4 Star Review Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

This is Kate Elliott and Charlie Francisco’s story. Their meet cute was entertaining as was their slow burn romance.

This was a well written, entertaining read that ticked numerous boxes for me. The characters were engaging and easy to relate too. perhaps because the heroine is more mature.

This is a journey of finding oneself after divorce and for Kate it was a bittersweet time.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver in return for my honest review.
Another beautifully written romance by Josie Silver that pulled me in from the first page till the last, if you’re looking for a slow burn romanic story with really likeable characters and some laugh out loud moments then look no further you won’t be disappointed.

This was a really charming romance, and a really easy read. The idea of a ghost author was a really interesting premise, and not something I'd really seen before.

A gentle, quietly charming read about identity, second chances, and the unexpected paths life can take.

Kate, a divorcee nearing forty, finds herself in the unlikely role of pretending to be the anonymous author behind a bestselling romance novel. Thrust into the spotlight by Charlie—a down-on-his-luck talent agent and the son of her late friend—Kate must navigate media appearances, persistent publicists, and a looming secret, all while managing her daughter's plans to move abroad.

Charlie, reeling from his own divorce and career struggles, is drawn into the whirlwind alongside her, and the connection between them unfolds in a quietly heartfelt way.

The story is warm, sweetly funny, and reflective, with some lovely moments of emotional insight. That said, I found myself wishing for just a touch more tension. The reveal of Kate’s true identity comes fairly early, shifting the focus to the aftermath rather than the full fun of the deception—which, while thoughtful, slightly softened the momentum for me.

That aside, it’s an enjoyable and comforting read, with a sharp eye on the absurdities of fame and reinvention. Kate’s odious ex-husband is kept at arm’s length (thankfully), and the central dynamic with Charlie is endearing throughout.

Perfect for readers after a low-stakes, heartwarming contemporary novel with a quietly original premise.

I loved the synopsis of Slow Burn Summer and with Josie Silver as the author, how could I not read it

Rom coms are not something I gravitate to because I love the more angsty and heartfelt romances, but there are a couple of romcoms that sit on my favourites shelf, so I never dismiss them, and Slow Burn Summer had me invested from the very first page.

Kate was a wonderfully written character and deserved some good fortune in her life after all she went through. I loved her sister Liv too and their banter.

Charles was quite and reserved to Kate’s loud and bubbly personality. He was living in his father’s footsteps in a job he never wanted.

So can a former soap opera actress who hasn’t acted for 20 years pull off the performance of her career in being the ghost author of a romance novel? And will this unique opportunity change the trajectory of her life?

This was a very enjoyable read and with some great little twists and turns.

A huge thank you to NetGalley Penguin Books and Ms Silver for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.

I don’t usually gravitate toward books set in the publishing world, but I really enjoyed this one. It gave good insight into the emotional rollercoaster authors go through when releasing a book.

This was a well-paced, feel-good read that pulled me out of a reading slump almost instantly. I looked forward to reading it and loved Kate and Charlie 🫶🏼

It was my first Josie Silver novel, but she’s now on my auto-read list!

The premise of this book really reeled me in - the idea of getting to pretend to be an author piqued my interest, and I have enjoyed previous offerings from Josie Silver, so I figured this was a sure-fire hit.

For the most part I was right. This book featured the same attention-grabbing, witty writing that I came to know in the author's previous writing, but it felt somewhat heightened in this book. The banter and the character creation was on-point throughout.

While I enjoyed watching Kate and Charlie's interactions, and felt invested in their storyline, I was definitely reading for Kate. She was a fantastic character - witty, charming, vulnerable and relatably genuine. I loved seeing her wear her heart on her sleeve.

I also adored her relationship with her sister, Liv. She was also a brilliantly written character, with her no-bullshit attitude to everything really grabbing my attention whenever it appeared on the page.

I hesitated from giving it 5 stars purely because the ending felt a little rushed. I get that the book was called Slow Burn Summer, and it delivered on the slow burn, but I would have liked more time to see the characters build their happy endings, rather than them feeling thrown at me in the last 20 pages.

As a side note, I would really love to read The Power Of Love - the book that Kate ghost-authored; it sounded incredible.

Kate and Charlie meet when she agrees to play he part of an author. He is her old agents son, and she has been away for a while, but different forces are at play, so what will happen?

I was hooked from the very first page, no messing about with this book.
Kate Elliott, funny, feisty and a full of life character.
Charlie Francisco, smart, trying to fill his father’s shoes but still feeling his way after personal disaster in L A.
As Kate is asked by her agent Charlie to be the pretend author of a new book, she is not prepared for the consequences her new role brings.
I loved the background story, how the book was produced, published and promoted, together with how social media has taken over such a large part of our lives, and not always for the better.
I have read books by Josie Silver previously, but I think this is my favourite…..until the next one is published!

This was a gentle, cozy read that focused more on personal growth than heavy romance, which I really liked. Kate is newly divorced and trying to figure out her next steps, while Charlie is back from LA, starting fresh. Their connection is slow and subtle, not the most passionate romance, but it felt realistic for two people dealing with life changes. I enjoyed the unique plot of Kate pretending to be the face of a book, and the behind-the-scenes look at publishing was fun and different.
The pacing was a bit slow at times, and I wish there had been more romantic build up. Still, the writing was lovely, and the characters felt mature and relatable. I especially liked the themes of reinvention, grief, and second chances. This isn’t a steamy page turner, but it’s a heartfelt, thoughtful read, perfect if you want something comforting and character driven with a bookish twist.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley and for my paperback pack, opinions are my own

Slow Burn Summer
Recently divorced and empty-nester, Kate lives on top of her sister Liv‘s fancy dress shop and is in dire need of a job. Having been a soap opera actress in her teens, she writes to her former agent and mentor and receives an unusual proposal: Kate is to pose as being the author of a wellknown writer‘s first anonymously written semiautographic love story in order to promote the book. Everything works out way better than expected, until it doesn‘t, causing a mayhem of repercussions for all participants of the sculduggery…

Quirky romcom-charade

What a lovely book from the first page following Kate freshly divorced who discovers an old letter from her ex-talent agent, Jojo Francisco – and sends a letter to the publishing house.

When Jojo dies his son Charlie Francisco flies back from LA and when he read Kate's letter he invites her to discuss the idea of her being a ghost author as the real author does not want a picture on the book or to be seen, and Kate agrees to be seen on the cover and do interviews and signings as she needs the money.

Loved the characters as they get to know each other it was emotional and I could not put it down.

Would highly recommend thanks to NetGalley forthe ARC.

Slow Burn Summer is the perfect summer read! I'm enjoying the trend of literary career-themed rom-coms and this is a great addition. I love the unique premise of a struggling actress who assumes the role of a novelist. Kate is very relatable, she's honest, funny, and authentic. The chemistry between her and Charlie grows naturally throughout their 'professional' relationship, no insta-love here. What I liked the most was the overall theme of new beginnings. I am a divorcee and this made me feel seen. If you want a charming literary-themed read filled with genuine emotion. this is the perfect addition to your summer reading!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for facilitating me with a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation. I reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.

Another prime example of why Josie Silver is an all time favourite author of mine, she just has this enchanting way of writing emotional Romances.

Kate was absolutely my fave, her word vomit just absolutely cracked me up. Also I could read a whole book with Liv as the central character as she is just hilarious but also so damn feisty.

Charlie was a complex and yet dreamy love interest, and I really loved that he got to figure his life out a little too and it wasn't all about Kate.

Two people who have lived a big chunk of their lives and had their hearts broken and without realising it, were looking to start again.

A Special moment for Fiona, our dragon lady with a secret big heart that was mourning harder than we realised.

I also have to mention the quirky unique twist on the storyline that provides ample mishaps and humour, and not to mention the absolute book community coming together we feel towards the end.

I think your feelings on this book will be dictated by your expectations going in. I had heard of Josie Silver and I knew she had written some well regarded romances in the past. I had never gotten around to reading them so I really went in to this novel blindly. Firstly, I adored her writing style and I really enjoyed this. If you are expecting an epic, all encompassing love story you may be a little disappointed though. I found the relationship between Kate and Charlie to be a charming, gentle journey. At no point did I feel bored but it isn’t the type of book that will have you staying up past midnight frantically flipping the pages. It is a quiet unveiling of their feelings set against the backdrop of two sisters and their love for one another. The secondary characters in this were also quite fun and the whole thing just felt believable and the right side of quirky. This book fell more on the side of women’s general fiction than romance to me and judging it through that lens I think it’s a great read and one I could wholeheartedly recommend. This showed early promise of a 5 star read, however the relationship building between the two main characters felt a little uneven and the ending wrapped things up a little too quickly for me. That said, this was a lovely book that felt like a breath of fresh air from the romances I have been reading recently. I’m not sure if this is similar to Josie’s normal style but I Loved it all the same

I loved this one.
A sweet love story set in London summertime. Kate brushes off her acting skills to become someone else. Charlie, her agent gives Kate the job to pose as an author, who wants to remain anonymous. An enjoyable read. I couldn’t put down. A story about loss, perseverance, healing, new beginnings, love and taking chances. It has emotional depth, is heartwarming and plenty of laugh out moments to keep you turning the pages. It’s perfectly paced.
The storyline is engaging and easy to read. You are pulled into the story from the start, with lots of twists to keep you guessing. I loved the characters who are all likeable and fun, realistic, memorable and relatable. I loved the setting being in the world of books and publishing. Just brilliant.
The authors writing style is beautiful and atmospheric. You feel yourself caught up in all the emotions and that you are right there with the characters.
I look forward to reading more from @josiesilverauthor
Definitely recommend this sexy, funny, poignant and uplifting romantic comedy. You enjoy this book if you like this genre.
With thanks to #NetGallery #PenguinGeneralUk #FigTree #HamishHamilton for an arc of #SlowBurnSummer in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 17 July 2025

Great Beach Read with Relatable Heroine

Kate Elliott, divorced mother of one a teenage daughter and one-time actress is trying to revive her career, now that her daughter has flown the proverbial nest. Charlie Francisco, divorced screenwriter, has taken over his father's clients at the talent agency he co-owned until his recent passing. When a romance novel needs a stand-in author, Kate only needs one read to say Yes to the role. But can they keep the author's identity a secret?

I read a few of Josie Silver's romances, enjoying the winter-themed ones especially. This book is nothing like them but in a good way. While the titular slow burn takes much of a back seat, Kate is a gripping heroine many readers will find very relatable, despite the strange circumstances she finds herself in. Slow Burn Summer is fully set in the UK and while I was frustrated at times with how awkward Kate was for someone who was meant to be a talented actress, the latter half of the book still was unputdownable. Silver is a very experienced author and it shows, although I have to echo other reviews to criticise how the romance really was not given much room to breathe and develop, it starts more like a somewhat stuttering car before it purrs into to life.

If you are looking for a romance where the romance is the main plot, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a sweet love story with nods to the book community, especially romance readers, and the tale of how a woman deals with the stones life and her own choices put in her path, this book is just for you. Full of lovely minor characters and somewhat funky descriptions (husky blue eyes, really?).

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

A perfect read for an afternoon on the beach - a lovely way to loose a couple of hours! Feel good and an easy read - winning for me!

This was a cute read. It was slightly comical and I can easily imagine this as some Hallmark type rom com movie.

I liked the premise for the story and I liked the relationship between Kate and her sister. The interactions between all characters was well-written and a big dose of humour and sarcasm were what made this book a good time. Triflegate redemption was my fav part of the book!

Personally though; what let me down was I didn’t feel any emotional connection for the romance itself. There didn’t feel to be much tension at all and when things progressed at each stage it didn’t feel natural to me.

It was still a cute fun time but my heartstrings weren’t pulled in this one, despite me liking both the main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and @penguinukbooks for my digital ARC of this.

3.5/5

Josie Silver is an auto-buy author, her books never fail to disappoint! A perfect read for this time of year!!!