Funny You Should Ask is Elissa Sussman’s debut novel and tells the story of a young journalist who interviews her heartthrob. Told in two time periods a decade apart, fans of romance or women’s fiction will love this one. Funny You Should Ask publishes on April 12, 2022.
From The Publisher:
Then. Twenty-something writer Chani Horowitz is stuck. While her former MFA classmates are nabbing high-profile book deals, all she does is churn out puff pieces. Then she’s hired to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker: her number one celebrity crush and the latest James Bond. All Chani wants to do is keep her cool and nail the piece. But what comes next proves to be life changing in ways she never saw coming, as the interview turns into a whirlwind weekend that has the tabloids buzzing—and Chani getting closer to Gabe than she had planned.
Now. Ten years later, after a brutal divorce and a healthy dose of therapy, Chani is back in Los Angeles as a successful writer with the career of her dreams. Except that no matter what new essay collection or online editorial she’s promoting, someone always asks about The Profile. It always comes back to Gabe. So when his PR team requests that they reunite for a second interview, she wants to say no. She wants to pretend that she’s forgotten about the time they spent together. But the truth is that Chani wants to know if those seventy-two hours were as memorable to Gabe as they were to her. And so . . . she says yes.
Alternating between their first meeting and their reunion a decade later, this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word.
Book Review:
I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. Full of romantic banter, the magnetic draw between Chani and Gabe was palpable. The characters were highly likeable and well developed. The story was engaging and highly entertaining.
The couple first meet when Chani is interviewing Gabe for a celebrity profile. Gabe is a rising star who has just been chosen to play James Bond in a three picture deal. While Chani is nevertheless nervous to meet her heartthrob, the two develop a connection and end up spending the next 72 hours together.
Chani ends up writing the story of a lifetime – one that goes viral and is remembered for years to come. The insinuation that Gabe slept with her for a flattering profile is unjustified. While her career took off after this piece, it has also haunted her. Ten years later, the two meet again for a second interview leaving Chani wondering if the feelings she felt for Gabe were mutual and whether or not they would still be present.
The story is as sweet as it is steamy. The push and pull of the relationship is an ongoing theme. There are also some heavier topics such as alcoholism and homophobia which are written respectfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
What I Liked: I
- The dual time periods
- The palpable push and pull of the relationship with lots of banter
- The respectful delivery of heavier topics
I Recommend This Book To:
Readers who enjoy romance/women’s fiction stories
My Rating:
★★★★☆
Add Funny You Should Ask to your Goodreads shelf
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this review. Who is one of your celebrity crushes? Would you like to interview them? Let me know in the comments! I hope you have a wonderful day. ☺️
Hannah
I haven’t heard of this before, but this sounds like something I would love. I’m definitely going to mark the date down and give it a read. Thanks for sharing xx
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did Hannah! Thanks for reading. ☺️
GWT
‘Funny you should Ask’ I’m smiling at the title. I reckon I’d enjoy this book for all the reasons you did. The Time lines and the push and pulls.
thathappyreader
I hope that you will give this one a read! Thanks for stopping by.
Not-So-Modern-Girl
This sounds a nice light-hearted read, and I love a bit of romantic banter. Thank you for sharing your review 🙂 x
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Eleanor!
Stephanie
I was just reading about this book the other day when I wrote my post for April new releases. It sounds so entertaining! It’s awesome to know that you enjoyed it – and it certainly makes me want to pick it up as well. Great review!
thathappyreader
Thanks Stephanie! I hope you enjoy it should you decide to read it. ☺️
Wendy Williams
I’ve been wondering about this book! I love a second chance romance. Lovely review, Jodie.
thathappyreader
Thank you Wendy! ☺️
readandreviewit
Great review! This sounds like such an amazing read, I love relationships with the push and pull element, and the time split sounds super interesting too. Thanks for sharing, adding this one to my tbr!
thathappyreader
Thank you! ☺️. I hope that you enjoy it Ceri!
Sarah
This is the first time I’m hearing about this book but it certainly sounds like something I would enjoy. While I don’t tend to read a ton of romance, this one sounds like it would ve quite the fun read. Definitely adding it to my TBR.
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it Sarah! Thanks for reading.
Marianela Beauty Tips
I Haven’t read that book yet. Thanks for sharing.
I invite you to visit my last post. Have a good week!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Marianela! I hope you have a good week too!
Katie
I LOVE books about fictional celebrities, and this seems like such a fun read.
thathappyreader
It is a fun read Katie! Thanks for reading.
I'm All Booked Up
We love when books are full of romantic banter. Great review!
thathappyreader
Thank you! Isn’t romantic banter the best?
Her Digital Coffee
What an interesting plot! I’m so intrigued as to what will happen next. It sounds like a fun read, especially the banter and I’m glad it’s respectful towards heavier topics. Thank you for sharing your review!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading!
Jaya Avendel
The dual timelines of this book make it sound like it is an interesting read! I always love it when what happens in the past gives me clues as to what will transpire in the future. 🙂
thathappyreader
Dual times are incredibly insightful in many books for sure. Thanks for reading Jaya.
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