Business or Pleasure lived up to all of its cute, cartoon cover, rom-com glory.

For those of you seeking a character-driven story, this may just be the read for you. Our female lead, Chandler Cohen, is an unusual force to be reckoned with. While she may struggle stepping out of her comfort zone, once she does, she can’t be stopped. She is a sex-positive, unapologetic, whirlwind of independence that makes her easily lovable. As a narrator, her voice was so real. It made an otherwise unbelievable story fall into the realm of believability. Seeing the accurate anxiety representation on page was very much appreciated.

Finn Walsh, our male lead, is equally as lovable being his sweet, nerdy, Lord of the Rings obsessed self. Tell me how many men can be told their skills in bed aren’t…up to par and still carry themselves with grace. Then tell me how I’m not supposed to fall absolutely head over heels for this man.

I must say, the relationship between our two protagonists was without a doubt one of the healthiest ones I’ve seen on page. Their communication, though it was met with obstacles, weren’t ones they were unable to get over. Both Chandler and Finn stripped down to their most vulnerable selves both physically and literally and weren’t afraid of bracing through the difficult conversations.

As for the spice…I’m not sure why I went into it expecting the bare minimum, being as the synopsis literally states their arrangement, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the open-door romance. I’ve become immune to most stories with this level of intimacy, but let me tell you, the chemistry between Chandler and Finn was just…wow. I got so many butterflies. Did someone turn the thermostat up? Don’t get me wrong, their initial rendezvous, for lack of better wording, made me beyond uncomfortable. I was just as embarrassed, if not more than, our main characters. But it takes a talented author to evoke that emotion and build it into a yearning romance.

One of my only critiques revolves around our main conflict. While predictable, I still expected it to build into more of a mind-blowing climax with a swoon-worthy love confession. While I was a little disappointed with the way it all ended, I will admit that it coincided with our characters' personalities.

I have such a deep appreciation for this author’s writing, even with this being the first of her works that I’ve read. It is clear in her depiction of mental health awareness and the Jewish culture that she believes in the causes she chooses to represent. As someone with diagnosed OCD, being able to connect with a character because of this disorder, one that is very rarely presented on the page as such a monumental matter, is one I don’t take for granted. That being said, I do wish the representation was a little more than the stereotypical need for cleanliness and order. There are so many facets to this disorder that while I don’t doubt this is one that many like myself struggle with, there would’ve been much more impact delving into the other side of OCD; the more compulsive side.

While I usually find the more modern, pop-culture references to be cringe-worthy, the way it was written in this novel was slightly comforting and nostalgic. Perhaps it's because it reminded me of the Comic-Con scenes in my own favorite book series, or maybe it was because I, myself cannot like anything in a chill way, but whatever it may be, it gave me a sense of home.

Real talk, someone give this woman a Nobel Peace Prize because this was the only time TikTok was mentioned that I didn’t immediately want to DNF a book.

Overall, Business or Pleasure was a four-star read that made me want to curl up by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot cocoa, per Chandler and Finn’s request.

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Rachel Lynn Solomon for providing me with this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced by early access to this title.

Business or Pleasure might just be the most sex-positive thing I have ever read. This was a fantastic contemporary romance for the reader looking for more than just that same old bedroom scene.

4.5 stars. Rachel Lynn Solomon's third adult romance is my favorite so far. Celebrity ghostwriter Chandler has a disappointing one-night stand with a stranger...who turns out to be Finn, the former teen star of a supernatural show who wants to write a memoir. She reluctantly takes the job, which will involve touring the country with Finn and visiting assorted cons. Chandler finally admits to Finn that their night together didn't do it for her, and he asks for help. As these things often do, this leads to very hot, very organized sex lessons.

An excellent depiction of honest communication between (eventually) romantic partners. Chandler in particular is very good at saying what she needs. I loved watching them get closer and trust each other.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

This was one of my favorites from this author. The characters felt authentic and fun and yet still a steamy read. I took off a star because I didn’t love the ending as much as the rest of the book. I didn’t feel it had as much suspense between the characters do build back up towards a happy ending.

A solid read for me. I thought the ghostwriter concept was fresh and I enjoyed watching Chandler and Finn find their chemistry - though I was nervous for a while about how that would pan out.

Chandler is a ghost writer who pens memoirs and books for minor celebrities. After a rough book signing event, Chandler is pleasantly surprised to meet Drew. He’s charming and good looking- and completely awkward in the bedroom. Chandler is in for another surprise the next day when she realizes her celebrity book subject is a bit familiar…

I loved this book! I’m a fan of Rachel Solomon from her previous work of Weather Girl and The Ex Talk, but I think I enjoyed this book even more. The humor in it had me rolling! The reference to Little Caesar’s pizza (if you know, you know) had me literally laughing out loud. I appreciate the humor and realism of an awkward sexual encounter, which you don’t often see in a romance. Finn was the perfect nerdy but sweet male main character. Additionally, I really appreciated the representation for mental illness within this story and how it was treated with both compassion and normalcy. I loved how the author was able to sensitively address important issues such as mental illness, sex positivity, abortion, and therapy within a romantic comedy.

Rachel Solomon was able to write a heartwarming, spicy, and hilarious book that is truly special. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves awkward and funny moments, hilarious dialogue, Jewish representation, and spice. Be sure to preorder this book now!

Thank you so much to Rachel Solomon, Berkley Romance, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED Business or Pleasure. Ghost writer helps famous person with sex lessons. It was so secretly spicy, talked about OCD and anxiety honestly & was so fun! I love Solomon for her honesty that she writes into books. Characters are always real, funny & their endings are so, so sweet! Overall, it was so fun & a true Solomon classic!

I loved the Ex Talk and Business or Pleasure is right up there - another wonderful rom-com by Solomon. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! The ghostwriter theme is really interesting and you don't feel like this is a story you've read before. Well done!

Excuse me while I FLING myself into the SUN!!!

TW: anxiety, OCD, on-page panic attack, discussion of abortion, emotionally abusive parent (past)

I never know how to start my reviews for Rachel's books. Gush for 20 paragraphs? Condense my spaghetti thoughts into bullet points? How does one articulate that this is the 8th RLS release and my 7th arc and I don't understand how she tops herself every time?

This is a low-angst workplace romance with mental health rep and career anxiety and traveling around the country. A book about a Seattle-based writer afraid to let herself jump that I believe reflects some of Rachel's personal anxieties.

A story about someone learning how to be "good" in bed, AKA be self-aware and understand how partnership works.

A character with germ-centered OCD (like mine!!) who deals with it every day. Seeing a character inspect every dish, who was afraid to eat at restaurants, whose anxiety around contamination affects his every day was like reading myself. Sometimes you need to ask for a new glass or spoon because the other one was giving you weird vibes!! I love adding books with mental health rep like mine to my list because it is a very short list (other books include American Panda and A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares). Also, the discussion about feeling imposter syndrome with your own illness uncovered something in my brain that I need to examine later when I can't sleep at 3am.

Another book in the RLS Universe where socks play a significant role (something Rachel hadn't noticed until I pointed it out, but now we need sock merch right??).

A tv show that is basically Teen Wolf and a Hallmark movie that literally predicted Jeremy Jordan's Hanukkah on Rye Hallmark movie that came out last year.

A vegetarian love interest.

A random ode to Reno, Nevada, a town where there is nothing. Trust me.

A dedication that will make you emo and then a reading guide in the back that will make you proud of how far Rachel's come (or at least that was my experience).

A nursing back to health scene that I may or may not have inspired (I have receipts if you don't believe me).

Random bits of scripts and news articles scattered between chapters.

And a lot of respect and love for fandom culture and conventions.

This is not a romance for the closed-door girlies, so if on-page sexy times aren't your thing I would just suggest skipping this one. The sex scenes are vital to the plot and there are a lot of them. They're also on the more realistic side, so if you're a smut girlie lower your expectations or go read a Tessa Bailey.

Easily Rachel's best adult romance thus far. I am so in love with this story and these characters, and now I lowkey want to become a ghostwriter for my famous friends. I don't currently have any because we're still pretty young, but I know at least one of them will become famous and then I will write their memoir.

Thank you to Rachel Lynn Solomon and Berkley Romance for the physical arc! All opinions are my own.

Rep: both leads are Jewish, FMC has generalized anxiety disorder, MMC has OCD, a SC uses mobility aid, a SC has two moms, gay Indian American SC

RATING: 5/5 STARS

My new favorite of Rachel Lynn Solomon's books! BUSINESS OR PLEASURE was SUCH a fun read. I flew through it. The premise is so unique. I loved reading about an adorably inept hero... who is not so inept by the end of the book. I feel like a lot of MMCs in romance these days are "perfect" so it was so refreshing to read about one who isn't. I hope this book blows up because it truly deserves it. I would describe this book as a mash up FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK (Jewish rep, celebrity MMC, writer FMC), BOOK LOVERS (book writing and editing process), and THE KISS QUOTIENT (relationship coach trope & steam) but so unique in its own way!!

Rachel can do absolutely no wrong! This book had me hooked from the first chapter! I thought long and hard before writing this review trying to think if there was anything that I didn't like or would change in this book. And there is nothing. Every part of this book has me wanting to read it again for the first time. I love that Noemi was so supportive of everything that Chandler did and was. The level of steam in this book is immeasurable and I am all about it! Fin and Chandler are such a perfect couple! I can't love them anymore! I would love to read about their future! Please give us a second book about Chandler and Fin!!!

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

Wow, what a refreshingly honest story about relationship and sex! Not to mention how the open and honest relationship

Too often in romance books we’re missing healthy communications between the main relationship which can be beyond frustrating when they’re both grown adults. Rachel Lynn Solomons averts that wonderfully with Chandler and Finn.

Easily a 5 out 5 stars for me!
(Side note she wasn’t lying when she said this was steam. I was straight up blushing in some scenes!)

I adore Rachel Lynn Solomon's witty prose and endearing characters. She once again produced a superb work, and I adored this one!

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.