This book was fine, I guess. Just wasn't really for me. The prose was so-so and the plot was meh. The book overall just wasn't really my thing, unfortunately. I was sort of looking forward to this one.

This book was... beautiful.

The prose were lovely while still having that YA approachability. All of the main characters were multi faceted. All the plot points were equally special: the music competition, Mile's identity, and the love story.

I can't personally speak to the challenges Miles dealt with as a trans male teenager but I can say that his heartbreak, his mistakes, and his growth were all just beautifully told.

Absolutely loved.


CW: transphobia, racism, homophobia, biphobia, bullying, toxic relationships, infidelity, deadnaming

I thought the pacing was great and enjoyed watching the relationships develop between characters--especially with Miles and his demanding new piano teacher--as Miles becomes more and more himself.

I also really enjoyed the snapshots of different experiences: the trans teen experience (both at school and at home), LGBTQ+ dating, Wisconsin winters, and competitive piano competitions. These aspects of the story felt authentic and made Miles's world seem real.

Always the Almost is a very cute book following Miles, a newly out trans teenager. It is New Years at the start of the book and Miles has made the resolution to 1) beat his arch-nemesis in the biggest piano competition in the Midwest and 2) win back his ex-boyfriend who broke up with him when Miles came out. Enter Eric, the new kid in town who asks Miles' pronouns and cares about art as much as he does.

I absolutely fell in love with these characters and this story. This was a really good example of writing a book with queer characters where their queerness is not the main facet of their identities, but simply one piece of who they are.

This was an unexpected deeply emotional YA that really surprised me. Miles Jacobson is a character that feels really well developed most of the time and presents a journey that it poignant, while also being honest and joyful, there’s no denying there’s plenty of heart in this one and the author truly packs in a lot of themes, drama, and character dynamic into this one.

While I did overall enjoy this one, I do have to say I’m a bit saddened that so much was included because, ultimately, I felt it detracted from Miles’ story overall and made it very hard for me to truly appreciate and understand him, or even like him at all because there’s some really tough choices he makes. This a is one instance where I sadly wish the break up actually lasted in this one, as I don’t feel MIles was really ready for a relationship given all that’s going on in his life, especially as he still struggles to really accept and love himself fully.

I understand teens can be very selfish and single minded, I also understand that its often they go through break ups & make ups, drama over cheating and secrets, and friendships being tested as you grow up over time, but to me, these themes felt too distracting from Miles and what I felt was the more important self-discovery and acceptance journey he was on. There’s also a lot that seems to be going on with his family, the tension is certainly felt throughout and I felt like it was never really addressed, especially with Miles’ father. I’ll elaborate a bit in spoiler tags.

<spoiler> So, like I said, I know teenage angst is expected here and also fairly reflective and accurate of real life, but the cheating themes here felt very wrong and overplayed. From the beginning, it’s clear Miles is still hung up on Shane, winning him back after coming out is Miles’ New Years resolution (which that in and of itself let very uncomfortable because you can’t MAKE or CONVINCE someone they’re queer). So when Eric comes along, and as we see Miles think about, fantasize, and still pine after Shane while dating Eric officially, it became really hard to continue reading. I can understand Miles was confused and struggling, but again, this is where I think Miles should have been alone to figure that out. And for readers and teens who are the Erics of the world — you deserve better. The way Miles handles the cheating is a clusterfuck, wanting only to ‘explain’ himself without apologizing and referring to it as ‘the mistake’. It’s not just a mistake, while the physical cheating was once, the emotional cheating went on for the entire relationship with Eric and Miles never cops to that. The ultimate “make up” between them felt so cheap and without any clear indication that Miles would really be a partner to Eric. I think what made all of this so much worse was that I never bought into Miles even liking Eric. If felt like Miles just liked that Eric liked him and accepted him, and ultimately, that’s all still very selfish. Just because they’re teens doesn’t mean you can’t have or expect a partnership in your romantic relationship, like you don’t deserve respect and care and Eric doesn’t get that from Miles ever.

While I loved how Shane comes around on everything and how he clumsily explains his perspective to Miles, I didn’t love how Miles felt he could convince Shane that he should still be attracted to him after he came out as trans and gay. That entitlement, while maybe immature and yes, teenage, just felt very…wrong. And again, I don’t think Miles really ever sees that other than one sentence in the whole book. I think the thought process Miles has can make sense, but I just wish there was more back end development and maturity.

The cheating between Paige and and Rachel - that whole side plot was also distracting and felt unnecessary. Not to mention, Miles once again acts so poorly. He expects Rachel to just be ok with Paige cheating on her and immediately coupling up with someone new. I just don’t understand that logic and I can tell you that that is DEFINITELY not accurate of teens. Their relationships are very dramatics and breakups are chock full of pining and angsty emotions, see literally any of our teen bands and playlists. So the fact that Miles expects this to be very simple and easy felt so off and it felt irrational because clearly your friend is in pain and betrayed. When I was a teen we had the equivalent of burn parties for my friends ex’s, we plotted their demise in dramatic fashion, I didn’t just tell them to….get over it.

Ultimately my issue is that it feels like Miles gets to skate by with his behavior because he’s going through things with his identity and sexuality and while that may be true, I don’t think that’s enough and I think the inclusion of so many dramatic elements and threads and side plots came at the expense of recalling bringing anything full circle with any sense of justice and depth. </spoiler>

So while I love the overall message and goal of this story, I wish it was more YA fiction than YA rom-dram because the romance didn’t feel real or equal, and it detracted from the more important issues that desperately needed more development and page time, namely the family dynamics and Miles’ feelings about himself.

Thank you Penguin Teen for my ARC!

Miles has finally decided to show the world who he really is, and now he begins the year with two resolutions in mind: winning back his ex boyfriend, and finally beating his piano rival after placing second for two years in a row. Edward Underhill manages to take us into Miles’ head and let’s us know his struggles and doubts, but always brings a hint of joy to every moment.

The side characters are all written exceptionally well, specially Eric and his sister Nina, I had a smile on my face every time those two were together in a scene. No character feels like a repetition of another and no one is written to be perfect, making them feel relatable and like someone you could have known at a point in your life.

There is a section in the story with relationship drama, making the plot seem to slow down for a few pages, but it begins to resolve quickly.

This book made me feel all the feelings. I loved the MC and the side characters equally because they were so well-written. I need a sequel and a spinoff with the side characters ASAP. I do wish that we got to see more of the relationship between Miles and Cameron. I can not wait for this book to come out so I can go out and buy a physical copy and reread it.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

i would say this is a true 3.75 star review! overall, really enjoyed it and it was a nice light read. i think it moved a little slow in the beginning but it was fun to dive back into high school. i'm not the biggest fan of YA at this point, but think this will be perfect for those who are and can see it having the ability to really take off.

thank you to netgalley for the arc copy in advance!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

4.5 stars.

Miles is a recently out trans boy who's dealing with trying to win back his straight ex-boyfriend, trying to beat his piano rival, and changing relationships with his parents after coming out. His dad misses his daughter and his mom is cool with having a son, but wishes he were straight. There's a new boy in school who agrees to fake date Miles so they can go to a couples dance together, and they from a relationship from there.

There was definitely way less fake dating than I was expecting. Miles and Eric only faked for a few hours before starting to date for real, so that's a little disappointing if you're reading for that aspect.

I'm very glad Eric exists and this wasn't an enemies-to-lovers with Cameron, because fuck that guy.

The synopsis makes it sound like this book is mostly about Miles trying to win back Shane and his relationship with Eric, but, while those are important parts, the piano competition is where this book really shines. I usually do not like books that have a lot to do with music, but any time Miles was at a piano was absolutely amazing. I would've preferred more piano and a little less friend group drama.

Later on in the book, there is some almost miscommunication. I feel it's more teenagers being bad at communicating, but some readers might get really put off by it.

In the second of the book, Miles's thoughts were frequently presented in parentheses, which didn't bother me, but was odd, especially as I didn't notice it much during the first half and they're completely unnecessary.

The line "She looks like a really gay bee." absolutely cracked me up.

This was an amazing debut and I hope it finds its audience.

Rep: trans and gay main character, lesbian side characters, queer (possibly pan, but not labeled) love interest, side character with Down Syndrome

CW: dead naming, transphobia, homophobia, racism, body dysphoria, cheating

Always the Almost is about Miles, a trans pianist, as he grapples with themes of self worth and identity while working to win first place at a prestigious classical piano competition and win back his ex for New Year’s - until a mysterious new love interest shows up!

I enjoyed this book! It was an easy, laid back read with relatable teen emotions. I think there needs to be more books about classical musicians, as this is one out of few that I’ve read! As a pianist, I really appreciated that aspect.

Thanks to Wednesday books and NetGalley for the ARC!

i loved this book!
the charcters were well developed, and the cover was also gorgeous
the romance was to die for and I loved almost everything about this
overall 4 out of 5 stars would definitely recommend to anyone who likes ya romance

I was excited to get my hands on this book from the moment I saw it, months ago, and it was instaintly a preorder for me. I'm so glad I did, and after reading the ARC, I can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy of it!!! Miles and Eric were both very, very real to me from the begining. Reading books like this, I always think "Oh, come on, Miles. Shane is a jerk, he can't see and love you for you, why can't you understand that?' But then if I was in Mile's shoes, I would be thinking the same thing as him, which is why he's such a real chaaracter for me. And I just love Eric, such a wonderful character! Reading them grow closer and find love in each other has my romantic heart singing.
Thank you for this book!! It really was a wonderful, happy read!

I was so thrilled to receive an advance reader copy of Always the Almost, and it did not disappoint!

If you are looking to experience a book that features a trans teen, but are afraid someone will be physically hurt, you do not have to worry about that in this book. Miles is an extremely likeable gay trans teen who is trying to figure out who he is. Underhill weaves this beautiful story about a teen trying to win a piano competition, navigate old and new love, and balance his social life. Some of that has to do with being trans while the rest is simply about normal teen tribulations.

What I did not expect was the way I cried at the end simply because of the pure joy I felt.

Always the Almost is a must-read, especially for any young person who may be questioning their identity or where they fit in. The story focuses on being true to yourself and most importantly, joy. There was still conflict, angst, pain and mistakes found within the pages, but it's also incredibly honest, messy and beautiful. It represents the struggle of finding your truth. In the end, you can't miss the messages queer youth can take away from this book.

I've been in a bit of a reading slump and Edward Underhill's <i>Always the Almost</i> was just what I needed to get back in the swing of things!

<i>Always the Almost</i> follows teen protagonist Miles Jacobson as he navigates his identity as a trans, gay pianist. As the title suggests, Miles struggles with feeling close to certain things, but not entirely successful. With regard to piano, he's been runner up at the regional competition for three years in a row, never quite edging into that first place spot ahead of rival pianist Cameron Hart. With regard to gender, Miles has recently come out as trans and is still working on his relationship with his body, his clothes, his peers, and even his father.

A stern but helpful new piano teacher helps Miles to see that being trans and gay is inextricably linked to his success as a pianist and it's a joy to see that journey. Along the way, we also see Miles deal with evolving friendships and a growing romance - all the delicious stuff of a YA novel.

Underhill does a great job of making a realistic and relatable character in Miles and building the world and relationships we see in the book. Great read for any fans of YA!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Miles Jacobson is a 16year old trans pianist who recently got dumped by his ex, Shane McIntyre, due to his transition. Ugh, don’t be a Shane. Miles buries himself in training for the Regional piano competition, attempting to (finally) dethrone his arch nemesis. While training alone one afternoon in the school’s auditorium he meets Eric Mendez, the new kid in town. They embark on a fake dating journey to gain access to the exclusive neighborhood Valentine’s party and their beautiful relationship blossoms. Eric sees Miles for who he truly is, his authentic self. *swoon* I really enjoyed this story with the trials and tribulations of high school, genuine friendships, awkward first loves, and representation of the trans experience.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Edward Underhill for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful coming of age novel that is perfect for teens in these modern times. The characters were well-developed, the story itself was intriguing, and I really enjoyed Underhill’s writing style!

The characters are messy, the story is truth. Identity is such an important part of your truth and this book represents the struggles amazingly. Whether your identity is something you haven’t figured out yet, or something you have, you can find yourself in little details in this book.

Miles ‘almost’ knows who he is, but maybe finding the right people can help you understand or find yourself in ways you can’t alone. Even if you had ‘been’ rather than ‘almost been’ all along, finding the strength in yourself to know that isn’t as easy when you go through it alone.

The representation in Always the Almost helped me feel even closer to the book and connect with it in ways that most books can’t. With gender-nonconformity, unlabeled representation, people of color, etc.

This book was such an amazing debut, and I’d love to see more from the author. I was invested from the start with the competition, the romance, the side-characters, and the plot in whole. A book that single-handedly made me reflect on myself after reading it definitely deserves a five stars.

A heartfelt and heartwarming story, funny and touching in turns, about figuring out who you are and where you belong, and about what happens when what you thought you wanted doesn’t fit who you want to be. Hits some comfortable romcom tropes in a fresh new way. I loved Miles’ outlook and world view and was rooting for him from page 1.

3.5 ⭐️ I have such a sweet spot for coming of age stories based around identity especially when there is also a love story surrounding that. The main character was easy to stick with throughout the story and relationship dynamics were interesting if not frustrating at times (but I think that was the point.) If you’re looking for that YA coming of age feel with a little romance on the side, this is a good pick up.