Change of Plans is the third book in the ‘Plans’ series. This stars Crown Prince Efren of Zioneven, and Prince Marcelo of Sheburat, and is told in third person from both of their povs.



I hadn’t read the first two books in this series before reading this one, so I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough background. But the author put in enough information so I knew where I was in the plot. However, I went back and read the first two stories right after reading this one, and I think to appreciate what happens in Book Three, it’s best to read the first books before this one. The reason I say that is, this series is heavily character driven, and Efren and Marcelo are so perfect and sweet together I kind of missed out on their connection before the events in Book Three. Not only that, Marcelo is glad he lost his memory about some events that happened in Book Two. And the only way to appreciate why he feels that way is to have read Book Two before this one. So even though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I’d suggest not. Read the first two books first, they aren’t long. Book One is very short and Book Two a bit longer. In fact, they could’ve been combined as a Part One and Part Two inside one book.

The blurb does a good job of explaining what happens in the plot. At first I was confused by how the author set it up. The story starts with the couple having forgotten about everything that had happened, including them getting married and their travels to Zioneven. The story progresses with Efren and Marcelo having to reacquaint themselves with each other. Everyone around them knows who they are and what has happened over the last few months, but they don’t. I’d call this the main storyline about their relationship. The part I got confused with was the author wrote a second timeline in the past that started with Efren, without memory loss, and it’s about how the couple ended up with lost memories and why. By the end, the two timelines converge and all the answers to why they lost their memories, and why events happened in the other two books are answered. So, this is another reason to read Books One and Two first. One last part I had trouble understanding was the political mechanizations between the kingdoms, but that’s likely just me.

What I enjoyed the most in this story were Marcelo and Efren. They are so adorable and cute together. Their affection for each other jumps off the page. Marcelo was raised in a matriarchy and males were considered ‘extra’. He wasn’t as educated as his sisters and he didn’t have any purpose in helping the family. He also didn’t have any fighting skills. When he awakens with his lost memory, he doesn’t remember how he’s changed since his marriage and he’s reverted to his previous behavior. What helps him is the knowledge that Efren, the royal Zioneven family, and soldiers all know and have witnessed his bravery and cleverness. So, he holds on to that to help him through what happens in this book. Efren is better off, he’s in his own place, he just doesn’t know Marcelo, but he’s just as kind, gentle, and courtly to Marcelo as he was the first time he met him.

I want to add a final comment. I'd love to read a story about Marcelo and Efren, maybe months or a year later, after Marcelo has changed very much, returning to Sheburat for some reason. Maybe a diplomatic mission or the marriage of one of Marcelo's sisters. It would be awesome if his family could see that Marcelo had blossomed and wasn't the naive and insecure young man he was when he left. Then maybe see the matriarchy change somewhat to treat the males better. Matriarchy is no better than Patriarchy, they're just opposite, since they both use power to keep one gender less educated and less equal because of fear. Matriarchy needs to change just as much. I would really love to read such a story.

Marcelo and Efren were my favorite part of the book. They’re so cute together. I’d recommend reading the first two books in this series first even though you could read this one by itself, I just don’t think you’d get as much out of it. Entertaining and a quick, easy read, I give Change of Plans, 4 Stars.



I received an ARC copy from the author. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion about this book. ( )