Isn't It Romantic?

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Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
Published by Forever on August 1, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

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?

My face hurts from how much this book made me smile!

Picture yourself - a single, up and coming chef. Then, your brother and his wife are killed, and you are named guardian of their three children. Talk about big life changes! That was exactly what happened to Bryce. She was doing her best to provide love and support for her three nieces, but it was tricky as everyone involved was still grieving a huge loss.

Enter Ryker, a very handsome ex-Marine who had his own personal struggles including complications from his amputation, PTSD, and the loss of his future in the military. His transition back to civilian life had not been an easy one, and he was having difficulties connecting to people.

I loved the way Ryker and Bryce's lives came together. It was like the universe knew they both needed someone to show them that it's ok to accept help from others and to lean on them for support when necessary. I was so invested in this couple, but it wasn't only because I am always about the HEA. It was because they really seemed to understand what the other person needed in order to get through this life. 

I was especially taken with Ryker. He quietly did such wonderful and kind things for Bryce and her nieces. His interactions with the girls were precious, but he also embraced the chaos of it all. Instead of trying to change it, he organically worked to be a part of their lives in a positive way.

I am sad that this was my last trip to Wellsville, as each Matthews brother has now found their HEA, but I am happy to leave with a heart full of happiness and joy. It was a special treat meeting this family, and I loved being part of their journeys.

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Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London
Published by Canary Street Press on August 1, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Can you ever really forget the one who got away?

August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson.

Now an emotionally closed off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top, dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.

Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time?

I have greatly enjoyed this series! In this installment, London incorporated a trope I adore - Friends-to-Lovers. This romance was complicated from the start, as there was something long simmering between these two, however, Keaton had shut the door to his heart following his wife's death. August was seeking someone to be her "forever", but she carried many wounds from her upbringing. Always being made to feel as though she was never enough, she struggled with romantic relationships. Would timing finally be right for these two?

I know my previous paragraph makes this story sound very serious, but it was actually sweet, lighthearted, and lots of fun with just the right amount of drama. I can attribute most of my laughter to the antics of one sassy husky named Molly who also played a role in pushing these two together.

When Keaton's sister was suffering from an MS flare up, she asked him to take Molly to the Pets in the City competition. Since Keaton was not a "dog person", August joined them in a supporting role, and we all know how proximity makes the romance things happen. 

The competition was fantastic. I loved all the events, and Molly was such a hoot.  I think even non-dog lovers will enjoy getting to know her and watching her put Keaton through his paces. 

So, lots of laughs, but there was plenty of substance to this story as well. Both Keaton and August struggled with the ghosts of their pasts, and they also had a lot of history having been part of each other's lives for so long. It was a pleasure seeing them support and aid each other as they unpacked their baggage. This was especially important for Keaton as his wife's death left him not wanting to risk forming connections of any kind. He became his job, and this did not fill the hole in his heart the way he thought it would.

My heart ached for both Keaton and August, and it filled me with joy to see them moving forward. I was also happy to be gifted with a beautiful ending that wrapped up the series nicely with respect to all three main characters. It was so sweet and satisfying, and it put a huge smile on my face.

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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