Such a charming fun read! There are heavy topics discussed in the book, but also many light moments.Eli and Nick get a second chance at love at almost 40 years old. Everyone was so supportive and positive - such a nice thing to read in a setting such as Florida. This was my first novel by TJ Alexander, but it won't be my last. I laughed and teared up a bit too.

"Eli Ward hasn’t been back to his suffocating hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, in ages. Post-transition and sober, he’s a completely different person from the one who left years ago. But when a scandal threatens his career as a TV writer and comedian, he has no choice but to return home for the holidays. He can only hope he’ll survive his boisterous, loving, but often misguided family and hide the fact that his dream of comedy success has become a nightmare.

Just when he thinks this trip couldn’t get any worse, Eli bumps into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who’s somehow hotter than ever. Divorced and in his forties, Nick’s world revolves around his father, his daughter, and his job. But even a busy life can’t keep him from being intrigued by the reappearance of Eli.

Against the backdrop of one weird Floridian Christmas, the two must decide whether to leave the past in the past…or move on together."

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

This book was a real mixed bag for me because there were some parts I loved so much, and then some parts I wanted more from.

What I loved:
- A second chance with a high school sweetheart after big changes in their lives
- Older main characters (turning 40), and still learning about themselves!
- The suggestion of demisexuality and combating asexual stereotypes
- Exploring an experience of being trans (and queer) in a conservative state and still finding pockets of communities sharing queer joy
- How this wasn’t just a story about Eli, or Eli and Nick, but about the relationship between Eli and his parents. Eli is dreading coming home to Florida for the first time since his transition (his parents usually visit him) and while his parents are pretty supportive, there are some communication issues and minor conflicts, but also an incredibly moving scene showing his parents have truly listened and are putting their child first
“Oh my god, I’m sorry, I just didn’t expect all this,” he said, wiping at his wet eyes with his T-shirt sleeve.
“Oh, my baby… I want you to expect it from now on, okay? Expect the effort.”

What I didn’t love so much:
- I normally avoid stories with kids in them, but I really liked Zoe and was disappointed when her role disappeared towards the end of the book. Everything was going well until it was announced that her mother wanted to move with her to the other side of the country and that Nick would agree to it if he was looking out for Zoe’s best interests. I’m not a parent, but I didn’t really understand this (did they really have to leave the state for a nursing job? Wouldn’t it be best for Zoe to have both her parents who generally co-parent well to be within close proximity?), and the issue didn’t really get solved satisfactorily for me in the end, especially without the epilogue. This just added a lot of anxiety to my experience of the end of the book, which was disappointing after the first half.
- Eli, who I don’t expect to be a perfect person, continually brushing aside Nick questioning his sexuality (by constantly referring to just how straight he was) even when Nick was showing his interest in Eli… I wondered if it might be a protective mechanism for him (trying to convince himself Eli couldn’t possibly be interested in him), but the continual dismissal was rough, especially when I would think Eli would understand some of the nuances of sexuality
- It’s suggested to Nick that he might look into demisexuality and there is another mention of him doing some research, but the conversation kind of ends there. I respect that in the end he’s still exploring and lands on “queer,” but as an asexual person I’m a little greedy for explicit ace rep!

Overall I enjoyed most of this book, I would definitely recommend it, but there were some hanging threads I would have liked more exploration of at the same time. And selfishly, I didn’t want this extended family to be split up in different areas of the country!

A refreshingly different take on the second chance romance. Eli has come home to Port Stephen a changed person- and as a trans man. His ex, Nick, is now a divorced father (who has a good relationship with his ex and his daughter) and he's still attracted to Eli. Can this relationship work now that things are physically different? No spoilers from me but know that this is funny (Eli is a comedian), heartfelt, and in many ways family focused. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A gentle and happy read.

I was given an Advanced Readers Copy by Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review!

This is my first experience with a romance book featuring a trans protagonist and I approached it with a lot of curiosity. As an outsider to this experience, I was careful to read it with objectivity.

First, the positives. I thought the second half and especially the romantic conclusion were very sweet and modern, and with a second chance romance, the relationship is built on a lot of history and knowing each other. In that way, it was very satisfying. I especially enjoyed Nick's character and his journey to self-discovery. I loved this beautiful man and his beautiful heart! It's so nice to see an Asian American man as an assertive romantic partner. In my opinion, Nick, his love for Eli and his relationships with his family were the most thoughtful and meaningful in the book.

However, his depiction is not without flaws. Most of my issues with this book is the writing and unfortunately, T. J. Alexander gives him one of the most cringey lines of dialogue--"Guess I'm not most guys." Please don't do this to my poor Nick. He deserves better. This leads me to my next issue with the book, which is all the preachiness and villainous conservative family members. Another trope I hate is when the author uses parent/child dialogue to teach the audience and Nick's daughter is used this way. I started highlighting in two different colors: yellow for preachy, cringy passages and pink for creative, sensitive, or intriguing parts. Here's an example of a yellow passage: [ It didn’t seem fair that no one questioned her presence in her granddaughter’s life. Just because someone was family, did they need to be given so much leeway?

TJ Alexander. Second Chances in New Port Stephen . Kindle Edition. (hide spoiler)] Maybe it's just my relationship with the writing style, but I think Nick's inner monologue deserves better. Here is a pink passage: [ “Do you ever get the feeling like your dad misses the kid you used to be? Like, he would rather have that kid back than deal with adult-you? Or is that just me?”

TJ Alexander. Second Chances in New Port Stephen . Kindle Edition. (hide spoiler)] This line is said by Eli to Nick and while they're similar sentiments, one is so much more personal and emotional.

That brings me to my biggest quibble with the book, which is the character of Eli. I was ready to love Eli, but as a comedian, he's not very funny and treated Nick's identity like it was nothing, while constantly advocating for himself. I don't expect protagonists to be perfect, but Eli never apologizes for assuming things about Nick's sexuality or blowing up at his parents, who were trying their best. There's no redemption arc for Eli, but his life works out in all the ways he wants but lacks character growth. And his humor? here's a joke: "A virgin sangria is just fruit salad!" ok, he says this when he's angry. Here's another, where the author says he's cracking a joke with a friend: “Wow, you’re already a Californian. Soon you’ll be putting flax on everything and telling me how shitty the four-oh-five is.”

There are some serious high points in this story, particularly the intimate scenes between Eli and Nick and the romantic journey. There were far more pink passages than yellow. I would read this author again.

I really enjoyed this! It was lighthearted but still explored harder topics. I think it could really be eye opening for a lot of people about trans issues. Eli was so funny and Nick was such a great single dad character. It's almost a beach read moreso than a holiday book but I enjoyed it either way!

2SLGBTQIA+ Holiday Romance in which a trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex.

5/5 stars: Alexander is new favorite author and their Holiday Romance is a winner. Tackling the second-chance romance trope, Alexander brings plenty of heart and humor that will have you swooning. Alexander's characters are incredibly complex and yet remain infinitely likable. While Eli and Nick are both dealing with a big changes in their life, I love how the two come back together. Additionally, I adore Eli's parents and Nick's daughter is adorable. Oh and Alexander sure knows how to write steamy OPS scenes, they're deliciously spicy. Not only does this book takes place in Florida and touch on the effects of the states politics have on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but it touches on other tough topics, so take care and check the CWs. If you're looking for a great holiday read, be sure to add this book to your TBR!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Something about this one didn’t pull me in quite as much as the other books by this author. Don’t get me wrong I’m still glad that I read it. I love this authors writing a lot. I think it’s just that I didn’t really connect with the characters as much because the book features 2 men in their 40s as the main characters. I think it’s important for stories like this to continue being shared I think it just kept me from being as invested as their previous works.
I thought the characters were great. I’m really liked their second chance romance. It was interesting to see their dynamic because a lot had changed since their relationships as teenagers mostly because of Eli’s transition. I also thought their relationship was so cute and they had great chemistry with each other. I also appreciated the author showing that it’s okay to not have your life fully together. Sometimes things change. It created interesting family dynamics within the story.
Overall I had a good time reading this one. I’ll definitely continue reading the books this author puts out. The representation within them is always great. The characters and their growth is always great. I would recommend their writing if you are looking for great Trans/LGBTQ+ stories.

Great romance with diverse characters - transgender, queer questioning, racial minority. the topics were well written and real. Super steamy with great chemistry.

Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A touching tale that brings warmth and depth to the holiday spirit, making it a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this eArc

The perfect queer holiday romance book. I loved seeing all the authentic aspects of queer culture as well as the feelings of what going home for the holidays can sometimes trigger..

A story truly about 2nd chances on every level of Eli’s life. Many of the conversations that were had are things I’ve experienced in my own life.

I truly enjoyed this book with my only drawback being sometimes a little confused on what perspective it was being told from.

This fun and funny second chance romance is not one to miss.

Eli heads back to his hometown in Florida for the first time post-transitioning. When he runs into his ex, Nick, Eli wonders if everything has changed between them now that they're both pushing 40.

Although Eli was a little self-centered, I love his and Nick's reunion and their relationship developing. I absolutely adored the way Nick calmly confronted his possible queerness and researched it. Also a big fan of the demisexuality rep. This is my first time reading this author but definitely won't be the last!

The Florida sun was intense. It had been years since he set foot in this place, but the warmth of the sun was a comforting welcome back. It may be the only real “welcome” he felt being back in this place. Everything around him was the same, but he had changed and nothing in this place felt like it could truly accept that change… until he crossed paths with someone who knew him better than anyone.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen shares Eli’s story, a trans man returning to his hometown for Christmas after his career bombed and he now finds himself unemployed. When he runs into his ex from his high school past… things spiral out of control.

This was such a sweet story and I loved getting to know both Eli and Nick. It was a beautiful exploration of discovering oneself and truly pursuing what makes you happy. I also loved their chemistry and banter as well as seeing characters like Eli’s parents truly grow in their love for their son. It was a feel good story with wonderful queer representation. I’ve loved another book from T.J. Alexander and I’ll for sure be reading everything they write!

If you’re looking for a holiday setting read, a second chance/single dad romance, a wonderful story of growth and exploration… then I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR!

This book was so adorable and quirky with lovable characters and witty dialogue. A queer second chance idiots to lovers romance that made me smile all the way through and laugh out loud on several occasions. In fact, I think it's my favorite TJ Alexander book so far.

As a rule I am not a fan of Second Chance Romances. This book however is the exception not the rule! I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved both of the men's interactions with each other and with their families. I was waiting for Nick's Ex wife to be the 'villain' in the story but surprisingly they had an incredible post break up coparenting relationship!

This book had just enough nostalgia from their high school days while intermixing their current challenges and experiences! And I loved the whole kayaking scene.

I also thought Nick's scenes where he began to question his own sexulality were handled well. As someone who has recently begun to question my own sexuality in my 30's, I really appreciate this. The only thing I could wish for is that the author had explored Nick's possible demisexuality more, there was a nugget dropped in but I wish if had been explored more.

I love everything TJ Alexander writes, and I will continue devouring their books as fast as they can write them!!!

5 stars
2 spice

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book! While I regularly found myself frustrated with Eli and his choices, within the context of the story and his history, they made sense. Being trans and gay can make dating, love, and family so complicated and his decisions (although not always smart or well thought out) are obviously informed by that! I loved Nick a ton and Zoe was the cutest. Their family dynamics (Eli included) felt real from very early on in the book.

This is a great addition to a (slowly) growing library of books with trans love (and sex!). I cannot wait to read more.

When Eli’s career as a TV writer blows up due to the bad acts of the star of the show he writes for, he decides to return home for the holidays. Many things have changed since Eli was in New Port Stephen, Florida. He’s no longer the stand-up comic he was when he left, he’s sober now, and most importantly to Eli, he’s completed his transition. Florida has changed too, threatening the very existence of people like Eli.
But his family has not changed and will go to great lengths to show him the love they’ve always had for him, even though they are learning and make mistakes. And then he runs into Nick, his first love, his first lover and someone who is still as intriguing as he was in high school, before Eli transitioned.
The best thing about this book is the way it illustrates romance, falling and re-falling, in love. There is only enough attention to the same sex relationship as the author wants to share with the reader to assure empathy, and it is done so well. The reader is rooting for these two guys to make it, proving that in the hands of the right author, even in a romance novel, love is indeed love. Bravo to TJ Alexander.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Atria Books for the ARC of this wonderful story. The book will be released on December 5, 2023.

TW: Transphobia (comments, legislation,etc), loss of a parent, discussion of racism, alcoholism, divorced parents, minor fatphobia

This was such a fun, and light hearted read that still handle the darker subjects with care despite the overall lightness of the book. I normally don't really read a Christmas romances a whole lot but this was just mere perfection. I also enjoy the Nick's daughter and how funny she was. There were some scenes that felt a little too long for me but overall this was fantastic.

Such a wonderful holiday romcom! Just the perfect levels of romance, humor, holiday messiness, and love. Second chance romances are not always my favorite trope, but when they are done right they really hit. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me get my hands on it early. This story does a good job of establishing the prior friendship and love the characters had while also making it important that they needed more than just a past connection. They had to grow and meet again much later later in life. Another thing this story had that I absolutely loved was its clear message that you are never too old to discover new things about yourself. There is no time limit on self expression, acceptance, or love.

*I received a copy of this eARC via NetGalley*

What a beautiful second chance love story! It gave me all the feels! The main characters were a couple that gave us a real feel how love can fall back into place.

Overall this was a cozy feel good read that addressed the hardships of being queer and/or BIPOC in an community where that is not as accepted as it is elsewhere. It also showed a beautiful love story between two people who, despite time and distance, have always had a lasting connection.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen was a delightful queer Christmas romance. When Eli, a trans man who has recently lost his job and has come back home to New Port Stephen for the first time in years, runs into his high school sweetheart Nick, the two quickly reconnect.
This book had me laughing out loud almost from page one. Eli was frustrating at times, he constantly made assumptions about the people around him to his own detriment, but once there was communication, everything worked out. I loooved Eli’s parents and their willingness and eagerness to relearn who their son is.
I do wish there was more open communication between Eli and Nick throughout the book, not just towards the end, but otherwise this was a fun holiday read. I look forward to reading this authors other works.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.