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A Change in Plans #2
Better with You
Paige Parker has no time for romance. She’s too busy building up her house-flipping business. But when a charming guy comes between her and the house she wants, Paige is a little more torn than she expected. For a girl who’s always gone with her firm business sense, she’s not sure how to trust her heart.
When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more.
When is it worth taking a chance on love?
When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more.
When is it worth taking a chance on love?
162 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2018
225 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books517 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 22, 2020
This is second in a series and we meet Shaun in the first and he remains good friends with Corrie and Preston and they're very present in this story. So I highly recommend reading in order.
This was a delightful read. It's short and no-nonsense but that's mostly a function of having adults who talk things out working through conflict both internal and external with maturity. It's the right length for the story, is what I'm saying. Also, it was a good story.
Feel free to skip this paragraph if you don't care about story analysis... I talk a lot about negative motivation* as a slayer of plot momentum, so I'm bringing forward how this story is an interesting example of how very subtle the distinction can be. Both protagonists are heavily involved in their work and both have been putting off having a serious relationship for years. Shaun because he likes to keep things light and doesn't want to hurt others and Paige because she doesn't like putting herself out there so much and is content with her work taking over vast swaths of her life. But neither of those motivations actually drags the plot down at all and that's because neither is motivated by "I don't want relationships". Shaun likes helping and doesn't want to hurt. Paige loves her work and doesn't want to force herself to adapt to the expectations of others. So as the relationship starts to get serious and they realize that they're falling deeper than they usually are comfortable with, their motivations are actually helping to propel the plot. For Shaun, he finds someone who says what she means and who will stick up for herself, so he doesn't need to worry about hurting her. He does and will hurt her because they aren't perfect, but they'll work it out without blowing things up. For Paige, she finds someone who understands her work, can join in it without taking it over, and who takes her for who she is without any pressure to change.
Anyway, I really liked these characters and I loved seeing them work together to overcome conflicts. They have great banter and they make an awesome team and I just loved everything about this. The first story was held together by the young child both had to take care of. I wondered how well this would do without the child. I needn't have worried.
A note about Chaste: Emotional intimacy is way more important to both main characters than any other aspect of a relationship and neither is into casual hook-ups. So it felt very natural for this to be a chaste read as it closes with them committing when they realize how vital each is to the other. Very well-done, I think, and strongly chaste as a result, with nothing more than some very nice kissing.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
This was a delightful read. It's short and no-nonsense but that's mostly a function of having adults who talk things out working through conflict both internal and external with maturity. It's the right length for the story, is what I'm saying. Also, it was a good story.
Feel free to skip this paragraph if you don't care about story analysis... I talk a lot about negative motivation* as a slayer of plot momentum, so I'm bringing forward how this story is an interesting example of how very subtle the distinction can be. Both protagonists are heavily involved in their work and both have been putting off having a serious relationship for years. Shaun because he likes to keep things light and doesn't want to hurt others and Paige because she doesn't like putting herself out there so much and is content with her work taking over vast swaths of her life. But neither of those motivations actually drags the plot down at all and that's because neither is motivated by "I don't want relationships". Shaun likes helping and doesn't want to hurt. Paige loves her work and doesn't want to force herself to adapt to the expectations of others. So as the relationship starts to get serious and they realize that they're falling deeper than they usually are comfortable with, their motivations are actually helping to propel the plot. For Shaun, he finds someone who says what she means and who will stick up for herself, so he doesn't need to worry about hurting her. He does and will hurt her because they aren't perfect, but they'll work it out without blowing things up. For Paige, she finds someone who understands her work, can join in it without taking it over, and who takes her for who she is without any pressure to change.
Anyway, I really liked these characters and I loved seeing them work together to overcome conflicts. They have great banter and they make an awesome team and I just loved everything about this. The first story was held together by the young child both had to take care of. I wondered how well this would do without the child. I needn't have worried.
A note about Chaste: Emotional intimacy is way more important to both main characters than any other aspect of a relationship and neither is into casual hook-ups. So it felt very natural for this to be a chaste read as it closes with them committing when they realize how vital each is to the other. Very well-done, I think, and strongly chaste as a result, with nothing more than some very nice kissing.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
April 20, 2018
This was such a fun and enjoyable read! Once I started this book I couldn't put it down and finished it very quickly. The characters were well-written and relatable. The romance was sweet and clean, but not predictable.
I haven't read the previous novel in the series, The Start of Us, but as the description says Better With You can stand on its own. I definitely want to read the first book and the third book, which is Ashley's story, sometime soon.
I'd recommend this novel to fans of clean contemporary romance.
I haven't read the previous novel in the series, The Start of Us, but as the description says Better With You can stand on its own. I definitely want to read the first book and the third book, which is Ashley's story, sometime soon.
I'd recommend this novel to fans of clean contemporary romance.
April 16, 2018
BETTER WITH YOU is an awkward dance of laughter and chemistry with some unforgettable characters. From the hilarious first meet, to the last page, Paige and Shaun are a delight. I didn't read the first book and in no way felt lost, just so you know.
Paige is a very spunky and tough girl on the outside, yet her core is soft and sweet. Peeling away those layers was a lot of fun, especially as she emerged as a very likable character. Shaun is adorable from the start and as the story progressed and the reader is treated to a deeper look at him, he became even more endearing.
I enjoyed the plot, situations, and the quirky characters, even in their dramatic times, and want to pick up the first book to catch up on some of these people. This is a fun, clean romance.
Content: mild romance with some light innuendo; very mild implications of emotional/physical abuse
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinions*
Paige is a very spunky and tough girl on the outside, yet her core is soft and sweet. Peeling away those layers was a lot of fun, especially as she emerged as a very likable character. Shaun is adorable from the start and as the story progressed and the reader is treated to a deeper look at him, he became even more endearing.
I enjoyed the plot, situations, and the quirky characters, even in their dramatic times, and want to pick up the first book to catch up on some of these people. This is a fun, clean romance.
Content: mild romance with some light innuendo; very mild implications of emotional/physical abuse
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinions*
January 26, 2021
Contemporary romance
A compelling, funny, comfort read that leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling yet it has those deliciously emotional moments as well.
I adored the hero in this book, he was scarred but very likeable and a true family man although he was afraid of commitment.
The heroine came off as standoffish in the beginning but her character developed into a lovely lady and the HEA was wonderful.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: chaste
A compelling, funny, comfort read that leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling yet it has those deliciously emotional moments as well.
I adored the hero in this book, he was scarred but very likeable and a true family man although he was afraid of commitment.
The heroine came off as standoffish in the beginning but her character developed into a lovely lady and the HEA was wonderful.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: chaste
September 25, 2020
Cute story! Two people who were so opposed to love find that with the right person, it can lead to their happily-ever-after. I really enjoyed both Paige & Shaun, they had funny moments that made me laugh out loud & serious moments too. I thought they were perfect for each other and I enjoyed watching their stories unfold. Oh and I LOVED that Paige was a house flipper! Those are my favorite type of shows on HGTV so that made this story especially fun for me to read.
A clean, funny, heartfelt love story that'll make you smile at the end!
A clean, funny, heartfelt love story that'll make you smile at the end!
March 23, 2018
Romance, clean; series, but stand alone
This was a fun, light read. A house and some friends bring this couple together, mix in a bit of family drama, and some bumps in the road, and a cute story. I always love romance with two honest, hardworking hearts with lots of attraction and chemistry. Not perfect, but a fun, light read for me
This was a fun, light read. A house and some friends bring this couple together, mix in a bit of family drama, and some bumps in the road, and a cute story. I always love romance with two honest, hardworking hearts with lots of attraction and chemistry. Not perfect, but a fun, light read for me
December 3, 2021
Again, I hate the cover! But also, again, the story and characters have depth while still being interesting. On to number 3 of this series...
August 28, 2021
When I met Shaun in the first book I didn't like him all that much so I was surprised that I could like him so well in this book. I love how caring he is toward his mother and marvel that he turned out so opposite of his father and brother. He is truly a good person. Is it weird that I love the author chose this spelling of Shaun as opposed to Shawn or Sean? Cuz I do.
Paige too is a good person as shown in her concern for her sister. I loved the meet-cute between them. It was a lot of fun.
The story dealt with the difficult topic of domestic abuse but I thought the author handled it well. We knew enough to understand what was happening but the story didn't get bogged down with detailed abusive situations. It resolves pretty easily in the story but there is also an indication that she had tried to break things off before that we weren't privy to.
Despite the domestic abuse, the story was entertaining to read and has a lovely happily ever after ending.
Possible trigger: domestic abuse
Sex: implied as a couple are living together but not talked about at all
Language: no
Violence: domestic abuse
Paige too is a good person as shown in her concern for her sister. I loved the meet-cute between them. It was a lot of fun.
The story dealt with the difficult topic of domestic abuse but I thought the author handled it well. We knew enough to understand what was happening but the story didn't get bogged down with detailed abusive situations. It resolves pretty easily in the story but there is also an indication that she had tried to break things off before that we weren't privy to.
Despite the domestic abuse, the story was entertaining to read and has a lovely happily ever after ending.
Possible trigger: domestic abuse
Sex: implied as a couple are living together but not talked about at all
Language: no
Violence: domestic abuse
February 11, 2020
Simple, easy, enjoyable
I actually liked this book which is becoming more and more rare in this genre. I enjoyed the between Shaun and Paige. It felt natural and I was glad that Shaun actually liked Paige and didn't treat her like crap. I read the first book in the series and hated it because Preston was so awful. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more of them as a couple. I also really dislike the cliche of a guy not wanting a relationship because his parents had a bed relationship. It's just overdone and it just seems like a really lame excuse for the guy to sleep with women and then brush them off afterwards. There was very little drama in this book. In fact the little drama there is doesn't actually take place between the 2 main characters. Could have been a little bit more exciting but it was a nice read and I was actually happy to see these 2 people end up together.
I actually liked this book which is becoming more and more rare in this genre. I enjoyed the between Shaun and Paige. It felt natural and I was glad that Shaun actually liked Paige and didn't treat her like crap. I read the first book in the series and hated it because Preston was so awful. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more of them as a couple. I also really dislike the cliche of a guy not wanting a relationship because his parents had a bed relationship. It's just overdone and it just seems like a really lame excuse for the guy to sleep with women and then brush them off afterwards. There was very little drama in this book. In fact the little drama there is doesn't actually take place between the 2 main characters. Could have been a little bit more exciting but it was a nice read and I was actually happy to see these 2 people end up together.
January 27, 2022
You know what, why not 5 stars?
I didn't realise I was reading a series, so it took me by surprise that this follows Shaun from the first book. I actually didn't really know what to expect going into this because I didn't read the summary before jumping in, and maybe that worked in my favour.
I really enjoyed Paige and Shaun. They're both very likeable and I enjoyed how organic their relationship felt. No insta-love here, or over the top sappiness either. Both Shaun and Paige are dealing with their own baggage/life hurdles and I thought the way this was interwoven into the story was very very well done.
The pacing was great and this had the chemistry that I felt was missing from Corrie and Preston's book.
Took me by surprise, but in the best way.
I didn't love Paige's sister Ashley in this book, and I've read reviews saying her book entry disappoints so I may skim that one to get to Lina's book in the fourth installation.
I didn't realise I was reading a series, so it took me by surprise that this follows Shaun from the first book. I actually didn't really know what to expect going into this because I didn't read the summary before jumping in, and maybe that worked in my favour.
I really enjoyed Paige and Shaun. They're both very likeable and I enjoyed how organic their relationship felt. No insta-love here, or over the top sappiness either. Both Shaun and Paige are dealing with their own baggage/life hurdles and I thought the way this was interwoven into the story was very very well done.
The pacing was great and this had the chemistry that I felt was missing from Corrie and Preston's book.
Took me by surprise, but in the best way.
I didn't love Paige's sister Ashley in this book, and I've read reviews saying her book entry disappoints so I may skim that one to get to Lina's book in the fourth installation.
February 5, 2020
A very charming story.
Opposites attract. Shaun is fun-loving, carefree and never gets serious with any woman he dates. Paige doesn’t have time for his brand of funny. But Shaun has a heart of gold and is doing everything he can to help his mom live a better life. And Paige is doing everything she can to support her sister, who is in a relationship that makes Paige nervous.
Somehow never seeing each other again after the unexpected way they met, turns into much more. Shaun needs some outside help to decide if he is ready for commitment even though his heart said YES a long time ago. Paige needs to realize that she feels good when she is with Shaun, that her heart says YES and it’s time to stop putting work first to fill a hole that only love can fix.
This was a sweet story with a strong “family first” theme in addition to the romance. Bonus: Shaun is a ginger!
Opposites attract. Shaun is fun-loving, carefree and never gets serious with any woman he dates. Paige doesn’t have time for his brand of funny. But Shaun has a heart of gold and is doing everything he can to help his mom live a better life. And Paige is doing everything she can to support her sister, who is in a relationship that makes Paige nervous.
Somehow never seeing each other again after the unexpected way they met, turns into much more. Shaun needs some outside help to decide if he is ready for commitment even though his heart said YES a long time ago. Paige needs to realize that she feels good when she is with Shaun, that her heart says YES and it’s time to stop putting work first to fill a hole that only love can fix.
This was a sweet story with a strong “family first” theme in addition to the romance. Bonus: Shaun is a ginger!
July 6, 2019
Okay so, surprisingly good
Really super unexpected, but I seriously loved the book. It was witty and funny and adorable and I loved Paige and Shaun. They were both pretty reasonable and kind, there was only one moment where I thought Paige was being stupid and it only lasted for a couple of pages. There was the perfect amount of drama, aka, not too much. And the author handled the topic of abusive relationships well and with class, although I might have done more to convince my sister that what was going on wasn’t right, Paige’s method was certainly effective. Five stars!
Really super unexpected, but I seriously loved the book. It was witty and funny and adorable and I loved Paige and Shaun. They were both pretty reasonable and kind, there was only one moment where I thought Paige was being stupid and it only lasted for a couple of pages. There was the perfect amount of drama, aka, not too much. And the author handled the topic of abusive relationships well and with class, although I might have done more to convince my sister that what was going on wasn’t right, Paige’s method was certainly effective. Five stars!
October 10, 2018
This was a delightful read, Paige and Shaun were both emotionally mature characters who were not looking for a relationship. Their meet cute was sweet and even though they expected to not encounter each other again fate stepped in when they were both looking to purchase the same home. I loved how their relationship built slowly and I enjoyed their sweet flirtatious side with each other as well. I would recommend this one if you are looking for a quick romance fix!
May 26, 2022
Paige Parker is stuck on a horrible blind date until her “cousin” comes to her rescue. Shaun Randall knows how to interact with women, but he’s not sure he ever wants a relationship. After running into Paige again, he might consider rethinking his posture on relationships.
Shaun did not disappoint. He was funny, caring, and hard working. Paige was a girl boss who was not expecting love, but took a chance on it anyway. I enjoyed how the characters were written and how the author explored their motivations. A fun quick read with a little more depth to it.
March 28, 2018
I'm so glad this was Shaun's story. I wanted the hunk flirt from the first book to find love. This was a deeper story and it seemed a bit quick for the sister to get out of an abusive situation. However, it's a short story and some people can see it faster than others. I'm glad it all worked out and hope her sister has a good love story coming up.
June 10, 2018
Fun
Love the humour and fun in this story, whilst also dealing with serious stuff. I like that the two main characters are people of integrity with good working ethics, who care about doing things right and looking out for others. I really enjoyed this book as a follow up from the previous book.
Love the humour and fun in this story, whilst also dealing with serious stuff. I like that the two main characters are people of integrity with good working ethics, who care about doing things right and looking out for others. I really enjoyed this book as a follow up from the previous book.
December 8, 2020
Outstanding
What a great story this one is! Rachel has a great style in making you feel like you are really involved in the lives of the people in the story. I could feel Shaun's anxiety and Ashley's pain in dealing with her boyfriend. Paige's work ethic to hide her dating insecurities makes her dating Shaun so sweet and believable. Great job Rachel!
What a great story this one is! Rachel has a great style in making you feel like you are really involved in the lives of the people in the story. I could feel Shaun's anxiety and Ashley's pain in dealing with her boyfriend. Paige's work ethic to hide her dating insecurities makes her dating Shaun so sweet and believable. Great job Rachel!
March 29, 2018
I loved Paige and Shaun. Paige is spunky and independent but has a soft side. Shaun is a charmer and life experience has taught not to get too serious with a women. Paige and Shaun have a fun introduction and from then on the laughs and the sparks keep coming.
August 5, 2018
Perfect romance
I loved this sweet romance story. The characters were believable and there were some funny moments. I've also read (and loved) the first book in the series, but you could easily read this as a standalone. Can't wait to read more by this author. 😊
I loved this sweet romance story. The characters were believable and there were some funny moments. I've also read (and loved) the first book in the series, but you could easily read this as a standalone. Can't wait to read more by this author. 😊
October 1, 2018
4.5 stars
I actually didn't really like Shaun all that much in the first book. I fell in love with his poor damaged self in this one. He and Paige made a wonderful, believable couple. I am loving this series and can't wait to read the next!
I actually didn't really like Shaun all that much in the first book. I fell in love with his poor damaged self in this one. He and Paige made a wonderful, believable couple. I am loving this series and can't wait to read the next!
July 3, 2019
Better With You
Loved this book from the meet cute to the proposal! I was captivated by Paige and Shaun as they discover that life is really better with each other. Read this book if you are looking for a delightful romance!
Loved this book from the meet cute to the proposal! I was captivated by Paige and Shaun as they discover that life is really better with each other. Read this book if you are looking for a delightful romance!
July 8, 2019
Outstanding! Rachel is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I fell in love with the characters! Shaun's humor and chemistry with Paige is tangible. I loved it from beginning to end!
June 13, 2020
When I saw this story was going to be about Shaun, whom I “met” in the last story, it gave me pause. However, it was a very good story and I enjoyed Shaun as a character (and Paige, too). I did think the epilogue was awkward.
July 10, 2020
Book 2 Shun and Paige
Paige flippers house and blogs about good food. Meeting Shaun at a house she wants for quick flip is not as important as letting Shaun have his first house near his friends Preston and Corrie.
Paige flippers house and blogs about good food. Meeting Shaun at a house she wants for quick flip is not as important as letting Shaun have his first house near his friends Preston and Corrie.
August 6, 2020
I always review all my novels, including the ones that I did not buy, because I did not like the sample, as in this case. I suppose this novella could be called (clean) chicklit, which I sometimes like, but not in this case.
September 25, 2020
Shaun and Paige
Another cute story. How perfect to find the guy who fits you perfectly. Even though he needs to well on relationship skills he seems to have it down and knows when to be there for Paige.
Another cute story. How perfect to find the guy who fits you perfectly. Even though he needs to well on relationship skills he seems to have it down and knows when to be there for Paige.
February 22, 2021
Paige has the worse crush one one of her bosses.
Shaun has no idea what is happening but his partner is acting strange. When his partner goes out of town he realizes Paige is the only one to help him life has a strange way if proving your need someone.
Shaun has no idea what is happening but his partner is acting strange. When his partner goes out of town he realizes Paige is the only one to help him life has a strange way if proving your need someone.
September 4, 2022
Her Charming Distraction is book two in A Change of Plans series. I thought this book was okay. Not my favorite. I didn’t really like the heroine Paige’s personality. She was a little too brash for me. But overall, it's a quick romance with only a few kisses.
May 9, 2024
Good
But not my favorite Rachel John book. Shaun was fun loving just like in the last book, but there was a lot of wasted words on their everyday work. I got a little bored and skipped to get back to the love story!
But not my favorite Rachel John book. Shaun was fun loving just like in the last book, but there was a lot of wasted words on their everyday work. I got a little bored and skipped to get back to the love story!
April 11, 2018
Loved it
I loved this story. I loved the characters and how they worked through real life problems. The romance was sweet and clean.
I loved this story. I loved the characters and how they worked through real life problems. The romance was sweet and clean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews