For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

About For Butter or Worse

In Erin La Rosa’s For Butter or Worse, Nina, a chef/owner, and Leo, the business partner in his family’s restaurant business, are cohosts of a popular cooking competition. Who can’t stand each other and for three years have had an antagonistic relationship. In the final episode, Nina announces live that she’s done being part of the show.

Leo needs the hosting gig to boost his business profile. And Nina’s restaurant takes a hit when she’s no longer high profile. With both of their businesses floundering, their teams suggest a fake relationship to boost their images and their respective restaurants. The heat turns from anger into something spicier.

My thoughts about For Butter or Worse

I appreciated that among the witty banter and increasing romantic tension, the characters dealt with online bullying, misogyny in the restaurant world, and anxiety/mental health. Both MCs were likable and relatable.

I loved the supporting cast who all got their moments to shine. And partook of the clever banter.

The slow burn of Nina and Leo moving from loathing each other to realizing that their perceptions were wrong to catching feels was perfect. 

This is a spicy-sweet contemporary romance with delicious twists and turns as two restaurant contest judges find out that maybe they don’t hate each other after all.

For Butter or Worse gives you:

Dual POV

Delicious food descriptions

Fake dating

Enemies to lovers

Perils of owning a restaurant

Impact of social media on careers/mental health

Slow burn

Sexy consent

LGBTQIA+ rep

Great friends group

Found family

Randy peacock who wants to fight Nina

CW: Dead parents, mental health issues, online bullying, fat-shaming

In closing

Thank you Harlequin for the ARC!

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