Unfortunately, this was kind of boring! I was hoping with the premise, there might have been some really compelling sexual tension, but it was definitely lacking in a book that involves sex lessons 😭. And it's not even like the sex scenes were bad! Chandler and Finn have chemistry, but it just wasn't hitting well enough in their interactions outside of the sexy ones—this definitely runs more "friends to lovers" than anything, which is never my cup of tea in a contemporary. What was most surprising is that I was not as annoyed with the famous/not famous dynamic in this, which is also typically a hard no from me in contemporaries.
The conflict for me was also a bit of an issue because it felt like there really wasn't one? So much of it is an internal conflict about what Chandler wants to do with the rest of her life, which I do think is relatable (obviously), but also a bit out of character? Chandler and Finn are, like, therapized to death in the sense that they're very well aware of their personal issues, have no problems talking to a partner about these issues, and talk frankly and matter-of-factly about them as well. This is all well and good (and I probably wouldn't even care that much if not for being toxic relationship pilled by Louis and Lestat), but I think part of my issue is that it just feels a bit empty and emotionless a lot of the time—I like it when characters can grow together and figure out their problems together. I don't need mental health struggle porn but I need something a bit more than "I'm not sure we can be together because I might want to write a book, and idk how to take it if you are supportive of that." I just need a little more than that. CoHo books are not appealing to me on multiple levels (chiefly the writing), but sometimes you need a little toxicity in the fiction! I think I'm going to try to find some historicals to read next because at least those characters have never heard of the DSM-5.

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a witty and charming romance novel that follows the story of Chandler Cohen, a ghostwriter who finds herself in an awkward situation after a one-night stand with Finn Walsh, a C-list actor. When Chandler is assigned to ghostwrite Finn's memoir, she is determined to keep things professional, but Finn is devastated when he learns that their night together wasn't as special as he thought.

As the two work together on Finn's book, they strike a deal to help each other out and explore their attraction. The story is filled with hilarious mishaps and steamy scenes that keep the reader engaged and entertained. Solomon has a knack for creating relatable and likable characters that readers will root for from start to finish.

What makes Business or Pleasure stand out from other romance novels is the way it tackles the question of whether it's possible to have both business and pleasure in a relationship. Chandler and Finn are both driven individuals with their own goals and aspirations, and they have to navigate their way through the challenges of balancing work and romance.

Overall, Business or Pleasure is a delightful and enjoyable romance novel that will leave readers feeling satisfied and happy. It's a perfect read for anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted escape from the stresses of everyday life. Rachel Lynn Solomon has crafted a memorable and entertaining love story that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I had high hopes.

This book has a great concept, and to some extent its executed well, but it all means nothing because the main characters are boring people.

a hilarious and steamy romantic tale that had me hooked from the start! The narrative skillfully balances humor and steam. The hero and heroine's chemistry was also a 10/10! Overall, I was eagerly turning the pages from beginning to end.

I am shocked by how much I enjoyed Business or Pleasure. Yes it is spicy and romantic but it's also nerdy and funny. The main characters are very likeable, as are the side characters, and I couldn't get over how well the spicy part of this book was done.

It didn't feel spicy just to be spicy and it didn't have any of the cringe factor or any of the "creative" phrasing and naming for intimate areas that I've been seeing an influx of in the genre. The writing truly felt like it written by someone who was mature and comfortable with intimacy instead of someone throwing out buzz words to make it sound "hot."

If you're a fan of forced proximity, celebrity-non celebrity relationships, mental health representation, and a little extra spice, check this one out,

Rachel Lynn Solomon does not disappoint! Holy moly was this spicy! Chandler's and Finn's chemistry was off the charts. I loved all the sex positivity in this book. And am such a sucker for lessons in the bedroom. It's such a fun trope. Loved loved loved this book!!!

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 deal: 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.

Can Rachel Solomon write anything I don't like? I don't think it's possible at this point because I have always absolutely loved all of her books. This is no exception, the concept was *chefs kiss*, the characters were *chefs kiss* and the romance was.... *chefs kiss*.

Honestly could go on for days about how great this book was, so seriously if you haven't read it and you're a lover of rom-coms or Solomon's other books... read this one!

I’m so behind in reviews, I will be working diligently on them for the next few months. I read this book earlier this year and I did find it enjoyable, as well as the characters likeable which is important to me. I loved the fresh premise, the communication between the two main characters, and the very real topics being touched on. When we read anything with a little (or a lot) of spice, we usually want the good stuff! So for me, this was refreshing and realistic - and in some ways relatable to an experience I’ve had in my own life. (TMI) It made me wish that in my situation, that communication and effort had been made like it was in this story.

♡ Read this if you like:

۵ Good banter and communication
۵ Forced Proximity (Ghost writer & Actor!)
۵ An interesting premise w/ a fresh take on “dating” life
۵ Mental Health Rep
۵ Sex Positivity

💟 A special thank you to @berkleypublihsing & @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just could not get into this story. Sex lessons are not my trope. It was fine but not my favorite.

An engaging, laugh out loud romantic comedy perfect for readers looking for a book that’s as smart as it is spicy. Chandler and Finn are well developed characters with great chemistry. Highly recommended!

It was interesting to read about a lead male love interest who was bad a sex which, obviously, led to the popular trope of sex lessons. However, I think to balance this the male lead Finn needed to be a stronger character with more charisma. I am writing this review months after I have read the book and I can barely remember him which ultimately made this book unmemorable to me.

Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of the only authors that I can immediately go to for a general romance novel. Honestly, they are always fun and quirky and easy reads that I can soak up in a few hours. This one is just as good as the rest without getting formulaic.

A case of “I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it”. I’m almost sure celebrity romances just aren’t for me anymore, and this almost felt like it was changing my mind. I didn’t hear not one single bad review prior to picking it up, so perhaps my expectations were high, but I thought this book just ended up being ok.

I think my biggest issue was how incredibly rushed that ending was, but alas.

"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."

This was my first Solomon book, but y'all it will not be my last. I am hooked -- I need more!

A disastrous one-night stand is made worst when Chandler has to face Finn the next morning as Finn's new ghostwriter for his celebrity memoir. As the duo travel the country while Fin attends comic-cons and Chandler writes his tell all, the two blur the lines and damn, do they do it so frickin' well!

The concept of an FMC teaching the MMC all he needs to know about pleasing his partner in the bedroom is glorious. Chandler, a sex positive gal, gives Finn, a fumbling mess in the sheets, the lesson of a lifetime. When the duo mixes business with pleasure, it gives readers this delicious romance with top notch communication skills with respect for mental health (this time the MC is the one struggling) and sexual needs (the FC is open and honest and it’s quite delightful to see).

I’m kicking myself for sleeping on Solomon. I’m currently working through her backlist and it’s been quite the pleasure! If you haven’t read her work, I recommend you do so soon — she’s an absolute gem of a storyteller.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I have been on a romantic kick over the last few weeks and was so excited to jump into this one, especially after how much I liked The Ex Talk. This book follows a ghost rider and she writes a celebrity memoir and while they’re on the road, they engage in some steamy lessons to help improve the mmc’s sexual performance. This book really leans into healthy, honest conversations around sex and pleasure and how a relationship that may start in an awkward place can ultimately blossom into something quite lovely.

It is one of those books where your brain switches off and you can’t help loving the couple and rooting for them. Plus, I adore the boy fell first trope! It was super easy to read and I had a super fun time.

This book is so sweet. I have loved all of Rachel Lynn Solomon's adult titles, but this one takes the cake. Self exploration and expression! a romp!

A very relatable. millennial romcom, especially if you’ve ever been chronically online before. RLS always write wonderful, sweet yet steamy reads with diverse rep.

5/5! Hilarious, sweet, and steamy. I freaking love RLS. The characters are well-developed, The story is funny, and I loved the entire premise.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I thought this book was super cute and it might have gotten me out of my reading slump of reading contemporary romances. I could not pick up a contemporary romance for months. This was exactly what I needed.

I will say it leans very millennial with millennial "buzzwords" about "adulting" and "girlboss." And also the audiences with the press outlets they reference (Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Vice).

It was interesting to read this as someone who has personally experienced all angles of the experiences of this book. As someone who is deep in fandom culture, as well as an entertainment publicist in the industry and being familiar with the con circuit and BTS with talent.

Ultimately i'd suggest this book.