It's been days since I finished reading and I can't stop thinking about this book. There is so much joy and heart but it's also funny. The characters all feel like real people you know. I loved watching Nick figure himself out as much as I loved watching Eli and Nick fall in love again. Though, Nick's daughter really steals the show. My favorite part (maybe?) is how TJ took stories and themes we see a lot in romance and queer novels and made them fresh with the way the characters interact and respond to eachother. When Nick is realizing his feelings for Eli, he has no gay panic - even his ex responds you're being really chill about this when he talks to her about it. Eli's parents aren't transphobic but they're not perfect either. They are two people trying thier best to do right by thier son and also navigate a situation where they don't always know what to do. It was very cool to see that.

3.5 stars.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a second chance (I mean, it’s literally in the title) romance between a trans man and his high school boyfriend. Eli and Nick haven’t seen each other for about twenty years, and a lot has changed since then.

Eli…was annoying. So much that happened could have been prevented had Eli learned how to communicate. With Nick, his parents, his best friend, etc. At this point, I’m going with the theory that Eli is going through puberty again due to hormone treatments and that is why he is such a negative Nellie.

Despite how Eli annoyed me, Second Chances in NPS was still a pretty fun and entertaining read. Nick and his daughter were wonderful, and his co-parenting arrangement with his ex-wife was so refreshing. I basically just love Nick. His reaction to discovering Eli is trans was great, and I loved how introspective he became when he realized his changing feelings. Ugh, so much love for Nick (and none for Eli).

This my third read from TJ Alexander and it doesn’t live up to my love of Chef’s Choice (ALL THE STARS!) but I still am so happy to see more trans character representation.

Thank you to Atria Books for the review copy.

TJ Alexander makes the yuletide gay in their best novel yet. Four and a half stars.

As expected, Alexander had delivered another delightful queer romance novel, full of stigma-free trans happiness and all the tropes they can muster.

Eli, out of work and out of prospects, returns home to Florida for the holidays. But as a trans man living in New York, coming back to MAGA-land is less than ideal; especially with no exit strategy. The one bright light? Nick, Eli's childhood best friend and first love. As their friendship rekindles, so do long-forgotten feelings. But is it enough?

This book has themes of homophobia, transphobia, and racism—because, well, it's Florida. And it's also real life. However, as they did in their first two novels, Alexander writes these with grace. 'Second Chances' is a safe space for queer joy. I absolutely adore the love and support that the main characters receive from their families and friends, even when the sentiments are a little tactless and misguided. With later-in-life realizations, queer awakenings, divorce, in-laws, and the Millennial fear of moving back in with your parents, this book is so relatable to just about anyone who has struggled to find their footing. Everything delicate is handled so beautifully, and my only regret is that it took me so long to read it. Do yourself a Christmas favor and read 'Second Chances in New Port Stephen' as soon as possible.

Now I have to ask: when can I watch 'Friends of Dorothy'?

Dual POV, 3rd person past-tense

Eli hasn’t been back to visit his parents in New Port Stephen since before his transition. When his boss gets called out by the Me Too movement however, his is blackballed within the industry and heads home for the holidays not knowing where his life goes from here. life can’t get much worse until he runs into his old best friend, and ex boyfriend Nick. Nick only ever knew him as a female, and he anticipates a lot of awkwardness…this is Florida after all. But the two find that their friendship is still there and Eli quickly falls in love with Nick’s daughter Zoe.

This book was an enchanting story that left my heart filled to the brim with joy. I just adored Eli, and I found I learned more about being trans throughout this story. I totally understood why he never wanted to visit home, photos of his old self all over, and hello Florida, but the gift his parents gave him with the photos brought tears to my eyes (IYKYK.) I also loved Nick. He was such a wonderful father to Zoe, and I loved how he still loved and cared for Eli right from the start without questioning his identity. Of course I grew frustrated with some of the miscommunications between Eli and his parents, as well as Eli and Nick, but I think they were all very valid assumptions to make when you are already feeling uncomfortable. TJ Alexander is such an amazing author and I can’t wait to read more of what they write!

*I received a copy of this eARC via NetGalley*
What a beautiful second chance love story! Nick and Eli were such a wonderful couple to watch fall back in love after many years apart and a vast amount of life changes in those years. The honest portrayal of families, and the range of unsupportive to oblivious at times to trying really hard was affirming to read. No matter how old you get, your family can push your buttons like no one else. I love the supporting characters and only wish we had gotten more of Nick’s coworkers.

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.

This is such a good holiday, quarter-mid life crisis, second chance romance! First off the holiday aspect was such a perfect backdrop to the story. All of the festivities felt so natural and not gimmicky. The balance of how the setting was handled also felt realistic in the pros and cons of Florida. Small town vibes but not small town romance. I felt like I could really picture where they were.

The romance. This is a second chance romance. At times I kept forgetting how much time had really passed. It almost felt like mid 20 something’s reconnecting and then they’d remind me it’s been more like 20 years since they last spoke. I try not to think of romances too hard on “realism” when it comes to the relationship but I do wonder if it would make more sense if they had been distant friends the whole time. It’s giving insta love BUT 1 you don’t really realize until looking back at the literal number of days in hindsight and 2 it’s absolutely something you are rooting for and there are some miscommunications along the way keeping things interesting.

I’m not usually a fan of children in romances. It’s not something I actively avoid but more like begrudgingly put up with. I can deem the child in this as wonderful and not annoying!! I also see the purpose for readers to see the love interest Nick as a dad and all the dynamics that brings raising your kid in your hometown.

Overall I loved all the larger topics this brought up of coming back home when you’re not sure you really want to and what would that mean for your future. The pacing was really fun with it over the days leading up til Christmas and I just loved the added holiday spirit and shenanigans to the story. There’s some really sweet moments and wonderful open door spice. And the voice of this is definitely hilarious. I commend this author for making me smile and then making me swoon, this has got balance.

Thank you to Atria and netgalley for this ARC!

Call me biased, call me an easy audience, call me whatever you want. TJ ALEXANDER NEVER MISSES!! (In *my* opinion, cry about it!)

I adored this second-chance romance that’s set in Florida! Ultimately, this is about holding onto the “glimmers,” which I am co-opting from an Instagram graphic I saw, but it just means the pockets of joy/hope that you experience, in opposition to triggers. We need more stories like this. Basically, whatever TJ writes, I will be buying, reading, and reviewing. Feel free to “put it on my bookish tab,” TJ!!!! TAKE ALL MY MONEY! *crying*

Steam rating: 2/5

Cw: racism, homophobia, alcoholism/addiction, death of parent, grief, transphobia

This is the third book by this author that I have read and I enjoyed every minute of it... even if it did make me slightly emotional.

Please check the Content Warnings in this book: racism, homophobia, transphobia, alcoholism, loss of parent

Second Chances in New Port Stephen follows Eli who has recently been let go from his job as a writer on a TV show due to his bosses behavior towards the female workers on the show. He is home for Christmas for the first time in a while. His parents live in Florida which isn't a place that he feels comfortable as a transgender man.

The first day he arrives his parents are throwing a massive party and he immediately gets asked to go down to the local liquor store to restock the supplies. When he is there he runs into his ex-boyfriend and first love. This is the first time they have talked post-transition. Now Nick (Eli's ex) is divorced, still hot, and has a kid.

Thoughts:
I have truly come to adore second chance romances and this one was just perfect. I loved how kind and thoughtful Nick was, as a father, son, and as a friend to Eli. Eli running into his ex and having to work through how he feels about himself was a big component of this book. He definitely felt a little "unloveable" because he just didn't see Nick wanting to be anything more than a friend even after the things that happen between them.
Zoe was adorable and I think she added to the story. There are times that children are in books and I don't find them completely necessary. I think Zoe was woven into the story well and that her character let us see Nick as a fully fleshed out character.
Eli's parents are such a great part of this book. I won't spoil anything but I will say that they show how willing they are to learn and grow to be supportive of Eli. There is a scene that had me SOBBING at 8:30 in the morning. It was beautiful and emotional and just... Everything.
I enjoyed reading about characters that were still figuring themselves out in their 40's. I feel like media and a lot of other outlets make it seem as though at a certain point we are supposed to have everything about ourselves figured it, and it isn't true. I think as humans we are going to always be growing and discovering new things about ourselves. TJ did a great job of showing that in this book.

If you are looking for a sweet, second chance book that will get you all up in your feelings then you definitely need to check this out.

TJ Alexander is an auto-buy author for me. They write such poignant stories and always manage to surround it with such critical current events. This story was no different.

This one was particularly interesting to me because it was about a trans man who hadn't been home since his transition and he was rekindling with an ex boyfriend. Also, it was in my hometown of Florida which I later found out is also the hometown of TJ Alexander, the reason this is interesting is because Florida is also under scrutiny for having some of the most outrageous anti-LGBTQ and transphobic laws passed in the last few years. I wanted to see how TJ Alexander was going to handle it in the book. Honestly, it is such a prevalent topic it is very difficult to write a book on this topic and not mention it.

In my opinion, TJ Alexander handled this wonderfully. They handled the political aspects of the book without it being overwhelming. Nick discovering his sexuality was done in a sensitive matter without it just being oh he's gay now. It was done with sensitivity and with thoughtfulness. I really enjoyed all of TJ Alexander's book and this will not be the last one I will be reading I cannot wait for the next one to come out already.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for my EARC in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

My first of TJ Alexander's books, but I'll definitely be picking more up after this!

I loved the romance set up between Eli and Nick, and how they'd use little moments to reference memories from their past relationship. Plus the addition of Laurie, and a healthy divorce experience between her and Nick, right up alongside Zoe being a grounding point between, not only Nick and Laurie, but also a connecting point between Eli and Nick. Almost half of the moments they spent together were because of that adorable little girl and I loved every second of it.

I also adored Nick as a character; Eli was a close second of course but no one can resist a, as it's so eloquently put in the book, DILF.

The only issue I had with the story was the massive amounts of miscommunication. It's not a trope I usually gravitate towards, and the amount of times Eli made me want to pull my hair out by ignoring Nick's reaching out or convincing himself that it wasn't serious. Other than that though, I really enjoyed the writing and can't wait to pick up another of TJ's books.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Second Chance in New Port Stephen is a big, warm-hearted holiday romance that does a great job with serious issues while keeping the romance bright, sensual, and filled with love and life.

Comic Eli Ward is a native of New Port Stephen, Florida, but he’s starting to feel like his hometown – littered with MAGA signs in the front yards - doesn’t love him back. Recently sober, this is the first time he’s been back home since completing his transition while working the comedy circuit and living in California. He was recently fired off of the writing team of a series due to a scandal, but thankfully his loving – if imperfect - family are there to catch him when he falls.

Eli isn’t looking for romance, but romance finds him in the form of Nick Wu, his high school sweetheart. Nick is now a divorced dad of a young daughter, Zoe, and also cares for his elderly father, Tian-Yi. Nick balances the boring math of everyday life against his own yearning. It’s been a long time since he’s lived for himself, and Eli’s return might allow that. Can they manage true love without losing sight of what’s important?

Second Chance In New Port Stephen is wholeheartedly honest about what it’s like to be a transmasculine person living in Florida in 2023. Yet for all of that truthfulness, if you pick it up, you’re going to find a wonderful second-chance romance, a fun holiday romp, and an exploration of divorce, sobriety and prejudice that never gets bogged down. It’s realistic, rather than saccharine, but still fun and light-hearted.

Nick and Eli have to work to figure out how they work, and unfortunately that involves a Big Mis, which drags the grade down from a solid A. It’s a reasonable Big Mis, but a Big Mis nonetheless. Nick has to come to accept his nascent bisexuality, and Eli to open his heart. The romance here is really sweet with some healthy spice and both of our characters are mega-likable. And Eli is hands down one of the best transmasc characters I’ve ever had the privilege of reading about.

There’s some great co-parenting to be seen between Nick and his ex-wife, and Zoe is adorable without being overly sweet; no easy jealousy plots are to be had here. I loved the way Alexander paints the inner workings of this small Floridian town; the little details are wonderfully done.

This is a romantic little book with a big heart that’s well worth giving a look. Second Chance in New Port Stephen is a wonderful way begin your reading this festive season.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is the story of Eli and Nick- two high school sweethearts who reunite when Eli returns to his family home in Florida. Eli is a trans man with a comedy career, but has unexpectedly lost his job. Nick is a divorced dad with a demanding job. Despite losing touch, Nick and Eli can’t seem to stop running into each other and hanging out. Soon Nick is learning all about Eli and questioning his own sexuality. Meanwhile, Eli struggles with how to deal with his supportive, but confused family. Holiday shenanigans ensue and romance sparks between them. Do Eli and Nick have a future beyond the holidays?

I absolutely loved this book! This was my first book from TJ Alexander, but will definitely not be my last. It was the perfect balance of romance, comedy, and dealing with serious issues. The pacing was excellent and I couldn’t put this book down! One of my favorite parts was seeing Nick come into his queer identity later in life and exploring that. I loved how Nick's family and friends were very supportive. Eli also had supportive friends and family, though his family sometimes made well-meaning errors.

Nick and Eli have incredible chemistry and I loved watching them fall for each other. TJ Alexander’s dialogue was so funny. I love how specific and realistic it is, while being very witty. This would be the ideal LGBTQ+ romance book for the holidays. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy Alexis Hall, Ashley Herring Blake, and Alison Cochrun. Readers who seek second-chance romance, queer joy, and hilarious dialogue will love this book! Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review: 3.5/5 stars

Content warning for some transphobia from one of the MC’s mother-in-law, also for Florida politics in general. This was my first book by TJ Alexander, and overall, I really liked it! Importantly for a romance, the relationship was very compelling. There’s a bit of spice that I thought was both sexy and well done in regard to depicting sex with a transmasculine person. I appreciated that the characters were slightly older than I usually see in romance novels (both around 40). Especially with the trans man MC, it’s always nice to have stories about people who transition as an adult. The other MC goes through his own queer discovery storyline in the novel that I also enjoyed, and his daughter is so cute! I honestly wish there had been more of her. There’s a lot towards the beginning and then a lot less in the second half.
On the other side of things, I did find the writing a little slow at times and a lot of tension relied on miscommunications and the characters just straight up walking away from each other, which is not the most compelling relationship storyline in my opinion, hence the slight bump down in rating to what I might have given it.

TJ Alexander continues to write some of my favorite romances — Second Chances in New Port Stephen may be my favorite thus far. The writing is assured, the humor is pitch perfect, and the pacing is balanced. Delightful!

Second Chances in new Port Stephen by TJ Alexander is a fun story set in the most typical Southern Florida town following Eli who is a trans man pushing 40 years old visiting his hometown for the first time in a long time and his estranged childhood best friend turned high school love turned Hot single DILF. The two men reconnect over the holiday season where they are both facing important life decisions. Alexander lets us in on their story and adventure together as well as their individual journeys through the dual Point of View of the novel.
I personally loved this book and rated it a 4.25 starts! It is an exciting story that will be a joy to read during the holiday season. I love when a story is heart warming and enjoyable but still acknowledges and makes commentary on important issues. There was commentary on the anti- LGBTQIA+ legislation in Florida as well as other political issues that are very relevant in our country in the present time. There is beautiful trans, demisexual and queer representation in this story that I adored. Coming into your queer identity at a later age is more common than acknowledged and I think the characters in this story had such beautiful journeys. The two main characters were accompanied by a goofy cast of side characters, representing such well-meaning yet still nutty family units. Zoe, Nick’s daughter may have been my favorite. character. A 4 year old has never made me laugh so hard. I want a daughter like her!
The characters, the town, the government, the society, is flawed, but love can still prevail, no matter how much time may pass. Nick and Eli’s journey to finding themselves and each other again, of course, is not easy. There are plenty of times where the miscommunication between the 2 main characters, and the boys and their families became very frustrating to read. The book is also narrated in 3rd person point of view, which is usually not my favorite. There were a few times when reading the text that I had to go back and reread to make sure that I was understanding the dialogue correctly, but for the most part it was rather easy to understand. My biggest complaint is that I wanted more of Zoe, especially in the epilogue. Her and the rest of the characters had me giggling throughout reading the book!
I would definitely recommend this book to friends and cannot wait to hopefully see people reading it during the holiday season. This was the first book I read by TJ Alexander and I already have their other novels on my wish list!
You will love this book if you enjoy……
Queer romance
Campy Southern Florida
Second chance romances
Slow Burns
Hometown loves
Learning about queer identity and journeys
Timothy Janovsky novels
Spicy scenes
Nutty, well-meaning families
Happy endings!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and TJ Alexander for trusting me with this ARC to read and review.

TJ Alexander does it again with "Second Chances in New Port Stephen." It's another fun trans rom-com. Eli and Nick meet up again after a long time. A lot has happened since they were teenagers. Eli has transitioned and Nick has an ex-wife and daughter. After losing their job, Eli is staying with their parents and is struggling with small town ideals as well as a lot of tough history. But running into Nick is the best things that happens during the holidays.

Um, yes, hi, I am OBSSESED with this book. From the first page, I was ENTRANCED. It's just so good! It was funny and sweet and so entertaining. I laughed so much reading this book.

I love these characters so much, probably too much. I love Eli, and I love Nick. They're literally so funny together and individually. I loved watching them grow back together. I JUST LOVE THEM OKAY!! Also, I get to add Nick to my list of demisexual characters, which I loooove.

I really enjoyed reading about Laurie and Nick. I found they're dynamic so interesting. I genuinely liked how amicable they were and how, even though he didn't want it, Nick was supportive of Laurie and her plans because it was best for their kid. I hate Laurie's mom! She's the actual worst kind of person.

Eli made me laugh and cry, so that's a win in my book. While I can't relate to most of his life and his journey, I can relate to feeling stuck in your hometown and growing backward. It definitely sucks, but he didn't let it grab a hold of him, and he kept moving on. I love him. I love Nick. I love Max. I LOVE THIS BOOK. thank you and goodbye

Thank you netgalley and atria books for the free e-Arc in exchange for my honest review. This is TJ Alexander's best work yet!!!!! I loved the trans man second chance with high-school sweetheart. I loved that he was an Asia single dad and was open and honest with himself and self discovery. This is a phenomenal book that was perfectly written. Feels ery current with everything that is happening in America particularly Florida.

4.5/5☆

This book was different from any others that I've read, mostly because of the older age group of the main characters. This book was nostalgic while also touching upon modern topics. I loved the dual POV chapters, but I wish they would be titled with who's POV they were from, because I had some difficulties trying to differentiate who's POV was who's. I thought one of the main characters, Eli, was really selfish and it made it difficult for me to like him. He wouldn't communicate and would end up blowing up on the people around him, especially his parents. I always love books that take place around the holidays because they really put me into a festive mood.

Eli, a trans man, finds himself back in his Florida hometown for Christmas after taking a hard hit in his professional life. Still dealing with fallout, and being back in his not so progressive Florida hometown, he runs into his old high school flame Nick. The two quickly find that even though they’ve changed in the last 20 years, their feelings toward one another has not.

Quirky families, hot single dads, 40 year old protagonists, and the perfect amount of spice. This book had everything I wanted in a romance! Setting the book in Florida was an amazing idea too, because it’s good to read about queer and trans joy in places where it’s most unexpected (and most needed).

This was another 5 star read from TJ Alexander.