This was everything I wanted from a cozy fall romance; the classic NY fall setting, the broadway scenes, the chef MMC with his comforting meals, all gave the best fall vibes without being in your face about it. One of the best parts of the story was the relationship between June and Adam’s family, it was so emotionally impactful and left me in tears. I love when the miscommunication trope adds something extra to the story instead of just a frustrating hoop to jump through, with Adam and Junes past it completely flows and felt realistic. I’m still thinking of this book days later!!

This was absolute perfection. June & Adam were so sweet and heartbreaking and everything. I also loved the way Adam’s family embraced June from the start and gave her the family she never had. Truly one of the most beautiful romances this year and a MUST read.

This novel is three things - a charming romance, a love letter to New York, and a freaking amazing debut!

When a series of events forces June Woods back to the city she fled years ago, she's prepared for just about everything... except Adam. Once roommates and best friends, they haven't spoken in five years and now must put the past behind them for a truly once in a lifetime opportunity - home ownership in NYC. But can two people who knew everything about each other ever really forget?

I adored how strong June is as a character and her determination to make her way in one of the most difficult fields. Show biz isn't easy! Yet despite that strength I also absolutely loved when she got to be soft and quiet and vulnerable. Friendship that allows you to let down those walls is so important in life, and it was so heartwarming to see just who let June have those breaks. Chloe and Adam yes, but also Adam's family, who gave June something she never really had. Speaking of, the way this novel tackled family was so lovely and well done. From the found family that is friendship, to absentee mothers, to surrogate parents, it was wonderful to see so many different types of family represented and explored.

All this to say, IT'S DIFFERENT THIS TIME was such a beautiful breath of fresh air. The inherent romance of autumn in the city, characters who are wonderfully flawed and yet perfectly complement each other, friendships and family of all shapes. I could go on and on, but instead I'll just say this. Please, read this book.

Thank you to Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually really enjoyed this one. In the beginning I liked the storyline but wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style. Still, I managed to get over the writing style. It is definitely on the beginner side, but I came to not mind it.
Regarding the story itself, I absolutely loved it. There was so much depth, ups and downs and I really liked the characters even if they sometimes made stupid decisions.
I loved the dual timeline. It gave the story so much more depth and I would absolutely recommend it.
Technically this would be more of a 4,5 because I didn’t love the beginning, but the end made up for it in my opinion.
Love it, would absolutely recommend! 5 stars!!

This debut was such a charming and engaging read! June and Adam’s slow-burn reunion is full of tension, nostalgia, and emotional growth, and the story balances past memories with present-day healing beautifully. The autumn NYC setting gives the book a cozy, cinematic feel, and their journey of trust, forgiveness, and second chances made it very satisfying. I can’t wait to see what Joss Richard writes next!

When it comes to second chance romance, I’m all in. It’s one of my absolute favorite tropes, and I will always pick up a book that promises two people finding their way back to each other — as long as it’s done well. No cheating, no over-the-top drama, and definitely no flimsy excuses.

At first, this book had me hooked. The setup was strong, the chemistry was believable, and I was ready for an emotional, satisfying reunion. But as I got closer to the end… I started to feel bamboozled. That’s the only word for it.

Why?
Why did the author do this?

When the reason behind their five-year silence was finally revealed, my jaw dropped — and not in a good way. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. Their lack of communication wasn’t heartbreaking; it was infuriating. These two adults literally wasted five years of their lives because they couldn't be honest with each other? They tiptoed around their feelings, avoided hard conversations, and then disappeared from each other’s lives altogether. That’s not romantic; that’s crazy.

I kept asking myself: Why couldn't they just talk? There was no solid reason for the avoidance, no major conflict that justified the radio silence. And that left me feeling unsatisfied. I don’t need everything tied up in a perfect bow, but I do need to believe in the story — and this ending didn’t quite deliver that.

So, while the beginning had me swooning and hopeful, the conclusion left me frustrated and confused. I love second chances — but I also love accountability, growth, and a believable path to happily ever after. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.

It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard

When I tell you I absolutely ADORED this book!! I will be screaming from the rooftops for everyone to read this debut novel!! Give me best friends to lovers, second chance romance, right place wrong time… ✨say less✨

June and Adam are strangers until one day, their paths cross and they decide to share a brownstone to save money in New York City. Told in dual timelines, the pair fall in love, but neither are willing to risk their friendship for more. After a falling out, June leaves the city, and Adam behind, for good, until one day, five years later, she receives an email from the brownstone’s management company. The owner has left the brownstone to Adam and June. The place is theirs, as long as they agree to live together in it for one month. A fate meeting has June and Adam falling back into their old friendship, and forces them to confront the reasons they lost each other in the first place.

This book made me feel. There was just something about June and Adam that pulled on my heartstrings. They were both so real. Their relationship had the thrill, excitement and the messiness that comes with falling in love for the first time, but their imperfections made the story absolutely perfect. Adam is a chef living with grief over the loss of a loved one, and June, an actress hoping to make it big, is struggling to feel like she is enough. Enough as a friend, an actress, and as a girlfriend. Watching these two characters navigate their grief in their own ways made their story all the more real and believable. There was no insta love, just moments of memories, pining, and misunderstanding that reminded June and Adam of all they had, all they lost, and all that could be if they pushed their pasts aside and started fresh.

I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for June and Adam the whole time. They were meant to find their way back to each other. Talk about true love. Love is messy, love is hard, but love is about showing up, and Adam and June never failed to show up, to choose one another.

This was an amazing debut novel. It had all of my favorite tropes, and a lovable cast of characters. This was a five star feeling, and a five star read for me!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
🍂NYC in fall
🍂Chef/Actress
🍂Friends to lovers
🍂Second chance romance
🍂Chance meeting
🍂Insecurity and anxiety
🍂Grief/loss of a loved one

Thank you to Joss Richard, Net Galley, and Ballantine for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this e-ARC!

I can’t get over how much I loved this book. I couldn’t stop reading, I needed more and more of June and Adam. This book was beautifully written in dual timelines, between June and Adam’s past, and their present day. I found myself smiling, giggling, and tearing up while reading June and Adam’s story

I loved everything about this book, the second chance romance and the best friends to lovers. The themes of friendship, family (even found family), and the large ties to theater.

This is Joss Richard’s first novel and boy did she knock it out of the park. I am so excited to see what else she comes out with, I can’t wait to read more of her work!

A stunning debut by Joss Richard from start to finish! I devoured this book and felt completely addicted from beginning to end. New York City fall vibes were just like a 90s rom com in the best way possible. I loved June and Adam so much. This book is written in present day with flashbacks to before so we really get a sense of who these two were and what happened for their friendship to go sour in the past. This was an amazing second chance story that was surprisingly emotional. I definitely teared up and loved the depth of the characters, especially the found family for June. Things with them were messy and imperfect and I thought it made the novel all the more beautiful. New York City chef and broadway actress main characters were the cherry on top for me. RUN to grab your copy of this beautiful debut September 30th! Huge thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

Did someone say roommates to friends to almost lovers to complete strangers to friends to lovers??

It’s Different This Time is a knockout debut from Joss Richard. It was incredibly cozy & gave the exact vibes of a NYC based Nora Ephron movie. The dual timeline aspect was so well done, it didn’t feel forced or overly balanced in the past. I loved it!! The author does an amazing job at balancing the lighthearted aspects with the heavy moments. June & Adam devestated me but they slowly brought me back together.

I adored this & I can’t wait to see what else comes from Joss Richard.

Thank you to Dell & NetGalley for sending me an early copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so ready to fall for this book and there were many things to like! The seasonal descriptions of NYC were amazing. And I also loved the MMC, Adam. So swoony and charming!

Now, what I couldn't get over. [Spoilers ahead!]

I understand that there needs to be conflict in any second chance romance, however the conflict here being just a lack of communication made it completely unbelievable. I kept waiting for the big reason June left the city... and it was because he wants to date her? And she does too? I could buy that she's scared, but that wasn't developed well enough for the entire conflict / 5 years apart to hinge on it.

I will look out for this author in the future, but unfortunately this fizzled a bit for me.

I have to say that this book completely surprised me. I knew the overall plot going into it but the way that I was immediately pulled into Adam and Junes love story was crazy. The flashbacks between when they were just best friends and roommates and current times was the perfect way to show how meant to be together that they really were. I loved the writing overall and finished this in 2 days time. Perfect Fall NYC set romcom.

I absolutely loved this beautifully developed debut novel. I was completely swept away by June and Adam’s world. In addition to the charming Nora Ephron-style friends-to-lovers fall-in-NYC vibes, the story’s emotional depth will have you feeling all the feels—and eager to dive back in whenever you set it down. Plus, a nod to my favorite musical, Les Misérables, was the perfect bonus.

Do not miss this one! Publishing September 30.

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*

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, somewhat forced proximity, quasi second chance romance then I think many will love this as already evidenced by the abundant glowing reviews.

Like the blurb says, June and Adam used to be roomies, the best of besties, skirting around their attraction for years. Something happens (or actually, doesn’t) and they go their separate ways for many more years until fortuitous fortune brings them back together.

I’m not opposed to a lot of pining or a bit of angst, and if one must separate the two protagonists for awhile, then that’s okay too. However, I found very little joy in this because what keeps these two apart was just too frustrating. Sure, there’s always valid reasons. There’s always understandable insecurities, but there’s also fear and immaturity and a lack of communication that could’ve saved these two twelve years of emotional turmoil and pain. I repeat. Twelve years.

Again, I’m in the minority for not loving this, and I hate that I didn’t enjoy this more. Points for really bringing the great vibes of NYC and theater to the page. Props for making Adam a sexy dreamy chef. High five for a dollop of spice that was oh so nice.

Ultimately though, this story about best friends who not so secretly love each other, who spectacularly fail themselves for getting in their own way and thinking way too hard (especially June) just simply missed the mark for me despite their long awaited guaranteed happy ending.

Overall, I commend the stellar writing, and I would not say no to reading this author’s next book!

Thank you to the author and Dell via NetGalley for an ecopy to review honestly

There’s the reason actress June Wood tells everyone she left New York City, her best friend Adam Harper, and their brownstone rental… and then there’s the REAL reason she left. Five years later, smarting from the news that her television series has been cancelled, June is notified that the prime New York City real estate could be hers. But there’s a catch, and she’ll have to return to the city—and Adam—to find out what it is.

Fall is here and I can’t think of a better way to get into the Pumpkin Spice spirit than with this cozy romance! Told in chapters alternating between the past and present, this story hooked me from the very beginning; the dual timelines had two stories unfolding—how did they fall apart? Will they fall back together?—which is a tried and true writing technique for a reason, one that was perfectly executed in this book. Growing up, June never felt wanted, and it was a vulnerability that author Joss Richard explored with such nuance and care. Though I come from circumstances very different from June’s, I found relating to her natural and effortless thanks to Richard’s skilled storytelling in both timelines. Getting to watch Adam and June grow to become friends in the past made the loss in the present chapters feel more painful, as I longed for reconciliation after seeing how good for each other they’d once been. This book both tugged at my heartstrings and had me laughing out loud, sometimes on the very same page, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes to read with the seasons or just wants a (spoiler alert!!) story with a satisfying happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Perry is home”

This book reminded me of my love for reading and all the fall feels I needed. Second chance, friends to lovers, chef and musical theatre, New York setting!!!! I ATE IT UP, couldn’t have asked for a better read to take me out the slump I’ve been in. This being the authors debut novel is so wild to me because what do you mean I can’t dive right into another by her?!?!?! 😭😭

Listen, I'm a simple girl. Just give me two best friends who have been living together for years and have been in love with each other the whole time but can't admit it to themselves, and I'm in. This was exactly my type of romance, and I couldn't put it down!

This definitely is flawed. Both of these characters are terrible at communicating with each other, and I kept wanting to yell at them for just not saying their feelings out loud. They both make some pretty dumb decisions. Not to mention, the entire book builds up to the reveal of why they stopped talking to each other five years ago, and the reveal itself is pretty anti-climactic.

It's not a perfect romance at all, but I think it's a very solid debut. There was great pining, and it's also a top notch "New York in the fall" books. It's easy to see the When Harry Met Sally references, and that honestly is almost always going to work for me.

Also so many fun theater references too! The inner theater kid in me lived for this.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dell for the arc!

**2.5 stars** I was really excited to read this as the cover immediately grabbed my attention. It looked like the perfect fall read but it unfortunately fell flat for me.

Stuck in a rut, June Wood is informed that her tv show she stars in is cancelled. When she receives a mysterious email beckoning her to go back to NYC to settle terms on a previous brownstone she lived in, she reluctantly returns. The late owner leaves the brownstone to her and her previous roommate, Adam Harper, leaving them owners of a multimillion-dollar property. The only catch: it is not official until signing day which happens to be in four weeks–which is way longer than June anticipated. The two find themselves under the same roof like many years ago. Feelings resurface, and they wonder if they could ever go back in time and pinpoint what went wrong.

Starting with what I liked–I immediately thought I would love this because I loved the writing. It almost feels like a mixture of a younger sister version of Emily Henry’s writing and Hannah Bonam-Young which is probably why I resonated with the writing style. The book also gets bonus points for the filipina main female character representation but other than mentioning it once, I forgot about her heritage because it didn’t seem like a huge detail besides her curly hair.

Now onto what I disliked. I can’t presume the author never lived in NYC but I can only say that it was a completely unrealistic portrayal of living in the city. How can a struggling theater student be living in a BROWNSTONE in the WEST VILLAGE and only pay 1700 a month WITH one roommate??? This simply does not add up. This could be overlooked by a lot of readers but when it is part of the main storyline and when I have lived in NYC for many years, I can’t ignore this. Never mind the author completely ignores the background checks and application process. June also is a post-grad Canadian woman working part-time in a bookstore. Like June, I am not an American citizen so there’s the work authorization and visa status to worry about. I simply cannot read this imaginary nonsense. The cherry on top was when June sees stars–I mean SURE…through all that light pollution.

Ignoring the imaginary NYC our characters live in, June is a very unlikeable character to read. I can’t say the conflict that happened in the past timeline justified the years-long hiatus between the two characters. When the two finally make up, I couldn’t help but wonder, was it really “different this time”? I was really excited to read this because a second-chance romance set in NYC during fall time had me ready to start mood reading fall books but this was not it.

I was so ready for fall reading and this book absolutely hit the spot in the best way. The backdrop of New York City was the perfect choice for the story and really brought it to life. I especially loved the brownstone setting, which gave the book such a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that made me want to curl up with a blanket and just keep turning the pages.

The characters were fantastic and written in a way that made them feel real and easy to connect with. The build up of the friendship was paced so well and felt so genuine that I found myself completely invested in their journey. Watching the relationships unfold and deepen was both heartwarming and satisfying, and it gave the story so much depth and charm.

What stood out to me most was how fun the book was from beginning to end. It was the kind of story that leaves you smiling while you read and makes you wish you could step right into the world the author created. I loved every minute of it and it reminded me exactly why I enjoy books like this so much.

This was such a delightful, fun, and refreshing read. I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it to anyone looking for the perfect book to kick off the fall season.