ARC Review - Publish Date August 1, 2023
Author: Dylan Newton
Series: Stand Alone
Category: Contemporary Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
"If they had to bring the Jaws of Life to get her out, I'm screwed from ever getting guardianship of my nieces." - Bryce
Change of Plans was cheesy from beginning to end but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
Ryker, a military hero suffering from PTSD and lingering pain due to an amputation, had hidden away from everyone, including his well-meaning family and friends. He was tired of feeling pity and couldn't imagine a life outside of working at his garage and sticking to himself.
"Because I avoid the café, my family, and all civilians as much as possible. That may make me a rotten son, but my presence lately is far worse." - Ryker
Before meeting our heroine Bryce and her wild brood, Ryker was uninspired with life, but soon after realizing that they needed him, the sense of purpose propelled him to forge ahead in finally tackling his demons. His interactions with the kids brought out a softer, more playful side of him that would have any woman swooning.
"He opted for more pirate. More pirate was always safe. 'Arrgh! Yer aunt be a wise lass.'" - Ryker
My heart hurt for Bryce, doing her best to raise three girls, while slowly drowning in the responsibility and endless struggles of parenthood. Time and time again life threw curveballs at her but she still had such a warm, winning personality even when her back was against the wall.
"But then again, these past months in Wellsville had felt similar to stepping on dry land after a day spend Jet-Skiing in the choppy waters of the Tampa Bay - she was in a constant state of dizzying vertigo as she struggled to keep her feet pointed in the right direction." - Bryce
I loved how outgoing Bryce was as her relationship developed with Ryker, willing to say what she wanted. She was frank, honest, generous and the perfect person to grab Ryker and push him out of his comfort zone.
Bryce and Ryker's chemistry could have been stronger. Half of the time, Bryce just talked at Ryker while he was having the rest of the conversation in his head before giving one-word answers back. I'd have liked a little more connection between the two, with sexual tension shown more than told. Despite the descriptive language and graphic details, there was very limited spice to our two main character's interactions.
The three girls were all delightful characters, if a bit exaggerated. There is a trend in romance books to use kids and their outlandish behavior to drive the story forward and I am not a huge fan. A few scenes were just over the top, the first chapter specifically, but I have to admit I had a smile on my face when Addie, Cecily, and June were up to their latest hijinks.
"This was serious. Her niece had nailed a guy in the prunes. He might really be hurt." - Bryce
I'd recommend Change of Plans to anyone who enjoys romance books with military heroes. This book is a stand-alone but features several characters from previous Dylan Newton books "How Sweet It Is" and "All Fired Up". I would suggest reading those two books first to get a better understanding of Ryker's family.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tropes and Themes: Scarred Hero, Military, PTSD, Single Parent, Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town.
Blurb
A hometown hero comes to the rescue of a struggling chef unexpectedly caring for three little girls who may end up saving him too, in this romantic comedy that perfectly balances depth, charm, and all the feels.
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?
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