Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down!! It’s just pulls you in! I love a good se kind chance romance . The dynamic between Nick and Elijah is great! Such good writing style.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a light and hopeful read that follows Elijah, a trans man returning home to Florida for the holidays, and Nick, a single dad navigating life in small town Florida. The twist - Elijah and Nick were high school sweethearts. With this, you have a perfect backdrop for a warm, uplifting novel about navigating love, life, and family in your late thirties.

I have never read any of T. J. Alexander’s works before, but they have done a masterful job of creating a story that is just a joy to read. I loved that we were given a dual POV in the book, with each chapter being from the viewpoint of one of the two MCs. It allowed an opportunity to understand character motivations and thoughts that I felt enhanced the relationship between Elijah and Nick.

Minor characters were also an integral part and I thought the relationship between Nick and his daughter, Zoe, was beautifully crafted. Elijah’s family was also a pleasure to get to know! His interactions with them provided insight into the struggles that the trans community face on a daily basis that otherwise go unnoticed. Thank you for that!

On a side note, the acknowledgement section is wonderful and pulled on my heart. I may or may not have teared up.

Overall, this book was so enjoyable and made my heart happy. It’s light and full of hope and gives such a warm feeling! Perfect for the holidays and its publication date on December 5!

OMG I LOVED THIS. I cried so many times reading it because I love queer joy SO MUCH. A trans man heads back to his FL home town and reconnects with his high school sweetheart. There were MANY scenes with Eli’s parents that made me cry, like the photo shoot, iykyk. Plus the romance between Nick and Eli was so tender and sweet. If you’re looking for a queer romance, this is it. Loved it so much.

2.75

I feel pretty ambivalent about this book. I thought it was boring at times and lacked a climax, but I thought the two main characters were pretty well defined…all on all, I didn’t love anything or hate anyone. It felt like time wasted.

Couldn’t put it down, didn’t want it to end. I was very engaged and charmed by the whole story. I loved the second chance aspects of the book and how Nick was so accepting of Elijah and how Elijah found his strength. I loved their dynamics and how they supported each other. Super important messages outside of the book as well that have real world implications. Really enjoyed TJ Alexander’s writing style too.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful second chance queer/trans romantic comedy set in Florida. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it very much.

Eli is a 30-something trans man who returns to his hometown in Florida to stay with his well-meaning and sometimes frustrating but supportive parents. Jobless, he’s back living at home as he figures out his next move after losing his tv writing gig after his former show-runner gets caught up in a scandal.

Nick is a 30-something single dad who has a great coparent relationship with his ex-wife and an amazing daughter named Zoe. He runs the local restaurant, the Thirsty Manatee, hangs out with his dad, and even mostly tolerates his horrible ex-mother in law.

Did I mentioned that Nick and Eli are were childhood sweethearts who were in love in high school before Eli’s later transition?

I don’t want to spoil anything but I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a good second chance romance with queer/trans/questioning/Asian representation.

I had to sit and digest this book for a few days before sitting down to finally write a proper review because that is the type of respect Second Chances in New Port Stephen deserves.

As someone who is queer and lives in the state of Florida (particularly in a very red portion of the state), TJ Alexander's story had me in a chokehold from page one.

The story of Eli Ward, a trans man coming back to his childhood home after years away mirrored my own day to day life in a state and county covered in MAGA flags and hateful banners. I've sat through school board meetings to fight against book bans, I've been looked at with disgust just for holding my wife's hand in the grocery store, and I've had people say hateful things to me, just for existing. I felt so deeply for Eli, seeing Florida through both his eyes and the lens of the current political climate.

Nick, who was once Eli's first boyfriend, might have become my favorite book boyfriend of all time with his gentle and caring understanding, desire to understand his once partner, and love he holds for his adorable daughter. Truly a sweet man, despite how naughty he could get with Eli.

While truly a love story, and an amazing one at that, this book is so much more than what transpires between Eli and his first love. Second Chances in New Port Stephen is a love letter to all of the LGBTQIA+ community, a hopeful story filled with a happily ever after for two characters most deserving of the title.

The wholesome love story I needed. Full of angst and miscommunication that all get worked out in the end. I truly fell in love with Eli’s and Nick story. Showing that masculinity has many different sides. Showing that you can continue to find yourself at any age.
And to address the horrible politics that are going on in Florida while still trying to keep some form of hope.

I was thrilled to receive a review copy of Second Chances in New Port Stephen via Netgalley, as I adored TJ Alexander's previous novels, Chef's Kiss and Chef's Choice. Their writing was every bit as engaging and entertaining in this novel, and I appreciate that moments of levity and joy were offset by the incredibly challenging political and social climate 2SLGBTQIA+ folks experience at present. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eli and Nick's story, the nostalgia of first love enriched and enhanced by the experience of time apart to fully understand themselves was beautiful to witness. As someone in their 40's I really appreciated that the story centered on protagonists quickly approaching 40 as I find that this is an under-represented age group, especially in the romance genre. I loved reading about Nick's journey with his queer identity, as this is something I have personally experienced over the past couple of years. Our experiences with this are different, but the feeling is the same and reading about Nick's journey in such an open, honest way brought me so much comfort and affirmation. This is why representation is so important, everyone should be able to see their experience laid out in literature, especially when this experience is depicted as a source of joy and celebration. Yes there are difficult experiences - but the LGBTQIA+ joy TJ Alexander's books provide help to offset this and give queer folks with queer kids such as myself hope for the future.

I think I officially love holiday romances-- "Second Chances in New Port Stephen" by TJ Alexander is so damn good. Eli, a trans man, returns to his hometown of New Port Stephen, FL. for the holidays, much to his chagrin. His career might be over, his NY apartment is subletted, and he has no idea what waits for him in Florida except a transphobic government and his well-meaning family. After running into his ex and rekindling their friendship, Eli realizes there might be something left for him in New Port Stephen after all.
"Second Chances in New Port Stephen" is a second chance, queer holiday romance with plenty of funny and tender moments, and a HEA.
I'm not usually a fan of the single parent trope in romance novels, but Nick's relationship with his daughter, and subsequently, Eli's relationship with Nick's daughter was so well written that the story absolutely would have been missing something without it. Watching the feelings rekindle and spark between Nick and Eli was so beautiful, it was clear from the start how much they used to mean to each other, and easily they could begin to have that again. Nick's queer awakening and new sexual experiences with Eli were written perfectly. The care and consideration that was put into Nick's character and all of the intimacy between these two men made every scene complete.
Loved, loved, loved this book-- new fave holiday read for sure!

This book captured me right from the beginning with wonderful, laugh-out-loud humor and delightful characters! I loved both Chefs Kiss books, but this sweetly angsty second chance romance is definitely my new favorite from TJ Alexander! Older characters ("older", since they're still my age or younger lol) discovering their queerness later in life and making it work gives me life. There are so many wholesome and kind friends and family members that I spent much of the time smiling at how precious they all are.

And on a personal note, as a part of a queer-friendly local circle with a late-blooming trans friend in a horribly anti-trans state, I appreciated this story where the state is the enemy but there are plenty of warm and accepting people that live there. Queer and trans joy can exist everywhere <3

This was a fantastic book that hit on a lot of the fears and struggles today's transgender population are facing. As a trans guy I appreciated reading about a character similar to me and seeing the happy romance work out. Eli is a great representation of the struggling in today's society trans person and I love how they integrate identity in this story between being transgender, gay, demisexual, queer, but also race, age, past passions, and so much more. You feel like you get to know the characters when reading.

This book while touching on heavy topics such as alcoholism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, hate legislation and more, did so in a way that did not feel heavy. A second chances romance. Two almost forty-year-old men, one of them trans. Zoe being super understanding was fantastic and she was an adorable character. I loved how accepting Nick was with everything and that he did his own research. There were times where I wanted to slap Eli for some of the choices he was making but it kept the story fresh as well.

I received an ARC from Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another win by TJ Alexander! I love all the different representation this book has! Trans main character, older millennials, later coming out, and single dad. Probably my favorite part was the relationship between the MC and Zoe, it was perfection. Solid rom com that I would recommend to anyone.

✏️ Author: TJ Alexander
📅 Pub Date: December 5, 2023

A queer love story! Trans AND almost 40 year old representation! A sexy Asian single dad and a white trans man comedian! Literally those three sentences should be enough for you to pick this one up, but for those who need a little more persuasion....

Eli and Nick (NOT Nicholas!) were friends from elementary school and dated in high school. They broke up at their high school graduation and went their separate ways. Eli to come out as a trans man and become a comedian in New York. Nick to stay in Florida and get married (and divorced) and have a daughter. Eli comes home to Florida under the guise of Christmas, when really his professional life is in shambles. He's sublet his apartment and is unsure when he'll go back to New York. Nick is a restaurant manager. After meeting up again by chance, these two fall in love. Only, it's not quite that simple. Nick thought he was straight. But now having feelings for a trans man has him questioning his whole identity.


These boys are truly some of my favorites! Eli never lets a good joke pass him by, and Nick is one of the sweetest most open hearted MCs I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. While at its core this is truly a love story, it most definitely doesn't shy away from hard truths. Florida for instance. What a mine field that one is. 😪 Right this minute politician's in Florida are working hard to take away rights from the queer community and women. As a lifelong Florida resident trust me I know. I also just moved away so... But this book doesn't shy away from addressing those topics head on. Also gender identity. Sexuality. We even get the lovely gift of an open door sexual encounter! And trust me it's 🔥. TJ Alexander is a force to be reckoned with and this book just proves it. It's beautiful and sappy and perfect and hard. Just like life. And thank Goddess for actual older characters! We're not all 20 anymore and it's nice to know other wake up with stiff joints too. Even if we're still in our 30s. 😂

🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to TJ Alexander, NetGalley, and Atria Books!

This book is an absolute joy. They are queer! They are middle-aged! One of them is a hot Taiwanese single dad! The other is a trans guy who can never resist a joke! (That’s a compliment.) Both are incredibly obtuse about the other one’s feelings, and they fall in love. (Again.) Truly, what is not to love about that. Aside from the romance, I also loved TJ Alexander’s varied and nuanced depictions of the messy thing that is family, as well as the experience of being queer in a conservative town.

As an Asian American queer person, I think my sleeper favorite character was Tian-Yi, Nick’s dad. He is an absolute legend and to see his relationship with his son was so important to me!!! There is so much to love about Nick and his family: the Hokkien dialect, the delicious food descriptions, Lunar New Year, and I will never forget when Tian-Yi said “Aiya.” Not something I ever thought I would get to read in a trans and queer romance novel, let me tell you. I repeat: LEGEND

I am a huge fan of all of TJ Alexander’s works, and this is such a great addition to the line-up. It is hilarious and heartwarming as always. Loved to see a guy in his 40s exploring his identity and finding himself again; loved the QUEER SEX (and yes it is queer in all caps); loved the many moments in narration that center trans and queer perspectives, continually, throughout the book. It is all so important. As with all their works, I feel so seen as a queer person and I know others will too. Truly can’t wait to read this again when it comes out, and then all their other releases after that ❤️

Thanks very much to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.

Beautiful story! Amazing 😍



Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Another wonderful book by Tj Alexander.This one drew me right n the characters looking to find happiness in their forties the true messiness and joy of finding their way.#netgalley #atria

I love TJ Alexander's books, and this one blew me away! I was swept up with Eli and Nick's love story. There were so many layers to their romance, and all of it was handled with love and care. I thought that this was a beautiful second chance romance story about two people who dated when they were in high school. They are both now 40 years old. Nick is a divorced, single dad, and Eli is a trans man who is back home in Florida to visit his family.

Nick and Eli haven't seen each other in years, but when they meet up at a liquor store, they still feel that connection that they felt their entire lives. They might be different people who have grown and changed over the years, but they can't fight that they have a deep connection and love for each other. They were each other's firsts, and the bond that they have is evident right from the start.

I loved the way that Nick's daughter, Zoe, added to the story because she immediately was drawn to Eli. He was so adorable with her, and I loved how much of a role family played in the story.

Eli's parents mean well, but they don't fully understand how he feels. When he returns home, he sees pictures of him when he was a child, but to him, that person doesn't exist anymore. The way that his parents handled the situation with the pictures was so sweet, and it made me tear up.

Eli and Nick's relationship was so beautiful because it shows you that no matter what you age is, you can still learn things about yourself. I'm the same age as the characters in the book, and I can really relate to being an older millennial and still learning things about myself. There was some steaminess in this book, and it felt so passionate and full of love. Nick and Eli were rediscovering each other, and it was so real.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for an ARC of this book.

This is the first book I’ve read by TJ Alexander, and I loved it! Both main characters are almost 40 and are still trying to figure out their lives.

Eli is a trans man who recently lost his job and is visiting his parents over the holidays… or longer if he can’t find a new job.

Nick was Eli’s first boyfriend in high school. He’s still living in their hometown, but now with an ex-wife and little girl in the picture as well. Both of those secondary characters were fantastic! Actually all the other secondary characters were pretty amazing (well, except Kay blech).

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Second Chances in New Port Stephens to come out December 5, 2023.

This friends to lovers second chance romance was incredibly sweet and a joy to read. Yes, there were hard parts, but nothing that real versions of these characters wouldn’t be dealing with.

I really liked that this starred characters in their almost 40’s. Eli and Nick felt very much their age. They both had struggles that were extremely relatable to Xennials.

I also appreciated how careful the author was with word choices. (Some characters said some terrible things, yes, but those were an intentional part of the story.)

The use of reminiscing to show character growth was lovely. Reading how their relationship grew from first love to their second chance, while letting memories shine through, was extremely well done.

This is my favorite work of the author so far. I definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an arc of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.