A review by tristatereader
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander

challenging 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? No

4.0

I finished Second Chances in New Port Stephen yesterday and thought it was the perfect holiday romcom to close out 2023.

Eli Ward has returned to his childhood home in New Port Stephen, Florida for the first time as an out, trans man. And it’s not by choice. After his professional TV writing career comes to a screeching halt, he has no choice but to sublet his NYC apartment and go back to the hometown that holds so many painful memories. Although his family is loving and accepting, the social and political climate of Florida is anything but. One night, while running an errand in a bid to escape his chaotic family, he bumps into his ex-boyfriend from high school, Nick Wu. Nick is now a divorced DILF who works too hard and spends too much time worrying about others. It’s been over 20 years and although Nick doesn’t recognize Eli at first, the two quickly fall into a familiar and comfortable routine. As the pair begin to spend time together, both start wondering if maybe, just maybe, there’s a second chance for them.

Give me allllll the queer holiday books please! Despite a warm setting, the Christmas vibes in this book were on point. I really loved all of the characters, especially Nick’s daughter, Zoe 🥰 I loved the racial diversity and meeting / learning about Nick’s family. I also loved the faux news headlines scattered throughout the book. They were so clever and I found myself cracking up whenever I came across one. But by far my favorite part of this story was watching Eli and Nick accept each other 100%. I would loveee a sequel with these two!