I swooned, I got misty-eyed. I loved every minute of this one!

There are so many things to love about this one! I'm not a musician but I could feel Miles love for music, for playing the piano, his dedication too! And I don't draw but you could feel Eric's creative streak and his struggle with his comic.

There were rainbow socks and bathroom brigades, there were dimpes and dancing waffles, there were kisses over pizza. This is a book with a transgender MC but that's not the story. It's a love story, a story about finding out who you are, what you stand for, and who you want to be. There were so many special moments to smile about and sure, some mistakes, but who doesn't make 'em, right? I loved all of them all even more for it! This book was so fun and so perfect. I loved it!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

this book deals with some serious topics in a very well written way. It was a very emotionally written book, so peep those content warnings if you feel you need to, but it was a great book to read!

thank you to the author and publisher for providing this ARC on netgalley for me to review

Always the Almost delves into serious issues—coming out as a transgender boy in the Midwest, healing from breakups with little closure, trying to figure out who you are in high school—but, from start to finish, this story is infused with joy, hope, and every form of love.

This book is deeply emotional, captivating, and so much fun. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

In true YA fashion, this book addresses big issues and topics in an easy to digest and relatable format.

I loved the writing of this book and loved all of the characters. I thought each character was truly and distinctly their own person, I loved the secondary story of the main character and figuring out how to tap into their purpose while playing piano. I loved so so so much about this book.

However, I wanted more out of the ending, which is why I took a star away. It's hard to describe what exactly I wanted from the ending- just that I wanted MORE. Although this book is still fantastic apart from my feelings about the ending.

This book was absolutely charming. Miles was a relatable, realistic character whose actions made sense, even when they infuriated me. Often, the conflict in realistic fiction, especially in romance, feels contrived, but this book avoided that. Each fight in the novel was the logical conclusion of characters' previous actions. Even when I disagreed with characters (I'm looking at Miles re: Shane), I understood them because their motivations were so well established in-text.

The romance and friendships were so sweet. Eric's character was truly fleshed out, which was refreshing given that many love interests are one-dimensional. That being said, I wish we saw more of his characterization in the first half of the book. I loved the way his relationship with his sister was written as well. While I cannot comment on the accuracy of the Down Syndrome representation for Nina, it delighted me to see disabled representation so casually and lovingly included. The growing romance between Eric and Miles was treated with similar care. Their halting steps and occasional stumbles into a relationship were both adorable and entirely believable for two high schoolers.

The writing style was a little simplistic, but this seemed appropriate for the age range and content matter of the book. It did not require flowery descriptions or vivid metaphors to get its point across.

Overall, I thorough enjoyed this novel!

This is Miles’ journey throughout his coming out as trans and gay. The story revolves around his quest to finally be himself and winning his ex back.
I loved the side characters so much because even if the book was not about them, each and every one of them had their own interesting storyline. I loved Rachel’s feminism, Eric’s artsy side, Shane’s evolution, etc. Surprisingly, the character I had less affinity with was Miles. I just could not see past how he treated Eric at first, almost using him to get over his ex.
The story was beautifully written, and the author’s reality showed through it. The characters were very realistic, the plot was not predictable without being over the top and Stefania as a piano teacher merits her own book (I loved her so much).
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and read it in almost one setting. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the trans experience or who just want to enjoy a cute YA novel.

This book was something that I wasn't expecting! I can't believe it's graced us with it's presence! We don't deserve it! I was hooked from the first page and the it's grip would not let me go! I loved every single second of it. The characters are memorable, the story is beautiful, and the ending had me in utter tears. This is one of the best books I have ever read and anyone reading this needs to trust that THIS BOOK IS IT! Buy it. Gift it. Devour it.

When I say this has been one of my most anticipated releases from debut author, Edward Underhill, that doesn't even begin to describe how hyped I've been for this book. So I might have shrieked just a tiny bit when I got the email with an ARC for this one. And I was kind of terrified - how could it possibly live up to all of my expectations?

Oh, readers, it did. And more.

Always the Almost is the story of trans pianist Miles Jacobson, having just recently come out to his friends and family and trying to achieve two very teenage New Year's resolutions: win back his ex-boyfriend, and defeat his arch-nemesis in the state's biggest piano competition. It's hard to focus on any of that, though, when there is also new-to-town Eric Mendez, queer cartoonist who is so kind and respectful and caring and...

Where Always the Almost is so magical is in how beautifully and messily it depicts teenage life. Miles is not a perfect character; he's a bit of a wreck who doesn't know what he wants out of life or romance or the people around him, and that is so very accurately teenager that even when you're frustrated with him as a reader, you understand exactly why he acts like he does. Yet, even through all of that, the angst and struggles that Miles faces in his life from his friends and family are never because of his trans or queer identity, and that was lovely to read. Of course there is queer angst in the story, but it's reserved for background and unnamed characters. More of the focus is on queer joy and discovering your identity and place in the community. The secondary characters are well-developed, especially Eric (who is so so SO lovely), and add interesting pieces to the story themselves.

Always the Almost is such a delightful read and I cannot wait for everyone to be able to get their hands on this debut novel!

This was an interesting take on a tougher subject matter. I loved it. The author is incredible and I was intrigued. Can’t wait for another.

I really enjoyed this book. As a musician, this story hit close to home. I felt that the author did a really great job at describing the music and emotions behind the music being played in the story. Miles felt like a well-developed character who made mistakes along the way. I wish that the side characters had a little more substance, but that wasn't something that took. away from the story.

Wow! I loved this story, seriously. A great romance story, a great emotional story, and an overall novel that brings some beauty to this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was the perfect queer contemporary coming-of-age story! Heartfelt, warm, and dramatic (in the best way), ALWAYS THE ALMOST follows Miles, a trans pianist, as he comes into his own while simultaneously trying to win back his ex, who he dated before coming out--but that plan goes awry when he meets Eric.
Underhill imbues this book with so much queer joy my heart melted. Though there are highs and lows & angst and miscommunication, the end result was something exceptionally wonderful. As someone who's going through their own stage of gender-questioning, Miles was an incredibly relatable and endearing protagonist to follow. I would definitely recommend this to others!

I have a lot of feelings about this book, some of them good, some of them not so good. In theory, everything about this book I should absolutely love. Miles, a trans pianist, is on a journey to become who they have always been. A cast of queer friends, an ex they want to win back, and a quirky artistic new love interest. But I honestly feel like the book was bogged down by awkward pacing, and weird dialogue that didn't feel like anything teens might actually say. The bright standout moments were the piano recitals where you could feel the pacing suddenly get into its groove and really show us how passionate and how fun the writing could be.

These are my own opinions of course and maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace while reading it but it just felt so messy. The drama in the last act of the book was - there - and then it all gets wrapped up nice and tidy (mostly) for the ending. I wish the book had leaned in more to its romantic side, I felt that Miles and Eric never really got to show off just how much chemistry they had and how much their bond really helped them both. It was told to us of course, but I felt like the book never gave enough space around these moments to really show it.

At the end of the day, I thought that this was an okay book with some promising ideas and characters. I'm glad so many other people who have reviewed it seem to have loved it though!

It was well written. Would be good for high schoolers.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

This is one of my most anticipated reads of next year and it was worth the weight. It was so good and seeing how Miles mind worked, and how piano playing was mixed into how he came to see himself and his identity was incredible. I will definitely will be buying this and reading it again

I absolutely loved this book. I immediately connected with Miles and as a trans man, his experience and relationship to his parents because mine is extremely similar. I also. Loved Eric and he deserves the entire world. The only thing I disliked about this was a certain trope used about halfway through that I absolutely despise, however I do think it was resolved nicely. I'm kind of at a loss about what else to say other than this book is amazing and I want to punch Cameron Hart in the face.

This YA LGBTQ+ romance will be perfect for readers of young adult fiction when it is released in February!

Miles is a senior in high school, a pianist, and recently came out as transgender. He sets a goal on New Year's Eve to win back his jock ex-boyfriend and beat his nemesis in the Tri-State Piano Competition. But how will his goals change after meeting Eric Mendez - a Seattle artist who recently moved to Miles' Wisconsin town?

I'm not a regular reader of YA but this book has convinced me to be more open. The storyline is super meaningful and the characters are super well-written. A lot happens over the course of the book - not only with our MC Miles but also with the side characters. It really stresses that you never know what others may be dealing with. Miles doesn't always handle things the best, but then again who does? I think the author does a great job of showing how healthy conflict resolution can take place - especially in how characters realize they need to take accountability for their actions.

Aside from featuring modern LGBTQ struggles, the book discusses being a minority in the mid-west, disabilities, bullying and other classic teen issues like intimacy and identity. I believe it handles all of them well, and demonstrates how joy can be found even after a rough situation.

Sadly this novel is likely to be banned from many school libraries (LGBTQ, sex mentioned, swearing), which is a real shame because of how well the material is tackled.

***Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!***

This book was so healing to read. It's so full of joy and angst, highs and lows, and because of that, I couldn't imagine a better story for teens today. Miles is messy and real and we root for him throughout the entire book. Eric was also a delightful breath of fresh air, accepting Miles for who he is. I was close to tears a few times while reading this book and I'm so excited for everyone to read it. Valentine's Day is the perfect release date!

A day by day following of Miles a couple weeks after coming out as trans and being dumped by his boyfriend.

As a coming of age story it moves at a decent pace as a Miles blends his old life (which included his ex boyfriend) and his life moving forward with a new romance, friends, family, and a his piano rival. In comparison to all the other teen life stories, it is missing a little depth. Miles concerns were resolved easily thanks to all side characters being supportive blank canvases, including Eric. Eric as a love interest was lacking his own personality, the pieces were all there on paper but I would have liked more from them.

AlwaysTheAlmostAlways the Almost is a sweet and uplifting queer YA coming of age story and romance. Trans teen pianist Miles Jacobson has two New Year resolutions: win the annual piano competition and finally beat his long-time rival Cameron, and win back his ex-boyfriend Shane, who'd dumped him after Miles came out as trans. Things take a turn when Miles meets new boy Eric Mendez, a proudly queer cartoonist who asks for Miles' pronouns when they first meet, and who seems to understand Miles much more than Shane ever did.

In the foreword, the author provides some content warnings, along with a content promise: this story will have a happy ending. In the afterword, the author writes that this book is all about queer joy. And indeed, even long before the promised happy ending, this book is very much a celebration of queer joy. Miles' piano teacher comments that he plays like he "doesn't know who he is" -- the metaphor is rather obvious, but as a reader, you just get so caught up in Miles' story that you can't help but be drawn into his struggle anyway. The author's descriptions of the Miles' piano playing are powerfully evocative. Miles comes to several important epiphanies while practicing for the competition, and as a result, his piano playing isn't just a technical feat, nor is it even just a sharing of his story; rather, each practice and each competition is a journey towards his triumph. He learns not only who he is, but to celebrate all that the totality of his identity implies.

Miles is a flawed character, and I love how the author shows him growing as a person. The book also includes some incidents of transphobia, and how Miles' pain at times prevents him from fully being himself. But what I love is that the author also shows how his pain sometimes keeps him from recognizing and responding to other people's pain. This plays out most obviously in his relationship with Eric. There's a moment in the book where Miles does something that seriously hurts Eric, and causes Eric to pull away from him. In his attempt to make up, Miles focuses not on the harm he did, but rather on how much Eric's support helps him perform well on the piano. Worse, he chooses to do so at a time when Eric is dealing with family stuff that are, quite frankly, more important than Miles' feelings at that point. Eric rightly calls him out on such a selfish, self-centred attempt at apologizing, and Miles' journey towards realizing what he did wrong (it took him several more chapters to figure it out, LOL) is gratifying to see.

I like how the author creates nuance in his characters -- even Miles' ex-boyfriend Shane isn't a complete jerk, and there's a lovely moment when Miles realizes that Shane was genuinely trying to understand what Miles was going through. Cameron and his piano teacher remain straight-up villains till the end, but I like how some of the other competitors are fleshed out as characters even though they only show up for a couple of scenes. The subplot regarding the romance between Miles' best friends Rachel and Paige are also compelling, and I like that a secondary character involved in that subplot was also given nuance.

Overall, this is a lovely read. Queer and trans readers may want to look up the author's content warnings, as Miles, Eric, and some of the other characters do deal with some difficult experiences. But the main impression I got (with my admittedly straight and cis perspective) is one of triumph and joy. I loved following Miles through his journey, and cheering him and his friends on towards their respective versions of happiness.

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Thank you to St Martins Press for an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.