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glass_carousel's review
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
d_dubzz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 ⭐️
Oh my gosh this BOOK!!
If you’re looking to scratch your Taylor Jenkins Reid itch you’re in the right place! This book is so good, I really love the concept and they delivery was fantastic! I really liked the mix of flash backs and present day and articles it really helped with the pacing of the story. I loved gabe sooo much and Chani too! She felt really realistic if not a bit too insecure for me personally to feel an extreme connection to her but she definitely had reason to be.
I would highly reccomend to anyone looking for a fun story with loveable characters and a way to escape ❤️
Oh my gosh this BOOK!!
If you’re looking to scratch your Taylor Jenkins Reid itch you’re in the right place! This book is so good, I really love the concept and they delivery was fantastic! I really liked the mix of flash backs and present day and articles it really helped with the pacing of the story. I loved gabe sooo much and Chani too! She felt really realistic if not a bit too insecure for me personally to feel an extreme connection to her but she definitely had reason to be.
I would highly reccomend to anyone looking for a fun story with loveable characters and a way to escape ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, and Death of parent
mrsbennettreads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
thesmutsister_emma's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Almost, But Not Quite
I am about to commit the sin of all reviewing sins... and make a book comparison. When I first started this book, I devoured the first 25% of it the night I got it on Libby. I was so excited, and if you know me, you are aware of why this is the case. I read Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren last year and have been searching for something similar ever since. Despite being a similar setup, as you can tell from the title, lightening did not quite strike twice in this case.
In Funny You Should Ask, we follow Chani and Gabe on two different sets of interviews a decade apart. We see an alternating timeline, observing what happened ten years ago, versus what is happening in present day. I thought this set up was going to be what did it for me because it was one of the things I adored about Love and Other Words, yet I found myself searching for more.
The Characters
Chani: I felt like when it came to Chani's character, there was much left to be said. I did not feel like I could name any of her personality traits other than the fact that she is Jewish, she is a writer, and she enjoys Star Trek (and has a weird thing for dogs' tongues...) It didn't really feel like I was reading a three dimensional character. I felt like a lot of everything that came with her was very surface level.
Gabe: I feel very similarly about Gabe as I did about Chani. I feel as though most of what happened in this book with Gabe was very surface level. Not a lot of it felt much deeper than if someone had yelled "For the plot!"and carried on. There was an attempt to try to explain why Gabe fell in love with Chani the first time around but honestly? It felt very shallow. Not everything has to have this huge, deeper meaning behind it, but this one didn't really make sense. And it really didn't make sense as to why he still cared ten years later. There was not much there other than common interests and physical attraction that gave me any reason to believe these two should still be in love.
Things I Loved
I adored the set up of this. The idea of a weekend long interview and then an attempt to recreate it to revive Gabe's career was such an amazing concept. I also loved Chani's blog posts and being able to see what she had written over the years, as well as what had been said about each of the characters. It was a neat spin to give some more outside info.
Things I Didn't Love
The way that these characters interacted was amazing, I just wish it had gone deeper. Maybe a few more interactions over the years or more the first time around would have helped me fall in love alongside them. I feel like had I read this before other books with this main trope that I would have enjoyed it more.
The Final Verdict
If you are wanting a second chance romance that is a mash up of. Emily Henry and Christina Lauren's writing styles with a little bit of Lucy Score, this is definitely the one for you. Sending all my love to you and Teddy.
I am about to commit the sin of all reviewing sins... and make a book comparison. When I first started this book, I devoured the first 25% of it the night I got it on Libby. I was so excited, and if you know me, you are aware of why this is the case. I read Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren last year and have been searching for something similar ever since. Despite being a similar setup, as you can tell from the title, lightening did not quite strike twice in this case.
In Funny You Should Ask, we follow Chani and Gabe on two different sets of interviews a decade apart. We see an alternating timeline, observing what happened ten years ago, versus what is happening in present day. I thought this set up was going to be what did it for me because it was one of the things I adored about Love and Other Words, yet I found myself searching for more.
The Characters
Chani: I felt like when it came to Chani's character, there was much left to be said. I did not feel like I could name any of her personality traits other than the fact that she is Jewish, she is a writer, and she enjoys Star Trek (and has a weird thing for dogs' tongues...) It didn't really feel like I was reading a three dimensional character. I felt like a lot of everything that came with her was very surface level.
Gabe: I feel very similarly about Gabe as I did about Chani. I feel as though most of what happened in this book with Gabe was very surface level. Not a lot of it felt much deeper than if someone had yelled "For the plot!"and carried on. There was an attempt to try to explain why Gabe fell in love with Chani the first time around but honestly? It felt very shallow. Not everything has to have this huge, deeper meaning behind it, but this one didn't really make sense. And it really didn't make sense as to why he still cared ten years later. There was not much there other than common interests and physical attraction that gave me any reason to believe these two should still be in love.
Things I Loved
I adored the set up of this. The idea of a weekend long interview and then an attempt to recreate it to revive Gabe's career was such an amazing concept. I also loved Chani's blog posts and being able to see what she had written over the years, as well as what had been said about each of the characters. It was a neat spin to give some more outside info.
Things I Didn't Love
The way that these characters interacted was amazing, I just wish it had gone deeper. Maybe a few more interactions over the years or more the first time around would have helped me fall in love alongside them. I feel like had I read this before other books with this main trope that I would have enjoyed it more.
The Final Verdict
If you are wanting a second chance romance that is a mash up of. Emily Henry and Christina Lauren's writing styles with a little bit of Lucy Score, this is definitely the one for you. Sending all my love to you and Teddy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Sexism, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Car accident
stagemanaginger's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A fun, quick read! I liked that it didn’t go in chronological order and past and present were interspersed with articles and reviews.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
marisacarpico's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Genuinely crazy that I didn't write this. A Before series structured romance set against the backdrop of the Bond franchise? Have you ever heard a more me romance plot in your life???
Anyway, I DEVOURED this thing and it impressed despite my huge expectations. The cover is perhaps a bit misleading, because I expected this to be fluffier than it was. As is, really smart character work. I believed every beat. Brilliant understanding of celebrity culture as well. Every fake article felt right to me. Sussman also clearly did her research on Bond and I was very tickled by the references.
I do think Chani engages in some negative self talk that could occasionally feel overdone, but the imposter syndrome and her lack of confidence makes sense based on the emotionally abusive relationship she spends much of the book in. I do think it's odd and annoying that she doesn't have more female friends, though. I suppose these people exist, but it feels like an odd choice. Gabe is really well-drawn. No notes from me.
I found the structure of jumping back and forth in time and meeting out information slowly really compelling and well done. Created anticipation and mostly delivered except for, I think, one choice younger Gabe made. Some of the things that kept them apart initially perhaps strain credulity, but Sussman does mostly make up for it in the way she emphasizes the characters' lack of maturity 10 years earlier versus now.
Regardless of some minor quibbles, this is one of the more solid romances I've read in the last few years. Some nice language and really smart character work. Not to keep harping on the cover (which I actually quite like, as the color palette is really lovely), but it does put it in a class with all the shitty, obnoxious and yet extremely popular romances of the last few years instead of something with a bit more heft like a Taylor Jenkins Reid joint. Give this a cover more akin to Seven Husbands or Daisy Jones and I think it would be reaching a bigger, better audience.
Anyway, I DEVOURED this thing and it impressed despite my huge expectations. The cover is perhaps a bit misleading, because I expected this to be fluffier than it was. As is, really smart character work. I believed every beat. Brilliant understanding of celebrity culture as well. Every fake article felt right to me. Sussman also clearly did her research on Bond and I was very tickled by the references.
I do think Chani engages in some negative self talk that could occasionally feel overdone, but the imposter syndrome and her lack of confidence makes sense based on the emotionally abusive relationship she spends much of the book in. I do think it's odd and annoying that she doesn't have more female friends, though. I suppose these people exist, but it feels like an odd choice. Gabe is really well-drawn. No notes from me.
I found the structure of jumping back and forth in time and meeting out information slowly really compelling and well done. Created anticipation and mostly delivered except for, I think, one choice younger Gabe made. Some of the things that kept them apart initially perhaps strain credulity, but Sussman does mostly make up for it in the way she emphasizes the characters' lack of maturity 10 years earlier versus now.
Regardless of some minor quibbles, this is one of the more solid romances I've read in the last few years. Some nice language and really smart character work. Not to keep harping on the cover (which I actually quite like, as the color palette is really lovely), but it does put it in a class with all the shitty, obnoxious and yet extremely popular romances of the last few years instead of something with a bit more heft like a Taylor Jenkins Reid joint. Give this a cover more akin to Seven Husbands or Daisy Jones and I think it would be reaching a bigger, better audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Alcoholism
jennylarue's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Easily the most unique styled book I’ve read. Loved how it was told and the turns it took through time and this relationship. Super cute read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexism, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Grief, Homophobia, Antisemitism, and Sexual content
wellreadmegs's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Okay, I'm a little disappointed I didn't like this one more. The plot sounded so interesting and I feel like it didn't live up to the hype. Chani annoyed me so much that it was hard to root for her. I want to acknowledge that she was in an emotionally abusive relationship so I know her confidence was low - but she just kept self-sabotaging herself and it was infuriating! In every instance, Gabe would show interest and she would just shut down.
Both Gabe and Chani had issues in their 20s and we love a rekindling romance - but it didn't hit as hard as I would have liked. Some of their chemistry was good but honestly, Ollie was the unsung hero of this book. I enjoyed the dual timelines of this book and that helped keep the plot moving but I just found myself being too frustrated with Chani and her self-deprecating self to fully enjoy this book.
My favorite scenes in the book involved meeting Gabe's family and their cute bookstore. I would have loved more interaction with the family. Overall this read was decent but definitely don't get the hype it got on BookTok.
Both Gabe and Chani had issues in their 20s and we love a rekindling romance - but it didn't hit as hard as I would have liked. Some of their chemistry was good but honestly, Ollie was the unsung hero of this book. I enjoyed the dual timelines of this book and that helped keep the plot moving but I just found myself being too frustrated with Chani and her self-deprecating self to fully enjoy this book.
My favorite scenes in the book involved meeting Gabe's family and their cute bookstore. I would have loved more interaction with the family. Overall this read was decent but definitely don't get the hype it got on BookTok.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
marysaou's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
There is a serious gap between the cover art and the content of this book. Please, please, someday release another edition with something ambiguous-looking (and not pink!).
Ok, now that I've gotten that out of my system...
This is a slow burn, second-chance, Hollywood celeb/journalist romance that reads a little like one of my favorite authors, Taylor Jenkins Reid. The similarity probably stems from characters who are far from perfect, but you root for them all the same.
There are two timelines: 10 years ago and now. Bouncing back and forth was confusing at first, but I got used to it after a while. Sussman includes bits and pieces of articles throughout the book; some written by our leading lady, and others written about her or Gabe (our heartthrob movie star).
I am a fan of Sussman's voice, and I look forward to reading more of her work! (Preferable with a single timeline...)
TW: addiction and emotional abuse
Ok, now that I've gotten that out of my system...
This is a slow burn, second-chance, Hollywood celeb/journalist romance that reads a little like one of my favorite authors, Taylor Jenkins Reid. The similarity probably stems from characters who are far from perfect, but you root for them all the same.
There are two timelines: 10 years ago and now. Bouncing back and forth was confusing at first, but I got used to it after a while. Sussman includes bits and pieces of articles throughout the book; some written by our leading lady, and others written about her or Gabe (our heartthrob movie star).
I am a fan of Sussman's voice, and I look forward to reading more of her work! (Preferable with a single timeline...)
TW: addiction and emotional abuse
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Alcoholism
Minor: Homophobia
lucyrudd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Car accident, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, and Death