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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver was like a cozy hug on a rainy day—warm, charming, and a little bit chaotic in the best way possible.

Kate’s trying to rebuild her life post-divorce and ends up in the last place she expected—playing the face of a mysterious author’s book. Acting gig? Check. Secret identity drama? Check. Unexpected feelings for her ridiculously charming agent with those whiskey cola eyes? BIG check. 👀💘

This was my first book by Josie Silver, and I totally get the hype now. The slow-burn tension between Kate and Charlie had me grinning like a fool, and Liv absolutely stole every scene she was in (someone give her a spin-off!).

Sure, a couple side plots didn’t fully land for me (lookin’ at you, husky-eyed mystery man 👀), and I occasionally wanted to shake some sense into Kate—but honestly? I loved her resilience and the emotional layers she brought to the story.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts 💛

If you’re looking for a glam, feel-good romance with a splash of drama and a simmering spark? This one’s calling your name.

This book was very very slow. It felt like it dragged on forever. Not a favorite from Josie Silver.

Thanks for the ARC.

Slow Burn summer was a slow slow slow burn.K ate, a former tv star gets hired to impersonate a very reclusive romance author on a book tour. I feel like this was more women's fiction that straight romance. But i enjoyed it.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc. all opinons are mine

Josie Silver's "Slow Burn Summer" presents a fascinating premise that blurs the lines between authenticity and performance. The novel follows Kate, a former soap actress who finds herself in an unusual predicament: she's hired to pose as the author of a hit memoir. The actual writer, finding the book too personal to claim publicly, agreed to publication only on the condition of complete anonymity.
The story's strength lies in its complex character dynamics. Kate emerges as a compelling protagonist—likable and relatable, yet making choices that leave readers questioning her judgment. Taking a job that requires her to assume someone else's identity feels like a recipe for disaster, and Silver skillfully maintains the tension of waiting for the inevitable fallout.
Charlie proves equally intriguing as as Kate's agent and love interest who walks the line between charming and potentially untrustworthy. His ambiguous nature keeps both Kate and readers guessing about his true intentions. Meanwhile, the mysterious real author adds an entertaining layer of intrigue as a supporting character who remains tantalizingly out of reach.
As Kate's book tour gains momentum, so does her attraction to Charlie. Both characters are navigating the aftermath of recent divorces, raising questions about their emotional readiness for new romance. Silver expertly weaves together these personal vulnerabilities with the professional deception at the story's heart.
The novel builds toward the inevitable moment when Kate's true identity will be revealed, and Silver maintains excellent suspense about whether this revelation will destroy both her budding relationship with Charlie and her successful tour. The dual stakes—personal and professional—create engaging tension that drives the narrative forward.
"Slow Burn Summer" delivers a unique take on identity, authenticity, and second chances, wrapped in an entertaining package that examines what happens when we become someone we're not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing an advance copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this! I got Younger vibes from the MMC; he was very "Charles". I also liked the FMC, especially in the beginning scenes/the interview!

This was a really slow burn book for me. I felt like it dragged on a little bit. Not my favorite from Josie Silvwr that is for sure.

"Slow Burn Summer" was a little slow for me. I loved the overall plot and the story between Kate & Charlie. It just felt a little long/slow at times.

I DNF‘d this at 20%.

The premise sounded great, nut the story wasn’t holding (or even grabbing) my attention.

Okay, so I usually gravitate toward thrillers … but this charming, slow-burn romance was 💛 and made for the perfect beach read.

Kate, a former tv star fresh off a messy divorce, gets hired to impersonate a famous (and very reclusive) romance author on a book tour. What starts as a wild publicity stunt quickly turns into a heartfelt journey of rediscovery—with a broody, bookish love interest (hi Charlie 👋🖤) and just the right amount of romantic tension. 🔥👀

I loved the fake identity twist and how the story gently explores healing, reinvention, and finding joy in unexpected places. The pacing is cozy and deliberate—like a summer afternoon you never want to end. 🍹📚🌸

Highly recommend for your vacation TBR if you’re looking for something heartfelt, unique, and full of summer soul. ☀️💕

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own!

Review posted on Goodreads and IG!

I think I was expecting a story more centered around romance. This felt like women’s fiction to me as the romance was basically non existent. I did love the FMC though and the story was fun, and funny at times, just not what I was expecting.

Following a terrible divorce, Kate Elliot, a former soap actress, reaches out to her old agent in hopes of finding work. She’s shocked when she’s contacted by her late agent’s son, Charlie, with a unique opportunity—to play the role of the author for a new novel “The Power of Love”, which was written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. She falls in love with the story and agrees to the job, becoming debut author “Kate Darrowby”. As time goes on and the lies grow, things get more complicated, both for Kate’s job and love life.

This was such a cute story, and of course I love a book about books! When briefly described at the beginning of the story, the plot of the fictional novel “The Power of Love” gave me Moulin Rouge vibes, and I loved that! I really enjoyed Kate’s character and think the author did an excellent job developing her, and watching her story play out as she assumes this role of ghost author. The focus was more of Kate’s life over the romance, making it more of a women’s fiction read, which I prefer! Overall I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Romance for my gifted digital copy!