No Funny Business

hour. Hmm, maybe Bernie's timing could be better. In the business of comedy, timing is truly essential. It's one of the first things I learned in comedy class. (And in case you're wondering, there are no squeaky red noses or banana peels involved-just a group of misfit jokesters.) It doesn't take long to grasp that when the timing is off, the punchline won't land, and the whole thing's a disaster. Because no matter what anyone says, there's only one reason a stand-up takes the stage. It's the reason we, the misfit jokesters, were put on this earth to begin with.

 

To make people laugh.

 

Oh, those glorious ha-ha-has, he-he-hes, and ho-ho-hos. Okay, maybe you only get the ho-ho-hos if Santa's taking up two chairs in the audience with sugar cookie crumbs scattered over his beard. The point is that no matter the shape, sound, cadence, or volume, we stand-ups love getting the laugh. In fact, I love it so much that I'm going to ditch that client dinner and claim my birthright.

 

"Of course I can. You know I'll take any stage time I can get."

 

"Thanks, Olivia," Bernie says. "I'll email you the details."

 

I end the call and silently thank the idiot who backed out at the eleventh hour.

 

Since I work as a full-time attorney at the law firm of Whitley, Bauer, Carey, and Klein, it hasn't been easy for a Texas transplant like me to catch my big comedy break. That's why I'm using the Jim Gaffigan plan. That's right-America's favorite pale comedian with the Hot Pockets bit. Don't we just love a famous funny guy with their wife jokes, sex quips, and wacky impressions? And every now and then, America will love a famous funny gal too. As long as she doesn't joke about menses. But she should because the word menses is hilarious.

 

Anyway, legend has it he worked his corporate job to support his family while pursuing stand-up until he hit the showbiz jackpot. I may not have a family to support, but judging by the size of my

you grinning from page one." Amy Lea, author of Set on You

"No Funny Business is a quick, romantic read that will have you rooting for main characters Olivia & Nick from page one. Shenanigans, snafus, laughs, and romance dominates this book. Every new scene and character add to their chemistry until these two finally figure out they're destined for one another. I literally loved it from page one. A truly joyful, romantic book in all the ways you crave. You'll ignore your family until you've read the last page, it's that good!" Aimee Brown, author of The Lucky Dress

"No Funny Business is all funny business. If you are a fan of stand-up comedy, madcap road trips, romance, and strong female characters, you will love this book." Sam Tschida, author of Siri, Who Am I?

"Brimming with endless witty banter, a few hilarious detours, and a surprising level of depth, No Funny Business is the perfect getaway for anyone who's looking for a truly inspiring story filled with nonstop laughter and plenty of heart. One of the best reads I've had in years! No joke." Chelsea Fine, author of Best Kind of Broken

As expected for a comic novel, there are laughs on every page; like Delia, this is a quick read perfect for the beach. Booklist