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.

I loved every little bit of this second chance romance. The initial reunion was clunky but lead to a perfect re-connection, and falling back in love felt so natural for both characters. The way they fell for each other again even though 25 years had passed was so sweet. While the book also touched on serious current issues in Florida, it was a great holiday story. It’s a reminder that coming home for the holidays isn't always what you planned it to be.
But back to Eli and Nate - the tenderness and softness of the romance was just so good and perfect. I don't have enough positive things to say about this book! I just really love T.J. Alexander's love stories.

I really loved this sweet, emotional, fun, and tender story. Nick and Eli have an unique second chance at love with each other, being high school sweethearts before Eli transitioned. It was so lovely and tender (making me cry more than once) the way Nick and Eli fell back in love with each other, showing their love in such an open and honest way in such a closed minded, legally& socially harmful part of the country (florida, if you couldn’t guess). I especially loved the way Nick (and his ex) taught their open love and acceptance to their adorable, amazing, absolutely wonderful daughter. Zoe was an absolute pure breath of fresh air in this story— showing how the kind, innocent, wondrous eyes of children reflect the purest, most wholesome and accepting forms of love.
overall, a highlight of my reading journey is this story. the individual nuances, necessary lessons, and endless love and laughs make it the one of the best books I’ve ever read.
thank you for the arc :)

I love TJ. They're perfect. They did it all perfectly; I have absolutely no notes, and I normally don't do a second chance romance, but here I am!

The hating going home because parents are well-meaning but a little off! The feeling of being home in the South even though the South doesn't want you! The feelings of nostalgia! The covering trauma with a laugh!

*SPOILER WANRING*
The scene where Eli's parents reshoot their family photos will forever be engrained in my brain. My own mother wants to read this book because of it, and now she's going to know I read smut. TJ caused me to have to share a smutty book with my mom just so she can see the power of parents healing from trauma with their children.

The other scene where Nick talks to his daughter about what being trans is? *HEART CRACKS IN HALF* We all deserve someone kind and empathetic like Nick to educate us.

Nick's story of a late in life coming out? The normalization of sobriety? Do I need to keep going with how much I was deeply moved and amazed by this book, all while having a great time and laughing and swooning over the care shown to others and all the different ways to be intimate?

Everyone please walk don't run to the nearest bookstore (preferably independently owned) on December 5th.

Five Emojis to Describe this Book: 🦩🏝️❤️🏳️‍⚧️🥹

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher's for this Advanced Readers Copy of Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander!

I don’t traditionally love a slow burn but this one was soooo good. And it needed to be slow, any faster would’ve need bonkers.

We’ve got: second chance romance, hometown/tis the damn season energy, hot dad, MANATEES. All the greatest hits.

Thank you @atriabooks and @tjalexandernyc for the ARC. My old school B&W kindle does not do this cover justice, swipe to see the colorful beauty that will be available Dec. 5!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶/5
🎄🐊🏝️👟🚲/5

This book was a very middle-of-the-road read for me. I greatly appreciated the trans representation, and the middle-aged realization that life doesn't stop sending you curveballs. And Nick's daughter is by far the coolest child around.
However, I think this book suffers from two flaws - not fatal flaws, but flaws that make it less enjoyable. (1) I think the setting forces both characters to act much younger than their age, but Eli in particular suffers from this. Some of this is to be expected (who amongst us has not regressed when visiting our childhood town) but it feels almost alarmingly childish when he refuses to even attempt to adequately communicate. As someone who's been to therapy, it felt unbelievable that he wouldn't at least recognize he's failing to communicate effectively. (2) Eli's supposed to be a comedian. It's hard to set that bar, and then have him be consistently the least funny character in the whole book.
If it weren't for the trans and gay rep, I likely would have DNFed - but that representation made the book much better in my view.
As always, when I can't rate a book with critical representation as 4 or 5 stars, I won't be publicly rating or publishing this review. I really want to see books like this succeed and while it may not have worked for me personally, I know there's going to be others for whom seeing themselves represented in media is going to be SO important - and I want to support that! I don't want to drag down the ratings with a 3 star review.