Review: Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

 

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publication Date: July 4th 2023 by Berkley Books

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Chandler Cohen had dreams of writing fiction when the practicalities of making a living prompted her to switch focus to journalism instead, but the dream has never died. However, after being laid off she had to change her career focus again and started ghost writing celebrity memoirs. Her latest job working with a shallow influencer has her questioning her path. This is how she ends up having a drink that leads to an awkward one-night stand. She thinks she’ll never see him again only to find out he’s her newest celebrity client.

Finnegan Walsh, stars in a supernatural TV series, The Nocturnals, that formed a cult following. It kind of reminded me of the love for Buffy (huge fan here!) series, centering on werewolves. Finnegan is shocked to learn that the one-night stand was less than stellar for Chandler, and he’d like a chance to improve which leads to Chandler and Finn embarking on lessons while they work together, road-tripping on Finn’s fan-tour across the states.

I did feel the reason Chandler held back in their relationship, thinking Finn wasn’t serious about her only that he was in it for the lessons only, was weak. Her insecurities about their status could’ve been cleared up with a conversation. Thankfully, this wasn’t a drawn out, drama filled situation.

Their lessons are extremely steamy, but their connection becomes more than physical as the tour goes on. As they spend time delving into Finn’s life, Finn wants to know about Chandler as well, and they swap stories forming a deeper and deeper connection.

Finn and Chandler were complex characters, imperfect, but likable. There were some heavier subjects dealt with here like coping with OCD, complicated parental relationships, and antisemitism. There was nice Jewish representation, as well. Business or Pleasure is the third book I’ve thoroughly enjoyed by Rachel Lynn Solomon and it’s the hottest book to date!

4 Stars

Book Description:

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.