Review: It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard
As a casual observer of human relationships, nothing intrigues me more than the complexities of love and friendship. When I stumbled upon It’s Different This Time, I felt an undeniable pull. Joss Richard’s name evokes a sense of curiosity within the book community, and I was eager to see how she navigated the tumultuous waters of a second-chance romance. Spoiler alert: This novel did not disappoint.
At its core, It’s Different This Time follows June, a thirty-something freelance actress whose life takes an unexpected turn as she returns to New York to confront the ghosts of her past—namely, Adam, her former roommate and best friend. The reunion is bittersweet, sparked by the inheritance of their shared brownstone following their old landlord’s passing. What starts as a month of legal deliberations quickly morphs into a fierce examination of unresolved feelings, weaving a tale rich with heartache and nostalgia.
The dual timeline structure is a captivating element, allowing us glimpses of June and Adam’s tender friendship as it blossoms into love. Every shared laugh and wistful glance offers readers a sense of intimacy, almost as if we are peeking into a cherished memory. In the present, however, the air brims with palpable tension. Each interaction is electric, underscored by layers of past misunderstandings and unspoken affection. I found myself shouting at the pages, pleading for both characters to confront their feelings—a testament to Richard’s extraordinary ability to evoke genuine emotion.
What resonated with me most in It’s Different This Time was how authentically June and Adam’s dynamics felt. Their shared history made every glance and near-touch resonate, mirroring the complexities of real relationships. Richard captures that heart-wrenching push-and-pull beautifully—the weight of potential heartbreak balanced against the elation of reconnection. As I read, I was often reminded of the quote: “Looking at Adam is like watching one of my favorite comfort movies.” It encapsulates not just the familiarity between June and Adam, but also the sheer comfort of revisiting a well-loved story, layered with new emotions.
Richard’s writing flows effortlessly, balancing moments of humor against gut-wrenching vulnerability. I was particularly enamored by the pacing of the story; it builds gradually, allowing readers to invest fully in June and Adam as they navigate their convoluted feelings. The slow burn of their romance was absolute torture—yet in the best way possible. I found myself completely anchored in their story, each chapter bringing me closer to the thrilling culmination of their journey.
This book is a love letter to anyone who appreciates a good slow burn filled with longing and unresolved tension. If you’re a fan of stories like A Love Letter to Whiskey, or if you revel in the deeply satisfying transition from friends to lovers, you’ll find It’s Different This Time to be a delightful escape.
In the end, Joss Richard has crafted a poignant story that lingers well beyond the final page. Readers may find themselves reflecting on their own relationships and the beauty of rediscovering love amidst the familiar chaos of life. For me, it was a bittersweet reminder that sometimes, love is waiting just under the surface, ready to bloom again when we least expect it. If you’re in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster that explores the intricacies of love, friendship, and the ghosts of our past, this book is a must-read.
Discover more about It’s Different This Time on GoodReads >>