This was a cute rom with a enemies to lovers genre. Leo and Nina are hosts of a cooking show and as the story begins are at each other’s throat. There are battles at every turn, but obviously there is attraction too. Lots of food is involved and although I did really enjoy this story, it dragged a bit in the middle for me. Every time the couple made headway in their relationship, one or the other would totally misunderstand and it would set the relationship back. I enjoyed it at first, but wanted them both to grow up and communicate more. The last third of the book for me was the highlight, and I really enjoyed the secondary characters, Jasmine, Sophia, and Gavin. They had a big part in my enjoyment.

Nina Lyon has to work hard being a female chef in a male dominated profession. She is always hoping that she can inspire other females in this business, especially with her job as a co-host on the TV show The Next Cooking Champ! The only problem....her and her co-host don't get along. Leo O'Donnell may be tall, dark and oozing with charisma, but he also has a way of getting under Nina's skin. During a live taping of their show, Leo takes one of his "jokes" a little to far and Nina up and quits. Suddenly both of their lives are spiraling downward. When Leo goes to Nina's restaurant to try and patch things up, paparazzi catch them in what looks like a compromising position. Of course the fans go wild and suddenly both of their lives and their businesses are improving. When Nina's PR guy suggests that her and Leo should keep up the ruse they both reluctantly agree. Of course the more time these two spend together away from work, the more they both realize that they may have misjudged the other and feelings start to develop. Just when it looks like these two are going to find a happy ending, the past comes crashing back in. It will take a lot of soul searching before these two will get their happy ever after but it is done in a really big, fun way.

I enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. From the outside Nina and Leo both seemed like they had great lives, but behind the curtain they both were hurting. I really loved their "dates" they went on....it was my favorite parts of the book. I also liked how the author dealt with Leo's anxiety problems. It was nice to see something real brought into the story. Overall this was an entertaining story to read.

I have been eyeing on this book ever since I saw it on Netgalley. Also knowing it would be about culinary and food got me so interested. I love a book that makes my mouth water!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Netgalley and Erin La Rosa for a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This one comes out 7/26/22!

Nina is an emerging chef in the culinary world and wants to make a name for herself. She’s a host in a reality cooking show alongside her co-host Leo, who happens to be a restaurateur and makes it impossible for her to do so. When they get caught up in a meet up gone wrong by the paparazzi, they agree to live up to an alleged secret romance to upend their careers, as both are not doing very well.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 solid stars! I was so amused with the witty banter between Nina and Leo! A+ on their humorous come backs that made me chuckle a lot. Leo was a very annoying misogynist at first, but his reasons and complete 180 definitely made up for it. Apart from the humor, this book also included emphasis on anxiety and mental health. Which i found to be a good balance for a rom-com. As an added bonus, you will be in for a treat with all the palatable dishes featured in this book, as well as a good amount of steam. Pick this one up if you’re in search of a sweet and cheesy romance!

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴, 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦

Rivals to lovers treasure!!!
I love foodie romances and Butter or Worse is going to fall under one of the faves of all time!
The banter and hate between these two was just perfect!
The snide comments and then being forced to fake date is the perfect recipe of a book!
I look forward to reading more books by Erin La Rosa

“𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂-𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒛𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓… 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?”

Chef Nina Lyon and restaurant owner Leo O’Donnell co-host The Next Cooking Champ. Nina took the job as a co-host thinking it would skyrocket her career and make her into a star chef. She wasn’t planning on having to deal with a horrible sexist co-host who makes her life hell every day. It’s no secret that they completely hate each other and millions have witnessed the hate. So after one too many sexist comments this one made on live tv Nina has enough and quits immediately. However, she’s shocked the next morning to find Leo at her door begging her to come back. Unfortunately for them the paparazzi is there and snaps a pic of them in a position that looks scandalous. When they realize the paparazzi think they are dating and it helps their businesses they hatch a plan. But can Nina stand to fake date the man she hates?

For Butter Or Worse was such a fun read that you can easily read in one sitting. It’s got fake dating, enemies to lovers, celebrities, so much food, snarky comments, and strong independent women. Oh and don’t forget the steam. I also loved the leading female characters and how they handled all the sexism that occurs in the culinary world. If you’re a foodie like me I don’t recommend reading this one while you’re hungry but it is a very solid enjoyable read.

based in the foodie world, For Butter or Worse started off really promising...
we have co-hosts, Nina and Leo, giving us the proper enemies tension and banter, leading into the hero saying something stupid that makes the heroine realize she's had enough... and then BAM... i got catfished

as much as i was still invested in the story, I'm a bit salty about the process of it. because of how the story started, i was hoping for some lovely hero groveling but instead i felt that Leo seemed entitled and a bit prissy...
Nina, on the other hand, was a sweetheart because she stood up for herself, and didn't let the negativity of others change her personality

the fake dating wasn't truly efficient for me, other than them just getting together. and i also didn't appreciate that the sexism and hateful comments (towards Nina) were only acknowledged nearing the end, by Leo. i feel that this topic could've been a game changer if it had been given a bit more attention

but in saying all of this, don't get me wrong, i loved Nina and Leo together as a couple. Leo had this moment of proclaiming his love, which was super sweet! i just feel that a lot more could've been done to contribute to the story... emotionally

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*

If you’re looking for a steamy enemies to lovers, with delicious sexual tension & banter, look no further. This one has it all, including a sexy 69 scene. I absolutely loved this novel very much, especially the chemistry between Nina & Leo. As much as I wanted to binge read it, I took my time with it & savored every minute. I love a book that will make me laugh and hook me from the beginning, & For Butter or Worse did just that. Enemies to lovers and fake dating are two of my favorite tropes, but having them in one, wow! Erin’s writing style is very descriptive and captivates in you in a way that you feel as if you’re really there experiencing along with the characters. You also get to see the characters in their flawed nature & the personal issues they are dealing and battling everyday. Which makes them very relatable. I also loved the media headlines, social media comments, text messages, & pop culture references, since this is a celebrity romance.

Nina is a chef and is aiming to succeed in the culinary world. As a woman, that is not always easy as the culinary world is male dominated. Nina has the opportunity in expanding her career within the foodie world as a co-host for a competitive reality tv cooking show. Even if her nemesis Hollywood famous, Leo O’Donnell is also a co-host. They cannot stand each other, and go together like oil and water. Thanks to paparazzi, they are caught in a compromising situation that makes fans of the show go crazy. That’s the beginning of their fake dating & the end of the hate they have towards each other, even if neither of them realizes it.

If you enjoy steamy foodie romantic comedies with great chemistry and delicious tension, this one is for you!

You can expect:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Fake Dating
* Steamy Open Door Romance
* Witty & Fun Banter
* Romance Between Co-Workers
* Sexual Tension
* Celebrity Romance
* Cooking/Baking TV Show Setting
* Opposites Attract
* Based in Los Angeles

I liked the premise of this one: a male reality tv show presenter with sometimes crippling anxiety. Leo’s family began and now runs a chain of Italian restaurants but they’re having financial difficulties. Nina is a strong professional female chef branded as nasty if she critiques the contestants on their reality cooking show. Her restaurant is also struggling to stay afloat. When they’re caught together outside of set, people think their dating. Win/win in the “bring people to the restaurant” department. It had all the right ingredients but the fake dating fell flat in this one.

Normally I really enjoy fake dating and enemies to lovers but I had a really hard time getting into this book. Neither of the characters was initially very likable but the male protagonist Leo was downright terrible for the first few chapters. He was more palatable once we understood his issues with anxiety but I could never forgive him for the way he treated Nina in the first few chapters. After they started fake dating the book definitely got a lot better but I wouldn’t say I overall enjoyed it. I did really enjoy the later spicy scenes and I think this is one of the cleverest titles I’ve read in years!

Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For Butter or Worse is a rom-com with two of the most popular tropes in romance–fake dating and enemies-to-lovers. Yes, these two tropes can often be found together, but they work well independently. In this instance, the enemies-to-lovers begin before we meet Nina and Leo. They work together on a reality show and have the good host/bad host mentality. Leo inadvertently gives Nina an unflattering nickname, which fuels the fire. The fake dating comes about early in the story and begins with a misunderstanding.

I found the first third of the book a bit slow of a read, and I often wanted to do something other than reading. But once I got past that point, things began to grab my attention and made me want to read over doing other things. And just a heads up, the last third of the book is pretty steamy. And the majority of that steam is on the page!

The discussion of mental health throughout the book is one that I enjoyed. It is not often that you find a rom-com that discusses the characters’ mental health so openly. Leo openly discusses his anxiety and panic attacks, though it’s more with the reader than other characters. Nina discusses how she had to take breaks from social media for her mental health, especially when she was the target of cyberbullying. Again, this discussion was more with the reader than other characters.

Another topic discussed in the book, and part of Nina’s backstory, is how women are treated. Part of the reason she walks away from the show is because of how she is treated. If a woman is strongly opinionated, she’s mean or nasty. Nina also discusses how she has often been treated negatively in the workplace and that men in the restaurant industry did not treat her with the respect she deserved.

I really enjoyed this slow burn romance.
The characters, the story, it was all simply wonderful.

I genuinely liked how they slowly progressed from enemies to friends to lovers in a realistic pace. The banter was fun and sexual tension was so hot.

I look forward to seeing more of Erin’s work in the future!!

Huge thank you to Erin La Rosa for sending me an ARC for this book.

This is more than just a romance novel; it is a book about women sharing their sexual discrimination stories, mental health, and that we all have things we hide from others to protect ourselves from pain.

When I first started reading this book, I did NOT like Leo. He was arrogant and mean. But then, as the true Leo was be revealed, I realized that this man was more than just a pretty face with a seemingly arrogant attitude. Leo was a man with his own issues, mental health ones at that, that used words to create a wall to keep others out. I think many can relate to Leo and his insecurities, anxiety, and the desire to do his best.

Nina isn't without her own faults, including an ex that is a jerk, but she has some strong supportive friends that surround her so that even when things go south, she isn't alone. I giggled at the conversations with her sister, Sophie, and her best friend, Jasmine. I really liked Jasmine and her no-nonsense attitude. She is the kind of friend everyone should have in their life.

Nina and Leo have quite the chemistry together, but they start a relationship based on trying to help their reputations and restaurants. That is not the way to have a successful relationship, but it at least paves the way for them to admit the attraction to one another if only to themselves at first. Communication is their biggest problem, but the relationship flourishes once they learn to share more than what they think the other wants to hear.

This book addresses the issues of mental health and Leo's anxiety. I felt that it was done respectfully yet showcased how it can cripple an individual depending on the severity. It also highlighted how many people do not get help or ask for help to cope and manage stress and anxiety. This is so important in today's world, and I hope that someone that needs that help sees that in this book and will reach out to professionals.

I did get a kick out of the text conversations included in the book. Gavin, Leo's twin brother, is a hoot, and I think we need a book about his life...maybe the author will write his story.

Overall, we give this book 5 paws up. It is more than a romance and well worth the read.

3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐💫

Nina, owner and head chef of a fancy French restaurant, and Leo, restauranteur and manager of his family's chain of family-friendly Italian restaurants, have hosted a cooking reality TV show together for the past 3 years. However, as the season comes to an end, Nina announces her departure from the show. As both of their reputations and fame plummet and their restaurants struggle, the two come up with a plan: fake date in order to use their popularity to keep their restaurants afloat amidst financial troubles. However, they must figure out how to spend time together despite their previous conflict and complicated history. Will they be able to save their restaurants or will it be a complete failure?

What I liked:
- I really enjoyed the premise of this book and I liked getting to see the restaurant and cooking show aspects
- The way that the two joked around together as they got to know each other through their fake dates and the way their relationship continued to grow
- The inclusion of mental health issues and exploration of other topics like family dynamics, grief, and more

What I did not love:
- There was a major conflict at the beginning that rooted the hate between the two characters and although they sorted things out I felt like it could have been dealt with earlier - in my opinion it took him too long to acknowledge his mistakes
- This is definitely a personal preference but I don't love the miscommunication trope and that was a big part of this book

Overall this was still a fun read and I would recommend it but I do not think I would reread it - there were several parts I enjoyed and I always wanted to continue reading it though

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC!

I loved this book! Recently, I've been on a 'foodie' romance kick so this was the perfect cherry on top. I loved the way that sexism in the cooking industry was handled; that was very well thought out and realistic. The banter between Leo and Nina was top notch and their romance was wonderful. Highly recommend!

DNF’d at 12%

I really feel like this review may be a tad ungenerous because I am truly not in a place where I can tolerate or excuse the hurtful behavior of whiny asshole manbabies. So, ymmv here.

This book reminded me why I hate the enemies to lovers trope. I keep trying books with this trope because I’ve read some that manage to do it well. But being attracted to someone you hate makes no sense to me. And the retaliation is just juvenile and obnoxious. Pulling on pigtails is not an acceptable way to tell someone you like them beyond age 7. I just want to yell at them to grow tf up and get in therapy. I legit considered DNF’ing at around 5% because I’m so sick of this dynamic.

Leo is a rich pretty boy who’s dad founded an Olive Garden-style restaurant chain and has learned everything he needs to know about being a person from a book. Nina is a world-renowned, award winning chef who has worked hard to get where she is. Together they host a reality cooking competition tv show.

The beginning of this is nearly identical to the beginning of The Holiday Swap with the reality cooking show and the animosity between the hosts. Only in that one, the asshole cohost wasn’t the MC’s love interest. Because he was an asshole.

It was when Leo came to Nina’s restaurant (after she’d quit and walked off set) to threaten her with doing an interview that paints her in a bad light when I decided I’d had enough. He was being selfish and manipulative. I don’t want or need to see this character redeemed and I definitely don’t want to see anyone fall in love with him. I’m out.

Some things I liked:
- Nina. She is smart and clever and competent and accomplished.
- The banter. It was pretty funny at times. When it wasn’t obnoxious.
- Nina’s friend and sous chef Jasmine. A ride or die if I’ve ever seen one.

I’m a sucker for a food-related romance so For Butter or Worse was definitely right up my alley, and the enemies-to-lovers scenario worked really well for this book.

Nina and Leo start off as bitter enemies after years working together on a cooking competition show, but things change quickly after they are forced to interact as part of a plot to save their careers. While Nina has to recover her “nasty” image, Leo needs to gain contacts and credibility in the food world to keep the show going without her. Cue fake dating.

Despite having worked together for years, Nina and Leo don’t really know much about each other until they start fake dating, and these dates were so enjoyable to read with their cute fall vibes. I loved Nina and Leo’s relationship throughout the book as they grew to know and understand each other, as well as the side-plots with their family and friends.

Nina and Leo are both well-written, likeable characters with flaws that ground them in the real world, and their relationship was both cute and steamy. What made this book even better is that they each go on their own journeys of self-care and self discovery while finding their way to each other.

For Butter or Worse manages to be exactly what I wanted from an enemies-to-lovers cooking romance with just enough of a shake-up to keep it feeling fresh and new.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book combines two of my two favorite tropes: fake dating and enemies to lovers

This book follows Nina and Leo, two restauranters who are also judges on a cooking reality show. They also happen to hate each other. When Leo and Nina are caught in what looks to be a romantic moment after Nina angrily quit the show, the two form a fake relationship in order to save their careers and their restaurants.

An overall cute story, I loved the transition from enemies to lovers. I think it was done well and realistically. Nina and Leo were fun characters to root for and while I feel like the story kind of got lost at the end, I really enjoyed this book overwise.

I'm apparently a sucker for food related puns, because I have to admit that this title was what initially made me look into reading this book. Then when the synopsis mentioned fake dating between enemies, I was sold! And I'm so glad that I took an interest in this book, because ultimately I ended up really enjoying myself!

For Butter or Worse follows Nina and Leo as they co-host a cooking show. When Leo takes their rivalry a bit too far during the season's live filming of the finale, Nina quits right then and there. But things take a turn when the paparazzi think the two of them are dating and Nina and Leo realize that it might be worth their while to let the press continue to think that's what's going on. But of course, things don't stay that simple for long.

I really enjoyed this book's take on fake dating. Most of the time when I see this trope used, the two love interests are the ones who decide to keep the façade going, but in this case things get more complicated with a publicist that's planning dates and is involved as well. Having the publicist involved made sense though, given the fact that we were dealing with a very specific kind of enemies in this book.

These two have a history of animosity. They've used their platforms as hosts to continue to poke at one another and this isn't a case of misunderstanding that can be easily brushed off. These two have hurt one another and need to work through that over the course of the book. I especially enjoyed Leo's character, and how he righted his wrongs. In the beginning I was quite concerned that his behavior on the show was not going to be addressed fully. Thankfully, Leo eventually takes the time to process his behavior, to realize the harm he did, and to apologize. This made me very glad to see, since in so many books, bad behavior can be be dismissed and forgotten about once the two start liking one another.

And it's lots of fun to see Nina and Leo grow to like one another. Despite being very different, the two both have a love of food, and they treasure the way food can be used to create an experience for someone. Though they have very different restaurants, with Nina as the owner of a high end place and Leo running a chain eatery, it was clear that the two were both very passionate about what their stores could provide people.

Besides for Nina and Leo themselves and their relationship, I also loved the side characters. Nina had a sister and a best friend who were by her side, offering advice, a shoulder to cry on, and their unwavering support. Leo struggled to use his support system, although it was obvious that his twin and mother would be there for him no matter what.

This book is definitely a romance, but there were so many other aspects to this story that really helped make it more complex and interesting. Any side plot or theme that was included was utilized to its fullest and I felt that those little elements really enhanced the story. And I especially liked how there wasn't an easy or simple fix to things by the end of the story, and that the resolution to the conflict was hard won. This book grew on me the more I read it and the more I saw that care was being taken in setting up this story and making this relationship a healthy one that I could root for. So despite my initial hesitancy in the beginning of the book, I enjoyed the last third so much that I settled on a full 4 star rating.

If you're looking for a romance with depth, a focus on mental health, and quite a bit of food in it, this may be the book for you! It has a fun twist on fake dating, with some enemies to lovers thrown in as well, and is all around a good time!

When you mix oil and water in the kitchen, you might get a fire. That's exactly what happens when Leo O'Donnell, owner of a chain of family restaurants, pairs up with Nina Lyon, chef at her own restaurant, on a reality cooking show. Nina is very serious about her critiques, but Leo is more even handed and he likes to tease Nina. After three years on the show, she abruptly announces that she will not return. No Nina, no show, so their publicist decides to make them an off camera couple. How will that work out? An enjoyable romance

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. usually I don't really like the hate to love trope as the male character does something that makes it impossible to like him. But I actually found myself drawn to Leo a lot because of his flaws and remorse for his actions. I really did wish there was more at the cooking competition since that was the reason I picked up the book. However, I am really glad I stuck around.