Dear Reader,
Like our favorite Avenger just profoundly claimed earlier this month, one might say that we are ‘laser focused’ on helping you find your next great scent and read. To wrap up our month of books that teeter on the Def Not About Your Celebrity Crush– we’re diving head first–fearless–into Elissa Sussman’s Funny You Should Ask.
Let’s be clear, Gabe Parker is not Chris Evans. Rumor has it the author may or may not have taken inspiration from this Edith Zimmerman profile in GQ the first time America’s Ass took on the shield. Can’t say we blame her, the profile was the first preview image of the dog-loving, progressive, sweater-wearing handsome actor we all know and love. And even we can’t deny we’ve lost track of how many times we watched the Chris Evans Puppy Interview that Buzzfeed finally released while we read this rom-com.
Imagine you’re a young, struggling journalist who only gets assigned listicles, whose only comfort is crafting your barely-read newsletter. Imagine your editor comes to you with the opportunity to write a profile of the man set to be Hollywood’s biggest star (bonus: he’s your celebrity crush). Your interview turns into an entire weekend full of sparks and your profile sets the world ablaze. Your connection with him is clear. It has everyone gossiping… speculating what really happened . . . .
While no one gets the answer to that, the story makes your career.
That’s where the story begins for our main character Chani Horowitz in Funny You Should Ask.
We meet Chani ten years after her fateful interview with Hollywood heartthrob (and her literal number 1 celebrity crush) Gabe Parker. So much has changed for both of them. His career is on the rocks after scandal, he’s divorced, and newly sober. She’s also divorced and is in a place of uncertainty with her writing. But she’s been assigned to write about Gabe once more. This time he’s not donning the part of 007, but of Cary Grant's famous C.K. Dexter in a modern version of The Philadelphia Story.
Chani Horowitz - Love Don’t Be Shy by Killian
notes: second chances and katherine hepburn–-squished between cary grant and jimmy stewart
Sweet and complex, Love Don’t Be Shy smells like second chances and happily ever afters. It starts with top notes of neroli, coriander, bergamot, and pink pepper (our current favorite note). It hits the nose with white floral, vanilla, and caramel in a way that will have sparks flying with the former James Bond. The middle notes are a bouquet of flowers including jasmine, orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose, and iris before finishing with a layer of saccharine musk. This scent will have you checking your inhibitions at the door and giving way to nostalgia and chemistry.
In their first interview, we can see Chani’s struggle to prove herself with a real story while also being drawn to Gabe and trying not to be pulled under his 007 charms. Her inability to tell if he’s acting or if there is chemistry between them keeps the tension between the two thrilling.
Gabe Parker before James Bond - Italian Cypress by Tom Ford
notes: lumber, mint, and the back seat of an expensive car
Woody, aromatic, and a little spicy, this scent smells like a star whose celebrity is on the rise. A man on top of the world with a three-movie deal signed and in the works. The woody notes are a call back to a humble upbringing, but the mint, basil, and citrus notes in Italian Cypress will have hot new journalists charmed and hanging on every word. This scent is sophisticated and absolutely fit for the next 007 (even if he is American).
While they reunite, we get glimpses into that weekend a decade ago. Feeling their connection, the spark, and seeing the missed opportunity for them to have been something really great. From burger joints to the red carpet, we see the different sides of Gabe and of Chani–and how drastically ten years can change a person.
Gabe Parker before C.K. Dexter Haven - Cowboy Grass by D.S & Durga
notes: rosewood, thyme, and getting better with sage
It’s astonishing what money can do for people – a decade later and Gabe isn’t afraid to shy away from delivering an iconic role. Broader, sober, with a nice layer of scruff–this scent begins with sprigs of thyme and rosewood, it evolves into a stunning bergamot with earthy notes of sagebrush and ambergris. This scent reminds us of a celebrity returning to their modest roots, of our hero who didn’t start out as one but might be coming into his own.
After a decade, there is clearly much that needs resolving. Lots of questions float in Chani’s mind, and let’s be clear–it has nothing to do with the actual profile she’s supposed to write. Does the right person at the wrong time exist? Can they make amends and start over–do they even want to start over?
Cozy Montana Hometowns - Flaming Creature by Marissa Zappas
notes: homecomings, rekindling old flames, and fresh starts
Night-blooming jasmine and pink pepper (another one… we know) hit your senses first in a heady haze like nights yearning and hot-as-hell rekindling of old sparks. This scent is woody, slightly sweet, and sexy as hell. Flaming Creature has notes of juniper, and orange, before it settles into a subtle dry down of sandalwood, cedarwood, smoke, patchouli, and a hint of rum that will warm even the coldest winters in Montana.
This story has it all – slow-burn romance, second chances, and absolute yearning. This book made us appreciate classic films like James Bond and The Philadelphia Story, while also giving us a fine appreciation for change and dare we say–hope? Take this book into the final days of summer – we’ll be there with you (also waiting for Chris Evan’s next viral clip).
Until next time, find us on Instagram & TikTok.
Scent-cerely,
Cassie & Taylor