It's Different This Time

A Novel

De: Joss Richard

Narrado por: Ferdelle Capistrano

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In this sweeping, second-chance romance, a twist of fate forces two former roommates back into their beloved New York City brownstone where they must confront the events that led to their estrangement—and the unresolved feelings lingering between them.

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER!
Globe and Mail bestseller
Toronto Star bestseller

One of:
- CBC's "50 Canadian fiction books we're excited about this fall"
- Chatelaine's "Fall 2025 Reading List"
- ELLE's "Best Books of Fall 2025"
- HELLO!'s "Books I'll be devouring this fall 2025"

PRAISE FOR IT'S DIFFERENT THS TIME:

“Debut author Richard crafts emotionally complex characters full of yearning, and the lush New York setting adds extra appeal. A deeply felt, passion-filled, dual-timeline love story.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“It’s Different This Time is the rich, decadent romance of the year we’ve been waiting for! From the romance to the setting and the friendships, I loved it all. This story is complex and something really special. Joss Richard’s voice is so fresh and captivating, you’ll forget you’re even reading.”
—Sarah Adams, New York Times bestselling author of the Rome, Kentucky Series

“It’s Different This Time feels like the warmest sweater, soft and tender, somehow both familiar and new. I was completely immersed in June and Adam’s love story over the years, transported to this exact brownstone, to New York in the fall. Deeply emotional and layered, this second-chance romance is an instant classic!”
—Naina Kumar, USA Today bestselling author of Flirting With Disaster

“It’s Different This Time is a gorgeously nostalgic second-chance romance that will simultaneously break your heart and mend it. A tender and atmospheric slow-burn—this is a book you can’t stop thinking about.”
—Amy Lea, international bestselling author of The Catch

“A sparkling, romantic love story that moonlights as a love letter to second chances, Broadway, and chasing big dreams—this book is an absolute winner!”
—Kayla Olson, USA Today bestselling author of The Lodge and The Reunion

A warm hug

Loved every moment of reading this. It felt like a warm hug and had me missing NYC in the best ways.

Cute Fall Rom Com

Really cute with the back and forth in time. I loved how they fell in love by just being best friends! Lots of sweet moments and I loved that he was a chef. Gets me every time!

I could have done without the spicy scenes but other than that I enjoyed it! The audio was wonderful.

a sweet story….

I really enjoyed this book. It was good! I love the sweet friendship, budding romance. Adam is a dream. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and would have loved a little more wrap up and time in the present but overall really liked the book and glad I listened to it.

Had to get the audio book to experience the story again!

Oh. My. Heart. 💖 (4.5 stars) I wrote this when I read the ARC the first time.

I devoured It’s Different This Time in a single day — and I’m still not over it. This second-chance romance, set against the dazzling backdrop of New York City, is everything I love in a love story: heart-tugging yearning, delicious tension, and an atmosphere so vivid you can practically hear the city’s heartbeat.

With its Canadian (extra points because my husband is Canadian), theater, and fine dining representation, it felt like this book was written just for me. And when Les Misérables and Elbone popped up? I may have actually screamed.

Normally, I’m an audiobook girl, and it takes me longer to sink into an ebook. But not this time. I couldn’t stop turning pages. The dual timeline is perfectly executed, weaving the past and present together in a way that’s both poignant and addictive. And that secret yearning? Absolutely chef’s kiss.

I’m usually wary of miscommunication tropes and forced proximity, but here, Joss Richard makes them feel not only believable, but essential. The family dynamics are rich and heartfelt, and the friendships are beautifully written. I found myself giggling throughout — and I teared up a few times toward the end.

I feel so lucky to have read this early thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine — and I can’t believe this is Richard’s debut. She writes with the confidence and tenderness of someone who’s been telling stories forever. I can’t wait for her next book. This is one I’ll be buying in both physical and audiobook formats so I can experience it all over again.

Romance readers — prepare to swoon. Prepare to feel. And prepare to fall head over heels for It’s Different This Time.

Such a sweet book

I loved the characters in this book. For once, there were no evil or manipulating characters. June is an actress and Adam is a chef, but the main character is a house at 67 Perry Street where their relationship began. Their friends, his family, all are delightful. I really did not want this book to end. The narrator was excellent, and perfect for June. if you like a good romance, this one should please you.

So. Damn. Good!

I could not put this down. It truly checked off so many of my favorite things about romance novels.

Five Star Slow Burn Romance!

One of the best love stories I’ve read this year. This is epic! Covers the whole love story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy. I read rhetorical audible copy too and really enjoyed the narration.

Loved this story

Very good story line. I was surprised at the depth and how good of a writer Joss was. Looking forward to more from her!

I just loved this story!

Such a beautiful story of love and second chances and finding yourself! Amazing narration and this gave me all the feels!

Wow heartbreakingly poignant

The book artfully jumps back and forth in time to weave the story of two friends too fearful to rock the boat. It’s super frustrating to see how the FMC holds herself back from simply asking for what she wants from him. And that he doesn’t push harder for more. But it all finally comes together with such emotional honesty in the end. A favorite moment is the pep talk that her musical producer gives to her and fellow castmates about how the music saved him. Well, this book broke me emotionally and it did put me back together but I wanted more of them at the end! The fact I was this emotionally strung out and invested is the sign of excellent writing and storytelling. I have a big crush on the MMC that isn’t fading anytime soon.