*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Okay I loved that this was set in Australia because there's never enough Oz YA in my life, and I also loved that is was real gay, because queer Oz YA is staggeringly absent for the most part, but from there things go a little south. I could feel the story line and the main character trying to be quirky and unique but it eventually just felt like it was trying a little too hard, and whilst yes, I would fall under the Paris Syndrome sufferer category, it being my favourite city in the world despite being well-travelled and my huge love of all things French and Amelie as well, I just didn't really care about the plot and didn't think it was interesting enough to centre the book around. Happy was also really annoying as a main character, and I would have much preferred the story be in the perspective of Alex Two (the female one).

Thank you HaroerCollins Australia and Netgalley for an ARc of this wonderful book.

This book was just the tonic for an Australian gal looking for a light, feel good read on a flight to Paris!! I have a new appreciation for The YA genre, and this was the perfect mix of characters, setting and storyline for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I recommend it.

What a cute little YA novel!!! The cover in of itself is AMAZING. I think this book handles the LGBTQ elements respectfully, and will be a big selling point. A great plot and accessible writing style - It is a great book!

Who knew that Paris Syndrome was an actual 'thing'? For someone who thinks they know everything (me), I am always surprised when I learn something new...which to be fair, is pretty much every day.

I found this book equal parts funny and touching. It had a light-hearted touch, while still dealing with more serious themes. Happy is dealing with moving to a new city, being away from her friends, and the place where all of her fondest memories were made. Her relationship with her father is tenuous, as he now has a new life with his new girlfriend, so she's working on that as well as trying to get her Mum out into the world of dating.

Then there's the question of Happy's sexuality. She meets two Alex's, a boy and a girl. She embarks on a relationship with Alex the boy, and a friendship with Alex the girl, only to realise that it's Alex the girl she's interested in romantically. I thought that this aspect of the story was done so well, as it showed that we fall for a person, not a gender. It actually comes as a real surprise to Happy that she has these feelings for Alex the girl.

There's also a bombshell towards the end of the novel, where we learn exactly how much Happy is really coping with.

4.5 Stars

The Paris Syndrome was a pleasant surprise. There's something about Aussie books that just have a soft spot in my heart. The writing is always extremely different than lots of the other US and UK titles I read. The characters are original and quirky, and the atmosphere of the towns are well-described and I always get sucked into whatever world they've built. That's why I always say Aussies have some of the best world-building skills in literature, because it's totally believable and you actually feel like you're somewhere.

The Paris Syndrome was like when I had my first drink of Somersby Cider. It was bitter-sweet and it makes you feel all fuzzy and warm inside. It's homey but it really brings out the emotions in you. Wow ok, long analogy over.

Before picking this book up, I had never heard of The Paris Syndrome. I just thought it was the name of this book and that's all. But hey, like I often do, I went and did some background research after reading this and all the talk of articles surrounding middle-aged Asian women going to Paris and getting Paris Syndrome is completely real! I've never read about it in any other book or even heard about it in movies or TV shows, and it actually gave me a lot to think about. I mean, if characters in this book had that syndrome, then it gives me the impression that I may get an equivalent for Japan. That's kind of scary actually!

Anyhooo, this book was plagued with...actually plagued sounds negative, but it was full of so many great themes and plot points. Not only was Paris Syndrome a great central plot point, but so was making new friends and moving old from old ones. In YA fiction we tend to romanticise friendship which sounds dumb and...is dumb. I'm not saying a romantic relationship, but rather, making friends in new towns/areas and getting over the pain of having to dismiss old relationships is a lot less pretty than it's usually made out to be. And I think Lisa Walker totally showed what real relationships are. I love that!
Can we also talk about the co-worker or I guess boss-employee relationship? I loved it. No, don't get your knickers in a knot! It wasn't romantic - it was kind of cute in an almost father-daughter relationship way. Generally in YA we see co-workers always being of the same age and I'm like whyyyy. How does that miraculously happen each time. Answer: it doesn't.

If you're looking for a sweet and cute book but want some great writing, characters and overall a good Aussie (OR FRENCH!) time, I think you need to get your hands on this book!

Happy Glass is a lover of all things French! She dreams of the day when she can go to Paris and experience the magic it has to offer.

Happy has no plans for her school break. She has no friends since moving to Brisbane. Her best friend Rosie lives in Sydney and isn't around for her like she used to be. Having just won a french essay writing competition she decides to use her earnings to get a french tattoo. That would hopefully get Rosie's attention but at the tattoo parlour she meets Alex, a sexy french tourism intern. Soon after she meets girl Alex, a gardener for Professor Tanaka and they both recruit her to help them find the cure for Paris Syndrome, a syndrome they both fear that she has.

Happy does not believe she has Paris Syndrome but offers to help as she uses looking for a cure to spend time with boy Alex. To save from confusing the Alex's she names them Alex One (boy) and Alex Two (girl).

After kissing boy and girl Alex she is soon confused about which one she likes more and so starts a very interesting school break.

Happy is the funniest and quirkiest character I have read in a long time. I love how much she loves Paris. I love how she can turn any situation better by imagining it taking place in Paris. I love her curly hair struggles and anyone who can wear a tea cosy as a hat and make it fashionable is the kind of person I would like to be around. Plus anyone who loves Milo as much as Happy is definitely a winner!

I loved this story! As someone who probably has Paris Syndrome it was probably not the best book to read as it made me want to go to Paris even more than I already do. Not only was Happy relateable but she is the kind of person you wish would get her happy ending. This is one of the best stories about finding yourself I have read in a while and I loved that it was set in Australia. I loved all the Australian references thrown in and I loved the side story that was happening with Professor Tanaka!

I would definitely recommend this book to any Paris lover or just anyone in general who is looking for a fun quick read!