after a slow start, I fell quickly for this lovely book. full review to come!

*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.*

I really, really enjoyed this! I feel like it had a genuinely original twist that I've never read in another romance. (Although it's a blend of forced proximity + sexual education; it's done in a unique way.) It's spicier than Solomon's other books - but as always, she handles mental health really well, and I love how well her characters communicate.

I really enjoyed about 90% of this book. The MC's and their growth plotlines are charming, relatable, vulnerable, and realistic. There's real heat and great banter between the two, and the tropes of a celebrity romance are well played. The teen-werewolf series is Mandela effect level well drawn! And the heroine's knowledge of and confidence in her sexual desire and the mechanics thereof make the bedroom scenes particularly satisfying.
Where it falls short for me is in trying to cram too many issues into the space. For example, the heroine makes a big point of telling the hero about an abortion that she had in college. However the few times and ways that that experience is brought up prior to the "reveal" scene are not prominent or impactful enough to track with it being an important or necessary moment in their relationship. And then it is never mentioned again. I got the feeling that the author was trying to simultaneously write abortion as a normal part of women's healthcare (agree) AND make it central to the heroine's identity. I think that's something that can certainly be done, but was not achieved here or didn't have enough space in this particular story. And then there is also parental abuse/neglect, dealing with anti-Semitism, generalized anxiety disorder, and more - all mostly referenced somewhat perfunctorily or in passing. Again - this is not to say that these don't deserve attention and inclusion in contemporary romance, but maybe just not all at once if they are going to be addressed with a certain level of specificity and care. There is already a lot of nuance and (unfortunately) novelty to the way Chandler is able to ask for, describe, and teach her partner what she wants, and the fact that he is not just willing, but enthusiastic about learning it.
Overall though, this overstuffing did not keep me from enjoying the story and won't prevent me from recommending it to patrons. I think Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of the best romance authors I've encountered in recent years. I hope that future books of hers will trust to the power of focusing on fewer issues/challenges at once and I'm eager to read them.

Rachel Lynn Solomon writes perfect books, and this is no exception. The stories she tells are fantastic and the characters she writes are so genuine. Finn and Chandler are the perfect hero and heroine for a romance novel. I will be reading again.

Rating: 5/5
Warnings: OCD, anxiety, brief mentions of anti-semitism, abortion (in past), abuse by a parent (in past)
Steam: 4/5
Tropes: it's just a hookup, workplace, forced proximity, ownvoices

Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for access to this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion

To review this book is to rave about how good it is and how RLS keeps getting better and better. I have been away from this book for a few days and still can't stop thinking about it.

Things I Loved: First off, this is her spiciest book yet and I was here for it. This book was so sex positive, the "teach me" aspect of this book was sexy and not at all creepy. RLS has this amazing way of creating sexual tension that even a kiss is WOW in this book. But there was also a balance of spice with heart, great communication, comedy and just a softness.

I think the career crisis in this book was such a relatable thing for so many of us. All RLS books take place in the PNW and it just makes me happy. Finn and Chandler had the most delightful slow burn (post one night stand). I loved how kind they were to each other. Finn is a hot nerd and I love it. The Jewish representation was wonderful and so poignant. I think the OCD and Anxiety representation was spot on and really special to see in a romance. I also appreciate how abortion was handled in this book with care.

Things I Didn't Love: The one pagers of Finn's former shoes...I was never a teen wolf girlie and therefore, I was not the target audience for this lol

I’ve loved all of Rachel Lynn Solomons books but I think this might be my favorite. I loved the way Finn and chandler met and it just got better from there. It felt like a real relationship and I liked that they explored sex so much and female pleasure.

I’m always thankful for when a romance book has a decent background plot to the romance. A delightful reading experience. I'm pre-ordering my own copy because I know this is going to be a re-read for me.This will appeal to fans of contemporary rom-coms or anyone looking for a sweet read.

I've enjoyed both of Rachel Lynn Solomon's adult rom-coms (THE EX-TALK and WEATHER GIRL) so I expected good things from this book. There is a lot to like, from a relatable heroine to the very sex positive romance. But unfortunately the plot just didn't come together here for me. The general premise of a journalist-turned-ghost-writer meeting an actor, having a one-night stand with said actor, and then being hired to work on that actor's memoir makes total sense to me, immediately intrigues me, and is quite unique. Where Solomon lost me is in the "sex lessons" aspect of this story. It's just...so unneccessary? The same sex positive language, scenes, and dialogue could still be used here if it were just the heroine and our actor choosing to continue their sexual relationship after the one-night stand, rather than turning it into this whole lesson plan plot device. It felt strange, and a bit cringe (sexual proclivities are so individual, obviously, so I found it particularly awkward when the love interest would be taught dirty talk that was "right" but which made me want to crawl out of my skin) and just didn't vibe with the rest of the story about two professionals finding their place in their careers and their families and the wider world. I think a lot of people will enjoy this one, but it just wasn't quite right for me.

Loved this book! It was incredibly spicy, but also had a lot of depth. The character growth was impeccable and I loved getting to know main characters and side characters. The conflict at the end also felt realistic. I loved that the plot was set around comic coms - so fun and unique! I think this is my favorite of RLS's adult romances.

Picture it: one-night stand. WORST sex of your life. Literally everything goes wrong that could go wrong. Oh well, sneak out while he's asleep and never see the guy again.

Until you have a work meeting with a prospective client and... he's the prospective client :-))))

Yup, I had no idea that was the premise of this book (like I said, I so rarely read a synopsis lmao) and I was SHOCKED hunny like when she had bad sex at the beginning of the book I was like ew!! why am i hearing about this dweeb!!!

But yeah, Chandler's a ghostwriter, and Finn's a celebrity, a smidgen washed up but still with a big fan base, he was basically on the Teen Wolf of their universe. There are folks now and forever riding for Stiles and Scott even if the general public has no clue their cultural impact lol

Chandler is like traveling the country with Finn while she gathers material for his memoir and he goes to fan conventions. She happens to let it slide that the sex was bad and he is FLUSTERED girl he had no clue. So they jokeee about the idea that Chandler will give Finn sex lessons and thennn it kinda becomes... not a joke anymore muahahaha

Yeah so they begin the most COMMUNICATIVE sexual relationship I have ever read in a book, and yes, it is hot, and there's not really a third act breakup, and we learn about Finn's OCD and Chandler's general lack of direction in life and it's just a good and layered story from Rachel Lynn Solomon just as I was expecting

Rachel Lynn Solomon wins AGAIN!

I think there's a very specific vibe for RLS stories, especially her adult romances. The first thing I love about her stories is they're so character driven. I think most romances rely on the characters more than plot obviously, but hers always manage to paint this beautiful, nuanced, complex picture of each character. On top of that, RLS always makes it a priority to include representation that's important to her: accurate mental health depiction and Jewish rep (sometimes queer rep). I think overall, literature tends to overlook healthy, joyful Jewish representation and RLS always includes it in her stories in the most effortless purposeful way.

Now onto the meat of it all: the characters, the plot. Now, I will not lie, this book won't appeal to those romance lovers that want the alpha male, dominant, sexually confident, rock-your-world male lead. Finn is nerdy and a little shy and very, very sexually inexperienced. Oh my GOD, when these two first slept together it gave me physical cringe. But that's the point. I think RLS rebels against a very patriarchal template for romance: shy, inexperienced female main character meets this smooth, suave man who opens her eyes and is subsequently the best sex she's ever had. I loved it. I love the dedication especially because RLS makes a point to demonstrate that it's okay to not have everything figured out late in life. That dedication has greater meaning in this story beyond sexual prowess.

So now on to Chandler. Chandler has no idea where her life is going and the current path she's on of ghostwriting celebrity memoir after celebrity memoir is not really what she pictured her life looking like. She has a disastrous one-night stand with Finn just to see him the next day as her client for her next memoir. They strike up a deal where she'll help him improve his bedroom skills. I LOVED her. Love her. Chandler is so real. And that's not just me relating as a fellow anxiety girlie.

Other important points: pacing? outstanding. Also this couple has the healthiest relationship I've ever witnessed in a book. The 'conflict' of the story is so well resolved and their communication is so good. They have amazing physical chemistry (oh my god RLS really upped the spice in this one). I think the only gripe is the emotional connection sometimes gets lost in the physical. She relies a bit too much on this physical chemistry, though that's not to say the emotional development is absent, I just felt a little underwhelmed by the love confession. But still so cute I love.

IF RLS WRITES IT I WILL READ IT. I WILL LOVE IT.

With Chandler and Finn, Rachel Lynn Solomon created original characters and turned a common trope upside down.

Business or Pleasure is about a ghost writer and a minor celebrity collaborating on a book. Yet before they meet professionally through their agents, they hook up at book signing and connect so spectacularly…but the ensuing sex is just meh.
When Chandler realizes Finn’s book, as her next contract, will bring more money, travel possibilities, and a chance to expand her writing opportunities, she decides to take it on despite the awkwardness.
On the road together, he mentions their “mind blowing” night together, so she decides to set him straight.
The sexual tutoring trope is turned upside down as Chandler tutors Finn. At college she minored in Human Sexuality and as the owner of her own body, she knows how to communicate her needs and wants.

I loved how their relationship grew and developed over time, both the emotional and sexual relationships seemed natural and authentic.

Finn’s zeitgeist TV show, The Nocturnals, is such a wonderful concept I think it would be a great show for real.

There are good supporting characters as well. Her cousin/best friend Noemie is a standout.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It is no secret that I love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s work. I have been eagerly awaiting Business or Pleasure since it was announced, and it certainly did not disappoint.

I love the way Solomon weaves her characters’ Judaism into her stories. Finn’s mom is a rabbi, but certainly not a stereotypical one. She went to rabbinical school after starting her career in hospital billing. When Chandler has the chance to visit her synagogue, she reflects on how she would only attend services once a year for the High Holy Days but that it had been years since she’d been in synaogue. This is certainly the experience of many (maybe even most) American Jews today. I love how seamlessly Finn and Chandler’s Jewish identities are weaved into the story without it overshadowing other parts of their identities.

Solomon’s description of Chandler’s experience sitting next to Finn in synagogue really rang true for me.

"We were raised on these same songs, speoke this same language. It’s like discovering we have the same favorite book, and not only that, but that we love all the same parts – that we’ve highlighted and underlined them and folded over pages when we probably should have been using bookmarks."

I had a similar experience the first time I sat in Shabbat services with my husband. Of course, I knew he was Jewish, but there was something special about listening to him say those familiar prayers that made me feel very connected to him.

Another one of my favorite elements of Solomon’s work is her mental health representation. Finn has OCD, and he describes his experiences to Chandler. He talks about his germophobia and how he used to be unable to eat out at a restuarant. He tells her that he’s made a lot of progress through medication and treatment and that he wants to use his book to raise awareness about the condition. OCD is an incredibly misunderstood diagnosis, and Solomon handles it with finesse.

Chandler and Finn’s relationship is so easy to root for. Chandler helps Finn realize that his story is worth being told, and Finn encourages Chandler’s dream to write a book under her own name. It is obvious how deeply they care about each other personally and support each other’s professional aspirations as well. Solomon is great at crafting these characters and relationships that draw in her readers.

Business or Pleasure is Solomon’s steamiest novel, and it also portrays intimacy in a way that is realistic. Chandler and Finn’s initial one night stand is awkward and stumbling. I was glad to read about an encounter that wasn’t perfect as that is certainly not common in the romance novels I’ve read. I also appreciated Chandler’s emphasis on communication in intimate moments.

I already cannot wait to read Business or Pleasure again. I am also honored that it comes out on my birthday (July 4 – mark your calendars).

Rachel Lynn Solomon is an autobuy for me and this book was just as wonderful as her others. The premise was so good and fresh. I loved the FMC who was confident in herself and her sexuality. Their chemistry was so good. The plot and career issues the characters had were really well done.

I couldn’t put this book down but I also had parts that I found cringy. It was a very spicy book but I felt myself wanting a more authentic relationship between the main characters.

I will probably like everything that Rachel Lynn Solomon writes. There's always heart, a snappy humor that I just ~vibe~ with, and topics that I don't really see a lot in books. Solomon's latest book, Business or Pleasure, is no exception. This book features:

- sex positivity
- a character with OCD
- a character with anxiety
- a celebrity/non-celebrity relationship - that develops from strangers to friends to a coworker/friends with benefits (sorta?? it's very complicated situation) to lovers

If you're a fan of Solomon's previous adult romances (or really, any of her work), Business or Pleasure is a must read as well!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me a digital review copy of this book!

Business or Pleasure gave me a few firsts in my reading journey and it's always fun when I come across something I'm new to or not expecting. For instance, I don't think I've read a romance that establishes early on that the first sexual encounter between the two main characters is terrible...which is a shame as I'm absolutely certain there are many who've had a similar experience. I realize that romance is supposed to be an escape but it's also nice when reality collides with fiction. I've also never come across a set of characters who actually confront that bad experience and then use it as a learning experience. That's exactly what happens with Chandler and Finn, which interestingly intersects with her being hired by his team to ghostwrite his book.

So after a surprising meeting-where they figure out that their one night stand is the writer/ghostwriter-they decide that they can actually make this work, they begin traveling together to get the book written. It's on these travels that Chandler reveals what a sucky lover he as and he convinces her to teach him how to be better. From city to city, they not only get to know each other's personal histories, hopes, and dreams, they learn how to pleasure each other.

As the drafting of the book comes to an end, so do their travels, which leads them both wondering what's next? Can this work when we lead different lives, live in different cities? If it's a true romance, of course it can and so we leave this novel with a happily ever after that's completely satisfactory and yet I can't help but wonder if we'll see them more in maybe a secondary character's novel? I wouldn't be mad about it.

This was a spicy romance! I liked the forced proximity of the two main characters. This one where I enjoyed only being in the POV of Chandler.

I absolutely loved Business or Pleasure - Just enough spice to heat things up, with a great storyline and character development... and a healthy relationship dynamic too!

Obsessed with the concept of this book and how exquisitely horny it turned out to be. The smut is out of this world, the emotional development between Chandler and Finn is so warm and cozy and gentle. The story overall is so powerful yet tender. Incredible book!