parlay his team’s success into bigger opportunities at the college level; however, the people of Blue Belle hope that if they tie him down in a happy relationship, he’ll never want to leave. Ronan convinces Nova that fake dating is the answer to both their situations: He’ll hire her as his personal assistant, which will solve her money problems, while her presence will forestall the aggressive matchmakers. The romance is charming and heartfelt. Ronan is afraid to love again after the heartbreaking losses of his past, while Nova believes that love makes all things possible. The lively cast of secondary characters faces problems that feel modern—why are high school teachers vaping in a closet to relieve stress? Why is social media from the rival team so infuriating?—which keeps the small-town setting interesting and fresh. A sexy, fun romance from an author who always delivers.
and pursue the kind of writing she cares about is touching, too. From LA to New York to Gabe’s cozy hometown in Montana, Gabe and Chani’s love story is a delight to read. A slow-burn romance full of passion, yearning, and behindthe-scenes Hollywood details.
FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK
Sussman, Elissa Dell (352 pp.) $17.00 paper | April 12, 2022 978-0-593-35732-3 A journalist and a troubled movie star reconnect after a fateful interview 10 years ago. When journalist Chani Horowitz nabs an interview with actor Gabe Parker, she doesn’t know it’s going to be her big break. She’s jealous that her former MFA classmates are succeeding in the literary world while she’s writing celebrity puff pieces. Gabe may be her No. 1 celebrity crush and the next James Bond, but she doesn’t expect much—that is, until she meets him and they have an instant connection. The interview turns into an invitation to a movie premiere and a party at his house. Her piece on him goes viral, finally earning her fame and a steady career—but right after it comes out, Gabe marries his co-star, and Chani’s left feeling heartbroken and foolish. Ten years later, Chani has the kind of career she could’ve only dreamed about back then. People are clamoring for her next essay collection, but she can’t help feeling like she’s only successful because of Gabe and the fact that everyone wonders if she slept with him during their interview all those years ago. Now, she’s asked to reteam with him for another interview. They’ve both changed—Gabe is divorced and newly sober after nearly throwing away his whole career, and Chani is divorced and unsure about her writing. With 10 years of missteps, learning, and maturity behind them, could this be their chance for a filmworthy happily-ever-after? In her adult debut, Sussman creates a story that’s thrilling wish fulfillment with a dash of wistful melancholy. Chani’s conflict between getting a good story and getting to know Gabe is understandable, and Gabe feels like a real person even though he’s one of the biggest stars in the world. The conversations between Chani and Gabe sparkle with all the charm of The Philadelphia Story, the movie the two of them initially bond over. And although the romance is top-notch, Chani’s struggle to believe in herself 40
|
15 february 2022
|
fiction
|
kirkus.com
|
