Change of Pace by Kayla Gross

Change of Pace Is a Spicy Road Trip Romance with Heart—But Not Without Bumps

I picked up Change of Pace by Kayla Gross on the promise of a road trip romance with forced proximity, slow burn tension, and a plus-size heroine who’s ready to chase her bucket list—and for the most part, that’s exactly what I got. This book is fun, spicy, and packed with some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, even if it didn’t always hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.

We meet Jesse Reeves, 28 years old, plus-size, and finally ready to start living on her own terms. She kicks things off with a very relatable entry on her bucket list: a one-night stand. And what a one-night stand it is—sexy, spontaneous, and with a man who clearly knows what he’s doing. The twist? Her mystery hookup, Asher Jamison, turns out to be very much not a stranger for long. She bumps into him at her best friend/roommate’s wedding, and soon the two of them are on a cross-country road trip together, checking off bucket list items one by one.

The premise is instantly engaging. There’s a sense of freedom and playfulness to the story’s structure, with each new stop on the road bringing another challenge, another laugh, or another layer to Jesse and Asher’s dynamic. I really enjoyed their chemistry—there’s an ease between them that makes the slow burn feel believable and satisfying. And Asher? He’s the kind of romantic lead you can’t help but root for. Patient, kind, attentive—he’s the “he falls first” guy who never makes a big show of it, but you feel it in every small, thoughtful moment.

There are some genuinely great touches in this book, too. Jesse’s ADHD is woven into her character in a way that feels real and familiar rather than gimmicky. The inclusion of Kawasaki Disease representation is also a welcome surprise—handled with sensitivity, it adds a layer of emotional history that grounds Asher’s character. And the humor? It works. There were multiple scenes where I actually laughed out loud, which isn’t something I can say about most romances.

But despite all the strengths, I found myself bumping up against the tone more than once. Jesse is supposed to be 28, but her voice often read much younger. Some of the dialogue and internal monologue felt like it belonged in a YA novel—not necessarily a dealbreaker, but enough that I kept getting pulled out of the story. It felt, at times, like a teenager’s idea of what being 28 and emotionally independent looks like, rather than the lived experience of someone that age.

That said, if you’re reading for the vibes—for the spice (3.5/5), the flirty banter, and the sheer joy of a good rom-com setup—Change of Pace is a solid pick. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s charming in the ways that matter most. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you're in the mood for.

RATING : 3.5/5