This was a sweet read. Two chefs find love in San Francisco, a book right up my alley! I would say this was a 3.75 ✨ It ran maybe a tad long in some parts but it definitely had some spice!! I loved to Bay Area descriptions since that’s where I am from and the food scenes were great as well.

Thank you to the publishers and author for this ARC!

So much to consider to rate this book- rounded up from 3.5 because I really enjoyed the characters. Ellie and Kieran both strong and different, the best friends and the in laws all had their moments that I enjoyed. The language during the spicy scenes really cheapened the romance parts of the book. Triggers for young spouse death, surviving, guilt and dysfunctional families are a big overall storyline for the main characters. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. Told alternating between the two main chanters the narrators do a nice job switching and keeping engaged.

A really enjoyable listen. A bit of a surprise as I struggled through the first few chapters, stopped listening and restarted it after a bit. I’m glad I did. An opposites attract romance with perfectly imperfect flawed characters. The story takes its time for the characters to slowly grow, mature and figure things out even with some stumbles along the way. A nice story about love, loss, mental health, widowhood, friends, family and food leads to the inevitable happy ending we all read this category for.


I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Kieran O'Neill is a chef who recently won first place in a cooking reality show. His agent wants to capitalize on his new fame by having him publish a cookbook. Just one problem: his ADHD and dyslexia make it nearly impossible to do so alone. So, he hires Ellie Wasserman to ghost write the book for him.

Ellie is a young widow, living in her in-law's guest house to save up for a place of her own. She's a highly organized people-pleaser, but this gets in the way of her publishing her own cookbook.

At first the two clash. Ellie is unaware of Kieran's neurodivergence, so she just thinks he is an arrogant jerk who is avoiding her. As they work through writing the book, they learn more about each other and slowly fall in love.

I love that this book is realistic about mental health, not just with the issues neurodivergant people face, but also those having to cope with grief or a bad childhood. There's more depth to this book than you usually see in romance novels, but the relationship between the two MCs is the better for it. I would love to see more form this author!

The narrators also did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I was able to stay immersed in the story throughout the book.

The only issue I have with the narration (other than maybe two or three mispronunciations) is that Hunter Johns didn’t change the tone or quality of his voice for different characters. So when he was performing a scene between Kieran and Ellie, it was the same straight toned voice. Not always easy to know which character is speaking.

Kieran is coming off the high of winning a recent season of a popular cooking competition, to keep the pizazz going he's writing a book, but like most people who aren't professional writers his team brings on a Ghost writer. He isn't known for being very organized or focused, he's always been the class clown and no one, even his family have let him forget it.
Ellie is stuck, living with her heavily grieving in-laws after the death of her husband she takes on Kieran's book. Since starting her career and losing her husband Ellie doesn't take chances, she keeps her head down and does a great job, but it's never for her.
When Ellie and Kieran are forced to work very closely together the two grow closer and learn more about the real person on the other side of the mask they are each putting on for each other! Can Ellie let go and let Kieran in while they work their way through the cookbook and the kitchen? Can Kieran continue to grow and open himself up to Ellie and make something of himself that he can be proud of?

Thank you for NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of this novel ahead of it's release in order to provide my honest feedback!

This was such a fun book, in the beginning I wasn't entirely sure whether it hooked me. But then man I was hooked, Kieran's struggle is very much reminiscent of my own as I struggle with ADHD and other related Neurodiverse issues. Seeing how Ellie and Kieran were able to warm to each other and really work incredibly well.
I am on an absolute RomCom kick and this book perfectly fit the bill!
The narrator's did a fabulous job and I absolutely LOVED the performance made by Hunter Johns as Kieran, such a fabulous job!

The Slowest Burn, written by Sarah Chamberlain and read by Hunter Johns and Kate Handford, was an excellent listen. I really, really enjoyed this one. Both narrators did an excellent job with their characters POV.

This is a love story with romance and goes deeper than your average "romance" novel. There are so many feelings and so many layers to this one. It was way better than I expected. Such a sweet love story.

Ellie is a ghostwriter who also happens to be a widow. We learn that Ellie is quite the people pleaser and puts others before herself ALL.THE.TIME. Ellie is scared to disappoint people and really hurts herself by not nurturing her own wishes and desires.

Kieran is a fiery, red-headed chef who won a game show and is working on his first cookbook (with Ellie as the ghostwriter). Kieran's family does not take him seriously, and he has many unresolved issues from his past. Keiran has never had a long-term relationship and is yearning for me.

I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautifully written characters, an emotional roller coaster and lots of yummy foods detailed. The slow build up from a rocky start enemies to friends to lovers made for some angsty moments with tension. The backstory to both MCs was fully developed and helped make Kiernan and Ellie a perfect blend.

This audiobook was so good! Both narrators did a wonderful job! This was a great romcom that also touched on some heavier topics. Showing how grief can impact our lives and what it’s like to have a less than perfect family. And the ghost writing and chef dynamic was so good!

Ack! I loved this book! @sarahchamberlainauthor 's debut novel 'The Slowest Burn' was a treat to listen to(that pun really wasn't intended, but I decided to go with it). Many thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for this #ALC .

TSB has all the ingredients(intended) for a great love story.

Chamberlain creates characters with layers of complicated history and seamlessly showcases their challenges and growth throughout. The topics of Ellie's new life as a young widow, and the struggles with dyslexia and ADHD that led Kieran to adolescent self-medication and then his five years of sobriety are handled with as much care and sensitivity as the unfolding relationship.

This trope-ful slow burn romance is a must listen new release.

After winning television's Fire on High, Kieran O'Neil has become the hottest new celebrity chef. Now he wants to really make his mark by putting out a truly impressive cookbook. He is also hoping this serious cookbook will help him leave behind 'the happy pirate leprechaun", the unshakeoffable moniker he earned with his ginger hair, black bandana, and whimsical personality.

Polar opposite Ellie Wasserman, known for her dependability and focus, has been tasked to ghost write Kieran's cookbook. She is, afterall, one of the best and has ghost written on several cookbooks that have become kitchen staples.

But Kieran O'Neil is like no chef she's ever worked with. He's evasive, frivolous, and flaky. After weeks of ignoring her attempts to contact him to get the project started, Kieran extends Ellie and her photographer invitations to an exclusive Valentine's event at Qui, where he, as Head Chef, has created an epic 16-course meal(yes, 16) for the night.

A tableside chat results in a viral video of Ellie uncharacteristically going off on the "entitled, arrogant brat" aka "The Happy Pirate Leprechaun".

In an extreme measure to make sure this huge project meets its hasty deadline, Ellie's boss banishes them to his cottage in Senoma for a week of uninterrupted work. Cue forced proximity, emotional walls breaking down, and mutual understanding. At least, to Ellie's relief, there is more than one bed.

The narrators Hunter Johns and Kate Handford were not names I'd heard before but I really hope they are voices I'll hear again. They really brought out the best in Kieran and Ellie and made them all the more loveable.

This was an interesting love story. There were few strings of stories left trailing. Kieran's family was absolutely terrible. Horrible. But there was one altercation with them and they were done. They were built up behind the scenes for Keiran causing him ptsd, then nothing. Please tell me they were both attacked by bears.
Poor Ellie was doing everything she could to survive and help Max's parents survive. Max's dad did what seemed to be a complete 180 and was rooting for Ellie's love life. How Diane was going off the deep in from her loss and then suddenly on meds and wanted Ellie's grandbabies. It was surreal. The love story was cute. How Kieran and Ellie would actually be able to live together would be humorous.

📖 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Slowest Burn
✍🏻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sarah Chamberlain
🎤 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Hunter Johns & Kate Handford
⏳ 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 11hrs 12mins
📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳: ALC via NetGalley
📷 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 & 📝 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Thanks Amazon
🗓️ 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Sept. 24, 2024

👩🏻‍💻 ᗰY TᕼOᑌGᕼTS: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The title sure is true to the book, it darn well felt like a slow burn for all the senses. I was so hungry listening to this book at times 😅 but makes sense when it’s talking about delicious food through out! There were times when i was frustrated and Im like URGH! Just ….!!!! And why can’t ….THIS!?! Lol but you’ll have to read it or listen to the book to find out! 😉

I also Absolutely loved the narrators for this book too! Kate was absolutely fantastic and portrayed Ellie perfectly in my mind! Loved Hunter’s voice, but I think i expected him to be a bit more high energy than so monotone. But LOVED his tone of voice regardless and made for a really lovely listen.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🍳Close Proximity
🍳Slow Burn
🍳Mental Health
🍳Grief
🍳Open Door - mild
🍳Dual POV

I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was just what I wanted. Cute romance, the slowest of burns and food.
I don't think this book will be for everyone but I really enjoyed it.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁: This was a fun read, but be warned it will make you hungry. I loved the concept of this book and the journey it took. An unlikely duo that learns that sometimes contrast compliments in the best way. Also the audiobook had great narration, so make sure to check it out!

Ellie is a ghost writer for cookbooks. Her latest assignment is working with a contestant that won a cooking show. This will be a challenge for her, as he is kind of her opposite and they don’t really get along. Ellie’s life didn’t go to plan, she found herself widowed in her late 20s but she won’t let that stop her from living. She just has to learn to be happy again.

Kieran is riding the high of his success from winning a cooking show, he’s hoping it can help him launch his career. He was convinced to do a cookbook but that’s not something that he is comfortable with. He had a rough go as a young adult struggling with dyslexia and adhd and turning to alcohol to get him through. The only thing that saved him was getting a job in a kitchen and learning to cook. But making a cookbook brings out all his insecurities.

As Kieran and Ellie learn to work together they learn about each other, and they realize there is more layers to each other than they initially thought. They go from enemies to coworkers to friends and collaborate to create a cookbook. Follow this duo on their culinary journey as more than flavors develop.

Make sure to check this one out when it 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 24𝐭𝐡, 2024!

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Cookbook Ghost Writer x Sous Chef & Cooking Show Winner
* Sunshine MMC vs Starchy FMC
* Workplace Romance
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Dating at a Party
* All Things Food
* Widowed Young
* Slow Burn
* Dual POV

☀️🍳🧑‍🍳☀️🍳🧑‍🍳☀️🍳🧑‍🍳☀️🍳🧑‍🍳☀️

This was a great debut novel involving Ellie, a cookbook ghost writer, assigned to recent hot shot Kieran who won a cooking contest. If you like enemies to lovers, forced proximity and fake dating, this one is for you.

I didn't feel their slow burn was slow at all and felt very well stewed with how they worked together. I never really thought about chef needing a ghost writer but it totally makes sense. I love the dedication the Ellie had to the craft and make a cookbook that appeals to the masses.

Both Kieran and Ellie had family issues and I enjoyed that aspect and their growth journey.

The narrators, Hunter Johns and Kate Handford both did a good job with the narration. My only complaint is that Kate Hanford, pronounced a Filipino word wrong. It just seems lazy to not research how to pronounce it.

Overall, a great debut novel and I look forward to more from Chamberlain.

Thank you @smpromance @macmillan.audio for a copy of ALC.

This is one of the better debuts I’ve read in a while - The Slowest Burn from Sarah Chamberlain. I enjoyed it immensely and if I didn’t know going in that it was her debut, I never would’ve guessed that it was. The plot was very well developed with well-rounded characters. Banter and chemistry was perfect.

I really enjoyed the reality tv winning chef and his cookbook writing ghost, who clash from the start but being forced into proximity by the publisher in order to get the book written and tested, become friends. The shenanigans to get the recipes and cookbook figured out… that’s where the book magic happens. A great slow burn romance.

The backstory of each character is extremely interesting. The way everything unfolds - yeah, I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend it! Excellent for a debut. Very well done.

The audiobook is narrated by new to me voice Hunter Johns, and long-time fave Kate Handford (beloved narrator of one of my long-running detective series). They did a great job and I truly enjoyed both performances. I really look forward to hearing a lot more from them both in the future. I absolutely recommend the audio version of this book over the ebook. It’s a far better experience listening.

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

Thank you @sarahchamberlainauthor @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio
for the ARC and ALC!

A fantastic debut novel & a slow burn it was! I love the lead up to the romance. Ellie and Kieran were at odds for a long time but it just worked! The emotional and mental struggles were handled so well. Everything from being a widow to dyslexia to ADHD and more. Working on a cookbook together seeing how their passion and love for food brought them together was so sweet. The audio narrated by
Hunter Johns and Kate Handford was excellent and kept me sucked right into the story! Grab this one tomorrow and see how these enemies become lovers!

Sarah Chamberlain’s debut simmers on low slowly turning up the heat and the trust between Kieran and Ellie as they let one another into their kitchens and their hearts. Tasked with ghost writing a cook book with the latest celebrity chef winner, Ellie lives a life much like her career—unassuming, behind the scenes, and as the support for others. A young widow, Ellie resides in the guesthouse behind her in-laws taking care of everyone (cute cat Floyd included) more than herself. All she wants to do is her job, but Kieran’s energetic “Happy Pirate Leprechaun” personality seems to be interested in doing anything but putting pen to paper and writing recipes.

In a play by her agent, Ellie and Kieran are sent to his cottage in Sonoma to hash out the book and get the bulk of it written. And as every romance reader knows, forced proximity is one of the best ways for opposing characters to work out tensions and really get to know one another. This was my favorite part of the book; the slow burn. It’s sometimes the most underrated part of a romance novel because it’s the relationship building section. It’s not necessarily sexy, sometimes painful, but the end results are so worth it.

Chamberlain has really thought about her characters. Kieran is so much more than his television persona and although he’s never really had a relationship, he is built to take care of Ellie and be her champion, a task he takes to very well in and out of the bedroom. Likewise Ellie sees Kieran’s neurodivergence and capabilities as a talented chef, and helps show Kieran that he is capable of creating something more than just showing off. Family dynamics play a sensitive role in how Kieran and Ellie function in relationships and the beautiful thing about a slow burn is that there’s time to see growth from them.

I received an advanced listening copy and really enjoyed the dual narration. Hunter Johns and Kate Hanford were well cast and easily gave me a sense of Kieran and Ellie’s personalities. I would definitely listen to them narrate more books in the future. As this was an early copy, I think a few sections where narration switched paused slightly too long and there were a few times Hunter’s reading cut off. I am confident this will be taken care of in the final editing stages.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Steam: 🪭🪭.5 open door

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book a few months ago, and now I get to leave a review for the audiobook! I’ll include my original review below. As for the audiobook, it was well-produced. It’s easy to discern the internal vs. external dialogue (always a concern for audiobooks) and everything flows smoothly. I did think the performance for Kieran was a tad too laid-back, especially given Kieran’s character, but I also loved the performer’s voice and it didn’t detract from the story.

Based on the strength of the story and audio performance, my rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing an advanced copy of this audiobook, provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Original review for e-book:

Kudos to Sarah Chamberlain. What a debut! This sort of contemporary romance is my favorite - sweet, grounded characters dealing with real-life issues. Nothing too cutesy or cloying, but rather a (mostly) realistic romance with some depth.

Ellie & Kieran, whether they realize it or not, are two sides of the same coin, both people struggling to leave the confines of their current lives, both needing to graduate into something new. Even though they butt heads initially, they find strength in each other.

Honestly, there is so much to love about this book. It handles various issues such as grief, co-dependence, substance abuse, and neurodivergence in a sensitive and well-informed manner. Kieran and Ellie are great together - their relationship arc is believable and their chemistry is palpable. The plot and pacing were enjoyable, and I found it hard to put this book down.

This is a story about widow cookbook ghost writer, Ellie Wasserman, and hot young reality star chef Kieran O’Neill needed to collaborate on Kieran’s cookbook. The premise is cute. Overcoming their differences to be able to work together is a great plot. I listened to the audiobook. Kate Handford did an amazing job with Ellie’s POV chapters. Hunter Johns was a little hard to listen to at first with his narration of Kieran’s POV. He did not differentiate enough between characters which made it a bit hard to follow at times. I do like his voice and I eventually got used to it. There is a lot of deep topics with grief and difficult home lives growing up (both characters). There were enough light hearted moments that helped the story along. Kieran’s immaturity was super annoying, but that was the point as he comes off as a screw up even though he is not.

In this book:
widow/grief
ADHD/dyslexia
Chef
Writer
San Francisco
Opposites attract
Dual POV

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan audio, and Sarah Champberlain for an advanced listening copy of this audiobook.