Set against the crisp, golden backdrop of autumn in New York, It’s Different This Time delivers a friends-to-lovers romance that’s cozy and emotional.

Joss Richard crafts a story of two roommates, Adam and June, whose slow burn connection simmers beneath shared spaces, late night confessions, and the kind of quiet intimacy that only comes from knowing someone deeply and loving them anyway. The chemistry is undeniable, and the early chapters glow with warmth and possibility.

But what begins as a tender, hopeful journey soon turns frustrating. Miscommunication becomes a recurring theme not just the occasional missed signal, but a pattern of emotional avoidance and repeated behaviors that feel all too familiar. Years pass, and the lack of honest dialogue between June and Adam becomes a source of tension not just for them, but for the reader. You want to shake them. You want to scream. You want them to talk.

And yet, that frustration is part of the point. Richard doesn’t offer easy resolutions. Instead, she explores how silence can shape relationships just as much as words and how love, no matter how deep, can falter when vulnerability is withheld.

This isn’t a perfect romance. It’s messy, real, and at times maddening. But it’s also a reminder that growth requires more than time, it demands courage, clarity, and the willingness to break old patterns.

If you love emotionally driven narratives with flawed characters and a strong sense of place, this one might be for you. Just be prepared to feel everything; the sweetness, the ache, and the longing for something more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joss Richard and team for allowing me the pleasure of sharing my own honest review of this book.

Spoiler Alert




Absolutely loved this book. I’m officially a fan of Joss Richard. I loved everything about the story but especially June’s relationship with Adam’s mom. Her relationship with her mom broke my heart and made me sad for her but I’m so glad she had a great relationship with Adam’s mom. When she got sick my heart broke for Adam. I loved that they did end up together and June ended up having her dreams come true of being of the stage. The letter from Stanley at the very end was a beautiful finishing touch to the story.

What a beautiful book! The slowest, sweetest burn — I adored how Adam and June’s love story unfolded. Joss Richard’s writing style is thoughtful and poignant, with vivid imagery — I not only felt as though I could taste, see, and feel New York City, but my heart ached with every fear, regret, and missed opportunity these characters faced. I want this story to become a movie, and I can’t wait to buy Richard’s next novel; highly recommend!

This is such a sweet second-chance romance. I loved the dual timeline, it worked really well and added a lot to the story, especially in showing how the characters have grown. The focus stays on the two main leads, which I appreciated, and the minor secondary characters show up just enough to add flavor without taking over the story. The pacing felt natural, the romance was satisfying, and it all wraps up with a happy ending that leaves you smiling. Definitely a solid, feel-good read.
Thanks to Ballantine for the arc.

4-4.5 stars

This was an angsty ride that had my emotions all over the place. I couldn't put it down once I started and ended up reading almost half the book in one sitting.

What I enjoyed:
- The book is a huge love letter to New York and Broadway. I felt like I was right there in the city and I'm itching to see Les Mis again.
- The dual timeline. I loved how the story was pieced together, slowly showing readers how it all began and grew, and the aftermath of different decisions along the way.
- June and Adam. These two have a sweet meet cute and then jump headfirst into cohabitation. It's a slow build, but seeing them go from strangers to best friends and experiencing all the highs and lows along the way, was beautiful.
- The Harper family & Chloe. Adam's family was such a contrast to June's own experiences and I loved how welcoming and loving they all were. June's relationship with Audrey and Sarah was so special. Chloe was also such a wonderful bestie. Always there to hype and cheer June/Adam on, but also a shoulder to cry on. I loved that she called June out in the end for her actions/behavior, while still loving and supporting her.
- I'm so impressed that this is the author's debut novel. The writing captured my heart and had me rooting for these two idiots to get out of their own ways.
- The overall message of trying again and taking chances. That dreams can evolve and shift and it's never too late to try. At different moments in the story, our characters are faced with some difficult choices. They don't know where those decisions will lead them, but they make the best choice they can in the moment, for better or for worse.

What didn't quite work:
- I'm not sure I would classify this as a true second chance romance.

(possible spoiler)

June and Adam never actually date in the past. It's more they get a second chance to actually tell the other how they truly feel.

(end spoiler)

- The other women and men. During the course of their friendship, you know that feelings are developing, but June and especially Adam date and have sex with other people. It's realistic since they aren't together, but I never like reading about the MC's being in relationships/situationships with other people.
- June and Adam. As much as I loved them, boy did they frustrate me at different times. Their avoidance and lack of communication during critical moments had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room. They just felt really immature for people in their mid 20's/early 30's.
- The reason for the separation. Surprise, surprise - it pretty much boiled down to miscommunication/a lack of communication. The reveal actually left me feeling pretty annoyed and angry and kept this from being a 5 star read for me. So much could have been avoided if these two would have had an honest conversation. I understand that people are dumb though and make rash decisions without all of the facts. No one wants to be scared and vulnerable and sometimes avoiding those things sets in motions events that are even worse. I was glad to see that both went to therapy though and while still difficult, they actually were eventually honest with each other.

Overall, this was a great contemporary romance that I think will resonate with a lot of readers. I'm excited to see what the author writes next!

CW: parental abandonment and estrangement, death of parent (cancer), grief

*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book*

This story had such cozy vibes just like the cover - it felt like the perfect Fall/Autumn read.

It’s truly my kind of love story - a roommates-to-lovers second chance romance but at its core it’s a friends to lovers story. The dual timeline is such a great tool to portray a second chance romance because it really makes you eager as a reader to find out why they broke up in the first place.

Though the story is set in both NYC and LA, this book is indeed a love letter to New York! I loved the juxtaposition of the differing worlds of theater (Broadway in NY) vs film/TV (LA).

Meet Adam, my new book boyfriend - a man who can cook (he’s a chef after all!) and grew up in a healthy, loving environment unlike June, who has parental abandonment issues. This contrast plays a very key role in their relationship.

In conclusion, this is undoubtedly a remarkable debut about two people chasing their dreams!

oh yeah i loved this so much 🥹🍂🤎💫

I ADORE THIS BOOK!!!!! the musical theater, roommates to best friends to lovers, new york city, second chance romance of my dreams!!!!!! i genuinely do not know how to adequately write how precious & swoony this book is !!! i am realizing that i am a roommates to lovers trope fanatic, because there is something so deliciously tender about living with someone and slowly but surely finding yourself helplessly in love with them. PLS!!!!

the yearning & just absolute LONGING between adam & june 🥹 across BOTH timelines !! oh my word these two love each other!! speaking of adam, i love him so much!! he's playful and flirty but also one of the most reliable men you've ever met. he will be there for you in whatever capacity you need, and that right there is a MAN. & he's a chef!!!! june's journey to feeling loved and cared for and enough was powerful. my heart broke for her time and time again, and i'm so glad she was able to find herself and let herself be loved the way she deserves.

i got lucky & read this RIGHT after visiting new york city & let me tell you, it enhanced my reading experience so much. i felt like i was THERE, but that's also a testament to how well joss richard wrote this book. if i didn't know this was her debut, i would never have known. it's written like a seasoned pro.

thank you so much Dell Romance for the arc! this is my honest review.

4.5⭐ rounded down
Well-written and engaging second chance romance with achingly real characters, especially the FMC. After 5 years of being best friends and roommates, June fled to LA leaving Adam behind. When circumstances throw the two of them back together, we see them dance around each other melting the walls between them. But what caused their estrangement and can they overcome it?

It’s Different This Time is a witty, insightful, and deeply relatable contemporary novel that explores love, personal growth, and the messy realities of modern relationships. The story follows characters navigating heartbreak, self-discovery, and the often hilarious—but sometimes painful—lessons that come with dating and life. The author’s voice is sharp and engaging, blending humor with moments of genuine emotional depth that make the characters feel real and relatable. With its clever dialogue, well-paced plot, and heartfelt exploration of connection, It’s Different This Time is a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

I really enjoyed this romance novel! Friends to lovers and set in NYC! It was such a cute read. There were times that it felt liked it dragged on. I would have loved to see the point of view from the MMC.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I went into It's Different This Time thinking it was going to be a cute second-chance fall romcom. And while there was certainly a second-chance romance, this book covered so much more. I truly appreciated the real and raw experiences and emotions that our fmc, June, went through, and the journey we followed her on. The ensemble of characters also had very relatable and similar arcs, which I appreciated as well. I am always fond of the found-family trope, and this book had a fantastic one!
Please be aware that there are some real and heavy topics covered in this book <spoiler>(abandonment, parental loss, etc.)</spoiler>. I wish we could have had Adam's POV, as I feel the story would have really benefited from it, but overall, this was a great read!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC!

This was the perfect fall rom-com! I loved it SO much, and quickly fell for the characters. I was rooting for them to make it work the entire time. Best cozy vibes-- a must read for Fall!

My friends RAVED about this book and my god were they right in doing so! This book is perfection in every way - you have fall in nyc, second chance romance (technically third but who’s counting!), friends to lovers, and I fear the hottest mmc to ever exist.

The yearning and absolute all knowing aspects of love that were in this book were so visceral that I could physically feel it. Adam and June’s love story is one that I want tattooed on my body so that I can remember it forever! Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this arc (that is now one of my top romance books of all time) in exchange for my review!

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group | Penguin Random House | Ballantine & Dell, for providing this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Love y’all to the moon & back.

WOWWWW. I would have never guessed this was a debut. Something I love more than a debut is a book that makes me cry. This was both. Joss Richard—watch her name in this space!!

After her TV show is canceled, June Wood returns to New York and the brownstone she once shared with her former roommate, Adam Harper. The two unexpectedly inherit the property together, forcing them into close quarters after five years of estrangement. What starts as a temporary arrangement quickly brings up old wounds and long-buried feelings, leaving June and Adam to confront their past and decide if they’re ready to risk a second chance.

A second-chance romance of two long-time best friends, and a time jump is a win for me. I eat that sh*t up!!! I was giggling & kicking my feet within the first 30% of the book, which is a great sign. I loved June & Adam’s character arcs; their friendship with each other was extremely palpable, and the book takes place in New York City during the fall. Absolutely visionary. I could smell it through the pages.

Something I love about FMC is when she is messy. Like, a little bit all over the place, confused about life & love—it’s one of my favorite arcs. Not just because it’s relatable, but because I love seeing how the author makes it all come together in the end. June was exactly that; she is someone everyone can find comfort in. As for Adam, and I mean this in the best way possible, I’m not even sure how this man got approved. He is the blueprint. A chef & owner of New York City’s best restaurant, hot af, commands a room, is financially stable, and would take a bullet for June. I mean, cmon, I’m going to die alone!!

This book was all the things you should love about a fall romance. I still can’t believe this was a debut; it was truly such a beautiful story. I can’t wait for everyone else to be able to read this & feel all the things I felt. Queue up Cardigan by Taylor Swift, buy a sweater, apple pie, and some tissues to really enhance the experience. I need an Adam immediately, if not sooner, thanks.

If I didn't know that It's Different This Time was Joss Richard's debut, I would have never guessed that it was. IDTT is heartwarming and charming, perfect for for fans of Tarah Dewitt and Abby Jimenez. June and Adam are easily lovable characters and Richard writes their growth as their own people over the years in such a way that you root for both characters to get what they want. This book is atmospheric for a romcom-- readers will love 74 Perry and NYC just by Richard's descriptions alone.

Second chance romance meets fall in NYC! I enjoyed the cozy vibes of this love story.

June Wood + Adam Harper made the best friends to lovers with a long friendship before the romance. When done well, I think this trope enriches the romance! The slow burn of it all makes a beautiful melody of wonderful chemistry and found family. June, a talented actress and Adam, a highly-esteemed chef, were both incredibly dedicated to their crafts. They are brought back together by 74 Perry Street, a beautiful brownstone in NYC. I love all the secondary characters that made the story so vivid and colorful. I did not the scene at 88%, it felt forced, but I will say I did enjoy the payoff!

Thank you Netgalley Dell Romance for this ARC!

Great debut. Enjoyed the New York setting and the second chance friends to lovers storyline. I liked the twist that they never had actually been together as more than friends Overly descriptive “eat my breakfast” sexual comments are a little over the top in my opinion. Over all will look forward from
More from this author

Left review on Goodreads as well

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

3.75 stars!

This is a great debut romance and perfect for Autumn. It had me yearning for New York in the fall. This book follows the standard “third act conflict” where characters just refuse to communicate when it counts, but that’s pretty par for the course no matter what book you pick up.

I liked the story and characters but I do think that June’s hesitation for a real relationship due to her trauma with her parents is not fleshed out enough to warrant her behavior. Just my thoughts!

Over all, fun and quick read and a nice debut from a new author!

**Special thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this for an honest review via Netgalley!**

If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I'm a sucker for second-chance romance. No, seriously, pretty much the ONLY romances I've ever loved have been second chances for some odd reason, and It's Different This Time was NOT any different (see what I did there??).

This book had such a unique concept. We follow June and Adam, who both used to live at 74 Perry Street in NYC. After a turn of events, their paths reconnect years later when they find that the owner of the building passed away and left it to them. I don't really want to say much more because there's so much you find out while reading!

I absolutely ate this up and really loved how the story was told. Plus, I really connected with both June and Adam and enjoyed how, over time, we really saw them change from things that hadn't worked in the past. It was really interesting, too, to see how much their lives had evolved through the years that they were apart.

While there was a bit of the miscommunication trope, I didn't mind it all! (I personally usually love that trope, and this was no different.)

If you're looking for a unique second-chance romance, It's Different This Time is exactly the book you're looking for. I will 100% be reading anything else Joss Richard writes in the future!

June and Adam haven’t spoken in years. So when they inherit a house together in NYC and are thrown back together June is thrown for a loop. Being around Adam again makes her uneasy, but it also reminds her of the closeness they once had. As the story unfolds we see snippets of Adam and’s past. How they met, close moments of friendship, and why June left for LA all those years ago. And hopefully it’s different this time around.

Wow this one kind of broke my heart? The ending is happy but damn all those years apart make my heart ache… honestly when you’re young it’s so easy to make dumb rash decisions. Adam and June’s characters have a lot of depth and feel very human.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.