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“Latinx high school juniors Ruby Armenta and Hart Augusto, who have been in love since they were children, plan to leave their California hometown behind to explore the world and be together, always. When a tragic, heroic act leads to Hart’s death, heartbroken Ruby must face her uncertain future alone. …The heavy plot, laden with convenient twists, is buoyed by quirky characters such as a snarky angel, Tarot-reading sister, and intuitive dog, while Hart and Ruby’s alternating POVs render immediate-feeling experiences of searing grief and deep love in this bittersweet tale of cosmic interference and second chances by Cervantes.”

Publishers Weekly

Always Isn’t Forever

Written by J. C. Cervantes
Published by Razorbill

Best friends and soul mates since they were kids, Hart Augusto and Ruby Armenta were poised to take on senior year together when Hart tragically drowns in a boating accident. Absolutely shattered, Ruby struggles to move on from the person she knows was her forever love.

Hart can’t let go of Ruby either…. Due to some divine intervention, he’s offered a second chance. Only it won’t be as simple as bringing him back to life—instead, Hart’s soul is transferred to the body of local bad boy.

When Hart returns to town as Jameson, he realizes that winning Ruby back will be more challenging than he’d imagined. For one, he’s forbidden from telling Ruby the truth. And with each day he spends as Jameson, memories of his life as Hart begin to fade away.

Though Ruby still mourns Hart, she can’t deny that something is drawing her to Jameson. As much as she doesn’t understand the sudden pull, it can’t be ignored. And why does he remind her so much of Hart? Desperate to see if the connection she feels is real, Ruby begins to open her heart to Jameson—but will their love be enough to bridge the distance between them?

Primary ISBN: 9780593404485
Publication Date: June 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (California)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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