Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon Published by Berkley, Penguin on July 4, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Romance / Workplace, Fiction / Women
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
An Indie Next Pick
A LibraryReads Hall of Fame Pick
One of Amazon's Best Romances of JulyNamed a Most Anticipated Summer Read by Buzzfeed, Glamour, Town & Country, BookRiot, and more!
A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.
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.
This was my first Rachel Lynn Solomon book and it won’t be the last! From deliciously awkward meet cute with terrible sex (outright hysterical) to a sweet HEA, Chandler and Finn’s friendship and romance was a joy to read! Both MCs were well-crafted and relatable. Chandler had moments where I truly wanted to throttle her, but Finn was a delight. Bonus, he was a quick study with the dirty talk!
Mid-level spice with some really amazing, frank conversations between Chandler and Finn. Communication is sexy both in and out of the bedroom! Plus, who doesn’t want to read a solid nod to comic cons? One of the biggest perks, outside of the sex positivity, was all the representation! From Jewish characters (and culture and cuisine) to mental health representation (OCD) and discussions on imposter syndrome, Solomon really nailed this romance.
I think my only minor complaint is wishing the supporting cast had been more present. This was a fast paced read and I wish we had more time really getting to know Chandler and Finn in how they interact with others for a full picture. We get a bit with Chandler but Finn’s was pretty limited. But I know I’m being a bit greedy here.
Business or Pleasure was an incredibly cozy read and would be a great vacation or beach read! I’m really looking forward to reading more of her work!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Berkley Romance for my review copy!