3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed this, really - I do like the author's writing and I really liked Kate. It's refreshing to read about characters in their late thirties and forties, who've already lived a good chunk of their lives and are now undergoing the "what's next?" struggle, and Kate is an excellent example of that. So is Charlie, although he wasn't as well fleshed-out: this is very much Kate's story and her insecurities, humour and determination are very well depicted. Also, her sister is an absolute joy. But this isn't a five-star read for me (unlike some of the author's previous novels) for a few reasons. Some things could have been wrapped up better, particularly the plot line relating to Kate's daughter and to a lesser extent her ex-husband. The romance felt unbalanced - it doesn't have to be the fulcrum of the plot and indeed that wouldn't have worked either, but the way it progressed seemed quite out of the blue. And when I finished the book, I looked at the title again and realised that it doesn't really reflect the plot. Is the use of Slow Burn Summer purely designed to appeal to the romance market? The hot summer is mentioned but doesn't really matter, and the slow burn is kind of there, but see my previous point on the romance aspect. But if you shelve any expectations of a frothy, heated summer romance and appreciate a tale of a woman rebuilding her life and navigating the inevitable pitfalls with grace and wit, then give this one a try.

I’ve been a fan of Josie Silver’s books for a while, so I went into Slow Burn Summer with pretty high hopes. And while it had its moments, this one just didn’t do it for me.

Let’s start with the good: it is actually funny. Josie Silver knows how to write humor that feels natural and genuinely entertaining. But on the other hand, the title is super accurate. This is the slowest of slow burns. So slow, in fact, that at times I wasn’t sure there was even going to be a romance.

What really saved the book for me was Kate, I adored her. She’s honest, unfiltered, and just brimming with personality. Her vulnerability makes her so easy to root for. And shoutout to Liv, the ultimate supportive sister! Every scene she’s in just shines. Honestly, the sisterly bond might’ve been my favorite “relationship” in the whole book.

In the end, I’d say this felt more like women’s fiction with a splash of comedy than a true romance. Still enjoyable in parts, especially because of the characters—but not quite the emotional love story I was hoping for.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the digital copy in exchange for my honest reivew.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer romance read, here you go.

Slow Burn Summer is exactly the kind of book you want to read with the sun on your face and a cold drink in hand. I found it heartwarming, funny, and full of personality.
I especially loved the relationship between Kate and her sister Liv their bond felt real, raw, and comforting. That dynamic really grounded the story for me. Kate’s journey, from feeling completely lost after her divorce to stepping into an unexpected, absurd but oddly empowering role as a fake author, was chaotic in the best way.

The one thing that took me out of the story now and then was the third-person narration, especially with the constant switching between “her” and “him”, it got a bit confusing at times. But honestly, that’s my only real complaint.

This book isn’t just about romance, though the chemistry between Kate and Charlie does build in a satisfying, slow-burn way, it’s also about reinvention, owning your mess, and finding joy again after heartbreak. It’s got a rom-com spirit with just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy (ARC). I read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are entirely my own.

As good as this was it felt a little boring. There was too much filler. I was more interested in the letters back and forth between the fmc and the secret author than the romance.

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC! ♥︎

Thank you, Netgalley, Penguin General UK, and author Josie Silver for providing an ARC in exchange for a review! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first Josie Silver and, sadly, it wasn’t for me. 2.5/5

First of all, I would categorise this book as Women’s Fiction, definitely not Romance. We are supposed to read the slow-burn romance of former soap actress Kate Elliott and talent agent Charlie Francisco, but we are faced with something different.

There was no chemistry at all between our two main characters; there were not even enough interactions to create a proper build-up to their relationship, which felt forced and underdeveloped.

The concept was interesting at first, but then it didn't go anywhere and felt disjointed. Although it felt refreshing to have older characters, it was quite a disappointing read.

I was engaged and invested from the start in this insightful, original romantic tale. Kate is a believable and complex woman, newly divorced and needing to earn a living. She abandoned her dreams as a young woman for love and now wonders if she is due a second chance. The offered acting role is risky and unusual, but she needs the money, so she takes a risk. Charlie is grieving for his father and trying to fill his big shoes. Something about Kate appeals to him, and he takes a risk. Multilayered, this story explores celebrity, family relationships, grief and the intrusive nature of social media. Kate's sister, Liv, is always on her side and contrasts with her ex and even her daughter, whose immaturity mirrors Kate's from her younger life. Kate is courageous and fights for those she loves, which makes her someone to invest in. The romance is conflicted and gentle but shimmers in the background until it becomes all-consuming. I liked the believable characters, the contemporary relevance of the issues explored and the romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

What a fantastic book. A newly divorced actress is hired to be the face of a new book. A book that has been written by a famous author of a different genre. All is going well until it's leaked that she is not the author.
Ramifications for all the player's agents, family, author and the actress.
Not going to spoil it but I read it in one day. You won't be able to put it down.

since multiple reviews mentioned that the book's focus isn't the romance aspect of the story, I went into it with an open mind and I'm so glad I did!

Kate's story is chaotic, emotional, funny and the premise is sweet. I flew through it, read this book in pretty much two sittings. the dedication says it's 'a love letter to the mighty romance-reading community' and I think that messages shines through these pages beautifully. I adored the emails exchanged between Kate and 'H' and found the bond between the sisters absolutely heartwarming.

I do have to agree that the romance plot line didn't feel strong enough. I was prepared for slow burn – I'm a huge lover of the trope and yearning, if executed well – but the pacing and development of their relationship left me feeling like I wanted more. I must admit, I was not a fan of the whole whisky-cola eyes, sorry!

overall, it was a really enjoyable summer weekend read and I would definitely read the author's work again.

thank you to Josie Silver, Penguin and Netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this new book by Josie Silver, a gentle romance with a lovely story. A good holiday read. Kate's starting over story is one that many might relate to and the peppering of other characters also at turning points in their lives are great additions.

This is another lovely gentle story written by this author. In short, Kate is recently divorced and whilst not penniless, needs a job. All she has done for the last twenty years is bring up her daughter and look after her husband. She decides to write to her once agent who got her an acting part in her late teens to see if he would represent her again and if there were any jobs he could put her up for. Unfortunately her agent has passed away but in from stage right is his son Charlie. He was a successful screenwriter in LA it came back after his divorce.

Charlie and his now business partner (his late father’s business partner) decide Kate would be perfect to “act” as the author of a new romance novel. Kate takes up the mantle and embarks on all things book promoting for the book that she believes is one of the best love stories she has ever read, without knowing who the author is only that they are a famous author.

The book hit on so many levels, all the information about publishing, releasing and promoting books and what authors, real or ghost, actually go through. Running through the book is the will they won’t they relationship between Kate and Charlie.

The book is a lovely read with the thread of a love story but also with some incredibly funny moments, mainly concerning Kate’s sister Liv who I absolutely adored as a character.

A blistering summer read

I really enjoyed *Slow Burn Summer* by Josie Silver. It’s a quiet, emotional story that takes its time, which I appreciated. The characters felt layered and believable, both are dealing with their own grief and uncertainty, and their connection builds slowly in a way that feels honest. I liked that it wasn’t rushed or overly romanticised; it’s more about timing, trust, and learning to open up again. Subtle but impactful, and it stayed with me.

Great book - really enjoyed it. Quite a different concept for a storyline but as a book lover, I found it really interesting. Really good characters and a great pace to the book - it kept moving and I kept turning the pages! Would make a great holiday read. My only negative comment would be that I didn't really get the title of the book - not really sure where that came from?! (but that could just be me!).

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

I absolutely loved this book! The plot is so unusual and completely absorbing—and yes, there’s even a mystery trifle thrower that keeps you guessing right until the very end! I really appreciated the epilogue, but what I thought was especially clever was having a prologue at the end, which ties everything back to the beginning in such a satisfying way. You’ll have to read it to understand, but trust me—it’s brilliant!

The concept of this sounded great- but the execution didn’t quite hit the mark. I didn’t connect with the characters or the story, I’m not a fan of the trope of one of the characters’ keeping a secret for most of the narrative. The slow burn was also dragging a little, it seemed too drawn out.

When Kate Elliott starts looking for work as an actress, talent agent Charlie Francisco happens to need a 'ghost author' to promote a new book - a beautiful romance. Written by the mysterious 'H' who normally writes thrillers, the book is an epic love story which quickly becomes a best seller and makes Kate famous. But everything is based on a lie..
I really enjoyed this book, which is a fascinating insight into the publishing process. I felt that Kate and the book were the main story, with the chance of romance very secondary to proceedings, which produced a few twists I didn't anticipate. The characters are all beautifully written and jump of the page, but special mention must go to football fans and bridesmaids who ride at dawn!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK for the review copy.

This book is perfect for when you need a light, cozy read between heavier ones. The characters are likable, making it easy to slip back into their world. Kate, despite being at a later stage in life, felt incredibly relatable. I found myself rooting for her to grow and rediscover herself.
I absolutely loved her sister Liv! She was such a fun addition, always having Kate's back. Their moments together were wild, heartwarming, and guaranteed to make you laugh.
One of my favorite aspects was Kate's correspondence with the real author. It added such a unique and heartfelt layer to the story. And then there's Charlie, the perfect, caring love interest. Kate struggles with stepping into the role of "author" and facing the challenges of the bookish community, but Charlie is always there supporting her and putting her first.
If I had one small wish, it would be for a stronger, more intense connection between the main characters - Ilove a romance with undeniable chemistry and pull. But overall, this was a sweet, „feel good" read, perfect for when you're in the mood for something light and charming.

I devoured this book. I loved the unique storyline and each and every one of the characters, it's a great read. Will definitely be recommending this!

Thank you to Net Galley, the author & publisher for this arc.

Unfortunately, I have decided to DNF this at 35%. This book just isn’t for me. The writing is good but this is more contemporary literature than a rom-com and marketed wrong. I’m not getting any slow burn romance from this story so far which is what it’s sold as.

Interesting plot, lovable characters and a romance set during the summer is often a win! This one was boring, lacked chemistry and while the main character had banter, there weren't any sparks. I love slow burn but this felt as though no time or energy was invested into building their romantic relationship.

Josie Silver’s writing style is lovely & easy to read. The story was interesting but unfortunately, I just wasn’t interested. I struggled to connect with Kate or feel invested in the storyline and the romance element didn’t quite land the way I hoped it would. I can absolutely see others enjoying this but sadly it wasn’t the right fit for me.

2.5 ⭐️