The Bookish Ashley

Second-chance romances have a special kind of pull, and Joss Richard captures that magnetic tension beautifully in It’s Different This Time. This novel is a warm, atmospheric love story set against the crisp backdrop of autumn in New York City—complete with cozy brownstone charm, simmering emotions, and the ache of unfinished business.

The story follows June Wood, a former TV star whose career takes a sharp downturn, and Adam Harper, her once-close friend and roommate. When a quirky twist of fate leaves them co-inheriting the Brooklyn brownstone they once shared, they’re forced to live under the same roof again after five years of silence. The setup is perfect: proximity, nostalgia, and the unhealed wound of their estrangement. As the weeks pass, they slip back into old rhythms—shared meals, late-night talks, and the kind of tender familiarity that only comes from truly knowing someone. But the heart of the book lies in what isn’t said—the regrets, the what-ifs, and the feelings neither fully confronted when they walked away years ago.

Richard’s writing shines in its ability to balance bittersweet reflection with romantic hope. The brownstone itself almost feels like a character—grounding June and Adam as they rediscover who they are and what they mean to each other. The pacing is steady, giving readers time to savor their rekindled connection, though at times the slow-burn tension lingers just a bit too long.

June is a layered, relatable protagonist—facing the unraveling of her career and questioning who she is beyond her former fame. Adam, meanwhile, is equal parts steady and frustrating, his guardedness creating obstacles that feel both real and sometimes maddening. Their chemistry, however, is undeniable, making the payoff of their emotional reconnection all the more satisfying.

My only critique is that the central conflict—why they fell apart in the first place—felt like it could have been unpacked more deeply. The tension builds beautifully, but the resolution comes a little too neatly compared to the raw, messy emotions that precede it.

Still, It’s Different This Time is a heartfelt, tender romance that will appeal to fans of Emily Henry and Carley Fortune. It’s about forgiveness, second chances, and the courage it takes to finally be honest—with yourself and with the one person you never truly stopped loving.

A perfect autumn read to curl up with alongside a cup of coffee and the changing leaves.

Rating: 4/5 stars 🍂