Second Chances in New Port Stephen

A trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex in this charming rom-com about family and second chances from the author of the "delectable" (Time) Chef's Kiss.

Eli Ward hasn't been back to his suffocating hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, in ages. Post-transition and sober, he's a completely different person from the one who left years ago. But when a scandal threatens his career as a TV writer and comedian, he has no choice but to return home for the holidays. He can only hope he'll survive his boisterous, loving, but often misguided family and hide the fact that his dream of comedy success has become a nightmare.

Just when he thinks this trip couldn't get any worse, Eli bumps into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who's somehow hotter than ever. Divorced and in his forties, Nick's world revolves around his father, his daughter, and his job. But even a busy life can't keep him from being intrigued by the reappearance of Eli.

Against the backdrop of one weird Floridian Christmas, the two must decide whether to leave the past in the past...or move on together.

Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 12/05/2023
Pages: 352
Weight: 0.54lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.31w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781668021965


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 09/18/2023
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2023
Library Journal 11/01/2023 pg. 52

About the Author
TJ Alexander, the critically acclaimed author of Chef's Kiss and Chef's Choice, writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston. They live in New York City with their wife and various houseplants.