The premise for this book called to me. It was a coming of age story and I can never get enough of them. Growing up without much queer representation makes me even more passionate to support the queer coming of age stories being released. The representation in this book was done well and that was really nice to see.

I really tried to wholeheartedly love this book, the first 65% I was very much enjoying myself, but what lost me was all the cheating. I’ll never support that especially when it was so unnecessary for two characters to do it. I understand Shane’s roll in the story. Miles needed to see he never needed Shane to be who he really is and it’s okay to have a separation of who he used to be and who he is now. I loved that aspect I thought that part was done well. That’s why with Miles being weird around Shane and still gawking at him while dating Eric never fully bothered me. What bothered me was Miles ‘had’ to kiss Shane to realize he didn’t want to be with him. It was just unnecessary. There’s other ways that could’ve ended with Miles realizing that without cheating.

Paige and Rachel was just a mess that I didn’t even want to look at. Once again why are we having more cheating? I understand Miles not wanting to lose Paige as a friend but it felt very much like he only didn’t want to lose her because he’s known her for so long. It truly felt like he didn’t even really care for her that much. And I’m sorry but if he’s extremely close to Rachel why would he still want Paige in his life after how she treated Rachel? Rachel was described as a lot and from the scenes she had did seem like she had a very dominating personality but that doesn’t mean she deserved to be cheated on. Several times.

Miles was pretty self centered throughout the book and I did like he came to that realization towards the end. However, I feel like his actions didn’t really change all that much when he realized that. I didn’t really see a difference. Maybe if the book was a little longer I would’ve seen that change but I think that’s something I’ll just never know.

This book started off really lovely and I was expecting it to end with me giving it a high rating. But I’ll never just gloss over cheating especially when this book has it so unnecessarily. There’s always ways to progress a story that does not involve cheating. I am glad this book can be a comfort for others even though I couldn’t fully find the joy in it.

This was such a cute and sweet book! I absolutely love the cover of this book. I thought the message and storyline of this book was excellent. I enjoyed the main and side characters of this book. Miles was my favorite character in this book. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being released on Valentine's Day, I wouldn't consider always the almost a romance. There's romance in it, and it does have a happy ending, but there's also a lot of relationship drama and unhappiness. I think the romance part of this book was it's weakest aspect.

Overall, this is a coming of age story. Miles just recently came out as trans before the book starts and while the people in his life are mostly accepting of it there's parts that they just don't always get right. And there's a lot that Miles doesn't get right either because at the end of the day, he's a teenage boy and teenagers fuck up a lot even without the added pressure of being queer in a small town. I loved reading about his piano lessons which his teacher Stefania (probably the best side character in the book). And I think my favourite part of the book was when Miles dad gave him a tie.

think this is a fantastic queer YA novel that everyone should read! We need more queer and trans YA so I'm always stoked to read and promote new ones. I suggest looking up trigger warnings if they're useful for you.

Bonus point for the love interest rocking green high top Converse often but this book was going to get 4 stars from me even without that.

Always the Almost
By Edward Underhill
4⭐️
Out Valentines Day ♥️

Miles just recently came out as trans. His mom has embraced her son and his best friends are on board, but he lost his boyfriend and is having trouble in his relationship with his father. He makes a resolution that he is going to win the tri-state piano competition and get his boyfriend back.

Then he meets Eric. Sprinkle this new to town, accepting, kind boy into the mix throw in a touch of fake dating and we have a romance.

Underhill gives a great look into some of the challenges that Miles has to face about how he views himself and how others view him while still giving him a fun journey with a happy ending. I loved that it was a mix of both realistic and hopeful.

Add to your TBR.
Thanks to Netgalley, Edward Underhill, and Wednesday books for this EARC in exchange for an honest review..

Miles nervous about starting the new year as a new person. After a messy breakup due to Miles transitioning, he needs a win. Determined to win back his ex and win the piano competition, Miles will stop at nothing. Unless there happens to be a dreamy, artistic boy standing in his way.
This was one of the first books I shelved on NetGalley and I regret putting off reading it. The story is absolutely adorable! Filled with sarcasm and wit only found in teenagers, it is a relatable story for many kids seeking to become more themselves.

This is author Edward Underhill's debut novel; it was a fantastic first-published novel! This is a coming-of-age novel, focusing on our main character Miles who is a sixteen-year-old trans boy, navigating through high school, piano competitions, identity exploration, anxiety, transphobia, a first breakup, and new love. This author did an incredible job showcasing the messiness and complexity of the characters while allowing growth to blossom through. I really enjoy books that make me think and grapple with the characters and the complexity of their thoughts and actions, which this one did successfully. I also really enjoyed the piano playing and lessons moments. The passion and expertise of the instrument/playing really shone through which allowed me to get engrossed in it and learn a little about classical music and playing without it taking me out of the story. All in all, this is an excellent book for young adults and adults to read alike. It is relatable in several ways, engaging, and all-around an enjoyable read!

Sixteen-year-old Miles Jacobson has his hands full. Not only is he determined to prove himself the best classical pianist in the Midwest Tri-State region (and FINALLY beat his arch-nemesis, the insufferable Cameron Hart), he’s also set upon winning back his ex-boyfriend, Shane McIntyre, who broke up with Miles when he came out as trans a few weeks ago. The trouble? Well, first, Miles’ old piano teacher is convinced she’s taught him all she knows and has handed his instruction over to the brilliant but terrifying Stefania Smith, and Stefania is asking tough questions Miles doesn’t yet have answers to. Second, Shane is pretty sure he’s not gay and can hardly look Miles in the eye. Third, Eric, the new boy at school, is very distracting with his shy smiles and single dimple, with his charming naïveté regarding Midwest winters, and in his unquestioning willingness to see Miles as who he says he is and who he wants to be. ALWAYS THE ALMOST follows Miles as he learns to find and stay true to himself amidst the emotional ups and downs of queer trans adolescence - falling in love, making mistakes, healing from heartbreak, and mining one’s passion for pure, unadulterated joy.

ALWAYS THE ALMOST is an uplifting queer rom-dram and coming-of-age that sparkles with adamant uninhibited joy. This dazzling debut will melt your heart, reshape it, and hand you the courage to go boldly and gladly into the world as your most authentic self, to find your people, to take responsibility for and learn from your mistakes. I loved this book for so many reasons. Below are my top four.

1) The Writing Style

It’s said that an expert will make a difficult thing look easy, will make you forget the effort it demands altogether - like Simone Biles competing a tumbling pass the world has never seen, or a Broadway performer belting glorious, impossible notes night after night. This is how I’d describe Edward Underhill’s writing in Always the Almost. It’s effortless and familiar - so much so that you forget it’s there. The effect is to pull the reader into the story and whisk them away right from the start - no tripping over clunky craftsmanship, no getting bogged down in too heavy or too complicated prose.

2) The Character Development

I find it very difficult to love a story in which I don’t love the characters. That was not the case here. How could I not fall in love with Miles, whose determination and courage in the face of his insecurities (both as a teenager dealing with the typical drama of high school and as a gay trans boy navigating a homophobic and transphobic world) is both relatable and inspiring, whose adamant joy transcends the page to bring hope and healing to readers. How could I not fall in love with Eric, whose humble self-assurance and self-love are both charming and contagious. How could I not fall in love with the fierce and fabulous Stefania, or the loyal and cause-driven Rachel, or the sweet and cookie-obsessed Nina? Underhill crafts his characters and their development arcs with the sensitivity of someone who has spent much time with them, who loves and respects them for who they each are. No one of them is perfect, and each makes their own mistakes; but in navigating the consequences of their actions, all grow in beautiful and deeply satisfying ways.

3) The Depiction of Miles’ Piano Expertise

I so appreciate a book that allows me to experience a niche skill and/or interest. The scenes in which Miles plays piano are my most favorite in the book. The way in which Underhill describes the sensations and emotions of performing had me completely transfixed. There are many of these scenes throughout the book, and I never grew weary of them - all served to progress the story and all were deeply moving. Twice, I found myself misty-eyed.

4) The Midwest Lakeshore Setting

I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, and Underhill’s depiction of Midwest lakeshore life (including those interminable lake-effect winters) were VERY accurate and humorous. I laughed out loud on many occasions.

Truly, there’s not much that I disliked about this book. Admittedly, the story structure was pretty predictable. However, that did not lessen my enjoyment of the story because the characters’ growth amidst these predictable events was handled with nuance and care and left me feeling as satisfied as if I hadn’t seen what was coming at all. And that’s not to say I wasn’t at times on the edge of my seat. There were quite a few moments (particularly, when Miles took the stage at the Tri-State competitions) that really had my heart beating and my palms sweating.

This book was such a delight, and I’m excited for others to read it when it releases next month. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy to keep on my shelf.

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for sending me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

5/5 Stars

Miles Jacobsen is a talented pianist and has just come out as a trans boy in high school. As Miles navigates his life as a boy, he has to juggle his attempts to win back his ex-boyfriend, practices with a new piano teacher to hopefully beat his biggest piano rival, a growing relationship with a new boy in town, and sustaining his relationship with his two supportive best friends. With the help of his piano teacher, Miles is able to use his struggles and his own growth to transcend his musical abilities. This transformation was truly fascinating and paralleled his life outside of music, as well. This book has fallouts, love interests, heartbreaks, and acceptance. There were times my own heart ached during some painful situations and I wanted to yell at the characters to just stop, but I fell in love with them anyway and the growth they experienced. Underhill has done a beautiful job in this debut novel showcasing the struggles of being trans and queer and the joy you can find when you are finally true to yourself.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

My heart. My whole dang heart. This book y'all. This is the one. I have never been so invested in a relationship the way I was with Miles, Shane and Eric. This was heartfelt, sweet, and truly tugs on every single one on your heart strings. Underhill sets up a story of growth, hope, heart break and heart warming love. I couldn't get enough of it. I found myself wanting to just go back and reread it. I wanted to feel everything again and again. This is one book I don't think I could ever stop recommending. I loved every part of it!

Always the Almost is Edward Underhill's debut book and he totally captured Miles' character as a teen discovering himself. Wonderful characters, great progression of story and a very satisfying ending.

This is a story about a trans queer teen coming of age and really discovering who he is with the help of what has transpired in the last year and some of the best friends any teen could hope for. He realized he wasn't living his true, authentic life and began to live his life as he knew he was meant to.

I loved this coming of age book that focused on Miles, a trans queer male and his life over a period of months. It just hit on so many issues teens go through and yet was filled with joy and love and even some tears. I loved Miles and how he understood who he was and had the support of his friends through it all. Even Miles' ex was a pleasant surprise even when he didn't understand everything Miles was going through at first. But my favorite was Eric. A new student that was such a light to the whole journey. He was the perfect cinnamon roll for Miles. Trust me. He was perfection!

This is the book that is needed for the LGBTQ+ community and for teens to feel comfortable with who they are. I did have a little bit of an issue with a side story/couple toward the end, but it was still handled with care.
Overall, this was Miles story and seeing him come in to his own as a teen and a pianist was heartwarming and full of life. Each side character had their place in the story and with helping Miles grow into the young man he knows he is. 4.5 stars

Always the Almost is the story of Miles, a trans boy living in Wisconsin. Miles is a pianist, who dreams of winning at regionals and defeating his competition nemesis. He also wants to win back his ex, football player Shane, who broke up with him after Miles came out as trans. When Miles meets new student Eric, he doesn’t have time for a new friend. But as Eric and Miles get to know each other, Miles starts to question what he truly wants and whether he can have it all.

This is a book that will resonate with LGBTQ+ people of any age, but especially teens. Always the Almost has it all: queer angst, queer joy, trans joy, identity affirmation, identity questioning etc. Underhill’s writing is witty and emotional. The search for identity, belonging, and not feeling like you are enough is so well-written and relatable. I literally teared up at one of the ending scenes- which is rare!

Miles, Eric, and Miles’ best friends Rachel and Paige form a realistic queer found family. They are hilarious, empathetic, and at times selfish (like most teenagers). I loved that all of these characters are messy, none of them are perfect or idealized. Underhill gives them space to make mistakes, apologize, and grow/move forward. Eric is an incredible love interest and character. I loved learning more about his background, especially his close relationship to his sister Nina, who has Down Syndrome. Eric is on his own queer journey as well, including processing trauma from his previous school.

Fans of Casey McQuiston, Sophie Gonzales, and Adam Sass would love this book. If I could compare this book to anime, I would recommend it for fans of Yuri on Ice and Your Lie in April. Always the Almost is one of my favorite books of 2023 and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Always the Almost releases February 14, 2023. Thank you to Edward Underhill, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this was cute and heartwarming :') but also tw for transphobia

what i liked most about this was the connection between Miles' piano playing and his self discovery, his journey dealing with recently coming out to friends & family and trying to assert himself as who he really is

i do wish the side characters were developed a bit more cohesively throughout the entire story, instead it kind of felt like their development was saved for the second half of the book almost like an afterthought.

but other than that, i really liked this! this is a book i wish i could have read when i was in high school as a band geek lol. side note, i love that this is being published on valentine's day

E-ARC provided by Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

4 stars. Both a musical coming-of-age story and a concerto of queer trans joy, Always the Almost is absolutely worthy of a standing ovation.

Y'all this story made me emotional. I was tearing up not even halfway through and crying in the finale.

This story focuses on 16 year old, Miles, recently out as trans and handling all the changes that has brought while also practicing for a piano competition hoping to qualify for Nationals where the winner receives tuition for their first year of college.

Reading Miles' story and seeing him come into himself and discover what he wants was beautiful (if a little frustrating lol). Seriously,*chef's kiss*

I loved the friendship between him and his bff Rachel and her girlfriend Paige, Stefania, the new piano teacher, being intense but maybe just what Miles needs to get to Nationals, the growing closeness with newbie, Eric, who is unashamedly himself.

P.S. Eric and his rainbow socks deserve the world and I hope he never lets anyone convince him to dance differently.

There were some difficult moments like Miles' not being over his ex, dealing with insecurities, handling a dad that doesn't know how to talk to him anymore, and drama among friends but there were so many sweet moments too like auditorium hangs, coffee discoveries, pizza dates, and Disney princess movie watching.

There was such a great balance of conflict with sweet moments that I just wanted to keep reading and living in these characters' world to see them figure life out. I would have been happy with an additional 100 pages in this book but I'm thrilled with the brief visit I was allowed.

Set to be published 2/14/2023 - Definitely recommend checking this one out!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for providing an egalley copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Always the Almost promises to be a book about trans and queer joy, and it delivers on that front. While there’s a lot of bleak headlines associated with the trans community of late, and these issues are apart of the trans experience, I like that this book’s first goal was to promote the little moments of gender euphoria and feeling right in your own skin, as well as the real experiences a queer teen will face with their friends or while navigating their first relationships or breakups.
Miles is a wonderful protagonist. YA is full of stories about teens coming of age and finding themselves, and I love how this archetype perfectly fits Miles in his own way, as he’s finally able to be comfortable in his skin as a trans boy. He’s also incredibly relatable as he navigates his somewhat messy relationships, including with his ex and a potential new love interest. He makes a lot of mistakes, but he remains endearing throughout.
Eric is a delightful love interest, and I love how immediately he accepts Miles for who he is (a contrast to Miles’ ex, for whom Miles’ transition is a much more awkward subject). Their romance takes a bit of an angsty and somewhat overly drawn-out turn in the second half, when Miles messes up, but their romance is ultimately really cute, and ends up working out in a believable way.
This is such a delightful book, and I’m glad queer and trans kids are getting more euphoric rep these days. If you’re looking for a sweet queer YA contemporary, I recommend checking this one out!

This was such a beautiful read. I loved the characters so much and the storyline was so good! A must read for all teens.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy for review.

Miles is a 16-year-old trans boy who is wanting to win back his ex and annihilate his rival in the upcoming piano competition. What he wasn't expecting was Eric. But is Miles so super focused on revenge and winning back his ex that he can't see what's right in front of him?

I truly loved this book. It is very well written and is such an excellent book for everyone to read. The author isn't shy about putting on paper the thoughts along with the internal and external struggles that Miles is going through as a newly out trans boy in high school. I felt for him and wanted to just wrap him in a hug and take on his battles.

I definitely recommend this for anyone.

I had the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley and for that I am thankful.

This book was uplifting, cute, and kick ass. It’s about finding yourself and who YOU want to be, not what anyone else thinks you should be. Although it takes Miles a bit to find himself, he eventually does and if this was a TV show, there’d be a whole episode dedicated to his glow up.

It’s well written and I enjoyed the writing style. The characters are likeable and even some of them are relatable. They could’ve been a bit more fleshed out, but hey, it’s still a great read!

Thank you, Edward for sharing Miles’ story with us! I can’t wait to see what else you write. I enjoyed this book so much.

This book releases on Valentine’s Day and what a wonderful way to treat yourself or a loved one to this book!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy.

This book was enjoyable, I loved how Edward Underhill represented trans people and their struggle in this book. It was easy to understand for people. However, the plotline wasn't really Special. But, Eric such a good person for Miles. Loved the happy ending

This debut novel completely blew me away. This book touched my heart in so many ways.

The absolute joy that shines through this book is *chefs kiss*. This YA coming of age novel has all the messiness of real life, and those lovely moments that just grab you by the heart.

The author did an amazing job at connecting Miles’ music to himself, the joy of being his true self. I could feel how he felt about his music. I absolutely loved the significance of the tie. That scene was perfection.

I sincerely hope this author writes more, I will no doubt read them again.