For Butter or Worse
For Butter or Worse is the delectable combination of sizzling heat and spicy romance, and I completely devoured all of it! I would like to say that I’ll keep the food puns to a limit, but that ain’t happening because I’m a total foodie at heart.
Synopsis: All chef Nina Lyon wants is to make a name for herself in the culinary world and inspire young women everywhere to do the same. For too long, she’s been held back and underestimated by the male-dominated sphere of professional kitchens, and she's had enough. Now, as co-host of the competitive reality TV series The Next Cooking Champ!, she finally has a real shot at being top tier in the foodie scene.
Too bad her co-host happens to be Hollywood’s smarmiest jerk.
Restaurateur Leo O’Donnell never means to get under Nina’s skin. It just seems to happen, especially when the cameras are rolling. It's part of the anxiety and stress he has come to know all too well in this line of work. So nothing prepares him for the fallout after he takes one joke a smidge too far and Nina up and quits—on live TV.
To make matters worse, the two are caught in what looks like a compromising situation by the paparazzi…and fans of the show go absolutely nuts. Turns out, a “secret romance” between Nina and Leo may just be what their careers need most.
Now all they have to do is play along, without killing each other...and without catching feelings. Easy as artisanal shepherd's pie. Right?
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I really liked how La Rosa tackled the theme of sexism in this book in relation to how the social media and public at large viewed and even treated Leo and Nina. Nina was an outspoken and honest woman who received quite a bit of criticism while Leo got away with a horrible comment and behavior just because he was funny and hot. From there, La Rosa grew her lead characters is an honorable and fashionable way.
How was the romance?
This story brought together fake-dating (my favorite) and enemies to lovers, and I couldn’t have been happier! Both Nina and Leo had excellent banter and when they came together you knew some kind of flames were about to ignite. Also, the buildup, angst, and tension were done at the perfect pace as the two began to grow their relationship.
Steam Level: That steamy and delicious open-door goodness I love!
How was the pace?
The romance may have been a slow and smoldering burn, but I was turning the pages as fast as I could!
Do you recommend this book?
Yes! This was just a fun and delicious romcom that I totally binged and I can’t wait for more from La Rosa!
Oh…One warning…Don’t read this book on an empty stomach or you’ll end up drooling on the pages during more than just those spicy romantic moments! I know Kaley and I were as we read this one together!
