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Opposite of Always by Justin A. ReynoldsPublished by Katherine Tegen Books on March 5, 2019
Age Group & Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Format: ARC, Physical
Source: Publisher
Jack Ellison King. King of Almost.
He almost made valedictorian.
He almost made varsity.
He almost got the girl . . .
When Jack and Kate meet at a party, bonding until sunrise over their mutual love of Froot Loops and their favorite flicks, Jack knows he’s falling—hard. Soon she’s meeting his best friends, Jillian and Franny, and Kate wins them over as easily as she did Jack. Jack’s curse of almost is finally over.
But this love story is . . . complicated. It is an almost happily ever after. Because Kate dies. And their story should end there. Yet Kate’s death sends Jack back to the beginning, the moment they first meet, and Kate’s there again. Beautiful, radiant Kate. Healthy, happy, and charming as ever. Jack isn’t sure if he’s losing his mind. Still, if he has a chance to prevent Kate’s death, he’ll take it. Even if that means believing in time travel. However, Jack will learn that his actions are not without consequences. And when one choice turns deadly for someone else close to him, he has to figure out what he’s willing to do—and let go—to save the people he loves.
A copy of the book was provided for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore does not affect the opinion or content of the review.
Opposite of Always is one of my favorite reads of 2019 ever.
Maybe you thought #Starstruck is my favorite book of 2019 (the joke’s on you, I read that in 2018) or even Two Witches and a Whiskey (it’s one of them) because I’m very convincing and enthusiastic. I don’t think I’m that convincing. BUT the year is young and it’s only March 5, so I’m here to announce I have added another book to my favorites and I have no regrets. (It’s also releasing today, yay!)
All hail Jack King.
Meet Jack King, the protagonist. He’s everyone who has ever tried and tried again, only to fail because the universe likes to make us trip and fall on the stair of life. In Opposite of Always, Jack is sent back to the moment they meet each time he fails and something disastrous happens. But with each attempt to fix everything and save everyone, something goes wrong and he’s sent back to the beginning.
I enjoyed reading Jack’s story. I love his determination and care to save everyone and fix everything. And I absolutely love his personality – Jack is full of awkwardness and moods that is made of humor and charm while trying to be a hero. He’s not just trying to get the girl, he’s also learning how to try and maintain a good relationship with his family and best friends.
My emotions, my emotions.
Get yourselves a box of tissues or two (or infinite) and brace yourselves because this book is full of emotions. If I could actually cry my eyes out while reading, my eyes would be completely dried out. Actually, I might even be craughing (crying and laughing). Opposite of Always is an absolute delight to read – emotional, heartfelt and charming, Reynolds’ debut is a book that I strongly recommend everyone to pick up.
Sophia started blogging in February 2012 for the hell of it and is surprisingly still around. She has a GIF for nearly everything, probably listens to too much K-Pop and is generally in an existential crisis of sorts (she's trying her best). More of her bookish reviews and K-Pop Roundups can be found at The Arts STL.
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Thank you for this review! this book is on my TBR and will be released here in June. But I might buy the English version anyway, because it’s cheaper and let’s face it, books are quite expensive. It might be twice the price for the Dutch ebook then for the English one. Anyway, thank you!
Great review! Sounds like a Groundhog Day situation!
Wow! I can understand why you love this book so much Sophia. What a choice. Thanks for the review. Have heard wonderful things about this book! ❤️❤️
Wow. Wonderful review and such praise! I’ll be sure to check this one out now:)
How strongly are you recommending that I pick this up though? *looks at you innocently* cause on the one hand this sounds like a fun read but on the other hand I don’t know if I want to be craughing haha
You know you want to cry and laugh at the same time, so yes, very strongly. Join me in this emotional corner.
I feel like I really identify with Jack already without reading the book, but omg I feel like this book will make me bawl like a baby! It’s great that you enjoyed it so much, and I’ve already added it to my Amazon wishlist lol. I hope I get to read this, this year! Great review!
Oh, you’ll cry, Haley. You’ll cry for sure. I hope you get around to it soon!
Great review! I have recently added this book to my TBR and your review makes me wanna read it all the more. Sounds like my kind of story!!
GODDAMNIT SOPH WHY YOU GOTTA FILL UP MY TBR WITH YOUR REVIEWS. I’M TRYING TO FIX MY LIFE HERE.
JUST ACCEPT THE LOVE FROM THE BOOKS, MICHELLE AND DROWN IN THEM.
This book! It was so wonderful! I have happy tears escaping right now just thinking about it. It was funny and emotional and I like the illness Reynold’s called attention to as well. So well done.
I think I’ve seen this cover before but I’ve never read a synopsis. I’m so glad you’ve introduced me to it now though! Jack sounds like a pretty realistic character–don’t we all know what its like to have the best of intentions and something goes wrong every time?! This book is going on the TBR. Thanks, Soph!
Good luck! Your heart will likely break, but it’ll be well worth it, LOL.