You ever want to strangle fictional characters, lock them in a room and tell them to stop being idiots? Well I definitely thought about it while reading this book.

I could not put this book down the minute I picked it up and because of that I instantly fell in love with Adam and June. They both had heartbreaking situations in their life that was just so messy and raw, which made them feel real to me. I really liked how the setting was in New York, it just made it feel so magical with going through all of the seasons there. This had dual POV and different timelines as well, which I loved because it shows you how they came together and their story. I also have to mention that Chloe was without a doubt a real MVP and a true best friend. Not only was she there for June, but she was there for Adam as weIl. I honestly could go on and on how much I loved this book, but if you love second chance romances, friends to lovers, forced proximity, and a little spice, and cozy fall reads, then this is the book for you.

You also may need some tissues, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

3.5 rounded up

this story was cute. I requested it because I loooove second chance. it had all the marks to make it a great story but I think the author has room to grow. there's definitely potential there. a few times I felt I got lost in the timeline and things were happening too sporadically. some scenes could have used more heart and time spent. it also felt a little too on the nose. very predictable. but tbh that's one of my favorite things about romance. I love knowing what to expect.

I did absolutely love the pining for each other. Adam was dreamy and June was pretty admirable because I felt like she had grown since the flashback scenes. she was a lot more mature and self assured.

all in all, this was a good debut and I look forward to what else she comes up with.

Wow. What an incredible debut. I genuinely loved this book so much. The book follows June, an actress in LA who comes into ownership of a New York brownstone that she lived in years ago with a man named Adam, who she hasn’t spoken with since she moved to LA. It had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom: second chance, dual timeline, and New York in the fall. I was invested from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved June’s inner monologue, and I thought that both she and Adam were really funny. I loved Adam; he was witty and sarcastic without being rude, and he was such a quintessential book boyfriend. Another thing I really liked was the relationship dynamics. The book explored June’s relationship with her family and her best friends (we love a found family trope) and I thought it was done in a very realistic and healthy way. I thought that June was a funny and realistic character. It was a little bit cringe at times, but in my opinion there’s nothing wrong with that. My main issue with the book was June and Adam’s utter lack of communication skills. I think that a lot of their problems could’ve been solved if they’d just sat down and had an adult conversation about it. Also, it was a lot spicier than I would’ve liked, but this is coming from someone who doesn’t read spice so take that with a grain of salt. Overall, I really loved this book! It was funny, sweet, and investing the whole way through. I think I'm going to settle on 4.5 stars. I’m so grateful to have been sent an arc, and I look forward to reading whatever Joss Richard writes next. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this!! It comes out on September 30th and I will be the first in line!

This book was an incredible debut from Joss Richards!

Two former roommates having to come back to their brownstone after 5 years apart and coming to terms with how they left that relationship. I loved getting the flashbacks, and learning what made them so distance from each other - but at the same time, what made them fall in love in the first place.

Adam Harper the man that you are!!!! He was so loving and patient with June. He is exactly what you would want in a partner. Every step of the way, he supported her. It was honestly all of the little details that made you realize how gone he was for her.

I often wanted to shake June because so much could have been resolved with better communication. But I also enjoyed how she had to come to terms with everything, and learn to be brave enough to fight for the things that she wanted.

I loved that it was also a love letter to New York. You got to experience June fall in love with it all over again, in the same way she was falling for Adam again. She realized that they were her home. I never thought I would mourn a house, but I think I love 74th Perry just as much.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the digital ARC.

It's Different this time by Joss Richard is a beautiful portrayal of realistic young friends to lovers who live in NYC. This was a great debut novel. I look forward to whatever else Joss Richard releases.

First, I’m incredibly grateful to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this before publication - thank you!

Second, wow oh WOW did I love this 🥹 Joss Richard has truly outdone herself in this debut novel & I can only hope she continues to share her gift of storytelling with us.

If you’re an Emily Henry lover like I am, do yourself a favor and pre-order this one NOW. Incredibly addicting, sweet and lovable characters June and Adam were exactly what my romance reader heart needed. Absolutely no notes. What I’d do to read their story for the first time again 🩷

Joss, if you’re reading this: Congratulations, my girl!!! I hope you’re so incredibly proud of this story & that everyone else who picks this up falls in love with it as much as I did. What an absolutely special story.

Add this to your TBR, pre-order, subscribe to Joss’s newsletter, and follow her on all socials, because this girl is going to be a forced to be reckoned with among the romance writers 🩷 Can’t wait for the release of this!!!

This contemporary romance novel was so adorable and addicting! I absolutely loved it! The cover of the book is so cute too! This story had balanced perspectives on the main characters, a clear thesis and was easy to follow. I feel like the minor characters stood out as well in this book. I really like that these characters felt real and were a little bit of a mess, to say the least. I also enjoyed the dual timelines, because it gave me insight into how they came together. This is for the broadway lovers that like to read about a second chance romance. One thing I found a little frustrating was the miscommunication trope between the main characters. I really liked the beautiful setting of the story. It is set in New York, during the fall season. That’s one of my favorite seasons! This book had effective visuals and I found it to be a cozy, medium paced read. It is also very emotional and uplifting!

“It's Different This Time” is a book that is about a woman named June and a guy named Adam. These two used to be roommates and friends, where things happened between them. However, it left them both with unresolved feelings for one another. This ultimately left their friendship not on good terms at all. June starts off living in LA, then ends up moving back to New York City brownstone. After five years of June and Adam not speaking together, they are now forced to. June and Adam end up with a multi million dollar property, thanks to the former owner’s will. While they have to wait a month to get all the paperwork done, they are forced to talk to one another. A bond between them starts resurfacing, the more they speak to each other. Will this end up being a happily ever after second chance romance or will this second chance romance ultimately come to an end? Be sure to check the content warnings. Overall. I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Joss Richard and Ballantine | Dell for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is set to be published on September 30, 2025!

A genuinely emotionally affecting film with dual timelines. The lead character can be extraordinarily frustrating but in such a well written way that makes sense for her traumas. It’s exasperating but it’s a credit to this author that she’s not afraid to make her character unlikable at times to ensure that it stays true to her nature.

A lovely romance and as a Broadway fan some food geek out moments.

I could not put this book down. The connection between Adam and June was so strong. I found myself blushing and giggling at every little moment between them. I loved that the story alternated between the past and present, allowing us to see these characters grow together, part ways, and grow together again. Yeah, June and Adam could have communicated, but that would have left us without the tension and angst. Joss Richard did an amazing job at creating this little pocket of New York for them.

June’s character growth was incredible. I loved her messiness and her insecurities. She felt so real! Seeing her grow into herself and rediscover her dreams was fantastic.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance with LOTS of tension. 

Also, I will never forget Adam. What a man.

" We're all just people looking for love and doing the best we can."
It's Different this time by Joss Richard is a beautiful portrayal of realistic young friends to lovers who live in NYC. Joss' description and imagery painted a beautiful landscape of autumn in NY.

Adam and June, they're not perfect but they do love each other! The miscommunication was miscommunicating and even I was frustrated at times! I wanted to throw this book across the way in a good way!

June had so many insecurities and it's just a little frustrating to think that if Adam and June had that connection... that meant to be story book vibe.... why was there soo much MISCOMMUNICATION. UGH! My anxiety.

Adam loved June and just wanted to be with her but instead of June communicating how she felt she just UGH! leaves. She is however completely justified in feeling how she was feeling and making those decisions which was good for building tension but my poor nerves how they suffered.

The pining for years is crazy. And then repeating the same mistake years later really upset me and when i tell you i just wanted it to finish the book but i couldn't put it down. I was happy that I didn't break my book by throwing it against the wall because glad with the ending. .

After reading It's Different This Time some readers will completely understand my frustration with June & Adam due to their own annoyance. Just pull through because it's worth it after all that anxiety. They seem like realistic characters in the sense that this actually happens to people everyday.

The side characters were a strong supportive cast of friends and family that added to the dynamic of the main characters and story.

The transitions between time lines was done beautifully and left no room for confusion and was easy to follow along with.

This was a great debut novel. I look forward to whatever else Joss Richard releases.

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

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!