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.

I absolutely adored this book. Everything about it. From the opening frantic grocery store scene to the HEA. I'm only upset that I'd never heard about this series before and I am immediately adding the rest to my tbr.

I am having a hug emergency because I wish I were still reading this book!

I live for Bryce and Ryker and their relationship.

I love Bryce's boldness and strong personality. I love this trait in female characters. You need thick skin to hang with the boys and women are strong badass creatures. Bryce knows what she wants and she's going after it. As much as she can anyway with her neices in tow.

"Bryce's life was like a bunch of kitchen buzzers going off at once, all the time."

I'm obsessed with Ryker's cinnamon roll personality and how over the top and goofy he is when he is crushing on Bryce. Like imagine a guy going and buying every single feminine product in the aisle because your neice started her period. 😂

There were just so many memorable and hilarious scenes. There were also so many heart wrenching scenes. I need this book to be a movie like ASAP.

Ugh. Again I love this book so much. As Bryce would say, it was 'slap your ass and pull your hair good'.

This is a heartwarming story that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It covers a few serious topics yet it has laughter as well. It was a joy to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

CHANGE OF PLANS - DYLAN NEWTON
4.5⭐
PLOT - Chef Bryce Weatherford finds herself being the guardian to her 3 young nieces fighting with her brothers in laws to keep the girls with her. Bryce hopes for a life outside of managing her family and her new job only to be in path of Ryker Mathhews whose life in military and his amputte leg keeps him distant from everyone untill Bryce and falling in love wasn't part of the plan but this change of plans was just what they need.
MY THOUGHTS -
This was my favourite book in the series. Rykers affectionate side came out really well . He was patient and endearing towards the girls and this was just what they both needed.
Loved his character development the most.
A lot of sensitive topics of PTSD, grief and loneliness are dealt with quite well too.
It was also a fitting end to the series.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of Change of Plans by Dylan Newton!!

4.5 stars rounded up

Bryce Weatherford was a successful saucier in a fancy Florida restaurant when she received the devastating news that her brother and his wife died in a car accident, and their will named her as guardian of their 3 young daughters. Having to leave her life behind to come to Wellsville to act as "mom-like creature", she soon finds that raising children is much more difficult than she could have imagined. During a disastrous grocery shopping trip, she meets Ryker, a PTSD afflicted amputee Afghan war veteran, who swoops in to save the day when one of the girls gets stuck in a bind. Unbeknownst to either of them, Bryce is working for his mother at her bakery cafe as the new chef. When they reconnect, Ryker is suspicious that this is all a set up from his meddling mother and brothers, but the connection was spontaneous, and I appreciate how they were adult about it and went after what they wanted, despite the complications in both of their personal lives. Ryker's growing feelings are weighed against his concerns that he can't be whole for Bryce, with medical complications from his amputation all but ensuring he can't become a father. These lies of omission provide a backdrop for the dreaded third act miscommunication/break-up trope, but it was resolved quickly and didn't frustrate me as much as it usually does. Dylan Newton has a way of touching on serious issues like parental loss and the mental health of veterans without making the story feel heavy. I liked how Bryce was a strong female character that struggled to make the best of a really crappy situation, and how Ryker wasn't intimidated by her strong personality, but embraced it.

4.25 stars

If you love a cinnamon roll of a MMC, this is the book for you! I loved it from the beginning to the very end. It was sweet, relatable, and fully down to earth. I love the relationship between Bryce and Ryker and the realistic relationship between Bryce, her nieces, and their grandparents. It was a quick, easy read that left me feeling the warm and fuzzies and I thoroughly enjoyed that it was a relationship built on understanding, support, and trust. Plus, who doesn't love a dog.

When Bryce Weatherford unexpectedly becomes the guardian to her three young nieces, she packs up her life in Florida to move to New York and things are....not going great. Her youngest niece Addison will not take off her fairy wings, middle niece Cecily will not take a bath, and tween June is out to make every moment for Bryce as difficult as possible. While it's understandable that the girls will be feeling the loss of their parents the most and in different ways, it doesn't make things easier on Bryce who's also having the guardianship challenged by the girls' grandparents.

Ryker Matthews on the other hand is struggling with his PTSD and the pain in the leg he lost during active duty is getting worse by the day. He's afraid of what the means for him and any future he may want. True, he made it home alive, but getting back to "normal" and rebuilding the connections with his family is more difficult than he thought.

Clearly Bryce and Ryker have a lot going on and even thinking of beginning a relationship would just add more to the pile. But from the moment Ryker pulls Cecily out from under some store shelves - in one of the most unique meet-cutes I've run across - there's no denying an attraction is there. The question is if they're willing to take that chance.

I've really enjoyed this series. When I first began it, Dylan Newton was a new-to-me author and now she's become a must-read.

As you can tell by reading the synopsis of the story, there is a lot going on for our main characters. But I think that even though it can feel a bit chaotic and a bit much, it also felt very authentic. I think they Dylan Newton really wrote this one especially well and balanced everything that was happening in a way that both conveyed the unpredictability of Bryce and Ryker's respective situations, but also dealt with everything in a way that felt complete by the end.

I think that the tougher subjects (PTSD, going through grief, etc.) are not shied away from or delicately stepped around, but handled head on with much empathy while also showing the strength it takes sometimes to simply keep moving forward. Where Bryce and Ryker find that strength is in one another.

I think they work so well because of the fact that they aren't starting out looking for anything. It's very unassuming. But they are also not going to ignore that they're attracted to one another. There's no shame in that. It's confronting the idea that they could have more with one another that is a little scary because then it kind of also means confronting the things that have been holding you back. I liked that while they are great together, their journeys are individual. They both have to get to the place where they want to be without outside influence.

Overall, I've really enjoyed this series. Each of the books stand nicely on their own, but I think there's a huge payoff in Ryker's story especially because it's been built up a bit throughout the other two.

Now, I'm on the lookout for what's next from Dylan Newton!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

This is probably the most pleasant surprise read of the summer!

Bryce Weatherford is not ready for the ask her late brother Bentley and his late wife Heather have asked of her. Appointed guardian of their three rambunctious daughters, Bryce has had to pause her life to deal with the girls as they too navigate their own grief. It certainly does not help that Heather's parents are contesting the will and Bryce's guardianship at every turn.

Just when she was about to be at the end of her rope, she runs into Ryker Matthews -- the town recluse, her boss' son, recovering veteran, and ever-helpful hot guy. He seems to be everywhere when she needs help and delivers on what she needs. He has his own struggles to deal with: mental demons from his military service and a never-ending pain where his leg had been amputated.

Falling in love is something they have not anticipated, but here it is anyway. Can they deal with their own baggage before they can pledge a HEA?

I love the premise of the story, and it delivered heart-wrenching moments, gut-clutching laughter, and self-fanning romance. Bryce and Ryker were freaking amazing from the moment they met -- which is one of my favorite meet-cutes -- to the epilogue. The progression of their relationship was easily relatable, and it was nicely balanced with their respective character arcs.

As a parent, I appreciated how REAL the girls were in dealing with their loss and how that affected their relationship with their once "cool aunt" now turned "insta-parent." I can only imagine being shoved on the deep end of the parenting pool and having to take care of THREE instant children without any prior experience, with in-laws second-guessing your every move, and while dealing with your own grief. Dylan Newton created a masterful story around that situation that resonated so much with me.

This book did well as a standalone, though Ryker's brothers and their respective families play a big role in this read. As someone who is new to Dylan Newton, this sold me on going back to the previous books .

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Dylan Newton, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

Unfortunately, I couldn't make it through this book. The storyline failed to grip my attention and engage me. I am sure this would be a good book for some but it just wasn't for me.

Very good. I was impressed by the heartfelt exploration of unexpected parenthood and complex mental health issues. And reading a romance that focuses on imperfect life plans and unexpected families is always a highlight. "Change of Plans" was a great mix of romance and real life.

This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I'm looking forward to reading the earlier titles in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

The story revolves around chef Bryce Weatherford, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the guardian of her three young nieces. From the moment Bryce takes on this new responsibility, chaos ensues. Addison refuses to part with her fairy wings, Cecily protests against bathing, and June is a master in the art of defiance. Bryce's dreams of a carefree life outside managing her family and career seem out of reach. Ryker Matthews, a hometown hero who rebuilt his life after a below-the-knee amputation and the loss of his Marine career, also carries his emotional burdens. He finds solace in restoring vehicles but struggles with feelings of loneliness. When Ryker sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, sparks fly between them. But neither of them is prepared for the curveballs that falling in love will bring into their lives.

What makes Change of Plans truly special is the genuine chemistry between Bryce and Ryker. Their connection is palpable, and their witty banter adds a layer of fun and authenticity to their relationship. The author beautifully portrays their emotional growth and vulnerability as they navigate the complexities of love and family. Dylan Newton's skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The lighthearted humor, heartwarming moments, and genuine emotions make this novel a truly enjoyable read. The challenges faced by Bryce and Ryker are relatable, and the way they handle them with determination and love is inspiring. There were a few instances where the plot felt predictable, and some conflicts were resolved too quickly. Nonetheless, these minor flaws do not overshadow the overall enjoyment and heartwarming nature of the story. It is a delightful journey of love and family. With its endearing characters and satisfying romance, this book will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Dylan Newton has crafted a feel-good story that reminds us of the power of love, resilience, and the unexpected turns life can take.

Where do I even begin!

I loved the mental health and disability representation in this book. While my knowledge is limited, it seemed very realistic between Ryker’s PTSD flashbacks and the detail about the prosthetic and HO. Leading to my next point of normalizing it with Bryce’s unwavering acceptance and “let me help you” attitude that had nothing to do with pity.

I spent the entire book waiting for the spring break week where Bryce goes to Cascade and the girls are left alone with the grandparents because I KNEW the elders couldn’t handle it. The entire scene at the Payne’s house was one of my favorites in the book!

I could go on but I don’t want to leave spoilers. I haven’t even read the other two books but I loved this one so I’ll have to backtrack! Thank you NetGalley + the publisher for the eARC and I’m sorry my mood reading put me behind on reviews!

This book was my favorite in this series! I loved the well developed characters and well written story. This book had great conflict that kept me reading until the end. It had all the feels. A hero veteran hero with PTSD. A heroine that has just become guardian of her nieces. These two had great chemistry. This book exceeded my expectations!

✨ Review ✨ Change of Plans by Dylan Newton

The third book in the Matthews brothers series (following How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up), we finally get to know Ryker better. A veteran facing PTSD and an amputation with some complications, Ryker has a great meet cute with Bryce, who is caring for her recently deceased brother's three daughters. Bryce, an accomplished chef, starts working for Patty, the Matthews matriarch, and the whole family appeared throughout the book to my delight.

The book is sweet, and both characters find something together that helps them each grapple with major life changes they've been experiencing. The addition of Bryce's nieces makes this loads of fun (with a bit of sadness mixed in).

cw: custody battles, family grief

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: f/m contemporary romance
Setting: small town in NY
Reminds me of: the other books in this series
Pub Date: August 1, 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ kitchens and cooks
⭕️ veterans with PTSD
⭕️ romances with single "parent"s

Thanks to Forever and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!

When I read the description of this book, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. As a military spouse, the struggles of PTSD for veterans is a topic that I am very passionate about. So, while I typically try only to read books that I know are going to be closed-door in the romance department, I decided to give this one a chance anyway... and I'm glad I did! I really thought these difficult topics were handled very well, and hopefully will shine a little more light on those subjects. It was a story that was certainly at times quite difficult to read (also dealing with the topic of grief and guardianship issues), but also had many entertaining moments too. I couldn't help but fall in love with ALL of these characters and want the very best outcome for them.

As far as other content, this definitely not something that I would have chosen or enjoyed, but I found the story was good enough that I could look past that and enjoy it anyway. There is some moderate language throughout--- though being married to a Marine, I feel that's fairly accurate at least. There was also one open door scene. While that's definitely not my personal preference, I feel like it wasn't all that the story was about and was more tasteful than it could have been. It was also very easy to just kind of skip over anyway.

Overall, while not my typical read, I'm glad I gave it a chance.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The final book of Newton’s debut series about the Matthews brothers, I knew from the start that I would love Ryker’s story the most - and I was right! This was easily my favorite book of the series, I basically loved everything about it! The unplanned guardianship trope is one I used to think I could take or leave, but wow! I loved Bryce’s growth here through unplanned parenting. I adore a grumpy hero, and Ryker is the ultimate recluse with an RBF, watching him soften to Bryce and her nieces was the best swoon ever 😍

What to expect::
•Opposites attract
•Unexpected guardianship
•Grumpy -sunshine
•Chef heroine and “mother like creature”
•Mechanic/retired Marine hero with realistic PTSD and amputee challenges
•Great family and found family
•Pirate themed fun
•3rd POV (not my fave but didn’t mind here)
🔥Open door, light details.

🚩death of sibling/parents, dementia, PTSD/flashbacks to war time

Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

I'm sorry to say that this was not for me. It felt very rushed in the beginning with a lot of infodump on the reader. After a while I started to get annoyed with Bryce. If she didn't want the kids why in the world couldn't the grand parents take care of them.? She complained about missing her old life but do something about it then!

I put it down...

Reading Dylan Newton’s Change Of Plans was a fascinating experience, not because it broke molds or blew my romance-reading mind. I enjoyed and would recommend it. My fascination came from what it told me about the direction the genre has taken in contemporary romance. To clear up some stuff, it is not, as the blurb claims, much of a com (physical comedy seem to be how romance writers express the com in rom); what’s more interesting is: it’s not much of a rom either.

The recent crop of contemporary romance writers write “rom-com” (or at least what the publishers are pushing as a seller) and don’t know much about com, other than the classic definition of a comedy as a narrative ending in a marriage/commitment/wedding, aka the romance HEA. But all the stuff that comes between the meeting and HEA, yeah, not much rom. Where’s the rom’s focus on the central hero and heroine? Gone. To set us up with the details of premise, character, and plot, the publisher’s blurb:

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?

Newton is an able, solid writer. She drew me into her story by giving me fully-realized characters. No info-dump, no wagging a telling authorial finger. Excellent, I thought, and settled in. The meet-cute was adorable and funny. Ryker and Bryce were wonderfully “real” and likeable: somewhat awkward, somewhat charming, rusty in the meeting-a-new-love-interest department and zingly attracted. The novel’s first half was enjoyable: well-paced, with a nice narrative interplay among action, romantic interaction (corny banter and texting, the “new” banter, but I’ll forgive this; Bryce and Ryker aren’t drawing-room-wit characters) and inner monologue. We read a balance of present action, courtship, and backstory, as well as inner monologue and dialogue. The hero and heroine’s “issues” weren’t too intrusive and the plot moppets took up a lot of page space, but equal to Ryker and Bryce’s romance.

Then, in the second half, things went downhill, never to make it up the hill to romance triumph. Part of this is because, as others who analyze romance have noted, contemporary romance has a hard time coming up with reasons for the hero and heroine to be apart. It’s hard to find taboos, conflicts, cross purposes when people can “hook up” at their will, consent, and understanding. Ryker and Bryce date, share one love scene and are never seen together again. Fair enough. Ryker and Bryce are given to frequent internal doubts: Ryker because of his PTSD and HO, Bryce because of her obligations to her nieces and a custody battle with their maternal grand-parents.

But when your hero and heroine have their feelings and desire to be and stay together wrapped up half-way through the romance, what do you do? You break them up! Sadly, this is where things went to hell in a hand-basket. Newton understands that the Big Mis is a romance no-no and old school to boot, so she goes for what contemporary romance loves these days. I call it the Big Oops-Delay. Just as Ryker is about to tell Bryce where and why he’s disappearing to, oopsy, the phone rings, or the door does, or a secondary character shows up unexpectedly. It’s contrived and tedious and contemporary romance is rife with it. Then, I almost welcomed it, the Big Oops-Delay morphs into the Big Mis! It’s lame and hokey, but there it is. The HEA is rushed and drippy with sentiment.

On a final note, great romance has always treated the love scene as a culminating point in the narrative, an important milestone in the hero and heroine’s relationship. Of the contemporary romance I’ve read, the love scene has become matter-of-fact, at times, perfunctory, no biggie. Newton’s love scene is explicit, but meh emotionally and doesn’t factor into narrative importance. Maybe this is real; maybe this diminution is a step in the “right direction”, maybe it shouldn’t be that important. Maybe it’s a good thing for the genre. It just doesn’t feel much like romance though, not anymore, and not for this reader. Miss Austen might agree, Change Of Plans is “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.

Dylan Newton’s Change Of Plans is published by Forever. It released earlier this month. I received an e-galley, from Forever, via Netgalley. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.

Bryce Weatherford is newly self-proclaimed "mom-like creature," responsible for her three nieces in a new town after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. Her life is chaotic. Ryker Matthews is a veteran who had his knee amputated after an accident as a Marine and still suffers with pain and PTSD. When Ryker saves the day for Bryce in a grocery store, the two strike up a friendship that slowly evolves into something more.

Change of Plans was such a cute romance with unique characters. You don't see a lot of single "mom-like creatures" or veterans in romance novels, so I loved having these two spotlighted in this book. It was laugh out loud funny. While I've never been in either of their positions, Bryce and Ryker were so relatable in their struggles.