If your true love died, would it be possible again to see them in this lifetime? Always Isn’t Forever tells the story of a young couple in this situation. Hart dies a hero, saving a child, and his girlfriend, Ruby, grieves for him. In the afterlife, an angel puts Hart’s spirit into the body of a dying young man, just as that man dies. The problem is that this young man is Ruby’s enemy. Hart won’t let this stop him from reconnecting with Ruby. Other problems get in the way. For starters, the angel, Lourdes, says that reconnecting is against the rules, and she erases Hart’s memories, one by one until they disappear. He will essentially become the young man whose body he now resides in.

This story carries great suspense. Will Hart be able to surpass these incredible odds working against his and Ruby’s love? It seems highly unlikely. Elements of the paranormal are sprinkled throughout the book and enhance the magical quality of it.

The secondary characters are well written and likeable. They add a lot to the story acting as support or foils to the main characters. Relationships are endearing. There are sad moments in this tale as well as those that make a reader smile.

One of the characters plays football. I read over the football parts faster because I’m not personally interested in the sport, but for those who are, great. It does add to the characterization of Jameson though and differentiates him from Hart, the musician. As a musician myself, those parts particularly spoke to me. The way music and song writing were explained came across as authentic while giving me bigger ideas to think about.

As one who reads a variety of genres, I found this to be an enjoyable story. I wanted to know what was going to happen next all the while reading it. I would search out this author again for the tender emotions inspired. The characters are in high school, but the themes of love, family, and friendship reach across all age groups. I was given a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover, and when I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. Such an intriguing concept – a YA soulmate romance with a touch of supernatural – but so much more, a story of grief, loss, and learning to let go. It’s emotional, but has a happy ending, and it’s a beautiful little read.

“How long will you love me?”
“Always.”

Ruby and Hart are childhood best friends-now teenage sweethearts, madly in love, soulmates, and planning on a long and happy life together once they graduate senior year. Until Hart’s sudden and tragic death. Utterly devastated, Ruby is left completely lost, with no idea how to go on with her life.

"She has no idea how empty I feel, how most days I feel like I’m bleeding out. How I feel like a shell of who I used to be. How I can’t access the simplest things like a good dream or even a smile."

In a supernatural twist, five months after his death, Hart is given the opportunity to return to his true love– however, it will be in the body of the high school party boy whose own actions have left him on the brink of death. Hart will come back in Jameson’s body, but he will be unable to talk about who he really is, and his memories will disappear bit by bit, leaving just his soul behind in somebody else’s body. But it gives him the chance to be with his girl again, so he goes for it.

Ruby and Jameson have always hated each other, but when he leaves the hospital after his near death experience, he’s different. He’s sweet, kind, and very apologetic about his past actions, and Ruby feels drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand. She has questions, but she’s so mired in her grief for Hart, that she resists the pull she feels to somebody new, preferring to wallow in her pain and memories.

“You think you want to be happy, but you feel too much guilt … because if you let go of the pain…then you let go of Hart.”

It’s an interesting and intriguing journey for both Ruby and Hart. She’s fighting a battle between letting go of what she’s lost, and finding the will to move on. He is struggling to prove who he is, while seeing his friends and loved ones in so much pain, and wondering whether him being there is helping, or just make things worse. But the longer he waits, more of his memories fade, and his time is running out.

"I’d rather let love break me open than never know its depths."

This is an emotional read, but there are some really sweet moments too. There’s lots of character growth and big life lessons, and a beautiful love story that made my heart pound. It’s a unique read, and I was questioning what a HEA even looks like for these two, but the author does manage to bring a happy ending, and though it did leave me with some questions, I finished this one with a smile on my face.

"Even if love always ends in goodbye, we have a choice, a choice whether to allow it in, to change us, to drive us toward a better part of ourselves…even if it means breaking open.
Even if it means letting go."

3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

I, for sure, not sure, if we are reading the same book.
I mean, it doesn't makes me sad or did I feel this book was so good

There were plot-holes, forced chemistry and side characters that I didn't really care about. I also find Gabi/Ruby's or Selene(?)/Ruby's interaction is annoying. Even the dialogues was cringey because who in the world interacts like that.

But yeah, definitely not for me and should be shorter instead.

Always Isn't Forever is a beautiful story of friendship, love, grief, and coming of age. Be prepared to cry, this book hits you directly in the feels. Hart and Ruby are soulmates, and always have been. But then Hart dies, and Ruby spirals into the depths of grief and depression. But Hart is given a second chance, he's able to come back in the body of another person that is not of his choosing. He asks for someone close to Ruby, but is told it doesn't matter, he don't remember her anyways. But he gets what he asks for, he's placed into someone Ruby detests, and true to what he's told, his memories of Ruby start disappearing. He's desperate though to remember her, to get to know Ruby again. On Ruby's end, why is she suddenly feeling a connection to the boy she hates? She doesn't understand, but maybe it's worth exploring. Can Ruby and Hart/Jameson still be soulmates?

I’m a sucker for reincarnation/ soul stories and Always Isn’t Forever did not disappoint. Imagine finding the love of your life, your soulmate, but losing him early. And then his soul goes into the body of the person you hated the most.

I thought from the blurb that this will be a light read in spite of the tragedy (sort of like the Heart and Souls movie or Chances Are). It had its light moments, yes, but what I loved most about it is how it captured first love and grief. I found myself crying at some parts and some of the book’s lines really stuck with me. I don’t normally like reading YA books, but I was pleasantly surprised that I loved this one! Aside from Ruby and Hart, I also liked the side characters Lourdes, George, Gabi, Victoria and Josie. I was surprised at myself of how quick I read it, because it was such a page turner.

thank you for this ARC! I really enjoyed it.

The beautiful cover and interesting blurb had me so excited for this read and the book did not disappoint!

This book was a mix of emotional highs and lows. There was some serious subject matter covered like grief/losing a loved one, but there was also some incredibly laugh out loud funny moments that were a nice juxtaposition to the heavier subjects covered.

I adore Ruby and Hart and was cheering for them the whole way though. The side characters were fun as well (loved Ruby's sister)! I could definitely see this being made into a movie and will buy my niece a copy as well as a copy for my shelf.

Thank you so much for the ARC! I hope this book sees much success when it debuts.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first 5 star review for one of the books that I have read from NetGalley. I absolutely loved this book!

This story follows Hart and Ruby, high school sweet hearts and soul mates who have been friends since they were little. Hart tragically drowns, but it wasn't his time to go so Hart's soul is given a second chance in the body of Jameson, another boy who goes to their high school who Ruby absolutely hates. Hart can't tell Ruby that he is in Jameson's body because of cosmic rules that have been set in place so he has to try to get around the rules to show Ruby that he is there,

The first thing I need to comment on is this beautiful cover. It is absolutely gorgeous!
This book was heart wrenching one second and then had me laughing the next. Cervantes writes characters that are so genuine and realistic that I could feel their emotions as I read the story. I was surprised that this book was told from 3 POVs. Hart, Ruby, and Lourdes, the angel who interferes when Hart is drowning. Having Lourdes play a main role in the book was a pleasant surprise. She was super funny! I loved all three of these characters and was rooting for them to all get there happily ever after. I really loved the relationship between Ruby and her sister, Gabi. It was adorable and I loved their family's kind of psychic abilities or intuition as they called it sometimes. I loved the characters' sarcasm and the growth that they all went through. Towards the end of the book I was literally getting goosebumps as I was reading and everything was coming to a resolution.

This book is a book about loss, grief, letting go, and closure, but it's also about the strength of true love and perseverance. This isn't necessarily a beach read due to its serious themes and subject matter, but it is still definitely something you want to add to your summer TBR list. This book has it's sad moments, but it will have you laughing too. It's the perfect combination of sad and happy!

“It’s always been Ruby, it’s been her from the start.”


This book hits you right into the feels during the first 10% !!! I was at work trying not to cry while reading. You get plenty of warning that something is about to happen right from the beginning.

Hart is very subdue, over cautious and reserved while Ruby is the risk taker and wanting to experience life to the fullest. They’re a perfect match. Then something catastrophic happens and sends Ruby into a dark hole. She lost Hart and doesn’t know if she can get over that loss?

This book was beautiful. A hard read at some parts because of the tears that were clouding my vision. Yes. This book made me cry multiple times. Over and over.
I really liked that it was mostly from the pov of Hart. Honestly, his chapters were my favorite ones. The ending was perfect and beautiful. Highly recommend this book.

Be prepared to be in your feels. Always Isn't Forever will tug at your heartstrings in this second-chance romance.

Hart and Ruby are the poster children for finding forever love at a young age. They know they are meant to be with each other forever, but a tragic accident at sea cuts that dream short. That leaves Ruby in her senior year grieving the loss of her one true love.

It may not be the end of their love story yet. That's because Hart's soul comes to life as the bad boy in town, Jameson. When Hart takes over in his new body, he first wants to see Ruby and tell her everything. But it's harder than it looks. His guardian angel, Lourdes, is trying to help him in this position and lay down all the rules. He can't tell Ruby or anyone the truth and he will soon lose his memories as the days pass.

Ruby and Jameson/Hart can't deny the pull that happens when they are around. It is unexplainable but so touching. This story highlights how strong love can be. It's a moving, romantic, and sad YA read. The ending is bittersweet but so fitting for this book.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Always Isn’t Forever releases June 6, 2023

Ruby and Hart met when they were children and have been each others first love. They have many plans for the future when they reach college, but first they have to get through their senior year of highschool.

The story starts during the summer before senior year, on a day leading up to where Hart agreed to fill in for someone else’s job on a yacht. All along, Ruby had this ominous gut feeling that something was going to go wrong, but it wasn’t enough to stop the tragic and unexpected death of Hart as he was pulled into an undercurrent while saving a boy who fell overboard during a rainstorm with lightning.

Five months pass, and by some odd chance, Hart is given a second chance at life by some “death angel” named Lourdes while he’s been in this in-between state.
The only way for Hart to live again would be to put his soul into another body that was on the brink of death, and that just so happened to be a boy the same age named Jameson, whom they’ve gone to school together and been in the same social circles. The only problem is that Hart and Jameson are opposites in every way, and Ruby has a strong dislike towards him.

Hart doesn’t have it easy in Jameson's body — having to seamlessly adapt to his life and family, all the while being unable to tell anyone who he actually is.
Lourdes tells him that though his spirit will remain intact, his memories as Hart will slowly cease to exist, so time is of the essence to reestablish a connection with his love, Ruby.

Initially, I liked the concept but I don’t think it was executed that well. I wanted that heart wrenching love story but didn’t feel that at all, and most of the romance was left until the last 8%.
This story moved uncharacteristically fast, and I didn’t get the impression that Ruby hated Jameson, even though that’s what we were told to believe.
There was a lot going on at once with Lourdes becoming a human and having to navigate her own sort of deal, as well as Gabi with her tarot cards and thinking she has a connection to the “other side”, which didn’t leave much room to develop much of a romance with Jameson.

I honestly didn’t really understand the logic between the sacrifice of Lourdes' wings and the memories of Ruby and Hart and I wish the author didn’t skip past the first five months of Ruby’s grief. We never got that impactful scene where she found out the love of her life died, which was a missed opportunity for vulnerability and connection to the characters.

This title has been recommended as being similar to You’ve Reached Sam, and I personally don’t think it gives anywhere near the same heart wrenching experience. If anything, this kind of reminded me of The Host by Stephanie Meyer.

For a YA, this reads on the younger side.

I knew this would be heartbreaking, but while reading and sobbing, I also found a beautiful hopefulness in this story that I will not forget.

Ruby and Hart. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and they are lucky enough to have found each other and their impossible love so early in life. When Hart drowns while saving another, an angel takes pity and saves his soul for a new body. Hart winds up waking as Jameson. Jameson is everything Hart is not. A party boy who seems to not care about anything except football. Can Hart work his way back to Ruby in Jameson's body, with Jameson's history?

This book was heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. It is a story of loss and sadness,but also, real true love. Get the tissues ready now!!

Out June 6, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

"It's always been Ruby, it's been her from the start"

This story was a rollercoaster that I was NOT expecting (in the best way!). The cover alone made me think I would be reading something similar to "I Fell in Love with Hope" and "You've Reached Sam", and it didn't disappoint! My tears were falling 10% in, and they were falling by the end of it too.

I loved that Ruby and Hart's love was so deep that neither one of them would give it up easily. After a horrible incident happens, we see how Ruby struggles to come to terms with the changes in her life, while Hart has to accept his new reality. Their love helped them find each other, and it was written so beautifully that I was falling in love and getting my heart broken along with them. This book will be released June 6th, and I plan on grabbing a physical copy.

📚 Star-Crossed Lovers
📚 First Love
📚 Opposites Attract
📚 High School Romance

🐞⚓️🪽- always isn’t forever by JC Cervantes

‘ I was gifted an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

wow.. this made me sob my eyes out so hard i couldn’t breath- i knew i would be hit with an emotional truck based on what everyone said about ‘you’ve reached sam’ but i didn’t expect it to hurt this much- it was honestly a punch in the gut.

this book follows the story of ruby and hart who are the definition of soulmates- they understand each other on a deeper level and are just the cutest… until hart dies. and ruby’s left to wade through her grief- except this becomes much harder when jameson- someone ruby hates with a burning passion - suddenly takes interest in her. but why?

the characters in this book and their personalities is what made this so enjoyable I think- it was clear that jameson and hart were completely different people which made identifying what was going on a whole lot easier.. I also loved the clear distinction between ruby and gabi as sisters also made this resonate with me- me and my sister are COMPLETELY different- bit that didn’t mean they didn’t love each other any less.. in fact gabi was the one who pushed ruby to follow her heart.

the plot line was confusing at first? but when it all cleared up… FREAKING LOURDES. I didn’t know whether to hate her or love her… I just can’t believe most of the events happened in this book it was kinda weird, but an extremely good weird. even just thinking about what happens is going to make me cry..

i also loved learning slowly about jameson and how similar ruby and his situation really was- I cannot- this book is still making be bawl.

if you want a light read that will make you cry so hard it hurts this book is probably perfect for you .

Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes, 384 pages. Razorbill (Penguin Random House), 2023. $20. lgbtqia
Language: R (172 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Hart and Ruby have always been together and always will be—and then Hart dies the summer before senior year. Neither of them are ready to let go, and Hart’s spirit is given the chance to go back—but not in the body he had. Through all the obstacles of life and death, can they still choose to always be together?
A tragic undercurrent pulled through every part of the story. While the angel/demon trope was originally off putting because of how it contrasted with that undercurrent, the story worked out well in the end. Sacrifices were made, lessons of love were learned, and some things do last forever.
Hart is Latino, Ruby is implied Latina, Jameson is White, and most of the other characters are implied Latinx or White. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and mentions of sex. The violence rating is for assault and death.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Thanks to NetGalley & Razorbill for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hart & Ruby - best friends since they were kids. When Hart drowns due to a boating accident, Ruby’s world is shattered and she must learn to pick up the pieces. Due to divine intervention, Hart gets a second chance at life - returning to earth side in an unexpected body, the last person he would ever pick. As Ruby tries to move on and Hart figures out his new life, the two of them enter a weird dance, each feeling something familiar with the other. As he spends his days as Jameson, Hart’s personal memories fade slowly and his love for Ruby slowly slips by. How will Ruby and Hart make it through - together or pushing each other away?

This story broke my heart and I had tears in my eyes several times as I read. This book drug me in and didn’t let go until the last possible second. I really enjoyed this and was rooting hard for Ruby and Hart to get their happy ever after, though a late plot twist threw me as I didn’t see it coming. Highly recommend this as its heartbroken scenario with a really great outcome.

This is a heartwarming story about Hart who dies too young getting a second chance in life when an angel allows him to take the body of another young man who is moments from dying. Even though he gets to live in the same town as before, he can't tell anyone who he really is, plus in less than a month he will lose all his memories of dying. His essence will be the same, but he won't remember he was ever himself.

3+

I was looking forward to reading this story. I love magical realism, and I think it's been some time since I had any to read. And the cover is super pretty! The story is cute at least. But the rules for how Hart's condition (going back to life as someone else) worked felt like... the author was making them as they went along. It made me not trust it much. I'm not sure how to explain this better, but that made the story lose a little of its magic.

The premise too made me anxious. I couldn't think what was best if Hart was going to lose his memories (and anyone who figured out who he is would also lose their memories in around two days). I wasn't sure what I cheering for. You'd usually just wish for the living to get through their grief, but by the time Hart comes back to life, months have passed, his girlfriend Ruby is already getting over it, so him being back felt more like reopening the wound only for it to hurt again.

There is a good ending, but was the plot necessary? What was there to gain? It made my reading a little tense.

The prose is still pretty, their romance is also sweet. This could have gotten very dramatic, but it isn't at all. I think this was my first book by this author, but it made me curious for the next releases.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Absolutely wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I literally cried and had goosebumps for most of the ending. But it was PERFECTION!!!! All the stars for this book and then some! I’m going to even buy a copy to permanently have because this was such a wonderful freaking read!!!!

Highly recommend. Ruby and Hart!!!!!!

This book is everything you could want and more!!!!!

After reading reviews, I don’t think I am in an emotionally stable enough place to read this book right now. If I decide to read after release, I will buy a physical copy.

Always Isn't Forever is a heart-wrenching and captivating tale of love, loss, and second chances, everything I love. This young adult novel follows the journey of Ruby Armenia, who is devastated by the tragic death of her best friend and soulmate, Hart Augusto. However, through a twist of fate, Hart is granted a second chance at life, but not in the way one would expect.

The premise of the story immediately drew me in, as the idea of love transcending death and the possibility of reuniting with a lost loved one is both compelling and emotional, especially the way Cervantes did it! The book explores themes of grief, destiny, and the power of love as Hart's soul is transferred into the body of Jameson, a local bad boy. As Hart navigates his new life as Jameson, he faces the challenge of keeping his true identity hidden from Ruby, complicating their already complex relationship.

Cervantes skillfully weaves a tale filled with mystery, romance, and unexpected twists. The short chapters and fast pacing make for an engaging reading experience, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The author tackles sensitive topics such as death and grief with sensitivity and provides a unique perspective on the complexities of navigating loss.

The characters in this are well-developed and relatable. Ruby's grief and longing for Hart is so captivating, and readers will empathize with her as she grapples with her feelings for Jameson, who reminds her so much of her lost love. Hart's determination to reach Ruby despite the challenges he faces adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the narrative. The supporting characters also contribute to the story, adding depth and complexity to the relationships and enhancing the overall reading experience.

While the book deals with heavy themes, it also incorporates moments of hope, resilience, and personal growth. The inclusion of spiritual elements, such as divine intervention and the presence of an angel, adds a touch of magic and wonder to the story.

Always isn't forever has all the elements of a captivating young adult romance. The book's intriguing plot, well-drawn characters, and emotional depth make it a compelling read for fans of love stories with a touch of the supernatural. With its surprising twists and turns, the novel keeps readers guessing and invested in the outcome until the very end.

In conclusion, this novel is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. J. C. Cervantes delivers a moving story that will resonate with readers and leave them contemplating the true nature of fate and everlasting love.