This YA LGBTQ+ romance will be perfect for readers of young adult fiction when it is released in February!

Miles is a senior in high school, a pianist, and recently came out as transgender. He sets a goal on New Year's Eve to win back his jock ex-boyfriend and beat his nemesis in the Tri-State Piano Competition. But how will his goals change after meeting Eric Mendez - a Seattle artist who recently moved to Miles' Wisconsin town?

I'm not a regular reader of YA but this book has convinced me to be more open. The storyline is super meaningful and the characters are super well-written. A lot happens over the course of the book - not only with our MC Miles but also with the side characters. It really stresses that you never know what others may be dealing with. Miles doesn't always handle things the best, but then again who does? I think the author does a great job of showing how healthy conflict resolution can take place - especially in how characters realize they need to take accountability for their actions.

Aside from featuring modern LGBTQ struggles, the book discusses being a minority in the mid-west, disabilities, bullying and other classic teen issues like intimacy and identity. I believe it handles all of them well, and demonstrates how joy can be found even after a rough situation.

Sadly this novel is likely to be banned from many school libraries (LGBTQ, sex mentioned, swearing), which is a real shame because of how well the material is tackled.

***Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!***