I loved this book! I was immediately drawn in and had a difficult time putting it down.. One thing that I really liked is that the main characters are 40ish in age. I felt like I could really identify with where they are in life and certain choices that they are making. It's nice to read a book where the characters aren't in their twenties. I also liked the side characters in the story. There were several laugh out loud moments for me which I enjoyed. The main characters have known each other for most of their lives and that really comes through in the writing. Everything felt very organic with their relationship. If you are looking for a funny, heartwarming read, this is the book for you!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

Words cannot begin to describe how much this book meant to me. As an avid romance reader, I find it frustrating after a while not seeing characters like myself in the stories. So imagine my excitement when I find out there's a Christmas romcom (one of my favorite guilty pleasures) with a trans-masc main character. While the execution was quite lacking in my opinion, I'm absolutely willing to let it slide, as I don't know if I've ever connected to a character in a romcom novel as much as I did in this one. While it's great that theres some awesome trans-masc rep in young adult as of late (and they're absolutely lovely!), it's so wonderful to get some trans spicy content that was done well.

Something that I so appreciated about this book that there was some politics and hurdles of existing as a trans person included, but in a way that was balanced beautifully with humor. I am often hesitant to read books with trans characters or about the trans experience as it often feels like they're intended to educate those who don't live this life, rather than as being written for trans people. But the politics were never excessive, and the experience of encountering these issues was written in a very accurate and relatable way. I also really appreciate the scenes where Eli and his parents struggle to see eye to eye on issues, especially that baby picture scene. Those scenes captured perfectly the struggle of having a different experience and perspective as the person who transitioned in contrast to those of your loved ones, and at the same time while these issues come up, there are ways to correct in a respectful manner. In short, the trans experience was executed wonderfully.

While I really enjoyed this book, there were still some flaws that I couldn't ignore no matter how much I wanted to. Firstly, I think writing a character whose a comedian can be a tricky business, as they have to be funny. Unfortunately, for me Eli did not come across as funny, nor did what he found funny. On a general note, this book lacked the com, and I found myself rolling my eyes somewhat frequently. Similarly, the way the characters talked felt very stilted and forced. Of course, I don't read romcoms for their realistic portrayal, but it was to the extent that I was taken out of the story by how off the dialogue felt to me. These two elements combined made it so that the characters felt somewhat flat, and that I couldn't relate to them, even with all our shared similarities.

That's 3/3 of TJ Alexander books that have blown my expectations out of the water. No one writes such consistently real and personable and engrossing trans and queer stories, grounded. In each of their books, they bring such compassion and nuance to the intersectional queer identities that are so underserved. The queer questioning in their thirties millennials, one of them Asian-American, is just so well done. That experience personally resonates for me, as does the Florida setting, this in the current climate, with families that are trying their best despite the hostility again queer and trans people. I never understood the appeal of second chance romances until this one, but it may be an exception because it subverts the trope to serve the trans and questioning narrative journeys. Also, the writing is just so funny and engaging, I actually read it all in one sitting. Glad for the Netgalley ARC, but can't wait to reread as an audiobook upon release.

This book had me blushing in public and kicking my feet. A hallmarks Christmas time romance that I ate up in all of two days. A dash of reality of Florida which is truly unfortunate but a sweet second chance romance with some grade a steam. I fully intend to seek out the authors other works because this was so enjoyable.

<b>✰4 stars✰</b>

<b>This is a very cute and clever second chance romance!</b> It does take place around the holidays so you could certainly read this as a holiday romance but because it takes place in Florida, it does give off perfect beach or poolside read vibes as well.

Our main character Eli is a comedian so this entire book I’d riddled with witty humor.
Eli is back in his hometown for the holidays, which is a far cry from New York where he has been living. New Port Stevens is certainly not his favorite place in the world, especially with the negative memories and current political climate of Florida. Eli is trans and being back home is a reminder of a lot of things he left behind.
His parents accept him and are certainly trying but they do miss the mark a few times and it does end up being a story of growth between them too.

Nick is a single father living in New Port Stephens, and incidentally, Eli’s high school ex-boyfriend. They run into each-other at the store and reconnect. They hangout and catch up as friends, and it’s clear that Nick has a soft spot for Eli still. He might not realize it’s attraction at first but their connection is definitely noticeable.

Most of this story is them clearly being in love with the other and hiding it because they think the other doesn’t want anything serious. It comes off frustratingly endearing because you want them to admit it to each other already!!

<b>This story is a very lighthearted read with little to no angst.</b> You definitely feel for the characters but you won’t be taken through the wringer of emotions and left out to dry.
It’s funny and feel good with a well deserved happily ever after, which I think is perfect for the story of these characters.

<b>Highly recommend if you’re looking for a sweet ending and some good laughs!</b>

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me access to an eARC of TJ Alexander’s wonderful new book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander is all about growth. This dual point of view romantic comedy stars Eli who has just lost his job as a comedy writer and goes home for Christmas to lick his wounds. Problem is, New Port Stephen, Florida isn't exactly the most welcoming place for trans men and he's not sure he belongs anywhere anymore. Our second main character is Nick who didn't expect to bump into his high school ex ever again, but here Eli is, still making his heart race. For the past few years, Nick’s world has revolved around his father, his daughter, and his job. Loved ones keep encouraging him to do things that make him feel good, will he finally start doing that when a certain comic comes back to town?

This book is about second chances and finding pockets of joy no matter where you are.

5 out of 5 stars!

4 solid stars!

Second chances in New Port Stephen is a funny lighthearted romance about 2 high school sweethearts reconnecting in their middle age years.

Tropes:
It was always you
Miscommunication
Single dad
Second chance romance

I really loved this book. I loved that the author really touched on a lot of tough topics without making the book overly heavy, it was still very lighthearted and cute. It also was extremely relatable and felt very millennial (you've got your boomer parents, kids saying atrocious things and music like party rock) I got all the jokes and little hints and now I feel old but I loved it.

The only part I struggled with was the overuse of the Miscommunication trope. It felt pretty dragged and kept happening (felt like no one could remember to ask each other how they feel??). It did make me want to bang my head against a wall occasionally.

I really recommend picking this one up whether it's the holiday season or not, it'll give you warm and fuzzy feelings ❤️

Thank you to netgalley and Simon and Shuster for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review!

10/10 no notes.

ok but really, so many things I loved about this, starting with the beautiful identity exploration and the seemingly perfect ally ship by our side characters.
I also deeply adored the second chance, childhood friends/lovers to lovers trope played out this way and I feel like really, I could have read this book for 500+ more pages.

also a perfect holiday season read for when we get there.

I can’t wait to get a physical copy and read it again.

4 stars

Thank you, Netgalley for the arc!

Eli is trans, almost 40, and back home in Flordia for the holidays with his family. He's recently lost his job but doesn't want to burden his family with the news. Eli runs into his ex, who he hasn't seen since he transitioned. The two reconnect and begin to spend more time with each other. It turns out you're never too old to discover who you are.

It's always been you
Second chance
Single dad

The authors' note and trigger warnings made me think this book would be a lot heavier and darker, but I was surprised by how light and fun it was. I enjoyed the overall theme that it's never too late to rediscover who you are. I thought TJ handled a wide range of serious topics (transitioning, politics, ew Florida, etc) very thoughtfully, and it never felt out of place. The family drama and antics felt so relatable, some parents have the best of intentions and still mess, and others never change (I'm looking at you, Kay). This book was a pleasure to read.

Eli is so funny, his inner monolog killed me, and I love how he just says whatever is on his mind. His Florida Man news headline thoughts were some of my favorite.
Nick and his precious daughter stole my heart so fast. I totally get where Eli was coming from and was just as smitten as he was. The spice was good and it felt natural and organic. Eli handled Nick's questions with care and in the end it made my heart melt with how much I adored these two characters. My only complaint was the miscommunication because it could have cleared up a lot if they just talked to each other about how they felt

This was a really great queer holiday read! I would definitely recommend adding it to your christmas holiday TBR. I was invested in the second chance romance between the two main characters from the beginning, I felt like their chemistry was really clear on the page. Some other highlights were the demisexual representation, and I really liked the kid character who was so cute and funny. I felt like the pacing was a bit off for me, which dropped it down to a four start read. I really loved the beginning but then I felt like it dragged a bit in the end.

This book took me on a delightful journey. The author skillfully weaved a heartwarming tale that not only entertained but also touched upon some important and often overlooked themes.

One aspect that truly stood out to me was the thoughtful and authentic discussion of demi-sexuality within the story. The way the author portrayed one of the protagonists' journey of self-discovery and acceptance was both insightful and sensitive. It's rare to come across books that handle such topics with the right balance of depth and accessibility, and I truly appreciated the effort put into this aspect of the narrative.

Another highlight was the depiction of respectful co-parenting after divorce. The characters of Nick and his ex-wife showcased a mature and considerate approach to parenting their daughter, and it was refreshing to see this aspect of their relationship explored in such a genuine manner. This portrayal not only added depth to the characters but also provided a positive representation of post-divorce dynamics that is often lacking in literature. His ex-wife was also a delightful side character.

Overall, this is a captivating read that skillfully blends romance, personal growth, and relevant societal themes. The intricate exploration of demi-sexuality and the portrayal of respectful co-parenting added layers of authenticity to the story that I genuinely appreciated. While the plot and characters alone are engaging, it's the way the author handles these sensitive topics that truly elevates the book into a well-rounded and thought-provoking romance novel.

I just finished this one and I really liked it! There were a couple of issues for me but overall the book was really good.

Eli is returning home to Florida to visit his parents. He came out as trans a few years ago and is a little more than nervous coming home. He runs into his ex boyfriend from high school, Nick, and they start catching up… and catching feelings.

I loved the trans rep in this book. The support and love from Eli’s immediate family, from Nick, and Nick’s daughter Zoe was so sweet! best friend Margot was a hoot. Eli’s parents mean well and Nick’s dad was awesome.

The one thing that really bothered me about this book was Eli’s immaturity. Nick was 100x more mature and was figuring out his own sexuality, while Eli was acting out. I kept forgetting that they are 39 years old because Eli definitely acts more like a teenager.

Overall though I’d recommend this one. Sweet moments, lots of laugh out loud bits, and a happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Queer Holiday Vibes?! Yes, please!! Wow - this book was amazing! I loved the characters and following Eli’s journey. The storyline really sucks you in. I had a very hard time putting this book down and devoured it in a little over a day. It kept me wanting to know more! Reading this queer romance was like a breathe of fresh air!

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. This was a good read! It deals with the harsh realities of being a trans person in Florida in 2023 which is hard to confront. But the second chance romance of getting together with your teenaged love is always gonna get me. The miscommunication trope does come up in the course of this story which can feel frustrating. but Nick is much better at Eli at getting his feelings out in the open which does feel like a breath of fresh air.

I don't know why I chose to read a Christmas romance in August. It's probably because I need something light and good and TJ Alexander always delivers.

I have wanted to read a T.J. Alexander book for ages, and I'm so glad I picked Second Chances as my first!

Even with some of the more serious subject matter discussed in the book (alcoholism, a parent's sudden death, and, well... Florida) this book is so incredibly sweet and just so charming. I love a second chance romance so much, and setting it in a less than progressive place with a trans main character had me a little anxious but it worked so beautifully.

I loved Nick *so* much. I always enjoying when characters start to figure their shit out at an older age, and the lack of panic in Nick's journey was so nice to see. Also, single parent romances always tug at my heart strings.

Eli is a prickly little pear but he is also so relatable. The people in his life mean well but don't always get it right, and I enjoyed reading him navigate that (successfully and unsuccessfully).

Second Chances is a charming, figuring-it-out-as-we-go holiday romance that had me smiling from beginning to end.

I am quickly becoming a T.J. Alexander fan. I've read both Chef's Kiss and Chef's Choice in the last year and continue to enjoy the representation that T.J. Alexander puts in these books. The most significant part of that representation, for me, is seeing LGBTQ joy/normalcy. In this book we follow middle-aged (so normal!) Nick and Eli who dated in high school and find themselves back in the same small Florida town where they grew up (so normal!) Eli is a trans comedian who just lost a job in television and is foundering and Nick is a divorced Dad trying to make things work at a local restaurant. The two reconnect and help each other grow. Of course, they fall in love (again) along the way. So cute.

I will say things almost felt too easy at times for me. I could have used a little more (external OR internal) conflict around making sense of sexuality, family dynamics and moving/job stuff. The market is certainly oversaturated by the LGTBQ stories where things are SUPER difficult and sad but this almost took the easy of things a little too far for me. I think whether we're following LGBTQ characters or not we all spend a lot of time in our heads/with our friends/families trying to puzzle out complicated issues that come up and I didn't feel like there was quite enough of that in this book. There was also repeated mention of the reality of living in a place like Florida as a queer person in our current times but I could have used a little more of that as well because it is certainly a reality that far too many folks are having to navigate.

Overall, I enjoyed this read but not quite as much as Alexander's previous books. I will certainly eagerly continue to pick up what they put out in to the world.

This book is excellent. I read it on the beach (in Delaware not Florida) and then went back to a rental house in a soulless suburb with tacky lawn decor and MAGA flags. I felt like I was really getting the full experience. If you can go to a mediocre east coast beach to read this book I would highly recommend it.
Despite being 15 years younger, I really resonated with the lead characters here. I'm white and genderfluid and my partner is a Chinese-American man who is only queer by association with me. Nick calls Eli a troglodyte for not making his bed; my partner called me a truffle pig for not folding my laundry last week. I'm constantly clowning, and my partner is a funny man without even trying. I felt very seen by this relationship dynamic.
The amount of will-they-won't-they is a bit annoying, and reminds me why contemporary romance isn't generally my cup of tea, but it was manageable. The setting and the fact that both of the leads are full adults with adult responsibilities that had to be navigated outside of their feelings for each other did good work making it feel like there were REAL reasons they perhaps couldn't be together. Poor communication wasn't the only thing driving the plot forward, as it soooo often is in contemporary romance, and I really appreciate that.

The first few pages started out really well, but nothing had me gripped by the end of chapter 1. (5%). Easy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC.

Overall, I really enjoyed this! TJ Alexander is a great writer and knows how to create an immersive storyworld and vivid characters right off the bat. The holiday vibes were perfect and it’s always a treat to get representation with older queer characters who get happy endings! Nick was the highlight of the book for me and I thought his arc was complex, interesting, and had me cheering for him the whole way. What brings this down a star for me is, unfortunately, the main character. While I really wanted to like Eli, I just couldn’t get past how poorly he treats everyone around him. That said, I still found the main romance to be really great and full of awesome chemistry. I’m also not a big fan of misunderstanding as a trope, but, genuinely, TJ Alexander’s writing makes it forgivable. I blew through this in two sittings. It’s immensely readable.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC!! This was such a fun read.