Business or Pleasure

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Published in 2023

Main Couple: Chandler & Finn

The Story: After meeting in a bar, Chandler discovers she and a mystery man have great chemistry, everywhere except the bedroom. Imagine her surprise when the next day she discovers he’s her new ghostwriting client, Finn. When he proposes that she also coach him in the bedroom, how can she say no?

The Sex: Well, besides the absolutely tragic one night stand where Chandler fakes an orgasm, I feel like this book was written for me. The conversations between Chandler and Finn are exactly the conversations we should be having with partners. They can feel awkward to have, but as this book shows, they can also be sexy and lead to a more satisfying experience for everyone involved. I hope that Chandler’s faked orgasm also shows why you should never fake one. Not worth it. I get that it was a one night stand and she wanted that experience to end, but if you’re even thinking you might see that person again, don’t do it. The most important nugget from their lessons is to listen to your partner. There were things she was asking for, and enjoying, that I went “not for me” to. That’s okay! We can all like different things in the bedroom, but what sexiest for me was that Finn was clearly paying attention. He took her at her word. He got more comfortable asking for direction and then taking it. Not every lesson is “successful” the first time, and that’s real. I also appreciated that they paced it. Not everything has to, or should be, about penetration. Sometimes making out is the goal. Sometimes it’s being naked. Sometimes it’s an orgasm. It just depends. Honestly, I want more people to read this book so they can see how important it is to learn what you like, and to communicate it to a partner. And as a partner, to check in and personalize what you’re doing to whoever you’re doing it with.

Favorite Lines:

“‘We should be able to feel like we can say something. If one of use is ever uncomfortable.’ ‘A safe word?’ I ask, and he nods.” Chapter 9 This is what I’ve been saying!!!! Safe words should not just be for kink. Everyone needs to option to stop what’s happening for whatever reason. Having a clear safe word creates trust and understanding between partners.

“I force myself to think about something less sexy before realizing I’m literally giving him a lecture on the clitoris, a fact that makes me bite down on the inside of my cheeks to keep from dissolving into laughter.” Chapter 11 If I’d read this book before the “Clits Are Important” podcast episode, you know I would be adding this in. Honestly, I had to learn where the clit was in the larger sense. I certainly didn’t learn that in sex ed, or my puberty books.

“‘I guess part of it was school,’ I say. ‘And the rest…I guess you could say that I practiced. I know that if I couldn’t be comfortable with it, then there was no way I could tell someone else what I wanted.’ I give him a sly smile. ‘It’s empowering, telling a partner what you want. And just because it’s comfortable doesn't mean it can’t be hot, too.” Chapter 13 I feel like this is my thesis statement.

Least Favorite Lines:

“In that split second before he tumbles over the edge, I decide I have to fake it. Subtly, of course. A few shaky breaths, a clench of my teeth, and a moan before he collapses on top of me with a harsh, guttural sound.” Chapter 3 I understand why, but I still wrote NOOOOOO in my margin. I feel strongly that faking an orgasm does no one any good in the long run.

Final Thoughts:

This story also contains discussion around an abortion that Chandler had in college. I love that this story normalizes abortions. It’s not something Chandler regrets, but it’s something deeply personal that she only shares with people she feels safe with. This is something that society tells women they should be ashamed of, and to see a character who has been through that and how she handles it is beautiful. Finn is dealing with his own story around having OCD. It’s been a secret from the world and he wants to use the memoir he and Chandler are writing to share and highlight the need for more mental health support in the film community. They set up his disorder well, and while I can’t and won’t say that his experience is everyone’s experience, having mental health represented in stories where people find love is important.

Spice Level: 3/5

Kinks Explored: all vanilla

Voices Heard: Our main couple is Jewish. There are also a lot of queer and POC side characters.

Did I like it? 5/5 read for me. No notes.