I really enjoyed this book. The plot was unique and very fun to read. It kept me anxiously waiting! Very well done. The only thing that kept it from getting a 5 star was how the main female character acted at times.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this one. I can definitely see the appeal but I think it just wasn’t for me. I do think that the cover is stunning

I am definitely not someone who is in the genre of magical realism very often, but this book captured my attention right away.

This book has an immense amount of angst, grief and sadness. I was expecting this after reading the synopsis, so this was good to know ahead of time for sure.

The main characters and their development made this entire book for me. Ruby and Hart’s connection was unlike any other that I had read before. The writing style celebrates their love for each other in a way that still reflects grief after what happened to Hart.

Overall, I would absolutely give this author another chance! I really enjoyed the writing and the dialogue.

This book broke me in so many ways. It was such a good read about love and grief. Truly one to remember

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OK I knew immediately by looking at this cover that this book was going to make me feel some kind of way and it did not disappoint me. I had ALL the feelings while reading about Hart and Ruby. The flashes to their childhood and how strong their friendship was just cemented the feels and then when Hart came back as Jameson and getting to see their love all over again? Guh. I loved it.

I haven't read anything by this author before, but I'm very eager to see what else they put out in the future!

I DNF-ed this one & attempted to come back to it later, but continued to find it surprisingly hard to get invested. While I thought the premise was interesting and was immediately intrigued by the description, the exposition of the plot wasn't particularly compelling. Personally, I think this story would've been served well by a stronger hook and more engaging character voices, but I sincerely hope it's found a home with readers elsewhere.

You know how you know a book is going to make you cry before you read it but you read it anyway? That was me, I still read it, and definitely cried. Do with that information as you will. J.C. Cervantes, you will be hearing from my therapist.

This book was so strange, but I enjoyed the premise and some of the execution. Also, that cover? Stunning! This was a clever plot that I hadn't seen in YA fiction before. Although, I thought the angel (and her getting her wings) was just so weird and cliche. I might have enjoyed a different sidekick for the main character more. This book will certainly get you thinking, and I was certainly engaged. Overall, not the best YA I've read, but I was certainly interested!

My goodness. That was quite a journey lol. First off this book gave majorrrrrrr You’ve Reached Sam vibes, in my opinion. I know a lot of people had mixed opinions about that book so if you didn’t enjoy that one, I don’t think this one’s for you, but I honestly really enjoyed it.
I think it’s really fun when romance books have a little hint of magical realism in them. Granted though, this is a very extreme measure and definitely a far-fetched concept I thought it was interesting to read about! I know a lot of people said it was sad, I personally didn’t find it super sad. While there were definitely sad moments I think overall it was just a beautiful story and one that would definitely stick with you.
This book is a star-crossed lovers romance that was fast paced, easy to follow, short chapters while still having wit, charm and humor in them- with a little mystery all mixed in.
The mystery surrounding Hart’s battle to reconnect with Ruby while stuck in Jameson’s body is definitely heartbreaking. Especially watching Hart’s memories slowly get taken from him; you honestly can’t help but root for Ruby and Hart.
For Hart, Ruby is all that matters and his heart is hers forever, but what happens when forever is cut short? Can these two soulmates overcome the fate of the universe? How much can love really change?
This is one of those books that you just have to read. It’s a beautiful story from start to finish. The chapters are fun and I think the fact that Lourdes had a few chapters was fun too!
Overall, this is 100% worth the read. Definitely more of a moving and emotional YA romance but definitely one that will stick with you and feel you up with hope! I always loveee this cover!

*Thank you Penguin Teen, NetGalley and team for an ebook in exchange, for an honest review. All opinions above are 100% my own!*

Star crossed lovers!

Hart and Ruby were best friends and soul.mates. Life was wonderful. Senior year will be epic.
Then tragedy pills them apart. Its heartbreaking.
They have to go on though. But wow.

I did like Hart and Ruby. Lourdes just annoyed me.

There are some twists that I can't share. The book ran the gamut of emotions.

So how to convince the reader to pick up the book?

Love? Soulmates? Grief? Hope? Again love?


Love

I'm sure there is a better way to say go read this great book.

I cried and closed the book with tears and A smile. Love rules.



Go get this book. If you liked You've reached Sam, this is a bit similar but just a bit.

Highly recommended

4 stars

Thanks to Net Galley the author and publisher

This is at the store and its a favorite

This was an ok book. I think I would pick up another book by this author. The story was interesting enough for me to finish but super great.

I’d love to interview the author. This book is ideal for fans of You’ve Reached Sam & Five Feet Apart. It’s a sad but romantic book.

This was such a great star crossed lovers story. I loved the short chapters, fast pace, mystery, and all the little twists. I loved the characters, and found the plot to be very interesting. Keep a tissue handy!

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

I can see why many people compare Always Isn't Forever to You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao. Similar in cover, similar story, the diversity topic of it. And I liked them both a lot. Always Isn't Forever probably caught me by surprise, because I really enjoyed it and it was still so easy and light to read, considering the heavy topic, but the happy end never felt impossible to me. This had a vibe to it that I read a lot of back in the early 2010s, but what seems to have been lost along the way. And I am glad I found that special something in the way the author wrote this story. Ruby and Hart were such loveable and unique characters, so very mature for their age as well. I started reading the eBook and then switched to listening to the audio book. I probably could have loved it more, had I continued reading it, since concentrating on an audio book is pretty hard for me these days, but I never lost interest in the story or the characters or even the side characters and their issues, families, friends etc. The story and the way the author wrote it down reminded me of Just Like Heaven, a movie I absolutely adore, and I couldn't help but picture this as the YA version of it or being inspired by it. I liked that vibe very much. And that it was never too heavy, too depressing and sad. The lightness and hopefulness and also the joy, never went missing in Always Isn't Forever.

"Always Isn't Forever" by J.C. Cervantes is such a beautiful young adult romance novel! I loved the characters, Hart and Ruby's love story, and the ending so much. Seeing a genuine representation of Latin American heritage and beliefs, including how spirits and signs from ancestors were incorporated into the story, was a plus for me. I really enjoyed this novel.

4 Stars This made me cry, laugh, and smile. The love these two felt was wonderful and true, while the messages about grief were easy to see and feel. I would recommend it to readers of all ages.

Although the language in this book was incredibly lovely and the storyline was sweet, I didn't think it had enough of a love story. Ruby spends most of the book being either bewildered or put off by Jameson, so we don't really get to know much about their relationship. For me, this didn't convert into attraction beyond curiosity. Still, I'm happy I finished reading it!

I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. The downfall was that I requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before the book was archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!