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No Funny Business
Two down-on-their-luck comedians embark on a road tour and find more than a few good laughs on the way.
Olivia Vincent dreams of stand-up comedy stardom. Bustling around a busy Manhattan office by day and hustling from club to club by night, she can’t catch a break. Work is falling through the cracks, and after ditching a major client to make a performance, Olivia gets the boot.
Determined to pursue her dreams, she snags an audition in Los Angeles for a coveted spot on late-night TV. But the only way to get there is to join Nick Leto, a seasoned stand-up, on a cross-country road tour. She agrees on one condition—no funny business.
Icky comedy condos, tiny smoking nightclubs, and Nick’s incessant classic rock radio are a far cry from life on the Upper East Side. Reality sets in, and Olivia wonders if she can hack it in showbiz or if she’s just a hack. As Nick helps Olivia improve her act along the way, sparks begin to fly and ignite what they thought was an impossible flame. Maybe being stuck with Nick in a Jeep isn’t so bad. As long as it doesn’t get in the way of Olivia’s actual funny business.
Olivia Vincent dreams of stand-up comedy stardom. Bustling around a busy Manhattan office by day and hustling from club to club by night, she can’t catch a break. Work is falling through the cracks, and after ditching a major client to make a performance, Olivia gets the boot.
Determined to pursue her dreams, she snags an audition in Los Angeles for a coveted spot on late-night TV. But the only way to get there is to join Nick Leto, a seasoned stand-up, on a cross-country road tour. She agrees on one condition—no funny business.
Icky comedy condos, tiny smoking nightclubs, and Nick’s incessant classic rock radio are a far cry from life on the Upper East Side. Reality sets in, and Olivia wonders if she can hack it in showbiz or if she’s just a hack. As Nick helps Olivia improve her act along the way, sparks begin to fly and ignite what they thought was an impossible flame. Maybe being stuck with Nick in a Jeep isn’t so bad. As long as it doesn’t get in the way of Olivia’s actual funny business.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2022
16 people are currently reading
6603 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Aksel
14 books149 followersAmanda Aksel loves anything that’s smart, sexy, and funny. She’s the author of Delia Suits Up, The Marin Test Series and The Londonaire Brothers Series. You’ll often You’ll often find her writing novels about fabulous, independent heroines, pretending to be Sara Bareilles at the piano, watching reruns of Sex and the City, or sprinkling a little too much feta on her salad.
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August 21, 2022
No Funny Business by Amanda Aksel
Olivia Vincent is a comedian but she's also a contract lawyer with school loans in six figures and a lease for a New York apartment she shares with her friend from high school. On her time away from her law job she does stand-up comedy gigs that her agent gets her. When she loses her day job, all thanks to her not putting it first, Olivia sees this as her big chance. Her agent snags her a two week comedy tour with Nick, a full time comedian that Olivia opened for recently. And at the end of her two weeks is an audition that could open the doors to success.
At first glance, Nick is great looking and talented, actually, he's always great looking and talented. But almost immediately, at the start of their tour, traveling by Jeep, Nick's not so great qualities take the forefront. Yet, Olivia can't help imagining what it would be like to be with Nick. It's hard for me to believe because Nick has the stench of not so good things on him and his actions aren't the kind that should draw one to him. So I had trouble believing this tour could lead to romance and there are some really cringe inducing moments between the two. Having said that, their banter can be funny and I can see them as friends, their love of comedy making a really good friendship.
The romance genre isn't something I always get along with so this romcom might be just right for those who usually enjoy romance more than I do. There are some serious moments but there seems to always be a joke connected to those moments and I did laugh out loud at times. But the cringe-y parts took the shine off Nick for me and didn't help Olivia, either.
Published July 12th 2022
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
Olivia Vincent is a comedian but she's also a contract lawyer with school loans in six figures and a lease for a New York apartment she shares with her friend from high school. On her time away from her law job she does stand-up comedy gigs that her agent gets her. When she loses her day job, all thanks to her not putting it first, Olivia sees this as her big chance. Her agent snags her a two week comedy tour with Nick, a full time comedian that Olivia opened for recently. And at the end of her two weeks is an audition that could open the doors to success.
At first glance, Nick is great looking and talented, actually, he's always great looking and talented. But almost immediately, at the start of their tour, traveling by Jeep, Nick's not so great qualities take the forefront. Yet, Olivia can't help imagining what it would be like to be with Nick. It's hard for me to believe because Nick has the stench of not so good things on him and his actions aren't the kind that should draw one to him. So I had trouble believing this tour could lead to romance and there are some really cringe inducing moments between the two. Having said that, their banter can be funny and I can see them as friends, their love of comedy making a really good friendship.
The romance genre isn't something I always get along with so this romcom might be just right for those who usually enjoy romance more than I do. There are some serious moments but there seems to always be a joke connected to those moments and I did laugh out loud at times. But the cringe-y parts took the shine off Nick for me and didn't help Olivia, either.
Published July 12th 2022
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 13, 2022
No Funny Business by Amanda Aksel is a romance novel that falls in the romantic comedy genre. The story in No Funny Business is a standalone that follows a protagonist finding her way in life just as much as in love.
Olivia Vincent has always had dreams of becoming a big name comedian but after her father’s lecture on stability she got a law degree as a back up. Olivia isn’t happy in her career as a lawyer though finding the day to day tedious and only looks forward to nights after work when she can take the stage.
When Olivia’s boss calls her in and points out she isn’t doing that great of a job Olivia takes that as a sign to put her stand up at the forefront and try to make it full time. When offered a spot on fellow comedian Nick Leto’s tour Olivia jumps at the chance but didn’t expect to be in such close quarters traveling with the star.
No Funny Business by Amanda Aksel is the type of romantic comedy that is going to have an audience that loves it but unfortunately I didn’t find myself being one that did. There were certainly times I did laugh during this story but as odd as it sounds I was turned off pretty early when it came to the relationship when learning Nick smoked and Olivia hated that fact. Of course the author reminded the reader of this fact repeatedly so I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to root for them…? Oh well, just not up my alley this time around.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Olivia Vincent has always had dreams of becoming a big name comedian but after her father’s lecture on stability she got a law degree as a back up. Olivia isn’t happy in her career as a lawyer though finding the day to day tedious and only looks forward to nights after work when she can take the stage.
When Olivia’s boss calls her in and points out she isn’t doing that great of a job Olivia takes that as a sign to put her stand up at the forefront and try to make it full time. When offered a spot on fellow comedian Nick Leto’s tour Olivia jumps at the chance but didn’t expect to be in such close quarters traveling with the star.
No Funny Business by Amanda Aksel is the type of romantic comedy that is going to have an audience that loves it but unfortunately I didn’t find myself being one that did. There were certainly times I did laugh during this story but as odd as it sounds I was turned off pretty early when it came to the relationship when learning Nick smoked and Olivia hated that fact. Of course the author reminded the reader of this fact repeatedly so I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to root for them…? Oh well, just not up my alley this time around.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 13, 2023
3.75⭐ rounded up.
What a hoot!
Featuring ~ single POV, comedians, road trip, slow burn, no steamage
I was worried that it would be full of joke after joke after joke, but luckily there was just the right amount to keep me turning the pages quickly. As expected there was quite a bit of famous name dropping.
Olivia is a lawyer by day and an aspiring comedian by night. Her dream is to be a full time comedian, so when she get fired she realizes there's no time like the present to make her dream a reality. Lucky for her, a once in a lifetime opportunity has come up just at the right time.
Nick is a full time comedian and needs someone to go on tour with him. Thus sets forth a fun two week road trip for these strangers as Nick helps Olivia grow and succeed in the world he's known for a while. It wouldn't be a proper road trip without a few bumps along the way though.
Their chemistry was the pg 13 kind and I enjoyed their easy going banter. Bernie was a great agent!
Slow burn rom-com delightfulness that'll have you laughing the cheeseburgers right out of ya.
*Thanks to Berkley Books, Amanda Aksel and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebooka>
What a hoot!
Featuring ~ single POV, comedians, road trip, slow burn, no steamage
I was worried that it would be full of joke after joke after joke, but luckily there was just the right amount to keep me turning the pages quickly. As expected there was quite a bit of famous name dropping.
Olivia is a lawyer by day and an aspiring comedian by night. Her dream is to be a full time comedian, so when she get fired she realizes there's no time like the present to make her dream a reality. Lucky for her, a once in a lifetime opportunity has come up just at the right time.
Nick is a full time comedian and needs someone to go on tour with him. Thus sets forth a fun two week road trip for these strangers as Nick helps Olivia grow and succeed in the world he's known for a while. It wouldn't be a proper road trip without a few bumps along the way though.
Their chemistry was the pg 13 kind and I enjoyed their easy going banter. Bernie was a great agent!
Slow burn rom-com delightfulness that'll have you laughing the cheeseburgers right out of ya.
*Thanks to Berkley Books, Amanda Aksel and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebooka>
did-not-finish
July 20, 2022DNF @ 33%: This wasn't necessarily bad, but the tone of this just did not work for me at all. It definitely did have it's funny moments, but I feel like the delivery didn't land as well in book form as they might have in an actual stand up special. TL;DR: this was fine, but not my vibe!
March 21, 2022
Olivia Vincent is an aspiring comedian with a law degree she earned mostly to appease her father who worried about her ability to provide for herself if she didn't have something solid to fall back on. As much as he loved comedy, he wasn't about to see his daughter who he raised on his own, struggle as a comedian. But she's miserable. Law is so boring, but the stage is fun, energizing and exciting. And making people laugh is the best feeling ever. But this is the Olivia Vincent Plan— work a "real" job and do gigs in the evening until she gets big enough to quit the law firm. It's slow, but safe. But when she hands off her work responsibilities for a last-minute opportunity to open for Nick Leto, it's the last straw, and her New York law firm lets her go. Lucky for her, Nick sees something in the budding comic and her agent offers her a touring gig with Nick for a couple weeks, AND an audition for the Late Night Show with Anderson Vanderson in LA. She jumps at the opportunity to learn as a touring comedian under the wing of someone as talented as Nick and really make comedy her full-time job. Her agent points out that although Nick is good looking, she is not to go there and makes Olivia promise—No funny business.
No Funny Business was fun, rated PG-13? rom-com. Their relationship is not even mostly about physical attraction—they respect each other as comedians and people first. Their road trip is a wild, burger-fueled tour of the US. It's upbeat and fast. Like a young, modern Mrs. Maisel and a cleaned-up Lenny Bruce go on tour, minus the jail time. (In the book, they say they are like Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld. Also minus the jail time lol)
Highly recommend.
Thank you to the author for an early copy!
No Funny Business was fun, rated PG-13? rom-com. Their relationship is not even mostly about physical attraction—they respect each other as comedians and people first. Their road trip is a wild, burger-fueled tour of the US. It's upbeat and fast. Like a young, modern Mrs. Maisel and a cleaned-up Lenny Bruce go on tour, minus the jail time. (In the book, they say they are like Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld. Also minus the jail time lol)
Highly recommend.
Thank you to the author for an early copy!
July 20, 2022
I would call this book a farce but that implies it is a joke and this book doesn’t have any jokes.
It was constructed to be my worst nightmare.
I received a free audiobook from PRH audio in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own.
CWs: parent death by cancer, grief, counting calories (minor and only in one scene but just noting here)
It was constructed to be my worst nightmare.
I received a free audiobook from PRH audio in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own.
CWs: parent death by cancer, grief, counting calories (minor and only in one scene but just noting here)
June 15, 2022
I’ve never read a romance where the main characters are comedians before and that was such a fun angle! It provided a unique backdrop that I’ve never read before too and add in a cross country road trip and I was sold! As much as there is a romance developing between Olivia and Nick it almost felt like it took a backseat to Olivia and her personal growth. That was ok with me because I was invested enough in her anyway, just know this isn’t all that sexy and it’s closed door too, again Nick and Olivia both have to figure their own shit out in order to move forward both professionally and romantically. There were some great pop culture references from the 90’s and before that I loved and plenty of laughs, these two are comics after all! I really enjoyed this one and think if you know what to expect you just might too.
July 23, 2022
Olivia dreams of being a successful stand up comedian one day. Until she hits it big, she does some stand up on the side while working in an office all day. Unfortunately, she isn't able to balance not jobs and ends up losing her day job.
She decides to go all in with her stand up, embarking on a stand up cross country tour with another comedian, Nick.
Forced to be together nearly 24x7, Nick and Olivia become close and start to emulate the friendship of Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld, teetering on the line between friends and more.
This was fun rom-com, I loved the music discussions and Seinfeld references. What I loved even more was the vulnerability of the characters and their strong will fighting against the naysayers.
Olivia and Nick were a fun twosome but I loved that it wasn't always fun and games.
She decides to go all in with her stand up, embarking on a stand up cross country tour with another comedian, Nick.
Forced to be together nearly 24x7, Nick and Olivia become close and start to emulate the friendship of Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld, teetering on the line between friends and more.
This was fun rom-com, I loved the music discussions and Seinfeld references. What I loved even more was the vulnerability of the characters and their strong will fighting against the naysayers.
Olivia and Nick were a fun twosome but I loved that it wasn't always fun and games.
July 11, 2022
Olivia Vincent became a lawyer because her father wanted her to have a secure future. However, her father was a comedian and that is something that she has always dreamed of for herself. Olivia decides that she is going to stop doing so small gigs and to actually go on tour and try to land a late night TV comedy spot.
Going on tour is not something she does alone. In fact, she ends up working alongside Nick Leto, a comedian who has a lot more experience than she does and hopefully as they cross the country working together she can gain experience and get the job of her dreams. Olivia does not expect the connection that she finds with Nick.
Although their cross country tour only takes place over a period of ten days, Olivia and Nick experience a mix of emotions when it comes to their past, present and future. With no end of jokes in this rather touching story, it is nice to see that their dreams changed as their relationship bloomed. Name dropping is a big deal in this book. In fact, Olivia is his Elaine to Nick’s Jerry Seinfeld. That is only of the enjoyable things about this latest book by Amanda Aksel.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Going on tour is not something she does alone. In fact, she ends up working alongside Nick Leto, a comedian who has a lot more experience than she does and hopefully as they cross the country working together she can gain experience and get the job of her dreams. Olivia does not expect the connection that she finds with Nick.
Although their cross country tour only takes place over a period of ten days, Olivia and Nick experience a mix of emotions when it comes to their past, present and future. With no end of jokes in this rather touching story, it is nice to see that their dreams changed as their relationship bloomed. Name dropping is a big deal in this book. In fact, Olivia is his Elaine to Nick’s Jerry Seinfeld. That is only of the enjoyable things about this latest book by Amanda Aksel.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 27, 2022
A cross country road trip with an unlikely comedy duo. Lots of adventures and sexy times!
While I love Olivia’s backstory and character arc, this story struggled with hitting emotional beats. The punched weren’t strong enough to really feel the hit.
And the romance fell flat in the sizzle department- I just didn’t buy the strong feeling described. I so wanted to love this one.
While I love Olivia’s backstory and character arc, this story struggled with hitting emotional beats. The punched weren’t strong enough to really feel the hit.
And the romance fell flat in the sizzle department- I just didn’t buy the strong feeling described. I so wanted to love this one.
July 16, 2022
Attorney by day and comedian by night, Olivia moved from Texas to NYC to pursue her dreams of becoming a stand up comic. She just had to pay off student loans first. When she gets fired from her job, she takes the opportunity of a lifetime to audition for a late night comedy show all the way in LA, while going on a 2-week cross country tour with the charming comedy headliner Nick Leto. This is it. It’s meant to be. Is comedy really what Olivia is supposed to be doing with her life?
Such a delightful and comical coming of age slash romance! I loved the comedy snippets (one particular line towards the end cracked me up) and I loved that there were some unexpected parts plugged in throughout the story. The cross country road trip was literally a comedy of errors, but a lot of self-discovery too along the way. I definitely was a fan of the writing style, so I recommend this to fans of THE WEDDING RINGER.
Such a delightful and comical coming of age slash romance! I loved the comedy snippets (one particular line towards the end cracked me up) and I loved that there were some unexpected parts plugged in throughout the story. The cross country road trip was literally a comedy of errors, but a lot of self-discovery too along the way. I definitely was a fan of the writing style, so I recommend this to fans of THE WEDDING RINGER.
July 13, 2022
This book is a quick read with great banter and fun moments.
this book is less romance and more “coming of age” - the Main character goes through lots of life changes & tackles some past grief that predominates the story line.
I loved the incorporation of road trips, burgers, & comedy.
this book is less romance and more “coming of age” - the Main character goes through lots of life changes & tackles some past grief that predominates the story line.
I loved the incorporation of road trips, burgers, & comedy.
May 4, 2022
Books that make me laugh out loud are more precious than ever these days, and NO FUNNY BUSINESS certainly delivers!
This is a fresh, fun-filled story about the path to healing and self-fulfillment. NFB has a happy energy and playfulness throughout, with a focus on chasing your dreams against all odds. Everyone knows I'm a sucker for pop culture jokes, and Seinfeld fans: you'll love all the references in this one.
Another feel-good, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with heart from Amanda Aksel.
This is a fresh, fun-filled story about the path to healing and self-fulfillment. NFB has a happy energy and playfulness throughout, with a focus on chasing your dreams against all odds. Everyone knows I'm a sucker for pop culture jokes, and Seinfeld fans: you'll love all the references in this one.
Another feel-good, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with heart from Amanda Aksel.
September 5, 2022
This wasn't the one for me in any way. If you're going to write a book about comedians, at least try to make the book funny. I didn't like the characters, there was barely any romance to speak of, the plotline was not the most interesting, and well, the writing was not funny.
The two stars are for potential and the fact that I did not absolutely detest it. However, it was a struggle to finish it, and I cannot say with any conviction that I enjoyed any part of it. Of course, this book may appeal to other people if this is the type of romance they like? But definitely not for me.
And I'm out.
The two stars are for potential and the fact that I did not absolutely detest it. However, it was a struggle to finish it, and I cannot say with any conviction that I enjoyed any part of it. Of course, this book may appeal to other people if this is the type of romance they like? But definitely not for me.
And I'm out.
July 13, 2022
Now, I'm sure this book is for someone, but it isn't for me. I had trouble connecting to the protagonist, who is aggressively quippy (a requirement, I suppose, in a book about a stand-up comedian), is the definition of a mess (and a flake and a narcissist), and has a manic edge that could have been interesting if explored seriously but was mostly just irritating. Further, as a native Texan, I found the (I'm sure well-intentioned) representation of a Texan character ranged from hollow to offensive, with only the occasional detour into relatable.
Now, the relationship between a Texan and her state is inherently complicated by the strong state identity all Texans hold or at least grew up around, and it only becomes more complex when viewed through an intersectional lens, of course. For this reason (and others — hello, pop culture stereotypes!), I'm always wary of (and inevitably disappointed by) attempts by non-Texans (even Texan-adjacent people, as in this case) to write a Texan protagonist. That's why I never knowingly pick up a book set in Texas or about a Texan unless it's from an author I trust (like Ferber or Michener). But I didn't know that about this book going in, and despite a few moments of despair and outrage, I decided to grit my teeth, ignore as much of the nonsense as possible, and... it was okay. It's an okay book. But it is not for me. I admit I might have liked it more if the the main character wasn't from a place I know so well — and didn't shove it in my face so much. But that part, at least is true — if there's a Texan in the room, she'll make sure you know it!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have no idea what "take your time Texas" is all about because nobody in Texas does *ahem*, but I do know it's 10 o'clock, which is one of three official Dr. Pepper times, so I'm off to drink a bite to eat and forget this ever happened. Y'all take care.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now, the relationship between a Texan and her state is inherently complicated by the strong state identity all Texans hold or at least grew up around, and it only becomes more complex when viewed through an intersectional lens, of course. For this reason (and others — hello, pop culture stereotypes!), I'm always wary of (and inevitably disappointed by) attempts by non-Texans (even Texan-adjacent people, as in this case) to write a Texan protagonist. That's why I never knowingly pick up a book set in Texas or about a Texan unless it's from an author I trust (like Ferber or Michener). But I didn't know that about this book going in, and despite a few moments of despair and outrage, I decided to grit my teeth, ignore as much of the nonsense as possible, and... it was okay. It's an okay book. But it is not for me. I admit I might have liked it more if the the main character wasn't from a place I know so well — and didn't shove it in my face so much. But that part, at least is true — if there's a Texan in the room, she'll make sure you know it!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have no idea what "take your time Texas" is all about because nobody in Texas does *ahem*, but I do know it's 10 o'clock, which is one of three official Dr. Pepper times, so I'm off to drink a bite to eat and forget this ever happened. Y'all take care.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
A cross country adventure featuring two stand up comedians trying to make it big. Olivia is struggling to get her big break-she’s working to pursue her passion while working as a lawyer while Nick is headlining his own tour, but still hasn’t made it in the business he way he had hoped. Their mutual agent books them a tour that ends with an audition for a late night talk show. As they drive across country making stops in various states to do shows at local comedy clubs, they get to know each other and sparks fly.
Close proximity romance can be hit or miss for me, but this was pretty fun. Super quick and easy read, I read it in one sitting while at the beach.
Thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Close proximity romance can be hit or miss for me, but this was pretty fun. Super quick and easy read, I read it in one sitting while at the beach.
Thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
July 25, 2022
I wanted to love this but it was just ok. I read it all fairly fast, it had a decent plot but the character was unbelievable. Nobody goes through law school and then decides comedy is my thing. I couldn’t get on that train sorry!
August 24, 2022
This was the first book of Amanda Aksel's I read. I found the premise to be such an original and creative idea.
Olivia Vincent has always had a dream to be a stand up comic, but she went the safe route and built herself a career in law. When Olivia is suddenly fired she believes this is her chance to finally pursue her dream career in comedy. She takes a gig opening for a popular comic. That's where the sparks start between her and comic Nick Leto.
The timing all seems right because Nick needs an opening act, and he invites Olivia on a cross country road tripping tour. As these two begin to get to know one another, the deeper issues that plague each of them is revealed. The connection between them continues to grow, and they have to decide if this budding friendship is a lot more than either of them expected.
The story felt like a really original idea and that drew me in to the book. I really loved hearing some of the jokes Olivia had towards the end of the book and even wished for more of them since those were so funny. I would have enjoyed hearing some of Nick's act too. There's an only one bed scenario and I'm such a sucker for that trope! I also enjoyed hearing about all the famous comedians and bringing in that history element.
I would be interested in seeing what Amanda comes up with next!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of
the traveling ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia Vincent has always had a dream to be a stand up comic, but she went the safe route and built herself a career in law. When Olivia is suddenly fired she believes this is her chance to finally pursue her dream career in comedy. She takes a gig opening for a popular comic. That's where the sparks start between her and comic Nick Leto.
The timing all seems right because Nick needs an opening act, and he invites Olivia on a cross country road tripping tour. As these two begin to get to know one another, the deeper issues that plague each of them is revealed. The connection between them continues to grow, and they have to decide if this budding friendship is a lot more than either of them expected.
The story felt like a really original idea and that drew me in to the book. I really loved hearing some of the jokes Olivia had towards the end of the book and even wished for more of them since those were so funny. I would have enjoyed hearing some of Nick's act too. There's an only one bed scenario and I'm such a sucker for that trope! I also enjoyed hearing about all the famous comedians and bringing in that history element.
I would be interested in seeing what Amanda comes up with next!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of
the traveling ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆?
Well that’s the premise of the new rom com, No Funny Business.
Olivia Vincent works in a law office by day, but her true passion is stand up comedy. While her career brings in cash, her comedy brings her joy. So she does what a lot of us do- keeps the 9 to 5 for stability, while pursuing her true love on the side.
But juggling work and play doesn’t always come easy. Inevitably something doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So when Olivia gets fired from law for not giving 100 percent, the initial panic quickly gives way to literal comic relief.
Excited, Olivia reaches out to her agent to let her know she’s available for more gigs. Before she can say “is this thing on”, Olivia finds herself journeying cross country to try out for a spot on late night TV. The punchline? She has to make the trip with the funny and foxy, Nick Leto, all while keeping things strictly platonic, no joke.
On the road Olivia and Nick encounter a lot of predictable, yet entertaining pitfalls. There’s smoky comedy clubs, flat tires, and the ultimate forced proximity trope, one bed. While the flirtation between Olivia and Nick is quickly established, the reason for readers to root for them as a couple is not. As a result, I wanted more out of the romantic aspect of this book.
As for the comedic part, I wanted a bit more there as well. I like that there is some attention paid to the crazy, yet still popular, notion that women can’t be funny. Although Margaret Cho wouldn’t be my go to example, the fact the this still needs to even be addressed in 2022 confounds me. That being said, I wanted more actual joke telling. Sure, we get bits of Olivia’s stand up, but we never really get to know what made Nick so amazing.
All in all, No Funny Business offers a fresh change of scenery, but could use some new material to get some true respect.
Well that’s the premise of the new rom com, No Funny Business.
Olivia Vincent works in a law office by day, but her true passion is stand up comedy. While her career brings in cash, her comedy brings her joy. So she does what a lot of us do- keeps the 9 to 5 for stability, while pursuing her true love on the side.
But juggling work and play doesn’t always come easy. Inevitably something doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So when Olivia gets fired from law for not giving 100 percent, the initial panic quickly gives way to literal comic relief.
Excited, Olivia reaches out to her agent to let her know she’s available for more gigs. Before she can say “is this thing on”, Olivia finds herself journeying cross country to try out for a spot on late night TV. The punchline? She has to make the trip with the funny and foxy, Nick Leto, all while keeping things strictly platonic, no joke.
On the road Olivia and Nick encounter a lot of predictable, yet entertaining pitfalls. There’s smoky comedy clubs, flat tires, and the ultimate forced proximity trope, one bed. While the flirtation between Olivia and Nick is quickly established, the reason for readers to root for them as a couple is not. As a result, I wanted more out of the romantic aspect of this book.
As for the comedic part, I wanted a bit more there as well. I like that there is some attention paid to the crazy, yet still popular, notion that women can’t be funny. Although Margaret Cho wouldn’t be my go to example, the fact the this still needs to even be addressed in 2022 confounds me. That being said, I wanted more actual joke telling. Sure, we get bits of Olivia’s stand up, but we never really get to know what made Nick so amazing.
All in all, No Funny Business offers a fresh change of scenery, but could use some new material to get some true respect.
July 27, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
This was a fun closed-door, road trip romance between two standup comedians traveling around the country trying to get a big break. Nick is more established, while Olivia has quit her corporate job to take a chance on her standup dreams. Things start off platonically but the forced proximity and an only one-bed situation change things. Steam lovers will be a tad disappointed with the fade to black/closed door nature of the romance but I still really enjoyed the banter between the two MCs and the deep conversations they have on the road about the loss of loved ones and divorce.
I loved Olivia's gumption and her standup set near the end of the book was amazing! I wish there had been more of her material sprinkled throughout the book and not just at the end! I didn't love the narrator for this book and I wish it would have been a dual POV story but overall it was still very enjoyable! Recommended for fans of Funny feelings by Tarah DeWitt. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a fun closed-door, road trip romance between two standup comedians traveling around the country trying to get a big break. Nick is more established, while Olivia has quit her corporate job to take a chance on her standup dreams. Things start off platonically but the forced proximity and an only one-bed situation change things. Steam lovers will be a tad disappointed with the fade to black/closed door nature of the romance but I still really enjoyed the banter between the two MCs and the deep conversations they have on the road about the loss of loved ones and divorce.
I loved Olivia's gumption and her standup set near the end of the book was amazing! I wish there had been more of her material sprinkled throughout the book and not just at the end! I didn't love the narrator for this book and I wish it would have been a dual POV story but overall it was still very enjoyable! Recommended for fans of Funny feelings by Tarah DeWitt. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 26, 2022
I’ve been reading No Funny Business for the past week, and it was a light and fun read. I wasn’t itching to pick it back up though. While it was easy to get lost in and help turn my brain off for a bit, it wasn’t one that will stick with me.
I honestly have no complaints about the novel though. The characters were likable, the premise was fun and one I haven’t seen, and I loved the road trip aspect.
Overall, it was a good book that I would recommend if you like stand up comedy, light reading, or a close proximity love story.
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the arc in exchange for my honest review 💜
I honestly have no complaints about the novel though. The characters were likable, the premise was fun and one I haven’t seen, and I loved the road trip aspect.
Overall, it was a good book that I would recommend if you like stand up comedy, light reading, or a close proximity love story.
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the arc in exchange for my honest review 💜
July 8, 2022
3.5 stars
No Funny Business is a rom-com about two stand-up comedians going on tour together. I haven't read another rom-com about comedians and really enjoyed the premise. There were a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments and many references to Seinfeld and Elvis Presley. I liked the main heroine Olivia, but it took me a while to warm up to Nick, the love interest, what with his smoking and bringing women to the hotel rooms. Also, the book has very little steam and a very awkward sex scene, which I didn't love. But, overall, I enjoyed No Funny Business. It was a quick and satisfying read.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
No Funny Business is a rom-com about two stand-up comedians going on tour together. I haven't read another rom-com about comedians and really enjoyed the premise. There were a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments and many references to Seinfeld and Elvis Presley. I liked the main heroine Olivia, but it took me a while to warm up to Nick, the love interest, what with his smoking and bringing women to the hotel rooms. Also, the book has very little steam and a very awkward sex scene, which I didn't love. But, overall, I enjoyed No Funny Business. It was a quick and satisfying read.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
August 26, 2022
Cute story about seizing opportunities and following your dream. I loved getting to know Olivia and Nick as well as learning more about life in stand-up comedy. Their road trip brought them into many different situations and introduced them to many interesting people. I laughed a lot but there were still a few heartfelt moments. Perfect for a rainy Friday to get you ready for the weekend.
August 10, 2024
this was terrible, cringe levels were off the charts. i'm so glad it's over.
August 8, 2022
Forced proximity romance about two comedians on a road trip? Sold. While the cover gives off carefree vibes, the content has some deeper moments that really added to the depth of the story & I loved Olivia and Nick’s story.
Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2022
Irreverently written, No Funny Business was a more fun read for me after Amanda's debut, Delia Suits Up. I knew Amanda could write and wanted to try her again. I strongly feel that she's an author that will continue to refine her craft and improve (again for me) with each consecutive book.
Olivia desperately wants to pursue her passion of comedy and leave behind her law degree. The stars align and she jumps on a cross country tour with headliner and pro, Nick Leto.
The humor throughout is prevalent and comedian MCs naturally gave me those expectations. I would have loved to hear more of Nick's humor and talent but I did appreciate the levity brought in for both MCs with their individual heartaches.
Thank you to the author for the traveling arc and opportunity to read early. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Olivia desperately wants to pursue her passion of comedy and leave behind her law degree. The stars align and she jumps on a cross country tour with headliner and pro, Nick Leto.
The humor throughout is prevalent and comedian MCs naturally gave me those expectations. I would have loved to hear more of Nick's humor and talent but I did appreciate the levity brought in for both MCs with their individual heartaches.
Thank you to the author for the traveling arc and opportunity to read early. All thoughts in this review are my own.
September 13, 2022
This is a solid three-star romantic comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the world of stand-up comedy and really enjoyed the flirtation between the two main characters. I did expect the book to be funnier. There is really only one scene in which we get to hear a character actually make jokes, and I wanted much more of those. It's definitely a pleasant read, about a profession not often included in fiction, but readers expecting a lot of laughs may be disappointed.
November 6, 2022
https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/ama...
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
No Funny Business follows two comedians on a cross-country road trip to get to an audition in LA. As you can expect from the subject matter, there is a lot of humor in this book. This book certainly had me chuckling throughout! Nick and Olivia found themselves in a series of ridiculous situations that were a lot of fun to read.
Olivia's character was very well-developed, and I was rooting for her from the start. She struggles with some personal issues throughout the road trip, which provided a nice contrast to the lighthearted comedy scenes.
I was a little skeptical of Nick and Olivia's relationship at first. Nick clearly has some baggage and less-than-ideal qualities, but Olivia is drawn to him nonetheless. Their banter was great, though, and I came around to Nick eventually.
I read Delia Suits Up last year, and enjoyed No Funny Business even more. I'm excited to see what Aksel delivers next!
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
No Funny Business follows two comedians on a cross-country road trip to get to an audition in LA. As you can expect from the subject matter, there is a lot of humor in this book. This book certainly had me chuckling throughout! Nick and Olivia found themselves in a series of ridiculous situations that were a lot of fun to read.
Olivia's character was very well-developed, and I was rooting for her from the start. She struggles with some personal issues throughout the road trip, which provided a nice contrast to the lighthearted comedy scenes.
I was a little skeptical of Nick and Olivia's relationship at first. Nick clearly has some baggage and less-than-ideal qualities, but Olivia is drawn to him nonetheless. Their banter was great, though, and I came around to Nick eventually.
I read Delia Suits Up last year, and enjoyed No Funny Business even more. I'm excited to see what Aksel delivers next!
July 9, 2022
If you are a big fan of the Marvelous Mrs Maisel, I think you’ll enjoy No Funny Business by @amandaaksel! In the novel, Olivia is working as a lawyer and moonlighting as a comedian at night. She takes any stage time she can get, even if that means her day job suffers.
After she’s let go by her firm, her agent gets her an audition for a late night talk show in LA. However, Olivia is tight on money for a plane ticket. But her agent also gets her a job on a 2 week tour opening for a pretty big name comedian, Nick Leto. The tour isn’t exactly what she expects, but she’s learns so much. Nick and Olivia drive to each show in his Jeep Wrangler and stay in “comedy condos” across the country. Each one is pretty gross, but this is what it takes to be a comedian.
Olivia is also working out some personal issues in the road. She was raised by a single father who worked hard to give his daughter a better life. This is why Olivia went to law school when she really wanted to pursue comedy. But her father passes away at a young age, and she never gets to discuss her goals with him. It was hard to see Olivia struggle with this, but I think that’s what being in your 20s is about. Learning to balance what you want to do with what you can afford to do and dreams.
Nick is hilarious and he and Olivia have a great rapport. He made it to his own comedy special on tv and never made it further than that. He has some of his own issues he’s working out and we see some of those later in the book. I loved Nick and Olivia’s burger rankings (I agree with Nick that Shake Shack is #1) and their discussions of how they ended up in comedy and what comedians inspired them along the way. Nick is even inspired by Lenny Bruce! This is also one of the few cases that the title of the book fits perfectly. If you love stand up, this is the perfect book for you!
After she’s let go by her firm, her agent gets her an audition for a late night talk show in LA. However, Olivia is tight on money for a plane ticket. But her agent also gets her a job on a 2 week tour opening for a pretty big name comedian, Nick Leto. The tour isn’t exactly what she expects, but she’s learns so much. Nick and Olivia drive to each show in his Jeep Wrangler and stay in “comedy condos” across the country. Each one is pretty gross, but this is what it takes to be a comedian.
Olivia is also working out some personal issues in the road. She was raised by a single father who worked hard to give his daughter a better life. This is why Olivia went to law school when she really wanted to pursue comedy. But her father passes away at a young age, and she never gets to discuss her goals with him. It was hard to see Olivia struggle with this, but I think that’s what being in your 20s is about. Learning to balance what you want to do with what you can afford to do and dreams.
Nick is hilarious and he and Olivia have a great rapport. He made it to his own comedy special on tv and never made it further than that. He has some of his own issues he’s working out and we see some of those later in the book. I loved Nick and Olivia’s burger rankings (I agree with Nick that Shake Shack is #1) and their discussions of how they ended up in comedy and what comedians inspired them along the way. Nick is even inspired by Lenny Bruce! This is also one of the few cases that the title of the book fits perfectly. If you love stand up, this is the perfect book for you!
July 22, 2022
After reading Askel's Delia Suits Up, I was looking forward to reading another book by her and I enjoyed NO FUNNY BUSINESS even more than I expected. The book had such a unique premise, with a focus full of laughs and taking every opportunity you can.
After Olivia is let go from her job as a lawyer, she's free to take her show on the road, literally. With dreams of being a big-time comedian and the chance to go on tour with Nick Leto, we're taken along for the ride as the two comedians tour the country and get to know each other.
At first, I didn't like Nick, but as the story went on I enjoyed how Askel wrote this friends to lovers, close proximity romance for how different it was. While this romcom could've delved a little deeper into the characters, I felt like the light-hearted fun worked well for this particular story and setting and while I'm not a comedian, I thought the behind-the-scenes work of show to show and how each of them writes their story into a set was very realistic and fun.
I know joking about personal experiences is not for everyone so I highly recommend anyone considering picking up this title to check out the trigger warnings for this one. While I enjoyed the way comedy was a way of moving on for our MC, I know the jokes may not be received the same way for those dealing with death, divorce or some of the other issues brought up by our MCs.
Thank you to the author, Berkley Romance & NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
After Olivia is let go from her job as a lawyer, she's free to take her show on the road, literally. With dreams of being a big-time comedian and the chance to go on tour with Nick Leto, we're taken along for the ride as the two comedians tour the country and get to know each other.
At first, I didn't like Nick, but as the story went on I enjoyed how Askel wrote this friends to lovers, close proximity romance for how different it was. While this romcom could've delved a little deeper into the characters, I felt like the light-hearted fun worked well for this particular story and setting and while I'm not a comedian, I thought the behind-the-scenes work of show to show and how each of them writes their story into a set was very realistic and fun.
I know joking about personal experiences is not for everyone so I highly recommend anyone considering picking up this title to check out the trigger warnings for this one. While I enjoyed the way comedy was a way of moving on for our MC, I know the jokes may not be received the same way for those dealing with death, divorce or some of the other issues brought up by our MCs.
Thank you to the author, Berkley Romance & NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
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