An outstanding debut.

When reading a romance novel, especially one with a dual timeline, the first thing I look for is how the author handles transitions. Are they abrupt? Do I feel strain in the tone? Well, listen up, Joss Richards has written a masterclass that was seamless. ‘It’s Different This Time’ blew me away, and I know readers are going to simply adore June and Adam. Two roommates become friends, but they fall in love while living in their New York brownstone (Perry, the brownstone, is a literary character in this novel). Throw in Alden (the glorious restaurant that I wish I could visit), the reality and struggles of being a working actor, and so much more.

Not only does Joss Richards encapsulate the unspoken glimmer of New York during autumn. She infuses a love of Broadway (Les Mis lovers rise up!), the urgency of young people wanting to have purpose, and meaning in a relationship. Questions that linger: is this love or friendship? Can it be both? June and Adam are the most realistic romance characters I’ve read the entire year and I yearn for books like this.

Now the final act of this book? It had me teary-eyed (I had a lump in my throat, gah). The conversations in this book are so level-headed. It’s not ostentatious, but you simply live in the moments with June and Adam. If an author has the ability to recognize these moments and then build on them? That right there is beauty.

Joss Richard's debut novel is the start of something beautiful, and I can’t wait for whatever she writes next. Ain't it obvious? Honey, this is a 5-STAR READ.

Thank you so much Ballantine/Dell for the digital arc.

I loved this book!! Such a lovely second chance romance. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the past that show us how their relationship grew. Adam and June are such lovely characters. They were dealing with their own things but they also had such a great connection and you could really see that they loved each other so much. I’m glad they got a second chance!! This was a great read and I felt so many emotions, I really recommend! Thank you Netgalley for the arc, I really appreciate it.

This is for the readers who love second chance, pining and the miscommunication trope isn't the bane of their existence. June & Adam's decade long relationship will make readers yell and swoon.

The love story here is reminiscent of Seb & Mia in La La Land but with a HEA. The characters felt real and their insecurities too. They way June and Adam communicate felt like how real people do. There's miscommunication that makes you want to pull your hair out at times, but makes for good drama and story. I found the characters' journeys compelling. Adam and June's connection was simply undeniable and they were like magnets. Their love story is hard won but gosh the journey getting there was it great.

This book is a big love letter to theater and New York. I felt transported there while reading. It felt very immersive. Richard did a great job writing the descriptions.

For readers who love the second chance trope for it's sweeping romance and mutual pining are going to devour this book.

Second-chance romance books are quickly becoming a favorite of mine. This title was no exception. First, the cover speaks to my love of all things fall! Then, the characters in NYC come alive within the pages. Finally, the banter that Richard created is top-notch. I was entertained throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.25⭐️

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH‼️‼️‼️‼️ from the start I was immediately hooked on it I could not put it down I finished it in like 6 hours I was obsessed!! Second chance romances get me every single time and this one did just that. I just loved Adam so much he was so in love with June it hurt so much all he wanted was to be with her. I really did love June i wish so badly she would have just communicated with Adam her feelings instead of just leaving but also I get why she was feeling the way she did and it made for great tension so I forgive her!! Truly the only thing I would change about this book is the communication towards the end I just wanted them to tell each other how they felt so bad i wanted them to be happy. I really loved this book and I’m very glad I got an arc I definitely recommend reading this one!!!!!! Thank you Netgalley and Dell for giving me an arc!

My favorite line in this whole book that sums it up for me is: We're all just people looking for love and doing the best we can.

Adam and June, they're not perfect! The miscommunication was miscommunicating and I think that's why I'm so conflicted on whether I loved or hated this. (Going back and forth between 3 stars, 3.5 stars, 4 stars I don't know at this moment.)

June had her fair share of insecurities and honestly needed therapy early on but of course this all would've been prevented and there wouldn't be a story. I guess it's just a little frustrating to think that if Adam and June had that connection.. why couldn't they talk it outfjdjskskd. The pining for years is crazy. And then repeating the same mistake years later it's like ugh I was upset and obsessed at the same time lo

I really liked the way everything was wrapped up though. While I can see people getting annoyed at June and/or Adam trust just see it through! But also would this couple end up on the couples that divorce in the epilogue TikTok haha perhaps. Now that I think about it they're kind of giving La La Land Seb and Mia. Hmm thinking.....

Side characters were lovely though! Can't go wrong with a strong supportive cast of friends and family who add to the dynamic. Sarah we love you!!! This is a love letter to New York and the world of theater. I think you'll come out of this with more than just the outcome of June & Adam's decade long relationship.

This book hit me right in the feels. It’s the kind of second-chance romance that’s not just about rekindling love but also about healing and confronting the past. June and Adam’s story is messy, raw, and so beautifully real. You can feel every bit of tension and heartbreak as they navigate their complicated history. The writing is thoughtful and emotional, with just enough humor to lighten the tension. I couldn’t help but root for June and Adam to finally break through the walls they built around themselves. It’s heartfelt, romantic, and just beautifully done.

Super sweet story that also serves as a love letter to NYC and Broadway. I love both so this was right up my alley. Can’t wait to see what this author does next!

This was cute! I liked the relationship between June and Adam I just have such a hard time with the miscommunication trope. Like just talk to each other!!! I really did enjoy reading this and watching their love story come together and their journey as friends. I also just got so annoyed at June for being annoyed that Adam didn’t tell her he was engaged. He tries! Several times! My one gripe and the reason I deducted a star - the author kept using phrases like “then before we knew it” and “everything after that was a blur” but then describes what happened the second later. I feel like both of those things imply the passage of time and it happens at least 3 times in this book. Such a nit picky thing of me within an overall great read! Thanks for the ARC!