Always the Almost is the story of Miles, a trans guy who wants to win back his ex boyfriend and beat his rival in a high stakes piano competition. When Shane breaks up with him after he comes out as trans, Miles is determined to prove to Shane that he’s the same person inside. His friend Rachel isn’t a fan of this plan, but she’s trying to be supportive. But then Miles meets Eric, the new guy in school and they just click. Eric is an artist and even though Miles can’t really afford any distractions, Eric is fun... and charming... and maybe he’s more than a distraction.

This review has some slight spoilers! Be warned. There is a lot to love about this story. Edward Underwood, the author, does a really great job talking about some of the mental aspects of transitioning. Note here: transitioning doesn’t just mean, surgery and hormones and none of those things are required for a person to ‘transition’. All trans people are valid no matter what they choose to do or not do with their bodies. I really appreciated getting a window into Mile’s feelings that he was still the same person he’s always been while dealing with the fact that his friends and family (and Shane) are seeing him differently. I feel like the topic is handled with compassion and grace. I was also very impressed with the handling of Shane’s characters. I feel like most of the time we read these stories the ex is always a horrible person who just dumps the trans person and is one dimensionally awful. To be fair, that story line reflects a too-common reality, so I’m not saying it’s not a valid plot. But getting to see the background hints of Shane dealing with the loss of his girlfriend, and the way he’s trying to give himself space so he can then turn around and be supportive of Miles, is one of my favorite things in the book.

And Eric, the love interest, sweet and lovely Eric. I can’t say enough good about him. Eric is sort of exploring his gender identity in this story and although he indicates that he thinks he may be non-binary, I believe he continues to use he/him pronouns throughout. Every time we learned a little bit more about him through slow reveals of his family, his past relationship, and his art, I feel more in love with him. He was SUCH a good boyfriend, always trying his best to talk things through with Miles and validating his identity and his thoughts and feelings. There were moments when you just wanted to grab Miles and rattle him as he pined for Shane when wonderful loving Eric was RIGHT THERE.

Miles’ friends Rachel and Faith were well done too. I feel like their relationship challenges made them even more realistic and human. We’re reminded that these are high school kids, many of them in their first real romantic relationships and those things can be hard. The characters aren’t perfect, they’re human and they make human mistakes and have big emotions. The author did a great job of creating fully realized relatable characters. And let’s not forget Miles’ piano teacher who is at first this scary stereotypical strict piano teacher with a mysterious reputation. Even she is given a chance to become more dimensional. I loved seeing her casual acceptance and support of Miles’ trans identity and the way she adapted her instruction to helping him realize himself fully as a trans musician. Things like reminding him that performing in a suit jacket is going to feel different than in a sleeveless dress. Very well done. The only people left really one dimensional was the antagonist piano rival and teacher, but every story needs some mustache twirling villains and you love to see them get what’s coming to them.

Pick this one up for a wholesome story of learning who you are and how to reconcile that with the world around you. Real Love right in front of you, cute hand holding and dates, artists in love, slow burn, and healthy relationships developing.