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 ⭐️

Two and a half stars more like.

Things I liked: older characters, liked Kate and her sister and I liked the way this author writes.

However - uh. I just didn't - I don't even know how to properly explain it - feel it? Like all the key components were there but I just could not make them fit in a way to make me really invest in this, the romance part was lacking for me. There is actually very little romance in this and the second part of the book was so different from the first half, at least to me. I sadly think this book was advertised a bit wrongly, at least judging by the premise/blurb which got me to request an ARC, but the story didn't really deliver on that.

Slow Burn Summer is a delightful story by Josie Silver about the romance between Kate Elliott and Charlie Francisco. An entertaining unique story with good banter and lots of funny events.

Kate’s life has been upside down since she walked in on her husband and his secretary. She was young when she married and signed a prenup because she was in love. Now she’s divorced , about to turn forty and living in a small flat above her sister’s fancy dress shop. She is also in need of a job so writes a letter to her old talent agent Jojo Francisco. He had been like a father figure to her when her acting career took off and was very upset when she threw it all away for Richard. She knows it’s an unrealistic hope the acting world will accept her back after twenty years but she’s no idea what’s she going to do otherwise. Things don’t go as planned so she’s late for the interview and then finds a very attractive Charlie sitting at his dads desk.

Jojo had recently passed away, leaving Charlie his agency. He had never planned on taking over his dads business. He was a script writer for a Hollywood studio but he hit rock bottom when his marriage broke up. Rumours were rife about what had happened and questions were asked about the movies he’d written. After messy divorce and losing his job, his dad had gone and brought him home. He had read Kate’s letter and knew his dad had been cross she’d given up her dreams for love. By chance he’s got a job that would suit Kate. It requires an unknown actress to pose as a romance author and be the face behind a new book. The real author wants to remain anonymous as it’s not their usual genre.

Kate is tempted by the chance to reinvent herself and be someone different. Her daughter Alice has gone off to university so alone for the first time in years. She’d written romance stories after giving up acting until Alice born. Once she reads the book, Kate Darrowby is born and Kate throws herself into whole heartedly into the role but can she keep the subterfuge or will the truth be revealed.

Liv her older sister is absolutely wonderful, loyal and devoted to Kate. There are some very funny scenes when the sisters up to mischief and Liv stands up for Kate. I laughed at the T-Rex incident and the radio interview antics. I liked how the mystery over who the actual author built up throughout the boo, with lots of possible suspects. I loved Kate’s experience at a book signing and her communications with the real author who calls her the book’s guardian angel.

The slow burn romance develops in the background but to me is overshadowed by Kate being the pretend author. There didn’t seem a lot of chemistry between them and the romcom parts especially with Liv stand out more. Kate has conflicting feelings for Charlie as the sexual tension builds . Could he bring her some magic moments back into her life. He’d never met anyone like her before and her unfiltered honesty amused him, which leads to him taking risks when he is with her. It was disappointing that their relationship became an insta love scenario, even though he fallen for her since the day she walked into his office.

There is some family drama and twists at the end with some interesting revelations. A sweet epilogue and I liked the deleted scene. It’s an interesting look at the book world. As a romcom it needed a bit more romance to go with the comedy.

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖

- - -
Read this book if you like:
□ slow-burn romance
□ set in England
□ agent/actress
□ authors
□ rom-com
□ fake identity

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

First time reading a book where the characters are 40 years old and not 18 or 20 years old. This was really nice and refreshing.

I really enjoyed this rom-com. I liked the playful banter between the main characters and how they want the best for each other. Both went through a lot (divorce, cheating, etc).The FMC's sister is my favorite character. She is hilarious and so protective of her sister. Sibling goals!

I sometimes had a difficult time staying focused on the story. It was too much information and details at times. The pacing was quite uneven.

But overall, it's an emotional, warm, and cozy rom-com.

Oh, this one really kept me stuck to my kobo! I'm so glad I requested this arc. Also, a book about books and the publishing industry? Sign me up!

I enjoyed reading this so much. It's a slow burn story, which I don't particularly like as much, but it actually felt like it was written in a steady pace. It's light and fun, but it also touches on less positive situations and feelings, which gives the book a nice touch of reality.

I loved the interactions between Kate and Charlie, they seemed to compliment each other since the beginning of the story. The other characters were also very well written and shaped, and I think Liv (Kate's sister) might be my favourite one! She's so funny and protective of her sister.

If you're looking for a romance novel with a touch of mystery, drama and still capable to give you a good laugh, this one's for you!

Rating: 4/5 stars.

We meet recently divorced Kate who has got back in touch with her old agent to try and re-start an acting career which she left many years before. However he has sadly died, but his son Charlie has taken over his place! Charlie offers Kate the job of a lifetime - playing the part of an author for a book that is due to be released. The actual author wants to remain anonymous, but has agreed for their story to be released if someone else plays their part! Can Kate convince the public and the media that she wrote the book?

This is such a lovely book! I really liked Kate and Charlie's characters and found you could connect to both of them! This was such an unusual storyline, one which I haven't read before, and I very quickly was hooked into the storyline! I loved the anonymity of the "actual" author and thought this was cleverly written to keep this hidden as the story moved on. I must admit the dinosaur scene was so funny and put great images in my head as I read! It was full of other funny moments and I loved seeing Kate wriggle her way out of some of the scrapes she got herself into!

It wasn't just a humorous read though, there were also some serious moments and topics such as grief throughout which were dealt with sensitively and there was also the romantic element! Whilst the title is "slow burn", the storyline certainly isn't and it was well paced and held my attention throughout! The supporting characters, whilst not all as likeable, added to Kate and Charlie's storyline and enhanced the storyline even more! I loved this book and for me, it's the perfect read for the summer!

There’s something lovely about a quiet, slow build, unrushed and atmospheric but this one just didn’t quite hold me. The writing had charm and promise, and I could feel the intention behind every page… but the spark never really caught for me.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing or mood, and while I didn’t finish, I can absolutely see this working for readers who love a tender, patient kind of storytelling.

Wishing this one well on the shelves, it just wasn’t the summer read I was burning for. ☀️📖