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!

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.