REVIEW: Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

In Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Chandler Cohen knew when she was getting her journalism degree at a time when local newspapers were shutting down all over the US that it was an iffy decision. Thankfully she had just enough time to develop her own writing voice before layoffs took place, leading to a gig ghostwriting celebrity memoirs. And she’s not really minded the process overall. That is, until Chandler goes to a book signing for the newest release she wrote for a social media influencer and the woman has *no clue* who she is. Even though they had months of contact about the novel.

‘This is how I die, I think: confessing to Finnegan Walsh over falafel that he did not rock my world.’

So, Chandler isn’t necessarily thinking straight when she starts flirting with a cute guy at the bar that night or when they end up in his hotel room–something that is way outside of her comfort zone. Everything goes wrong as soon as they enter the room. One comical, awkward issue after another plague Chandler and her nerdy beau, even during the act itself, which leaves much to be desired.

“So. Tonight’s lesson.”
“Ah yes. I see you called this one”–he pulls up his phone–“Intermediate Foreplay: Turn a Touch into a Tingle.”
“I was trying to be creative.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners as he grins. “I’m just proud to be in the intermediate class.”

Just when Chandler is starting to push the disastrous experience to the back of her mind, she finds out that the guy is actually actor Finnegan “Finn” Walsh. And that he wants her to ghostwrite his memoir. Unsure if spending more time with Finn one on one to do research for his book is a good idea, Chandler ends up traveling the country watching him come to life up on the stage at one fan convention after another. When the truth comes out about how she felt that night at the hotel, Finn decides he needs some lessons in love. And he thinks Chandler is just the woman for the job. But will the two sides of their lives–business and personal–blend together, causing one of them to get their heart broken?

‘There are no words in the English language lovelier than these.
Finn Walsh. Is utterly wrecked. Over *me*.’

A memoir ghostwriter and her geek-chic subject created tons of delicious heat in Business or Pleasure, Rachel Lynn Solomon’s newest romance. Sensual, sweet, and filled with positive messages about mental health as well as sex, you’ll want a cold drink and a fan when you settle in to read this story.

‘We built two separate sides of a relationship and drew a line between them, and I thought we used permanent ink. Now that line is blurred, thinner than it’s ever been.’

Content Warning: View Spoiler »Anxiety disorder, panic attacks (detailed), OCD, verbal abuse, abortion (historical), bullying. « Hide Spoiler

Business or Pleasure was one steamy romance! But it also had tender, poignant moments that explored everything from our main characters’ mental health struggles, religion, and family drama to their views on body and sex positivity. It sounds like a lot. But author Rachel Lynn Solomon deftly wove these subjects–along with the perks and trappings of Hollywood–into a delightful novel that had some highly endearing scenes which showed Chandler and Finn in all their awkward glory.

Talk about two likable characters. Finn and Chandler were great people. They cared deeply about their family and friends. They wanted to do good in the world. And I liked how even though Chandler and Finn’s careers were completely different, they could understand the pressure as well as the challenges they each faced. Without giving away too much of their personal struggles, I can say that they both dealt with their own mental health woes since childhood which of course shaped who they became as adults. Solomon laid it all out for us in a down to earth, relatable way while still giving Finn and Chandler room to grow as individuals and as a couple.

Told strictly from Chandler’s POV, I really loved getting to know her. She had that cool Seattle vibe down pat and was quite open-minded about almost everything. Including how women (and men) should own their sexuality–which was something Chandler taught Finn about in their private lessons. (H-O-T!!!) It probably crossed a couple of lines where she was hired to write his memoir, but they made such a perfect couple that I had no issues with it. Besides, watching Finn go from being adorably clueless to a dirty-talking guy who knew just how to please his woman–thanks to Chandler’s advice–was beyond wonderful. And definitely worth the few cringe-worthy moments leading up to Finn’s redemption in the bedroom. (lol)

QOTD: Have you ever read a book only to later find out it was written by a ghostwriter?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: July 4th, 2023 | Berkley |

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. But 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.