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A review by ninegladiolus
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
TJ Alexander has become a ‘shut up and take my money’ author with their first two books, Chef’s Kiss and Chef’s Choice. Second Chances in New Port Stephen not only confirms that was a wise choice, but shows a continued elevation in their craft, and the way they handle complex issues of trans identity with grace and ease while delivering feel-good romance stories continues to impress me.
Eli Ward left Florida, transitioned, got sober, and got his life together… until he didn’t. When he gets caught up in an industry scandal that all but destroys his TV writing career, he heads back home to Florida for the holidays. There, he reconnects with his high school ex, Nick, who 1) has a daughter, 2) is divorced, and 3) is more irresistible than ever. Set over the Christmas period, Eli and Nick hover on the precipice of a choice: go their separate ways once more, or go forward together.
This novel executes a lot of ‘traditional’ romance tropes well: second chance romance, single-parent romance, friends to exes to friends to lovers. But more than that, TJ Alexander impresses me so much with the way they weave in the real, complicated issues queer and especially trans folks face. In the hands of a different author, Eli coming back home after having transitioned could have been a disaster and rife with transphobia, but it was handled so compassionately, which trans readers (like myself) appreciate. In addition, Nick has his own complicated struggles with sexuality and coming out later in life that are also handled well.
Being set in Florida, where a plethora of attacks against queer and trans rights are taking place, is also a poignant choice; some folks are quick with their judgment of certain places and forget that marginalized groups affected by political strife often have no choice but to live in these areas. I hope some readers take hope and solace in this story.
Aside from all that, it’s just a sweet, heartwarming, emotional Christmas novel in its own right. There’s all the notes you’d expect of a Christmas romcom interspersed with the emotional beats of the topics above. It’s a beautiful mix of serious and lighthearted, funny and sexy. It hits all the right notes for me.
If you like trans romances and haven’t already checked out TJ Alexander’s other work, I can’t recommend their novels highly enough. Second Chances in New Port Stephen just makes me all the more excited for whatever they will write next.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.
Eli Ward left Florida, transitioned, got sober, and got his life together… until he didn’t. When he gets caught up in an industry scandal that all but destroys his TV writing career, he heads back home to Florida for the holidays. There, he reconnects with his high school ex, Nick, who 1) has a daughter, 2) is divorced, and 3) is more irresistible than ever. Set over the Christmas period, Eli and Nick hover on the precipice of a choice: go their separate ways once more, or go forward together.
This novel executes a lot of ‘traditional’ romance tropes well: second chance romance, single-parent romance, friends to exes to friends to lovers. But more than that, TJ Alexander impresses me so much with the way they weave in the real, complicated issues queer and especially trans folks face. In the hands of a different author, Eli coming back home after having transitioned could have been a disaster and rife with transphobia, but it was handled so compassionately, which trans readers (like myself) appreciate. In addition, Nick has his own complicated struggles with sexuality and coming out later in life that are also handled well.
Being set in Florida, where a plethora of attacks against queer and trans rights are taking place, is also a poignant choice; some folks are quick with their judgment of certain places and forget that marginalized groups affected by political strife often have no choice but to live in these areas. I hope some readers take hope and solace in this story.
Aside from all that, it’s just a sweet, heartwarming, emotional Christmas novel in its own right. There’s all the notes you’d expect of a Christmas romcom interspersed with the emotional beats of the topics above. It’s a beautiful mix of serious and lighthearted, funny and sexy. It hits all the right notes for me.
If you like trans romances and haven’t already checked out TJ Alexander’s other work, I can’t recommend their novels highly enough. Second Chances in New Port Stephen just makes me all the more excited for whatever they will write next.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.