Absolutely heartbreaking, magical and full of with love and hope!

I think if you loved You've Reached Sam, you want a bit of a similar vibe/feeling as it was, but you also want to have that 'magical fantasy-esque' twist to the tragic love-story, you are gonna love Always Isn't Forever - which is a story about love, that was meant to last forever but ended too soon, too suddenly. Which is quite the relatable thing: be that a significant other, a loved one, a friend... relationships breaking and ending before they were meant to is always a heartbreaking, grieving progress we have to get over.

The story of Hart and Ruby (and on the side Lourdes, Jameson) was touching, reflective and adorbale. The whole novel has a mature voice despite of being a YA novel: it teaches about all forms of love, the grief that comes with it, the missed or perfectly timed possibilities.

I do feel like I went through all the stages of shock/grief/acceptance/moving on with Ruby, struggled with Hart to remember and rooted for him to be able to hold on to his memories. BEAUTIUL.

read it for:
- childhood friends to lovers
- insta love (one sided)
- found family
- magical touches
- miracles
- a little bbit of heartreak

This book cover remind me of you’ve reached sam (which is a sad book, but somehow i don’t really enjoy it that much) and i’m hoping that this book will perform better than that. But i was wrong, sadly:(

Maybe it’s because i’m in such a reading slump that i couldn’t entirely connect with the characters and story. This book is sadly doesn’t really meet my expectations, although lots of interesting point and concept storyline in here that i think my friend will like. So i will still recommend this book to my friend that like to read any kind of sad book. It’s still a win, right?

Thank you to NetGalley, Razorbill, and Penguin Teen for allowing me to read this e-ARC.

I wasn’t able to read past 20%. I did not find myself enjoying the story enough to want to continue. The dialogue was cringey and seemed repetitive at times. Hart was not favorite. There were many small moments in which he irked me. This is why I wasn’t able to care about his relationship with Ruby. I also think that not much thought or care went into the way he was able to come back from the afterlife. The premise of it seemed shallow.

2.25 ⭐️’s This took me awhile to finish and that’s because I just couldn’t get into it. I kept pushing myself to finish it hoping it’d get better but I just didn’t feel any connection to the characters or the storyline. There were maybe one or two parts where I felt a little sad for the characters but not enough to make me tear up or feel that emotion for long. I really wanted to enjoy this!! I’d still try to give this author a chance with other books they’ve written because I could end up liking those!

I teared up at 50%, cried at 60%, cried at 70%, and bawled through the rest. That right there earns every last star.

I went in with the You’ve Reached Sam cover and forgot it was a romance. I’m personally not sure how I feel about the ending, and I think it could have sent a more beautiful message. Regardless, it certainly packed a punch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC.

Always Isn't Forever by J. C. Cervantes sounded like an interesting young adult novel for me to check out. Thank you, netgalley and publisher for the early copy.

Young love lost too soon. Can't imagine losing the love of your life so soon before even beginning life together. Beautiful story that was well written to show the point of loss and grieving a loved one.

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.

Fav quotes:

“The human heart was specifically designed to maybe not forget, but certainly to heal”

“When one thing ends, something else begins”

“Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It just means goodbye for now”

yeeee, i loved this. I need to admit that I started reading it mostly because of the cover (perfection) but as I became to know Ruby’s and Hart’s love story I couldn’t stop reading it and I just wanted them to be happy.

A little synopsis, we will follow this two characters that have been lovers since they meet and Hart dies, yes I know 💔 then Hart as the opportunity to became to life in another body and he accepts it.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every second of it.

It releases on June 06th and I 100% recommend it.

The quick cut: A teen couple are split apart after one of them drowns in an accident. They're given a second chance, if they can make it together again.

A real review:
Thank you to Razorbill for providing the arc for an honest review.

Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated, but rarely do people experience the support of a true soulmate. It's a type of connection that can't be defined, yet inspires others when they see it. For soulmates Hart and Ruby, they'll need to overcome all odds to stay together.

Hart and Ruby have been best friends and soulmates as long as anyone can remember. They're a pair never apart until a tragic boating accident causes Hart to drown and Ruby devastated. Unexpectedly, an angel's actions give Hart a second chance at life - but in the body of a classmate who is in a coma. Can Hart and Ruby come together again? Or forever be apart?

This is a really cute story that runs the gamut from hopeful to sad over and over again. It's an interesting story and the characters are loveable, but I did find their emotions and character development a bit lacking in complexity and depth. This book would've been a knockout if that was better executed.

Hart goes through a real uphill battle with how he dies, ends up in limbo, and quickly has to choose whether to continue living in the body of classmate Jameson. Jameson's life is very different from Hart's and in the process discovers his seemingly easy life isn't as easy as it appears. He navigates difficult family relationships and differing needs while he attempts to win over Ruby. Oh yeah, and then there's the whole "losing his Hart" memories part. It's a lot to manage.

Ruby felt very simplistic in her emotions. I get they were soulmates, but not enough time was given in the beginning to establish that connected a relationship between them. She also seemingly did things that made in that position I never would've done. Maybe that's the point though - she followed her heart and not her head.

A cute story lacking in depth.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

I thought that this was a cute book and a cute concept. It felt a little bit short to me and therefore maybe like it could have been a little more developed. It progressed a bit fast and I think it was over before I wanted it to be.

I liked the growth and change of the characters. They had to navigate some tough things and I think the author does the character arcs rather well.

While reading it I wasn’t quite sure what the ending of the book would look like, and I liked that, I liked that it wasn’t super obvious to me.

This book is definitely for fans of you’ve reached Sam. And I think it’s a good YA book that expands beyond just romance.

📚 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙄𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧
✍️ J. C. Cervantes
💬 English

3,5/5 rounded up to 4

I'll start with how much this book reminds me of an old Indonesian movie I once watched. If you search "Love is Cinta" up, you will know why.

It tells the story of Ruby and Hart, two lovebirds that have to be separated by death. Ruby has suffered tremendously since Hart passed away. On the other hand, Hart, who had died, was given the opportunity to live once again on the condition that he had to put off his old identity, and live as Jameson.

The conflict is very clear from the beginning: everything about letting go. Through two POVs, Cervantes tries to convey regret, emptiness, confusion, and rejection from Ruby's side, and hope, sacrifice and love from Hart's side.

This book romanticized life-and-death with a bit of fantasy thing with angels and supernatural ability (tarot reading, aura reading, etc)

The Q: is this book angst-worthy?
No precisely. There were 5 months gap after Hart's death (take it as the most angsty event) so the river-cry was no more. But some people might be need this as TW [death and grief]

Cervantes writing is simple, can be poetic-ly pretty in some parts, but overall the plot is well-known. No surprise turn of event (not as much at least).

As a reader of Cervantes' works (Storm Runner), this book doesn't have much difference in banter and vocabulary dynamics. Judging by the writing technique alone, this book is MG-worthy.

It's quite difficult to follow this book from Ruby's POV because we will feel a lot of the negative emotions that Ruby feels, over and over. I personally avoided the monologue a lot, and focused on the dialog with her younger sister.

This book is not as bad as my expectation (lol sorry everyone i need to because i kinda hate angsty cover). Again, don't judge a book by your assumption of the cover only. 🤣

Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

#nyunreads

📚 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙄𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧
✍️ J. C. Cervantes
💬 English

3,5/5 rounded up to 4

I'll start with how much this book reminds me of an old Indonesian movie I once watched. If you search "Love is Cinta" up, you will know why.

It tells the story of Ruby and Hart, two lovebirds that have to be separated by death. Ruby has suffered tremendously since Hart passed away. On the other hand, Hart, who had died, was given the opportunity to live once again on the condition that he had to put off his old identity, and live as Jameson.

The conflict is very clear from the beginning: everything about letting go. Through two POVs, Cervantes tries to convey regret, emptiness, confusion, and rejection from Ruby's side, and hope, sacrifice and love from Hart's side.

This book romanticized life-and-death with a bit of fantasy thing with angels and supernatural ability (tarot reading, aura reading, etc)

The Q: is this book angst-worthy?
No precisely. There were 5 months gap after Hart's death (take it as the most angsty event) so the river-cry was no more. But some people might be need this as TW [death and grief]

Cervantes writing is simple, can be poetic-ly pretty in some parts, but overall the plot is well-known. No surprise turn of event (not as much at least).

As a reader of Cervantes' works (Storm Runner), this book doesn't have much difference in banter and vocabulary dynamics. Judging by the writing technique alone, this book is MG-worthy.

It's quite difficult to follow this book from Ruby's POV because we will feel a lot of the negative emotions that Ruby feels, over and over. I personally avoided the monologue a lot, and focused on the dialog with her younger sister.

This book is not as bad as my expectation (lol sorry everyone i need to because i kinda hate angsty cover). Again, don't judge a book by your assumption of the cover only. 🤣

Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

#nyunreads

Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Random House for the E-ARC! I actually really enjoyed this one! The storyline was really well written and it made me tear up a time or two. I loved the characters and the way they yearned for each other! Will definitely read more from this author!

Sadly this didn’t work for me. I was invested for the first couple chapters and then it very quickly went downhill. The whole afterlife but then coming back in someone else’s body didn’t work in this book. I would’ve preferred more time with Hart before he died so I could really connect with him & Ruby together. Hart coming back in Jameson’s body was weird and the dynamic felt off to me. Also took away the whole point of grieving with him coming back as somebody else.

"Always Isn't Forever" is a deeply moving and heartrending novel. J.C. Cervantes blends young love, loss, second chances, and the complexities of identity into an intricate narrative. Cervantes’ writing creates a brilliant balance between the lighthearted joy of first love and the shattering agony of unexpected loss.

The relationship between Hart and Ruby, childhood friends turned lovers, serves as the heart of “Always Isn’t Forever”. Their bond is evident, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in their dynamic. Ruby's character is especially well-executed. Her grief at Hart's sudden passing feels real, raw, and sometimes unbearable. It is in these moments of raw vulnerability where Cervantes shines, crafting a poignant depiction of human resilience and the power of love.

Hart's situation is a complex one, reincarnated in the body of the local bad boy, Jameson. This twist provides an intriguing twist to the story that, while challenging at times, adds a unique flavor to the plot. As Hart, now Jameson, grapples with his fading memories and his desperate need to reconnect with Ruby, readers will experience a multitude of emotions.

One area of potential improvement is the development of Jameson's character. While the premise of Hart's soul being transplanted into Jameson's body is undoubtedly intriguing, the execution sometimes feels lacking. Jameson's backstory could have been explored more thoroughly, granting readers a deeper understanding of his character and a more solid basis for the changes brought by Hart's soul.

"Always Isn't Forever" beautifully portrays the bitter-sweet duality of love and loss, challenging our conventional perceptions of identity and forever. Although there is the potential for the supernatural element to make things feel slightly convoluted, Cervantes manages to make it seamless and a natural part of events. Overall, “Always isn’t Forever” is a story that will leave readers deeply moved.

Gosh this is such a cute book with so much heartbreaking hope! I love Hart’s character and how he just goes along with every unbelievable experience that comes his way just for the chance to see Ruby again. His and Ruby’s love story is truly remarkable and a wonderful story to read. I am glad I got an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Razorbill. This book comes out June 6th, so make sure you add it to your June TBR! 🐞

I normally don’t really care for “sad” books but this wasn’t too sad to where it wasn’t enjoyable. It had a nice mix of heartfelt and sweet moments while also addressing grief and death and growing up in High school. I really enjoyed the romance between Hart and Ruby. It felt natural and I was rooting for them the whole time even knowing they were soulmates. I loved the premise of being “reborn” and how Hart held onto his own beliefs, dreams, and Ruby. He never wanted to give up and fought against forgetting who he was. I also really enjoyed seeing Hart and Lourdes the angel of death together. They had a great friendship and I appreciated how their relationship progressed and they each taught each other about life and what it means to be imperfect and human. This is a sweet summertime romance and while it does have it sad moments it’s a great coming of age star crossed lovers story. I think it would make an amazing movie adaptation and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!

Thanks you Netgalley and Penguin Group/ Penguin Young Readers Group/ Razorbill for providing me with an eARC

I read "Always Isn't Forever" by J. C. Cervantes on NetGalley. This YA book was touching...I cried more that once while reading it. This is the story of Hart & Ruby, who have been friends for years. They are soul mates and when Hart drowns neither of them can let the other go. By divine intervention Hart gets a second chance when he comes back in the body of another local teen. But he can't keep his memories forever, there is a time frame and he tries to let Ruby know he is still there.

Taylor Swift said "unconditional true love is like you will love them even if they doesn't love you back" in this case even if they are not in this world any more. It's good how this book portraits grief and loss that it grabs your heart and squeeze it hard. I love when book can make you feel, and I dream about a love like Ruby's and Hart's.

Always isn't Forever is a sweet, somewhat haunted romance about two teenagers who are determined to fight against fate for their happy ending.

Cervantes creates a story that resembles an early '00s romance movie. Childhood friends turned romantic partners Hart and Ruby thought they would have forever. Until an accident leaves Ruby distraught with grief and Hart in the unconscious body of their school's bad boy, his original body already in a grave. Knowing not to give up his second chance, Hart fights to keep his memories as Jameson's complicated life takes over his own. Full of questions about identity and a swoony romance, it's hard not to get invested in Hart's turmoil. Without Ruby, his family, and a community, who is Hart Augusto?

While the three different first-person POVs felt redundant for parts of the plot, there is genuine heart at the center of the story.

NetGalley provided a copy. All opinions are my own.