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

The trans and demi rep is SO GOOD. I really liked how Nick just saw Eli for who he is and there wasn't anything to 'get used to' his feelings simply were. I adored Nick's dad and usually don't like reading books with kids because I need a break aha, but it wasn't distracting in this book. Since one of the MC's is demi, the spice is after they've emotionally connected. I wanted Eli to google what demi-sexuality is so. Many. Times. But he had his own things to work through before being able to understand and be ready to truly feel loved by someone. So I get it and the frustration means I enjoyed the book and felt invested in the characters. As far as holiday books go, this one is more accurate to real life than a fluffy hallmark movie. Which isn't a bad thing, but just take note to the trigger warnings.

Content Warnings

caseythereader's review against another edition

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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.

Content Warnings

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

Content Warnings

madscientistcat's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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 review of a free advanced review copy. Thanks to Atria, TJ Alexander, and NetGalley for that privilege!)

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