“His lips were salty from the hike, and his stubble rubbed against the top of her mouth--- two things she didn't know could be sexy, but absolutely were.” KissingSexy Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Having Nostalgia is romantic. It's the ability to Never forget something you love” LoveNostalgiaMillennials2000s Book:The Backtrack Source: The Backtrack
“You do know scones are not donuts, right?" Nina wasn't one to pass up any baked goods, but a donut was a donut. No scone would do. "This is not your white, British-royals high tea, my friend. This is Highland Park high tea. It opened a month ago, and I think we're about to have our whole world rocked." The Jam's exterior was black-and-white---- if you blinked you'd miss it. But when they went inside Nina immediately spotted a colorful mural of dinosaurs seated on velvet cushions, eating donuts and drinking out of porcelain cups. A pristine glass display case on the opposite wall featured rows and rows of endless donuts--- a happy welcoming committee of frosting and dough. "We'll be having tea for two," Jasmine said at the counter. "And for my donut, could I get the Swirly Rosewater, please?" As soon as she saw the names and flavors of the donuts, she instantly knew two things: one, she was going to love these, and two, Leo would absolutely hate them. Nina suddenly felt sympathy for Leo any time a contestant created a unique flavor pairing on the show. She raced to find the donut her friend had ordered in the case, and landed on a frosted pink cake donut that had a lemon rosewater glaze topped with roasted pistachios. "You live your life in pink, Jas." "No better color. So from what I read online, the deal is that instead of scones, they do vegan donuts---" Nina's eyes narrowed, and Jasmine glared right back. "Don't judge. What are you going to get?" "I need chocolate," Nina said. She scanned the rows in search of the perfect solution. "May I recommend our Chocolate from the Crypt donut?" the saleswoman suggested from behind the display. Her sharp bangs and blunt ponytail bobbed as she explained, "It's our fall-themed donut--- chocolate cake with a chocolate glaze, and it's got a kick from the cayenne pepper and cinnamon we add in." "Oh, my donut," Nina said. In the case was an absolutely gorgeous chocolate confection--- the cayenne and cinnamon flakes on the outside created a black-and-orange effect. "I am sold." "You got it." The saleswoman nodded and rang them up. A narrow hallway covered in murals of cartoon animals drinking tea led them to the official tearoom. Soaring ceilings revealed exposed beams and brick walls, signaling that the building was likely older and newly restored. Modern, barrel-back walnut chairs were clustered around ultrasleek Scandinavian round tables. Nina felt like she'd followed Jasmine down a rabbit hole and emerged into the modern interpretation of the Mad Hatter's tea party. "This is like..." Nina began. "It's a fun aesthetic." "I know, right?" Jasmine replied as they sat down. "It makes me feel like I'm not cool enough to be here, but glad I got invited." Nina picked up the prix fixe high tea menu on the table. The Jam's version of finger sandwiches were crispy "chicken" sliders, potato-hash tacos and mini banh mi, and in lieu of scones, they offered cornbread with raspberry jam and their signature donuts. "And it's all vegan...?" "Yes, my friendly carnivore, and hopefully delicious.” ChocolateVeganFlavorsAppetizersDonut Shop Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“His eyes darted around the hallway, across the woven blue rug and up to the framed photos of baguettes and cheese wedges that covered the walls. His skin warmed from the heat coming out of the nearby kitchen. The smell of butter and cream mingled together like the tastiest candle you could ever light. He'd never had the food at Lyon, but he already knew what he was missing.” Interior DesignRestaurantGourmand Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“They stood surrounded by enormous, dense trees that had gold-and-pink flowering pods at the tips of their branches. Nina reached up to touch a pod and felt the silky-smooth exterior between her fingers. Like rubbing a freshly shelled bean. "That's a Koelreuteria, commonly called the golden rain-tree. It's native to Asia.” TreeBuddingPods Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“What?" she asked, partly annoyed, partly curious. "Just trying to get the witch hat and pointy shoes in frame." He moved slightly to his left, then right. She channeled her most intense withering gaze, then said, "How are you still single?" "I'm not, remember?" He pointed at her. "Seriously, though. You need to look like you're having a good time." He put down the phone, then gnawed on his lips, deep in thought. "Oh, I know! Imagine I've stubbed my toe in an extremely painful way." Now that really did make her smile. "Excellent, excellent," he said as he reviewed the photo.” Enemies To Lovers RomanceFake DatingCamera Phone Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“If those Nina and Leo fanfic writers could see us now," she said. She grabbed the bottom of his shirt, and he helped raise it up and over his head. "Oh, I'm pretty sure I read a few that involved a kitchen...” Slow Burn RomanceFanfic InspirationSexy TalkKitchen Sex Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Then he peeled his shirt off and over his head. She did a double take. If she'd had a mouthful of water, it would've been a spit take. Leo was shirtless. She stopped moving. She couldn't tell if she was horrified or mesmerized by the sight of his abs, which looked like a waffle iron, minus the syrup. She'd imagined that underneath the starched and boring button-downs was a stack of white dinner plates in the shape of a human form. But there he was, half-naked and absolutely real.” Hot GuyShirtlessMuscular Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Being with Charlie had never been easy, the way that Leo had made their night easy. Charlie viewed Nina as a kind of project. Like trying to perfect how to cook the best scrambled eggs--- she was always too runny, too soft, overdone. Over their two-year relationship, he'd tried to mold her into the kind of chef he was: admired, singular and award-winning. When she deviated from his expectations of her, they fought. But then they'd make up, and the making-up part was why they worked for as long as they had. So being on Leo's couch was the best thing for her--- a reminder that she didn't have to be miserable. Even if she actively had to ignore that espresso smell of his, and how it made her want to nuzzle her nose against his neck to get more. The last hour of eating, drinking and watching the best movie had felt like biting into a freshly baked cookie--- warm and indulgent.” RelationshipsScent Of A ManComparisons Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“She'd been covered in sweat after her hike with Leo, for instance. And also after their session in his bedroom... But she didn't have time to think about him, because she had to crack pepper over the plate of Nicoise pasta she was finishing. The fresh spaghetti was plated onto a rich nest of heavy cream, basil, garlic and Parmesan cheese. Transcendence on a plate, the most satisfying thing... outside of Leo's head between her thighs.” PastaFood And Sex Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“As he slid his palm over the top of her mound, she arched toward him so he could feel just how excited she was. "Nina..." He breathed. "You are so fucking wet." "You made me so fucking wet," she panted back. The situation didn't seem real--- not him, not the strength of his hands, not the way her body melted like butter on a skillet for him. Because this couldn't be happening with Leo. But it was. In one smooth motion, he lifted her leg and wrapped it over his shoulder. The angle opened her up to him, and he breathed out and across her bare thighs as he made his way to her center. He started by parting her with his fingers and flicking her clit with his tongue. Her head fell back and against the wall. She'd never been eaten out while standing, but being able to watch Leo from above was undeniably sexy. He began to lick her clit, gently circling with his tongue and applying more pressure whenever he found the tip of her bud. Her leg tightened against his back in response, but he kept her firmly planted with his heavy palm against her hip. Then his tongue dipped down and delved into her, filling her entirely. He spread her open with his free hand and nestled one, then two of his long fingers inside of her, dipping them in and out as he circled her clit with his tongue. He sucked her into his mouth, then lapped at her as softly as the tip of a finger stroking her. She rode his face, moving against the rhythm of his fingers as they fucked her. "Please..." She was barely able to get the word out. Her legs began to tremble. The one wrapped around Leo tightened, then released as the pressure continued to build. She raked her hands through his hair, urging his mouth to bring her to the point where she had to erupt... and she did. She let out a series of moans as pleasure surged through her, her core throbbing as Leo held her in place until she'd finished.” Hot SexCunnilingus Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Her hands found the button of his jeans, and then glided his zipper down. She wasted no time in seizing his cock with her hand, stroking him up and down as he pulled down his pants, then his boxers. He stopped her only so he could sheathe himself. And when he looked back up, she'd removed her robe, which fell around her in waves like drizzled icing. As he did, she began to guide his cock to her entrance, stroking her clit with the tip of him. He was already so fucking hard, and he hadn't even sunk into her yet. "Ready?" she breathed into his ear. He nodded, and his hands found her hips. His fingertips dug into her as he eased himself inside her, so slowly he could barely breathe, and they both moaned as she cradled him with her pussy. She braced her hands against the table as he slid further, burying himself deep inside her. Fuck. How did Nina feel so good? They both paused, him filling her. She stretched and tightened against him. He hadn't even begun to fuck her the way he planned to, but she already felt better than anything he could've imagined. He rocked into her, hitting her core deeper, and her head rolled back as a moan escaped. She fit around him in such a silky way that he already knew he'd want every waking moment to be inside her. She moved back and forth on his dick, his hands steadying her hips. He wanted to make sure that every time he pumped into her, she felt all of him. He was going to delve into her so deeply that she'd have no other choice but to come all over him. He needed to feel her heat pulsing against him. Her breathing quickened, and she said, "I need you." All he wanted was to hear this woman moan so loudly that he'd be able to hear it whenever he closed his eyes. So when he slid his cock back inside her, he made sure to push until he was all the way in. She arched her back in response, and he slowly pulled out, then pumped back in. Their moans, their thighs meeting and the slap of his balls against her ass were the only sounds in the room. He reached toward her heavy breasts and pinched one nipple tightly as he continued to fill her. "I'm..." She couldn't get the words out, but he knew what she was trying to say. She was going to come. He moved the hand that pinched her nipple down to her clit and gently rubbed. "I'm almost there," she said. He grunted in approval and pushed into her slower, bringing his length almost fully out, then plunging back in. She tightened around him. As her groans reached a crescendo, he knew he was going to erupt as well. He thrust hard and deep until his aching cock came.” Hot SexOrgasmicKitchen Sex Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“So I should also pretend you didn't bring up my James Beard Award, like it's something to be ashamed of?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Sorry you run a conveyor-belt restaurant." Her voice was full of acid, but she blinked, then quickly looked down. A conveyor-belt restaurant? He deserved her rage, but he'd offered an olive branch and she snapped it in half. "I know what you think of me, Nina. The only food worth eating costs a month's rent, right? How's that going for you? I heard the LA location is in trouble now, too.” SpatsThrowing ShadeProjecting Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“That's a superhuman knock." Nina started to take off her apron. "If it's Thor, then let me answer," Jasmine said. "Chris Hemsworth needs to rescue me from my pants.” ThorSexual FantasyChris Hemsworth Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“A loud squawking sound split the air. Then another, filling the space with piercing shrieks. "What is that?" Sophie said. "A velociraptor? A rabid monkey?" Jasmine shook her head. "Remember the ten-feet warning? The peacocks like to impress the peahens." "What is a peahen?" Nina asked. What kind of a name was that for anything? "Peacocks are the male birds with those big plumes," Jasmine explained. "Peahens are the females." "Why do the men get the pretty feathers?" Sophie asked. "Like most things, I blame the patriarchy.” UnfairnessPeacocksMale Dominated Society Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“It's a good thing they can get your hair big enough to hide the witch hat." Leo absentmindedly rolled up the cuff of his shirt, like he hadn't even noticed she was there. Nina ignored how seeing a hint of his skin made her mouth twitch, just slightly. Stop drooling. "Don't you want to use a little powder to take the shine off his cloven hooves?" Nina asked the makeup person, but she couldn't help but notice that Leo's lips twinged at her comment.” Enemies To Lovers RomanceThrowing Shade Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Why don't you take your broom and ride off on the local coven meeting?" He ran a hand through his unfairly thick hair. "Back in five!" "That would be great for the show's ratings. All alone, you'd rock that demo of viewers who love watching paint dry." Nina smirked, happy to have the last dig before they went on-air.” Enemies To Lovers RomanceThrowing Shade Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“I know you're not familiar with what a real restaurant is like, but the front door isn't usually located in the alley," she snapped. He clicked his tongue before responding. "See, for a moment I was wondering if I'd made a mistake coming here. But I'd hate to miss this witty repartee." "It's not repartee if I'm the only one with wit." She straightened, like one of those exotic birds she'd seen in an episode of Planet Earth when they wanted to intimidate predators. "Why do you look like an extra from SVU?" Leo pulled down the hood and took off his sunglasses. "Did you know there are paparazzi outside your restaurant? I'm surprised they're willing to drive this far east." He shook his head to himself. "Why have a restaurant in Silver Lake? It's like the Brooklyn of LA . Shouldn't you be in West Hollywood, where the real money is?" "If I'd known there was a portal from hell located so close by I would've reconsidered the location." Less than a minute in Leo's presence, and she'd slipped back into insult mode as easily as popping dark chocolate into her mouth. The taste of knocking him down a peg was as sweet as always.” LocationEnemies To Lovers RomanceThrowing ShadeSweet RevengeOverpowered Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“She was in skintight black pants, a black V-neck T-shirt and a black leather jacket. She wore sunglasses--- even though it was the middle of the night--- and her hair was pulled into a tight ponytail. She was like a sexy assassin coming to make her kill. At least he'd go out with a nice view. He needed to speak so he'd stop staring. "You know, you made fun of me the other day for trying to look incognito. I think you've taken it to a new level." "I wore my best I-don't-want-to-be-here outfit.” Enemies To LoversDressed To Kill Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Surely I can't be the first woman to try and hide from you?" She got out, grateful she'd worn her heavy boots, which always made her feel a bit like Lara Croft. "Oh, is that what you were doing? You're so short, I just assumed you were normally eye-level with the steering wheel.” HidingEnemies To LoversShorty Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“How is it fair that you eat an entire breadbasket and still have abs, but I just get rounder?" "Then keep eating, because you're round in all the right places.” FlirtingSexy Banter Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Could we go somewhere that's inside and not raining?" she asked. She kissed him again and tasted espresso. "I have a place like that in mind." He gently pulled her hair as she bit his lower lip. "And I have an idea of how to warm you up." She rubbed her thumb against the back of his neck. "Don't tell me you have those nifty hand warmers." His hands spread across her rain-soaked back, and then slid down, down, down until they rested at the curve of her ass. "What I have in mind will warm up more than just your hands," she eventually said. "A heated blanket? I do love those.” TeasingSexy Banter Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Freddie's short ribs were just how I like them, tender and smoky." Nina's eyes closed, as if she were savoring the dish all over again. Leo swallowed. Had the words tender and smoky ever sounded so... explicit? When she opened her eyes, he realized he'd been staring. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Well..." He searched for a question that didn't involve asking her to repeat smoky on a loop. Seriously, why had that sounded so hot?” Sexy TalkFoodgasm Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“There was butternut squash soup from Providence, crispy rice and sour-pork salad from Lum Ka Naad, prawns with black vinegar dressing from Kato, Wagyu beef prepared by n/naka, crispy fried chicken from Dulan's, duck tartare from Animal, barrio tacos from Teddy's and miniconchas from La Favorita Bakery that were so small and delicate that it was hard to just eat one... or six.” BrandsCulturalFood Samples Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“She ran her nails up and through the hair on his thighs, guiding her hands toward his waiting dick. When she reached him, she started with one hand gently running over the tip, then down his shaft. He sucked in a breath as she tightened her grip around him. When her hand reached the base of him, she opened her mouth and her tongue flicked his head, over and over, while she slowly worked his shaft with her hand. Then she ran her tongue along the underside of his shaft, licking him in one smooth motion. When she trailed her tongue back up, she stopped at his tip and popped it into her mouth, sucking him into her with tight pressure. His hands went for her hair, gripping her as she brought her mouth down the length of him, sucking firmly as she went up and down his cock.” Blow JobHot Sex Scene Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Turn around. I want you to come in my mouth." "Are we about to... sixty-nine?" Nina asked. He hesitated before replying, "Like it's twenty sixty-nine." She laughed, then positioned herself over him, the wisps of her hair teasing him. Before he could taste her, he felt her mouth meet his cock again. His hips arched up to her, and she took in the full length of him until he was buried deep in her mouth. "That's so fucking good," he said. But he didn't linger long; he had to taste her. He reached his hands up to grab her ass, and he gently pressed her down until her pussy was directly over his mouth. His tongue reached for her clit, and he drew her bud in. He nibbled at the tip of her and felt her buck against him. He could tell she liked the pressure, so he took her in again and again. Rolling his tongue over and around her clit in playful circles while sucking her into his mouth. Her hips began to rock as she bobbed her mouth up and down his cock and rode his mouth with her pussy. He squeezed her ass as he focused on her clit, not releasing her or letting up on the pressure he could tell she was responding to. "Leo, I'm so close," she said. Then returned her mouth to his cock. He rolled his tongue as he sucked more on her clit. She stilled over him, and her legs tightened. He held her still so he could continue to pleasure her as she moaned and finished on him.” CunnilingusHot Sex SceneBlowjobSixty Nine Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Nina and Sophie were seated at a large round table settled under the branches of a blooming magnolia. The rich scent of the flowers mixed with the incredible food Jasmine and her team had whipped up had built an almost intoxicating aroma. They started off with sesame Halloumi and sweet potato tahini mash, followed by butternut squash and sage risotto, then there were hearty mushroom steaks with a side of roasted eggplant and miso salsa as their main. As they ate, she tasted the flavors from the earth, celebrating the gardens and passionate people around them. Her friend had harnessed the surroundings and created a rich culinary experience for the event.” VegetarianVegetablesFlowersBanquetGarden Party Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Nina's lids glittered with a creamy, blush-colored powder, her cheekbones were sharpened with highlighter and her lips were coated in a strawberry-pink glaze. She was as tempting as an éclair--- soft and delicious.” MakeupFeminine BeautyDolled Up Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Oh, and Leo? Since we're calling a truce and all, I should tell you that your fly has been down this whole time. Sorry, I probably should've told you sooner. Must be that nasty side coming out." She shrugged her shoulders in an overly cutesy way, smiled and then walked off.” Slip Of The Tongue Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“He'd even sent her a random text that morning--- a link to a fanfic story involving them and Willy Wonka's R-rated chocolate factory. He thought it would make her laugh. She'd sent the skull emoji back, so...” ShippingFanficNot FunnyR Rating Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse
“Leo was just outside the door, and he was shirtless. His arm flexed against the sleek white top of his dresser as he stared into the open drawer. He was clearly searching for a shirt, as his devil suit had mysteriously vanished. And she just went ahead and stared at his arms, chest, shoulders and back, because that's what she wanted to do--- especially after the last glass of wine she'd had. She'd seen him shirtless once before, on their hike, so the sight of him shouldn't have felt so new, but it was like seeing him for the first time all over again. She let her gaze linger over how the muscles between his shoulder blades emphasized his strong back, and the tricep that flexed as he straightened his arm. A small, parched noise escaped her lips, and he looked up. She coughed, trying to cover the sound. Leo turned. "You're supposed to be in pajamas." You're not supposed to look this fucking good. "The problem is the dress. Not built for food or unzipping. I was wondering if you could, um..." She turned and motioned toward her back, where the zipper was. When Leo stepped forward, his bare torso briefly brushed against her back. His skin was warm in contrast to the cool air, and goose bumps erupted across her arms in response. She hoped he wouldn't notice her body's reaction to being so close to him. At least he couldn't see that her gaze was fixed straight ahead, on the pesky bed nearby... His fingers grasped the top of the zipper, and he pulled on it just enough that she stumbled back and against his chest. She muttered an apology under her breath as he slowly lowered the zipper down her back. His knuckle grazed the track of her spine, and his hand stopped at the bottom, just above her ass. She wondered if his eyes were roaming over her exposed skin. And he didn't move his fingers from the zipper right away, which made her feel like he wanted the back of his knuckle to stay exactly where it was. Neither of them moved. She was afraid that if she did, she'd break the fantasy of Leo, examining her--- of him potentially wanting more of her. Eventually he leaned down, and the shadow of his beard scraped against her ear as he said, "All done.” Physical AttractionSlow Burn RomanceMuscularUnzip Book:For Butter or Worse Source: For Butter or Worse