Opposite of Always

By: Justin A. Reynolds

Narrated by: Nile Bullock

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

“One of the best love stories I’ve ever read.” (Angie Thomas, number-one New York Times best-selling author of The Hate U Give) 

“Read this one, reread it, and then hug it to your chest.” (Becky Albertalli, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda)

Debut author Justin A. Reynolds delivers a hilarious and heartfelt novel about the choices we make, the people we choose, and the moments that make a life worth reliving. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and John Green.

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. 

But then 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. 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 to save the people he loves.

©2019 Justin A. Reynolds (P)2019 HarperAudio

Opposite of Always

This is a great book that I would highly recommend for anyone. Jake King is not just a story character, he feels like a real person that you can really feel for. Okay, that was cheesy.

Sweet, well-written story + great narration

There is a special art to starting a book by confusing your readers while subtly promising, through competent writing, that it will all make sense in the end. I think this author does it well in this book👏

This story starts with an intense life-or-death situation then backs into a sweet teen romance that explains how we got there. The writing style was consistent and enjoyable throughout-humorous and engaging with lots of tugs on the heartstrings.

Our MC, Jack, is seriously the sweetest. Even when he messes up, I couldn’t help but root for him. There are a couple of love interests here for Jack, and I like that the author doesn’t make one of them a schmuck so that the other is the obvious choice. There are also strong friendships and tough choices that make you feel for everyone involved.

The narration is excellent.

First time love, or second, or third or...

I'll admit, I'm a little (actually a LOT) older than the average YA reader, but I love this genre because of the way the impossible looks possible from YA eyes, and that's what this book has in spades-- a teenager doing the impossible for love, over and over again, because he hopes and he knows something better is possible. The whole cast of characters came to life for me-- Jillian, Franny, Kate and Jack, in cute, funny, poignant, and at times heart-breaking ways, and the audiobook narration is one of the best I've heard. I started with a smile and I ended with a smile, and as a reader, I can't ask for anything more.

Cheese Ball

This book was cute but SOOO cheesey! Rolled my eyes a few times! 😂 I guess it works if you’re looking for something light to read!

Second Chances...and thirds...

What would you do with your second chance? If you could go back with the knowledge of where you made mistakes, what would you change? This story is a twist on the questions we always ask about changing the past, updates for today’s youth.

Wonderful romantic story.

wonderful story...a little mushy. But sometimes mushy is what you need. Like a chocolate cookie

Sweetest time loop romance ever!

I think this may be the first African-American time loop romance I've ever read, but it's so universal. I think I didn't know that both characters were even Black until a couple of loops around! LOL. Heck - I didn't catch on that Puerto Rican Franny (Francisco) was a boy for the first 25 minutes or so! LOL. It's a sweet, sweet story, that is ostensible written for teens, but I'm a 50 year-old teacher and it hit me just as hard. Loved it!

lovable and endearing and a really fun listen

What a fun pick me up book. it started slowly, and I didn't think I'd get into it. But it picks up a few chapters in, and I couldn't put it down. The dialogue is pretty believable, the characters endearing, and the twists fun to unravel. I enjoyed the performance, though some of the accents didn't quite fit. They were not distracting, though, just noticeable. I highly recommend this story.

Great story!

I love this book and the audiobook was great as well. The reader did an excellent job! There’s a lot of funny lines in here. Will probably listen again and again.

I loved every second!

The story was so cute and I loved the narrator. He did an excellent job.