Heat Factor: It’s a nice amount of heat…think spice in chocolate.

Character Chemistry: Dead serious, this is the BEST enemies to lovers set up I’ve read in a long time. Meticulously done.

Plot: Nina and Leo are co stars on a culinary reality show–when Nina reaches her breaking point in dealing with Leos’ crap and quits. In order to save their respective restaurants after the messy episode airs, Nina and Leo decide to embark on a fake relationship to stir up good press. Only, it gets REAL. Real juicy.

Overall: The second I saw the tiniest hint that these enemies were actually going to fall for each other, my jaw dropped. It was just deliciously done–and honestly, extra points for the bold and punny title.

This book opens with Nina and Leo getting ready for a live episode of their show, and with the way it starts off I honestly thought Leo was going to be the counterpoint for a really stand up guy. Seriously. His intro seems a bit fake and smarmy, and he does Nina really dirty. But you know how sometimes the set up is so neatly done, and the hints are so subtle and stirring, that you just KNOW however it happens is going to blow your socks right off? That’s this book.

Nina gets the nickname of “Nasty Nina” from comments Leo makes on the show they’re on–and because of his behavior, fans of the show are relentless in picking on Nina, even though she’s an acclaimed chef. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, the way Nina’s experience unfolds illustrates how subtle and unbearable the thousand little cuts can be before the only option is to leave. And that’s what Nina ends up having to do.

Only both her and Leo’s restaurants begin to fail. Leo is, at first, only focused on what Nina’s exit has done to HIM. He’s sensitive about inheriting his father’s simple Italian eats franchise (because he isn’t a chef, and it’s not his restaurant–so he feels like an interloper), and he craves the legitimacy Nina has. Nina, on the other hand, has just exited a relationship with a real tool bag and because of the harsh and unfair criticism of her on the show, she’s had to close two of three locations of her fine dining restaurant. She’s barely holding on to the original location. But some photos leaked by happenstance suggest there’s a romance brewing and when business spikes for both of them, they decide to go for the fake relationship. Naturally.

What I loved about this book is that it’s complicated and messy, but it makes complete sense. Leo struggles with panic attacks and has been hiding it since the death of his father, and is palpably lost and searching for meaning. Nina presents initially as kind of stiff and rude, but it becomes clear that she’s been holding her own in a pretty misogynistic field and is “closed off” because it helps her stay focused. Leo is also kind of sensitive and neurotic, which isn’t something I think we usually see in a hero, and zero apologies are made for it. (Good–dudes struggle with this stuff, too.) And Nina never really softens, she just opens up. (Also good–women don’t need to be softer to be worthy of love.)

Plus, let’s be real–the banter between Leo and Nina starts a smolder that, thank heaven, results in the best kind of heat. They’re vicious. They go for the jugular. It’s often punny. It’s FANTASTIC.

For Butter or Worse is decadent, delicious, and leaves you wanting more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report

I loved this book!!! It was so sharp and witty and well-written! I can't believe it's a debut. Super excited to see what Erin writes next!

Thank you NetGalley, Erin La Rosa and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of For Butter or Worse. This is my personal review.
A book about fake dating is a book I will read every time I see one.
This one was a book that should have had everything I want from a romance- comedy book but I could not feel any connection between the two main characters – Leo and Nina. I wanted a bit of a spark to convince me there was a little chemistry between the two.
It was gave me something to read but is not one I would read again.

Monica: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Tie a napkin around your necks, my dears, and Erin La Rosa will do the rest — because this book is the epitome of a *chefs kiss*

For Butter or Worse serves up a sweet, sexy, sizzling and sa-wooon worthy enemies to lovers story executed to golden perrrrrfection.

Erin’s combination of writing, plot and characters is DELECTABLE. I adored the vibrant characters, the fabulous tension, the banter, the personal journeys of self discovery, the sweet moments, and the uniquely relatable insecurities combine to create a fantastic story for all romcom tastes.

As a butter-lover I adored the moment Nina reflects on the moment a love for food and cooking was sparked in her heart when her family observing her love for butter dipped in sugar told her she better learn to make something everyone can eat. Same girl. I take a spoonful of creamed butter and sugar every time I bake. 🤭

I devoured this ARC with interminable glee and a permanent grin. For fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne — this treat of a romcom is for you!

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed the story it was a quick and fun read and you’ll enjoy it if you like enemies to lovers, fake dating.

Nina Lyons is a professional chef who wants nothing more than to inspire other young girls to cook. She co-hosts a popular cooking reality show with Leo O’Donnell, a restaurateur who takes every opportunity to push Nina's buttons. When one of Leo's jokes goes a little too far while filming, Nina decides to quit the show on-air. Leo doesn't mean to be a jerk, but his anxieties often make him come across that way, and he feels bad for how he acted towards Nina. To make matters worse, paparazzi photos surface of the two in what appears to be a compromising situation, causing the internet to go wild. Despite the animosity simmering between them, neither can deny a fake relationship may be the only way to get their careers back on track. But what happens when the feelings start to turn real?

Oh, how I wanted to love this. I'm not a huge fan of cooking shows (unless we're talking The Great British Bake Off), but I am a fan of a fake dating scenario, but this didn't work for me. The book felt like it started in the middle. You don't get any background on the characters or the tension between them. You're just dropped into a scene and have to figure it out yourself. If it had started with them working together for a bit, it would've helped establish their relationship, rather than have it start right at Leo insulting Nina causing her to quit. I could also take or leave Nina and Leo. Neither one of them made much of an impression on me. Maybe Nina did slightly more, but only because I found her pretentious at times. Their relationship was very meh and almost felt forced at times, so I had a hard time getting invested in it. Sadly, this whole thing felt like a rough draft that didn't have enough time to bake.

I really enjoy food romcoms! Women as chefs in power positions and I loved how she discussed how difficult her job is as a woman. While it’s so stereotypical that women ar eat home cooking and taking care of their family, when she does this for a living suddenly she is always under scrutiny. I loved that she was self assured enough to leave a toxic job, though I wish our male MC had realized his actions regarding the TV show so much sooner than the very end. I love celebrity fake dating at as well, you get a little bit of that here. I loved the romantic moments alone in their home, learning about their pasts. Over all it was an enjoyable read of love, women impowerment, and learning that your dreams can change as you grow up and that’s okay.

For Butter or Worse was a quick romance that I would recommend to fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and reality TV/cooking shows. It takes place around fall/Halloween, so I think it would be a perfect read for fall!

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: death of parent (past), grief, anxiety, panic attacks (on-page), online bullying, sexism

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f frenemies ot lovers
-fake dating
-celebrity romance
-food as a love language
-this is just a hookup
-denial

I could not put this one down, it had such a readable quality Nina and Leo were such a fit for each other. inspired by their parents in their professions, Family important to both of them, and of course some innocent misunderstandings.

I'm becoming a big fan of celebrity fake dating and this was a perfect read. Lots of oh of course we need to kiss because we're fake dating, and is this real or is it fake all of my fake dating catnip. they had such great banter and flirting and I enjoyed every moment and just wanted more and more of them. Have snacks ready when reading this one as you watch these two fumble through falling for each other.

Can't wait to read more from this author.

Steam: 3.25

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (very descriptive/erotic sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: panic attacks, brief mentions of death of a parent

Nina Lyon and Leo O'Donnell have hosted The Next Cooking Champ! for three seasons, but Nina is tired of being known as "Nasty Nina" and having a bad reputation thanks to Leo. So when she quits the show, Leo's job is put at risk. When he goes to beg her to come back, they get caught in a compromising position by paparazzi and end up being pressured by their agents to fake date in order to save their careers as television personalities and within the culinary industry. With both of their restaurants on the line, these two enemies find themselves pretending to enjoy each others' company. But soon the line between real and fake becomes blurred as they both realize they actually enjoy spending time together. Will their publicity stunt end up as true love?

From the very beginning of this book, I enjoyed the snarky banter between Leo and Nina. I liked their chemistry and enjoyed seeing them on both their fake dates and the ones that just happened organically. I especially liked the text conversations and social media headlines scattered throughout the book. While this was much spicier than I personally like, the steamy moments definitely added to the tension as Leo and Nina tried to sort through their feelings. This book did have kind of a lot going on between the cooking show, their struggling restaurants, Leo's anxiety, and Nina's friend's parent issues. My main complaint, though, was the big conflict at the end. It was based on a lot of miscommunication, as well as the cooking show drama that Leo had already tried to make amends for. Honestly, it just didn't sit right with me. The end was cute, though, so that made up for it a little bit. If you're looking for a steamy fake dating book, then you'll enjoy this one!

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

no pun intended but books like these are my bread and butter—i read them so often though that it takes More to impress me with such a familiar plot layout, and this one was just a bit too predictable, even with such lovable characters. i’d read something else by the author for sure, though.

This is a better than average enemies to lovers romance. Chef Nina Lyon and Leo O’Donnell, a businessman who runs a family restaurant chain are co-hosts of The Next Cooking Champ. They hate each other. Nina quits during a live tv broadcast because of his continued rudeness. To his surprise they don’t want him to host without her and she finds that her restaurant drops off because of the bad press. When caught together by paparazzi interest in both their restaurants picks up and a fake dating situation begins.

Leo for his part never realizes how miserable the social media and press have been for her because of his quips. She never knew that is has anxiety issues. I really like when the two are genuinely talking and getting to know each other. The steaminess is very, very well done. And I love Nina’s sister for pointing out that his anxiety is his to deal with and talk about when and if he wants. So much of this is positive and well done.

But unfortunately the author made me really truly hate Leo and the pain he has caused Nina. Even she admits she can’t forgive him but she can move forward. He is apologetic. But to me it is too much and far too late. And even when they are dating he is still making some low comments. I don’t believe in their HEA even though the author does a good job of presenting it. It is really hard to redeem a bully. I did like that he gets some therapy but he uses to deal with his mother and not to talk about Nina. My feelings about Leo are reflected in my average rating for what is a better than average book.

Thank you to NetGalley and harlequin Trade Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨3.5 Stars✨

Enemies-to-Lovers/Rivals-to-Lovers ✔️
Fake Dating ✔️
Grump FMC/Sunshine MMC ✔️
Duel POV ✔️

They go together like water and oil…

Nina Lyons and Leo O'Donnell are public figures in the culinary world - a celebrated Chef and a successful CEO of chain restaurants - that also co-host a reality TV show The Next Cooking Camp! They may seem like they get along, but after a series of events Nina quits during a Live Taping of the season finale. They really don’t like each other, things are said that are truly hurtful and mean (might be Trigger Warning). Fake dating is the plan to save their careers

Overall, I enjoyed the tropes and enjoyed the “realness” of their relationship. They really don’t like each other based on assumptions and preconceived notions, and it was nice to see them grow to understand and get to know one another. However, I’m not the biggest fan of the Miscommunication trope playing a huge role - with the duel POV - you understand their perspectives and misunderstandings and you just KNOW things would be better if they just talked.

**Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.**

So so cute! Nina and Leo start off as enemies on a food competition show. They then start to fake date because obviously that would help their business/image. I have mixed emotions about both of the main characters- they weren’t perfect, which I think is why I enjoyed this book a lot. There were times when the miscommunication drove me nuts! However, I appreciate that the author didn’t have them forgive each other in the next page. I also really liked that Leo realized he wasn’t at his best and went to see a therapist and really worked on his mental health before starting a relationship.

This was a fun read - easy, mostly light - full of really good things like: witty banter, bad jokes, cute dates for our leading couple and sooo much food!

Nina and Leo are sworn enemies on the brink of something disastrous and Leo pushes them over the edge by calling Nina "Nasty" on a live taping of the show they co-host. She takes no prisoners, letting him and the rest of the world know what she thinks. Yet it's not enough to save either of their restaurants. And so, they allow her publicist to strong-arm them into a fake dating arrangement that any reader of romance knows so well.

This is an enemies to lovers, fake-dating, celeb angle mash up and it's done really well. Erin La Rosa has written some strong main characters with a generous helping of best friends and siblings who come through for our MCs when they need to be steered in the right direction.

For fans of Sadie on a Plate or Donut Fall in Love!

This was an absolutely hilarious enemies to lovers story with the backdrop of a televised cooking competition.

I really enjoyed that Nina and Leo were forced to work together as a fake couple to help support their restaurants.

My main problem with their relationship, but it worked because it was a story was the lack of communication. Because of Nina and Leo's animosity from the get go, I was surprised that the producers for the show even let them be cohosts to begin with.

I also enjoyed cute little moments like learning that Nina's sister Sophie's goldfish is named Rain Boots. (I want an entire book about Sophie, so I can learn more about Rain Boots.) Another being Gavin and Leo's onesie sleep over to cheer Leo up in twin solidarity.

*SPOILER*

I especially liked that Nina got her own show and was helping other female cooks. That was one of the most redeeming moments of the story for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

For Butter or Worse is the perfect book for the cooking show fan. It shows the strain of the spotlight on the individual. It also shows us what happens when you and co-host don’t always blend well together.
Leo and Nina, cohost a national cooking TV show, Nina is a successful chef and restraint owner who has built her reputation by working hard and tackling the obstacles in front of her. Leo is a restaurateur. He owns a successful chain of restaurants based on his father’s restaurant and recipes.
Both are hiding from each other under the façade of show. They have settled into their roles, Nina as the tough judge and Leo is the nice guy. Things change when they have to get to know more about each other by faking their on-again, off-again relationship in front of the TV.

There was so much in this story, but it was an excellent debut novel. Nina was working so hard to save what she had built. She was not afraid of the hard work and fought valiantly against the sexism that comes with being a female chef and restaurant owner. Nina is a hard character to love in the beginning I was all team Nina but the later half of the book she made some choices that really annoyed me.
Leo comes off as a bit of prick, playing into the audience that he is the good guy but honestly there was so much more to him. He used his persona as a shield to hide what he was dealing with. I was having issues with his sexist comments at the beginning, but he does redeem himself by the end.
I would recommend For Butter or Worse if you are looking for a fun campy read. The story is fun and flirty and tackles some tough topics in a lighthearted manner. This is Erin La Rosa debut novel and I am excited to see what is next.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a decent book, but it wasn't awesome.

A fun and heartfelt enemies to lovers romance. Nina and Leo are cohosts of a popular cooking competition show. When Nina resigns on-air, she's delighted never to have to see Leo again. Until the two are caught in what appears to be a compromising photo, the internet goes crazy, and business gets better for both their struggling restaurants. Faking a relationship may be the answer to all their problems (except that pesky mutual attraction).

I would have rated this higher, but I had a hard time getting past Leo's early behavior toward Nina. The romance trend of men who turn out to be less toxic and terrible than their actions would suggest is not my favorite. He's still a jerk to her, even if he redeems himself later. But otherwise these two have crackling chemistry and the book was a lot of fun.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I read 8% of this book and then stopped reading it for 3 days. I had no interest whatsoever in these characters and their story. It did not grab my attention in the slightest way.