Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Opposite of Always

By Justin A. Reynolds
Published: HarperCollins, 2019
Pages: 464
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Amazon, Goodreads

Don't be afraid. Take chances. And when those don't work out, take more.

About the book

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 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.

Review

Opposite of Always is a cute, entertaining read about a teen who falls in love, only for his girlfriend to die then him being transported back in time to the moment they first met.

Jack is charming and quirky, but I felt like his character was the only character in the book with any substance. I felt like I couldn't immerse into this world, like I couldn't really picture Jillian, Franny or Kate as my friends.

I also couldn't feel the connection between Jack and Kate. I could feel the love Jack had for her but I felt that he was just suddenly head-over-heels in love with him; the interactions they had didn't really have significance or add import to their relationship.

The Ground Hog Day concept was interested, but I ended up feeling disappointed by the ending. This book just wasn't my cup of tea.

I still give Opposite of Always three puppies because it's a fast, easy read that's a good way to pass the time. If that's the type of read you're looking for, then I'd recommend this book. If not, then you can give it a pass.

RATING (out of five puppies)