*SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!*

Ugh, why did it take me so long to read this! I absolutely adored it! I liked TJ Alexander's other two books, but I didn't love them. I LOVED this one.

I don't usually like second chance romances, though honestly haven't read a lot of them. But the ones that I've read previous to this one just didn't work very well for me. But this one REALLY did. We have Eli who is trans and living in NYC who is home for the xmas for the first time in many years, and the first time since he transitioned 5 years earlier. On one of the first days back he runs into his ex boyfriend from high school, Nick, and things just go from there.

What I really liked was that both protagonists are a bit older, both Eli and Nick are in their late 30s (despite the description saying that Nick is in his 40s, he's not), and while they generally were doing alright at adulting, they both were still figuring things out. I thought the depiction of Nick's demisexuality realization was really well done. When you think you know yourself pretty well, but then as you're heading into your 40s and oh, huh, that's new. I love the fact that he just accepted it, there was no gay panic or anything, it was just something new he was learning about himself.

I think that it is a testament to how well written the book and the characters are that I didn't try to throw it through the window multiple times, when our two dummies are too dumb to realize that they are both in love with each other. Usually this kind of mutual pining, angst, poor communication drives me wild (in a bad way), but it didn't in this book.

I also loved the Florida Man references, they were so good!

Overall, this was just a really fantastic book with a great cast of characters and checks so many of the LGBTQIA+ identities, I love it. I have Alexander's next book as an ARC and think I will be getting to it soon, after loving this one so much!

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a sweet second-chance romance. Eli, who returned home for Christmas, is difficult to like at times: prickly, elitist. Some of it's understandable, but he's almost forty (as we are reminded many times).

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria for the eARC! TJ Alexander is one of my favorite authors - their writing is so authentic, the characters were emotional and compelling. The second chance romance trope was incredibly well done here! I absolutely loved this and I cannot recommend this and TJ Alexander’s other books enough!

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a lovely rom com about relationships, finding yourself, coming to terms with the past, and being open to second chances.

Nick and Eli are exes who haven't seen each other in years. A series of unfortunate circumstances bring Eli back to his home town and his ex-boyfriend's orbit. At times hilarious and at others absolutely poignant, this book gives us two fleshed out characters, with distinct voices and POV, with a gentle and satisfying progression from exes, to tentative reacquaintance, to the realization that the love they had for each other never really dimmed despite the years, and an HEA that felt believable.

You can feel the nostalgia and the yearning in this story. The way these characters who are in their 30s are navigating challenging experiences--divorce, loss, grief, parenting, job loss, bigotry, and more--felt real and heartfelt.

Overall an enjoyable read and secondary characters that felt realistic also. Particularly Nick's daughter, who was a joy to read.

TJ Alexander is an auto-buy author for me and I really loved this book. It has just the right amount of whimsy and silly, but is truly beautiful..

3.5 stars!

Cute read!

I loved the small town feel and the holiday season setting! The second chance was also cute.

TJ Alexander cannot miss! Every single book I have read by this author, has been an instantly loved one.

This book follows Eli, a trans man who returned to his hometown in Florida for Christmas with his family. He very quickly ran into his high school boyfriend, now a single dad, Nick.

I expected this second chance romance to be a light and fluffy romance, but the com in rom com was definitely evident. This book was hilarious!

Thank you to NetGalley, TJ Alexander, and Atria Books for the digital arc.

TJ Alexander has definitely become a must read author for me. Relationships of any type are difficult to navigate and with the characters that are in this book, TJ Alexander does an incredible job having them navigate these uncharted waters with each other. I loved the idea here of this second chance romance also feeling like somewhat of a brand new romance in a whole different way. The characters were incredible and I did also enjoy that they were a bit older and you got to see that dynamic play out as well.

The wit in this book was also incredible and I found the characters and the banter genuinely funny. Nick and Eli’s relationship was great but I thought the addition of Zoe was perfect for this story and added such a charm to their lives together and how she fit into that.

Many Thanks for NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this new rom-com from TJ Alexander! They never miss on delivering loving and fun romances. Full of queer joy and love, a great read for any time of the year!

"Second Chances in Newport" by TJ Alexander is a captivating romance novel that sweeps readers away to the charming streets of Newport, where love, redemption, and unexpected connections reign supreme. Alexander crafts a heartfelt story that explores the power of forgiveness and the possibility of finding love when least expected. The characters are wonderfully developed, each with their own unique struggles and desires, making them feel like old friends by the end of the book. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Newport, the novel immerses readers in its vibrant atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for a second chance at love. With its compelling storyline and engaging prose, "Second Chances in Newport" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartwarming romance with a touch of serendipity.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is an LGBTQ romance (yes, a second chance romance!) built around the Christmas season in Florida.

Eli Ward has returned to his childhood home after losing his job as a TV comedy writer. But Eli was very different as a child; he’s now a man, having transitioned. He’s 40, unemployed, sober, and at loose ends. He hasn’t been home in many years and doesn’t really want to be there now. He bumps into his old high school boyfriend, Nick Wu, while out shopping for a Christmas gift, and thus begins to rekindle a friendship with Nick, which will turn into something more. Their journey of discovery, self-discovery, rediscovery is charming. I loved Eli’s funny boomer parents, who were accepting of him but also very clueless in many ways. Nick’s dad is great and his younger daughter Zoe is a cute little hoot. We don’t get to know Eli’s good friend and colleague Margo very much; I would have liked more scenes with her.

Having a son in the TV writing field made Eli’s precarious career situation feel very real. I also grinned at references to Florida’s governor and grumbled at the references to Florida’s extremist legislation. Florida is currently not a particularly comfortable place to be anything other than cisgender and heterosexual, unfortunately.

Content warning include: transphobia (mainly references to Florida legistlation), references to alcoholism (in the past), death of a parent (also in the past), racism, and a few rather spicy scenes.

I read this as part of the 2024 Trans Rights Readathon, but it had been sitting on my (virtual) shelf for a while, so I took the opportunity to finally read it, and I’m glad I did. I bounced between the ebook and the published audiobook. The narrators, Aden Hakimi and Feodor Chin, did a great job with the various voices and accents. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Book 1 for me for the 2024 Trans Rights Readathon. This year, I'll be making a donation to LGBT Youthline

Rounding up to five stars. Sometimes it's harder for me to write a review for a book when I really like it. This book wasn't perfect - there were a couple of little turns of phrase here and there that felt off and the pacing didn't always work for me - but ultimately, I can't think of much I would change. This is a low plot, high vibe book with clever and subtle humour that worked for me beginning to end. I laughed out loud a number of times. The characters are flawed but endearing and the connection between them was well done with so much underlying tenderness and care. I was really charmed reading this book and can't wait to pick up other books by the author.

I’m a huge TJ Alexander fan, and this book was exactly what I was expecting it to be.

Super sweet, a little spicy, and an overall adorable second chance/queer romance. Zoe was written as the world’s most lovable kid. And Nick’s dad was my favorite character in the book. He’s everything I aspire to be as a parent. The drama around Christmas is all-too-familiar, and I was losing my mind during the library scene!

Overall, a very fun read that was more fun than spicy (maybe 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ …a few open door scenes but nothing that made me think twice)

I would like to thank Atria/Emily Bestler Books and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

“I’ve concluded I need to stop worrying so much about what the future holds. I want to be happy when I can be.”

Read if you like:
💕 Second chance romance
🎄 Holiday settings
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and Demi rep
👨‍👩‍👦 Excellent parenting

Eli has returned to his hometown of New Port Stephen for the first time in years to spend the holidays with his parents. What he didn’t tell his parents is that his career is on the rocks and that he’s home to stay for the foreseeable future. Eli then runs into his ex for the first time post-transition. Nick is a divorced dad who’s still hot but as far as Eli knows, very straight.

I loved this book! If you are looking for a fantastic rom com for the upcoming Trans Rights Readathon this would be perfect. It’s funny with just enough drama to keep the story moving. While Eli is coming to terms with his career and being back where he grew up pre-transition, Nick is also exploring his feelings for Eli. My favorite part was seeing Nick be a parent (I took notes) and seeing Eli’s parents’ growth as well. I wished I had liked Eli more from the beginning but he definitely grew on me and I was cheering for him and Nick the whole time.

This is such a sweet romance. Living in Florida and understand the current political climate - I laughed out loud at a few of the comments made about our current governor. But also felt sad and angry about what I am sure are real conversations that real couples are having daily. I love love and this story is such a good portrayal of that while still being lighthearted and funny. I would say that I would read this author again but that is a given as I already have another book lined up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

TJ Alexander is one of my all time favorite authors and I was so excited to dive into Second Chances in New Port Stephen! A second chance holiday season romance?? 100% yes!

♥️ Romance
🦩 Florida
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Representation
✌️Second Chances
❤️‍🩹 Healing
🫶 Lovable Characters
🏡 Hometown
🎄 Christmas
😹 Hilarious Banter

10/10 recommend Second Chances in New Port Stephen and every single book by TJ Alexander!!

Thank you so much to Atria Books for the gifted copy!

I absolutely loved this book! This being the first book I read by this Author TJ Alexander definitely made a great first impression. I am living for the LGBTQIA+ representation.

If you're seeking a heartwarming romance that embraces second chances, this novel is a delightful choice! In Second Chances in New Port Stephen, T.J. Alexander weaves a heartwarming tale of family, love, and rediscovery.

Meet Eli Ward, a trans man, who reluctantly returns to his stifling Florida hometown for Christmas. His career took an unexpected nosedive. Post-transition and sober, he now faces the challenge of surviving his boisterous yet well-intentioned family while concealing the nightmare his dreams have become.

Meet Nick Wu. Divorced and in his forties, he is juggling fatherhood, work, and the complexities of life. His reunion with Eli sparks a second chance at love, as they grapple with past memories, prejudice, and the possibility of a future together.

Alexander's writing is wholeheartedly honest, capturing the essence of being a transmasculine person in Florida. Yet, despite the weighty themes, the novel remains buoyant. This is a delightful holiday romp that never gets bogged down. The exploration of divorce, sobriety, and the power of forgiveness adds depth to this charming romance.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a delectable blend of nostalgia, laughter, and hope. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fireplace or lounging on a sunny beach, this book is a perfect companion for the holiday season.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I feel like I haven’t a lot of romance novels with older trans characters. They always seem to be 20 or early 30 somethings. But it was so incredibly refreshing to read a book where both main characters are in their 40s.

Eli is returning back to his hometown of New Port Stephen, down on his luck career-wise. He’s post-transition and sober, and not at all wanting to face the people who he left behind years ago. But one of the people he runs into is his ex high school sweetheart, Nick. The two rekindle their friendship and well, we know how this story goes.

I found this book so charming and fun. I loved the relationship building between Eli and Nick, the wanting but not knowing if they were allowed to be wanting. I know they’re in their 40s, but it was like watching two high schoolers find themselves and fumble through it, which makes sense since they were high school sweethearts.

This story is one of exes who reunite after one has transitioned. It’s about finding your way back together when you knew each other so well decades earlier. It’s about how you can grow into yourself and end up being more of yourself than you ever thought possible. I loved this.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it