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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
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
uranaishi's review against another edition
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
lealovesbooks's review against another edition
funny
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Minor: Alcoholism and Homophobia
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