meet cute was so different and adorable 🤗 i loved the girls so much, minus june because she was honestly a brat for a majority of the book and didn’t really make up for it, addie was adorable and cecily was very spunky 🧚🏻‍♀️🍫 the miscommunication trope is something that i will loathe until the day that i die. with that being said, the 30% of miscommunication that i had to trudge through was a wee bit annoying and definitely could’ve been avoided but i understand why it was needed for character development 🥸 otherwise, this was good! honestly just felt like something was missing but i liked this a lot 👩‍🍳🚌🦮

a special thank you to netgalley and forever grand central publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

At the 11% mark, I felt like it was just a solidly okay. The writing is fine, the plot is fine, the characters are fine. I went to another book, and I didn't end up genuinely wanting to go back to this one. That said, the three kiddos are entertaining in their mischief.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars!

I had a good time with this! The two main characters both held their own — they each had their own complex, individual stories that we watched unfold alongside their shared arc, and neither of them felt more “important” than the other.

I did find that there was a lot of “info dumping” about their pasts to each other in a way that meant the character received a detailed story, but the reader only got an overview — this made their development feel a bit off, and I tend to prefer a more gradual unfolding of characters’ pasts/feelings. There was also a fair bit of miscommunication that started off as a way to drive the plot, but ended up being frustrating since it continued to be unresolved despite many opportunities to clear things up. It was done in a way where the reader has insights into both sides of the issue, so we understand character motivations, which did help. However, I think there were a tad too many communication issues that they faced in the relationship itself considering its relatively short timeframe.

I think what really stood out to me was how real every single character felt. The main characters, their family members, and their friends were all integral to the story and acted the way you might actually expect someone to — this helped make the story even more believable and enjoyable. The stars of the book, Ryker and Bryce, were both great protagonists. I enjoyed reading both of their chapters, and never felt like I wanted to hurry up to get back to the other character. They were easy to sympathize with, and propelled this book!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved "Change of Plans" by Dylan Newton! This book was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, and I couldn't put it down.

The characters were so well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire story. The plot was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

What I loved most about this book, however, was the underlying message about the power of forgiveness and second chances. It was a beautiful reminder that even when things don't go as planned, we always have the ability to change our course and create a brighter future for ourselves.

Overall, I would highly recommend "Change of Plans" by Dylan Newton to anyone looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. It's a book that will stick with you long after you've turned the final page.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a good book! The characters were vibrant, unique, and realistic. Bryce and Ryker’s relationship felt so organic, and I loved their little moments together.

Bryce’s nieces stole the show for me. One of my pet peeves in books that feature young kids is when the kids are perfect angels all the time. So unrealistic!

The three nieces are messy, cute, creative, grumpy, mischievous, you name it. They felt like real, crazy kids, and it made the story so much more believable.

Was this review helpful?

This was adorable and touching. There was a little too much misunderstanding causing conflict for my liking, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were well rendered, especially the kids. And it seems to me that PTSD and other part of the Veteran amputee experience. It was cute. It was fun. It made me hungry for soup.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars

*ARC Review*

I've been a big fan of Dylan Newton's small town romances and this may be my favorite yet! I love the characters, the familial tension/themes, and the sweet sweet love story. The book takes something so devastating in family grief and turns it into a heartwarming tale. I loved all of the characters and the ending.

This is just a great emotional rollercoaster book that makes you feel so good inside. It is like a warm hug.

Definitely recommend for all!

Was this review helpful?

This book graced my tbr pile at exactly the right time! I absolutely love the Matthews brothers and finally getting Ryker's chance at happiness. Ryker is so charmingly awkward that you can't help but love him. Bryce is every parent, mom and mom like creature in the world just trying to get through each day with a minimum of tears and bloodshed. She is doing her best to raise her nieces after the loss of their parents. Tyler working through his PTSD and ultimately getting a service dog to help him made me tear up. This book is heart wrenching in the very best way!

Was this review helpful?

"Change of Plans" by Dylan Newton is a delightful romantic comedy that will make you laugh, cry and feel all the feels. The story follows chef Bryce Weatherford, who is suddenly given the responsibility of caring for her three young nieces after a family tragedy. Struggling to balance her new role as a guardian and her job, Bryce is feeling overwhelmed and hopeless when Ryker Matthews, a local hero and amputee, comes to her rescue.

As they navigate the challenges of raising three young girls, Bryce and Ryker find themselves falling for each other. But with their own personal struggles and fears, they're not sure if they're ready for a relationship.

This book is filled with humor, heart, and a touch of romance that will leave you swooning. The chemistry between Bryce and Ryker is palpable, and their journey towards each other is heartwarming. The supporting characters, including the three adorable nieces, add depth to the story and make it all the more enjoyable.

Overall, "Change of Plans" is a heartwarming, feel-good read that is perfect for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy.

Was this review helpful?

Honest review in exchange for an advanced copy.
If you love Hallmark movies, this is the novel for you. Unfortunately I am not a fan of that channel or this story's hamster wheel of self pity, self blame, romantic misunderstandings that could've been solved with basic communication and the saccharine sweet overload of children behaving beastly-but-cute.
I thought the cartoon cover meant it was a romcom, my bad.

Was this review helpful?

Newton does a really great job showcasing grief and the concept of made/found families. She also touches on veteran PTSD, the strain that put on relationships, as well as the person suffering. I thought this was a really beautiful story with lovable characters, good banter, a little spice, and a lot of love. Definitely check it out when it comes out on August 1st of this year!

Was this review helpful?

Such a cute book and such a heartwarming story.

This was my first from the author- I will definitely be looking out for more!

Was this review helpful?

Former sauté chef, Bryce Weatherford isn't living the life she dreamed. When her brother and sister-in-law suddenly die in a car accident, Bryce is left as their three daughters' sole guardian. Uprooting her life to take care of her nieces, Bryce feels like a complete failure as a "parent," just trying to make ends meet and keep the girls alive. When Ryker comes (literally) crashing into their lives, neither do a good job of ignoring the obvious sparks. The pair have to decide if the other is a good change of plans, or if their relationship is nothing more than a distraction.

I loved both Bryce and Ryker's characters. Bryce is a spit-fire. She's honest and tells it like it is. But she also has a softer side that disarms Ryker in the best ways, getting him outside of his comfort zone. Ryker is a cinnamon roll hero and is the absolute sweetest. He's amazing with children, yet avoids the everyone and everything, especially his family. Bryce was the perfect pairing to break him out of his shell, but underneath his tough exterior, he has the kindest heart. His acts of kindness for Bryce and the girls were a highlight for me. He's dealing with so much internally, yet he never bats an eye to help someone in need.

The one thing I loved about the book was how central June, Cecily, and Addison were to the story. Their personalities are so distinct and they play off each other well, adding chaos and fun into every scene they are in. They were never kept in the background, but were a important part of the development of Bryce and Ryker's relationship. They had me laughing constantly, and they made the book for me. Another treat was seeing all the past couples again and watching Kate and Imani bring Bryce into their friendship, giving her a sense of belonging and found family.

I have been patiently awaiting Ryker's story and it did not disappoint. From the hilarious meet cute to all the shenanigans in between, I was smiling and laughing throughout this entire book. While it did cover some heavier topics and themes, they were done with care. There is a grief undertone, along with military and PTSD rep. Yet through these struggles, Bryce and Ryker find an amazing happily ever after.

Change of Plans is an open door romance with tons of heart and just as many laughs. It publishes August 1.

Was this review helpful?

I'll start this by saying that after finishing All Fired Up last year, I was very excited to read Rykers book, and somehow this book was a complete miss for me. I started book enjoying it a bit but halfway I was just bored and wanted it to end.

Mostly, I think it's that every time something good happened with the girls, the grandparents would come in and interrupt, judge or make a big deal out of nothing and Bryce would freak out and lash out at everyone. I get the situation isn't idea, they are all grieving in different ways. Most of I think I would've liked it if the Grandparent's weren't treated as the enemy.

Now Ryker on the other had, I did not like that he decided to work on his PTSD cause he liked a girl. Fine, he did sign up for the emotional support dog before he met Bryce, but I think I would've liked it more if he had started working on the PTSD and other medical issue BEFORE the relationship happened.

The whole third act was AWFUL (to me). It's 2.5 starts to me.

Was this review helpful?

A huge thank you to Dylan Newton, Forever Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Change of Plans comes out August 1, 2023!!

I absolutely adore the single parent and found family trope in books, and I was not disappointed at all when it came to these tropes in Change of Plans. Bryce, a chef, is given guardianship of her three nieces after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. Ryker is a Marine vet who is trying to cope with his below-the-knee amputation, phantom leg pain, and PTSD. After a chance and hilarious meeting in a grocery store the two can't help feeling drawn to one another. Honestly the way that they were able to be there for one another was beautiful. I felt like Ryker was a source of support and comfort while Bryce is learning to be a mother like creature and also dealing with a custody battle. I also thought Byce and her three adorable nieces were paramount in Ryker starting to emotionally heal. Change of Plans was an enjoyable novel filled with healing, love, found family and romance and I highly suggest it to anyone looking to have their hearts warmed.

Was this review helpful?

It’s official - Ryker is my favorite Matthews brother and his story has become my new favorite of the series. This story was emotional, beautiful and heartfelt - I found myself both laughing and crying throughout and it just really hit me in the feels.

I hard been going through a horrible book slump, and thought I’d give this one a try since it was a highly anticipated read for me…I’ve been waiting for Ryker’s story. It did not disappoint- I could not put it down and finished the entire book in a day.

I think it goes without saying that I loved Ryker as a hero, I loved seeing a book representing his type of story / experience. He felt real, authentic and relatable- I loved his journey and was so happy to see him find Bryce.

Bryce gad get own harrowing journey in this story. A single woman suddenly the guardian of her three grieving nieces, trying yo start over and help them build a new life. I thought she was warm and relatable too - as with Ryker, I couldn’t help rooting for her (and her new family).

I adored Bryce and Ryker together and the story flew by for me. I really enjoyed it, but wasn’t ready to say goodbye - though I will say I was very satisfied with the ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Read Forever Pub for the opportunity to read an copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

Was this review helpful?

Sweet and fun romance novel. The characters each had their own struggles to deal with, but there wasn't too much drama or conflict in the book. Great read for someone who enjoys patriotic books with a sweet love story (that's not too spicy!).

Was this review helpful?