The Bookish Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

If there’s one thing Josie Silver does well, it’s crafting a romance that simmers with tension before it finally—finally—boils over. Slow Burn Summer delivers exactly what the title promises: a gradual, deliciously torturous build-up of chemistry between two reluctant hearts, all wrapped up in a unique, slightly theatrical premise.

A Role She Never Expected to Play

Kate Elliott, a former soap opera actress, is at a crossroads. Fresh off a divorce and struggling to figure out her next move, she finds herself accepting an unusual job—pretending to be a reclusive author on a summer book tour. Enter Charlie Francisco, a talent agent with a lot on his plate, including an ex-wife, a struggling agency, and an actual author who refuses to show their face. The solution? Hire Kate to play the part.

A Slow Burn Worth the Wait

Kate and Charlie’s relationship starts off on shaky ground, full of witty banter and a fair amount of skepticism. Their interactions are filled with push-and-pull moments, making it impossible not to root for them. Silver’s writing makes the tension between them feel authentic, with just the right mix of miscommunication, undeniable attraction, and emotional baggage. The “fake persona” trope is always a fun one, but what makes Slow Burn Summer stand out is how it intertwines personal growth with romance.

What Worked

✔️ Unique Premise: A fake author on a book tour? That’s fresh and fun, and Silver uses it well to create tension and humor.

✔️ Emotional Depth: This isn’t just about romance—it’s about rediscovering passion, whether in work, love, or life itself. Both characters have real, relatable struggles.

✔️ The Slow Burn: Silver knows how to make the reader wait for the payoff, and when it finally happens, it’s oh-so-satisfying.

What Could Have Been Stronger

❌ Pacing in the Middle: While the slow burn is a strength, there were moments when the story dragged a bit, particularly in the second act.

❌ More Development for the “Real” Author: The mystery of the true author was intriguing but could have been explored a little deeper.

Final Thoughts

Slow Burn Summer is the perfect beach read—witty, romantic, and full of longing. Josie Silver proves once again that she knows how to write a love story that lingers long after the final page. If you love fake dating (or in this case, fake author-ing), forced proximity, and characters who challenge each other in all the best ways, this one’s for you.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the slow burn to drive you a little crazy—in the best way possible.