Amy and Thomas

Amy and Thomas had a super cute meet cute and I loved that they were both older, with older children. The story was cute and the way the kids reacted to both parents dating again were very much real reactions which was appreciated. It seemed a little rush at the end but overall adorable.

4.1 stars

Refreshing change of pace with an older hero and heroine. It showed how if love is right not even funny the blending of two different families can stop it.

KU. 3.5 stars.

This was an enjoyable “mature” romance. Thomas is 53 & Amy is 38/39. He’s widowed and she’s divorced. I really enjoyed the mix of serious and fun. I found myself really rooting for this couple and enjoying as they navigated their relationship as well as their children’s reactions to it.

It lost me a little in two places. Amy’s son, Grady, is 17 and about to graduate high school. He came off overly petulant for that age AND Amy gave his opinions way too much weight/consideration.

What was a only a single paragraph but really angered me was Thomas asking Amy’s EX for “permission” to ask her to marry him. No. Nope. No way. This is not in any way appropriate, cute, sweet, or funny. Can I point out Thomas didn’t talk to Amy’s dad ~ but asked her ex? <> Since this was the last paragraph before the epilogue it really ended the book on a bad note for me.

I am not good with words so I'll get right to the point. You NEED to read this book. This Time is Different is such a feed good, heart felt, love story with simmering heat. There is no drama - only real life situations. I felt so many emotions while reading this book but mainly just happiness. I smiled through 90% of the book. Truly smiled while I read. I also cried. I have NEVER cried while reading a book before - not because there was sadness - but because there was emotion. Emotions that I've lived through and could relate to.

This may be the most real book I've ever read. Amy and Thomas are people I can picture in real life. I see myself in their kids. I see my parents in them. I see my friends in their friends.

If you've read Plus One by Mae - this is the perfect follow up. Getting to see Bert again and the other side to their divorce was wonderful. Getting to read about Grady again and also a glimpse at Trip and Marissa.

Get this book. You will not be disappointed - I promise.

This book is a stand alone book but intertwines with Mae Wood's previous books. It is sweet, funny and a heart warming love story. Amy has been married before and isn't looking to go down that path again. Thomas is a widower who is certain he's experienced his one true love. They find out together that, This Time is Different.
This story will be the type of book that I'll reach for over and over. It's a palate cleanser for life! When the world gets too big, I'll be able to escape back into a love story that embraces being a love story. I grinned throughout the book. It just feels good to read it and it rests easily on your heart.
There's no added drama for the sake of shaking up a story, real life with teens has enough drama on its own. There's no big break up scene over some stupid miscommunication, no villains, and no kidnappings! And before you think this book could be boring without all the angst and drama remember you do get dad jokes, cat humor, and smoking sexy times. This is a grown up love story between mature adults with real life responsibilities and real life scenarios. Mae Wood has done it again! I read her books and can see myself in them living my own happily ever after. I highly recommend this Gen-X romance.

This book checked all my boxes

Likable, relatable, mature characters. Real life situations. Laughter and tears. Great sexy times. A sneak peek at some old friends. A wonderful second chance romance.

This was my first book by Mae Wood, and it won't be my last!

As I have gotten older, I find that my tastes in books have matured as well. Instead of reading young and new adult, I gravitate much more toward novels where the main characters are in their thirties and forties. With that in mind, This Time is Different, fell onto my TBR right away, and I couldn't wait to read it. And it did not disappoint. I loved that both characters were struggling with moving on from past relationships- for different reasons- as well as their children accepting this move. Amy and Thomas felt real, which is often the way that I connect with characters.

My only issue is that the end felt a bit rushed for me, or I needed a little more. But otherwise, this book was a hit for me and I can't wait to go back and read the other Pig & Barley books!

**Update** I have also finished the audio of This Time is Different and I must say, Sebastian York and Emma Wilder rocked this!

I was excited for this one because both of the leads are older. It was definitely what I would call a real story without fluff or a lot of drama. This can be good or bad. The story doesn't really go anywhere, but at the same time it is a more accurate portrayal of real life. There were several humorous moments - loved the cat names. The cover for the paperback is the same as that of the ebook/kindle editions. It was a solid read, but not one I'll likely read again and because it seemed to coast along without really pulling me in emotionally (no real ups or downs), I gave it a 3.