Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
The third and final book (I think) in this trilogy, takes place in Paris, like the first one. Like Lola, characters from Anna make an appearance, but it's not quite as interwoven as it was in Lola. This one was sweet, but in no way does it live up to its predecessors.
For one thing, there's more sex. It's not that I dislike sex in books, but it's YA and I think it is a more effective read when sex is avoided. How are these young girls ever going to feel like they are enough for the boys they date, when they are inundated with media that shows "everyone is doing it?" And the sex isn't graphic at all, just that it happens.
Isla is a shy New Yorker who goes to high school in Paris. She has had a crush on Josh since they were both freshmen, but she is pretty sure that he has no idea who she is. One day, when they are both home from summer vacation before their senior year, Isla, hopped up on painkillers from dental surgery, runs into Josh at a cafe. She falls asleep at their table, and he pays the check. The next day, she goes back there looking for him so that she can pay him back. He's not there.
Fast forward to the new school year. Isla and Josh are in almost all the same classes. Her dorm room this year was his last year, which makes her feel close to him. They become friends, then they date. One weekend, they decide to go to Spain, which is a huge no-no. Isla's sister, Hattie, and best friend, Kurt, accidentally ruin things for Isla and Josh. Josh ends up kicked out of the school, and goes back home to America.
Over Christmas break, after a swanky party, Isla breaks up with Josh because she is insecure about herself, and can't deal with it. She ends up breaking both of their hearts, but fervently hopes they can get back together someday. If only she can make herself pick up the phone and call him...
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