Thank you so much to Edward Underhill, St Martins and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book! 

I had heard early buzz about this book so when the opportunity came to read it, I jumped at. 

I am Miles. I am trans. I am gay. This music belongs to me. 

Miles Jacobson is 16 years old and recently came out as trans and 2 weeks later his boyfriend Shane of a year broke up with him. Miles was not convinced they were over and made a new year resolution to win him back and to beat his big competitor in a piano competition. What Miles did not expect was to meet new student Eric and his feelings be tested. Did he really want Shane? Would dating Eric make Shane jealous? 

Being a teenager is not easy. I was a teenager at the start of the 21st century and it wasn't easy then and now with the internet, cell phones and social media it makes it that much harder. I am also fascinated while reading current coming of age books because it has to tackle all that comes with those technology advances. We got to see some of those hardships when Miles read unkind words about him and thought he handled it as best as he could. I love that he was able to go to a friend and reported it even without being explicitly told to do so. It was a small moment that I thought was really nicely done. 

"Do you see me as a guy?" "Miles," he says, "I see you as everything you tell me you are or want to be." 

Eric was such a wonderful character for Miles. He is such a cinnamon roll and was just the perfect person that Miles needed at that time in his life. When Eric suggests them fake date to go to a party, the gasp that let out of my mouth as I was not expecting that! I thought it was just going to be a friends to lover not fake dating - friends to lover! So that was a pleasant surprise. He just loved Miles for all that he is and never wanted him to be anything more or less. I was a bit bummed that Miles was kind of half in the relationship because he was still concerned about Shane. But then I have to remind myself that they are 16 and they are going to make LOTS of mistakes and grow from there. 

Another major plot throughout the story is Miles practicing and gearing up for a classical piano competition. He has a new piano teacher, new identity and was trying to figure out what brings him joy. Because ultimately what brought him joy would shine through while performing.  I love his relationship with his piano teacher. She was quirky and honest and made him be better. 

I just really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to my audience and to my friends. It just made me smile a lot and gave me all the feels. I am going to end with this beautiful quote: "Love can transcend short hair and clothes and pronouns and see who you really are." 

PS - This cover is STUNNNINGGG! I love the bright peach cover that will definitely be standing out!