This book was so good!!! A queer, second chance romance is exactly my jam and it was everything I could’ve wanted! This was so much more than just a romance too! Eli & Nick were both so well fledged out individually and so were their respective family members that it was so easy to fall in love with all of them (except Kay, she can rot) and it made the romance that much more special! Also I love a book with an epilogue that’s sets in the future so I was very happy with the ending! 🥰 I did think the whole sinkhole things was weirdly unnecessary and for some reason, it just took me out of the story a little bit? And Eli drove me crazy in specific moments (I did really love him though!) but besides those two things, I really really loved this book and very much recommend it!!

I really enjoyed T.J Alexander's first two books, and this was no exception. As always, the book highlights diverse characters, and handles them and related issues really well. Watching this second chance romance develop between Eli and Nick was really special, and it was really great to see Nick learn things about himself and his sexuality later in life without having a huge existential crisis about it. I'm not typically a huge fan of kids in my romance novels, but Zoe was adorable and a great side character. If you like romances with well developed characters that highlight queer experiences, check this book out.

This was a really cute holiday romance. I loved all the characters. I live in Florida and I could easily imagine this little town and all the crazy people who live there. I really enjoyed T.J. Alexander's writing style and will have to look into more of their books.

Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book for my honest review.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 12/5

I absolutely adored this book! It’s my first read by TJ Alexander, and it won’t be my last!
Eli Ward, our trans protagonist, returns home to Florida for Christmas after his career tanks. He hasn’t been home in years, and now that he’s almost 40, jobless, and sober, he’s an entirely different person than he was the last time he was there. When he bumps into his first love, Nick Wu, it’s easy to fall back into a casual friendship until old feelings resurface.
Eli’s journey of self-discovery and resilience is both relatable and inspiring. It’s hard to go home again, and Alexander captures the essence of that feeling, blending it seamlessly with a hilarious yet touching reunion with his high school ex. The chemistry between Eli and Nick sizzles with authenticity, making it impossible not to root for their rekindled connection.
The generational dynamics are brilliantly depicted. From the struggles of Eli's boomer parents to the cringe-worthy memories of youth, this story will resonate with readers of all ages. The inclusion of adorable and witty characters like Nick’s daughter, Zoe, adds a perfect touch of charm to the storyline.
The humor is on point, and the spice in the story is tastefully done. The Florida references and nods to the infamous 'Florida man' add an extra layer of hilarity to this already engaging rom-com.
This is a book that leaves you with a smile on your face, a warm feeling in your heart, and an eagerness to explore more of TJ Alexander's work. "Second Chances in New Port Stephen" is a must-read for anyone craving a thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Atria, and Simon and Schuster for my free copy for review.

Read if you like:
*Christmas rom-com
*m/m romance
*single dad
*second chance romance
*interracial romance
*older MCs (40’s)

TJ Alexander’s Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a funny and hopeful story following a trans guy returning to his Florida hometown for Christmas, where he runs into his high school ex, who is a literal DILF. Alexander highlights how transitioning, especially in a not-so-supportive state, can affect your family dynamics—even with a supportive family. This book helped put into words the unique feeling of returning to the town that raised you, when you’re not the same person it raised anymore.

TJ Alexander is becoming an auto buy author. I so enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end! I'm not a huge fan of second Chance romances but this one worked for me. I loved Nick and his daughter so much. Eli could be a little judgmental so I wasn't a big fan of that. I can't wait to see what TJ comes up with next.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a fun holiday romance where Eli and Nick meet up after many years and they have both changed a lot. This second chance romance has great heart and I love that it is set in Fla!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Second Chances in New Port Stephen in exchange for an honest review.

TJ Alexander has done it again, and is only improving! I am always looking for good queer romances and I loved both Chef's Kiss and Chef's Choice so this one was a highly anticipated read that did not disappoint! Previously I heard some concerns about early books of theirs actually writing out the misgendering or use of deadnames and there was none of that here which I loved. Many queer books do have a lot of blatant homophobia the characters face and while it would have been expected in this novel having taken place in Florida, it wasn't used heavily in the story which was refreshing.

I love a second chance romance that doesn't involve cheating as the reason for the initial breakup, love a first time queer romance with no gay panic, and I LOVE a holiday romance so this checked all my boxes. And TJ always has me laughing!

I received this ARC free from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this second chance queer romcom set in small town Florida during the holidays! I loved our main characters Eli and Nick and their relationship. As a comedian Eli is funny but is using his humor to try and deal with his moving back in with his parents and his feelings for Nick, who is also trying to figure out his feelings for Eli. Their relationship is awkward and adorable and you can’t help but root for them. Although there is some miscommunication that could’ve easily been solved with a simple conversation which had me screaming. But beyond that you could tell that they still love each other from their first meeting in this book.

Overall, this was a good romcom and recommend for the holiday season!

Read if you like…
•second chance
•single dad
•small town
•queer
•holiday romance
•🌶️🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-second chance romance
-trans rep
-sexual exploration
-single parent
-home for the holidays
-it's always been you

This book was such a sweet and tender second chance romance. ALl about just loving a person for who they are at their heart. Add in the complexities of the holidays, parents, divorce and just figuring out your life as you turn 40 and Eli and Nick were just two people you can't help but root for all while living life in a small town in Florida that is not kind to anyone who isn't white and cis.

The incredible beating heart of this book to me was Nick and Eli. I adored how Nick and Eli reconnected and for Nick it was just his person, his first love all over again no crisis over anything, just a deep tenderness and it's you the one who got away, it's always been you. How these two find their friendship and their romance all during the holidays this book is just a soft hug that love is love and people can find joy in the face of others telling them that they don't deserve it. I love Nick and Eli, they are the holiday staple we all need.

This was one of my MOST anticipated holiday romances and it did not disappoint!! Solidly my favorite 'holigay' romance of 2023, this dual POV, interracial, second chance romance features a trans man and a demisexual Asian American divorced dad.

Returning to his small town Florida home after losing his job as a writer in New York, Eli is loathe to face his family and all the toxicity that comes from life in such an anti-trans state. What Eli isn't expecting is to run into his ex Nick or to so easily rekindle their friendship.

Things get confusing when Nick starts to question his identity, having his own queer awakening in his 40s. I loved how nuanced the author's characters always are. There are so many layers to Eli and Nick which makes them feel so real and relatable.

I also loved Eli's family in this story. While they weren't the best at the start (his mom kept all the old photos of Eli that really hurt him) by the end they really showed up (from restaging the old photos with present day Eli, to supporting his relationship with Nick and encouraging him in his acting career).

Great on audio narrated by Aden Hakimi and Feodor Chin, this is easily my new favorite by the author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @simon.schuster for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: open door

This was my favorite TJ Alexander book yet. Such a heartwarming story that also showed the struggles that LGBTQ folks face.

This was a fun read. The characters were a little maddening at times but I liked the story and appreciate the representation.

I feel like TJ Alexander has found their niche with this book. As an elder millennial, there was so much about this book I found relatable! The tone of the writing too, contained just the right amount of dry humor and sarcastic cynicism that is typically synonymous with our generation. The characters were perfection, and I will always shout of books that show adult characters that don’t have their shit fully together, because THAT’S REAL LIFE!

I felt a particular kinship with Nick, as someone who didn’t fully discover their queer identity until later in life, so I can completely relate to that storyline.

Honestly though, I’m not even sure what else to say. I genuinely enjoyed this story, and felt seen and accepted as I am while reading it.

I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Atria. All opinions are my own.

I have previously read and enjoyed books by this author before, so I was really pleased to have a chance to read this one! This story follows Eli, a trans guy who has recently had a big upset at his job, visiting his parents in Florida for the first time in years over Christmas. There we meet (and Eli re-meets after 20 years) Nick, Eli's high school boyfriend and first love that has stayed in their hometown and now has a young daughter.

I'm not generally big on Christmas, second-chance romances, or books with kids, but I did like this one! The Christmas isn't too intense, which was perfect for me, but those looking for a super Christmassy read might be disappoint (but hey, it is Florida). I also like Zoe, Nick's daughter. She wasn't the main focus of the book, but I found her charming and realistic.

I hate to say it, but the book kind of loses me with Eli. I was excited to read about an older (Eli and Nick are almost 40) trans guy, especially a romance! But he just annoyed the hell out of me. At one point in the book he jokes that being 40 is like a gay 26, and he certainly acts juvenile with all of his interactions. He's rude to his parents, his friend Margo, and treats Nick terribly. I get that he's going through it, but he really lashes out in a way that just frustrated me. I wasn't really sure what Nick saw in him, really. I'll also just fully own up to being a hater of stand-up comedy, so having a main character that works in comedy was just like....hmm.

This is a nice enough book to spend an evening with, especially if you do like second-chance romances! I don't know if I would really call if a holiday romance though. Christmas is just kind of happening. Again, I liked that, but might disappoint some looking for a holiday romance.

I liked the story, it was interesting to see how politics issues in Florida were introduce in the story.
Eli and Nick, together they made a cute couple. Personally I liked Nick a bit more than Eli, the reason is that both are in their 40s but Eli is portrayed as less mature and insecure, probably because his transitioning happened in his 30s and still a very sensitive subject for him.

(3.5 Stars) A different second chance romance. Eli Ward is almost 40 when he returns to his parents home for Christmas not telling them he’s been laid off from his work as a TV writer and comedian. Once in Florida he meets up with Nick Wu. They were high school sweethearts and first everything together. But that was before his transition. Nick is divorced and co-parents a daughter with his ex. The story spans only two weeks but covers lots of little things. Eli’s parents are doing their best to be supportive but need to be educated on small things. But they are proud of Eli and love him. Nick is surprised at his connection to Eli and it is sweet that his ex wife helps him understand his sexuality.

But Eli can come off as grumpy and moody and miscommunication is always annoying. Nick is almost too perfect and accepting of his new sexual identity. And daughter Zoe is adorable and behaves like a child. I like that there is some mention of current Florida laws that would hinder Eli from being able to live there. High praise for LGBTQIA+ representation especially living as a trans man. But I wish there were lighter moments. Eli is a comedian but nothing is really funny. This is written as a holiday romance but could easily take place any time of the year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

You know how sometimes you pick up a book and then you just...can't put it down until you finish it? And you read the entire thing with a goofy smile on your face and warmth infusing your entire body? Second Chances in New Port Stephen was one of those books for me.

I'll summarize it with a "Florida man" reference, which T.J. Alexander peppers cleverly throughout the book: Florida Man Returns to Hometown Post-Transition After NYC Life Implodes, Reconnects with High School Boyfriend, Maybe Gets a Second Chance at Love . If that isn't the perfect recipe for a second-chance rom-com with amazing LGBTQIA+ representation, I don't know what is.

Second Chances deals with some heavy themes, which T.J. Alexander mentions in an author's note at the beginning, but never in a way that feels heavy or hopeless. Much like its cover, this book is light-hearted and charming. The characters are endearing, and their conflicts never feel insurmountable or overly filled with angst. I grew to genuinely care about Eli and Nick, and I found myself being frustrated by their misunderstandings and lack of communication, wanting to yell at them to JUST BE TOGETHER ALREADY!, just like I would with a real-life friend. And Zoe absolutely stole my heart; Alexander definitely knows how to write a child character, which is something not every writer can do well.

Beyond the romance, Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a story of messy and imperfect families, good intentions, acceptance, and the ways humans continue to grow throughout their lives, even when we think we've already done all the growth work. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy, and will make even the grinchiest of Grinches believe in the power of love. Definitely add this enchanting, diverse book to your holiday reading list! Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the early reading opportunity.

This book was a delightful holiday romcom, though it could be read all year round. I truly enjoyed Nick and Eli's chemistry as friends and more.

I think there is an expectation in society that we "know" ourselves once we become adults and I loved that this book showed that life and self discovery can be messy and fun even once you move into your 30s and 40s and 50s and so on.

This book was so tender around the way it addressed transitioning and ways that allies can better support trans friends and family members and engage in thoughtful educational conversations.

I found myself smiling wide the entire time I read this book. I'm not normally a miscommunication fan, but it wasn't overpowering in this book and I appreciated the way the characters dealt and worked through conflict.

Overall, a 4.5 star read for me. Definitely recommend!

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is my first book I've read by T.J Alexander. I appreciated the queer representation and the fact that it was a holiday book was even better!

Eli has returned back to the small-minded town of New Port Stephen in Florida a whole new person. Literally. His parents are doing the best they can with opening their home to him and trying to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. But life in a small town in Florida isn't too welcoming to a trans man. While there, Eli runs into his high school ex-boyfriend, Nick. Nick knew Eli as someone different, but still has feelings for the person he knew, no matter how they presented.

I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of Nick and his life with his daughter, his ex wife and now Eli. Being someone in your 40's and still figuring out who you are isn't always easy, but the author handled that situation very nicely and made it relatable for anyone. Nick was my favorite character, along with his daughter. I liked seeing him come into his own and realizing his sexuality and his relationships he had with his ex and his dad. Eli, on the other hand was a bit of a problem for me. I liked that we got a grown adult that was still trying to figure out who he was in his own skin, but he also was so blind to see what was right in front of him and he never gave things a chance....at first. He saw things as only black and white and he, of all people should know that life throws you curveballs and is not always so easy.

With all that said, I liked the journey not only for the love interests of Nick and Eli, but also the MCs and their parents. The unconditional love the parents showed their children is something to be celebrated, even if they need to hear some brutal honesty from the kids (ahem, Eli's parents). There were some fun and laugh out loud moments as well as some serious topics of dating later in life and divorce and children that were handled with care. And all during the holidays? Very enjoyable, humorous and heartwarming. 3.75 stars