Quick Synopsis

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.

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

Business or Pleasure is Rachel Lynn Solomon’s latest romance novel, and it packs extra steam. The story follows Chandler, a ghostwriter for celebrities, as she has a bad one-night stand, only to find out that her newest client, Finn, is the guy from that night-gone-so-wrong… and she must spend a few months accompanying him across the country. (Can you say forced proximity?) Be advised that a major setting for this novel is comic cons; so if you are a hater of nerds or geeks, it may not be for you. Me? I am all about the geeky, nerdy protagonists. Finally some characters I can relate to!

Before I dive into the plot, I have to once again praise the representation that Rachel Lynn Solomon incorporates in her books. Chandler is the Jewish “heroine” with anxiety, and Finn is the Jewish “hero” with OCD. Solomon takes great care to ensure that her mental health rep is accurate and does not feed into stereotypes. Instead, she really offers a glimpse at what it is like to live with anxiety and OCD.

Business or Pleasure has a unique premise and plot that kept me entertained. Despite knowing the first major plot twist and that it would end HEA, I wanted to know the journey our two protagonists took to the end. Being that person who wants more plot than just the relationship in a romance novel, I felt like Solomon delivered a story about self-discovery and figuring out how to put yourself first along side the relationship and steam.

I am not sure I have ever read such an awkward sex scene as the one that kicks off this book. Did it make me cringe and try not to look? Absolutely. Did I love it? Also, yes, because most people who have sex have had bad sex. It helped that Solomon packed the scene with humor. I laughed throughout Business or Pleasure and enjoyed the banter.

I thought both characters were well-developed and very likable. I mean what is there not to like about a man that can take advice, not become hostile, and actually use it? In all seriousness, it was super refreshing to read about a healthy relationship where two people actually communicate.

Overall, Business or Pleasure is a unique, steamy romance that depicts a healthy relationship. Solomon kept me laughing and entertained throughout. I liked it so much that I picked up one of her previous novels immediately after finishing this one.

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