Review – Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: August 4, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-0142426272
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd book in the Anna and the French Kiss series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever. Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.”

This is the third and final book in the Anna and the French Kiss series. I really enjoyed this book but it was my least favorite of the trilogy, I just loved Lola and the Boy Next Door so much.

I think part of my issue was with how quiet and passive Isla is; I had a lot of trouble engaging with her as a character. I also thought Josh was a bit of a jerk at times; even if maybe that was more just how he was forced to act based on his surrounding family circumstances.

I did enjoy how both characters worked through all their imperfections and enjoyed that the story ended in a very uplifting way. The ending did feel a bit rushed but it was okay. The story did end with a very happy fairy tale like ending.

Overall this was a well done conclusion to this trilogy. I enjoyed every book in this series a lot. I love the different interesting locations the stories are set in and enjoyed the uplifting feel to the stories. I would recommend to those who enjoy contemporary YA romance.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Goodreads Reading Challenge