SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN

Aden Hakimi and Feodor Chin narrate this heartfelt second-chance romance about two 40-something men in small-town Florida. Hakimi portrays Eli, a trans man who returns to his much-disliked hometown for Christmas after a career implosion. While his pacing is sometimes a bit forced, he captures Eli's biting humor, resigned anger, and cautious bubbling hope. Chin shines as Nick, Eli's high school ex, now a divorced dad and restaurant manager. Chin's smooth delivery is a pleasure; he excels at bringing Nick's reflective internal monologues to life. He's especially skilled at the dialogue of the many secondary characters, including Nick's aging dad, young daughter, and infuriating ex-mother-in-law. This is a highly entertaining and satisfying holiday romance. L.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]