This one was such a fun ride, and I can’t recommend it enough!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had to DNF this book at 19%. I absolutely hate that the quirk of the female main character is that she goes out long monologue. I find this so unreliable and at 19% I was just like I cannot take this anymore.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Dell for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Slow Burn Summer had me hooked from page one (baby throw up and all). Kate is freshly divorced from her cheating ex and in need of a job, preferably one that takes advantage of her acting talent which she had abandoned in her youth in order to build a life with the cheating ex. Charlie may just be her answer, trying to fill his recently passed Agent father’s shoes after a rather hard divorce of his own. But the job is less traditional than what Kate, or the book world, is used to - posing as the author for the greatest love story penned in recent history.

Kate was a wonderful protagonist, with a loving sister and daughter, earnest motivations, and an absolutely indomitable spirit when supported. Add to that that she’s hilarious (the whole book has its moments) and I only wanted the best for her. Charlie is equally a great match for her though I loved the slow revealing of his backstory to better understand him if he was actually friend or possible (surely it couldn’t be) foe. When the worst case scenario emerges for Kate (never trust a hot Australian surfer, and make sure your kids learn that lesson early) this story ramps up the stakes and comes together in the most fulfilling way possible.

An intriguing premise that absolutely delivers, this is an unconventional story we need more of.

Slow Burn Summer had some lovely moments, but overall, it didn’t quite come together for me. I loved the ghost author premise. There were strong themes of love and grief, plus some good humor. Kate was a relatable protagonist, and I really felt for her being stuck in an impossible situation.
But the romance? It felt underdeveloped and a lack of chemistry. Kate and Charlie didn’t get enough time to build a connection, so the “I love you” at the end felt out of nowhere. The book also juggled too many subplots, pulling focus from the central relationship. Kate’s emails with the ghost author were fun but distracting, and I often was skipping past them... Side characters, like her daughter and ex-husband, felt one-dimensional, and a few plot threads were left hanging.
There were definitely moments of charm but the pacing and lack of romantic development left me feeling meh.
Thanks to Penguin General UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ve been a fan of Josie Silver since I first read “One Day in December” and her latest book made me realize how well she writes characters. I loved the subtle mystery or who H was and found myself immersing myself in these characters and their world.

This book is pure rom-com gold—charming, witty, and brimming with slow-burn tension that had me hooked from the very first page. The setup is delightfully outrageous, but the emotional depth sneaks up on you in the best way. Kate and Charlie’s dynamic is a perfect mix of sharp banter, reluctant attraction, and the kind of chemistry that makes you want to scream at them to just kiss already. The behind-the-scenes publishing antics add an extra layer of fun, and the way love and storytelling intertwine is downright swoony. It’s playful, heartfelt, and absolutely impossible to put down.

Josie Silver is an author I eagerly anticipate with each new release, and her latest novel, “Slow Burn Summer” is a perfect example of why. From the very first chapter, I found myself drawn to the characters, who felt incredibly relatable and authentic—each with their own unique quirks and struggles. The storyline captivated me with its refreshing originality, which is the reason I found it hard to put down.

What truly stood out to me was how Silver expertly weaves moments of humor and romance with deeper themes, which adds so many layers. While “Slow Burn Summer” undoubtedly delivers on the lighthearted charm fans expect from a romantic comedy, it also addresses topics such as personal growth, friendship, and the complexities of love. This book is a wonderful escape!! Without a doubt, it deserves a full 5-star rating and it will be the perfect companion for beach days or cozy nights alike!

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver is a fun and refreshing rom com! Kate is a former soap actress in need of a fresh start, and agrees to pretend to be the author of a bestselling romance novel on a book tour because the real author is a total mystery. The man orchestrating the whole thing is Charlie, a grumpy, no nonsense talent agent trying to keep his career afloat. From the moment the two meet, it’s all bickering, tension, and sizzling chemistry! Their banter is sharp and their attraction is undeniable. The whole setup is just begging for them to catch feelings in the messiest, most wonderful way! Slow Burn Summer is the perfect mix of cute, funny, and emotional. The perfect summer read!

I wouldn't have picked this up out of a stack of novels. (The cover looks too flirty and trendy.)

Except that I love Josie Silver's writing. The plot is thick and colorful. The characters are relatable - whether you love or hate them. And the romance is both surprising and reassuring.

I gave a long exhale when I read the last page - probably from satisfaction and relief that things work out as they do. You can hardly guess the direction this will go in the middle of the book.

You'll enjoy this one on vacation, when you need a break from the office, or when you're just ready for a great story. Recommended!

love this romance and that they started working together and that she was able to help someone and figure out her life. Loved her sister and seeing her daughter.

Kate is a former actor, looking to get back into the business after her divorce. Charlie is a screenwriter, taking over his father’s talent agency company. When Charlie hires Kate to publicly play the part of a romance author who wishes to remain anonymous, they begin growing closer after forced to spend time together at event after event.

I thought it was a fun and unique premise for a romcom, and I really enjoyed the background mystery of the author’s identity. I was so thrilled that it went the direction it went in, and avoided some predictable tropes. As a huge fan of slow burn stories, I loved the pacing of Kate and Charlie’s relationship. Liv was such an awesome character, and I loved her fierce protectiveness. The background theme of the strength of the book community was woven throughout, and it made for my favorite scene in the book. This book grew stronger as it went on, and I genuinely enjoyed reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC! My review will be posted to Goodreads upon the publication date, and this review will be edited to add the link at that time.

I’ve been a huge fan of Josie Silver’s for awhile now (I absolutely loved ‘A Winter in New York’ last year), and was highly anticipating this new book from her.

The storyline of this novel was very unique, which intrigued me from the start. I also loved that our FMC was recently divorced, a little older, and on the path to see what was ahead for her. She wants to go after a career path that was always in the back of her mind. Additionally, the dynamic between Kate and her sister was hilarious and so fun; a huge standout in the novel.

With that said, thinking of the author’s previous novels, the romance in this one was not as present for me. I didn’t feel like it flowed as well in this novel, and progressed rapidly after a very very slow burn.

However, I would definitely give this one a shot for yourselves because Josie is a wonderful writer, and you will get lost in the story! This is more in the Womens Fiction category for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.