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Second Chance
Everyone deserves a second chance. Nate and his teenage daughter need a fresh start, so they move back to the village where he grew up. Nate’s transgender, and not used to disclosing his history, so it’s hard living where people knew him before. When Nate reconnects with Jack—his best friend from school and unrequited crush—his feelings return as strong as ever. Jack’s returned home to get his life in order after an addiction to alcohol caused him to lose his job, his driver’s licence, and nearly his life. He’s living with his parents, which is less than ideal, but rekindling his friendship with Nate—or Nat as Jack once knew him—is an unexpected benefit of being back home. Jack is amazed by Nate’s transformation, and can’t deny his attraction. Trying for more than friendship might ruin what they already have, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Doubting his feelings are reciprocated, Nate fears he’s risking heartbreak. Jack’s reluctance to tell his parents about their relationship only reinforces Nate’s misgivings. With both their hearts on the line and their happiness at stake, Jack needs to make things right, and Nate has to be prepared to give him a second chance. This story is a standalone 67,000 words approx
254 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2018
122 people are currently reading
1392 people want to read
About the author
Jay Northcote
54 books1,655 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 15, 2018
"Everyone deserves a second chance."
This felt like a very personal story from Jay Northcote, that is beautiful written.
Jack and Nate find themselves back in the same town they grew up in when they were young,each having their own personal reasons for being there.A chance encounter between the two men is set to turn their lives around....
You,see....they have history.Back when they were teenagers they were best friends,inseparable...but back then things were different.Jack was coming to realize he was gay and Nate was Nat and had always been in love with Jack,
"I'm pretty sure I'm gay"
"Shame I'm not a boy,huh?"
I can't even pretend to understand what it must be like to feel trapped in the wrong body with all the conflicting emotions,and insecurities and unhappiness that must be ever present and Nate being transgender,here,was so sensitively portrayed.From the two men's discussions about sex and what would work for them to Jack's worry how his parents would react to him and Nate together.The story just felt so real...
The supporting characters all played their parts.I simply adored Nate's mother and his relationship with his daughter.
No unnecessary drama or angst,just a second chance love story which turned out to be quite special....and the Epilogue was perfect.
Recommended read.
An Arc of Second Chance was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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March 28, 2018The idea for this one came to me a year or so ago and I'm happy that it finally came to fruition. I enjoyed writing another book with a trans main character.
I hope you'll like it if you decide to give it a try :)
I hope you'll like it if you decide to give it a try :)
May 28, 2019
I have a checkered history with Jay Northcote books, full of ups and downs, and when that happens I try to retreat a bit as to not keep reading an author that hasn't panned out for me. However, I LOVE a book with a trans MC, so I couldn't resist picking this one up. It turns out, it was a very good decision.
I read books with trans MCs written by any author, but I've noticed that trans books by trans authors are by far my favorite. Those authors's stories tend to feel more authentic to me, or perhaps that's just my perception. Either way, the way that Nate was written really worked for me.
I loved how Jay Northcote wasn't afraid to bring the sexiness. My internal voice was screaming, "YES, yes, yes," and I was just so pumped that we got to see the MCs get all hot and sweaty. I don't love it when I read a book with a trans MC and the smutty details are passed over- No, I WANT to read each and every bit! I found the sex scenes to be super hot, and I felt the chemistry there, 100%.
I really enjoyed the whole plot, even if the pacing wasn't exactly what I usually like. Truth be told, I don't love second chance romances quite so much because the feelings-part of the story always feels rushed to me. I like two characters to start from nothing and work their way up to feelings without a past interfering, so the speed at which these two MCs started getting physical and started feeling deep emotions was a little fast for me. However, I really loved the last 25% of the story, especially that romance-y romance ending. *swoon*
I think the book struck the perfect balance between being informative and not feeling too didactic. I like a little knowledge with my trans romances but if I want a detailed description of every transition detail, I'd rather pick up a non-fiction book. The book stayed focused on the relationship development, the family dynamics, the sex (YES!!), and, most importantly, the romance. And it turns out, I was 100% there for the romance, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
If you like second-chance romances or enjoy romances with trans MCs, don't pass this one up. Jay Northcote did his readers proud.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I read books with trans MCs written by any author, but I've noticed that trans books by trans authors are by far my favorite. Those authors's stories tend to feel more authentic to me, or perhaps that's just my perception. Either way, the way that Nate was written really worked for me.
I loved how Jay Northcote wasn't afraid to bring the sexiness. My internal voice was screaming, "YES, yes, yes," and I was just so pumped that we got to see the MCs get all hot and sweaty. I don't love it when I read a book with a trans MC and the smutty details are passed over- No, I WANT to read each and every bit! I found the sex scenes to be super hot, and I felt the chemistry there, 100%.
I really enjoyed the whole plot, even if the pacing wasn't exactly what I usually like. Truth be told, I don't love second chance romances quite so much because the feelings-part of the story always feels rushed to me. I like two characters to start from nothing and work their way up to feelings without a past interfering, so the speed at which these two MCs started getting physical and started feeling deep emotions was a little fast for me. However, I really loved the last 25% of the story, especially that romance-y romance ending. *swoon*
I think the book struck the perfect balance between being informative and not feeling too didactic. I like a little knowledge with my trans romances but if I want a detailed description of every transition detail, I'd rather pick up a non-fiction book. The book stayed focused on the relationship development, the family dynamics, the sex (YES!!), and, most importantly, the romance. And it turns out, I was 100% there for the romance, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
If you like second-chance romances or enjoy romances with trans MCs, don't pass this one up. Jay Northcote did his readers proud.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
April 21, 2018
While Second Chance is not autobiographical, it is personal, and I think that's why it feels so authentic.
Nate's struggles with his gender identity, his worry that he wasted so much time living as his inauthentic self, rang true. Nate is a very real character: a great dad, good son, fairly secure with himself but with moments of anxiety about not fitting in.
When Nate and Jack rediscover their friendship (Jack and Natalie were best friends in high school), Jack wants to know why Nate cut off all contact, and Nate, initially reticent, is anything if not honest. He'd had a crush on Jack for ages, but back then he was Nat, a girl, and Jack was gay. It was a recipe for heartache.
I really liked how well the men communicated, not just about their relationship, but about past hurts and sexual expectations. Jack is forthright about his issues with depression and alcoholism, and Nate is open about his transition and finally living as the man he's always been.
Jay doesn't make the sex taboo. I think often cisgender people (I've been guilty of this myself) are weirdly curious about how trans sex works, what kind of anatomy trans men and women have "down there," what goes in what hole, and so on. It's the same invasive questions het people ask of gay people, as if the sex were the end all and be all of being gay or trans.
But the reality is, the more illicit and secretive something is, the more fascinating it becomes. It's human nature.
As Nate and Jack begin a sexual relationship, these things have to be discussed, and Jack is absolutely amazing about learning Nate's body and what gets him off. The sexy scenes are quite sensual.
This is a low-key, relationship-driven story, low on the angst but high on the feels. The main conflict is Jack not wanting to tell his parents about dating Nate, not because he's ashamed but because his parents don't understand the whole "trans thing" (they're not bad people, just a little fearful and ignorant), and he wants to spare himself the criticism. Of course, that completely backfires, but true to form, Jack owns it and apologizes.
The one thing that didn't work for me is the drama with Nate's teenage daughter. I liked Cass as a character, but the events at the end felt forced and didn't quite fit with the plot in my opinion.
The epilogue was lovely, though. I really like second chance stories and was happy that Nate and Jack found each other again.
Nate's struggles with his gender identity, his worry that he wasted so much time living as his inauthentic self, rang true. Nate is a very real character: a great dad, good son, fairly secure with himself but with moments of anxiety about not fitting in.
When Nate and Jack rediscover their friendship (Jack and Natalie were best friends in high school), Jack wants to know why Nate cut off all contact, and Nate, initially reticent, is anything if not honest. He'd had a crush on Jack for ages, but back then he was Nat, a girl, and Jack was gay. It was a recipe for heartache.
I really liked how well the men communicated, not just about their relationship, but about past hurts and sexual expectations. Jack is forthright about his issues with depression and alcoholism, and Nate is open about his transition and finally living as the man he's always been.
Jay doesn't make the sex taboo. I think often cisgender people (I've been guilty of this myself) are weirdly curious about how trans sex works, what kind of anatomy trans men and women have "down there," what goes in what hole, and so on. It's the same invasive questions het people ask of gay people, as if the sex were the end all and be all of being gay or trans.
But the reality is, the more illicit and secretive something is, the more fascinating it becomes. It's human nature.
As Nate and Jack begin a sexual relationship, these things have to be discussed, and Jack is absolutely amazing about learning Nate's body and what gets him off. The sexy scenes are quite sensual.
This is a low-key, relationship-driven story, low on the angst but high on the feels. The main conflict is Jack not wanting to tell his parents about dating Nate, not because he's ashamed but because his parents don't understand the whole "trans thing" (they're not bad people, just a little fearful and ignorant), and he wants to spare himself the criticism. Of course, that completely backfires, but true to form, Jack owns it and apologizes.
The one thing that didn't work for me is the drama with Nate's teenage daughter. I liked Cass as a character, but the events at the end felt forced and didn't quite fit with the plot in my opinion.
The epilogue was lovely, though. I really like second chance stories and was happy that Nate and Jack found each other again.
July 1, 2018
4 Stars
Again, like Starting from Scratch, this book is important and authentic seeing as how Northcote most likely brings to this work some real life challenges, emotions, and triumphs to this story.
And again, I wouldn't want to just focus on that particular aspect because in the grand scheme of things it matters very little because love is love is love.
This is literally all about a second chance at life, friendship, and finding that special someone to share all with, and though a bit more serious than I had expected, this still produced a wonderful HEA.
Again, like Starting from Scratch, this book is important and authentic seeing as how Northcote most likely brings to this work some real life challenges, emotions, and triumphs to this story.
And again, I wouldn't want to just focus on that particular aspect because in the grand scheme of things it matters very little because love is love is love.
This is literally all about a second chance at life, friendship, and finding that special someone to share all with, and though a bit more serious than I had expected, this still produced a wonderful HEA.
May 23, 2018
3.5 Stars
Low on the unnecessary drama, this relationship-focused second chance story is full of positive vibes and features what is probably the most honest and edifying transgender representation I’ve read in the romance genre to date.
The story follows the naturally evolving relationship between protagonists and old friends Jack and Nate, both of whom are in their mid-forties and have, for differing reasons, both found themselves back in their small hometown looking for fresh starts.
Jack has recently struggled with some mental health issues and has found himself needing to head back to basics to regroup and pick up the pieces of his messy life.
Nate, once Nat, is a few years into his transition and has moved back to town with his teenage daughter Cass, mostly so Cass can have a fresh start after experiencing some recent teen-angst troubles in the big city.
When Jack and Nate reunite after years apart they effortlessly fall into old habits, reigniting their friendship and seeking out each other’s company at any given opportunity.
Now that Nate is living as his true self, Nate realises that his past feelings for his gay best friend might finally be acted upon, especially when Jack shows his own blatant interest in Nate. What initially starts as a friends-with-benefits situation between Jack and Nate, quickly and effortlessly develops into something much more profound for both men.
Nate and Jack share some really lovely moments here and I greatly appreciated how honest and open their communication was throughout the story. It helped that they had the whole we-used-to-be-besties-as-teens thing going on, so even though they had drifted apart and been through a world of change over the years, they naturally just fit back together like only the oldest and truest of friends can do. Romances that are built on good friendships are always some of my favourites too, and this one worked a treat.
Jack and Nate’s story is well-written, refreshingly authentic, and so very heart-warming. I liked the easy way their story was told and I certainly enjoyed the HEA they got during the epilogue.
Although not my favourite of Northcote's stories to date, this one felt important and deeply personal, and for that I have nothing but appreciation and praise to give.
Low on the unnecessary drama, this relationship-focused second chance story is full of positive vibes and features what is probably the most honest and edifying transgender representation I’ve read in the romance genre to date.
The story follows the naturally evolving relationship between protagonists and old friends Jack and Nate, both of whom are in their mid-forties and have, for differing reasons, both found themselves back in their small hometown looking for fresh starts.
Jack has recently struggled with some mental health issues and has found himself needing to head back to basics to regroup and pick up the pieces of his messy life.
Nate, once Nat, is a few years into his transition and has moved back to town with his teenage daughter Cass, mostly so Cass can have a fresh start after experiencing some recent teen-angst troubles in the big city.
When Jack and Nate reunite after years apart they effortlessly fall into old habits, reigniting their friendship and seeking out each other’s company at any given opportunity.
Now that Nate is living as his true self, Nate realises that his past feelings for his gay best friend might finally be acted upon, especially when Jack shows his own blatant interest in Nate. What initially starts as a friends-with-benefits situation between Jack and Nate, quickly and effortlessly develops into something much more profound for both men.
Nate and Jack share some really lovely moments here and I greatly appreciated how honest and open their communication was throughout the story. It helped that they had the whole we-used-to-be-besties-as-teens thing going on, so even though they had drifted apart and been through a world of change over the years, they naturally just fit back together like only the oldest and truest of friends can do. Romances that are built on good friendships are always some of my favourites too, and this one worked a treat.
Jack and Nate’s story is well-written, refreshingly authentic, and so very heart-warming. I liked the easy way their story was told and I certainly enjoyed the HEA they got during the epilogue.
Although not my favourite of Northcote's stories to date, this one felt important and deeply personal, and for that I have nothing but appreciation and praise to give.
April 18, 2018
Awesome, awesome book from Jay - which is all about finding your true self, living an authentic life - and finding that the one who stole your heart as a teenager not only still has it, but is willing to hand theirs over too.
It's authentic and at times it reads harsher than the norm because it's not just your typical romance where guy meets guy, guy falls for guy, there's a bump in the road and then all ends well - although fear not all that does happen here too!
There's past history between Nate and Jack, but it's complicated by Nate's pre-transition role in Jack's life, when he was still Nat and his best female friend.
It doesn't avoid the conversations about what it's like for a gay FtM transgender character to get involved in a relationship with a cisgender gay man, it lays it out clearly that it won't be smooth sailing.
There's discussions about how Nate prefers to name his genitals, there's discussions about how the sex will happen.
Now that doesn't mean this book isn't as sexy and that the lovemaking between the two isn't hot, not one bit. Their experiences together are even more emotional, given the history, and they're just as erotic and treated with the same skill as all Jay's other books.
These two are beautiful together and it's a joy to read them exploring their feelings again, especially as its also a mature romance, both men are in their 40s and isn't that a lovely change from all the super perfect young things normally found in the genre!
There's turbulence on the way, families complicate things and Jack totally screws things up through his own fears but there is some great groveling, a bunch of soggy daffodils, and the blessing of a teenage daughter to make it right.
The epilogue is just all ends up perfect and I had such a huge smile on my face as it jumps just a small way into the future but enough to know these two will be growing old together over the roast beef dinner and spotted dick while the rest of the world just gently passes by.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It's authentic and at times it reads harsher than the norm because it's not just your typical romance where guy meets guy, guy falls for guy, there's a bump in the road and then all ends well - although fear not all that does happen here too!
There's past history between Nate and Jack, but it's complicated by Nate's pre-transition role in Jack's life, when he was still Nat and his best female friend.
It doesn't avoid the conversations about what it's like for a gay FtM transgender character to get involved in a relationship with a cisgender gay man, it lays it out clearly that it won't be smooth sailing.
There's discussions about how Nate prefers to name his genitals, there's discussions about how the sex will happen.
Now that doesn't mean this book isn't as sexy and that the lovemaking between the two isn't hot, not one bit. Their experiences together are even more emotional, given the history, and they're just as erotic and treated with the same skill as all Jay's other books.
These two are beautiful together and it's a joy to read them exploring their feelings again, especially as its also a mature romance, both men are in their 40s and isn't that a lovely change from all the super perfect young things normally found in the genre!
There's turbulence on the way, families complicate things and Jack totally screws things up through his own fears but there is some great groveling, a bunch of soggy daffodils, and the blessing of a teenage daughter to make it right.
The epilogue is just all ends up perfect and I had such a huge smile on my face as it jumps just a small way into the future but enough to know these two will be growing old together over the roast beef dinner and spotted dick while the rest of the world just gently passes by.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 28, 2018
This is my first FTM trans book and it was quite interesting. It's also my first Jay Northcote book. You can tell he knows what he is talking about. Though he has stated this isn't an autobiography it obviously has truth in it.
Nate used to be Nat growing up. Jack and Nat were best friends but Nat's feelings run deeper than Jack's. The two reconnect after both experience life events that push them to living with their parents in their hometown.
This really grabbed me from page one but my interest did start to drift later. I found the early sex scenes a bit clinical and rushed at times. I know they needed to talk about the logistics of it all, but it kind of took away the sexiness for me.
I'm also not a huge fan of characters hiding their true feelings until the last possible moment in the book. I'm thankful for the epilogue because I needed a bit more time of them actually being together, open. I like angst in a relationship to come from outside forces but the mc's staying strong and true to each other.
I loved Nate's mom and his daughter. And though Jack's parents come around, I'm not a fan. And I felt like he should have just been honest from the get-go with them and gave them more time to deal.
But overall, it was a sweet read and I would classify it as lower on the angst scale but still the proverbial "black cloud" hanging over waiting for the other shoe to drop. I will definitely read more of Northcote's work though.
Nate used to be Nat growing up. Jack and Nat were best friends but Nat's feelings run deeper than Jack's. The two reconnect after both experience life events that push them to living with their parents in their hometown.
This really grabbed me from page one but my interest did start to drift later. I found the early sex scenes a bit clinical and rushed at times. I know they needed to talk about the logistics of it all, but it kind of took away the sexiness for me.
I'm also not a huge fan of characters hiding their true feelings until the last possible moment in the book. I'm thankful for the epilogue because I needed a bit more time of them actually being together, open. I like angst in a relationship to come from outside forces but the mc's staying strong and true to each other.
I loved Nate's mom and his daughter. And though Jack's parents come around, I'm not a fan. And I felt like he should have just been honest from the get-go with them and gave them more time to deal.
But overall, it was a sweet read and I would classify it as lower on the angst scale but still the proverbial "black cloud" hanging over waiting for the other shoe to drop. I will definitely read more of Northcote's work though.
June 11, 2020
Reread June 2020
I enjoyed this on a second read, particularly for the fact how it makes us aware of so many everyday issues transgender people face.
Original review:
This is real, genuine and feels totally authentic.
Jay Northcote simply knows what he is talking about. And it shows. I think books like this educate at least as much as they entertain.
We do not only get a great second chance romance but also find out what being a transgender man means - how Nate feels about about his body and himself, what effects him, how he deals with the world around him and so much more. Yes, we do get a down to earth insight into the sexual part as well, but it is simply one puzzle piece in the big picture.
I loved the realism. The honesty. The clarity.
I wanted to take my hat off to Nate. And what he has accomplished.
And I really loved him for his strength and vulnerability. A wonderful character!
As for Jack... Well. Jack is 45, just like Nate, but somehow it seems that age has bypassed his behaviour patterns. I understood why the guys are sneaking around to start with, but when Jack refuses again (and again) to even mention Nate to his parents, I got slightly cheesed off with his teenage attitude!
I may have shouted 'Grow a pair!' at him a couple of times, although - give the guy a chance - we have to take into account that he recently hit rock bottom and there's only so much one person can process at a time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but ultimately wished this was longer!
I enjoyed this on a second read, particularly for the fact how it makes us aware of so many everyday issues transgender people face.
Original review:
This is real, genuine and feels totally authentic.
Jay Northcote simply knows what he is talking about. And it shows. I think books like this educate at least as much as they entertain.
We do not only get a great second chance romance but also find out what being a transgender man means - how Nate feels about about his body and himself, what effects him, how he deals with the world around him and so much more. Yes, we do get a down to earth insight into the sexual part as well, but it is simply one puzzle piece in the big picture.
I loved the realism. The honesty. The clarity.
I wanted to take my hat off to Nate. And what he has accomplished.
And I really loved him for his strength and vulnerability. A wonderful character!
As for Jack... Well. Jack is 45, just like Nate, but somehow it seems that age has bypassed his behaviour patterns. I understood why the guys are sneaking around to start with, but when Jack refuses again (and again) to even mention Nate to his parents, I got slightly cheesed off with his teenage attitude!
I may have shouted 'Grow a pair!' at him a couple of times, although - give the guy a chance - we have to take into account that he recently hit rock bottom and there's only so much one person can process at a time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but ultimately wished this was longer!
April 22, 2018
When I read the blurb for this story I knew that I had to read it.
Jay wrote my favorite book that has a trans character so I wanted to know what would be the take on an older man, I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.
I have so much love and respect for this author, this book was just so nice.
Representation is always important and when it's accompanied by a well-written story and a beautiful HEA, It's a complete win.
The main characters knew each other when they were young and were different oh so different and now they have to find their way.
Seeing these characters get their second chance without unnecessary drama felt so good, they were joined but a very nice set of supporting characters that gave the story a feel of completeness.
My review is so short because I'm overwhelmed with how much I like this story because I really have nothing else to say besides good good things so maybe I should stop myself.
Jay wrote my favorite book that has a trans character so I wanted to know what would be the take on an older man, I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.
I have so much love and respect for this author, this book was just so nice.
Representation is always important and when it's accompanied by a well-written story and a beautiful HEA, It's a complete win.
The main characters knew each other when they were young and were different oh so different and now they have to find their way.
Seeing these characters get their second chance without unnecessary drama felt so good, they were joined but a very nice set of supporting characters that gave the story a feel of completeness.
My review is so short because I'm overwhelmed with how much I like this story because I really have nothing else to say besides good good things so maybe I should stop myself.
April 20, 2018
I know that I was pretty critical of Jay Northcote's last book Pretty in Pink, but that's because I know he can write like how he did here in Second Chance. Second Chance by Jay Northcote is a friends to lovers, second chance story.
Nate and Jack were best friends growing up but through the years lost touch. Nate is a transgender man who recently moved back to his childhood town along with his daughter. Jack has recently moved back as well. Both have relocated to start over.
What I loved:
-Friends to lovers are my crack and the history of these men and where they found themselves in the present day gave me that longing ache that I so love in a great friend to lovers book.
-Flashbacks. I generally hate them but they were well executed in this case. They were an integral part of the story, and it would've hindered delivery had they not been there.
-Low angst, no contrived drama.
-This book was sexy, and I appreciated that it didn't rely on sex to carry the book.
-Older characters. Both men are in there 40s- which isn't old but books with characters over 35 are scarce.
-The epilogue was lovely.
All in all, this was a hit for me:
-Well developed characters
-Sweet love story
-Sensual
and a
-Happy ending
Recommended read! 4.25 Stars
January 23, 2024
I liked this bit I wish it was a bit more and went a bit deeper.
May 15, 2018
***A British romance with a twist.***
I have learned new terms, and a better understanding of transgender folks. We get lessons on differences, and on how to please a partner and give them what they need.
Nate, 45, formerly Natalie, is a cisgender, which is explained well. He has a teen daughter, Cass, and they are in his home town staying with his mum. Jack, 45, was his best friend in school, and is staying with his folks while he straitens out his messy life. We see flashbacks of these two as kids. Once Jack realizes who Nate is, he's intrigued, and their childhood feelings re-ignite.
Our author takes us through an interesting subject and gives us people to care about, which includes a calming understanding of the issues.
Hot sexiness and a smoothly flowing plot, makes this worth it.
Learn and ENJOY !
====
I have learned new terms, and a better understanding of transgender folks. We get lessons on differences, and on how to please a partner and give them what they need.
Nate, 45, formerly Natalie, is a cisgender, which is explained well. He has a teen daughter, Cass, and they are in his home town staying with his mum. Jack, 45, was his best friend in school, and is staying with his folks while he straitens out his messy life. We see flashbacks of these two as kids. Once Jack realizes who Nate is, he's intrigued, and their childhood feelings re-ignite.
Our author takes us through an interesting subject and gives us people to care about, which includes a calming understanding of the issues.
Hot sexiness and a smoothly flowing plot, makes this worth it.
Learn and ENJOY !
====
April 17, 2018
*3.75 stars*
It is never too late to get your second chance.
It's never too late to reconnect with old friends. It's never too late to go after your first love. And it's certainly never too late to make your body match your sense of self.
This was the message that stayed with me after reading Second Chance, and one of the things I liked the most about the book. Both characters are above the age of 40. There is no rule saying that you have to have everything figured out in your 30s. Life happens and time flies away before you know it. It's exactly what happened to Nate and Jack.
Nate, a transgender man, returns to his home village with his teenage daughter to make a fresh start. After hitting rock bottom and struggling with depression and addiction, Jack comes home too, to start all over again. So...second chances all around!
I trust that Second Chance is very authentic regarding the trans main character. Once again, Northcote delivers an own voices book, representative and on point, without being didactic.
I usually don't like flashbacks in my books, but I really liked them here! In fact, I would have liked some more. They were strategically placed so as to give the necessary backstory about Nate (Nat back then) and Jack's teenage friendship.
I absolutely loved the ending. In any other case I would have found it too corny or cheesy, but not here. This was the ideal HEA for Nate and Jack.
Technically, there's nothing I didn't like about this story. It's just that I didn't love it like some of the author's other books. I loved certain parts of it, but the romance aspect, which is always my focus as a reader, lacked some tension for me. Plus, I didn't really care about all the teenage drama in the end.
I believe that this is a case of "it's me, not the book", though, because I prefer my books to be on the gritty side lately. I think that fans of the author will love this quiet but very hopeful and uplifting story.
Everyone deserves a second chance!
It is never too late to get your second chance.
It's never too late to reconnect with old friends. It's never too late to go after your first love. And it's certainly never too late to make your body match your sense of self.
This was the message that stayed with me after reading Second Chance, and one of the things I liked the most about the book. Both characters are above the age of 40. There is no rule saying that you have to have everything figured out in your 30s. Life happens and time flies away before you know it. It's exactly what happened to Nate and Jack.
Nate, a transgender man, returns to his home village with his teenage daughter to make a fresh start. After hitting rock bottom and struggling with depression and addiction, Jack comes home too, to start all over again. So...second chances all around!
I trust that Second Chance is very authentic regarding the trans main character. Once again, Northcote delivers an own voices book, representative and on point, without being didactic.
I usually don't like flashbacks in my books, but I really liked them here! In fact, I would have liked some more. They were strategically placed so as to give the necessary backstory about Nate (Nat back then) and Jack's teenage friendship.
I absolutely loved the ending. In any other case I would have found it too corny or cheesy, but not here. This was the ideal HEA for Nate and Jack.
Technically, there's nothing I didn't like about this story. It's just that I didn't love it like some of the author's other books. I loved certain parts of it, but the romance aspect, which is always my focus as a reader, lacked some tension for me. Plus, I didn't really care about all the teenage drama in the end.
I believe that this is a case of "it's me, not the book", though, because I prefer my books to be on the gritty side lately. I think that fans of the author will love this quiet but very hopeful and uplifting story.
Everyone deserves a second chance!
December 8, 2023
Absolutely beautiful, understated insight into life as a transgender man. I really enjoyed these two mature MC’s and their rekindled reconnection. It was inspiring to get the feel of what a trans man goes through, their thought processes and to see the impact of other people’s comments. I was intrigued by their sex life and not disappointed. Sensitive, personal writing. I highly recommend.
April 8, 2020
It's great to read a book with an older trans man's story that feels real and grounded in ordinary life. Nate's midlife revelation of why he never felt comfortable in his skin, and his subsequent transition, is beautifully portrayed. His relationship with his daughter, Cass, is affectionate and warm, but not too perfect. And the awkwardness of reconnecting with Jack- the gay man he'd loved back when he thought he had to be a girl and had no hope- makes things interesting.
Jack has his own issues although they take a bit of a backseat in this story. He's battling depression and alcoholism, and that could have made things bleaker and more angsty, but the author chose not to go there. He's also living with his parents, and that's a bigger issue. Avoiding them turns a second chance romance into something awkward, with renewed echoes of teen years. Even great sex isn't always enough to get them past that.
There's a fair bit of sex in this story - well written, and smoothly showing aspects of how gay sex with a trans guy can be, when it's good. Jack was almost too adaptable, unsurprised and eager as Nate led the way. But that fit with a story where being trans was an answer, a success, not mainly a source of problems and angst.
I did wish the guys were shown doing more other things together as the relationship developed, because it felt heavily based in the sex. The end seemed a bit rushed, as if driven by the need to find time and place to be alone together in bed. But the old friendship at least gave it some believable depth, and the epilogue is warm.
I liked the secondary characters, especially Nate's mother and daughter. This story hit a nice balance, neither too light nor too angsty, and it informs the reader in a natural way within the story arc, so it doesn't feel soapboxy. Just a solid, low-key, relationship-driven romance with older characters.
Jack has his own issues although they take a bit of a backseat in this story. He's battling depression and alcoholism, and that could have made things bleaker and more angsty, but the author chose not to go there. He's also living with his parents, and that's a bigger issue. Avoiding them turns a second chance romance into something awkward, with renewed echoes of teen years. Even great sex isn't always enough to get them past that.
There's a fair bit of sex in this story - well written, and smoothly showing aspects of how gay sex with a trans guy can be, when it's good. Jack was almost too adaptable, unsurprised and eager as Nate led the way. But that fit with a story where being trans was an answer, a success, not mainly a source of problems and angst.
I did wish the guys were shown doing more other things together as the relationship developed, because it felt heavily based in the sex. The end seemed a bit rushed, as if driven by the need to find time and place to be alone together in bed. But the old friendship at least gave it some believable depth, and the epilogue is warm.
I liked the secondary characters, especially Nate's mother and daughter. This story hit a nice balance, neither too light nor too angsty, and it informs the reader in a natural way within the story arc, so it doesn't feel soapboxy. Just a solid, low-key, relationship-driven romance with older characters.
August 20, 2021
LA. MERAVIGLIA.
April 24, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up...because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and while I don't round up often on the 1/2 stars to me this one was worth it.
There are so many reasons why we love the books we love...
and one of the biggest reasons that I loved this one is right there in the title...'Second Chance'...we all want them...need them and mostly we deserve them and this book is about just that second chances...so many second chances for so many people.
First there's Nate and Jack. Childhood friends who are reunited after years of separation and change. Both men have had so many changes in their lives and now here they are at the age of 45...that's right folks, our MCs are not young men. They're mature men...men who have been through a lot, they've been through good and bad and now they've come home to the place where they both started their lives and their friendship. A place that's filled with memories for them both...good and bad memories.
Jack's trying to get his life together after a bad break-up that sent him into a serious downward spiral...depression and addiction are his constant companions and Jack really wants to change that and it's going to take time and the help of his parents to get past everything and rebuild his life.
Nate's come home to help his mom following the death of his father and to get his daughter away from life in a larger city and temptations that seemed to be around every corner waiting to lead a young person astray. It's been years since Nate's lived in the small village...the place where people knew him as 'Nat or Natalie'...Nate's transgender and he's not use to living in a place where this is common knowledge.
In among the backdrop of the main story which is about Jack and Nate's second chance to return to the friendship that they shared years ago but maybe to have even more...something that Nate has secretly wanted since their school days. We have Nate's daughter, Cass. Who's given a second chance to get her life on track after having run off the rails when they were in the city. We have Nate's mom, who's getting a second chance to have a relationship not just with her Granddaughter but her son and while things were never bad between them...they weren't nearly as good as they could have been and this is her chance to change that...to fix it and there's Jack's parents who also need that second chance to try and get things right with their son.
Now don't misunderstand me while these are some of the second chances that happen in this story and there's at least one more but I'm not going into that one. It doesn't mean that they all happen or that things are perfect. Each second chance has its own solution and degree of positive outcome and that's part of what made this story work so well for me.
What I loved even more than the fact that this is a wonderful second chance story not just for Nate and Jack but for some many other people in it...is the fact that one of the second chances that it's about is Nate. Not just Nate's second chance with Jack but it's about his second chance to live life as the real Nate...Nate the man and not Natalie the woman the person that everyone else mistakenly thinks he is.
'Second Chance' is a story about love, second chances and it's told from a realistic perspective it's not about over the top magical solutions. It's two men dealing with what life has thrown their way one gay and the other gay and transgender and they're real. They're living with their parents because that's where life has taken them, reuniting as two people who were once friends and want to revive that friendship but in the process what they realize is that they both want more than their friendship...they want a chance at a life together. Sure they have misunderstanding but then they do what grown-ups do...they talk about it. But more than this is the perspective we are given into the more intimate times between these two men. It's real and there's passion and humor, awkward moments, interruptions and even a moment or two of frustration...ohmygod!!! It's like real life!
While every story is unique, each of us can often see bits and pieces of our story or that of some one we know in the story of others. It's often that commonality that draws us in and lets us relate to what we're reading. For me 'Second Chance' held tiny little pieces of a story that while it's not mine, is one that I'm almost as familiar with as my own and it was those small pieces that connected me to this story and kept me engaged and wanting to read it all. This one's definitely going on my favorites shelf...well done Mr. Northcote...very well done indeed! Thank you.
*************************
An ARC of 'Second Chance' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are so many reasons why we love the books we love...
and one of the biggest reasons that I loved this one is right there in the title...'Second Chance'...we all want them...need them and mostly we deserve them and this book is about just that second chances...so many second chances for so many people.
First there's Nate and Jack. Childhood friends who are reunited after years of separation and change. Both men have had so many changes in their lives and now here they are at the age of 45...that's right folks, our MCs are not young men. They're mature men...men who have been through a lot, they've been through good and bad and now they've come home to the place where they both started their lives and their friendship. A place that's filled with memories for them both...good and bad memories.
Jack's trying to get his life together after a bad break-up that sent him into a serious downward spiral...depression and addiction are his constant companions and Jack really wants to change that and it's going to take time and the help of his parents to get past everything and rebuild his life.
Nate's come home to help his mom following the death of his father and to get his daughter away from life in a larger city and temptations that seemed to be around every corner waiting to lead a young person astray. It's been years since Nate's lived in the small village...the place where people knew him as 'Nat or Natalie'...Nate's transgender and he's not use to living in a place where this is common knowledge.
In among the backdrop of the main story which is about Jack and Nate's second chance to return to the friendship that they shared years ago but maybe to have even more...something that Nate has secretly wanted since their school days. We have Nate's daughter, Cass. Who's given a second chance to get her life on track after having run off the rails when they were in the city. We have Nate's mom, who's getting a second chance to have a relationship not just with her Granddaughter but her son and while things were never bad between them...they weren't nearly as good as they could have been and this is her chance to change that...to fix it and there's Jack's parents who also need that second chance to try and get things right with their son.
Now don't misunderstand me while these are some of the second chances that happen in this story and there's at least one more but I'm not going into that one. It doesn't mean that they all happen or that things are perfect. Each second chance has its own solution and degree of positive outcome and that's part of what made this story work so well for me.
What I loved even more than the fact that this is a wonderful second chance story not just for Nate and Jack but for some many other people in it...is the fact that one of the second chances that it's about is Nate. Not just Nate's second chance with Jack but it's about his second chance to live life as the real Nate...Nate the man and not Natalie the woman the person that everyone else mistakenly thinks he is.
'Second Chance' is a story about love, second chances and it's told from a realistic perspective it's not about over the top magical solutions. It's two men dealing with what life has thrown their way one gay and the other gay and transgender and they're real. They're living with their parents because that's where life has taken them, reuniting as two people who were once friends and want to revive that friendship but in the process what they realize is that they both want more than their friendship...they want a chance at a life together. Sure they have misunderstanding but then they do what grown-ups do...they talk about it. But more than this is the perspective we are given into the more intimate times between these two men. It's real and there's passion and humor, awkward moments, interruptions and even a moment or two of frustration...ohmygod!!! It's like real life!
While every story is unique, each of us can often see bits and pieces of our story or that of some one we know in the story of others. It's often that commonality that draws us in and lets us relate to what we're reading. For me 'Second Chance' held tiny little pieces of a story that while it's not mine, is one that I'm almost as familiar with as my own and it was those small pieces that connected me to this story and kept me engaged and wanting to read it all. This one's definitely going on my favorites shelf...well done Mr. Northcote...very well done indeed! Thank you.
*************************
An ARC of 'Second Chance' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
[3-3.5 Stars]
June 11, 2018
Jay writes such wonderful romances, and I think that you can tell that this one is very personal to him. I think when a trans author writes about trans characters, there is such realism to them, for obvious reasons, that it really brings it to another level. I'll be honest in saying that I don't know a whole lot about transitioning, the terminology, etc. but this book does a great job of explaining things, talking about it in an adult and positive manner, and also? The sexy-times are hella HOT! :D
I know I have recommended his other trans character romance from his Housemates series, and I would recommend this one without hesitation as well! This has a great blend of second chance romance, friends to lovers, and some family angst, but as always with Jay, we get a HEA! I loved this journey for Nate, reconnecting with Jack and them making things work.
Highly recommended!
I know I have recommended his other trans character romance from his Housemates series, and I would recommend this one without hesitation as well! This has a great blend of second chance romance, friends to lovers, and some family angst, but as always with Jay, we get a HEA! I loved this journey for Nate, reconnecting with Jack and them making things work.
Highly recommended!
August 21, 2020
Nate and Jack
I love these two characters so freaking hard.
1 having the guts at any age to be who you truly are I love this. I love that his mom is so wonderful his daughter is amazing.
Running into Jack the way that he does is charming I enjoyed their meet then their understanding of who they are to one another. I like that Nate was ok with the questions and Jack felt comfortable enough to ask them.
Their connection and feelings cannot be denied and this people is why I love, LOVE!
I want more people to read and experience these types of books to see that love isn’t just one thing, it’s everything. I love Jay’s writing I want more, more, more!
Also Hamish kills it with the narration EVERY time I love it so much.
I love these two characters so freaking hard.
1 having the guts at any age to be who you truly are I love this. I love that his mom is so wonderful his daughter is amazing.
Running into Jack the way that he does is charming I enjoyed their meet then their understanding of who they are to one another. I like that Nate was ok with the questions and Jack felt comfortable enough to ask them.
Their connection and feelings cannot be denied and this people is why I love, LOVE!
I want more people to read and experience these types of books to see that love isn’t just one thing, it’s everything. I love Jay’s writing I want more, more, more!
Also Hamish kills it with the narration EVERY time I love it so much.
March 31, 2019
Your typical (predictable) angsty Adult (though the characters were 45 they almost sounded like young adults) m/m romance with a very nice family element too.
Kudos for having a trans main character, which allowed part of the story to focus on a very positive trans guy sex life and various other topics we don't often see.
Kudos for having a trans main character, which allowed part of the story to focus on a very positive trans guy sex life and various other topics we don't often see.
May 1, 2018
Once best friends, Jack and Nate are barely more than strangers when they meet again after both having moved back to their home village. Not that Jack knows that he is talking to his childhood best friend when the man approaches him; because growing up Jack’s best friend was named Nat, not Nate. All Jack knows is that a rather handsome, kind, man was willing to reach out to him and not judge him for the depression still clinging to him. Even after he finds out that Nate is the same person who was his closest friend–before cutting off all contact barely after they left school–he can’t help but see the same kind man…except now he has the added weight of years of friendship, and years of silence, to add to the picture. But several decades is enough time to go from friend to stranger, and after struggling with depression and addiction, Jack isn’t sure he is in a place to start figuring out where one begins and the other ends. Or if there is room enough between them to be something wholly new. He can’t help but hope though, when he looks at Nate and sees a second chance at something he never knew he had a shot at to begin with.
It might be selfish, or self-centered of me, but I have to say that I am deeply grateful that Jay Northcote came out as trans…because he writes some damn good stories, and now he writes some of them about people like us, and I am just so happy that that is a thing that is happening now. Not to say I wouldn’t be happy if some of my other favorite cis-gendered authors would write trans MCs (and some have), but there is just something about reading books by trans authors that really gets to me. Maybe because they really get me. And yeah, I would be lying if I said one of my favorite parts of this story wasn’t the fact that this story revolves partly around a trans man who didn’t figure out he was trans till he was an adult. Because that is me. Oh my god, how that is me. And it is nice to have read something that for once doesn’t make me feel kinda sad that I missed the bus by not being born ten years later into a world where finding out that it is possible to be a transgender man wouldn’t have rocked the foundations of my world. So, yeah. If for no other reason, the fact that Nate was an adult when he finally figured out he was trans, made me kind of love this story.
But for others who are not dealing with my baggage or my background…I think you might like it too.
Jay Northcote is a damn good character writer, and I ended up not only loving Nate and Jack, but the secondary characters as well. I connected easily with Nate, for obvious reasons, but Jack with his doubts and depression was also so easy to care about. Even when one or both of those meant he was making some rather stupid choices. Personally I think Jack gets the lion’s share of the character development in this book, which is fine, but I would have loved a bit more on Nate’s side of things. Granted, Nate is in a lot better place personally and mentally when the story begins, so it is understandable that Jack would have more of a character arc than Nate. But from what I we get about Nate, I think it worked well.
My only real issue with the story is the sex scenes. Mostly that there are too many for my taste, not that they are badly written. They tend to overtake a lot of the character and relationship stuff in the story, and I wish there had been one or two less in the book. For what they were, they were enjoyable to read, but had the story focused a bit more on Jack’s issues, or even Nate’s worry that Jack wasn’t ever going to be comfortable being with Nate in public, I think the relationship would have been a bit more grounded by the end of the story. As it was, it felt a bit rushed. The fact that they had a friendship growing up help negate some of the problem, but they haven’t seen each other for quite a few years, and it doesn’t quite feel like they know enough about each other as they are now, to be moving in with each other by the end of the book.
Other than that, though, it was an enjoyable story. Not too heavy, nor too light, just a nice book to kick back with and enjoy on a lovely spring day. Or whatever it is wherever you are.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
It might be selfish, or self-centered of me, but I have to say that I am deeply grateful that Jay Northcote came out as trans…because he writes some damn good stories, and now he writes some of them about people like us, and I am just so happy that that is a thing that is happening now. Not to say I wouldn’t be happy if some of my other favorite cis-gendered authors would write trans MCs (and some have), but there is just something about reading books by trans authors that really gets to me. Maybe because they really get me. And yeah, I would be lying if I said one of my favorite parts of this story wasn’t the fact that this story revolves partly around a trans man who didn’t figure out he was trans till he was an adult. Because that is me. Oh my god, how that is me. And it is nice to have read something that for once doesn’t make me feel kinda sad that I missed the bus by not being born ten years later into a world where finding out that it is possible to be a transgender man wouldn’t have rocked the foundations of my world. So, yeah. If for no other reason, the fact that Nate was an adult when he finally figured out he was trans, made me kind of love this story.
But for others who are not dealing with my baggage or my background…I think you might like it too.
Jay Northcote is a damn good character writer, and I ended up not only loving Nate and Jack, but the secondary characters as well. I connected easily with Nate, for obvious reasons, but Jack with his doubts and depression was also so easy to care about. Even when one or both of those meant he was making some rather stupid choices. Personally I think Jack gets the lion’s share of the character development in this book, which is fine, but I would have loved a bit more on Nate’s side of things. Granted, Nate is in a lot better place personally and mentally when the story begins, so it is understandable that Jack would have more of a character arc than Nate. But from what I we get about Nate, I think it worked well.
My only real issue with the story is the sex scenes. Mostly that there are too many for my taste, not that they are badly written. They tend to overtake a lot of the character and relationship stuff in the story, and I wish there had been one or two less in the book. For what they were, they were enjoyable to read, but had the story focused a bit more on Jack’s issues, or even Nate’s worry that Jack wasn’t ever going to be comfortable being with Nate in public, I think the relationship would have been a bit more grounded by the end of the story. As it was, it felt a bit rushed. The fact that they had a friendship growing up help negate some of the problem, but they haven’t seen each other for quite a few years, and it doesn’t quite feel like they know enough about each other as they are now, to be moving in with each other by the end of the book.
Other than that, though, it was an enjoyable story. Not too heavy, nor too light, just a nice book to kick back with and enjoy on a lovely spring day. Or whatever it is wherever you are.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 20, 2020
Nate and Jack friendship grow into more
Wow. What an interesting read. I have never read a story with a trans hero before and it taught me a LOT.
Jack and Natalie hadn’t seen each other in 10 years. They were best friends growing up but went in separate directions losing touch with each other. When Nat returned to town as Nate, it was definitely a shock to Jack but a second chance for their relationship.
I was learning as much as Jack was about how Nate felt about his journey as a transgendered man. Nate explained things in a realistic manner. I feel like my empathy just leveled up. I didn’t mind the pace of their relationship because they already knew each other well. The side characters like the daughter and the MCs parents added another layer to my enjoyment. There was support from the ones closest to them and it gave me some measure of relief.
I appreciate the author guiding us through the sex scenes slowly and sensually. I admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect but it didn’t feel awkward at all.
Second chances wasn’t just about another shot at love but growth as an adult and learn to accept & love oneself as you are now. The ending really gave me all those warm and fuzzy feelings that left a smile on my face for days.
Wow. What an interesting read. I have never read a story with a trans hero before and it taught me a LOT.
Jack and Natalie hadn’t seen each other in 10 years. They were best friends growing up but went in separate directions losing touch with each other. When Nat returned to town as Nate, it was definitely a shock to Jack but a second chance for their relationship.
I was learning as much as Jack was about how Nate felt about his journey as a transgendered man. Nate explained things in a realistic manner. I feel like my empathy just leveled up. I didn’t mind the pace of their relationship because they already knew each other well. The side characters like the daughter and the MCs parents added another layer to my enjoyment. There was support from the ones closest to them and it gave me some measure of relief.
I appreciate the author guiding us through the sex scenes slowly and sensually. I admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect but it didn’t feel awkward at all.
Second chances wasn’t just about another shot at love but growth as an adult and learn to accept & love oneself as you are now. The ending really gave me all those warm and fuzzy feelings that left a smile on my face for days.
April 13, 2018
This was a book that compelled me to keep reading, long after I should have been asleep.
Set in a small village, with two men in their 40s, who for different reasons are both back living in their parents’ homes, it is beautifully paced, and has all the small but quintessentially British details that are such a hallmark of Jay’s books.
Nate, who has transitioned into the man he’d always been, is wary of Jack, who was his long term childhood crush, not wanting to lay his heart open to any further damage, and Jack is wary in other ways.
Somehow, they build a new friendship on the remains of their old one, but it’s not always easy going, and even though you know there will be a HEA, Jay makes them work for it.
I loved all the details about Nate; it’s important to bring transgender issues into mainstream writing, without being preachy or making it feel like a “how to” manual, and Jay has managed this incredibly well. I felt much as I imagine Jack would, learning about a life he’d not given much thought to before. The sex scenes especially were really well done, and it warmed me to read how accepting of Nate Jack was and how open he was, not putting any limits on their sex life.
All in all, I really enjoyed this. It gave me plenty of warm fuzzies.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this for an honest review, and, like I’ve said before, if I’m not keen, I will say so. But this one ticked all my boxes for a great read.
Set in a small village, with two men in their 40s, who for different reasons are both back living in their parents’ homes, it is beautifully paced, and has all the small but quintessentially British details that are such a hallmark of Jay’s books.
Nate, who has transitioned into the man he’d always been, is wary of Jack, who was his long term childhood crush, not wanting to lay his heart open to any further damage, and Jack is wary in other ways.
Somehow, they build a new friendship on the remains of their old one, but it’s not always easy going, and even though you know there will be a HEA, Jay makes them work for it.
I loved all the details about Nate; it’s important to bring transgender issues into mainstream writing, without being preachy or making it feel like a “how to” manual, and Jay has managed this incredibly well. I felt much as I imagine Jack would, learning about a life he’d not given much thought to before. The sex scenes especially were really well done, and it warmed me to read how accepting of Nate Jack was and how open he was, not putting any limits on their sex life.
All in all, I really enjoyed this. It gave me plenty of warm fuzzies.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this for an honest review, and, like I’ve said before, if I’m not keen, I will say so. But this one ticked all my boxes for a great read.
September 27, 2023
Loved this book and these characters
August 27, 2021
4.25
Una storia molto dolce e delicata sulla transizione. E chi meglio di Jay poteva scriverla?
Una storia molto dolce e delicata sulla transizione. E chi meglio di Jay poteva scriverla?
June 22, 2020
So this book basically had checked all my boxes, and I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down!
I have so much to say about this book! First of all, I love all of Jay Northcote's books, and his writing style is unique and always makes for a great read and re-read.
I have been anticipating this book for so long, ever since he talked about writing it because I loved his book 'Starting from Scratch' that also had a Trans man MC, and I felt it was one of his best books yet. I was also looking for this book because it has the Friends-to-Lovers trope and Second-Chance that are my favorite tropes in romance.
I love the realness and authenticity Jay's writing brings in each story he writes, the non-perfect scenarios, especially during a sexual encounter. It feels very human, very true and genuine and this book had all these little touches in a big way!
Nate's relationship with his daughter is so special, I like the maturity both father and daughter have in dealing with their interactions and life. From the way Nate knows to give his daughter freedom even when it's hard and being there for her when things go wrong to her unique humor and sass when talking to Nate. She was a character I loved reading about so much! There is something, again, so achingly human about them. Her character interacted very well with Nate and Jack's teenage memories, shown through flashbacks to the late 80's. The little glimpses to the past are so touching and realistically emotional. I loved that he chose to show a youth that was both hard and gritty, without any sugarcoating and beautifying it. This whole book feels like someone you know telling you their story.
Nate and Jack faced many things in their past, and at 45 they are finally able to reconnect and see if there is a future for them together. Once best friends, they not only face the changes they went through and the time spent apart, but the growing attraction and feeling between them. The way both of them reconnected was incredible to read, there was so much respect when they started to be intimate, and Jack made sure to always respect Nates boundaries and preferences regarding his body. Jay managed to be both educative and yet so very casual with the relationship between these two men and it is one of the things I liked best about this book. He managed to portray the day to day struggles in a relationship while still incorporating the struggles Trans people face. With the delicateness and gentleness I learned to associate with Jay's writing he also wrote the most erotic, sensual sexual scenes that had me all hot and bothered! This book is the total package!
The epilogue had me cry-laughing, hand-clapping, bouncing with joy like I just watched 24 hours of kitten cuddles high on chocolate. It was one of the sweetest, most exciting endings to a story that had truly captured my heart!
I have so much to say about this book! First of all, I love all of Jay Northcote's books, and his writing style is unique and always makes for a great read and re-read.
I have been anticipating this book for so long, ever since he talked about writing it because I loved his book 'Starting from Scratch' that also had a Trans man MC, and I felt it was one of his best books yet. I was also looking for this book because it has the Friends-to-Lovers trope and Second-Chance that are my favorite tropes in romance.
I love the realness and authenticity Jay's writing brings in each story he writes, the non-perfect scenarios, especially during a sexual encounter. It feels very human, very true and genuine and this book had all these little touches in a big way!
Nate's relationship with his daughter is so special, I like the maturity both father and daughter have in dealing with their interactions and life. From the way Nate knows to give his daughter freedom even when it's hard and being there for her when things go wrong to her unique humor and sass when talking to Nate. She was a character I loved reading about so much! There is something, again, so achingly human about them. Her character interacted very well with Nate and Jack's teenage memories, shown through flashbacks to the late 80's. The little glimpses to the past are so touching and realistically emotional. I loved that he chose to show a youth that was both hard and gritty, without any sugarcoating and beautifying it. This whole book feels like someone you know telling you their story.
Nate and Jack faced many things in their past, and at 45 they are finally able to reconnect and see if there is a future for them together. Once best friends, they not only face the changes they went through and the time spent apart, but the growing attraction and feeling between them. The way both of them reconnected was incredible to read, there was so much respect when they started to be intimate, and Jack made sure to always respect Nates boundaries and preferences regarding his body. Jay managed to be both educative and yet so very casual with the relationship between these two men and it is one of the things I liked best about this book. He managed to portray the day to day struggles in a relationship while still incorporating the struggles Trans people face. With the delicateness and gentleness I learned to associate with Jay's writing he also wrote the most erotic, sensual sexual scenes that had me all hot and bothered! This book is the total package!
The epilogue had me cry-laughing, hand-clapping, bouncing with joy like I just watched 24 hours of kitten cuddles high on chocolate. It was one of the sweetest, most exciting endings to a story that had truly captured my heart!
June 9, 2018
This book was okay, but I was pretty bored by the 40% mark. Northcote is big on using sex as the plot of their books, and I didn't particularly enjoy the sex scenes in this book. Nate is bossy and demanding (not in the hot way) and comes across as pretty selfish. Also, both men are in their late forties and living with their parents, which made it hard to take them seriously. The hospital scene with the daughter was really contrived, especially as it was resolved in the blink of an eye, and the whole book was just...bland. I think I will stick to Northcote books that are obviously PWP.
December 26, 2020
This is a book about fresh starts and second chances at life.
It's about Jack, a recovering alcoholing who battles depression and decides to move back home and accept help from his parents while trying to stand back on his feet again.
It's about Nate, a transgender father of a teenager who also decides the best thing for him and his daughter is to move back to where he grew up.
It's about acceptance and learing that it's never too late to discover yourself and be who you are.
It's about Jack and Nate who used to be best friends while growing up but somewhere along the way drifted apart. Now, both trying for a fresh start, they reconnect and become closer than ever.
It's a very down to earth story about real people with real problems, and it's read very pleasantly. I devoured the story and reached the end without even realising it.
It's about Jack, a recovering alcoholing who battles depression and decides to move back home and accept help from his parents while trying to stand back on his feet again.
It's about Nate, a transgender father of a teenager who also decides the best thing for him and his daughter is to move back to where he grew up.
It's about acceptance and learing that it's never too late to discover yourself and be who you are.
It's about Jack and Nate who used to be best friends while growing up but somewhere along the way drifted apart. Now, both trying for a fresh start, they reconnect and become closer than ever.
It's a very down to earth story about real people with real problems, and it's read very pleasantly. I devoured the story and reached the end without even realising it.
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