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OMGWACA #5
Aisling Ever After
Living in the Big Apple feels like a movie, especially when Aisling finds her ex-boyfriend John on her doorstep. Can his new-found devotion (and his new six-pack!) lure her back home? Or should she continue to chase the American dream with the Irish Mafia and Jeff, the ridey fireman?
Meanwhile, back in Ballygobbard, it's all go. Baby showers are the new hen parties, Mammy and Dr Trevor are more serious than Aisling thought, and the prospect of two evil stepsisters has her doubting her place in the family. Pulled between head, heart and home, Aisling strives to finally create her own happy-ever-after.
Meanwhile, back in Ballygobbard, it's all go. Baby showers are the new hen parties, Mammy and Dr Trevor are more serious than Aisling thought, and the prospect of two evil stepsisters has her doubting her place in the family. Pulled between head, heart and home, Aisling strives to finally create her own happy-ever-after.
357 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2023
191 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
September 1, 2023
What a lovely ending for a lovely series. Reading the Aisling books feel like curling up with a hot drink in front of a fire after being out with all your mates the night before. I'm really going to miss Aisling, and I couldn't be happier with the send off Emer and Sarah have given her and us.
August 31, 2023
Aisling Ever After by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
OMG it’s the end of an era.
Aisling Ever After is the fifth and final book in the beloved Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling (OMGWACA) series and is available now!
I was lucky enough to receive a limited edition, signed and numbered, proof copy from @gillbooks and dropped everything to read it.
OMGWACA started out in 2008 as a Facebook group cataloguing the nation’s Aislingisms and was subsequently developed into a novel, which was published in 2017, and Aisling has been in our hearts ever since.
*the next paragraph contains a spoiler for book four, but it is included the blurb for this book, so fair warning*
At the end of book four - Aisling And The City - we left Aisling at the door of her apartment in NYC standing face-to-face with her ex, John, who - inspired by Mr Big after bingeing SATC - landed over to surprise her. Aisling is killing it in New York, as an Executive for Mandy Blumenthal Event Architects, but now she has to decide between her new life with firefighter Jeff in NYC or a life with John in BGB.
In Aisling Ever After, we follow Aisling as she faces big decisions, ups and downs, and heartache, all of which she deals with in her very Aisling way, while we are kept up-to-date and entertained by all of the characters we’ve come to know and love, from Ballygobbard and beyond.
The Aisling books are pure comfort and joy, but they also never shy away from covering tough topics and social issues, all of which are handled sensitively.
There are so many genuine laughs in this book, but oh how I cried - at the author’s note, the prologue, and throughout, right up to the acknowledgments.
I loved it, the perfect ending to the series, all of the stars. Available now; get the tissues ready.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG it’s the end of an era.
Aisling Ever After is the fifth and final book in the beloved Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling (OMGWACA) series and is available now!
I was lucky enough to receive a limited edition, signed and numbered, proof copy from @gillbooks and dropped everything to read it.
OMGWACA started out in 2008 as a Facebook group cataloguing the nation’s Aislingisms and was subsequently developed into a novel, which was published in 2017, and Aisling has been in our hearts ever since.
*the next paragraph contains a spoiler for book four, but it is included the blurb for this book, so fair warning*
At the end of book four - Aisling And The City - we left Aisling at the door of her apartment in NYC standing face-to-face with her ex, John, who - inspired by Mr Big after bingeing SATC - landed over to surprise her. Aisling is killing it in New York, as an Executive for Mandy Blumenthal Event Architects, but now she has to decide between her new life with firefighter Jeff in NYC or a life with John in BGB.
In Aisling Ever After, we follow Aisling as she faces big decisions, ups and downs, and heartache, all of which she deals with in her very Aisling way, while we are kept up-to-date and entertained by all of the characters we’ve come to know and love, from Ballygobbard and beyond.
The Aisling books are pure comfort and joy, but they also never shy away from covering tough topics and social issues, all of which are handled sensitively.
There are so many genuine laughs in this book, but oh how I cried - at the author’s note, the prologue, and throughout, right up to the acknowledgments.
I loved it, the perfect ending to the series, all of the stars. Available now; get the tissues ready.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 29, 2023
The fifth and final book in the Aisling series will be published on 31 August, and I was very lucky to receive an advance copy from @gillbooks - a beautiful, pink hardback proof with illustrated endpapers. After spending a day or two caressing it (!), I got down to reading it and I absolutely loved it. Aisling fans, you’re in for a treat.
Aisling is at somewhat of a crossroads in this book, personally and professionally. She’s killing it in New York as Mandy Blumenthal’s protegée event architect when a surprise lands on her doorstep at the end of book 4, which is right where book 5 opens. Can Aisling find lasting happiness?
I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more all the way through the book. The final scenes are some of the funniest I’ve ever read in a book - they are quintessentially Irish (or maybe just quintessentially Aisling).
There are some scenes of a sensitive nature (and I’m not talking about Mad Tom in a crop top) but everything is handled with the utmost care and sensitivity by the authors.
I think what makes Aisling so special is the universe created by Sarah and Emer. The community of characters, from Maj, Pablo and John to Mammy, Sadhbh and Don, and the madcap locals of BGB. It feels very special and bittersweet to be returning one last time, knowing that this is the last instalment.
I can’t wait for everyone to read Aisling Ever After and to share in the joy. I’m eagerly awaiting the tv adaptation and whatever Emer and Sarah write next. All the stars.
Aisling is at somewhat of a crossroads in this book, personally and professionally. She’s killing it in New York as Mandy Blumenthal’s protegée event architect when a surprise lands on her doorstep at the end of book 4, which is right where book 5 opens. Can Aisling find lasting happiness?
I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more all the way through the book. The final scenes are some of the funniest I’ve ever read in a book - they are quintessentially Irish (or maybe just quintessentially Aisling).
There are some scenes of a sensitive nature (and I’m not talking about Mad Tom in a crop top) but everything is handled with the utmost care and sensitivity by the authors.
I think what makes Aisling so special is the universe created by Sarah and Emer. The community of characters, from Maj, Pablo and John to Mammy, Sadhbh and Don, and the madcap locals of BGB. It feels very special and bittersweet to be returning one last time, knowing that this is the last instalment.
I can’t wait for everyone to read Aisling Ever After and to share in the joy. I’m eagerly awaiting the tv adaptation and whatever Emer and Sarah write next. All the stars.
September 24, 2023
Lazy writing. Built the character up as an independent woman over the course of several books only to have her run back to her childhood sweetheart 50 pages in and give up on major life opportunities. So unrealistic and disappointing to see her settle down as a GAA culchie wife.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
What a complete load of shit
September 23, 2023
Okay this is probably close to 4 stars but there was a few things that bothered me
Annoying aspects:
- all of book 4 was Aisling finding her feet and adapting to New York life and LOVING IT! And then John (don’t get me wrong I love Aisling and John more than anything) turns up and 50 pages later she’s back in Ireland
- Sadbh and Don and the baby drama - they are grown adults who have been dating for what 3/4 years? And they’ve never discussed whether or not they wanted kids? And instead of being mature and parting ways, they just try to change each others minds about the whole thing? So out of character!!
- Cara and Siomha were bitches!! And Aisling’s mam was so out of line saying Ais wasn’t make a big enough effort when she was so polite in the face of them being awful to her mother who’s normally a dote. I acc got physically angry every time Aisling was made to extend the olive branch (when she’d done nothing wrong bar the spa fight) and they just threw it back in her face
- This wasn’t as annoying but more sad - Aisling’s miscarriage was devastating and it would’ve been so lovely for her and Majella to have had babies at the same time
- how tf is Aisling head of event planning in Europe? She has no qualifications for this apart from being organised
Redeeming bits:
- John and Aisling were beyond cute in this - I’ve loved them all along but in this one they were just so much better. Communicated a lot better and I’m so happy aisling didn’t rush into them getting engaged. The last line where Pablo takes a photo of them is gorgeous “and beside a complete Aisling”
- Majella naming her baby Aisling had me IN FLOODS OF TEARS - they are the definition of friendship goals and I loved that they are both so happy and strong together at the end
- Johns mother finally opening up to Aisling after the miscarriage: it never sat right with me that she was so stand offish with Aisling but she redeemed herself (just a tiny bit) in that moment
- I’ve never agreed with Ruby more when the girls in the baby shower group chat were talking about their love of true crime and she was like “ I found it disgusting people get entertainment and money off these tragedies “ she’s so real for that
- I’m so happy that Irish Gang whatever they’re called in New York wasn’t in this - I found them insufferable in book 4 lol
In fairness this has been a lovely series - I kinda miss the setting of book one though (minus John I love him!) where Sadbh Elaine and Aisling lived together that was a lovely part of the story
Maybe I’ll go back to book one!
Annoying aspects:
- all of book 4 was Aisling finding her feet and adapting to New York life and LOVING IT! And then John (don’t get me wrong I love Aisling and John more than anything) turns up and 50 pages later she’s back in Ireland
- Sadbh and Don and the baby drama - they are grown adults who have been dating for what 3/4 years? And they’ve never discussed whether or not they wanted kids? And instead of being mature and parting ways, they just try to change each others minds about the whole thing? So out of character!!
- Cara and Siomha were bitches!! And Aisling’s mam was so out of line saying Ais wasn’t make a big enough effort when she was so polite in the face of them being awful to her mother who’s normally a dote. I acc got physically angry every time Aisling was made to extend the olive branch (when she’d done nothing wrong bar the spa fight) and they just threw it back in her face
- This wasn’t as annoying but more sad - Aisling’s miscarriage was devastating and it would’ve been so lovely for her and Majella to have had babies at the same time
- how tf is Aisling head of event planning in Europe? She has no qualifications for this apart from being organised
Redeeming bits:
- John and Aisling were beyond cute in this - I’ve loved them all along but in this one they were just so much better. Communicated a lot better and I’m so happy aisling didn’t rush into them getting engaged. The last line where Pablo takes a photo of them is gorgeous “and beside a complete Aisling”
- Majella naming her baby Aisling had me IN FLOODS OF TEARS - they are the definition of friendship goals and I loved that they are both so happy and strong together at the end
- Johns mother finally opening up to Aisling after the miscarriage: it never sat right with me that she was so stand offish with Aisling but she redeemed herself (just a tiny bit) in that moment
- I’ve never agreed with Ruby more when the girls in the baby shower group chat were talking about their love of true crime and she was like “ I found it disgusting people get entertainment and money off these tragedies “ she’s so real for that
- I’m so happy that Irish Gang whatever they’re called in New York wasn’t in this - I found them insufferable in book 4 lol
In fairness this has been a lovely series - I kinda miss the setting of book one though (minus John I love him!) where Sadbh Elaine and Aisling lived together that was a lovely part of the story
Maybe I’ll go back to book one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
Aisling Ever After / Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~ Home is wherever I am with you… ~
An end of an era. While I had aimed to make this series go with me throughout 2024, the availability of them made it so that I have finished. And my emotions.
The character development of Aisling from Book 1 through Book 5 was astounding. She grew so much, while also remaining herself throughout it all. She is Aisling, a bit of a dose sometimes but our dose.
This one picks up exactly where Book 4 ended, and a journey it was. Do I agree with her choice of man? After the other books not really, but by the end I was convinced and they were right for each other.
I was devastated at the halfway mark. IFKYK.
Delighted for her Ma, the two sisters though got their dose of cop on not a second too soon.
All the characters developed so well and evened out it is hard to criticise. Girls went out on a high.
I’m happy I went back to these books. Very Oirish, but very Aisling.
BGB won’t know what hit it, again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~ Home is wherever I am with you… ~
An end of an era. While I had aimed to make this series go with me throughout 2024, the availability of them made it so that I have finished. And my emotions.
The character development of Aisling from Book 1 through Book 5 was astounding. She grew so much, while also remaining herself throughout it all. She is Aisling, a bit of a dose sometimes but our dose.
This one picks up exactly where Book 4 ended, and a journey it was. Do I agree with her choice of man? After the other books not really, but by the end I was convinced and they were right for each other.
I was devastated at the halfway mark. IFKYK.
Delighted for her Ma, the two sisters though got their dose of cop on not a second too soon.
All the characters developed so well and evened out it is hard to criticise. Girls went out on a high.
I’m happy I went back to these books. Very Oirish, but very Aisling.
BGB won’t know what hit it, again.
September 25, 2023
Honestly, disappointed with how it ended. I liked seeing the growth from Aisling but I never felt much for her and John so it fell a bit flat for me and parts felt unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
I watched a BookTok video recently where the creator mimed seeing that a pregnancy storyline had been shanghaied into her romance novel and shutting it in disgust. I have to say I feel much the same about the plotline in toto, and therefore its introduction into the last installment of the Aisling books left me cold. Much like their mentor Marion Keyes, McLysaght and Breen are keen to shove in Themes into every book. This is laudable, but often about as subtle as hiding a Brussels sprout under a pile of chips.
This go round the Themes were the uneasy bedfellows of Miscarriage and Childfree By Choice. I am not a fan of spoiler warnings or trigger tags, but I’d make an exception for miscarriage – there is honestly no plot device I’d rather read about less. And then, to have Don do a last-minute Damascene conversion on his desire to have children –! That reads about as kind and plausible as having Sahdbh do it in the other direction!! People who know they don’t want kids and people who know they do are simply fundamentally incompatible, and I think it’s a disservice to both characters to crash them back together like Barbie dolls so no one in the cast has an unhappy ending.
Majella continued to be the most entertaining character, although I’d shoot her through the eyes from ten feet rather than spend any time in her company – she’s completely insufferable. Aisling remains a well-written character, although by accident or design? We’ll never know. She got her happy ending, complete with Pandora ring and frizzy hair, and if I’d rather vomit and die than get a similar one, well – I’m not even a partial Aisling.
This go round the Themes were the uneasy bedfellows of Miscarriage and Childfree By Choice. I am not a fan of spoiler warnings or trigger tags, but I’d make an exception for miscarriage – there is honestly no plot device I’d rather read about less. And then, to have Don do a last-minute Damascene conversion on his desire to have children –! That reads about as kind and plausible as having Sahdbh do it in the other direction!! People who know they don’t want kids and people who know they do are simply fundamentally incompatible, and I think it’s a disservice to both characters to crash them back together like Barbie dolls so no one in the cast has an unhappy ending.
Majella continued to be the most entertaining character, although I’d shoot her through the eyes from ten feet rather than spend any time in her company – she’s completely insufferable. Aisling remains a well-written character, although by accident or design? We’ll never know. She got her happy ending, complete with Pandora ring and frizzy hair, and if I’d rather vomit and die than get a similar one, well – I’m not even a partial Aisling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
What an absolutely beautiful ending to a beautiful series of books. Starting this series as a scared young girl moving abroad alone and taking a gap from reading and finishing it now as a 24 year old who’s back home in Ireland just like Aisling. Laughs, tears, that lovely Irish humour that I love. Shows what life can really be like, the good the bad the ugly. Everything turns out okay in the end, once we are surrounded by people we love and who love us.
The ending makes me hopeful for my own happy ending that is going to happen for me when I’m ready and the times right. The universe always has a plan and the universe guided Aisling through just like it will me.
The ending makes me hopeful for my own happy ending that is going to happen for me when I’m ready and the times right. The universe always has a plan and the universe guided Aisling through just like it will me.
April 26, 2024
Perfect ending to such a cosy series. Really going to miss these characters!
March 7, 2024
This was the ultimate beach read!!! I laughed, I got choked up - for real. Aisling has become such a complete character and evolved so much over the course of the series; it's really remarkable. There were even some very steamy parts in this one! I liked seeing the storylines thread together and bear fruit, and having very real things happen to Aisling and her friends, like miscarriage and breakups over not wanting kids. The storyline with John was really lovely. What a fitting send-off for Aisling and friends. Hup Ballygobbard!
September 6, 2023
A great ending for a brilliant character, Aisling. Loved her! Loved all of these books.
April 12, 2024
Great ending for Ashling. The other characters also ended up in a good place. Warm witty and true to Irish life in many villages. Well done girls looking forward to film in due course.
March 10, 2025
I could read 100 of these books so sad to be done the series :(
April 1, 2024
I’m sorry to say that I was super disappointed in how this series ended. It’s very personal to me because I strongly related to Aislings story in the first two books - ending a long relationship, discovering a new career and new friends and finding herself… and I wanted her to continue that trajectory and defy all expectations.
Well… that didn’t happen in this case and I’m really angry about it. Even though I know the ending here is probably closer to the reality of a lot of Irish women. But am I silly to wish for more for the Aislings of this world?
Well… that didn’t happen in this case and I’m really angry about it. Even though I know the ending here is probably closer to the reality of a lot of Irish women. But am I silly to wish for more for the Aislings of this world?
December 28, 2023
The fifth and final installment of OMGWACA. I think I’m all Aislinged out as I was only slightly entertained by this one and took me an age to get through. Quite heavy on the pregnancy talk.
February 1, 2025
We are back for another, and final, Aisling book and retuning to New York where Aisling has just answered her door to an unlikely guest. This book sees Aisling mke some big decisions about her future, and as always support her friends as they go through their own milestones.
I was skeptic about this book as I was really unhappy about the return of that character in the last book - I hadn't enjoyed the storyline of them getting back in touch and it borderline felt like emotional cheating. It's very obvious what decisions Aisling is going to make and yes, it was hard to see her leave NYC behind for a return to BGB. Now Aisling is Aisling - she was never going to live in New York for the rest of her life but I would have liked to have seen her make a bit more of a go of it, and stay a bit longer.
In saying all of that, there is something about all of these characters from Aisling, John, mammy, Majella, Sadhb and even Una Hatton that is so lovely and heartwarming and I loved when Aisling back in the heart of things while still being able to balance her corporate life in Dublin. I was worried about what would happen with the relationship because surely it's been tried and failed (twice) before but the character growth and maturity was really there this time and it did feel like a new start for them, and in many ways it was a new John and for the first time ever, I actually liked him!
The pregnancy storyline has Majella gets another big blowout bash for her baby shower and Aisling's own struggles with her own journey really hit me this time - .
I feel sad leaving this gang behind as I enjoy reading about everything going on in BGB!
I was skeptic about this book as I was really unhappy about the return of that character in the last book - I hadn't enjoyed the storyline of them getting back in touch and it borderline felt like emotional cheating. It's very obvious what decisions Aisling is going to make and yes, it was hard to see her leave NYC behind for a return to BGB. Now Aisling is Aisling - she was never going to live in New York for the rest of her life but I would have liked to have seen her make a bit more of a go of it, and stay a bit longer.
In saying all of that, there is something about all of these characters from Aisling, John, mammy, Majella, Sadhb and even Una Hatton that is so lovely and heartwarming and I loved when Aisling back in the heart of things while still being able to balance her corporate life in Dublin. I was worried about what would happen with the relationship because surely it's been tried and failed (twice) before but the character growth and maturity was really there this time and it did feel like a new start for them, and in many ways it was a new John and for the first time ever, I actually liked him!
The pregnancy storyline has Majella gets another big blowout bash for her baby shower and Aisling's own struggles with her own journey really hit me this time - .
I feel sad leaving this gang behind as I enjoy reading about everything going on in BGB!
August 31, 2023
What a brilliant end to a brilliant series 💕
Unlike most of the country, I only started reading the Aisling series this year, when I found out that the final one was being released. Well, what a journey I’ve had. I never expected much from it (I was never in the OG Facebook group either), and was so pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving it. After the first book, I was Aisling obsessed, and now, five books later, I don’t want to let her go 💔
After John surprised her in New York at the end of book four, Aisling has a lot of decisions to make. This book is set between New York and Ireland and there are some gorgeous moments that happen ❤️ each character goes through a lot of development and their story stays true to each of them.
The book begins with a flashback of Aisling and her Daddy when she was little and it sets the tone for what’s to come. Aisling Ever After is full of so much love, even among the moments of grief and change, and it is for sure one that fans of the series will be happy with. I want to commend the authors on how they deal with such sensitive topics in this book, and for giving the characters the time they needed to feel their emotions in such tough situations.
Going into the last book of the series, I had my ideas of what I wanted (or didn’t want) for Aisling, but those changed as the book went on. I know @emerthescreamer and @sarahjaybee have said this is the last one but I would love to revisit Aisling in ten years for a catch up of where her life has taken her. 💗
Unlike most of the country, I only started reading the Aisling series this year, when I found out that the final one was being released. Well, what a journey I’ve had. I never expected much from it (I was never in the OG Facebook group either), and was so pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving it. After the first book, I was Aisling obsessed, and now, five books later, I don’t want to let her go 💔
After John surprised her in New York at the end of book four, Aisling has a lot of decisions to make. This book is set between New York and Ireland and there are some gorgeous moments that happen ❤️ each character goes through a lot of development and their story stays true to each of them.
The book begins with a flashback of Aisling and her Daddy when she was little and it sets the tone for what’s to come. Aisling Ever After is full of so much love, even among the moments of grief and change, and it is for sure one that fans of the series will be happy with. I want to commend the authors on how they deal with such sensitive topics in this book, and for giving the characters the time they needed to feel their emotions in such tough situations.
Going into the last book of the series, I had my ideas of what I wanted (or didn’t want) for Aisling, but those changed as the book went on. I know @emerthescreamer and @sarahjaybee have said this is the last one but I would love to revisit Aisling in ten years for a catch up of where her life has taken her. 💗
January 9, 2024
Loved all the Aisling books and this one was a fitting final. She is brilliant as always along with all of the residents of BGB and always mighty funny but now I'm bubbling because I've finished it. I feel like I’m saying goodbye forever to a real friend. What a truly good for the soul series.
February 10, 2024
I loved this charming series and I’m sad it’s over. The final book was a return to form - it was funny again, and each character grew in a meaningful way. I would have followed these characters through their adulthood, I was so taken with them!
May 20, 2024
I wasn't ready for this to end. 😭
I absolutely adored this series. It has made me laugh something shocking, and I spent most of the last book crying, tbh. Sensitive topics and such a warm way of dealing with them. I just loved it.
I listened to all five books, and Amy McAllister was fantastic!
I absolutely adored this series. It has made me laugh something shocking, and I spent most of the last book crying, tbh. Sensitive topics and such a warm way of dealing with them. I just loved it.
I listened to all five books, and Amy McAllister was fantastic!
September 3, 2023
A beautiful and well deserved ending to a wonderful character.
September 14, 2023
I'm so sorry this is the last in the Aisling series. Loved every one. Funny and poignant.
November 12, 2023
Aisling will forever be one of my all-time favourite characters. Cried at least 3 times reading this one.
November 15, 2023
The perfect ending for my favourite series and all time favourite character ❤️ plently of tears but I loved this book!
February 8, 2024
Couldn't put it down. So sad to finish this series!
April 5, 2024
Really enjoyed this on audiobook a nice finish to the series
August 29, 2025
omg I laughed so hard at this there were some emotional moments but what an end to a fab series
January 26, 2024
I love this series , light reading, a feel good read … plenty of laughs mixed with a sprinkling of emotions
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews