Two and a half stars more like.

Things I liked: older characters, liked Kate and her sister and I liked the way this author writes.

However - uh. I just didn't - I don't even know how to properly explain it - feel it? Like all the key components were there but I just could not make them fit in a way to make me really invest in this, the romance part was lacking for me. There is actually very little romance in this and the second part of the book was so different from the first half, at least to me. I sadly think this book was advertised a bit wrongly, at least judging by the premise/blurb which got me to request an ARC, but the story didn't really deliver on that.

Slow Burn Summer is a delightful story by Josie Silver about the romance between Kate Elliott and Charlie Francisco. An entertaining unique story with good banter and lots of funny events.

Kate’s life has been upside down since she walked in on her husband and his secretary. She was young when she married and signed a prenup because she was in love. Now she’s divorced , about to turn forty and living in a small flat above her sister’s fancy dress shop. She is also in need of a job so writes a letter to her old talent agent Jojo Francisco. He had been like a father figure to her when her acting career took off and was very upset when she threw it all away for Richard. She knows it’s an unrealistic hope the acting world will accept her back after twenty years but she’s no idea what’s she going to do otherwise. Things don’t go as planned so she’s late for the interview and then finds a very attractive Charlie sitting at his dads desk.

Jojo had recently passed away, leaving Charlie his agency. He had never planned on taking over his dads business. He was a script writer for a Hollywood studio but he hit rock bottom when his marriage broke up. Rumours were rife about what had happened and questions were asked about the movies he’d written. After messy divorce and losing his job, his dad had gone and brought him home. He had read Kate’s letter and knew his dad had been cross she’d given up her dreams for love. By chance he’s got a job that would suit Kate. It requires an unknown actress to pose as a romance author and be the face behind a new book. The real author wants to remain anonymous as it’s not their usual genre.

Kate is tempted by the chance to reinvent herself and be someone different. Her daughter Alice has gone off to university so alone for the first time in years. She’d written romance stories after giving up acting until Alice born. Once she reads the book, Kate Darrowby is born and Kate throws herself into whole heartedly into the role but can she keep the subterfuge or will the truth be revealed.

Liv her older sister is absolutely wonderful, loyal and devoted to Kate. There are some very funny scenes when the sisters up to mischief and Liv stands up for Kate. I laughed at the T-Rex incident and the radio interview antics. I liked how the mystery over who the actual author built up throughout the boo, with lots of possible suspects. I loved Kate’s experience at a book signing and her communications with the real author who calls her the book’s guardian angel.

The slow burn romance develops in the background but to me is overshadowed by Kate being the pretend author. There didn’t seem a lot of chemistry between them and the romcom parts especially with Liv stand out more. Kate has conflicting feelings for Charlie as the sexual tension builds . Could he bring her some magic moments back into her life. He’d never met anyone like her before and her unfiltered honesty amused him, which leads to him taking risks when he is with her. It was disappointing that their relationship became an insta love scenario, even though he fallen for her since the day she walked into his office.

There is some family drama and twists at the end with some interesting revelations. A sweet epilogue and I liked the deleted scene. It’s an interesting look at the book world. As a romcom it needed a bit more romance to go with the comedy.

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖

- - -
Read this book if you like:
□ slow-burn romance
□ set in England
□ agent/actress
□ authors
□ rom-com
□ fake identity

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

First time reading a book where the characters are 40 years old and not 18 or 20 years old. This was really nice and refreshing.

I really enjoyed this rom-com. I liked the playful banter between the main characters and how they want the best for each other. Both went through a lot (divorce, cheating, etc).The FMC's sister is my favorite character. She is hilarious and so protective of her sister. Sibling goals!

I sometimes had a difficult time staying focused on the story. It was too much information and details at times. The pacing was quite uneven.

But overall, it's an emotional, warm, and cozy rom-com.

Oh, this one really kept me stuck to my kobo! I'm so glad I requested this arc. Also, a book about books and the publishing industry? Sign me up!

I enjoyed reading this so much. It's a slow burn story, which I don't particularly like as much, but it actually felt like it was written in a steady pace. It's light and fun, but it also touches on less positive situations and feelings, which gives the book a nice touch of reality.

I loved the interactions between Kate and Charlie, they seemed to compliment each other since the beginning of the story. The other characters were also very well written and shaped, and I think Liv (Kate's sister) might be my favourite one! She's so funny and protective of her sister.

If you're looking for a romance novel with a touch of mystery, drama and still capable to give you a good laugh, this one's for you!

Rating: 4/5 stars.

We meet recently divorced Kate who has got back in touch with her old agent to try and re-start an acting career which she left many years before. However he has sadly died, but his son Charlie has taken over his place! Charlie offers Kate the job of a lifetime - playing the part of an author for a book that is due to be released. The actual author wants to remain anonymous, but has agreed for their story to be released if someone else plays their part! Can Kate convince the public and the media that she wrote the book?

This is such a lovely book! I really liked Kate and Charlie's characters and found you could connect to both of them! This was such an unusual storyline, one which I haven't read before, and I very quickly was hooked into the storyline! I loved the anonymity of the "actual" author and thought this was cleverly written to keep this hidden as the story moved on. I must admit the dinosaur scene was so funny and put great images in my head as I read! It was full of other funny moments and I loved seeing Kate wriggle her way out of some of the scrapes she got herself into!

It wasn't just a humorous read though, there were also some serious moments and topics such as grief throughout which were dealt with sensitively and there was also the romantic element! Whilst the title is "slow burn", the storyline certainly isn't and it was well paced and held my attention throughout! The supporting characters, whilst not all as likeable, added to Kate and Charlie's storyline and enhanced the storyline even more! I loved this book and for me, it's the perfect read for the summer!

There’s something lovely about a quiet, slow build, unrushed and atmospheric but this one just didn’t quite hold me. The writing had charm and promise, and I could feel the intention behind every page… but the spark never really caught for me.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing or mood, and while I didn’t finish, I can absolutely see this working for readers who love a tender, patient kind of storytelling.

Wishing this one well on the shelves, it just wasn’t the summer read I was burning for. ☀️📖

A cute and fun summery rom-com with a really enjoyable and intriguing plot line! Would highly recommend.

I genuinely wasn't sure what this book was - romance? Contemporary fiction? It confused me really, and that affected how I saw the characters and the story.

I liked the idea of the story, but I just didn't feel like it went anywhere. The added romance felt a bit tacked on to me, I just couldn't appreciate it.

The ending felt a bit too clean and easy, almost as if it all tied up too neatly for Kate. However, it was very easy to read, and I loved Liv and her comedic protectiveness - her shop and skills were fabulous.

This is such a summer read. An easy read rom-com. I enjoyed it, I did lol in a few places. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for ARC

Slow Burn Summer

Kate is down on her luck. Recently divorced from her cheating husband, her daughter has left the nest and headed for university, she is jobless, single & staying with her sister.
Kate once dreamed of life as an actor and even dipped her toes in the water with a role in a soap but she put her life & dreams on hold for marriage and motherhood.
What better opportunity to start pursuing those dreams again? So Kate writes to her agent - asking if maybe he could find a role for her?
This leads to Kate taking on a huge and very unusual role - posing as the author of a brand new novel.
Chaos ensues - in the best possible way with Kate getting herself into some amusing situations.
It’s a lovely story, Kate is such a relatable and likeable character. She’s so funny & her mishaps are hilarious. I love the relationship she shares with her sister Liv. The bookish theme was highly accurate too.
Set in some amazing locations, with a love story thrown in - a romcom you might say…a really great book - I’d expect nothing less from Josie Silver. Took me a little bit longer to get into but a perfect summer read.

Beautifully written characters anchor this story, each one vivid and emotionally resonant. The narrative unfolds slowly, sometimes almost too gently, but that quiet pace allows room for layers to emerge—stories within stories, hidden truths, and the quiet complexity of ghostwriting and identity. There's a sense of intimacy that builds gradually, rewarding patience with emotional depth.

The connection between storytelling and the reader is a subtle thread throughout, handled with care and intention. While the romance exists, it often lingers in the background. There’s a longing for more—more tension, more vulnerability, more space for that relationship to fully bloom.

Yet the strength lies in its reflective tone and the way it blurs the lines between fiction and reality. It's not a book that hurries, but one that lingers, asking for time and attention—and offering something meaningful in return.

Kate is almost 40, newly divorced and looking for a new direction in life. From finding her husband cheating on her, to him taking everything in the divorce and her teenage daughter leaving home to go to University - Kate needs a change. She reaches out to her old agent, hoping to rekindle the acting career she left when she thought she was in love.

Charlie is the son of said agent, his dad having recently passed away he’s now inherited his dad’s agency. He too has had a tumultuous love life - having been chased out of LA, and his job as a script writer, by his ex-wife and her family.

When Kate’s letter lands on Charlie’s desk he has the perfect gig for her - they need an unknown actress to play the role of an author. The actual author wants to remain anonymous so they need someone to be ‘the face’ of the book for the upcoming marketing and press tours. What could go wrong?

I really enjoyed this book. Primarily the themes we saw at the forefront, of the complex relationship between readers and authors and what they feel entitled to as a community. I loved the way Kate navigated her role as the face of the book and the various mishaps along the way. The book also focused on Kate rebuilding her life post-divorce and her finding her own footing. I really enjoyed this aspect, as gave us a more complex FMC. Her various shenanigans and mishaps led to a really likeable character!

I also enjoyed the way the author considered grief throughout this book. Charlie had recently lost his dad and was struggling to fill his shoes in the talent agency. We saw his struggles with grief as a reoccurring theme throughout. Also the book the novel centred around - that Kate was the face for - and the discussions it raised, all added to an all round portrayal of grief that was well done.

Whilst some reviews critique the lack of romance, I enjoyed that it was almost a sub-plot. As the title suggests, it’s meant to be a slow burn! It, therefore, gradually developed naturally throughout. This made me more invested - as I’d seen them grow closer across the pages. The events of the book added nuance to their relationship, I.e. the times he showed up for her - rather than the other way round. Just overall a very relatable, lovable romance plot!

A notable mention has to be made for Liv, I absolutely loved her. Such a fiercely protective, loyal cheerleader of a sister. I really enjoyed the way she threatened Kate’s ex-husband and supported her throughout the book. Even if this did manifest in questionable ways - I.e. triflegate!

Overall - I’d highly recommend this one if you’re after a book set in the publishing industry that focuses on life after divorce, love and grief.

ARC copy provided by Penguin & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoy books by this author, I like the writing style and how the characters are crafted. This was a delightful read and one I’d definitely recommend

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this lighthearted story.

Kate is looking for work after her relationship ended and gets in touch with her old agent. But, now it’s his son Charlie who has taken over.

He gives her an opportunity to pretend that she wrote a book which is soon to be published, so that the real author can remain anonymous.

Kate accepts, little knowing what’s going to happen.

I liked the characters and the relationship between Kate and her sister.

I recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was something different from the usual love story, and that’s what made it great for me. The idea felt original and fresh, and I got quickly into the story. Kate is a great character and easy to connect with. I liked seeing how she handled everything, especially the more serious moments. Charlie was also a very strong character, and the way the connection between him and Kate grows was really nice to read. The pacing was good for most of the book, even if for me it slowed down a bit in the middle. But the writing is smooth and the author knows how to keep the reader curious. It’s my first time reading something by Josie Silver, and I think I will try more from her. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

I’ve read and enjoyed Josie Silver’s books before and was expecting a romantic story. This book does have a romantic element but it’s a multilayered story with a fantastic set of supporting characters and a large dose of humour, the dinosaur disguise was hilarious. A story with everything and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

it was a lighthearted, easy, funny and loving read for the summer ☀️ overall i give this book a 3,5 stars.

This is the story of Kate, who decided to contact her old acting agent following her divorce, to see whether, after a 20 year hiatus, she could pick up on her acting career.

Sadly, her agent had died, leaving his son, Charlie, running the business in his place.

Charlie’s drop-dead gorgeous, and he has a job for Kate… but it’s not exactly what she was expecting.

Kate’s role is as the author of an amazing book, taking the place of the real author, who wants to remain anonymous. She’ll do interviews, be the face of the social media accounts and do the book festivals and signings… all goes swimmingly until someone discovers Kate’s secret and goes to the press.

Kate, and her family, come under intense scrutiny but Charlie’s there to help…

I really like Josie Silver’s books. This one has a great premise, it’s not run of the mill and is entertaining. She’s written some lovely characters but some of her usual humour is missing and the wit is dialled down. I felt like some elements of the story could have been explored further, I would have loved to hear more about some of the key characters, for example.

That said, this is still a really enjoyable story - get a cuppa and settle down for a few hours.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review for NetGalley

Slow Burn Summer is a moving and thoughtful story about grief, new beginnings, and the slow build of an unexpected connection. Kate, seeking a fresh start, finds herself thrown into the quiet world of Charlie, who is reeling from the recent loss of his father. Their relationship unfolds gradually, with tension, warmth, and a sense of emotional authenticity that really resonated with me.

Charlie’s quiet grief and Kate’s own need for change are handled with care and realism. The slow pace in the first half may not be for every reader, but it ultimately makes their bond feel earned and sincere. Josie Silver’s writing is tender and grounded, with characters who linger after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A slow burn romance that covers the excitement of actress Kate posing as a novelist for the real author who does not want to be revealed. But what happens when things don't go as smoothly as planned. This is Kate's story along with Charlie, her talent agent. I liked this book, especially the bookish side to it. The romance was too slow for me (guess I should have anticipated it from the title huh?) and then moved so fast by the end that it didn't seem realistic. If you're going into this one as a romance, please note that it seems more like a backstory with the novel being more focussed on throughout the book.