3.5 stars rounded down!
Second chances in New Port Stephen is a LGBTQ+ holiday romance featuring a queer and trans couple. Eli finds himself in a career lull after the lead actor of the show he’s been writing for is exposed for being a creepy, with no other choice he sublets his apartment and returns to his family home in New Port Stephen, Florida to lick his wounds and figure out what to do next. Nick is a divorced dad and restaurant manager who after college ended up moving home to be closer to his aging father.

To start out I really adored Nick and his story line especially the parts where he was exploring and learning more about his sexuality along with his relationships with his daughter, ex-wife, and father. Eli and his parents relationship was also a highlight, I enjoyed the realistic depiction of how even though Eli’s parents love and support him they still run into issues that cause Eli discomfort (like all the family photos of Eli pre-transition throughout the home). My major issue with the book is it’s reliance on the miscommunication trope at points and how even though Eli who didn’t transition till he was in his 30s for a good chunk of the book insists on referring to Nick as his “straight friend” this really rubbed me the wrong way.

Thank you Atria Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

When I interviewed TJ earlier this year, I had just found out about their December release, Second Chances in New Port Stephen, and I was utterly thrilled. I loved TJ’s books so much. Their writing and the characters they create are so real. I think this might be my favorite book so far, not only because I fell in love with Nick and Eli, but because I think they kept things “real” with what they deal with in the everyday (we have trans and queer characters in Florida, enough said), while still finding a realistic HEA for romance readers that doesn’t feel forced. . It’s a hard balance to strike and knowing TJ, I’m not surprised. I LOVED this book.

Synopsis:

“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.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Dialogue—TJ Alexander is masterful at making their reading laugh and cry on the same page. The dialogue is quick and bright while also punching you in the gut when it matters.

The Vibes: While I love holiday books, I love a specific kind of holiday book—a contemporary romance set at Christmas/December, not a Christmas romance if that makes sense. This book is perfectly the kind of holiday book I love.

The Characters—Nick and Eli have my heart forever and so does Zoe! It’s HARD to write kids in romance books and TJ knocked this character out of the park. Loved them all.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

This is knocking a star off, but omg Kay was the most infuriating character. So real, there’s always that kind of person at family holidays but wow she made me angry. I loved seeing how Nick and Lori dealt with her though because I think it can be relatable for a lot of people.

Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 1.5/5 Overall Rating: 5/5

3.5

This was a cute, fun holiday romance featuring a second chance romance and “older” queers coming out later in life. Eli is sober and recently transitioned and back in his hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, for Christmas. Except he is also unemployed with no leads on a new job and dreading the thought of moving back in with his parents. Then he runs into Nick Wu, his high school boyfriend who is divorced and running a restaurant while coparenting his daughter.

I liked the conversations about coming out later in life and I loved the conversations about demisexuality and being queer in conservative locations and how that can really mess with concepts of home for queer kids. I thought the romance was cute, though I could have done with a little less of the miscommunication trope. Like really, Eli is nearly 40 he should be able to check his voicemail. Also, I know he was probably just going through some things personally but I really got frustrated that Eli kept introducing Nick as his straight friend when they went clubbing. Like Eli was in his 30s before he figured out his gender stuff so why was he so adamant that Nick had to be straight.

Second chance trope + LGBTQ+?

Count me in.
I feel like so many books about Florida tend to stereotype it, this felt like it accurately captured it. TJ always kills it with their writing. I love reading about and celebrating queer joy! Eli & Nick are amazing characters. I would read another book about them.

Filled with witty & flirty banter!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for a copy!

I had enjoyed Alexander's previous novels about a pair of roommates each finding love in Chef's Choice and Chef's Kiss. Second Chances in New Port Stephen though introduces a completely new set of characters following Eli Ward who returns to his hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida for the holidays. Although one character is a manager at a local restaurant this novel is less foodie focused. It felt like there was a lot of extra story going on with the former two novels including things like food competitions, while this one felt more heavily engaged in the relationship of the characters as they deal with their past and decide what they want for their future. The other books were fun and had likable characters, but I felt more emotionally invested in this novel.

Eli hasn't been back in his hometown for many years. During that time he transitioned, started a successfully comedy writing career that recently has stalled, and overcame an alcohol addiction. There are a lot of funny holiday moments with Eli and his family. His parents are shown as well meaning, though not overly perfect. When he encounters his childhood bff/high school ex-boyfriend, who is a divorced dad still nursing the hurt of his mother's death, the holidays look like they may be come a bit jollier for them both.

I honestly wasn't sure if this would work for me, but I LOVED it. It's one of those books where I felt grumpy when I had to put it down for a while, because all I wanted was to continue reading. I just felt completely immersed.

This is an incredibly sweet second chance romance with older (40-ish) main characters. I'm normally a little meh about the second chance trope but think it works really well here. Nick and Eli are high school sweethearts who reunite by chance. Only now Eli is openly trans and Nick is a divorced dad who everyone (including himself) assumed was straight. I love how non-dramatic it was for Nick to reassess his sexuality and the moments with his father melted my heart. I also really love the depiction of his relationship with his ex-wife. It's so much better to actively work at being friends and co-parenting than to fall into the one-sided evil ex nonsense. This is set in the Florida of today so very real issues are discussed but it's well handled in a way that doesn't pile on trauma. Also the depictions of holiday family interactions are spot on.

**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Thank you to Atria Books for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

For the first time in years, Eli returns to his childhood home in Florida for Christmas with his parents. But he's really there because his career in New York blew up, and he needed to sublet his apartment. He quickly runs into his childhood best friend and first boyfriend, Nick Wu, now a single dad.

I always appreciate TJ Alexander's representation of transgender main characters. And Nick's description of what it means to be trans to his young daughter was so beautiful. I also enjoyed that both Eli and Nick were about to turn 40. I like seeing characters who are a bit older represented in romances as well. However, I found it difficult to like Eli. He was unkind to family and friends.

The plot incorporated a mix of authentic journeys and absurd scenarios. I liked this writing style for second chance romance that is largely focused on the present without too many flashbacks or an alternative timeline. It felt current and like the author wasn't hiding information from me.

After the opening, I expected a bit more about politics, but it was just an underlying background of the Florida setting. Similarly, Christmas felt like more of a background context than an important aspect of the plot. Instead, the crucial themes in the plot were about identity and navigating family relationships.

Rounded up to 4 stars

🥹
This was just so… 💗. Loved these two characters. Eli coming home for the holidays not doing well with work and maybe staying there for good. Reconnecting with an old friend/ex who was also his first love. This connection started Nick, his ex, on a path of self discovery since he still feels for Eli though when they dated it was before Eli transitioned.
Loved Nick's ex wife helping him with some identities that might fit to help him start. But his ex's mom was very intolerant of queer people and immigrants. Which is hard to listen to since he's Asian which makes her grandchild half white and half Asian, she's intolerable. But there are those people out there especially around trans, queer and people of color. Love Nick's daughter Zoe. She's so sweet and connects well with Eli.
There are a bunch of obstacles in their way to being together. So many! Life, family, work, location, identity, etc.
Haven't read a romcom second chance romance from high school after transition and this one worked so well for me.

Thank you atriabooks for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is the sweetest holiday read; just enough Christmas vibes but unique, heartfelt, and delightfully Queer. I think this book nails the spirit of Christmas- connecting with your family. TJ Alexander gave us an endearing romance along with a powerful journey of healing and forgiveness.

Eli travels back to Florida to spend Christmas with his family where he runs into his former best friend and ex-boyfriend, single dad, Nick Wu. Nick doesn’t recognize Eli at first; Eli has transitioned since he last saw Nick. Even though Eli looks different, their shared history allows them to pick up where they left off.

Eli’s parents aren’t perfect, but they try hard. The scene where they re-create their family pictures was one of my favorites of all time- so cute. What a perfect way to show acceptance and unconditional support for Eli.

“I want you to expect it from now on, okay? Expect the effort.”

TJ Alexander perfectly captures toddlerhood in Zoe- she is full of hilarious one-liners and curiosity. Nick is a wonderful father, the gentlest parent. And overall, Nick is just the best. He is a little bit awkward, very kind, always blushing but certain in his growing feelings for Eli. His wiki searches, I die.

Tropes & Things
•Florida setting
•Queer awakening
•Dual POV
•Single Dad
•2nd chance
•Trans rep
•Supportive parents, parents who try
•Elder millennials (late 30’s)
•Complicated feelings with coming home
•Making a life for yourself

Read if you liked:
•We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
•Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
•Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Thank you so much to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the e-ARC; all thoughts are my own.

I had high hopes for this after some trusted rave reviews and loving Chef's Choice earlier this year, and Alexander delivered! Eli and Nick were both hilarious and charming in their own ways and I loved their chemistry.

Eli, a trans man, returns to his hometown New Port Stephen, Florida, for the holidays...err maybe for the longterm after losing his last writing job (but he can't tell his parents this, they'd be disappointed in him!). It's not long before he runs into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who handles his new name and pronouns well, but he's always been straight...

This is a beautiful story of Nick and Eli overcoming their insecurities (and occasional miscommunications) and learning to let old love reignite as they fall back into each other's lives. Nick was so strongly curious about his sexuality without being self judgmental or angsty about it--it was healing to read. Meanwhile, Eli is a bit grump who grapples with his insecurity about losing his job, failing to get another one, and returning home to land in his parents' safety net.

Read if you love:
- characters in their late 30s/early 40s
- a single dad with an exceptionally healthy coparenting situation with his ex
- an adorable daughter named Zoe
- trans rep, gay rep, queer & questioning rep
- lots of Florida shenanigans & jokes

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

Second Chances In New Port Stephen is a joyous queer holiday read that shows you can go home again, have a happy holiday with your family, and find love again in the process. Eli returns home for Christmas after his transition, but his parents don’t know that it might be a permanent move since he lost his job in NY. When Eli bumps into his long-time friend and recently divorced high school boyfriend Nick who he hasn’t seen since high school, they rekindle their friendship. They both wonder if it could be something more, but Eli always thought that Nick was straight. I loved Eli and Nick reuniting about their love and friendship, and the way Nick dealt with discovering his sexuality. If you want an enjoyable Christmas story, I highly recommend this book.

This is my third book by TJ Alexander. They’re one of my favorites for creating well-rounded, empathetic characters with beautiful love stories that acknowledge the challenges and rewards of living authentically. They don’t shy away from the awkward/sensitive conversations but also do them in a way that is so kind and respectful and sometimes hilarious. That alone sets them apart. Second Chances in New Port Stephens is another sweet love story with an enormous emotional journey raging under the surface. The holiday setting makes it perfect for right now, but it’s not a holiday romance in the traditional sense, so you can definitely enjoy it any time. If you like any of the small town, second chance, friends to lovers, single dad, queer awakening tropes, then this one is for you. It’s LOVELY! Thank you Atria Books and #NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

"𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦."

In addition to being a truly sweet second-chance romance, this book was actually also quite educational for me.

As a straight, white woman - I don't pretend to know what queer people go through on a daily basis, but I'm always willing to learn new things, and find ways to make people's lives even a little easier.

This book taught me a lot about being transgender, and also all about the process of figuring out who you truly are.

A big thank you to @atriabooks and @netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for this review!
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Thank you @BookClubFavorites #BookClubFavorites for the free book!

After losing his job, Eli is back to his hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida for the first time in years. He has not returned home since transitioning and becoming sober and his life could not be more different. One the first day of his trip, Eli runs into his first love/high school ex and the two immediately begin to reconnect in ways neither of them expected.

This is by far my favorite of TJ Alexander’s books (and I LOVED Chef’s Kiss so that is saying a lot). I am a sucker for a first loves reconnecting romance and this one was just perfection. It was the sweetest second chance romance and I adored Nick and Eli’s relationship and how it evolved. There was no big miscommunication or drama - their conflict was more about needing to understand themselves. I couldn’t help but root for them throughout the book - both as individuals and as a couple. I also adored both Eli and Nick’s families and how incredibly supportive they were. Zoe, Nick’s daughter, stole the show for the scene she was in and was the cutest character. This story had the perfect sprinkle of holiday spirit and made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy.

I loved how accepting Nick was of Eli’s transition and true self. I also appreciated how Eli’s family was trying to be better and more supportive. I loved the exploration of sexuality, identities, and what a relationship looks like. I can’t wait for TJ Alexander’s next book!

- I love absolutely everything about SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN. Queer exploration and discovery! Second chances! Funny and serious! Older main characters!
- I loved that Eli and Nick are almost 40 - they have lived whole lives before finding their way back to each other. I loved that they both discovered the queer parts of themselves "later" in life, and that it's treated as perfectly fine and normal.
- This book is so funny and tender, but it also doesn't brush away the reality of being a queer person in a state like Florida.

This was my first book by this author and I will absolutely read more from them in the future. While dealing with some seriously heavy subject matter, it does so with a levity that is needed in this world at this particular time (which makes sense since one of the main characters is a comedian). I've often wondered how families and friends deal with the unexpected realities for trans men and women, but it is not something I would ever ask outright. This story gave me the perfect view from the outside about the inner feelings of a trans person as well as those around them trying to accept and understand them and their feelings in the best way possible. Eli and Nick are proof that when you are meant to be, you are meant to me and that is all that really matters. The fear of what is going on currently in Florida is something I think about every day and I can't imagine how trans and queer people must feel on the regular in this country.

I've enjoyed both of TJ Alexander's books so far so I had high hopes for this one and it doesn't disappoint. This is a second chance small town romance with MCs quickly approaching 40.

Eli is a trans man and he's going home to his small town in Florida for the holidays, except it might be longer because his job fell through. He's got a lot of mixed feelings about being home and in a state so hateful towards trans people. One night he runs into his ex Nick, but Nick doesn't immediately recognize him.

Nick is certifiably straight if you ask Eli, but he's having his own questioning coming of age moment. He has a daughter and an ex wife and has stayed in New Port Stephen his whole life. He wasn't expecting Eli to come back into his life.

It's hard to write a fiction book with a comedian main character. For me that's where this book kind of lost me. I didn't think Eli was very funny ever and it didn't translate super well to the page. I really did like Eli's own inner monologues about how it felt to be back in Florida and around his family and especially about what a relationship with Nick would mean but I also was so aggravated by him at points. Just because you're gay does not mean you get to tell people that they're straight. You should know better! And this is definitely a case of these are just character traits of the main character and not a reflection on the author. Semi-likeable main characters are a thing and it was fine and I liked Eli most of the time but sometimes man, I was annoyed.

I really liked Nick though. I loved his relationship with his daughter and his ex-wife. I loved his queer questioning journey that he went on including researching and learning about demisexuality. I loved everything about him. It is way too common in books to have queer or questioning men absolutely be misogynistic assholes or have really terrible feelings about women or the women that they've been in relationships with and I can gladly say that does not happen here at all. Nick doesn't know what flavor of queer he is but he knows that he enjoyed his past relationships with both Eli and his ex-wife and is looking forward to a relationship with Eli so learning about which label fits him and if he wants a label was really nice.

Overall this book did drag a little bit for me. There were a couple really memorable moments but I think it's my least favorite of this author's books so far. It is still a great book and one I'll definitely recommend it. It does take place around the holiday time so it's a great one to read this time of year.

Trans gay MC, questioning maybe demisexual MC

Explicit content on page

This was a lovely second-chance queer romance, though it's certainly not all light and fluffy. I very much appreciate TJ Alexander's content warning at the beginning and the thorough plot synopsis. But for a mostly fun Florida-centered trans mlm holiday romance, you really can't go wrong wit this one.