I really struggled getting into this book and should have just decided to DNF it. I had trouble connecting and caring about the characters. I'm horrible i know lol.

Talent agent Charlie Francisco has three problems: a divorce that ended his screenwriting career, a business he never planned to inherit, and a take-your-breath-away romance novel whose author wants nothing to do with its publication. The book is a surefire hit, if only his agency can find someone to “play” author on its summer book tour.

Enter Kate Elliott, a former soap actress who’s miraculously right for the part at the very moment her life seems to be going all wrong. Kate is still recovering from her own divorce and Charlie’s job offer is a lifeline. She agrees to the pretense for all interviews, signings, and appearances surrounding the novel’s publication. But she can’t know who really wrote the remarkable story—the one so beautiful it’s made her believe in love again.

I really enjoyed the comedy parts of this, but the romance part didn't work for me. If you go into this book knowing it's not really a romance, you will enjoy it as funny women's fiction! I enjoyed it overall - but I think it's being marketed the wrong way!

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this eARC of Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver. I am a big fan of Josie’s other books so I was excited to dive into this one! Slow Burn Summer follows a former soap star, Kate Elliott as she navigates life after her divorce. In an effort to get back into the acting world, Kate sends a letter to her former agent not knowing that he is now deceased and his son, Charlie, will receive the letter instead. Charlie is going through his own life changes so the two of them find each other at the most-unique of times. Kate is a lovable character, and it never hurts to have a heartthrob for a male lead. The story is really enjoyable, and flows well, but I found the sudden sparks between Charlie and Kate a little unrealistic. Although you know they will end up together, it seemed to happen suddenly.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to another women’s fiction, romance book lover!

I have absolutely loved most of Josie Silver's other books, but this one fell flat for me. A good lesson in not judging a book by its cover, or title in this instance, I did not find this to be the summer romance I was expecting.

Newly divorced and in need of a job, one-time actress Kate Elliott contacts her former talent agency in search of work and ends up with something a little less conventional. Kate signs on to act as an author under a false pen name to promote a book whose author does not want to publish under their own name. Once the scene was set with Kate's scheme, and the story felt a little bland as it progressed. I thought I knew how things would unfold, and even though predictable, I think I would have enjoyed that more that the actual events. I didn't find the main characters to have much chemistry, leaving me not really caring what happened to them. There were a few parts that also felt drawn out unnecessarily.

I loved One Day in December so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book! Once again Josie Silver did not disappoint. I usually don’t like slow burn romances but given the title I knew what I was getting into. I loved following along on the journey of Kate going on the book tour.
Kate’s sister was also a great character.
Thank you net galley and Random House Publishing!

I had the pleasure of receiving an advance reader's copy of Josie Silver's new novel, Slow Burn Summer, from Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.

The story follows Charlie, who is on the hunt for a ghostwriter to complete a romance novel whose original author wishes to remain anonymous. Enter Kate, a former child actor who walked away from fame when she married her now ex-husband. Everything is on track until a leaked email sends things spiraling out of control.

Now, to be completely honest—I’m a bit confused about how and when Charlie and Kate actually fell in love. It felt like they spent very little meaningful time together, and when they did, Charlie was usually swooping in to save her from something. I understand this is fiction, but there wasn’t much relationship development between them. One moment he’s rescuing her, and the next they’re suddenly in love? It left me thinking… wait, what just happened?

That said, I did enjoy the novel overall. The premise felt fresh and different from anything I’ve read before, which kept me interested. I also found Kate relatable—especially when it came to her streak of bad luck. It felt like every time she turned around, something else was going wrong, and honestly, I’ve been there. Sometimes I feel like if I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all!

I going to be honest.... I think it might be time for me and this author to part ways. And it's definitely a "me not you" thing!! I just tend to get annoyed when "women's lit" gets categorized as romance, and that is usually what happens with this author's works. I have nothing against women's lit - in fact, I enjoy plenty of books that DO fit into that sub-genre. However. When something is kind of promoted as a romance.....and then there really isn't actually a romance..... it's not (bear with me) A ROMANCE BOOK.

This is a good story, don't get me wrong. I think it has aspects that are enjoyable, and the setting is somewhat believable especially considering where the world is at right now, and I like (in a way) that the MC isn't your average 20-something year old. BUT. I just didn't find the romance believable, and didn't really even see why the characters would want to be together at all, which is disappointing to say the least. Maybe if it would have been marketed as more of a women's fic/women's lit/lit fic type of book I would feel differently, but. All things considered, this was a no-go for me. :(

Just okay. I liked Kate, her energy is so sweet and heartfelt. The basic plot, a person hired to be the face of a book, in lieu of a famous author of another genre wishing to remain anonymous, is a great idea. So many avenues to explore on the road to breakout hit book and there are some sweet and funny moments in the first half that greatly entertained! But I also didn’t totally understand or agree with Kate’s approach and emotional reactions to the job. And I also didn’t believe that the backlash she faced would be as turbulent as it was, maybe a little rocky, but it felt very overdramatized.

Additionally, the romance was loosely built and underwhelming even while I liked Kate and Charlie’s interactions. There just wasn’t any spark. I just felt like I had nitpicky things throughout. Basically, it was far from bad, Josie Silver writes too well for that, but it also wasn’t entirely cohesive and there are others of her works I’d recommend instead.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this novel.

This was a very cute concept for a story! Kate is a divorcee trying to get her life back when she sends a letter to her late ex-agent JoJo. Charlie, his son, answers and found the perfect job for her. Kate is going to be the face of a book she didn’t write.

The side characters were more fun than the actual couple. I really didn’t even feel the chemistry between Kate and Charlie was way more intrigued with the mystery author honestly.

I enjoyed this lighter, non-holiday book from Josie Silver. It was more humorous but still had depth to the story. Kate was a promising young actress and gave it up to follow her husband. Now divorced, she needs a job and writes her former agent. He has passed away, and his son hires her to be the public identity of a famous author who has written a book based on own experience and wants to stay anonymous.
Kate has a bubbly personality and easily drops any filter, and she gets into interesting situations during the book publicity tour. Charlie, her new agent, is charismatic and handsome, and of course they become interested in each other.
Parts of the secret come out, and Kate and Charlie have to work together to deal with the aftermath.
It was a good, interesting summer read.

This book fell in the "just ok" range for me. I really enjoyed this author's prior books so maybe my expectations were a bit too high. I really do like her style of writing but I just could not get into this storyline. I thought the book was funny at times, but not sure the romance was there. I was rooting for Kate after losing her POS ex, but I just didn't feel the connection with Charlie.

I will continue to read this author even with this one maybe not being my favorite.

thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I have read this author before and really liked her previous books, but this one was just meh for me. The premise was good, but the execution just felt a bit off for me.

I found the FMC likeable and fun, cute and quirky. There also were cute side characters - in particular our FMC's sister. There were some funny scenes and an overall romcom type feel to the book. I also love a more mature protagonist with a little more life experience than in many romance books (40ish).

Unfortunately, the romance just fell quite flat for me - there was absolutely no build up or chemistry. I would read as more of a women's fiction or if you are just looking for a light read and like the description.

Tropes/Themes:
🎀 Supportive sister relationship
🎀 Grief
🎀 Divorced FMC / Divorced MMC
🎀 Slow burn / Low Spice
🎀 Forced Proximity

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

"Slow Burn Summer" is a delightful and engaging read, if you're looking for a story that keeps you guessing while warming your heart, this is one to pick up.

The novel introduces us to Kate, a woman fresh from a divorce and in need of her first job in decades. Enter Charlie, the son of Kate's former agent, who bravely takes a chance on her, adding a layer of professional and personal entanglement. He offers Kate the unusual role of being the public face for an anonymous author. Rounding out this dynamic trio is Fiona, the anonymous writer's fiercely protective agent, whose unwavering dedication to her client and the business adds both tension and humor to the narrative.

Josie Silver's writing is simply beautiful, drawing you effortlessly into the characters' inner lives and the vibrant world they inhabit. Every sentence feels crafted with care, allowing the reader to deeply connect with the emotional landscape of the story. The plot, while packed with events, unfolds with a remarkable sense of natural progression. Even when the situations veer into the delightfully ridiculous – and they do, in the best possible way – the narrative maintains its believability. The inclusion of Kate working in a costume shop, for instance, is a stroke of genius, grounding the more outlandish moments and making them feel entirely plausible within the story's unique logic.

One of the absolute highlights is the relationship between Kate and the anonymous author. Josie's writing allows this relationship to develop separately from the real life relationships between Kate, Charlie, Fiona, and others; and keeps you guessing as to the anonymous author's true identity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Josie Silver!

I really enjoyed how both the main female and male characters were sort of trialing a new phase of their life due to unexpected circumstances. It rings true to life and how you have to adjust and sometimes in those tough times, you end up finding something good. This book was fun and sweet.

3.5⭐️
0.5🌶️
Release date: June 10, 2025

This is supposed to be a slow burn romance… is the romance in the room with us??

I enjoyed the overall premise of this book & the fact that it was a different plot line than anything I’ve read before but it was more of just a regular fiction book than a romance. They didn’t hook up until 70% in & there was NO buildup leading up to it. No chemistry, no banter, it’s like they just all of a sudden had feelings for each other. And then after they hooked up they just didn’t talk about it again & didn’t actually get together until the last chapter??

I did really enjoy this book but I think it would’ve been better if there was either no romance at all or if there was more buildup & chemistry between them. I do like the premise of someone being a ghost author though & it was definitely more about that than the romance.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC.

Earlier this year, I really enjoyed Josie Silver’s Winter in New York—a nostalgic, feel-good romance that brought NYC’s Little Italy to life. So when I got the chance to read an e-ARC of Slow Burn Summer (out June 10, 2025), I was excited to see where she’d go next.

This one follows Kate, a recently divorced mom forced to start over after discovering her husband’s affair. With no job and nowhere to go, she’s living above her sister’s dress shop when a letter to her old acting agent lands in the hands of Charlie—his son, who’s inherited the agency after his father’s passing.

Charlie, recently heartbroken himself, is looking for someone to “play” a famous author who refuses to promote his own romance novel. Kate steps into the role and finds herself swept up in the fictional love story—and maybe a real one too.

What worked for me:

Kate is relatable, charming, and delightfully human.

Charlie is a steady, understated romantic lead—especially appealing to readers who appreciate emotional reliability and the occasional dramatic gesture.

Their slightly older age added depth and realism to the love story.

The sisterly bond between Kate and Liv was touching and made me wish for a sister!

The bookish backdrop and reader references were warm and fun.

Some comic moments—like the T-Rex costume meltdown, trifle attack, or the chaotic train scene—made me laugh out loud and wince with secondhand anxiety (in the best way).

What didn’t quite land:

The title doesn’t seem to tie into the story thematically.

The romance, while sweet, felt underdeveloped and rushed toward the end.

Transitions between scenes sometimes felt choppy, and Charlie’s character could’ve used more dimension.

Still, this was a lovely, comforting read that captures the charm of second chances and the power of believing in love again. A cozy, feel-good story that fans of midlife reinvention and low-heat romance will enjoy.

Rating: 3.75–4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine, and Josie Silver for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. It was highly enjoyable!

Review posted on Goodreads; 6/1/25
Review and Highlight to be posted on Instagram on 6/9/25

I wanted to love this so much but it just fell flat for me. I loved the sister dynamic and the scenes with the two of them were the most enjoyable. I felt like even though it was called “slow burn” and I knew that’s what I was getting into, at times it was reallllly slow and I wanted more from the romance. I also don’t mind some cheesy lines in a romcom but I was about one “whiskey cola eyes” from throwing in the towel. I’ve liked this author in the past and will definitely be open to reading her other books in the future but as much as I tried, this one just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate is a former actress hoping to return to acting after a 20-year hiatus. She's hired by Charlie to pretend to be the author of a new romance book written by a famous author who wants to stay anonymous to the public. Charlie is a former scriptwriter turned talent agent, and the son of Kate's former agent. I really liked this one, it was a quick and fun read. The pacing was good with enough going on to keep my attention and interest. Open-door but no talk of protection, which feels like an oversight in this day and age. There's midlife representation so yay! Kate was relatable, and I loved her sister Liz. Dual 3rd-person POVs, but I would have liked to see more from Charlie's POV as it was pretty sparse compared to Kate. I liked Kate and Charlie together but the development of their romantic relationship seemed a little under-done. The mystery of who the author really is (and how Kate handles the job) lent a nice amount of tension throughout the story. I've read this author before and I haven't always clicked with her writing but I liked the premise here so I took a chance. I'm glad I did! I liked the story, it was easy to invest in Kate and her acting gig, especially as her attraction to Charlie grows. This review is based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own. Publishes June 10, 2025.

Thank you @dellromance for the arc and @prhaudio for the alc!

This book lives up to the name of being a slow burn lol. It felt pretty romance adjacent, and was more heavy on the fiction. Kate is a former actress who is looking for work after a divorce and she reaches out an old agent, and gets connected with his son, Charlie. Charlie is taking over his fathers business, and trying to fill shoes he has no interest in filling. To prove everyone he can do it, he is set out to find someone to “play” an author for an upcoming romance novel where the real author wants to stay hidden.

I like that Josie’s books feel more mature, and have characters in their 30s. I like that this book had a lot of email exchanges, and I thought the story was going to go one way, and then it ended up going another. I just wish there was a bit more romance.

Slow Burn Summer comes out on 6/10!

Initially, I found the male main character, Charlie, to be little more than a background figure. It wasn't until well into the book that he started to emerge, but just when I thought we were getting somewhere, he faded away again—sometimes for weeks! Their interactions were alarmingly infrequent. I expected a slow burn romance, yet it hardly sizzled and ultimately never ignited at all.

In contrast, the dynamic between Kate, Charlie, and her sister was far more compelling and packed a more emotional punch. By the time Kate and Charlie finally expressed their feelings for each other, it just didn't feel authentic. One particular scene, where readers supposedly rally to help her confront a masked intruder, came across as utterly absurd.

The story had incredible potential, with a unique and creative plot. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet that potential. I found myself struggling to believe in their relationship, especially with unresolved storylines surrounding Kate's ex-husband, her daughter and her daughter's ex-boyfriend, the agency partner Fiona, and the history Charlie shared with his ex-wife. Those significant backstories felt rushed and were glossed over, leaving lingering questions that detracted from the experience.