Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

This is a debut novel by this author, and I hope it won't be her last because I enjoyed it very much.
June and Adam were roommates and friends who never crossed the line into any other territory, despite both of them developing feelings for one another. June, who is actress on Broadway, escapes New York City for LA to try to break into TV and movies and breaks off all contact with Adam. Six years later, their landlord leaves the brownstone June and Adam lived in to them, and they move in together again for the month, while the estate is settled.

Old feelings are brought to the surface while June and Adam settle into a new routine. June is offered a role in a revival of Les Mis (I LOVED this detail as a Broadway fan and this musical in particular) and has to decide if she is going to stay in NYC or return to LA.

It’s Different This Time is a lovely second-chance romance that drew me into the world of Adam and June. Their story is told in dual timelines, the present-day timeline in which these estranged best friends inherit a New York City brownstone, and the past timeline which progresses from their initial meeting eleven years earlier and then takes us through various milestones of their relationship.

I enjoyed the development of their friendship (they’re truly just roommates in the beginning, but it soon grows to become something much deeper). Adam and June are there for each other through career highs and lows, grief, and potential relationships.

This book really delivers on the feeling of yearning, which I think is so essential to any romance, but especially second-chance stories. There were a few points at which I kind of wanted to yell at one or both main characters to tell them they didn’t have to be so miserable, but the separation was necessary for the story and it made the payoff that much sweeter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the advance reader copy of this novel! I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and author Joss Richard for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕

FMC - June: 5 🌟
MMC - Adam: 5 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶

Words cannot describe how much I loved this book! You know a book is really good when you start reading and lose track of time. I read the whole thing in half a day and almost missed dinner because I didn't want to put it down!

My heart was hurting through the whole story because of the intense longing between Adam and June. Both timelines were written so well, had me dreading the countdown to their falling out in the past, and had me so eager to see how things would work out in the present. They are so perfect for each other, and I just wanted to knock some sense into them for wasting all those years as "just friends".

Second chance romances are my favorite trope, and this didn't disappoint one bit. I'm already anxious to order a copy for my shelf and gladly experience the anguish and the pining all over again!

This was a great roommate, second chance romance. The writing style was on point. The dual timeline was handled well with no clunky skips in style. I thoroughly enjoyed June's journey and I loved the couple's chemistry. The romance was swoon worthy and the ending was what I was hoping for

For a debut novel, this is wildly impressive. The writing is seamless and with this book bouncing back and forth between two timelines there are never abrupt breaks in momentum or pacing. I think Joss Richards will be a force in the romance genre (or really anything she touches!).

There was depth behind the characters, the setting was immersive, and although predictable in parts of the storyline, it never takes away from the reading experience. From an objective standpoint I would definitely give this book a four star. For me personally, this would be more a three star. It wasn't even that it was bad, I just found myself lacking to fully connect with the main characters. If I struggle to connect with characters the reading experience isn't as gripping for me and because of that it rated a bit lower.

From the start of June and Adam's meeting there was an instant connection that had you gripping on to find out where it could go, yet where it all fell apart. June, a TV/Broadway actress, and Adam, a chef, had such similar drives and passions for their respected career. This day in age it's sometimes so hard to find a passion strong enough to pursue a career in and reading about their passions to live a life pursuing their dream careers from both these characters was refreshing.

This book was very dialogue driven, which was amazing. It adds an extra leeway into getting to know character that some novels just lack. You get to pick up on tone, their quirks, their mannerisms. When English teachers would always get on you for needing to "show don't tell" in your writing, this books does an exemplary job at that. I'm so excited for this novel to reach the world of readers because I believe it will be so well received and so loved. Just such a nice cozy autumn read and I can't wait to see Joss Richards flourish as an author.

Thank you to Ballantine and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

5⭐️- Literally could not have asked for anything else. I wouldn’t change a THING. I loved this so much.

The short:
Told in dual timelines, June and Adam are left a beautiful brownstone they used to live in back in the West Village when the owner passes away. They have to wait 30 days to get the deed to the house and spend that time living in the brownstone, where old memories start to flood back.

-Single POV
-Dual timeline

Tropes:
-second chance
-friends to lovers
-chef x actor
-its always been you
-roommates
-diversity rep - fmc is filipina
-New York City!!! (This is a trope in my mind, there’s a FEELING)

Review:

I think there are times I just get a feeling up front - that a certain book is going to be a 5 star read for me. I could tell pretty early on that was the case for this book. It definitely checks all my boxes- I love second chances and I absolutely love friends to lovers. Add in a dual timeline with suspense due to not knowing all the details of the past - and I’m SAT.

I cannot believe this is Joss Richard’s debut novel. I am so impressed with the story and every single detail. The way the flashback chapters complemented the current day story was done SO well. The dynamic between our two MCs is so wonderful. There’s insane chemistry, friendship, love. It’s two people who couldn’t get it right despite them being soulmates in every sense of the word. It took them a few tries, but this time it’s different and they sure do learn a lot along the way.

The writing is stunning - there’s something to be said about how she writes the 5 senses in this book. When she’s describing the brownstone or the streets, I see New York. When she’s describing Adam’s cooking, I taste the food. When she talks about the seasonal coffee drinks, I smell the cinnamon and spices. The tension leading up to the spice - I felt it so viscerally.

I think it can be easy to be frustrated with the FMC and the choices she makes, but that’s why I love this story. She comes to realize the mistakes she made and there’s clear growth on her end. I don’t want perfect characters, I want them to mess up. And the redemption is so worth it. I couldn’t put the book down because I had to know what was tipping point of their relationship the first time. In my opinion, that’s the best way to do second chance. Keep me guessing and then hit me with the pain! The pacing of the story was top tier - all of the big moments crashed together in both timelines for a perfect ending.

At times I was giggling and kicking my feet because, excuse me - ADAM? What a man. But I also spent a good chunk of time actually sobbing. I love angst and I LOVE when a book can do both so effortlessly. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and I never want to get off. It was the kind of crying that forced me to put my kindle down so I had two free hands to blow my nose.

I cannot wait to get a physical copy to proudly display on my shelves. The cover, the art, the title. I am so excited for everyone to read this story and I’m even more excited to see what else this author has in store!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! I was sucked in right away because if there is a trope I love - it's roommates! Loved the characters and the flashbacks (they were done well!). This book is definitely worth a read!

Second chance romances are a hit or miss for me. I usually either hate it or absolutely love it and there’s no in-between. It’s Different This Time is a perfect example of how to write a second chance romance! Everything about this novel was perfect. The characters, the plot, the third act, EVERYTHING.

June and Adam’s chemistry was so believable from their first interaction even after not seeing each other for 6 years. The tension they had was award winning and needs to be studied.
I cried multiple times during this book because I was so attached to these characters and their story.

The two main things I look for when reading a second chance romance are a good mix of current and past chapters and the “big thing” that happens that tears them apart in the past. Joss Richard does a great job of blending the current and past chapters so check! And the initial big thing was believable and not something so atrocious it can’t be forgiven so check!
I highly suggest picking this up in the end September when it releases.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review!

4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)
Joss Richard delivers a beautifully written friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that’s both heartfelt and engaging. The dual timeline is handled seamlessly, allowing readers to witness June and Adam’s relationship develop over the years while also showing how their careers and identities evolve. Set in New York City with June pursuing an acting and Broadway career and Adam pursuing a career as a chef, the setting adds an extra layer of charm to their story. Richard does a great job of balancing both characters’ perspectives, giving almost equal weight to their emotional journeys. The writing is smooth and easy, effortlessly pulling you into their world. Overall, It’s Different This Time is a touching and memorable read that I’d definitely recommend.

A love letter to New York, musicals, good food, and friends-to-lovers.

It's Different This Time is a cozy, comforting, slightly messy read. As someone who’s dreamed of NYC since childhood, reading something like this truly fed my soul.

We follow June and Adam in two timelines:
Ten years ago, they were roommates and the bestest of friends.
In the present… they co-own the building they once rented together. June doesn’t even live in New York anymore.

I need to state for the record—I’m obsessed with Adam. This man, gosh.

«You can use me however you want, June.»
*Reader screams, giggles, runs outside to touch grass*

Honestly, I was hella invested in the “what happened” mystery—and in June’s entire acting career arc? It made for such a fun, engaging read.

I was lucky enough to read It's Different This Time early, but it’s a perfect fall read—mark this one on your future autumn TBRs!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the DRC.

For all my fellow second chance romance lovers, you don't want to miss this one once it comes out in September! The autumn NYC vibes were immaculate 🍂👌🏻

I truly loved Adam and June’s story, and watching it unfold throughout the book thanks to the dual timeline only fueled my desire to keep reading. It was so fascinating to watch them grow up and reach their aspirations, navigating both triumphs and struggles: Adam as a chef, June as an actress (I loooved the musical storyline!), each being the other’s biggest supporter. Call me biased (I'm a sucker for friends to lovers), but I really can't wait to recommend this book to everyone next fall.

This was such a great debut. I'm looking forward to reading more by Joss Richard!

I love the tone and the atmosphere of this book. I felt like I was in NYC in the middle of fall and I loved it.

The pacing was good and the story never dragged. It was a pretty good debut novel. I think I would read another book by this author.

I loved the tension between the two characters for up to 70% of the book. Once I found out the main conflict was due to miscommunication, my feelings changed a little. I am not a fan of miscommunication and this one irked me due to the immaturity of the characters. Both from the past and the present. Personally, I just couldn't get past it. People who don't mind miscommunication might love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing group the the e-arc!

One of my favorite debuts of the year & also one of the reasons I’ve been softly sobbing into my bodega coffee, wishing Summer would be over already.

✔️ NYC in the Fall
✔️ Found family
✔️ Forced proximity (aka cohabiting with your ex-friend / roommate / emotional kryptonite)
✔️ Second chance / dual timeline
✔️ BROADWAY 😍

This is a capital F Feelings book. June & Adam are real, flawed, messy humans who fumble their way through life, healing, and communication. (Like yes, please hand me a mirror & a tissue.) They let their internal wounds keep them from finding happiness within themselves and each other. (I’ll take that mirror again.) But ultimately, we get a well-earned happily ever after. ♥️

The setting encapsulates everything beautiful about New York- pumpkins on stoops, Broadway, food, and the heavy weight of ambition and dreams in the air. This city will wreck you and call it character development (cue the broadway jazz hands)- and watching June go through that process was heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

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

I loved this debut! It’s a dual timeline friends-to-lover second chance romance perfect for fans of Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller. The story follows June, an actress and singer, and Adam, a chef, as they reconnect in NYC five years after a tumultuous falling out. Their story is heartwarming and I loved June’s journey to realizing that she is good enough. You’ve got found family, forced proximity, Broadway, New York in the fall…what’s not to love? Pick this one up in September!

This is a lovely debut -- warm, with a real sense of place and time, a true love for NYC, and an actual interest in building all of its characters. Is that sometimes at the expense of its central love story? A bit, yes. I never felt fully invested in June and Adam, mostly because I didn't ever feel as if I knew Adam. I felt invested and interested in June, who is complex and flawed and quite wonderful, but Adam stayed at a real remove for me.

This second-chance romance was a page turner in all the best ways. If you love fall, NYC theatre and food scenes and found family vibes - this story is for you. What an excellent debut!

I didn’t expect this book to hit me the way it did… but wow. 💭🍂

I picked up It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard not knowing it would completely steal my heart. Dual timelines in romance can be tricky—sometimes the flow is off or the tone shifts too much—but this? This was seamless. It felt like slipping into a story I didn’t want to leave.

June and Adam. Ugh. Two roommates who slowly become best friends… and then something more. Their relationship is built with such care and gentleness, and it all unfolds under one cozy New York brownstone roof (yes, the brownstone Perry feels like a whole character on its own). And then there’s Alden, the dreamy restaurant I would give anything to visit IRL. 🥹

What I loved most is how real this story felt. It’s not over-the-top or overly dramatized—it’s thoughtful. Emotional. Grounded. You live every moment with these characters. As someone who loves Broadway (the Les Mis references made my theater heart so happy), and as someone who’s often wondered about the blurry line between friendship and love… this book just got me.

There were moments I had a lump in my throat. I kept rereading lines because the conversations felt so human and honest. I don’t even know how to explain it except to say: Joss Richard really sees people, and she writes them in a way that makes you feel seen too.

By the time I reached the end, I was teary-eyed in the best way. This is the kind of book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. A quietly stunning, deeply emotional debut—and I need more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forever obsessed.

Thank you so much for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this debut second-chance romance! The writing was strong and emotional, with just the right balance of angst, tenderness, and spice. The tension and slow-burn pining between June and Adam had me hooked from the beginning. I'm usually not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, but it didn’t detract from my investment in the story.

The dual timeline was executed beautifully and was very well-balanced. Every flashback added layers of meaning and intention to the plot, giving much insight into June and Adam’s dynamic. Watching their relationship unfold both in the past and present made their emotional journey feel so authentic.

The side characters were another highlight. They each brought something to the table and they all played such an important role in shaping the overall story. It’s clear that the author took great care in building a world where the characters felt real, flawed, and incredibly relatable.

This was such a heartfelt and delightful debut novel. I’m so excited to see what Joss Richard writes next!

Thank you to Dell/Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!

5 stars | Second chances, shared brownstones, and all the fall feelings 🍁
This book felt like walking through a crisp NYC autumn—bittersweet, nostalgic, and quietly hopeful. June and Adam’s story is full of tension and tenderness, layered with the ache of missed chances and the warmth of rediscovery. I loved how their reconnection unfolded against the backdrop of falling leaves, shared takeout, and late-night talks in a brownstone full of memories.

If you love second-chance romance, emotional slow burns, and stories that ask what it really means to come home—this one is worth curling up with. Just be warned: it might leave you craving cider, cozy sweaters, and a redo with someone from your past. 🍂📺🏙️

Big thank you to Ballantine for the digital ARC!

This book completely wrapped me up in its slow-burn second chance goodness. Joss Richards beautifully weaves a story that’s messy, honest, and so incredibly human. The characters feel like real people — ones you want to shake, protect, and hold close all at once.

And can we talk about June? I loved that she’s Filipino. As a Filipino reader myself, it meant so much to feel seen on the page in such a genuine way. Her identity wasn’t a plot device — it was part of her, layered in with the rest of her story, and that kind of representation hit deep.

There’s this emotional intimacy in the writing that pulled me in — the past and present colliding, old wounds reopening, and the hard (but beautiful) work of trying again.