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!

When I saw the description of this book, I was hooked. I knew I had to read it because the idea of the plot just drew me in. Sadly, to me the story started off slow and I had trouble wanting to read it. Took me longer than I expected to read it, especially since I was so excited about it.

Book thoughts :

Why the hell do I do this to myself?
I am addicted to books I know will make me cry and completely break me.

Always isn’t Forever is a story about love and loss. Even death can’t keep soulmates apart.
It was so beautifully written. J.C Cervantes really killed it with this one.
Ruby and Hart were great characters, I really loved them both. They have my entire heart. Can’t forget about Lourdes! She was angel 😉

My only complaint is that I was left with questions.
What about Jameson? I wish there was a spin-off story about Jameson. I have questions!

Overall this was a very sweet and heartbreaking story. Expect to feel many things!

I read and listened to the audiobook. I will say the audio format was *chefs kiss*

Audiobook Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this on audio. I ended up listening more than me actually reading it. Having a narrator for each character was the cherry on top for me. It made it much easier to follow along with 3 characters.

This story broke my heart and repaired it in the best way. It was the best one of my fav young adult romances I got to read and I’m so glad I got to

This made my cry and made me feel so whole at the same time! This was beautifully written I will be watching for more from this author

Imagine the heart-wrenching scenario of losing the love of your life, only to have them return in a different body, fighting against all odds to reclaim their love. This star-crossed lovers' tale, adorned with an enchanting cover and a tantalizing plot, offers an emotionally charged journey through the lives of Hart Augusto and Ruby Armenia. The book's compelling narrative invites readers to immerse themselves in a story filled with excitement.

The book's reader-friendly format, featuring short chapters, swift pacing, a captivating mystery, and unexpected plot twists, handles sensitive themes like grief, death, and therapy with care. It invites readers to reflect on these profound subjects while becoming entranced by the narrative.

Drawing parallels with stories like "You've Reached Sam," this book offers a unique twist and outcome. Although it might not have brought you to tears, the mystery of Hart's relentless pursuit of Ruby, housed within the body of the bad boy Jameson, as his own memories slowly fade away, adds an intense and compelling dimension to the story. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves cheering for these soulmates to reunite. The inclusion of spiritual elements, including the influence of an angel, adds depth to the narrative.

For Hart, Ruby is eternally his beloved. Even in death, his soul persists in its endeavor to reach his soulmate. Yet, the question lingers: can he triumph against the forces of divine intervention? Is their destiny to be together for all time?

The book excels in character development and boasts a plot so captivating that it begs for a cinematic adaptation. So, keep those tissues at the ready and dive headfirst into this book, and you won't be disappointed!

I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, yes it was heartfelt, romantic, and sad but if you had another chance would you give it up?

Love the cover that is what drew me to read this book, and I would recommend it.

A great novel of love and loss and dealing with the loss of a loved one. This shows the aftermath of losing one you love and having to forge a new path different than the path you had envisioned and planned. One that will stick with you long after you read it.

This book... wow. If the cover wasn't enough to get your heart started I don't know what else to tell you. It was a great read and I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this DRC.
Young star-crossed lovers and death. Ruby and Hart were great characters, though the premise just wasn’t for me.


#AlwaysIsn’tForever #NetGalley

Reviewed for inclusion on the Texas Library Association's Tayshas List. While I thought the premise of this book was interesting, it felt overly long and the ending wasn't quite convincing enough for me.

Always Isn't Forever by J C Cervantes is a book that really touched my heart. It was like no other book I've read before. It was tender and sad yet hopeful and enduring. I recommend it.

After hart dies to early he gets another chance in the body of the star QB.
He must try to figure out how to be a new person and get the girl he loves back.
I felt like this book dragged on. Maybe it was because I listened to it

Oh wow what an emotional ride 🤧 the grief of losing the love of your life is inevitable. The struggle to move on from your loved one is also hard of course, and I could feel it how Ruby was struggling to live her life without Hart. That was really sad.

The story was sweet but it actually make me wonder, if hart was given the second chance as Jameson, then how about Jameson? I wish there’s some spin-off story about Jameson though.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group for giving me the chance to review Always Isn’t Forever.

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING. Its easily one of my favorite romance books i ever read. It has everything you want, romance, mystery, sadness, happiness it willl filll you withh sooo many emotionns!!

All the characters were lovable. Ruby and Hart have my heart!! The connection betweeen them and how they are slightly different but still soo goood togetherrr!!

I reallly love Hart so much and how he is so in love with Ruby even in his death, his soul is still searching for her. How he endured the pain of seeing her and not being able to tell her who he really isss because he cant play with the universe system!! likeee my heart is wrenchinggg!!

Rubyy iss gorgeouss and I cant imagine being in her place, she endured so much pain with Hart’s death and how she just didnt want to love again because she still cant get over her memories with Hart! Its soo heart breaking but still so beautiful!!😫

This book was well written and I liked every part of it and i never felt bored! And LOURDES omggg she is certainly an angel!! I loved her so much and i enjoyed her POV.

Also, I loved how the writer included “elle’s” part (iykyk) I think this was so beautiful. And everything in this book is surprising and will get you so emotional😭❤️

I won’t stop recommending this book!

Thank You NetGalley and Penguin Group for sending me an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This was nice, sweet contemporary romance. The writing was a little weak and the parts of the plot just felt a little too convenient which made the story feel unauthentic. But I mostly got what I came for/was expecting out of the book.