Author Name: Erin La Rosa

Book Title: For Butter or Worse

Book Genre: Romance

Release Date: July 26, 2022

Publisher: Harlequin

Welcome, Erin! How would you describe For Butter or Worse? 

Enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, cinnamon roll hero, spicy goodness. If Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood from The Great British Baking Show were hot thirty-somethings who had to fake date in order to save their careers.

What sparked the idea for this book?

I really wanted to write a book about a woman trying to succeed in a male-dominated field, and I read a fact about how only 7% of kitchens in America are run by women, which seemed wild to me! When I did more research, I discovered that sexism in the food industry is rampant, and I wanted to depict a strong, successful female chef navigating that world.

How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?

Oh my, this book was a journey! The first draft I wrote in four months but, after sending it to readers, I realized it wasn’t working, and needed to do a full re-write. That re-write took another six months. Because For Butter or Worse is about two reality show hosts, and the cooking world, I got to watch a lot of food documentaries and reality TV (poor me!), and also researched the LA food scene heavily (including some taste testing, again, poor me!). I did additional research into sexism in the food world, which was helpful as well.

What drew you to writing romance?

Romance has been such an amazing genre for me to escape into, as a reader. I remember picking up Jasmine Guillory’s The Proposal and feeling so soothed, and comforted, and just happy! And during the pandemic, especially as a new mom, all I wanted to consume was media and books that were uplifting and brought me to a new world. So many romance books (specifically audio books) helped me to get through this wildly difficult time. If my book can bring joy to people, that’s the greatest gift.

What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?

I really love hearing from people who connected with the story, or just found joy from reading the book. Those sentiments make me feel like I’ve done my job! And, on the flip side, hearing from people who really didn’t love the book can be extremely difficult (especially as someone who has constant anxiety and panic attacks…thankful for my therapist, y’all!).

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read For Butter or Worse?

For Butter or Worse is fun, playful, and has a ton of witty banter. If you loved the dynamic between the love interests in Bridgerton Season Two, then Leo and Nina are going to give you more of that.

Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?

All of the hours you put into writing will be worth it someday, but you have to keep going.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I love cats, celebrity pop-culture, cooking, and am pretty obsessed with my two-year-old daughter.

Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.

I am working on Book Two in the series, which will be about Sophie Lyon (Nina’s little sister). This book will be brother’s best friend, only one bed, grump meets sunshine goodness.

Where can readers find you?

IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinlarosalit/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@erinlarosawrites

TW: https://twitter.com/erinlarosalit

Thank you, Erin! For Butter or Worse is available for pre-order.

For Butter or Worse