Member Reviews

I liked this a lot it was sexy and charming. I don't love the self-referential bit but I will recommend it for my Romance book club.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the book. It's sweet and steamy Chandler and Finn are relatable characters Seeing them getting to know each other while traveling the country was a lot of fun especially with the sex lessons.
Excellent mental health and Jewish representation.

Was this review helpful?

I feel decidedly meh about this one. Wasn't bad, but didn't really capture my attention. I thought the concept was great and I loved reading about the two characters growing more comfortable with each other, but something about it felt a bit surface-level. Would give it 3-3.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I have had mixed feelings about RLS's adult romances in the past--while I enjoyed The Ex Talk and Weather Girl, to be honest, I didn't quite understand all the hype. I'm glad I stuck with her, though, because I flew through*6 Business or Pleasure. It wasn't the most dramatic or heartwrenching when the couple had to overcome the hurdles, like it is with some books, but it was refreshing to read a romance where I wasn't positively heartbroken at certain points. I also really liked the whole ghostwriting bit--it's nice to be interested in things beyond the romance between the MCs, so that helped keep me invested throughout.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by Rachel Lynn Solomon. It definitely wont be my last.
The steamy portions were 10/10. The relationship was delicious. The book was just a fun read and I enjoyed every page. Finn and Chandler is a pair. He has OCD, she has anxiety. It is addressed so well that it doesnt weigh the book down. They had shared a one night stand in the past that was so terrible Chandler offers to give him sex lessons. It leads to a very sex positive and enjoyable (dont forget spicy) novel.
Now I have to go back and read the rest of RLSs catalouge.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC

Was this review helpful?

This knocked me out of a reading rut! I loved the idea of ghostwriter and the meet cute with her future client who she doesn't recognize. She grows a lot on her journey through writing and sex and denying she has a real crush. Her confidence grows, but not quite enough to make the leap to relationship which causes all the tension.

I really enjoyed both of the main characters here--Finn is so very likeable despite being a Hollywood actor, you can see why it works with Chandler.

Was this review helpful?

Two books in one week where the FMC watches Murder, She Wrote to unwind!!!!!

Girl ghostwrites book for influencer. Girl goes to book signing for said book. Girl's name doesn't get recognized by said influencer. Girl goes to drink at bookstore bar. Girl meets cute, dorky boy. Girl and dorky boy hook up. Hook up is....... not great. Like, <i>really</i> not great. Girl ghosts boy in the morning. Girl gets call for next ghostwriting gig. Girl runs to meeting for said gig. Girl sees boy again. Well, that's awkward.

Turns out boy is actually Finn, an actor best known for playing a nerd on a supernatural teen drama from the late aughts who now does the comicon circuit for a living. He's had a tough time finding just the right writer for his memoir, but he's confident that Chandler can actually do it justice. They agree that they can acknowledge and get over the awkwardness for the sake of the book; Chandler also breaks the news to Finn that things were not great during their time together. They make a deal where Chandler will help Finn in that department along the way. They catch feelings. What could happen?!

I enjoyed this one. I have started really looking forward to Rachel Lynn Solomon's new releases. I love how she writes solid Jewish representation in romance because it's still really not something that is seen super often. Finn was adorably dorky-- and so was Chandler. I liked seeing their dorkiness align and for them to each come into their own, PLUS have good mental health discussions!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

It’s a testament to Rachel’s writing that I was able to keep reading after Chandler and Finn’s awkward one night stand. It was horrifying but then Rachel managed to craft a story, as well as a realistic relationship, that I was able to root for. I think this may be my favorite of a Rachel’s work!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Berkley Romance for the advance e-publicity copy of BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon, out July 4 2023.

No doubt this is RLSs steamiest book yet and I am completely here for it. Full of sex positive experiences, this was a perfect book to read on vacation.

Was this review helpful?

I love a good slow burn romance, but this takes it to the next level. I love these characters, and Rachel Solomon really knows how to develop an emotional connection between strangers quickly and effectively. Also, the spice. OH MY GODDDDD, the spice is just next level. I am regretting being single right now more than I can possibly say.

Was this review helpful?

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. Such a foodie book. 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 shows...I was never a teen wolf girlie and therefore, I was not the target audience for this lol

Was this review helpful?

This book was okay. I’m not into teen werewolf so half the things discussed were a miss for me. Felt a tad too long as well.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

A romance about a woman ghostwriter giving sex lessons to the struggling male actor she's working with after their awkward first hook-up? Uh, yes!

The moments centered around this plot point deliver on the promise of fun, but the rest of the novel felt underwhelming. There wasn't much plot, which would've been fine if the characters were more compelling, but Chandler and Finn were rather dull. Their character arcs and personal struggles weren't interesting, making it difficult to invest, and slowed the story's pacing.

I was able to root for their relationship. Chandler and Finn were incredibly charming; I enjoyed their funny, supportive dynamic.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Lynn Solomon brings the spice with Business or Pleasure. This book had everything I enjoy in Rachel’s books, realistic characters, Jewish representation, and witty banter. I liked how Finn’s OCD was explained and represented throughout the book. There is even a tiny callout to The Ex Talk, which I loved!

Finn was my favorite character in the book and I liked how open and honest he was about things and not afraid to be vulnerable. It might have been the headspace I was in when reading, but I did find some parts a little bit slow and at times Chandler felt a little too immature. But, I honestly love anything Rachel rights and like all of her previous books, of course recommend this one!

Was this review helpful?

After loving Rachel Solomon's first novel but not enjoying her second, I am so happy that she knocked it out of the park for me with her latest! Such a fun read and I absolutely loved the main couple.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.

Was this review helpful?

RLS truly does not disappoint with this latest romcom between a ghostwriter struggling to find her groove and the famous actor who she has a one night stand with and later ends up hiring her to write his new memoir.

I fell in love with Chandler and Finn and the honest conversations they have about female pleasure, desire and mental health. Their first night together was less than stellar for Chandler and she offers to give Finn sex lessons when he discovers his past partners were left dissatisfied in the bedroom department too.

One of my favorite things about reading a RLS book is how personal they feel and how relatable her Jewish characters are. Full of humor and a ton of heart and NO third act break up, this was utterly enjoyable from start to finish and I can't recommend it enough!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Do yourselves a favor and add this one to your TBRs for July! The anxiety and OCD rep were also excellent and so sensitively written!\

CW: talk of past abortion

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic read from Rachel Lynn Solomon!

I adored The Ex Talk so I had high hopes for this book. Typically, when I have such high expectations I tend to feel disappointed once I actually read the book, but I am happy to say that I was really pulled into this story and was thoroughly entertained.

I loved Chandler’s character. She was funny, unexpected, and so relatable with her tendency to underestimate herself. The growth of her character made for a great read. As for Finn, he took me a little time to warm up to (after his disastrous night with Chandler) but once I did I was all in on this lovable nerd. He and Chandler complimented each other well and I quickly found myself rooting for them. There were plenty of hilariously awkward moments and I couldn’t keep myself from laughing out loud. The only reason this wasn’t a five star for me is that there was a portion that I felt the pacing was a little slow but overall I found this to be a great, funny, and steamy read.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Lynn Solomon writes smart romances that have a depth to them that I enjoy. In Business or Pleasure, Chandler is a ghostwriter who has a pretty forgettable night with Finn, who turns out to be her next project. Finn is famous for his role in a hit teen supernatural TV show who travels the country making appearances at various comic cons. I enjoyed this one, although not as much as Solomon's Weather Girl. I liked the relationship that built between Finn and Chandler, but Chandler came off a little too perfect for me. Still, this is a fun read that will resonate with a lot of readers.

Was this review helpful?

I knew going into this book that it would be steamy, but I didn't expect the level of depth and purpose along with it! Though in hindsight, I should have, since it's Rachel Lynn Solomon after all!

Chandler and Drew begin to have a romantic evening, but thens take a turn when Drew reveals he does not know what he's doing in bed (and he doesn't know he doesn't know either.........). Chandler leaves knowing she will never see him again, but, ahhh, we spoke too soon. Chandler is a ghost writer, and the next day at a meeting with a prospective client, she is face to face with "Drew." *screams* Drew is actually Finn, a very popular actor known for his work on a teen vampire show (that Chandler clearly has never seen). Talk about awkward.

Chandler ends up taking the job, and has to travel around the country with Finn as he attends comic book/sci-fi conventions to get to know him better for the book. Somewhere in here, it comes out that Chandler didn't have the most enjoyable night with Finn, and then she somehow agrees to give Finn pointers. Welcome to Chandler Cohen Academy of Sex! While they navigate this friends with instructional benefits relationship, we also get a glimpse into Chandler's anxiety and Finn's OCD. I loved the inclusion of this and how normalized in the story it felt.

This might be my favorite RLS book of all so far, which I did not see coming! I cannot wait for you to check this one out when it publishes on 7/20.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness! This was such a fun premise and their chemistry (later on) was so special. I was wildly invested in seeing their relationship grow in a personal and professional level and see each of these characters grow personally and professionally. I loved that there were so many references to fan conventions and just really enjoyed this a lot.

Was this review helpful?