I really liked the blend of enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes in this contemporary romance set in the foodie world of LA. Nina and Leo have been co-hosts of a cooking competition show for three years and have a very snarky, negative relationship. Leo inadvertently started a smear campaign against Nina by calling her Nasty Nina on the show, which got a hashtag and everything. That was years ago, but on the final day of filming the current season, he brings up the nickname again, and Nina decides right then to quit the show, which she does on air. Leo, not used to looking like the bad guy, tries to smooth things over with Nina by going to her restaurant, and the paparazzi catch them in an accidental fall that looks like an embrace, sparking all sorts of rumors and giving them both a lot of press. Both restaurant owners with financial concerns, they're convinced by Nina's publicist to fake date, even though they still basically hate each other. Of course, this is a romance, so they realize pretty quickly that they maybe don't actually hate each other and become friends, which becomes something more complicated. I really appreciated the representation of Leo's anxiety/panic attacks, and the portrayal of the grief they both share by having lost parents. I also really liked the unflinching way that La Rosa addressed sexism both on social media generally and in the food world specifically. I can't wait to read more by this author.

3

Leo and Nina are cohosts of a cooking competition show. On the show, they banter and throw digs at one another, which is part of their appeal as hosts. Nina feels very frustrated with her job as a host because she seems to get a lot of hate online in addition to the stress she already feels because one of her restaurants had to be closed. This frustration is made worse when Leo calls her "nasty Nina" while on their show's live finale, which prompts her to quit. In an effort to save both of their careers Leo apologizes in person and the paparazzi captures him leaving her restaurant. This sparks rumors that they could be dating. Tom, Nina's publicist, and friend, feels that this is an excellent opportunity to salvage both of their careers. Thus begins their fake relationship, which then becomes real.

I know that I am supposed to like the main characters and root for their relationship, but they make it difficult. Leo is rude, even in moments when he is not trying to be rude. For example, when he was trying to convince Nina that she should rejoin the show, he tries to manipulate her by saying that she may be getting an influx of customers now, but they will soon fade away and start disliking her again. It felt like his character was driven by his fear that he wasn't good enough to the point that he was self-sabotaging. There were so many moments when I began to like his character, but then he said something rude and I would start to dislike him again.

I like the enemies to lovers trope, but if it's rooted in the love interest being misogynistic towards the main character, I'm out. I'm not going to like him or root for the romance in any way then, so I decided to DNF this.

This was a lot of fun - celebrities fake dating x enemies-to-lovers (with the added bonus of being set in the celebrity chef / TV reality show cooking competition world).

Nina is a talented, ambitious chef and co-host of The Next Cooking Champ! The show is just wrapping up its third season and while Nina figured it would offer her credibility and boost her recognition as a top-notch chef, instead viewers see her as the show's "bad cop" judge. The show's viewers call her "Nasty Nina" and constantly post negative, demeaning comments to her social media. Meanwhile, her co-host, restauranter Leo (aka, the show's "nice guy" judge) does nothing to dispel the public's disparagement of Nina. In fact, he seems to encourage them. When Nina unexpectedly quits at the end of the show's live season finale, Leo wonders whether he has played a role in her decision. After a paparazzi photographs Nina and Leo in what looks to be a romantic embrace, fans go wild. Soon, Nina and Leo embark on a fake romance to rescue their respective businesses. But as the fake dates continue, will the fake feelings turn into real ones?

I enjoyed this - sure there is a bit of miscommunication here or there or misreading of feelings, but there is plenty else to enjoy including the descriptions of food, the spotlight on harmful gender norms and treatment of women in media, discussions of mental health, and the chemistry between Nina and Leo. If you like contemporary romance (and especially fake dating, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tropes), give this a read!

Thank you very much to the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC via NetGalley.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: July 26, 2022

This is gratuitously everything you want in an enemies to lovers and fake dating trope romcom! Good chemistry and banter throughout—definitely a fun page turner!

This wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into the main characters at all and the side characters were also blah. What does waffle iron abs mean anyway.? Who wants abs that look like tiny squares? Nina and Leo were both equally annoying.

Solid rom-com, if a bit formulaic. Leo and Nina had excellent chemistry, but there were some parts of this book that I just had trouble looking past. Maybe I'm vindictive, but if someone did to me what Leo did to Nina, he would be dead to me.

There was recently discourse in the Romance community (when is there not?) about illustrated covers on adult romance. Some claimed illustrated characters weren't sexy enough for steamier books. And to that I argue, have you seen the cover for For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa?

I mean, just look at them! Leo and Nina are some of the most tastefully attractive (see what I did there?) illustrated characters I've seen on a Romance cover. I wanted to read this book SOLELY based on the cover, and luckily Netgalley gave me a chance to review this sweet read by an equally sweet author, Erin La Rosa.

So, what's it about, you ask?

For Butter or Worse follows a rivals to lovers arc of two cooking competition show hosts. Nina's the chef with the expert opinion, and Leo's the business-savvy owner a local family eatery turned restaurant chain. But these two are far from friendly. With constant jabs on and off camera, it doesn't seem possible that these two could possibly be in the same room together for more than five minutes, let alone achieve a happily ever after.

There's nothing a little fake dating trope can't fix!

Now remember, I'm not in the business of spoilers, so below you'll find some things I loved about the book that won't ruin your first time reading experience:

Anxiety/panic attack representation
No fade to black in the spicy scenes
Food descriptions to make your mouth water
Dad jokes AND plant puns
Women taking on a male-dominated industry

There's so much more to love about this book than what I've listed here, and trust me--you'll gobble this romance up. And you don't have to wait too long. For Butter or Worse is set to release July 26 at most places you can buy a book. Interested in supporting a small business? Order your SIGNED, personalized copy from The Ripped Bodice for the same price as unsigned copy!

Happy reading. <3

xoxo, Katie Rose

- Grumpy Sunshine
- Fake Dating
- Cohosts
- Enemies to Lovers
- FOOOD

NIna and Leo were cohosts of a cooking show , until everything goes south during the live telecasting of its finale, causing her to quit on live tv. This creates problems for the her restaurant chain. A unfortunate turn of events when Leo came to meet Nina forces them into a fake relationship .

I loved the book . It was definitely five star read . I loved how fierce and bold Nina was . It had dual pov which is always a plus point . I would definitely recommend this book

OUT 26TH JULY

For Butter or Worse is a five star read!

Major rom-com vibes, good food, a great enemies to lovers story and swoon worthy writing. I really enjoyed the cast of characters - especially Nina and her direct, sassy exterior and vulnerable inner monologue. This story was a perfect romance, did the enemies to lovers trope perfectly, and was not a fade to black in the spice department. But it was so much more. The discussion of mental health, the impact of social media and familial pressures, and the real struggle to be vulnerable with others when you’re experiencing mental health concerns felt very real and relatable. I could recognize myself and others in those parts of the story - which made me love the characters and the plot even more. I’m looking forward to reading more from Erin La Rosa in the future!

We love a good pun! Leo and Nina are co hosts of a cooking show competition where the fire not only comes from the burners, but also their distaste for each other. After Nina quit on live TV, and after being caught in what people think was a semi compromising position, fans of the show believe they are an item and, in order to save Leo’s family business, and Nina’s well known restaurant, they start fake dating as a way to garner interest and crowds.

Solid strong start to the story. I really enjoyed the dual POV but it would be frustrating at times knowing that both characters were thinking the same thing but no one would say anything. The side characters were OK. We did spend a lot of time with Nina’s friend but it didn’t really add much to the story.

They do make a big deal of the reason Nina left the show to begin with, but only when it happened, and then at the end. The whole middle kind of ignored it, then it was brought back up the last 30% as an excuse to [ have Nina have an excuse to ignore Leo. At least, that is how I read it.

I struggled with the last 25-30%. [ the book really dragged when it separated Nina and Leo for that remaining percentage. I did not care enough about her friend or sister. I know she had to take some time to herself but there must have been a better way to do it.

A solid 3.75

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review

xposted on goodreads.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title before publication!

This was a mixed bag for me, but ultimately a fun read. It includes a some very fun tropes: celebrity fake dating & enemies to lovers, and folks, this is an enemies to lovers that you will really feel and believe. I so frequently find that this particular trope is over done and not often well executed. This one really is believable, especially on the side of our FMC and her reasons for not liking the MMC.

I really, really enjoyed Nina as a character. She’s strong and witty and unapologetically herself, even though the patriarchy has been working overtime to bring her down. Leo, despite his earlier mistakes, really grew on me too. The picture of his struggle with mental health is really believable and resonant, and it was fun to get into his head as we had both perspectives.

I think I wanted more palpable chemistry from these two, but it is certainly there. The way they grow to open up to one another feels very real, and the pacing of their actual first *real* romantic encounter was fleshed our well. Despite that, it still felt like something in their actual conversations with one another as they realized their feelings just felt a bit flat to me. Their inner monologues about their feelings were the most recognizable parts of their attraction, and I wanted to see more of this coming through in the dialogue and body language.

Regardless, I did enjoy this book and it was a quick read. It’s light and moderately steamy with some good insights into mental health & sexism in the culinary world. I would ultimately give this 3.5/5 stars! And I’ll definitely keep an eye out for this authors releases going forward

Thank you to Netgalley & Harlequin Trade a publishing for this advanced reader copy . This review will be published on instagram ( username : @nats_bookventures) at 2:30pm on June 14th,2022.


Summary: Nina is a famous chef who dreams of making it big with her restaurant; Leo is a business man who helps run his family owned business. They both cohost a cooking show while simultaneously hating each other. Leo takes it too far one day and Nina ends up quitting on live television. During Leo’s attempt to apologize and win her back to the show, they get caught in a compromising position ; this inevitably forces them to fake date when the fans go crazy for them. As real feelings start to emerge, will it be enough or will try past come back to bite them.

This book hooked me from the start and the banter between Nina and Leo was amazing. Both had so much growth and I enjoyed watching them.

This book tackles so many real world issues such as Nina’s battles with sexism in her field as well as online bullying. She also battles learning to let people in while also feeling like she is good enough to be loved and also to be a chef.

I related to Leo a lot because anxiety can be a real pain. I love seeing men written in books battle mental health issues because it is not talked about. Also bravo for going to therapy too because that is hard. Leo really learned to figure out how to put himself first while also letting people in to see the real him flaws and all.

Overall this book was so enjoyable to read , and I kind of want a book for jasmine and Sophie top because I’m not ready to leave any of those characters. 4.5 stars for me

Enemies, like true enemies, to lovers. So much food. Chemistry off the charts. Adorable, heart warming moments. Food festivals. Celebrity status. Cooking show. Aggressive peacocks. Crappy exs. I cannot wait for the next book.

Two cooking show hosts on a mission to save their careers from a certain failure team up to fake date to avert the attention the show received after a disastrous live taping, only to realize that the tension between them isn't hatred, but something more.

Leo and Nina have years of pent up frustration leading to excellent banter and even more explosive relationship. I really enjoyed their chemistry and growth together, in particular as Leo begins to understand how difficult the food world can be for women.

I'm always a sucker for a dual POV and hilarious side characters, especially Nina's sister Sophie made me giggle like a maniac. And I know a lot of people aren't a fan of texts and emails in a book but I think they fit in seamlessly to describe how such big swaths of communication take place these day.

All in all, this is an accomplished romcom, that delivers both on romance and comedy.

This book was an addictive experience for me. I loved all the tropes and the characters. The book managed to deal with serious topics yet still having the rom-com feeling. I will say I would’ve loved it more if the third act went a bit differently but I really enjoyed the plot and the storyline.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!


Nina is the star of a reality cooking show alongside her nemesis Leo who has a knack for making her look bad while he looks like Prince Charming. But once she leaves the show to save both of their restaurants they have to fake a relationship.
I appreciate how the topic of mental health was brought up. Sometimes leaving a job is what’s best for you.

“And the symptoms of a heart attack were virtually indistinguishable from those of a panic attack.”
This line alone deserves a freaking spotlight. Because YES.

I also appreciate how Mental health was brought up and it manifested in scenes with the characters but it wasn’t their entire personality, it didn’t define them.

I love how strong Nina is and the fact that how women are so easily painted the villain online and in real life was a strong theme in this book.

I also enjoyed Leo. I liked his character development and how he took responsibility and owned up to his crappy behavior.

We need more men standing up for women who are being torn down famous or not. This novel is a fun read but also loaded with messages that should be taken to heart. I definitely recommend this. ♥️♥️

Thank you to Netgalley and HQN for an e-arc of For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa.

Nina Lyon and Leo O’Donnell are co-hosts of the hit reality cooking show The Next Cooking Champ!
Nina and Leo don’t get along behind the camera, but the back and forth is always edited out so the audience doesn’t know. That is until they try out a live show and it goes horribly wrong. Leo jokes around but takes it too far, hurting Nina’s feelings and damaging her reputation and quiet possibly both their businesses. Nina, quits on the spot and leaves the show.

When fans of the show begin spreading lies about Nina, her once popular restaurant is hardly visited. She begins to fear having to shut the doors for good on her business. That is until a paparazzi catches her and Leo in what looks to be a compromising situation. With the hopes of fixing Nina’s reputation and bringing happy crowds back to both their restaurants. Nina and Leo begin fake dating. Things never run smoothly though when fake dating is involved. Will they be able to keep their feelings in check or will they fall for someone they previous hated.

I really enjoyed this one. I love the fake dating trope. It was an emotional roller-coaster and I enjoyed it. Sometimes Leo was so frustrating, but I really enjoyed seeing the character development that happened.

I would recommend this one if these sound like tropes you like and if you liked this genre.

This book has everything I love!!!

• Enemies to lovers - BEST trope
• Fake dating - I love when two people hate each other and have to fake it to make it.
• The arguing!!! I love witty arguments between the H and h.
• Explosive chemistry. These two combusted my kindle with their attraction to one another… Before they even knew it was happening.
• And most of all…SPICY!!! I don’t wanna give anything away but wooooweee!

Such a good book!!!! And it features the food industry! Another A+ in my book.

Steamy scenes, fake dating, and enemies to lovers oh my! Couldn't put this book down. Absolutely loved!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.