Balancing Work and Romance: ‘Business or Pleasure’ by Rachel Lynn Solomon – Book Review

Business or Pleasure is a lighthearted steamy romantic comedy featuring a ghost writer and a struggling actor.

From The Publisher:

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.

My Thoughts:

Chandler Cohen’s level of job satisfaction hits a low when the author whose book she has ghostwritten doesn’t even recognize her. She’s wanted to finish the book she’s been writing under her own name but there are bills to pay and she’s in demand to write the books of others.

Finn Walsh is an actor who is living off his previous success. He meets Chandler in a bar one night, gives her a made-up name, and the two are instantly connected. The passion is there and they can’t wait to be alone together. Chandler is surprised at how bad a lover Finn is. She sneaks out while Finn is asleep and writes it off as a one-time bad experience.

The next morning she attends a business meeting to discuss her next book assignment and meets her new client – Finn. They agree to work together and it comes out that Chandler didn’t find Finn that good of a lover. As the two begin a tour of conventions that Finn is participating in, Chandler begins writing his book and teaching him the finer art of lovemaking.

There was plenty of humour and practice as the two begin spending time together. As the characters reveal more about themselves, the discussion becomes deeper as they talk about their hopes and dreams for the future. I enjoyed the way they each brought out the best in one another. The chapters are named after the cities they’re visiting on the tour and this brought a fun element to the book. While this book won’t be for everyone, those that enjoy a steamier romantic comedy will be entertained.

I listened to the audiobook version of Business or Pleasure which was narrated by Hathaway Lee who provided an enjoyable performance. I loved her tone and her enthusiasm for this book and would not hesitate in recommending this format.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Rachel Lynn Solomon:

Weather Girl

The Ex Talk

This book contributed to the following challenges: