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Unfortunately I didn't finish this book. I maybe made it to 30%, if that, and decided not to continue. I did listen to it on audio but the story and characters were bland and uninteresting and I can't even tell you a single thing about the bit I got through already. Josie Silver has been a one hit wonder for me so far and it seems that trend is continuing unfortunately.

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Ugh emphasis on SLOW. I know I’ve never fallen in deep love with a Jodie Silver book and yet I will always pick them up. If you’re patient? Sure, why not. I wouldn’t have minded a touch more plot and momentum, but I was invested enough to ride it out. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

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3.5/5 stars

Kate Elliott is putting her life back together after her divorce and her daughter leaving for college. She was a soap actress in her teens, so she reaches out to her former agent to see if he is interested in taking her back as a client.

Charlie Francisco is the son of Kate’s former agent and has inherited his business. He has the perfect opportunity for Kate: act as a “ghost author” for a romance novel whose real author wants to keep his identity hidden.

I like Josie Silver’s writing, and I thought the premise for this one was interesting. I enjoyed Kate as a character and her growth and character development we saw throughout the book. My only real issue with this one was that it was marketed as a romance, but the romance is really only a minor subplot. If you go into this thinking it’s women’s fiction, I think you will enjoy it!

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This is my favorite Josie silver. I can’t wait to see what she puts out next. I enjoyed the character development throughout. I wish we got a little more Charlie and Kate banter and a little more relationship depth, but the groundwork was there.

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I've enjoyed previous books by Josie Silver and have always been a fan of a "slow burn", so requesting this book was a no-brainer! In "Slow Burn Summer", Charlie is a talent agent who needs someone to pretend to be a romance author for an upcoming book promotion. Kate is a former actress who is trying to drag herself out from under a heavy divorce and is looking for any available job. The two join forces to make the book tour successful and hijinx ensue. While Kate and Charlie try to work together, their differences become very front and center and sparks begin to fly. What will happen between the two of them, and will they be able to keep the secret from being revealed?

I really wanted to like this book, but had a hard time enjoying the main characters and found myself skimming through the book. I hope Silver's next book will be a return to her usual writing. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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What a charming slow-burn rom-com! I immediately fell for Kate, recently divorced mother desperate for a second chance that she finds in accepting a role to represent herself as the author of a romance novel written by a major author famous in another genre who doesn’t want any association with the book.

This was one of those romances that reads more like lit fic, as the romance definitely takes a back burner with its very slow burn. Made me laugh out loud many times, and I didn’t want to put it down because I was so curious to see how it’d play out! Adored all the glimpses into the publishing industry and community of book lovers, I’m always a fan of books full of bookish love!

It was full of so many more surprises than I expected, and a lot more humor - one thing I adore about British novels is how they truly embrace the slightly madcap action but present it in a way that doesn’t feel silly, and Silver nailed it. Ending was highly satisfying as well. Definitely add this one to your shelf!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sending this DRC for review consideration.

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I enjoyed the cozy feels of this book! Kate and Charlie had some laughable moments, but this is definitely more of a women’s fiction book over romance I feel. This story will have you cringing, laughing, growing and loving these characters!

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I loved Josie Silver’s last release, so I had high hopes for Slow Burn Summer. While it’s a charming, well-written rom-com with a unique premise, it didn’t fully stick with me. The tension from the secret-identity setup made it hard to relax into the romance, and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. That said, the writing has Silver’s signature warmth, and I’d still recommend it for a light summer read, it just was not my personal favorite.

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3🌟

Josie Silver's writing is great- there is no arguing that! I enjoyed the cozy feels in this novel, but I found the overall premise (her being sooo excited to be a ghost writer) a little bland. Kate and Charlie had some humorous moments, but I would definitely classify this as women's fiction. The romance was non-exist for most of the book. Hence the title, "slow burn" but still... there wasn't enough to keep my attention. Cute but overall, just okay!

Thank you so much Dell Romance for my gifted copy!

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I enjoyed the other books I've read by Josie Silver, but unfortunately this one fell short for me. I think the basic premise had potential but the way it was done just didn't work.

Long Story Short
Kate is a recent divorcee who is hired to be a "ghost author" for a new romance novel because the true author didn't want his identity exposed. Meanwhile she starts to fall for her new agent.

The Good
I liked that this book centered around a woman around my age (upper 30's). I also enjoyed the sister relationship between Kate and Liv.

The Bad
The big issue with this book is that Kate standing in for the author would be too difficult to pull off. Social media would be all over it with the change in the name. It would have made more sense to use the anonymity of the author as a selling point and been completely up front about having someone else discuss the book. Secondly, Kate and Charlie had zero chemistry. I wondered for part of the book if the love interest was going to be Hugh, the author. I didn't feel that these were real people who liked each; they were characters and the author had to tell me they liked each other. I didn't get an understanding of these characters as people or understand their feelings at all. I also wanted more of a mystery around "who is the author?" Finally, I didn't get the title. Did this book take place during the summer? It was irrelevant and I feel the title was used simply to lure readers (like me) who fully embrace the "summer" vibe this time of year.

Overall Takeaway
I wanted to like this book but it was not for me. This 2.5 stars but I'll round up to 3. I give it a C-.

Plot - 6
Characters - 5
Writing - 7
Spice - 1

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I don't think this was Silver's best work. I usually like her romance novels enough, but this didn't hit for me.

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This book has a fun, clever premise—an out-of-work actress hired to play a romance novelist on a book tour—which makes for an entertaining setup full of potential. The writing is engaging, the banter is lively, and the behind-the-scenes look at the literary publicity world adds a unique twist. It was an enjoyable read with moments of warmth and humor, and the fake-author trope adds a fresh perspective.

That said, while the story was charming overall, it wasn’t a standout favorite from Josie Silver. The central romance between Kate and Charlie felt underdeveloped at times, and I found myself wanting more emotional depth and connection between the two. Their chemistry had promise, but the relationship could have used more buildup to make the payoff more satisfying. There was a lot of focus on the fake author plotline and I found myself wanting more of the romance, especially towards the end.

In short, this book is a fun, light read with an original concept and likable characters, but it didn’t quite hit the mark emotionally the way this author’s best work usually does. Still worth picking up, just not the most memorable of her catalog.

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Ive been hit or miss with some of Josie's backlist, but this was really enjoyable! I love the cover and the concept, and the book tour plot was so fun! I recommend for all the book girlies.

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I have been a long time fan of Josie Silver's - One Day in December is one of my all time favorite books and I adored Winter in New York and One Night on the Island. Unfortunately, Slow Burn Summer missed the mark for me - I found the plot convoluted and really struggled to connect with the characters.

I know Silver has another release slated for this year and I hope that one will work better for me!

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Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Josie Silver for the NetGalley ARC!


Meet Kate Elliot; 39 years old, recently divorced, broke due to an iron-clad prenup, living with her older sister again and honestly, trying to find any ounce of happiness wherever she can. To spark some joy in her life, Kate decides it’s time to start working again or find some sort of hobby. Influenced by one too many glasses of red wine, Kate decides to email her old talent agency in the hopes that they may take pity on her and offer her a job, any kind will work. Kate doesn’t expect a response from the agency, so to her surprise a few days later she has a new email waiting for her from Charlie Francisco, who recently took over as the agency's owner due to his father’s passing. Lucky for Kate, Charlie has the perfect job for her - an author! Well sorta, Kate will act as the author for an upcoming romance book, since the actual author wants to remain anonymous. And bonus points, Charlier Francisco is mysterious and hot!

Slow Burn Summer quickly became one of my favorite books of 2025! This is a fun story that will make you laugh, cringe and grow attached to the characters. There were many times I felt like I was reading a 2000’s rom-com, which is always a win.

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Slow Burn Summer was fantastic! It was everything I was hoping for and more. The concept was super interesting and I loved how each character was developed and I truly cared for all of them. The ending of this book gives me Stars Hallow vibes! This book is sickeningly sweet and it was such a joy to read! Perfect summer book!

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Divorced and an empty-nester, Kate is determined to find herself again. Having once been an actress she emails her old agent to see if there is any work for her. The answer she gets is certainly NOT what she was expecting!

As the title says, this was a cute slow-burn romcom. And I’m always going to be all-in when a book is about books!

This fun four star read has already released so it’s available now!

I love Josie Silver and have read 4 of her 5 published books and I can’t wait to lose myself in the next two ARC’s I’ve been gifted through NetGalley:
👻Crazy Spooky Love is expected to release September 2nd as the first book in the new Melody Bittersweet series
🎃Kooky Spooky Love, the second installment of the Melody Bittersweet series is proposed to release October 28

Thanks to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this adorable romcom in exchange for a review.

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Slow Burn Summer was such a beautifully written read. The plot was great and so well done with just the right amount of messy. I adored how the book wove heartbreak, healing, and hope together so effortlessly. If you’re into slow burn, second chances, and a touch of behind-the-scenes publishing drama, this one’s for you. Highly recommend!

Expected Release Date: Available Now!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ebook. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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I'm a Josie Silver fan, and I like the idea of a semi-secret identity love story, so this was fun, but it didn't have everything I wanted. I think I wanted to to be more of a love story, while this felt more focused on the secret identity, author aspect of it and less on the romance.

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Slow Burn Summer had me kicking my feet like a teenager with a crush. This story was equal parts swoony and smart. It's the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. I laughed, I sighed, I yelled at the characters (lovingly), and now I need to lie down with my feelings. 10/10 recommend if you like your love stories with banter, longing, and a little heat.

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