If only Miles could figure out why Eric likes him so much. But after Eric and Miles pretend to date so they can score an invite to a couples-only Valentine’s party, the ruse turns real with a kiss, which is also definitely not in the plan. Not what he needs to be focusing on right now. Then Miles meets the new boy in town, Eric Mendez, a proudly queer cartoonist from Seattle who asks his pronouns, cares about art as much as he does-and makes his stomach flutter. Plus, Miles’ new, slightly terrifying piano teacher keeps telling him that he’s playing like he “doesn’t know who he is”-whatever that means. For one thing, Shane broke up with Miles two weeks after Miles came out as trans, and now Shane’s stubbornly ignoring him, even when they literally bump into each other. Sixteen-year-old trans boy Miles Jacobson has two New Year’s resolutions: 1) win back his ex-boyfriend (and star of the football team) Shane McIntyre, and 2) finally beat his slimy arch-nemesis at the Midwest’s biggest classical piano competition. 320 pages.A trans pianist makes a New Year's resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things in Edward Underhill's heartfelt debut YA rom-dram, Always the Almost. Published: 14 February 2023 by Wednesday Booksįormat: Hardcover, ebook, audiobook.

Themes: Music, drawing, LGBTQIA+, Transgender, family, relationships, romance. The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Music, drawing, family, friendship and romance all wrapped up in a delightful bundle. There were a few tense moments when Miles isn’t sure which boy is the right one for him, but we readers know Eric and Miles make the perfect pair. There’s some delicious justice at the end and Miles figures out accepting himself if the key to it all. All the characters, from quirky and delightful Eric to Miles’ supportive (if awkward) parents are awesome.

It’s positive and fun and despite some of the emotional landmines Miles is working around in his head, he remains positive. That’s why he came out as trans, right? When Miles meets the new boy, Eric Mendez, Eric accepts Miles exactly for who he is.Īlways the Almost is a real joy to read. His new piano teacher tells him he has to know who he is before he can really connect with his music, but he does know who he is.

Coming out as trans changed a lot of things for Mile, like losing his boyfriend. Win back his ex and finally beat his rival at the state piano competition. Miles Jacobson has two main goals for this year. Always the Almost is an uplifting and heartwarming YA novel.

Always the almost edward underhill