Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Second Chances in New Port Stephen

This book has sold me on TJ Alexander. The characters are so lovely and interesting and layered. This was incredible representation of a trans man as well as someone coming to terms with a change in sexuality later in life. Also BLESS for these characters being in their late 30s/early 40s and still learning about themselves.

Eli's flaws are so real and endearing. He's struggling but he's still got a cockiness (yes) and confidence that adds a charm. He's just who he is and that's not what is keeping him from achieving his goals. Nick is just a doll, I just love him and his whole journey. And the rep of having good co-parenting was chef's kiss (no pun intended for Alexander's other work, I swear). Finally, his daughter is a well-written child, for once. She may have been written slightly too old, but it wasn't infantilizing which grates me.

The only place this book really lost me was the pacing of the end. It all seemed to come together a bit too rapidly and the epilogue left more questions than answers for me. But that's so so small.

I'm sharing this book with everyone who enjoys queer lit and/or romance. One of my fav reads of 2023.

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blotchedspots's review against another edition

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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? No

4.5

I signed up for this book at the library the moment I found out it was a thing at the end of Chef's Choice. I loved it and it was a wonderful book. It's so great to have an author doing sex scenes with trans bodies and having a character who isn't having a gay panic about his potential not-straightness. TJ Alexander keeps up with their typical "if these characters just asked a blunt question, a lot of stuff would be quickly resolved", but it works best in this book due to the Christmas nonsense that keeps us all too busy sometimes as well as with one of the character's potentially dealing with a huge upheaval in his life at the same time he misunderstands a conversation.

I look forward to the next book that TJ Alexander might come out with.

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sarahmcg's review against another edition

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challenging 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

4.25

Loved this second chance romance with a twist; running into your ex-boyfriend post-transition? Let the fun begin!

There was so much tenderness, humor, wit, and pining in this book. Though there were nods to current politics in Florida (mostly surrounding the attacks on trans rights but other concerns as well), they did not add too much heaviness to the story, and were often part of Eli’s one-liners that brought some levity. Nick’s sincerity and politeness to a fault was so endearing.

Rep: trans and sober MMC, queer and Taiwanese MMC; the main characters are older (closer to 40), and one is a divorced dad to a 4 y/o

My only critique - I wish the communication issues that caused the 3rd act drama could have wrapped up a little quicker, because after all of that was resolved, the ending felt a bit rushed. But overall, I really enjoyed this read!

Luckily enough, I got to join in on a live q&a with the author as part of a book club and it added to my enjoyment of the story overall, and excited to read their other books too.

CW/TW: racism, transphobia, homophobia, loss of a parent (in past), alcoholism (mentioned); sexual content.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review!

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arlaubscher's review against another edition

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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

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boomwormbrittany's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

Second Chances in New Port Stephen follows Eli, a trans man, as he goes back to his hometown of New Port Stephen for the first itme in awhile. While there, he runs into his ex-friend and partner, Nick. As they grow closer, Eli has to consider what this burgeoning relationship could mean for him.
I thought this was a really cute romance book! I got this book in my Afterlight subscription and picked it up the second the audio was available from my library.
What I really liked about this book is the fact that we have a trans main character in Eli and we also get the story of Nick trying to figure out what his sexuality is. I loved the fact that Nick didn't freak out when he thought he might not be totally straight and instead he became more curious and did research not only about sexuality but also about what it's like for trans people, especially trans men. The chemistry between Eli and Nick was very palpable and I really enjoyed watching the two of them grow closer and learn more about each other.
The only time I really got annoyed was when Eli kept on insisting of introducing Nick as his "straight friend" and continuing to assume Nick's sexuality. It was clear Nick was uncomfortable with the title that Eli kept saying and I appreciated the fact that they had a conversation about Eli saying that.
I also loved that Nick had a good relationship with his ex-wife in this to the point that they co-parent very well and are good friends. I absolutely despised his ex-mother-in-law which I think T.J. Alexander did a great job of portraying someone who is that small minded.
I just thought this was such a cute romance to read. I am so glad to see so many more romance books like this out in the world and I love seeing stories where we see LGBTQIA+ characters get their own happily ever afters without it being a tragic story.
I would say definitely pick this book up if it interests you. I had such a good time while reading it and I would recommend it.

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imstephtacular's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition

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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.

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uranaishi's review against another edition

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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

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