I was interested in reading this book because of the author. Josie Silver has written two of my favorite books- One Day in December and A Winter in New York.

The book got off to a rocky start but began flowing better after the foundation for the plot was laid. The establishment of the main characters, their back stories and how they were connected in the present was hard to follow. After those things were settled, the story flowed well. The main characters were written well. They had depth and complexity. The fact that the main characters did not have an “instant connection” helped the story’s authenticity as well. After the rough start, I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging, detailed, and humorous. My favorite part was how the “community” showed up for the main character in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

I have LOVED Josie Silver books in the past, and while I didn't hate this one, it didn't quite have the magic of some of her others in my opinion. Also, is the premise of this book a real thing that could potentially happen?? It seems far-fetched to me. I did like Kate's character and her arc throughout this novel, but it just fell a little bit short of what I've come to expect from Josie Silver.

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

Kate and Charlie have both recently gone through a divorce. In this workplace romance, Kate gets hired by Charlie to play an acting part on his book tour. The setting of this book was fun. I liked the characters separately but not together. There wasn’t much chemistry between them. The story moved really slow which some people enjoy but it was hard for me to stay interested. I expected to like this book more because I really enjoyed other books by this author. It was a fun read but the romance just wasn’t there.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc.

Slow Burn Summer is definitely a slow burn in every sense of the term. While I initially thought this was going to be a romance novel, and at its core it is, the buildup is longer and slower than I anticipated. The pacing is deliberate, which could either be a positive or a drawback depending on your reading preferences.

That said, I enjoyed the characters. They were charming, quirky, and full of personality, and their playful banter added a refreshing dynamic to the story. It was clear the author put a lot of effort into crafting these characters and their interactions, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.

The story itself was well-written and thoughtfully developed, with layers of detail that gave it depth. However, there were moments where I felt the dialogue and certain scenes were a bit unnecessary, slowing down the plot and not necessarily moving the story forward.

Overall, Slow Burn Summer is a solid read. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a slow, steady buildup, but it might not be for readers who prefer a faster-paced plot.

This was such a heartwarming and charming romcom! I was hooked from the start and I absolutely loved the characters of Kate and Charlie. Their chemistry was written very believably and I really enjoyed going on their personal journeys. The author does a great job with character development and it was so emotional and honest that it made it all believable and sincere. This was such an uplifting and inspiring story that I know many readers will just adore.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review and feedback.

Charlie, oh Charlie, I could relate on a lot of levels!
This was so well done - I really liked the story, the main characters and their development arc.

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver is a slow burn, divorced FMC and MMC romance that was fun, different, and just wonderful!

Kate is recently divorced, her daughter is away at university, and she is low on money and work. She reaches out to her old acting agent, only to find out that he has passed away and his son, Charlie, has taken over his clients. Charlie is also recently divorced, mourning the loss of his dad, and attempting to figure out what to do with his life. Charlie is looking for a ghost-author, someone to act as the author for an unpublished romance book whose author insists on remaining anonymous. Kate absolutely falls in love with the book and agrees! I absolutely LOVED the humor and found myself laughing out loud at all the awkward and funny situations Kate found herself in during the novel. I would have like to read a little bit more about the relationship progression between her and Charlie, you could tell there was chemistry, but it felt like they went straight to “I love you” in the end without much development. Otherwise, I loved everything else about this novel, it was AMAZING and should definitely be added to your TBR list!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, bingable read. Distinctive characters and seasoned main characters. Loved the setting (England, the publishing journey (particularly book release), & the fun twist at the end. I was pleasantly surprised.

I’ve heard amazing things about Josie Silver and her books, unfortunately I do not like her writing style. I didn’t find the story all that intriguing either. There was just no pull to continue reading. I can usually tell within the first chapter if I’ll like a book, but with arcs I give them a few. This one just didn’t hit.

But if you’re a fan of workplace romances and starting over this one might be for you!

Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.

I love a good book about books, and this one really makes you want to get your hands on the love story they are promoting in this book, I really want to read The Power of Love, please someone write it!! This is a pleasure of a summer read. It is great to get some more mature characters, both MMC and FMC are divorcées and around 40 years old. The journey they both take while navigating post divorce and midlife career and life changes is well done. Kate is a spark of joy and spunk, you will love her, she is a great companion to your summer. Dive in and enjoy this love letter to love stories and the power they have to change our hearts and let us heal.

This was cute.

I just didn’t connect to the characters in the way I wish I would have. The romance felt a little flat and felt like there should have been more involved.

I did, however, like Kate and I thought the plot was unique and well-written.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an e-ARC of this book.

Reviewed for Netgalley:

This one moved very slow for me (no pun intended) and I just could not connect with the characters.

My first Josie Silver book and it was fun! I wish I could rave about the book but I didn't quite connect with it in the way that I had hoped. While the story was well done - and the slight mystery kept me turning pages - the characters just all felt... flat. Except Kate who, sadly, annoyed the heck out of me.

But my biggest gripe is that the romance felt so unearned. Charlie & Kate barely seemed to flirt until suddenly they're making eyes and making out. Their declarations of love at the end felt inauthentic and I just couldn't get on board.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

3.5 stars rounded down

This was cute! Just one of those that I probably won’t remember next month, you know? I did enjoy getting a look at the whole publishing side of things but didn’t find myself really knowing any of the characters, it was short!

I enjoyed this story very much and went through a range of emotions as I read it. There were a few things I found hard to believe, but realize it’s written that way so the story works out. For example, after 20 years of marriage, a prenup is still in place that gives her nothing?!

What I liked most was Kate’s passion for the novel, and I wished it was a real book that I could read. Charlie seemed to be more of an action guy, rather than words, and that made me want to get to know him more. I think the age of the characters and a romance fitting that season of life was just right.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Unfortunately, Slow Burn Summer didn't live up to the hype for me. I love Josie's other novels but had a hard time getting into this story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Josie Silver is now a must read author for me. Slow Burn Summer is a sweet, story of a woman’s attempt to start over. Kate is an endearing heroine and you can’t help but want things to go well for her. The supporting characters are equally lovable. This was a fun, feel good read .

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dell and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Something new from Josie silver! I loved the characterization, and comedy of this book. The romance wasn't as strong as some of her other works.

4/5 Another wonderful sweet, well written Josie Silver book. Like the title, it does start out a little slow but then developed into a a sweet love story and a testament to friendship and the love of sisters. Love the setting in and around London too.
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

This is a truly delightful and touching narrative! Having explored numerous romance novels, I find this one to possess a distinctly original premise that is quite invigorating. The ensemble of characters in this book was enjoyable, and I believe it stands out as a commendable piece of women's fiction, skillfully crafted. It is the type of romance that resonates authentically and lingers in your thoughts long after finishing.