Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

This was a great coming of age novel. Miles is a trans teenager looking to make some big steps as he makes a New Year’s resolution to win back his boyfriend and win a piano competition. I really rooted for Miles. This was a sweet story and I’m so looking forward to the next thing Underhill writes.
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Thank you #smpress
and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

"Always the Almost" was a very sweet YA romance. The main character is a trans boy who is trying to not only win an important piano competition, but also win back his ex boyfriend. Miles' ex, Shane, has trouble with Miles' transition and what it means for their relationship, and when he's decided that he's not attracted to Miles anymore after his transition, Miles is determined to prove to Shane that he's still the same person. During Miles' practicing for the piano competition, he meets another queer boy named Eric. Miles ends up facing a lot of challenges and learning and growing of himself while he tries to win his competition, and also decide what his heart wants--Eric or Shane--without hurting anyone in the process.
I thought this was a sweet YA romance, but I think as an adult, I found a lot of Miles decisions really frustrating. It's interesting to read with hindsight and remembering how confusing and wonderful first loves can be.

This was a cute YA contemporary romance. I wasn't obsessed with it the way I wanted to be, but I also admit I was taking a chance on this one anyway. As a reviewer, I think my tastes have been changing this past year, so I fully acknowledge this might just be not the book for me.

Highly recommend for Jenny Han fans and people who the cover vibes well with. I thought this was cute but not for me.

Adorable YA novel filled with trans joy. Really enjoyed this one! Has authenticity and a sense of what is truly important. As a trans adult, I want teens to have books like this in their lives, and I think it's very accessible to a "grown-up" audience as well. A great romance and a nice cast of supporting characters. I also really liked the perspective of what it means to be a pianist and also what the competitive circuit for teens is like; I felt that it illuminated things about performing and being a musician. I would definitely read more by this author. Warning: contains cheating/infidelity.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy which I didn't read and instead checked it out of the library later, and I'm not submitting my review until more than three months after I read it so I am no help. I doubt they'll ever let me have another book!

This book was very cute, fun, light-hearted and entertaining ya romance. A book that will give you so much joy, and have you smiling from ear to ear! A must read for those who love YA and Romance!

"Always the Almost" by Edward Underhill is a poignant and introspective exploration of life's complexities and the pursuit of dreams. Underhill's writing shines as he delves into the nuances of relationships, aspirations, and the human experience. The book's thoughtful narratives and relatable characters create an immersive reading experience that resonates with readers. Underhill's ability to capture the emotions and uncertainties of his characters adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories that reflect on the paths we take and the roads not traveled. "Always the Almost" is a contemplative journey that prompts readers to reflect on their own life choices and the roads they've taken, leaving them with a sense of nostalgia and contemplation.

edward underhill is a great writer. everything that i expected was what i received. it was a cute romance with heart wrenching undertones that i think more teen readers need

All in all, I thought this was a pretty solid and intriguing debut. I love seeing more YA books with trans characters at the heart surrounded by other queer characters, and when these characters are allowed to be human and have flaws (although I do wish some of those things had been addressed more readily). ALWAYS THE ALMOST SHINES its brightest when it's about music, from Miles’ journey of self-discovery through music and just the way that Edward Underhill writes about music in general, that’s where I found the joy. A lot of the characters are messy, as is expected of high schoolers, but there were some moments that could have perhaps been explored better (re: cheating). Ultimately, I mostly enjoyed this book and really appreciated its portrayal of being trans, even as it doesn’t wholly mirror my own, and the beauty of music woven throughout.

It's not a dramatic book, don't worry. But it was still painful to read all that Miles had to go through as a trans boy. On the other hand, Eric is vert fluffy and cute and I loved him and his art.
3+

I don't understand a thing about piano or classical music, so I I had to take the narrator's word to be true. Still, those parts were very cool, it transpired how much Miles loved his music, even if things didn't come easy for him. (That doesn't stop him from not being that likeable a character to be honest)

This was a nice book to read, talking about how much you need to sweat for your passions and being true to yourself, the deep stuff, but also with fun tropes like fake boyfriends. I also liked the part with the ex-boyfriend, even if it was a bit heartbreaking, at least it wasn't black and white. It's not memorable, and it may take you time to see the book's worth. However, it's a good coming-of-age story with a cute romance.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Absolutely fantastic. Underhill wrote one of the best YA romances I have read in a long time and I am sure that I will read anything he writes from here on.

I am mad that I waited this long to read this story, but think I got to it at the right time. I loved this book. It was so well written and getting Miles' point of view on all that he was going through was so moving. I really enjoyed everything about this book. I am going to be keeping my eye out for this author from now on.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books. All opinions are my own.

This book was very cute! the beginning was a bit slow for me but otherwise loved it! It was very joyful and fun to read (even with some darker parts)

This was a really cute book and I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a wholesome ya romance. This book followed Miles, a trans 16 year old, as he navigates a break up, a classical piano competition, and a potential new love interest. I really enjoyed how heartfelt this book was. I really connected with Miles and he was a very realistic portrayal of a 16 year old discovering who he is and learning to be proud of himself and surround himself with supportive people. Miles’ character development was really great to read about and I loved reading more about him coming into his own person. I also loved everything about his relationship with Eric from the moment they met to the fake dating it was just such a fun read. I absolutely loved how healthy his relationship with Eric it is such a cute and supportive relationship and I really enjoyed reading about it develop. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend for ya lovers.

This was such a beautiful story. I cried I swooned. Like Miles and Eric are precious and I just love their story.

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill is a LGBTQIA positive YA Romance. Miles is a transgendered male, who is still pining after Shane post break up because he discovers that he is no longer Melissa. Miles dives deep into his piano lessons, hoping to beat his nemesis at the Senior competition. When he meets Eric, Miles embarks on a path of self-discovery, knowing full well they’re gay and hoping everyone else will accept their newfound love interest. Eric is the new boy at school. He’s very clear that he likes “people.” He’s had his heart broken before and wants to ensure that Miles won’t break his heart. Yet, there have been many times when Miles has been confused by the feelings that hadn’t terminated the moment when Shane breaks up with him. He still loves Shane. And Shane can’t get over Melissa, but recognizes that Miles is not Melissa, even if Miles feels he has the same characteristics and that nothing truly has changed about them other than their gender identification.
Eric was a dream boyfriend, wanting to support Miles every step of the way—even sitting quietly as Miles practices the same piece of music over and over and over again. That’s love! The care with which Eric assists and supports Mile’s in their continued transition: learning to wear a suit, learning to tie a tie, and accepting that Mile’s feelings and self perception are evolving.
I enjoyed the cast of characters which support Miles. Certainly there are others who are not so kind and supportive. But Miles and Eric work hard to beat the odds, which is the cornerstone of a Romance. I felt so satisfied with the ending and really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a romance, coming of age story, a love letter to trans joy, coming of age narratives and classical music. This book is about being true to yourself, finding your place and persevering. This book has vibes of Heartstopper and Red, White and Royal Blue.

Always the Almost is a beautiful YA romance, full of trans and queer joy, amazing tropes (fake dating!! I stan!), and epic friendships that are not perfect but are real and raw and in that way amazing. I also can't get over what a beautiful tribute this book was to the queer composers - I loved learning every new tidbit about the (oftentimes hidden) queer undertones in music and these composers's lives.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how the MC was not perfect; how he made mistakes and tried to do better the next time. We need more flawed MCs with flawed friendships cause that just makes them all the more relatable and realistic.

All in all, Always the Almost is a wonderful read where the trans joy truly shines through - I can't recommend it enough!

Title: Always the Almost
Author: Edward Underhill
Release Date: February 14th
Page Count: 310
Format: Netgalley/Audiobook
Start Date: March 11th, 2023
Finish Date: March 11th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I really enjoyed this book very much. The story starts out after Miles has come out as trans. The initial reactions are referenced, but weren't included. It does show the struggles that Miles has to face. Especially his struggles with how he feels about his ex. He also struggles with a potential new love and the conflicts he feels because of it. I fully recommend reading the author's notes along with the book. I feel like the author really represented themselves in this book. I can't say how much as I don't know him, but the way this book is written just feels so raw and emotional. The passion and emotions were very raw and real feeling. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to hug many of the characters in this book. I didn't want the book to end honestly!

Important to Note: This book is about a queer teenage trans boy who is struggling to discover who he is and fit into the world he's always been known as someone else. Also the author is a queer trans man.

In Always the Almost we follow miles a trans male as he goes through life after coming out as trans. We follow him as he finds love and learns how to be a good friends and how to talk to his family. There will be triggers of deadnaming, transphobia, and trans shaming which in this book. We also follow miles as he falls back in love with playing music. with that said I couldn't fully understand what miles goes though in this book as I'm not trans, but I would recommend this book to other who would want to hear their stories told.