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arlaubscher's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia
gncilluffo's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
queer & trans joy in a book. It has tense moments (see the author’s CW) but overall funny and so relatable. A truly fun read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Racism, and Death of parent
mishale1's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I haven’t read this author before and mostly picked this up cause the storyline sounded cute, it got good reviews and it was set at Christmastime. I love Christmassy/holiday books and appreciate variety in the plots. So this unique spin on a second chance at a first love sounded good.
But I guess I was expecting something more Christmassy and I felt like it mainly just took place at this time of year rather than it being part of the storyline.
Eli doesn’t go home to visit his parents in Florida very often. He doesn’t feel comfortable in his hometown. His parents seem very loving and accepting but he feels unwelcome in his hometown, and he feels a little uncomfortable even in his parents’ home which is filled with pictures of Eli before he transitioned.
My favorite scene in the book actually follows Eli’s confrontation with his parents about the pictures. I thought it was very sweet and funny but I won’t spoil the scene.
I wasn’t always crazy about Eli. I felt like he was so hard on his parents who really seemed to be trying to do everything right.
Eli’s potential love interest, and highschool ex, Nick was very sweet.
I’m not sure what else to add. I know most of the reviews here are rave reviews and mine is a lower rating. But I guess it wasn’t what I was expecting and I didn’t love Eli as much as I should have.
But I guess I was expecting something more Christmassy and I felt like it mainly just took place at this time of year rather than it being part of the storyline.
Eli doesn’t go home to visit his parents in Florida very often. He doesn’t feel comfortable in his hometown. His parents seem very loving and accepting but he feels unwelcome in his hometown, and he feels a little uncomfortable even in his parents’ home which is filled with pictures of Eli before he transitioned.
My favorite scene in the book actually follows Eli’s confrontation with his parents about the pictures. I thought it was very sweet and funny but I won’t spoil the scene.
I wasn’t always crazy about Eli. I felt like he was so hard on his parents who really seemed to be trying to do everything right.
Eli’s potential love interest, and highschool ex, Nick was very sweet.
I’m not sure what else to add. I know most of the reviews here are rave reviews and mine is a lower rating. But I guess it wasn’t what I was expecting and I didn’t love Eli as much as I should have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Moderate: Death of parent
imstephtacular's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Transphobia, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
dogoodwithbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Closed Door Modifications: Chapter 18 (some parts), Chapter 26 (some parts)
I would like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for inviting me to review a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Eli Ward is forced back to his hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, for the holidays and ends up reconnecting with his high school ex, Nick Wu, in this unique take on the holiday romance subgenre.
This past spring, I read Alexander’s latest novel published, Chef’s Choice, where I fell in love with their writing style and cast of loveable characters. When I was invited to read an advanced copy of Second Chances in New Port Stephen, I was told that this book would be Alexander’s best. I didn’t know what to exactly expect with this book at first, but I now know that Second Chances in New Port Stephen is truly a delight to read for this holiday season.
Instead of tackling the common trope of holiday romances of getting into the holiday spirit or the true meaning of what the holidays mean, Alexander takes readers through themes of second chances, starting over, and the meaning of family, both blood and found. What Alexander does well in Second Chances in New Port Stephen is that they created this perfect blend of dramedy which leads to a great plot execution and a story readers want to get stuck in.
Another thing I really like about Second Chances in New Port Stephen is that Alexander is able to create a cast of interesting characters while also providing a solid character development for Eli and Nick. Throughout the book, you get to see a lot of growth in Nick and Eli over the course of the holidays, which really fleshes out their character development. Adding to that mix of quirky ensemble characters and a heart-warming second chance romance, Second Chances in New Port Stephen has everything it needs to be a stand-out to readers.
If you are looking for an unconventional, queer holiday romance featuring a second chance romance, you will want to be on the lookout for Second Chances in New Port Stephen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Car accident
hannahmichele5's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I think second chance romances are probably the hardest to write and pull off but TJ did it perfectly, as I suspected they would. This was actually the THIRD book by TJ Alexander that I've read this year (they are publishing like 2 books a year currently I think?!?). TJ is now an auto-buy writer for me - I'll read their grocery list IDGAF.
Second Chances in New Port Stephen features Eli, a trans man, and Nick, both in their 4o's, who rekindle their young love when Eli comes home to Florida for the first time in 20 years for the holidays. This had all of the gentleness and kindness I have come to adore in TJ Alexander novels while also feeling fresh and festive. Every time I read another book by TJ I just feel this overwhelming sense of love and happiness and this one is no exception.
I wanted to note, and this has also been noted in a lot of reviews that I have seen, that TJ does an incredible job of listing content warnings in their books and because of this I expected this book to be a lot darker than it was. I found all of the content to be quite mild and it seems like most other folks agree! Regardless, huge shoutout to TJ and their team for keeping their readers safe.
Y'all go ahead and add this to your must-read books this holiday season! I can't wait for the world to meet Eli and Nick (and Zoe)!
Now, if I don't get an arc of TJ's next book (a poly romance titled TRIPLE SEC) that is set to come out next year, I think I will simply pass away.
Second Chances in New Port Stephen features Eli, a trans man, and Nick, both in their 4o's, who rekindle their young love when Eli comes home to Florida for the first time in 20 years for the holidays. This had all of the gentleness and kindness I have come to adore in TJ Alexander novels while also feeling fresh and festive. Every time I read another book by TJ I just feel this overwhelming sense of love and happiness and this one is no exception.
I wanted to note, and this has also been noted in a lot of reviews that I have seen, that TJ does an incredible job of listing content warnings in their books and because of this I expected this book to be a lot darker than it was. I found all of the content to be quite mild and it seems like most other folks agree! Regardless, huge shoutout to TJ and their team for keeping their readers safe.
Y'all go ahead and add this to your must-read books this holiday season! I can't wait for the world to meet Eli and Nick (and Zoe)!
Now, if I don't get an arc of TJ's next book (a poly romance titled TRIPLE SEC) that is set to come out next year, I think I will simply pass away.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Transphobia, and Death of parent
womanwill's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I had high hopes for this after some trusted rave reviews and loving Chef's Choice earlier this year, and Alexander delivered! Eli and Nick were both hilarious and charming in their own ways and I loved their chemistry.
Eli, a trans man, returns to his hometown New Port Stephen, Florida, for the holidays...err maybe for the longterm after losing his last writing job (but he can't tell his parents this, they'd be disappointed in him!). It's not long before he runs into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who handles his new name and pronouns well, but he's always been straight...
This is a beautiful story of Nick and Eli overcoming their insecurities (and occasional miscommunications) and learning to let old love reignite as they fall back into each other's lives. Nick was so strongly curious about his sexuality without being self judgmental or angsty about it--it was healing to read. Meanwhile, Eli is a bit grump who grapples with his insecurity about losing his job, failing to get another one, and returning home to land in his parents' safety net.
Read if you love:
- characters in their late 30s/early 40s
- a single dad with an exceptionally healthy coparenting situation with his ex
- an adorable daughter named Zoe
- trans rep, gay rep, queer & questioning rep
- lots of Florida shenanigans & jokes
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
Eli, a trans man, returns to his hometown New Port Stephen, Florida, for the holidays...err maybe for the longterm after losing his last writing job (but he can't tell his parents this, they'd be disappointed in him!). It's not long before he runs into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who handles his new name and pronouns well, but he's always been straight...
This is a beautiful story of Nick and Eli overcoming their insecurities (and occasional miscommunications) and learning to let old love reignite as they fall back into each other's lives. Nick was so strongly curious about his sexuality without being self judgmental or angsty about it--it was healing to read. Meanwhile, Eli is a bit grump who grapples with his insecurity about losing his job, failing to get another one, and returning home to land in his parents' safety net.
Read if you love:
- characters in their late 30s/early 40s
- a single dad with an exceptionally healthy coparenting situation with his ex
- an adorable daughter named Zoe
- trans rep, gay rep, queer & questioning rep
- lots of Florida shenanigans & jokes
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Transphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Hate crime, and Sexual harassment
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thanks to Atria Books for the free copy of this book.
- I love absolutely everything about SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN. Queer exploration and discovery! Second chances! Funny and serious! Older main characters!
- I loved that Eli and Nick are almost 40 - they have lived whole lives before finding their way back to each other. I loved that they both discovered the queer parts of themselves "later" in life, and that it's treated as perfectly fine and normal.
- This book is so funny and tender, but it also doesn't brush away the reality of being a queer person in a state like Florida.
- I love absolutely everything about SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN. Queer exploration and discovery! Second chances! Funny and serious! Older main characters!
- I loved that Eli and Nick are almost 40 - they have lived whole lives before finding their way back to each other. I loved that they both discovered the queer parts of themselves "later" in life, and that it's treated as perfectly fine and normal.
- This book is so funny and tender, but it also doesn't brush away the reality of being a queer person in a state like Florida.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Transphobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racism, Car accident, and Death of parent
uranaishi's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia, Vomit, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, Classism, and Deportation
befthhh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
*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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent