It is probably safe to say that I have been waiting for Isla and the Happily Ever After for a long time…I believe that my goodreads shelf says I added it to my to read list two years ago. All I have to say is it WAS TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT!!! Yes, I was shouting that…If I could, there would be rooftops involved. I loved this book and if you have enjoyed the other books in this series and I am pretty sure you will be fangirling alongside me once you get an opportunity to read this book. Perkins writes lovely characters (always) that I want to be friends with, give hugs to, and just really hang out with – Isla and Josh are no different. I didn't spoil anything but just in case you don't want to see the whole review, I have tagged it.

Spoiler

Isla has had a crush on Josh Wasserstein for three years and every time she sees him, she feels like she makes a complete fool of herself. Home on summer break, Isla happens to run into Josh at a coffee shop after she has gotten her wisdom teeth pulled and is on pain killers and just when she thinks she has a chance, he vanishes and Isla doesn’t see him again until they are both back at school for the fall semester of their senior year. Once Isla realizes that Josh has feelings for her (and vice versa) and they begin to open up to each other, the story really picks up. I loved seeing the two get beyond the crush stuff and move into a real relationship – don’t get me wrong, I loved the crush stuff but I really loved the other stuff too. Along with a real relationship though, they have to figure out how to deal with real challenges like what to do after graduation, figuring out how to deal with the aftermath of a (possibly) poor decision…you know, life stuff.

Characters are what typically pull me into a story and Perkins has done a great job with Isla and Josh. As usual, there are a number of secondary characters here that are great too…including cameos of some favorites in Anna, Etienne, Lola, and Cricket. Kurt was probably the most visible as he is the closest person to Isla (outside of her sisters) and the person she relies on most while at school.

What I really liked about Isla is that she really sees Josh has taken the time to observe and understand what is important to him. She knows he is smart and sees the mask he puts on when interacting with others. Isla is also loyal which comes out in her friendship with Kurt. I loved that she was willing to say goodbye to someone just because they weren’t supportive of Kurt and his challenges. It says a lot about who she is and what she values.

Along with all that, this book was packed full of swoons and I have to say….Josh is my favorite of all of Perkins’ lead boys. He is funny, smart, sensitive, and I adore him. I can’t give everything away but I will share one of my favorite quotes.

“I love you!” I say.
“I love you, too.” Josh laughs in surprise. “Thanks for the enthusiasm.”
“I didn’t get to say it last time.”
“Ah, well. From now on” --and I hear his smile grow into a dimple-bearing grin--”let’s start with it.”



And that is only one example of the reasons he is so great. I really have nothing more to say about this other than trust me…if you liked St. Claire, you better get ready for Josh.

I feel like I really shouldn’t say much more (so I won't) as I don’t want to ruin any part of this book for anyone. Trust me when I say that Perkins brings you back to Paris with these two and I really never wanted this book to end. I loved how she tied Anna and St. Claire back into the story and I have to admit…there are quite a few stickies in my book after reading this one. It has also made me think I need to do a re-read of Anna and Lola before I say goodbye (for now) to the series. If you like a story filled with funny stuff, serious stuff, and a lot of swoons, definitely check this out when you can!