A review by cakt1991
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

 I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own. 

TJ Alexander continues their winning streak of queer romance, this time with the queer holiday romcom, Second Chances in New Port Stephen. Writing queer fiction is a tough balancing act, both bringing one’s own perspective on present-day LGBTQ+ issues, while also providing hope for the better, and Alexander definitely does this. The book is set in Florida, and while there’s commentary on the bleak political climate in that state in particular, from the anti-trans legislation to book banning in the name of “protecting our kids,” it’s done with both sensitivity and a touch of humor. I’ll never forget reading the snide quips about the lack of improvement in the Florida school system or the description of the governor (who is not named in-text) as “a guy who looked like undercooked pizza dough and with a haircut to match.” 

The two leads are great, and I liked that they were a bit older, being almost forty, and are dealing with the impact of the life experiences they’ve had, while also still struggling with starting over and figuring things out. Eli is perhaps the more fleshed out of the two, in my personal opinion, given he’s now forced back to his family home amid scandal threatening his tv writing and comedy career. While it was less of a plot point than I initially expected, his description of alcoholism and its impact on his life was also quite moving. And with his transition having occurred largely after he left town, there’s also a lot of family tensions he’s still dealing with, especially from his father, who doesn’t fully understand. 

Nick is also pretty solid as a character too. While I can’t say his daughter Zoe blew me away, being one of the child characters I didn’t actually care for, I did respect his role as a single father, amid the other responsibilities he had on his plate. 

These two have a pretty interesting dynamic, due to their past relationship. There’s clearly still a connection, and there isn’t any animosity. However, while the mutual attraction is there, neither is aware of what the other wants out of the relationship. While it was nice that they had each other to lean on when things got tough, I did want them to stop dancing around each other and make things clearer much earlier, although that’s kind of the only thing that the romantic side of the book had going for it, conflict-wise. 

I also really liked the holiday vibes, with it starting right before Christmas, and concluding at New Year’s, with an epilogue set in the following year. It was also interesting to have it juxtaposed against that Florida setting, both for the politics that colors the narrative and because I feel like so many Christmas books are set in snowy places, so it’s cool to have one with more tropical vibes. And with the compressed timeline, it’s fairly fast-paced and light, making it simultaneously a great cozy holiday and beach read. 

This was another enjoyable offering from TJ Alexander, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for lighthearted queer fiction to read during the holidays, or anytime of year.