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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
Reeling from the cancellation of her hit TV show, June Wood has nothing left to lose when a mysterious email lures her back to the New York City brownstone she once called home before she moved to Los Angeles. Thanks to a clause in the former owner’s will, she and her old roommate, Adam Harper, now own the multimillion-dollar property—or at least they will in a month, once all the paperwork is signed. Four weeks, then June can return to her life in LA and forget about New York City and everything she left behind. Sure, the fact that June and Adam are estranged and haven’t even spoken in five years, and that their friendship didn’t exactly end on good terms might complicate matters, but this is an opportunity of a lifetime. As the autumn leaves fall around them, through shared meals and late-night conversations, old wounds and long-buried sparks resurface, and it becomes strikingly clear: June and Adam have unfinished business. Confronted with the consequences of their choices years before, they must now navigate the minefield of their past the best way they know how: together. Second chances are always a risk, but maybe, if they get it right and are finally honest with each other and with themselves, it could be different this time.
Thoughts
This was one of those books where you feel so immersed into it that you feel like you’re fighting for your life (love) with the characters. I love a second chance romance because the reward is always sweeter. This was a lot and it took a lot to get to the reward, but I enjoyed the ride.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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!
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!
I don’t give out many 5-star ratings, but this book absolutely earned it!
I was completely charmed by the story and the way it made me feel—warm, giddy, and totally invested. I can’t believe this is Joss Richard’s debut novel!
This is a romance through and through, and it’s utterly adorable. June and Adam meet by chance, and before you know it, they’re taking a leap of faith as roommates in a well-priced New York townhouse. What follows is a delightful journey through their on-and-off "friendship" that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
If you're in the mood for an easy, heartwarming read that feels like a cozy romantic comedy, this one is for you!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC. I’m officially a big fan of Joss Richard and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I was completely charmed by the story and the way it made me feel—warm, giddy, and totally invested. I can’t believe this is Joss Richard’s debut novel!
This is a romance through and through, and it’s utterly adorable. June and Adam meet by chance, and before you know it, they’re taking a leap of faith as roommates in a well-priced New York townhouse. What follows is a delightful journey through their on-and-off "friendship" that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
If you're in the mood for an easy, heartwarming read that feels like a cozy romantic comedy, this one is for you!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC. I’m officially a big fan of Joss Richard and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
This was an e-arc and screamed in my face details about fall in New York and falling in love with your roommate. I’m not mad abt it 🧚🏻♀️
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was so cute. I liked the nonlinear timeline. I thought the characters were cute and had good chemistry. They had interesting backstories and careers. There wasn’t really a third act breakup.
I received an ARC for “It’s Different This Time” from NetGalley. I’m not sure how this one landed in my lap but I’m so glad it did!! I absolutely adored this debut! To be gifted a brownstone, what a dream. Joss’s writing vibes is reminiscent (in my opinion) of Abby Jimenez and/or Sarah Adams. Filled with humor but also real world type characters. Some deeper interpersonal dynamics were explored as well (i.e. family discord, self worth, personal growth, etc). This is a must read for 2025. Mark Joss Richard as an author to follow in the future as well!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I devoured this in one sitting. I love June & Adam’s story so much. Sometimes having back and forth time jumps can get confusing or redundant, but it is perfectly done in this book. The pacing is great, the story is wonderful, the characters (main and side) are all lovable. This will definitely be one of my new favorite romance novels. & it’s a debut?! Outstanding. I cannot wait to read more from Joss Richard.
Thank you to NetGalley & Ballantine for this advanced copy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent