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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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:
No
Hits Different is a solid queer romance debut. I'm a sucker for second chance romance and these two definitely have some tension to work out.
I initially wasn't sure how to feel about the societal homophobia subplot but I ended up warming up to it. I felt it was realistic about the often underhanded time of LGBTQ+ support in politics and professional sports. While this is a rough topic, especially at present, I came away from this book feeling hopeful for the future.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I initially wasn't sure how to feel about the societal homophobia subplot but I ended up warming up to it. I felt it was realistic about the often underhanded time of LGBTQ+ support in politics and professional sports. While this is a rough topic, especially at present, I came away from this book feeling hopeful for the future.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Outing
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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:
Complicated
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love a sports romance, friends to lovers, all of that. But while this wasn't a bad book, there was still something missing. The pacing felt a little all over the place. There was a mixture of American and British-isms, which just didn't make sense for the setting and was sort of giving me whiplash.
I thought the couple was cute but we also didn't get as in depth with them as I would have liked to. Overall, could be an enjoyable read, but no re-read potential from me.
I thought the couple was cute but we also didn't get as in depth with them as I would have liked to. Overall, could be an enjoyable read, but no re-read potential from me.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
ARC Review – Hits Different by Joel Rustin
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Joel Rustin for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this lovely, emotional, and beautifully written debut novel. I finished reading Hits Different and my heart is so full. I’m overwhelmed in the best way with emotion. This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It truly hit different.
At its core, this is a story about love, loss, healing, and the transformative power of connection. Brandon and Parker are complex, flawed, and achingly human. I was completely engrossed by their journey, which went from best friends to strangers to something so much deeper. The emotional tension, the slow rekindling of their bond, and the tender way their relationship evolved felt incredibly authentic.
One of the standout aspects of Hits Different is the way Joel Rustin tackles mental health. The narrative doesn’t shy away from pain, grief, or internalized struggles, but it also never lets those moments sit in isolation. Therapy is presented not as a weakness but as an essential lifeline and it is something that grounds both characters as they navigate their past, their traumas, and their uncertain futures. The message is clear: it’s okay to ask for help. And having someone by your side, whether a friend, lover, or therapist, can make all the difference.
Brandon, the college soccer star, and Parker, the aspiring MMA fighter trying to honor his late father's legacy, are both dealing with heavy emotional baggage. Watching them support each other through family drama, internalized homophobia, and career uncertainty was inspiring and heartwarming. Their chemistry felt natural, their banter fun, and their intimacy emotionally charged.
And that ending? Perfection. “Dancing with your best friend sounds like a great way to spend an evening,” he says. “But dancing with the love of your goddamn life? That sounds pretty fucking perfect to me.” I was swooning. This was exactly the kind of HEA that gives you butterflies and makes you want to reread the last chapter again and again.
What you’re getting:
Best friends ➝ strangers ➝ lovers
Bi awakening
Second chance romance
Secret relationship
MMA fighter x soccer player
Emotional depth & solid mental health rep
Spice
TWs: loss of a parent (off page), internalized homophobia, family tension
Joel Rustin’s writing is immersive, emotional, and brimming with heart. His blend of British and American voice added a fun, unique flavor to the story. I absolutely adored this debut and I think you will too! Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this one. Hits Different is special, and I can’t wait to see what Joel Rustin writes next. <3
ARC Review – Hits Different by Joel Rustin
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Joel Rustin for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this lovely, emotional, and beautifully written debut novel. I finished reading Hits Different and my heart is so full. I’m overwhelmed in the best way with emotion. This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It truly hit different.
At its core, this is a story about love, loss, healing, and the transformative power of connection. Brandon and Parker are complex, flawed, and achingly human. I was completely engrossed by their journey, which went from best friends to strangers to something so much deeper. The emotional tension, the slow rekindling of their bond, and the tender way their relationship evolved felt incredibly authentic.
One of the standout aspects of Hits Different is the way Joel Rustin tackles mental health. The narrative doesn’t shy away from pain, grief, or internalized struggles, but it also never lets those moments sit in isolation. Therapy is presented not as a weakness but as an essential lifeline and it is something that grounds both characters as they navigate their past, their traumas, and their uncertain futures. The message is clear: it’s okay to ask for help. And having someone by your side, whether a friend, lover, or therapist, can make all the difference.
Brandon, the college soccer star, and Parker, the aspiring MMA fighter trying to honor his late father's legacy, are both dealing with heavy emotional baggage. Watching them support each other through family drama, internalized homophobia, and career uncertainty was inspiring and heartwarming. Their chemistry felt natural, their banter fun, and their intimacy emotionally charged.
And that ending? Perfection. “Dancing with your best friend sounds like a great way to spend an evening,” he says. “But dancing with the love of your goddamn life? That sounds pretty fucking perfect to me.” I was swooning. This was exactly the kind of HEA that gives you butterflies and makes you want to reread the last chapter again and again.
What you’re getting:
Best friends ➝ strangers ➝ lovers
Bi awakening
Second chance romance
Secret relationship
MMA fighter x soccer player
Emotional depth & solid mental health rep
Spice
TWs: loss of a parent (off page), internalized homophobia, family tension
Joel Rustin’s writing is immersive, emotional, and brimming with heart. His blend of British and American voice added a fun, unique flavor to the story. I absolutely adored this debut and I think you will too! Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this one. Hits Different is special, and I can’t wait to see what Joel Rustin writes next. <3
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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:
Complicated
I just really loved the story. And although I tend to prefer my books more spice heavy, the softness and tenderness of the story really resonated with me. I feel very... Akin to Brandon AND Parker in different ways. The story had me crying in many different parts. So overall, I really really enjoyed it. And I liked all the side characters too. I'm so happy for Simon and Zara lol. My new favorite straight couple? Freddie and Sabrina are pretty cute too. The Epilogue made me giddy... So pretty much this is a feel good, kicking your feet kind of story. I definitely suggest giving it a read.
My only complaint really was sometimes I had a hard time telling who was speaking and I'd have to reread parts when I realized I thought wrong lol. Great story regardless and I can't wait to read more of Joel's work.