Second Chance

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jay Northcote is a new-to-me author, and Second Chance is my first read by him. This is also my third read featuring a trans MC.

Reconnecting with a high school crush after 20+ years makes for a good story. Throw in a radical transformation by one of the main characters, and you’ve got a great twist.

The radical transformation comes in the form of Nate (previously Nat) who, when we meet him, is five years into his transition. He has returned to his childhood village and runs into his former best friend, Jack, who has also returned to the village. Both are dealing with the aftermaths of major life events and don’t expect to run into each other again.

The MCs lives between school and the present were briefly touched upon, just enough to provide context for the progression of the story and the characters’ personalities. Though, I would have liked more details of those missing years.

The author is very frank in presenting Nate’s struggles and journey as a trans person. I appreciated how Nate’s transition was addressed through jake’s questions and their intimate moments.

I felt I got to know Nate very well, but Jake not as much. Again, maybe more details from those missing years would have helped.

All in all, this was an enjoyable and informative, while not being preachy, read.

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