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Business or Pleasure
Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in "ghostwriter" until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.
Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.
Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there's a way for them to have both.
Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.
Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there's a way for them to have both.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2023
About the author
Rachel Lynn Solomon
14 books7,672 followersRachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she's currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.
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April 23, 2023Business or Pleasure is my third adult romcom, releasing July 4, 2023! It's much spicier than my previous books and I had an absolute blast writing it.
Some of what you can expect:
- Jewish heroine with anxiety, Jewish hero with OCD
- traveling across the country with your terrible one-night stand
- "teach me how to dirty talk"
- so much forced proximity
- a cult hit paranormal TV show
- complicated career feelings, especially imposter syndrome
Content warnings:
- explicit sex, including some light kink
- abortion (past)
- parental abandonment and emotional abuse (past)
- on-page panic attack
This book is a standalone, but it does technically complete my "women in journalism doing questionably ethical things" trifecta. I'm so excited for you to meet Chandler and Finn!
Some of what you can expect:
- Jewish heroine with anxiety, Jewish hero with OCD
- traveling across the country with your terrible one-night stand
- "teach me how to dirty talk"
- so much forced proximity
- a cult hit paranormal TV show
- complicated career feelings, especially imposter syndrome
Content warnings:
- explicit sex, including some light kink
- abortion (past)
- parental abandonment and emotional abuse (past)
- on-page panic attack
This book is a standalone, but it does technically complete my "women in journalism doing questionably ethical things" trifecta. I'm so excited for you to meet Chandler and Finn!
January 24, 2023
the two MCs have one of the healthiest relationships i have ever read about and i definitely think thats why this book is getting so many high ratings this early on.
the communication. the vulnerability. the acceptance. the flirting. the compromises. the openness. the positivity. the friendship. all of it is so good to see in a romance book.
the only reason this isnt getting a higher rating from me is because RLS commits one of my greatest pet peeves and thats the overuse of pop culture references.
but regardless of that, this is such a fun, cute read. the travelling from comic con to comic con definitely give this a summer holiday feel, so this is a story to look forward to this june.
thanks for the ARC, berkley!
↠ 4 stars
the communication. the vulnerability. the acceptance. the flirting. the compromises. the openness. the positivity. the friendship. all of it is so good to see in a romance book.
the only reason this isnt getting a higher rating from me is because RLS commits one of my greatest pet peeves and thats the overuse of pop culture references.
but regardless of that, this is such a fun, cute read. the travelling from comic con to comic con definitely give this a summer holiday feel, so this is a story to look forward to this june.
thanks for the ARC, berkley!
↠ 4 stars
April 25, 2024
at no point was i able to tell where this book was going.
and at no point did i really want to.
at the very beginning of this book, you think you have met your male lead, due to the fact there is banter happening and an allegedly good-looking man is present. but then you read about a series of unfortunate events, of the X-rated variety rather than of the charming evil children's book category i prefer, and you're like, never mind. can't be him. he's bad at sex.
but it is.
it is him.
and the romance in question will come to fruition (if you'll forgive the disgusting and accidental pun) as our female lead teaches him how to, you know. hanky panky. get the car rockin' so you don't come a-knockin'. attend a session of sexual congress. knock boots. delight in the afternoon.
whatever you want to call it.
unfortunately, even in the face of these bizarre and frankly undesirable circumstances, i found these characters to be the unthinkable: boring. and it turns out that is kind of an important part of a romance book. or maybe a book in general.
on top of that, i found all of the morals around this arrangement to be pretty off-putting and blah. fairly immediately, because i forgot to mention that finn (the guy) is a c-list (generous) celebrity writing a memoir (okay) that we are supposed to pretend anyone would care about (they would not) and it is ghostwritten by chandler (the girl) (his employee), the ol' mind palace jumps to oh, this is sexual harassment.
no matter how shy or freckly or Old World Charming he is, your boss asking you in a shared hotel / airbnb situation to teach him how to hanky panky is...pretty high on the Icky And Illegal charts, no?
even later, once these two are In Love, their conversations veer into a new grosso dynamic i like to call You Should Follow Your Dreams And Stand Up For Yourself, But Not With Me Tho.
because don't worry — chandler decides to chase her dreams and write books of her own. she just inexplicably decides to finish this one, even though it will mean a lifetime of lying, first.
generally and beyond all of that insanity, there's a lot we're trying to accomplish here—social issues we attempt to address range from aging parents and ocd and anti-semitism to bullying and hollywood and Finding Your Passion.
none of it is discussed satisfyingly or fully, or even in a very fun or interesting or non-"what is happening what are we doing here" way.
but that's par for the course.
bottom line: not even one moment of this made sense to me.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc / 1.5 stars)
and at no point did i really want to.
at the very beginning of this book, you think you have met your male lead, due to the fact there is banter happening and an allegedly good-looking man is present. but then you read about a series of unfortunate events, of the X-rated variety rather than of the charming evil children's book category i prefer, and you're like, never mind. can't be him. he's bad at sex.
but it is.
it is him.
and the romance in question will come to fruition (if you'll forgive the disgusting and accidental pun) as our female lead teaches him how to, you know. hanky panky. get the car rockin' so you don't come a-knockin'. attend a session of sexual congress. knock boots. delight in the afternoon.
whatever you want to call it.
unfortunately, even in the face of these bizarre and frankly undesirable circumstances, i found these characters to be the unthinkable: boring. and it turns out that is kind of an important part of a romance book. or maybe a book in general.
on top of that, i found all of the morals around this arrangement to be pretty off-putting and blah. fairly immediately, because i forgot to mention that finn (the guy) is a c-list (generous) celebrity writing a memoir (okay) that we are supposed to pretend anyone would care about (they would not) and it is ghostwritten by chandler (the girl) (his employee), the ol' mind palace jumps to oh, this is sexual harassment.
no matter how shy or freckly or Old World Charming he is, your boss asking you in a shared hotel / airbnb situation to teach him how to hanky panky is...pretty high on the Icky And Illegal charts, no?
even later, once these two are In Love, their conversations veer into a new grosso dynamic i like to call You Should Follow Your Dreams And Stand Up For Yourself, But Not With Me Tho.
because don't worry — chandler decides to chase her dreams and write books of her own. she just inexplicably decides to finish this one, even though it will mean a lifetime of lying, first.
generally and beyond all of that insanity, there's a lot we're trying to accomplish here—social issues we attempt to address range from aging parents and ocd and anti-semitism to bullying and hollywood and Finding Your Passion.
none of it is discussed satisfyingly or fully, or even in a very fun or interesting or non-"what is happening what are we doing here" way.
but that's par for the course.
bottom line: not even one moment of this made sense to me.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc / 1.5 stars)
July 19, 2023
"I'm so glad you took the risk."
"That's the thing. With you, it doesn't feel like one. It just feels like home."
✔️ Celebrity romance
✔️ She's a ghostwriter
✔️ One night stand gone wrong
✔️ Sex lessons (so expect it to be very spicy; she teaches him)
✔️ He falls first
I love how hilarious and spicy it was. The sexual tension was written so well while ensuring that the both MCs don't lose their personalities to that one storyline.
Finn was introduced as a clumsy, clueless nerd who didn't know much about the realities of a woman's body or how to sexually please them. Yeah that's typical of the majority of men these days. BUT Finn is smart enough and comfortable enough to learn. I loved that there was a whole lot to his personality and things apart from sex lessons were going on for him. He was charming, became sexy and so EXPRESSIVE and he respected her boundaries😩🥵
Chandler was funny, attractive and a likable FMC. I liked how open she was with him and so so comfortable and confident in her body and teaching him with such patience. YET, I felt she lacked emotional touch to her character. Although there are some moments when she opens up about herself and her past but it doesn't make her seem emotionally present for some reason she came across as stoic, which is where the book loses a star from me.
Overall, it's a quick fun read and I recommend y'all checking it out (if it seems interesting).
~•~•~
Everything about this book sounds perfect, and the cover is too good as well. Can't wait to read this AHHH!! I just know the author won't disappoint.
"That's the thing. With you, it doesn't feel like one. It just feels like home."
✔️ Celebrity romance
✔️ She's a ghostwriter
✔️ One night stand gone wrong
✔️ Sex lessons (so expect it to be very spicy; she teaches him)
✔️ He falls first
I love how hilarious and spicy it was. The sexual tension was written so well while ensuring that the both MCs don't lose their personalities to that one storyline.
Finn was introduced as a clumsy, clueless nerd who didn't know much about the realities of a woman's body or how to sexually please them. Yeah that's typical of the majority of men these days. BUT Finn is smart enough and comfortable enough to learn. I loved that there was a whole lot to his personality and things apart from sex lessons were going on for him. He was charming, became sexy and so EXPRESSIVE and he respected her boundaries😩🥵
Chandler was funny, attractive and a likable FMC. I liked how open she was with him and so so comfortable and confident in her body and teaching him with such patience. YET, I felt she lacked emotional touch to her character. Although there are some moments when she opens up about herself and her past but it doesn't make her seem emotionally present for some reason she came across as stoic, which is where the book loses a star from me.
Overall, it's a quick fun read and I recommend y'all checking it out (if it seems interesting).
~•~•~
Everything about this book sounds perfect, and the cover is too good as well. Can't wait to read this AHHH!! I just know the author won't disappoint.
June 24, 2023
While unique, romantic, hilarious, and representative, Business or Pleasure is also a story of self-discovery and finding out what it means to put yourself first.
Even though I was a fan of everything this book offered, there is something about reading about a man willing to learn. One of the best qualities this has is simply in Finn, the male lead. While he may be physically traditional compared to other male leads in romance, Finn lacks in the general romance department: his previous relationships haven’t lasted, he doesn’t really know how to please his partner, and he fumbles a lot as he’s about to go down. What starts off as an embarrassed individual turns into a character willing to learn from a woman to become a confident lover. His dedication to learning from Chandler was refreshing. Too often we see the same men in these stories that they become repetitive and tiring. Finn’s lack of knowledge and non-existent self-awareness of what he was doing wrong is what I wish would become more normalized in society. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard discouraging statements be said towards men who don’t exactly know how sex works or how to please a woman, ignoring either lack of experience (which is also frowned upon), or simply because they’re like Finn, where they have the impression they’re doing everything right and good because no one tells them. Rachel’s unique route for his character was refreshing. It felt like I had never read a book with a character like him. He was not always confident in dirty-talking, sex, and romantic feelings, but he still had confidence in other areas.
Chandler becomes something like a teacher for Finn, using some of their time spent together to teach him “sex basics” so he can improve and use for his future girlfriends (although we know that was never going to happen). Her character is patient and kind, but also encouraging. She never purposely makes Finn feel embarrassed or ashamed; instead she offers a hand to teach him. Finn never really second guesses just because he’s a guy and Chandler is a girl. There’s never an unbalanced power dynamic because of their genders or the fact that “Finn should know better.” I like this new approach, and I think it’s humbling, even, to show a different side between the genders, and how possible it is for a man to be unaware, inexperienced, and simply lacking while the woman is more confident, experienced, and knowledgeable.
Their relationship develops sexually but becomes emotionally involved as they get to know each other. Rachel’s strategy of having Chandler become Finn’s ghostwriter for his memoir while also being a mentor for him worked incredibly well. While their steamy moments were used for their seeks and pleasures, their time outside of that was used to get to know each other. Chandler was never just a ghostwriter for Finn, and we see it in their every day interactions. While Finn is telling Chandler about himself for the sake of his book, he also becomes closer to her in general, naturally conveying personal information that came easily for him to tell her. What starts off as a weary professional relationship turns into a friendship between colleagues. They hang on on many occasions, where they have close proximity that is both voluntary and necessary. There’s those little moments that also show how the two become getting emotionally attached and attracted towards each other on a romantic level. Even if we don’t get Finn’s point of view, we get glimpses of him through Chandler’s lens, ranging from things he does to things he says to his physical expressions.
If I had a shelf for green flag relationships, these two would be under it. There is open communication, vulnerability, consent, mutual agreement and understanding, compassion, and a willingness to fix what is wrong. Even the third act conflict was resolved maturely and professionally, with no immaturity, tantrums, selfishness, and self-depreciation. Finn never makes Chandler feel bad for being unsure of where she stands, and Chandler never makes Finn feel bad for where he is. The two share their own backstories willingly as well as for the sake of the memoir, but all these moments between the two where they share about themselves are emotionally sensual. We see a friendship be built up as they get to know each other, that their true feelings can’t NOT become involved. It’s sweet and cute, but also takes its time developing. Both characters mess up on occasions, but they also acknowledge the mistakes they make.
One of the other things Rachel adds into her books is representation, whether mental health, cultural, or both. Here we have Finn, who has OCD and is a vegetarian. I not only appreciated the unnecessary insults and rude remarks towards vegetarians/vegans (I say this because I’m vegan myself and am tired of the stereotypes and dumb comments always added in the media towards us), but also how mental health doesn’t make up the characters entire personality. We learn about his history with OCD, how it affects his eating habits, and how difficult it was for him to have it growing up. We learn how OCD is something Finn not only had to hide during his career, but also endure bad remarks and taunts from the people around him. He’s selfless, patient, and understanding, but his positive qualities also make it difficult for him to stand up for himself. He didn’t have the best support from his family, especially his dad, who was emotionally/mentally abusive. On the other hand, Chandler has anxiety and suffers from panic attacks. She’s proud and stubborn, and that affects her career and personal life. She’s willing to adhere to others requests and necessities but doesn’t put herself first. She’s not exactly miserable, but she’s also not happy with what she does. She’s unconsciously working for the sake of others and not herself, and it takes her a bit to wake up and realize that, but her character is realistically flawed. There’s also jewish representation, which I have noticed is something Rachel always adds in her books, and it’s heartwarming. I can’t speak for that on a personal level, but I also think it’s amazing how Rachel doesn’t add it in a forced or discouraging way. It’s simply something close to her and something she’s able to honor, which shows in Business or Pleasure.
This was my first adult romance by Rachel and second book by her read, but it sure won’t be my last. All in all, Business or Pleasure is a refreshing and new rom-com that I’m hoping will win the hearts of many people.
ARC provided by NetGalley + Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I was a fan of everything this book offered, there is something about reading about a man willing to learn. One of the best qualities this has is simply in Finn, the male lead. While he may be physically traditional compared to other male leads in romance, Finn lacks in the general romance department: his previous relationships haven’t lasted, he doesn’t really know how to please his partner, and he fumbles a lot as he’s about to go down. What starts off as an embarrassed individual turns into a character willing to learn from a woman to become a confident lover. His dedication to learning from Chandler was refreshing. Too often we see the same men in these stories that they become repetitive and tiring. Finn’s lack of knowledge and non-existent self-awareness of what he was doing wrong is what I wish would become more normalized in society. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard discouraging statements be said towards men who don’t exactly know how sex works or how to please a woman, ignoring either lack of experience (which is also frowned upon), or simply because they’re like Finn, where they have the impression they’re doing everything right and good because no one tells them. Rachel’s unique route for his character was refreshing. It felt like I had never read a book with a character like him. He was not always confident in dirty-talking, sex, and romantic feelings, but he still had confidence in other areas.
Chandler becomes something like a teacher for Finn, using some of their time spent together to teach him “sex basics” so he can improve and use for his future girlfriends (although we know that was never going to happen). Her character is patient and kind, but also encouraging. She never purposely makes Finn feel embarrassed or ashamed; instead she offers a hand to teach him. Finn never really second guesses just because he’s a guy and Chandler is a girl. There’s never an unbalanced power dynamic because of their genders or the fact that “Finn should know better.” I like this new approach, and I think it’s humbling, even, to show a different side between the genders, and how possible it is for a man to be unaware, inexperienced, and simply lacking while the woman is more confident, experienced, and knowledgeable.
Their relationship develops sexually but becomes emotionally involved as they get to know each other. Rachel’s strategy of having Chandler become Finn’s ghostwriter for his memoir while also being a mentor for him worked incredibly well. While their steamy moments were used for their seeks and pleasures, their time outside of that was used to get to know each other. Chandler was never just a ghostwriter for Finn, and we see it in their every day interactions. While Finn is telling Chandler about himself for the sake of his book, he also becomes closer to her in general, naturally conveying personal information that came easily for him to tell her. What starts off as a weary professional relationship turns into a friendship between colleagues. They hang on on many occasions, where they have close proximity that is both voluntary and necessary. There’s those little moments that also show how the two become getting emotionally attached and attracted towards each other on a romantic level. Even if we don’t get Finn’s point of view, we get glimpses of him through Chandler’s lens, ranging from things he does to things he says to his physical expressions.
If I had a shelf for green flag relationships, these two would be under it. There is open communication, vulnerability, consent, mutual agreement and understanding, compassion, and a willingness to fix what is wrong. Even the third act conflict was resolved maturely and professionally, with no immaturity, tantrums, selfishness, and self-depreciation. Finn never makes Chandler feel bad for being unsure of where she stands, and Chandler never makes Finn feel bad for where he is. The two share their own backstories willingly as well as for the sake of the memoir, but all these moments between the two where they share about themselves are emotionally sensual. We see a friendship be built up as they get to know each other, that their true feelings can’t NOT become involved. It’s sweet and cute, but also takes its time developing. Both characters mess up on occasions, but they also acknowledge the mistakes they make.
One of the other things Rachel adds into her books is representation, whether mental health, cultural, or both. Here we have Finn, who has OCD and is a vegetarian. I not only appreciated the unnecessary insults and rude remarks towards vegetarians/vegans (I say this because I’m vegan myself and am tired of the stereotypes and dumb comments always added in the media towards us), but also how mental health doesn’t make up the characters entire personality. We learn about his history with OCD, how it affects his eating habits, and how difficult it was for him to have it growing up. We learn how OCD is something Finn not only had to hide during his career, but also endure bad remarks and taunts from the people around him. He’s selfless, patient, and understanding, but his positive qualities also make it difficult for him to stand up for himself. He didn’t have the best support from his family, especially his dad, who was emotionally/mentally abusive. On the other hand, Chandler has anxiety and suffers from panic attacks. She’s proud and stubborn, and that affects her career and personal life. She’s willing to adhere to others requests and necessities but doesn’t put herself first. She’s not exactly miserable, but she’s also not happy with what she does. She’s unconsciously working for the sake of others and not herself, and it takes her a bit to wake up and realize that, but her character is realistically flawed. There’s also jewish representation, which I have noticed is something Rachel always adds in her books, and it’s heartwarming. I can’t speak for that on a personal level, but I also think it’s amazing how Rachel doesn’t add it in a forced or discouraging way. It’s simply something close to her and something she’s able to honor, which shows in Business or Pleasure.
This was my first adult romance by Rachel and second book by her read, but it sure won’t be my last. All in all, Business or Pleasure is a refreshing and new rom-com that I’m hoping will win the hearts of many people.
ARC provided by NetGalley + Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2023
✨This is Stiles Stilinski fan fiction and I won’t accept otherwise 😤🫶✨
The premise of the book is that the nerdy sidekick of an old werewolf show is Very Bad at sex and needs lessons from his former one-night stand and current ghost writer of his memoir. And if that’s not the greatest sentence I’ve ever written then I’ve lost all control of the English language.
If you’ve read that paragraph above, congratulations! You now know more about the book than I did when I started it, and let me tell you…WHAT A RIDE. I had absolutely no clue that I was about to be privy to the most AWKWARD, most LUBRICATED, most HOT N’ READY case of second hand embarrassment a la atrocious one-night stand that’s ever been written.
The fact that Rachel Lynn Solomon convinced me that Finn was not only a hero redeemed, but a hero GIFTED SEXUALLY was quite honestly Hercules’s thirteenth labor. I simply did not expect to be absolutely obsessed with the same man that didn’t know where to locate the clitoris 😭
From the memoir writing and fan conventions to the traveling misadventures and sex lessons, Business or Pleasure was such a delicious trope sundae. The cherries on top were the allusions to Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien, and/or Stiles Stilinski. Chandler and Finn were incredibly good. Just really nice, lovely, kind people that I’m more than a little bit in love with. Someone please buy me socks and remember small details about me! That’s the sexiest love language out there!!
As an audiobook, I really can’t recommend it enough!!! Hathaway Lee did such a fantastic job with the single POV narration. It’s my favorite of Solomon’s books/audiobooks. All in all, Business or Pleasure was an absolute delight from start to finish. The premise promised a lot, the beginning sure did a lot, but I pinky swear that the romance did the most in the best way possible. It’s a rom-com in its purest, sexiest form.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5*/5
*Honest conversations, toys, and personal fantasies made for such a hot and hilarious read. Finn was so fantastic for possessing zero toxic masculinity. He genuinely wanted sex to be enjoyable for his partners, and was so willing to learn. The pacing of the lessons was also perfect, as it was a slow crescendo (after the initial kachow).
CWs: Depictions of OCD and anxiety/ panic attacks, abortion (happened in the past), abusive/toxic parent (in the past)
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC and the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
The premise of the book is that the nerdy sidekick of an old werewolf show is Very Bad at sex and needs lessons from his former one-night stand and current ghost writer of his memoir. And if that’s not the greatest sentence I’ve ever written then I’ve lost all control of the English language.
If you’ve read that paragraph above, congratulations! You now know more about the book than I did when I started it, and let me tell you…WHAT A RIDE. I had absolutely no clue that I was about to be privy to the most AWKWARD, most LUBRICATED, most HOT N’ READY case of second hand embarrassment a la atrocious one-night stand that’s ever been written.
The fact that Rachel Lynn Solomon convinced me that Finn was not only a hero redeemed, but a hero GIFTED SEXUALLY was quite honestly Hercules’s thirteenth labor. I simply did not expect to be absolutely obsessed with the same man that didn’t know where to locate the clitoris 😭
From the memoir writing and fan conventions to the traveling misadventures and sex lessons, Business or Pleasure was such a delicious trope sundae. The cherries on top were the allusions to Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien, and/or Stiles Stilinski. Chandler and Finn were incredibly good. Just really nice, lovely, kind people that I’m more than a little bit in love with. Someone please buy me socks and remember small details about me! That’s the sexiest love language out there!!
As an audiobook, I really can’t recommend it enough!!! Hathaway Lee did such a fantastic job with the single POV narration. It’s my favorite of Solomon’s books/audiobooks. All in all, Business or Pleasure was an absolute delight from start to finish. The premise promised a lot, the beginning sure did a lot, but I pinky swear that the romance did the most in the best way possible. It’s a rom-com in its purest, sexiest form.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5*/5
*Honest conversations, toys, and personal fantasies made for such a hot and hilarious read. Finn was so fantastic for possessing zero toxic masculinity. He genuinely wanted sex to be enjoyable for his partners, and was so willing to learn. The pacing of the lessons was also perfect, as it was a slow crescendo (after the initial kachow).
CWs: Depictions of OCD and anxiety/ panic attacks, abortion (happened in the past), abusive/toxic parent (in the past)
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC and the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
February 11, 2023
This quirky couple is adorable! Especially Finn, talking Elf language, coy, shy, eccentric, nerdy, so much huggable! I adore him!
I want to give more hints about the characters and plotline. Here we go!
Chandler Cohen; stuck in a career as writing other people’s books by empathizing with way of their thinking- hopeless ghost writer, nursing unrequited feelings for his long time crush Wyatt, sharing a house with highly accomplished PR mogul cousin who makes double money to pay most of their expenses even though she’s two years younger than her. It’s obvious: Chandler is not happy with her life!
When she attends signing event of self-help author who has no idea who she is even though her book couldn’t be written without Chandler’s hard work, she decides to drink her feelings. Luckily she meets extra nerdy, sweet and charming salesman who is on a work trip. She becomes his tour guide. The attraction is undeniable. She breaks her rules to have one night stand with him. But…. It is COMPLETELY DISASTER! She has her worst sex experience. She decides to have run of shame ( she didn’t want to walk but escape from his room to erase the entire moments she had with him)
At the same dat, her agent arranges an appointment with C-List actor Finn Walsh best known for playing sweet nerdy gut on a cult classic werewolf series Nocturnals. It’s well paid job and Finn is at town for attending Comic-Con. She can meet him in person and his agent.
She excitedly dresses to kill, dashing out to be at their meeting place. And BANG! Finn Walsh is the same guy she had disastrous sex! But it seems like he is ready to move on. Actually he’s too hopeless to find the right writer to work it! Chandler is his last chance. He is stuck, hating making Hallmark movies. He needs a breakthrough! He believes that new book can give him a chance to live up to his true potential!
Chandler finally accepts the offer that will give her opportunity to travel to Oregon, moving away from her trapped life, giving her enough time what she has to do with her life.
When she admits to Finn, their one night stand was total disaster, Finn makes her interesting offer. He needs to learn art of seduction not to make the same mistakes in the bed. And Chandler accepts which means she crosses the thin line between business and pleasure! Things are about to get saucier! Enjoy their blooming, sexist romance!
Overall: I love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s brilliant writing style and adorable characters. This book is another exemplary work of hers that I truly enjoyed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
I want to give more hints about the characters and plotline. Here we go!
Chandler Cohen; stuck in a career as writing other people’s books by empathizing with way of their thinking- hopeless ghost writer, nursing unrequited feelings for his long time crush Wyatt, sharing a house with highly accomplished PR mogul cousin who makes double money to pay most of their expenses even though she’s two years younger than her. It’s obvious: Chandler is not happy with her life!
When she attends signing event of self-help author who has no idea who she is even though her book couldn’t be written without Chandler’s hard work, she decides to drink her feelings. Luckily she meets extra nerdy, sweet and charming salesman who is on a work trip. She becomes his tour guide. The attraction is undeniable. She breaks her rules to have one night stand with him. But…. It is COMPLETELY DISASTER! She has her worst sex experience. She decides to have run of shame ( she didn’t want to walk but escape from his room to erase the entire moments she had with him)
At the same dat, her agent arranges an appointment with C-List actor Finn Walsh best known for playing sweet nerdy gut on a cult classic werewolf series Nocturnals. It’s well paid job and Finn is at town for attending Comic-Con. She can meet him in person and his agent.
She excitedly dresses to kill, dashing out to be at their meeting place. And BANG! Finn Walsh is the same guy she had disastrous sex! But it seems like he is ready to move on. Actually he’s too hopeless to find the right writer to work it! Chandler is his last chance. He is stuck, hating making Hallmark movies. He needs a breakthrough! He believes that new book can give him a chance to live up to his true potential!
Chandler finally accepts the offer that will give her opportunity to travel to Oregon, moving away from her trapped life, giving her enough time what she has to do with her life.
When she admits to Finn, their one night stand was total disaster, Finn makes her interesting offer. He needs to learn art of seduction not to make the same mistakes in the bed. And Chandler accepts which means she crosses the thin line between business and pleasure! Things are about to get saucier! Enjoy their blooming, sexist romance!
Overall: I love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s brilliant writing style and adorable characters. This book is another exemplary work of hers that I truly enjoyed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
October 15, 2023
Writing: fine | Plot: great premise, questionable execution | Ending: fine
SYNOPSIS
After a horrible one-night stand, Chandler's only solace is she'll never have to see Finn Walsh again. WRONG *Trump voice*. She's offered a lucrative opportunity to ghostwrite Finn's memoir... And perhaps teach him a few lessons between the sheets while following him around at fan conventions.
MY OPINION
This book is hard to rate because it was an absolute rollercoaster to read. The first 160 pages or so were perfectly fine, but from 160ish to 330 really had me fked UP. The cringe and stank face rate was astronomical through this section. Thankfully it got its acts together for the final 30 pages. I would give three stars to parts 1 and 3, but that middle section....... zero stars. Negative stars in fact.
I liked the concept of "lessons", and after reading Blind Side (not to be confused with The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock), I was curious to see what this would look like with the roles reversed. I wish I didn't know tbh. Even though Blind Side used the wrong form of 'there' on page six, the "lessons" element was WAAAAAYYY better. If I were Finn I would've driven my head through a wall when she brought out the anatomy diagrams. Are we actually serious? Don't try to make this a thing. What's next? Bussin out the The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls????
I think some people will appreciate the 'feminist' spice in this book (not just straight jack-hammering) but if I read one more dry humping scene where the FMC actually finishes I'm going to start an official petition to ban these words from literature. And in an alleyway no less????? They say only God can judge, yet here I am.
But besides the dry humping (project vomit), there was a total absence of chemistry between these nitwits. If you like borderline rude, roast me on a spit type of banter between characters, skip this. All I got was stressy 'n depressy confessions wherein they talked AT each other instead of TO each other.
SPOILIES SO SCROLL AHEAD
The first red flag was when Finn finally divulged his severe OCD (the childhood stories are sad af) to which Chandler responds: I TOTALLY GET IT. I HAVE GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER. I wish I was paraphrasing. I legit read this back because girl WUT??? Imagine if someone told you about the horrors they experienced living in a refugee camp for three years and you responded UGH I TOTALLY GET IT. LAST TIME I WENT CAMPING I GOT BIT 40 TIMES BY MOSQUITOS. Respectfully, never speak again.
The author seemed to have a laundry list of 'hot topics' she wanted to cover and she didn't give AF if it was relevant to the overall story. But, besides the OCD chat, the absolute WORST topic du jour was Chandler's abortion. Good fucking GOD. So after moaning on and on that you can't date Finn (never fully explained as to why... ya'll fucking so stop pretending it's about professionalism), she decides to tell Finn about her abortion because she can never feel close to a guy unless she does so. WAIT A DAMN MINUTE. Soooo you resolve to keep things strictly above board and super professional with Finn and then the very next chapter you corner him into hearing about your abortion story because... he needs to know it's part of your history???? Yet Chandler rounds off her lil pro-choice speech with 'I don't even think about it that much'. GIRL??????? GIRLLLLLLLLL???????? Make it make sense. This is not the girl math we want!!!
Lastly, Chandler loves to bitch about how she thought she'd be writing more meaningful stories as if she hasn't only written two books. Did she expect to be the Stephen King of ghostwriting after one assignment? But at the end she somehow sells her own novel thanks to the contacts she's made during when she was a ghostwriter. And what contacts are these? The guy you dry humped in an alley? The MLM girlie who didn't even know your name? Again... MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
SPOILERS DONE
Honestly before I typed out the spoilies I was gonna toss this a generous three but eff that. A two it is. Annoying ass book. LOL.
To end on a positive note though, the writing quality improved astronomically since The Ex Talk, which I DNFed. This did have it's lol-worthy moments but that 160-pages made me want to riot.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: her writing has improved a lot since The Ex Talk, solid premise, funny at times in the beginning, after an absolute shitshow 160+ pages, she managed to get it together for the last 30, the Twilight/Vampire Diaries satire was lol
Cons: pages 160ish-330 made me want to scream, I wished there had been more info about ghostwriting... this is an interesting topic but it was brushed over for the most part, trying too hard to be topical, Chandler was straight up insufferable and acted like she had a severe concussion, Finn made me never want to hug a man again, DRY HUMPING TO COMPLETION!!!! PLS STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SYNOPSIS
After a horrible one-night stand, Chandler's only solace is she'll never have to see Finn Walsh again. WRONG *Trump voice*. She's offered a lucrative opportunity to ghostwrite Finn's memoir... And perhaps teach him a few lessons between the sheets while following him around at fan conventions.
MY OPINION
This book is hard to rate because it was an absolute rollercoaster to read. The first 160 pages or so were perfectly fine, but from 160ish to 330 really had me fked UP. The cringe and stank face rate was astronomical through this section. Thankfully it got its acts together for the final 30 pages. I would give three stars to parts 1 and 3, but that middle section....... zero stars. Negative stars in fact.
I liked the concept of "lessons", and after reading Blind Side (not to be confused with The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock), I was curious to see what this would look like with the roles reversed. I wish I didn't know tbh. Even though Blind Side used the wrong form of 'there' on page six, the "lessons" element was WAAAAAYYY better. If I were Finn I would've driven my head through a wall when she brought out the anatomy diagrams. Are we actually serious? Don't try to make this a thing. What's next? Bussin out the The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls????
I think some people will appreciate the 'feminist' spice in this book (not just straight jack-hammering) but if I read one more dry humping scene where the FMC actually finishes I'm going to start an official petition to ban these words from literature. And in an alleyway no less????? They say only God can judge, yet here I am.
But besides the dry humping (project vomit), there was a total absence of chemistry between these nitwits. If you like borderline rude, roast me on a spit type of banter between characters, skip this. All I got was stressy 'n depressy confessions wherein they talked AT each other instead of TO each other.
SPOILIES SO SCROLL AHEAD
The first red flag was when Finn finally divulged his severe OCD (the childhood stories are sad af) to which Chandler responds: I TOTALLY GET IT. I HAVE GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER. I wish I was paraphrasing. I legit read this back because girl WUT??? Imagine if someone told you about the horrors they experienced living in a refugee camp for three years and you responded UGH I TOTALLY GET IT. LAST TIME I WENT CAMPING I GOT BIT 40 TIMES BY MOSQUITOS. Respectfully, never speak again.
The author seemed to have a laundry list of 'hot topics' she wanted to cover and she didn't give AF if it was relevant to the overall story. But, besides the OCD chat, the absolute WORST topic du jour was Chandler's abortion. Good fucking GOD. So after moaning on and on that you can't date Finn (never fully explained as to why... ya'll fucking so stop pretending it's about professionalism), she decides to tell Finn about her abortion because she can never feel close to a guy unless she does so. WAIT A DAMN MINUTE. Soooo you resolve to keep things strictly above board and super professional with Finn and then the very next chapter you corner him into hearing about your abortion story because... he needs to know it's part of your history???? Yet Chandler rounds off her lil pro-choice speech with 'I don't even think about it that much'. GIRL??????? GIRLLLLLLLLL???????? Make it make sense. This is not the girl math we want!!!
Lastly, Chandler loves to bitch about how she thought she'd be writing more meaningful stories as if she hasn't only written two books. Did she expect to be the Stephen King of ghostwriting after one assignment? But at the end she somehow sells her own novel thanks to the contacts she's made during when she was a ghostwriter. And what contacts are these? The guy you dry humped in an alley? The MLM girlie who didn't even know your name? Again... MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
SPOILERS DONE
Honestly before I typed out the spoilies I was gonna toss this a generous three but eff that. A two it is. Annoying ass book. LOL.
To end on a positive note though, the writing quality improved astronomically since The Ex Talk, which I DNFed. This did have it's lol-worthy moments but that 160-pages made me want to riot.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: her writing has improved a lot since The Ex Talk, solid premise, funny at times in the beginning, after an absolute shitshow 160+ pages, she managed to get it together for the last 30, the Twilight/Vampire Diaries satire was lol
Cons: pages 160ish-330 made me want to scream, I wished there had been more info about ghostwriting... this is an interesting topic but it was brushed over for the most part, trying too hard to be topical, Chandler was straight up insufferable and acted like she had a severe concussion, Finn made me never want to hug a man again, DRY HUMPING TO COMPLETION!!!! PLS STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 13, 2023
This is my essay on the topic of ”Sometimes I’m fine” – Reading sex scenes as a sex repulsed asexual.
It has come to my attention that I haven’t written a real review in a while which is a shame because what do I like more than talking shit for three and a half pages? A lot of things probably, I just can’t think of any.
As I have currently nothing better to do (this is a lie), I will grace your dashboard with the ramblings of someone who was woken up at 2 and 5am by moving furniture and screaming, respectively. Contrary to how it sounds, I am not haunted by ghosts, I just have shit neighbours and live in a city known for crimes involving stabbing.
Sometimes I will read the summary for a book and think that it sounds fun only to be punished for my hubris about three sentences in. I’m Icarus flying too close to the sun. You think you can enjoy yourself, Jonny Boy? Think again.
Business or Pleasure basically opens with a sex scene cringe enough to give you material for around three years of therapy.
”[…] Because he’s really just perched there on the edge of the bed, licking my pubic bone like it’s a firecracker Popsicle on the Fourth of July.
“You’re doing amazing,” he says. Amazing at … lying here? And then he continues to work his tongue around the same spot: “Oh yeah. Right there?”
You’re doing amazing, Sweetie! *shooting myself from too much second hand embarrassment*
… and then it continues with about five hundred pages of educational smut that I’m supposed to pretend is good (I have already lost interest in this review, can you tell).
“So why did you read a book about sex, when you don’t like sex, Jonathan.” – I am a masochist, and I also don’t appreciate your tone.
See, the thing is: I don’t hate sex scenes. I mean I do but I also don’t. Would I prefer my sex scenes with less ”I’m thinking about how pink your pretty pussy is right now. Pinker than your cheeks?” ?- definitely.
But do I also read porn with no plot fanfic in my downtime? – Sure, whatever, feet in the air snacking on grapes.
There is a fine line between “this sex scene makes me want to kill myself” and “this is actually a nice and intimate moment between characters that I love” and I think that line for me is way thinner than for most people – and also popular romance seems to cross it a lot.
I couldn’t really put my finger on it until chrysa (💕) said that sex scenes are way more enjoyable when you actually care about the characters. And I think that’s probably it.
Chandler and Finn were so goddamn boring, I wouldn’t care whether they lived or died.
While I do appreciate how healthy their communication was, especially when you compare it to most romance out there which is constantly toying the line to straight up rape, they were just the most boring people to ever people. I want to poke them with a stick and beg them to do something interesting (cringe “educational” sex is not interesting, get it together people). I sit at a desk doing data analysis most days and I have a richer inner life than insomnia-curing-Chandler.
They didn’t even have any chemistry, this is delusional.
Bottom line. How do I end reviews… A good romance novel has more depth, characters that you can actually care about and will not forget two minutes after closing the book, characters with a chemistry so strong the pages are sizzling with it, and sex scenes that don’t make people want to go outside at 5am and ask tonight’s murderer to please stab them as well.
**buddy read with my favourite friend💕**
It has come to my attention that I haven’t written a real review in a while which is a shame because what do I like more than talking shit for three and a half pages? A lot of things probably, I just can’t think of any.
As I have currently nothing better to do (this is a lie), I will grace your dashboard with the ramblings of someone who was woken up at 2 and 5am by moving furniture and screaming, respectively. Contrary to how it sounds, I am not haunted by ghosts, I just have shit neighbours and live in a city known for crimes involving stabbing.
Sometimes I will read the summary for a book and think that it sounds fun only to be punished for my hubris about three sentences in. I’m Icarus flying too close to the sun. You think you can enjoy yourself, Jonny Boy? Think again.
Business or Pleasure basically opens with a sex scene cringe enough to give you material for around three years of therapy.
”[…] Because he’s really just perched there on the edge of the bed, licking my pubic bone like it’s a firecracker Popsicle on the Fourth of July.
“You’re doing amazing,” he says. Amazing at … lying here? And then he continues to work his tongue around the same spot: “Oh yeah. Right there?”
You’re doing amazing, Sweetie! *shooting myself from too much second hand embarrassment*
… and then it continues with about five hundred pages of educational smut that I’m supposed to pretend is good (I have already lost interest in this review, can you tell).
“So why did you read a book about sex, when you don’t like sex, Jonathan.” – I am a masochist, and I also don’t appreciate your tone.
See, the thing is: I don’t hate sex scenes. I mean I do but I also don’t. Would I prefer my sex scenes with less ”I’m thinking about how pink your pretty pussy is right now. Pinker than your cheeks?” ?- definitely.
But do I also read porn with no plot fanfic in my downtime? – Sure, whatever, feet in the air snacking on grapes.
There is a fine line between “this sex scene makes me want to kill myself” and “this is actually a nice and intimate moment between characters that I love” and I think that line for me is way thinner than for most people – and also popular romance seems to cross it a lot.
I couldn’t really put my finger on it until chrysa (💕) said that sex scenes are way more enjoyable when you actually care about the characters. And I think that’s probably it.
Chandler and Finn were so goddamn boring, I wouldn’t care whether they lived or died.
While I do appreciate how healthy their communication was, especially when you compare it to most romance out there which is constantly toying the line to straight up rape, they were just the most boring people to ever people. I want to poke them with a stick and beg them to do something interesting (cringe “educational” sex is not interesting, get it together people). I sit at a desk doing data analysis most days and I have a richer inner life than insomnia-curing-Chandler.
They didn’t even have any chemistry, this is delusional.
Bottom line. How do I end reviews… A good romance novel has more depth, characters that you can actually care about and will not forget two minutes after closing the book, characters with a chemistry so strong the pages are sizzling with it, and sex scenes that don’t make people want to go outside at 5am and ask tonight’s murderer to please stab them as well.
**buddy read with my favourite friend💕**
June 27, 2023
I couldn't stop laughing while reading this.
Business or Pleasure is an absolutely fun and addictive read. I loved our two main characters, and their banter?!?! Amazing. I also really loved how this book deals with mental health (there is OCD and generalized anxiety disorder rep). It both gave the topics the seriousness and focus they require, while also still maintaining its lighthearted tone. It was the perfect balance.
If you're looking for something full of heart, humor, and spice, this is the book for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC!
Business or Pleasure is an absolutely fun and addictive read. I loved our two main characters, and their banter?!?! Amazing. I also really loved how this book deals with mental health (there is OCD and generalized anxiety disorder rep). It both gave the topics the seriousness and focus they require, while also still maintaining its lighthearted tone. It was the perfect balance.
If you're looking for something full of heart, humor, and spice, this is the book for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC!
August 3, 2024
Truth be told, I don't actually read a lot of Romance. It's not really a genre I actively seek out, or stock my shelves with. Not because I see anything wrong with it, it's just not a genre I tend to gravitate toward on the regular.
With this being said, however, I do have a handful of Contemporary Romance authors that I gel with quite well. I do seek out their stories and pick up everything they put out. Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of them.
I love RLS. It's her character work and dialogue that really does it for me. I enjoy how well-rounded her characters are and how they aren't perfect. Each one will have flaws, or personal challenges, that they are navigating through in addition to the romance elements.
Business or Pleasure follows Chandler Cohen, a ghostwriter, who after penning a memoir for a social media influencer has become unsatisfied with her current career path. She's not sure how much more she can take of being pushed to the shadows and overlooked.
Leaving a business event feeling down on herself and unsure of her future, Chandler heads to a bar. Relatable.
It's there she meets an extremely charming man. He seems interested and she definitely is. One thing leads to another, and the most awkward hook-up ensues.
His moves left her cringing, but he did try. Feeling unsatisfied, Chandler takes off while he's asleep; less uncomfortable that way.
She blames her bruised ego from the night before for allowing it to get that far and then vows to just get on with her life. It's too bad, he was really cute though.
Her ability to get on with her life starts sooner than she expected when she gets a call from her agent, offering her a new project, to ghostwrite a memoir for a C-list actor, Finn Walsh, best known for his role in a cult classic werewolf television show.
We're talking full on CW here, people.
Finn spends most of his time now traveling around to various conventions, where his fans still come out in droves. He's had some other work, direct to television movies, that kind of thing, but he's sort of stuck in a rut of his own.
This memoir will allow him to tell his story. To help people to see who he really is, versus his character's persona.
Chandler never watched the show, but she definitely knows Finn. The man of the awkward one-night stand. How can this possibly be her life?
Nevertheless, awkward moments aside, Chandler accepts the assignment. She's really going to get to know Finn now, whether she wants to or not.
The two end up traveling together, as he keeps up with his convention commitments and works on his memoir at the same time. There's a huge elephant in the room and they decide to talk about.
When Chandler admits their encounter was well short of mind-blowing, Finn is mortified. No one has ever told him that he wasn't performing as well as he could, or should. Trusting her, Finn requests Chandler school him in the art of satisfaction and she's more than ready to teach.
I thought this one was a lot of fun. I always enjoy Solomon's characters and romance plots. This one is extra steamy and promotes a message of sex positivity, as well as open and honest communication amongst partners.
I thought the relationship between Chandler and Finn was cute, although I could have done with more focus on the emotional areas and less on their sexual relationship.
That's purely personal taste though. This is still an above-average Romance read, IMO.
This story includes some mixed media elements that added to the fun, such as excerpts from Finn's show. I love fandoms and those excerpts definitely helped to build out that vibe surrounding Finn.
As a couple, these two are off the charts cute. I actually felt there could have been a bit more tension, miscues, or miscommunication between them.
I know that sounds crazy to say, as we all always complain about the pointless miscommunications, but it does add a bit to the basic problem/resolution format.
There was a little bit of that, but this almost seemed too easy. Either way, it was a ton of fun, I am glad I made time for it and I can't wait to see what RLS comes up with next!!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Solomon's characters and witty banter will keep me coming back each and every time. Well done!
With this being said, however, I do have a handful of Contemporary Romance authors that I gel with quite well. I do seek out their stories and pick up everything they put out. Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of them.
I love RLS. It's her character work and dialogue that really does it for me. I enjoy how well-rounded her characters are and how they aren't perfect. Each one will have flaws, or personal challenges, that they are navigating through in addition to the romance elements.
Business or Pleasure follows Chandler Cohen, a ghostwriter, who after penning a memoir for a social media influencer has become unsatisfied with her current career path. She's not sure how much more she can take of being pushed to the shadows and overlooked.
Leaving a business event feeling down on herself and unsure of her future, Chandler heads to a bar. Relatable.
It's there she meets an extremely charming man. He seems interested and she definitely is. One thing leads to another, and the most awkward hook-up ensues.
His moves left her cringing, but he did try. Feeling unsatisfied, Chandler takes off while he's asleep; less uncomfortable that way.
She blames her bruised ego from the night before for allowing it to get that far and then vows to just get on with her life. It's too bad, he was really cute though.
Her ability to get on with her life starts sooner than she expected when she gets a call from her agent, offering her a new project, to ghostwrite a memoir for a C-list actor, Finn Walsh, best known for his role in a cult classic werewolf television show.
We're talking full on CW here, people.
Finn spends most of his time now traveling around to various conventions, where his fans still come out in droves. He's had some other work, direct to television movies, that kind of thing, but he's sort of stuck in a rut of his own.
This memoir will allow him to tell his story. To help people to see who he really is, versus his character's persona.
Chandler never watched the show, but she definitely knows Finn. The man of the awkward one-night stand. How can this possibly be her life?
Nevertheless, awkward moments aside, Chandler accepts the assignment. She's really going to get to know Finn now, whether she wants to or not.
The two end up traveling together, as he keeps up with his convention commitments and works on his memoir at the same time. There's a huge elephant in the room and they decide to talk about.
When Chandler admits their encounter was well short of mind-blowing, Finn is mortified. No one has ever told him that he wasn't performing as well as he could, or should. Trusting her, Finn requests Chandler school him in the art of satisfaction and she's more than ready to teach.
I thought this one was a lot of fun. I always enjoy Solomon's characters and romance plots. This one is extra steamy and promotes a message of sex positivity, as well as open and honest communication amongst partners.
I thought the relationship between Chandler and Finn was cute, although I could have done with more focus on the emotional areas and less on their sexual relationship.
That's purely personal taste though. This is still an above-average Romance read, IMO.
This story includes some mixed media elements that added to the fun, such as excerpts from Finn's show. I love fandoms and those excerpts definitely helped to build out that vibe surrounding Finn.
As a couple, these two are off the charts cute. I actually felt there could have been a bit more tension, miscues, or miscommunication between them.
I know that sounds crazy to say, as we all always complain about the pointless miscommunications, but it does add a bit to the basic problem/resolution format.
There was a little bit of that, but this almost seemed too easy. Either way, it was a ton of fun, I am glad I made time for it and I can't wait to see what RLS comes up with next!!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Solomon's characters and witty banter will keep me coming back each and every time. Well done!
July 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Such a fun, hilarious, romantic, sex-positive story
"All at once, two things become clear. One, that this man has no early idea where the clitoris is. And two, it's not the room that's cursed - it's Drew."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ he's a actor from a cult hit paranormal TV show
✨ she's a ghost writer hired to write his memoir
✨ one night stand gone wrong
✨ traveling across the country with your terrible one-night stand
✨ “teach me”
✨ sex lessons
✨ co-workers to friends to lovers
✨ one bed
✨ he falls first
✨ witty banter
✨ single pov
✨ HEA
✨ Jewish rep
✨ mental health rep
✨ nerd rep: Lord of the Rings, comic cons
✨ tw: abortion (past), parental abandonment and emotional abuse (past), on-page panic attack
My Thoughts:
Okay, I loved this story! Rachel Lynn Solomon once again creates magic with this witty, charming rom-com that hooked me from the start!
Here’s what I liked:
The MCs: Chandler Cohen and Finnegan Walsh (first introduced as Drew). I absolutely adore these two! Chandler and Finn are both so thoughtful, caring, and kind. They’re just good people.
Pause while I rav a bit more about Finn. Every time this man is on the page, I can’t help but smile like an idiot. He’s a huge freaking cinnamon roll and you know I get weak in the knees for that kind of MMC. I love that even though Finn’s an actor, he’s a huge nerd. He has a great sense of humor - especially when teasing Chandler. His friends are so wonderful. How he supports and encourages Chandler to follow her dreams is so lovely. And his pain meds love confession was the cutest thing I’ve ever read. Okay, I’m done swooning over Finn. 🙈
I also really appreciate that there’s a lot of depth to Chandler and Finn. Chandler struggles with anxiety that can lead to panic attacks, and Finn, well I don’t want to spoil it, but he’s managing his own mental health issues and also has past family trauma. Both are also at points in their careers where they essentially feel stuck, they need something to change, and their partnership could very well be the catalyst. Rachel Lynn Solomon did an amazing job creating lovable characters that are interesting, relatable, and feel incredibly real.
The entire premise! I’ve read one night stand to lovers and I’ve read some ‘teach me’ romances, but I’ve never read a story where the guy is so bad in bed that the fmc ends up giving him sex lessons. 😂 Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d find the MC sexy if he wasn’t already a sex god but I found it incredibly refreshing. There were moments where the situation managed to make me laugh and then it would take a turn and become incredibly sexy. We stan a man who is willing to learn and can take directions. 😏
The sex-education. This book should be text book for most men, because I can guarantee they’d learn something new. The was Chandler approaches teaching Finn about sex is fantastic! I loved that she basically created a sexual lesson plan where each ‘session’ they explored something new. They started off with the basics like kissing and would ramp it up each time to cover things like foreplay, oral sex, and dirty talk - all very important aspects of sex that can be overlooked by men who want to skip ahead to the grand finale. This book also really highlights how important communication is to a healthy sex life and I really appreciate that. 👏
The spice. Even though Chandler and Finn get off on a rocky start, they have so much sexual chemistry. So once Finn starts his sex lessons and Chandler communicates her specific needs, the spice is fantastic!
The romance. Chandler and Finn are so stinking cute! There’s a lot of witty banter and teasing, but they also openly communicate and are incredibly kind gently honest with each other. Seriously, green flags all around. These two made me smile and I swear every time they interacted my heart double in size. It’s hard not to fall in love with them while they fall in love with each other. 💕
Some other random things I loved about this story include the LOTR references, learning a bit more about comic-con, and the Jewish rep and mentioning the challenges/racism experienced in the entertainment/media industry.
So why isn't this getting 5-stars?
Years ago, Chandler had an abortion. No big deal - even to her. It was the right decision, and that's that. But Chandler is extremely anxious about telling romantic partners about this event and essentially gauges her level of trust in them by if she's ready to tell them. I guess I didn't quite understand why that is, considering she's one of the most open and sex-positive heroines I've ever read about. She doesn't feel guilty about the abortion, so I didn't understand why she makes it such a big deal. Perhaps it's because she doesn't want to be judged? But she's not someone who needs approval from others, so I just didn't get it. The entire thing felt incredibly out of place in the story, and whenever it was brought up, it felt very jarring. I think this element of her character should have been removed or dived into deeper instead of only being vaguely mentioned twice before she decides to share this allegedly crucial piece of information with Finn.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC and Berkley Publishing Group for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
"All at once, two things become clear. One, that this man has no early idea where the clitoris is. And two, it's not the room that's cursed - it's Drew."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ he's a actor from a cult hit paranormal TV show
✨ she's a ghost writer hired to write his memoir
✨ one night stand gone wrong
✨ traveling across the country with your terrible one-night stand
✨ “teach me”
✨ sex lessons
✨ co-workers to friends to lovers
✨ one bed
✨ he falls first
✨ witty banter
✨ single pov
✨ HEA
✨ Jewish rep
✨ mental health rep
✨ nerd rep: Lord of the Rings, comic cons
✨ tw: abortion (past), parental abandonment and emotional abuse (past), on-page panic attack
My Thoughts:
Okay, I loved this story! Rachel Lynn Solomon once again creates magic with this witty, charming rom-com that hooked me from the start!
Here’s what I liked:
The MCs: Chandler Cohen and Finnegan Walsh (first introduced as Drew). I absolutely adore these two! Chandler and Finn are both so thoughtful, caring, and kind. They’re just good people.
Pause while I rav a bit more about Finn. Every time this man is on the page, I can’t help but smile like an idiot. He’s a huge freaking cinnamon roll and you know I get weak in the knees for that kind of MMC. I love that even though Finn’s an actor, he’s a huge nerd. He has a great sense of humor - especially when teasing Chandler. His friends are so wonderful. How he supports and encourages Chandler to follow her dreams is so lovely. And his pain meds love confession was the cutest thing I’ve ever read. Okay, I’m done swooning over Finn. 🙈
I also really appreciate that there’s a lot of depth to Chandler and Finn. Chandler struggles with anxiety that can lead to panic attacks, and Finn, well I don’t want to spoil it, but he’s managing his own mental health issues and also has past family trauma. Both are also at points in their careers where they essentially feel stuck, they need something to change, and their partnership could very well be the catalyst. Rachel Lynn Solomon did an amazing job creating lovable characters that are interesting, relatable, and feel incredibly real.
The entire premise! I’ve read one night stand to lovers and I’ve read some ‘teach me’ romances, but I’ve never read a story where the guy is so bad in bed that the fmc ends up giving him sex lessons. 😂 Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d find the MC sexy if he wasn’t already a sex god but I found it incredibly refreshing. There were moments where the situation managed to make me laugh and then it would take a turn and become incredibly sexy. We stan a man who is willing to learn and can take directions. 😏
The sex-education. This book should be text book for most men, because I can guarantee they’d learn something new. The was Chandler approaches teaching Finn about sex is fantastic! I loved that she basically created a sexual lesson plan where each ‘session’ they explored something new. They started off with the basics like kissing and would ramp it up each time to cover things like foreplay, oral sex, and dirty talk - all very important aspects of sex that can be overlooked by men who want to skip ahead to the grand finale. This book also really highlights how important communication is to a healthy sex life and I really appreciate that. 👏
The spice. Even though Chandler and Finn get off on a rocky start, they have so much sexual chemistry. So once Finn starts his sex lessons and Chandler communicates her specific needs, the spice is fantastic!
The romance. Chandler and Finn are so stinking cute! There’s a lot of witty banter and teasing, but they also openly communicate and are incredibly kind gently honest with each other. Seriously, green flags all around. These two made me smile and I swear every time they interacted my heart double in size. It’s hard not to fall in love with them while they fall in love with each other. 💕
Some other random things I loved about this story include the LOTR references, learning a bit more about comic-con, and the Jewish rep and mentioning the challenges/racism experienced in the entertainment/media industry.
So why isn't this getting 5-stars?
Years ago, Chandler had an abortion. No big deal - even to her. It was the right decision, and that's that. But Chandler is extremely anxious about telling romantic partners about this event and essentially gauges her level of trust in them by if she's ready to tell them. I guess I didn't quite understand why that is, considering she's one of the most open and sex-positive heroines I've ever read about. She doesn't feel guilty about the abortion, so I didn't understand why she makes it such a big deal. Perhaps it's because she doesn't want to be judged? But she's not someone who needs approval from others, so I just didn't get it. The entire thing felt incredibly out of place in the story, and whenever it was brought up, it felt very jarring. I think this element of her character should have been removed or dived into deeper instead of only being vaguely mentioned twice before she decides to share this allegedly crucial piece of information with Finn.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC and Berkley Publishing Group for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
June 11, 2023
3 stars
The premise of this book was really fun and interesting and I looked forward to finding out more about Finn and Chandler. While I really loved Finn and some parts of the book, I never felt a connection with the characters I wanted to feel, and some parts were just slow for me. I think overall Rachel Lynn Solomon's writing is great, but this one was just okay for me.
The premise of this book was really fun and interesting and I looked forward to finding out more about Finn and Chandler. While I really loved Finn and some parts of the book, I never felt a connection with the characters I wanted to feel, and some parts were just slow for me. I think overall Rachel Lynn Solomon's writing is great, but this one was just okay for me.
June 11, 2023
I loved the idea of this book. A ghostwriter and a one night stand turns out to be the person she's meant to ghostwrite her next book for. Sadly it just didn't work out for me. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters which made the spicy scenes not the best for me.
It was cute and enjoyable but nothing super rememberable.
It was cute and enjoyable but nothing super rememberable.
September 16, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
I loved this book and flew through it. I loved both Chandler (h) and Finn (H) and I found their sex lessons, forced proximity, is this real or not? situation to be highly entertaining. I also appreciated that both were feeling stuck in their professional and personal lives, caught up in what they had been doing, but wanting something more for themselves. Chandler's a ghostwriter and Finn's an actor best known for a tv show from several years prior. They meet by chance and have a spur of the moment ONS that's not good and all kinds of awkward, then meet in a professional capacity the next day. These two were slowly able to be vulnerable and intimate with each other and even when it wasn't clear to them whether what was happening was real, it was very clear to me as the reader. The story focuses on Chandler ghostwriting Finn's memoir while attending conventions with him across the country with a side of between the sheets education. Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow/om drama (there is discussion between them about prior experiences and h had recently had a ONS with a long term friend she had pined for) and neither were virgins. As a potential trigger notice - there is discussion about mental health and past abortion.
Chandler and Finn were adorable when they'd each blush or get awkward or need reassuring. Finn was so nerdy and sweet, but he was also driven to act and share his art. Chandler was also talented as a writer, but lacked that confidence to put her writing out there under her own name. The circumstances of this story pushed her out of her comfort zone and into more risk taking. Once they became closer, they were so supportive of each other and you could see what a solid and happy romance they'd have. Plus, as the lessons continued, these two got quite steamy with each other. Finn was a fast and dedicated learner.
In between the chapters, the author included excerpts of screenplays and news articles about Finn, which was a fun touch. The side characters were excellent with Chandler's cousin (who's more like a sister), her parents, Finn's mom and best friend. Some of Finn's past cast members also had page time, including one who was a huge jerk. All the supporting characters added to the overall picture of the main characters.
There was a bit of conflict close to the end surrounding what a relationship would look like and what they wanted, which made complete sense for the characters and where they were at. I thought the epilogue was excellent. It was 2 years out and captured what their lives were like, what had happened in that time, and they were in their HEA.
I loved this book and flew through it. I loved both Chandler (h) and Finn (H) and I found their sex lessons, forced proximity, is this real or not? situation to be highly entertaining. I also appreciated that both were feeling stuck in their professional and personal lives, caught up in what they had been doing, but wanting something more for themselves. Chandler's a ghostwriter and Finn's an actor best known for a tv show from several years prior. They meet by chance and have a spur of the moment ONS that's not good and all kinds of awkward, then meet in a professional capacity the next day. These two were slowly able to be vulnerable and intimate with each other and even when it wasn't clear to them whether what was happening was real, it was very clear to me as the reader. The story focuses on Chandler ghostwriting Finn's memoir while attending conventions with him across the country with a side of between the sheets education. Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow/om drama (there is discussion between them about prior experiences and h had recently had a ONS with a long term friend she had pined for) and neither were virgins. As a potential trigger notice - there is discussion about mental health and past abortion.
Chandler and Finn were adorable when they'd each blush or get awkward or need reassuring. Finn was so nerdy and sweet, but he was also driven to act and share his art. Chandler was also talented as a writer, but lacked that confidence to put her writing out there under her own name. The circumstances of this story pushed her out of her comfort zone and into more risk taking. Once they became closer, they were so supportive of each other and you could see what a solid and happy romance they'd have. Plus, as the lessons continued, these two got quite steamy with each other. Finn was a fast and dedicated learner.
In between the chapters, the author included excerpts of screenplays and news articles about Finn, which was a fun touch. The side characters were excellent with Chandler's cousin (who's more like a sister), her parents, Finn's mom and best friend. Some of Finn's past cast members also had page time, including one who was a huge jerk. All the supporting characters added to the overall picture of the main characters.
There was a bit of conflict close to the end surrounding what a relationship would look like and what they wanted, which made complete sense for the characters and where they were at. I thought the epilogue was excellent. It was 2 years out and captured what their lives were like, what had happened in that time, and they were in their HEA.
January 10, 2023
her best work to date my heart is going 💓💗💫✨
April 25, 2024
He holds me tighter, letting me borrow into his chest. "I'm so glad you took the risk," he whispers into my ear.
"That's the thing," I say to his heartbeat. Soft and steady and true. "With you, it doesn't feel like one. It just feels like home."
"That's the thing," I say to his heartbeat. Soft and steady and true. "With you, it doesn't feel like one. It just feels like home."
May 15, 2023
4.5 stars - RLS is quickly becoming a must read romance author for me. If you like the emotional/thematic weight of Emily Henry but want a book to read more like traditional genre romance, this would be one I'd recommend. I also am a sucker for the old "sex lesson" trope from my fan fiction days, so that was a winning element to me. Finn & Chandler were so cute together and all & all, this was just a fun read
June 10, 2023
Summary: When ghostwriter Chandler Cohen meets her new client, she has no idea it is the horrible and awkward one night stand from the previous evening - and that he is one of the stars of a cult classic tv series still beloved by fans.
When Finn approaches her with a second arrangement that’s a bit more unorthodox, she decides to go for it with some hilarious and spicy repercussions.
Thoughts: This was the perfect romance read, and I would give it all the stars if that was a thing. Chock-full of some of the best representation, including spot on OCD/anxiety rep, Business or Pleasure is the perfect ration of swoon to emotional depth to steaminess.
One of my favorite things about Rachel Lynn Solomon’s writing is how relatable her characters are and Chandler and Finn are no exception. Through every awkward moment, every agonizing decision, and all their day to day moments, both felt so real to me and I can see them existing completely off of the page. They are nuanced and flawed but in a very realistic and honest way, and I loved every moment I was in the proverbial room with them.
The c-lister subplot was really interesting and I enjoyed experiencing the convention life vicariously through these characters. I also thought the script pages that divided each chapter added a really fun element while also giving us more of Finn’s backstory.
As for the steamy aspect - it was, well hot! I loved how natural these scenes felt and how they actually gave us quite a bit of emotional insight into the development of our MC’s relationship.
Read if you like:
•one night stand
•workplace romance
•forced proximity
•book about books
•OCD/Anxiety Rep
•sex positivity
I loved this book so much and cannot recommend it enough. A huge thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Finn approaches her with a second arrangement that’s a bit more unorthodox, she decides to go for it with some hilarious and spicy repercussions.
Thoughts: This was the perfect romance read, and I would give it all the stars if that was a thing. Chock-full of some of the best representation, including spot on OCD/anxiety rep, Business or Pleasure is the perfect ration of swoon to emotional depth to steaminess.
One of my favorite things about Rachel Lynn Solomon’s writing is how relatable her characters are and Chandler and Finn are no exception. Through every awkward moment, every agonizing decision, and all their day to day moments, both felt so real to me and I can see them existing completely off of the page. They are nuanced and flawed but in a very realistic and honest way, and I loved every moment I was in the proverbial room with them.
The c-lister subplot was really interesting and I enjoyed experiencing the convention life vicariously through these characters. I also thought the script pages that divided each chapter added a really fun element while also giving us more of Finn’s backstory.
As for the steamy aspect - it was, well hot! I loved how natural these scenes felt and how they actually gave us quite a bit of emotional insight into the development of our MC’s relationship.
Read if you like:
•one night stand
•workplace romance
•forced proximity
•book about books
•OCD/Anxiety Rep
•sex positivity
I loved this book so much and cannot recommend it enough. A huge thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2023
4.5 stars
everyone needs to read this book. I said it and I will stand by it. This book has the perfect balance of romance and exposing societys problems and i loved how it brought them both together.
I'm too distracted by touching him to get anything more than what he looks like: the soft curve of his stomach, skin dotted with freckles. A trail of reddish hair disappearing into his boxer briefs"
my belly has a soft curve to it, too, paint pink streach marks around my hips and waist, beneath my arms and along my breasts. I thought I'd be self-conscious with someone I met only a few hours ago, but the way hes gazing at me leaves little room for it"
I am so sick of books, porn, and media portraying that women don't have streach marks, hair and a perfectly flat stomach. Not only is it unrealistic to the people watching it but makes us as viewers and readers feel bad. You may argue that it is in fun and that not everything needs to be realistic. Which is true, but when everything you consume is like that it can be very unhealthy. I also adore that the author included that guys (even better that hes an actor) don't all have abs and perfectly smooth skin apart from the places that are 'sexy' to have hair.
" Sometimes it seemed like you were trying to find something you lost in my vagina. All search and no rescue."
"And that would be a little something called the male gaze"
This is my favourite part of the novel. The awkwardness, the second hand embarassment because it was to true because no, not all men are going to know what to do to please a women and thats okay. its not all in and out like porn shows. It so unrealistic and this book shows that so well! it teaches us that most times women don't have plesure because porn is for the male gaze and is so hard to find ones where women are actually enjoying themselves.
"I have no idea what i'm doing!" A guy biking past us holds up a fist. "None of us do, bro" he says, and Finn gives him a halfhearted fist pump.
Finn was such a great in depth character. He had so much emotinal intelligence which is such a breath of fresh air. I loved seeing him grow as a character and see him grow in confinace as he understood how to 'do sex'. And him being an actor added another layer of complexity because it tells us that celibrities are human, which i personally think that people forget and treat them as gods. Seeing him and his personal struggles broke my heart.
"Well, he whispers into my ear, right before he does it again, "Thats a nice surprise"
for all you thirsty bitches this book is for you, its spicy AS DIRECTED BY CHANDLER which is even more amazing because it just gets more intesne and better as the book went on.
the nerd steryotype, and how much Hollywood has at turns degraded and hypersexualised it
Chandler Lacked something for me, but to be honest almost all female characters do(which is an issue), i didn't relate to her as much but i still enjoyed her character as she want along. Her and her google docs? iconic i love women that use google docs they are supreme to everyone else. I liked seeing her becoming more comfortable in herself but that third act break up was so unnecessary to the plot and I hated her for it.
the pop culture references are why this book is a 4.5 and not a 5 star, they kept popping up *eye twitch* and i could not, in good conscious give it five stars with that in it.
but i definatly think that everyone should read, its such a good book that explores problems with society while being a fun romcom! not something all authors can achieve.
everyone needs to read this book. I said it and I will stand by it. This book has the perfect balance of romance and exposing societys problems and i loved how it brought them both together.
I'm too distracted by touching him to get anything more than what he looks like: the soft curve of his stomach, skin dotted with freckles. A trail of reddish hair disappearing into his boxer briefs"
my belly has a soft curve to it, too, paint pink streach marks around my hips and waist, beneath my arms and along my breasts. I thought I'd be self-conscious with someone I met only a few hours ago, but the way hes gazing at me leaves little room for it"
I am so sick of books, porn, and media portraying that women don't have streach marks, hair and a perfectly flat stomach. Not only is it unrealistic to the people watching it but makes us as viewers and readers feel bad. You may argue that it is in fun and that not everything needs to be realistic. Which is true, but when everything you consume is like that it can be very unhealthy. I also adore that the author included that guys (even better that hes an actor) don't all have abs and perfectly smooth skin apart from the places that are 'sexy' to have hair.
" Sometimes it seemed like you were trying to find something you lost in my vagina. All search and no rescue."
"And that would be a little something called the male gaze"
This is my favourite part of the novel. The awkwardness, the second hand embarassment because it was to true because no, not all men are going to know what to do to please a women and thats okay. its not all in and out like porn shows. It so unrealistic and this book shows that so well! it teaches us that most times women don't have plesure because porn is for the male gaze and is so hard to find ones where women are actually enjoying themselves.
"I have no idea what i'm doing!" A guy biking past us holds up a fist. "None of us do, bro" he says, and Finn gives him a halfhearted fist pump.
Finn was such a great in depth character. He had so much emotinal intelligence which is such a breath of fresh air. I loved seeing him grow as a character and see him grow in confinace as he understood how to 'do sex'. And him being an actor added another layer of complexity because it tells us that celibrities are human, which i personally think that people forget and treat them as gods. Seeing him and his personal struggles broke my heart.
"Well, he whispers into my ear, right before he does it again, "Thats a nice surprise"
for all you thirsty bitches this book is for you, its spicy AS DIRECTED BY CHANDLER which is even more amazing because it just gets more intesne and better as the book went on.
the nerd steryotype, and how much Hollywood has at turns degraded and hypersexualised it
Chandler Lacked something for me, but to be honest almost all female characters do(which is an issue), i didn't relate to her as much but i still enjoyed her character as she want along. Her and her google docs? iconic i love women that use google docs they are supreme to everyone else. I liked seeing her becoming more comfortable in herself but that third act break up was so unnecessary to the plot and I hated her for it.
the pop culture references are why this book is a 4.5 and not a 5 star, they kept popping up *eye twitch* and i could not, in good conscious give it five stars with that in it.
but i definatly think that everyone should read, its such a good book that explores problems with society while being a fun romcom! not something all authors can achieve.
April 14, 2023
Sex is passionate and hot and satisfying. Right? At least in books. But in real life? Even though you’re attracted to another person, sex can be awkward. Sex can be frustrating. Sex can be mediocre. And that’s what this book is about.
I’ve said it before, I like my stories a little less steamy, and when the sex scenes go on for pages and pages and more pages, I tend to skim-read them. Business or Pleasure is steamy but not in the usual way. Because in this story, sex is communicating. Sex is talking. Sex is speaking up. And I loved this approach!
Chandler’s and Finn’s first hook-up turns out to be a disaster, at least for Chandler, and when they meet again, Chandler tells Finn the sex wasn’t as good as he thought it was. So she suggests they practice, and she even makes a plan. They kiss and they talk, they explore each other’s bodies and tell each other what they like, and they have sex and still communicate. I think this could be a fictional self-help book for everyone who needs to learn something about a healthy sex life 😂!
Of course, this book is not only about sex. It’s a story about two people who deeply connect from the moment they meet. It’s funny and nerdy, and smiles danced on my face so many times. And Finn, I fully understand why Chandler fell for him. His shyness, his nerdiness, his want to learn to be better at sex, in conclusion, not being perfect at all, made him the perfect guy for Chandler.
There’s mental health rep too, Chandler has generalized anxiety disorder and Finn OCD (mostly germ-related).
I loved Business or Pleasure and highly recommended it to anyone who wants to read a fantastic love story or just learn more about a healthy sex life.
I received an ARC from Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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I’ve said it before, I like my stories a little less steamy, and when the sex scenes go on for pages and pages and more pages, I tend to skim-read them. Business or Pleasure is steamy but not in the usual way. Because in this story, sex is communicating. Sex is talking. Sex is speaking up. And I loved this approach!
Chandler’s and Finn’s first hook-up turns out to be a disaster, at least for Chandler, and when they meet again, Chandler tells Finn the sex wasn’t as good as he thought it was. So she suggests they practice, and she even makes a plan. They kiss and they talk, they explore each other’s bodies and tell each other what they like, and they have sex and still communicate. I think this could be a fictional self-help book for everyone who needs to learn something about a healthy sex life 😂!
Of course, this book is not only about sex. It’s a story about two people who deeply connect from the moment they meet. It’s funny and nerdy, and smiles danced on my face so many times. And Finn, I fully understand why Chandler fell for him. His shyness, his nerdiness, his want to learn to be better at sex, in conclusion, not being perfect at all, made him the perfect guy for Chandler.
There’s mental health rep too, Chandler has generalized anxiety disorder and Finn OCD (mostly germ-related).
I loved Business or Pleasure and highly recommended it to anyone who wants to read a fantastic love story or just learn more about a healthy sex life.
I received an ARC from Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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September 3, 2023
3.25-3.5*
This is my third book by RLS, the first one was a miss for me 😬, the second one worked better & this one falls somewhere between the two.
It felt a little flat at times and while I really like what the FMC/author is *trying* to do with the "male gaze" discussions it borders on a little heavy-handed/preachy at times cos let's be honest - it's preaching to the choir as the desired audience to hear this is prob unlikely to pick this up amirite? 🤔
I like how this author aims to strike a balance with mental health concerns (I don't want to say issues) that her MCs navigate/open up about with their love interest(s) in her books. She takes great care and sensitivity in handling them...or at least it appears so to me as an "outsider" not having much experience with the topic handled in this read. 🙊 🤐 so as not to give anything away so you can learn about it alongside the characters as you get to know them in this book should you pick it up 🙃
I will always try to support this healthier move in publishing to tackle different facets of life in as many genres as I enjoy reading. Normalising the fact that there is no such thing as perfection and we all deal with things can only help destigmatise everything in the long run (sorry off my mini-soapbox) 🤗
The premiss is delightfully awks and led to fun conversations 🤭
Which we know I love communication in my romcom reads; while on the one hand this delivers well on most fronts in that regard - we still have an annoying (to me) third act separation to navigate as the FMC figures some life choices out for herself. Heads up if like me this is a reader bugbear for you...
I love when a character is a writer in a fictional book, gives my nosy/greedy @$$ a sneaky look behind the curtain. I enjoyed learning about the ghostwriting process in this one, even if spending this amount of time with the subject of the book is perhaps a little out of the norm ... it probably says more about my cynicism that I just couldn't click with the semi-famous love interest trope - I also not so lowkey wish we could watch the TV show he got famous for. Sounds like a uni-set Teen Wolf/Buffy type scenario & I 100% want to binge the schniz outta that! 🍿
I will admit that all the "nerdy" con stuff was super fun to read about too as someone who went through a phase of watching/listening to con panel interviews a few years back - fascinating "behind the scenes" peek.
There were fun niche references to 90s fashion/music which made for enjoyable blasts from the past or lead me down random rabbit hole researches. However I know this can be a no-no for many 🤷♀️
I will forever think of this read when "whomp there it is" pops into my brain 🤣
But one connection I'm going to have to dissolve asap is the fact the MMC shares his first name with my BiL considering the encounter that initially brings these two together 🙈
This is my third book by RLS, the first one was a miss for me 😬, the second one worked better & this one falls somewhere between the two.
It felt a little flat at times and while I really like what the FMC/author is *trying* to do with the "male gaze" discussions it borders on a little heavy-handed/preachy at times cos let's be honest - it's preaching to the choir as the desired audience to hear this is prob unlikely to pick this up amirite? 🤔
I like how this author aims to strike a balance with mental health concerns (I don't want to say issues) that her MCs navigate/open up about with their love interest(s) in her books. She takes great care and sensitivity in handling them...or at least it appears so to me as an "outsider" not having much experience with the topic handled in this read. 🙊 🤐 so as not to give anything away so you can learn about it alongside the characters as you get to know them in this book should you pick it up 🙃
I will always try to support this healthier move in publishing to tackle different facets of life in as many genres as I enjoy reading. Normalising the fact that there is no such thing as perfection and we all deal with things can only help destigmatise everything in the long run (sorry off my mini-soapbox) 🤗
The premiss is delightfully awks and led to fun conversations 🤭
Which we know I love communication in my romcom reads; while on the one hand this delivers well on most fronts in that regard - we still have an annoying (to me) third act separation to navigate as the FMC figures some life choices out for herself. Heads up if like me this is a reader bugbear for you...
I love when a character is a writer in a fictional book, gives my nosy/greedy @$$ a sneaky look behind the curtain. I enjoyed learning about the ghostwriting process in this one, even if spending this amount of time with the subject of the book is perhaps a little out of the norm ... it probably says more about my cynicism that I just couldn't click with the semi-famous love interest trope - I also not so lowkey wish we could watch the TV show he got famous for. Sounds like a uni-set Teen Wolf/Buffy type scenario & I 100% want to binge the schniz outta that! 🍿
I will admit that all the "nerdy" con stuff was super fun to read about too as someone who went through a phase of watching/listening to con panel interviews a few years back - fascinating "behind the scenes" peek.
There were fun niche references to 90s fashion/music which made for enjoyable blasts from the past or lead me down random rabbit hole researches. However I know this can be a no-no for many 🤷♀️
I will forever think of this read when "whomp there it is" pops into my brain 🤣
But one connection I'm going to have to dissolve asap is the fact the MMC shares his first name with my BiL considering the encounter that initially brings these two together 🙈
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 7, 2024*zayn mumbling gif* why’d she think it was a good idea to write about an almost 40 yr old man who can’t find the clit
April 3, 2024
the book was decent i couldnt really relate to the characters - probably would dnf if it wasnt for me doing this as a buddy read
March 29, 2023
I guess men who are bad in bed do deserve rights! Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this advanced copy <3
Chandler Cohen is going through a career crisis when she meets a man in a bookstore bar. She has a disappointing one night stand with him, then, unknowingly agrees to become his ghostwriter for his actor, teen drama memoir. Also, Chandler agrees to give Finn intimacy lessons??? Yes please.
This story was drama-filled in the best way due to their awkwardness post-one night stand and their attempt at staying professional. I was having the best time witnessing Chandler and Finn travel around together for Finn’s comic cons trying to figure out how to act around one another. Finn was so obviously into Chandler from the start - it was adorable. Chandler was a bit more reserved and was definitely hiding from her feelings for a good portion of the book, which felt true to her character.
When Chandler finally revealed to Finn that he was far from excellent in bed, Finn didn’t have an out burst or blame his poor performance on Chandler, like some men would. Despite being embarrassed, Finn was eager to learn from Chandler in both an educational and romantic way. The reason their arrangement worked so well is because they had mutual respect and obvious chemistry. The prominent sex positivity was an incredible addition to these lessons as well.
What I love most about this book is how well Chandler and Finn complimented each other. They both felt stuck in their respective careers and were not sure what they want to do with their lives. But they both motivated each other to take risks in their personal and professional lives. The mental health representation, specifically OCD, was excellent and handled with care. As someone who suffers from similar OCD compulsions, I felt so seen and I really appreciated this aspect of the Finn’s characterization.
This is one of my favorite romance novels I’ve read this year because of the juicy plot, great characters, and romantic and emotional depth. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves celebrity romances, books about books, and sex positive spicy scenes!
Chandler Cohen is going through a career crisis when she meets a man in a bookstore bar. She has a disappointing one night stand with him, then, unknowingly agrees to become his ghostwriter for his actor, teen drama memoir. Also, Chandler agrees to give Finn intimacy lessons??? Yes please.
This story was drama-filled in the best way due to their awkwardness post-one night stand and their attempt at staying professional. I was having the best time witnessing Chandler and Finn travel around together for Finn’s comic cons trying to figure out how to act around one another. Finn was so obviously into Chandler from the start - it was adorable. Chandler was a bit more reserved and was definitely hiding from her feelings for a good portion of the book, which felt true to her character.
When Chandler finally revealed to Finn that he was far from excellent in bed, Finn didn’t have an out burst or blame his poor performance on Chandler, like some men would. Despite being embarrassed, Finn was eager to learn from Chandler in both an educational and romantic way. The reason their arrangement worked so well is because they had mutual respect and obvious chemistry. The prominent sex positivity was an incredible addition to these lessons as well.
What I love most about this book is how well Chandler and Finn complimented each other. They both felt stuck in their respective careers and were not sure what they want to do with their lives. But they both motivated each other to take risks in their personal and professional lives. The mental health representation, specifically OCD, was excellent and handled with care. As someone who suffers from similar OCD compulsions, I felt so seen and I really appreciated this aspect of the Finn’s characterization.
This is one of my favorite romance novels I’ve read this year because of the juicy plot, great characters, and romantic and emotional depth. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves celebrity romances, books about books, and sex positive spicy scenes!
September 6, 2023
i don't even know where to start with this one so i will provide a list of things that did not work for me.
1. the hero of this book is a thirty-four year old man who starred in a Teen Wolf-esque TV show 15 years ago and has since acted in a few hallmark type movies. And we're meant to believe that this C? D? list actor is writing a memoir that ends up becoming 4th on the New York Times Bestseller list??? Imagine Dylan O'Brien did Teen Wolf and then instead of starring in the maze runner series just did shitty made for TV movies for 10 years and then decided to write a book? Please tell me WHO is running to indigo to buy that book?
2. the entire premise of this book is that the main character is ghostwriting the hero's memoir. And they spend most of the novel writing this book together. Wouldn't it be great to, i don't know, maybe be able to read a snippet of this book? to maybe see what it is they're writing about? to get a sense of whether the main character is actually a good writer? Like maybe instead of just telling us that you're writing a chapter about his audition, show us part of the chapter??? Give us a paragraph sample maybe! Do you have any idea how boring it is to read about someone writing about something else?
3. the hero of this book is a thirty-four year old man who has been in several long term relationships who is so incredibly hopeless at sex that he doesn't know where the clitoris is? But then it only takes him approximately three sex lessons to become a sex expert? I just don't think the author can put so much emphasis on how bad their first sexual experience was, and then have him improve so drastically and so quickly.
4. speaking of the sex scenes, i'm sorry but i found several of them physically repulsive. For example: "Do you know what I’m thinking...I’m thinking about how pink your pretty pussy is right now...Pinker than your cheeks?” BRB gagging.
5. The hero has contamination OCD. And i am all for mental illness representation in books. But can we please do it better? His obsessions revolve mainly around food, dishes, cutlery, and bedding. He mentions having to send back new dishes because the box smells off, and rewashing sheets fresh from the wash because he's convinced they aren't clean. Terrific, accurate, no notes. BUT throughout the entire book these characters are traveling across the country, staying in hotels and air b&bs. But not once does he worry about the cleanliness of the hotel bedding, or talk to her about showering or changing out of her clothes before coming into his bed. I'm all for the OCD representation but I am so sick of authors using mental illness as a device that is ignored until it's convenient to the plot.
6. Millenial writers must be stopped. I do not want to read the word "adulting" in your book please i'm begging you.
Generally speaking, this book was just a trudge to get through. If not for my dedication to the 2023 Reading Challenge, I would have given up on the book. The main character was frustrating and difficult to root for, the third act breakup was pointless, and the story just wasn't compelling.
1. the hero of this book is a thirty-four year old man who starred in a Teen Wolf-esque TV show 15 years ago and has since acted in a few hallmark type movies. And we're meant to believe that this C? D? list actor is writing a memoir that ends up becoming 4th on the New York Times Bestseller list??? Imagine Dylan O'Brien did Teen Wolf and then instead of starring in the maze runner series just did shitty made for TV movies for 10 years and then decided to write a book? Please tell me WHO is running to indigo to buy that book?
2. the entire premise of this book is that the main character is ghostwriting the hero's memoir. And they spend most of the novel writing this book together. Wouldn't it be great to, i don't know, maybe be able to read a snippet of this book? to maybe see what it is they're writing about? to get a sense of whether the main character is actually a good writer? Like maybe instead of just telling us that you're writing a chapter about his audition, show us part of the chapter??? Give us a paragraph sample maybe! Do you have any idea how boring it is to read about someone writing about something else?
3. the hero of this book is a thirty-four year old man who has been in several long term relationships who is so incredibly hopeless at sex that he doesn't know where the clitoris is? But then it only takes him approximately three sex lessons to become a sex expert? I just don't think the author can put so much emphasis on how bad their first sexual experience was, and then have him improve so drastically and so quickly.
4. speaking of the sex scenes, i'm sorry but i found several of them physically repulsive. For example: "Do you know what I’m thinking...I’m thinking about how pink your pretty pussy is right now...Pinker than your cheeks?” BRB gagging.
5. The hero has contamination OCD. And i am all for mental illness representation in books. But can we please do it better? His obsessions revolve mainly around food, dishes, cutlery, and bedding. He mentions having to send back new dishes because the box smells off, and rewashing sheets fresh from the wash because he's convinced they aren't clean. Terrific, accurate, no notes. BUT throughout the entire book these characters are traveling across the country, staying in hotels and air b&bs. But not once does he worry about the cleanliness of the hotel bedding, or talk to her about showering or changing out of her clothes before coming into his bed. I'm all for the OCD representation but I am so sick of authors using mental illness as a device that is ignored until it's convenient to the plot.
6. Millenial writers must be stopped. I do not want to read the word "adulting" in your book please i'm begging you.
Generally speaking, this book was just a trudge to get through. If not for my dedication to the 2023 Reading Challenge, I would have given up on the book. The main character was frustrating and difficult to root for, the third act breakup was pointless, and the story just wasn't compelling.
July 2, 2023
perfectly fine characters and perfectly fine story and perfectly fine writing. none of this was bad, exactly, but it was all just very...vanilla, and nothing about the story or the characters really excited or moved me in any way. i also just wasnt feeling the chemistry between the two main leads. theyre good to each other and have honest conversations and share things about themselves etc etc but to me, there were just no sparks there 🤷♀️
Want to read
December 13, 2022i will literally do anything to get my hands on this
February 27, 2024
My favourite by Rachel Lynn Solomon so far!!! It star tree s a tad cringey (on purpose! that one night stand…. YIKES) but quickly turned into an endearing and sexy love story with a lot if self discovery, self reflection, and self love.
The reasoning behind the climax felt realistic and familiar, and I loved how it was resolved. And again, classic RLS: fantastic Jewish rep & mental health rep <3
Only thing I would have loved is for a more explicit resolution on why Ethan was such a sourpuss at the reunion.
Highly recommend this one!
The reasoning behind the climax felt realistic and familiar, and I loved how it was resolved. And again, classic RLS: fantastic Jewish rep & mental health rep <3
Only thing I would have loved is for a more explicit resolution on why Ethan was such a sourpuss at the reunion.
Highly recommend this one!
July 3, 2023
3.75⭐️ this was a very fun and sexually tension driven book that I ATE up!!! Chandler and Finn were such a cute couple and I adored the unique plot and the spicy coaching lessons chandler gave to Finn.
There were a few plot lines I didn’t love and the third act conflict at the end felt rushed. BUT- I still really enjoyed this. The side characters were so fun and I need chandler bestie Noemie to get a book!!
Thanks Berkley for the ARC🫶🏼🫶🏼
There were a few plot lines I didn’t love and the third act conflict at the end felt rushed. BUT- I still really enjoyed this. The side characters were so fun and I need chandler bestie Noemie to get a book!!
Thanks Berkley for the ARC🫶🏼🫶🏼
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