4.5 Stars

Kate is almost 40, recently divorced and her daughter just left for college. So now, with nothing to do and not much money to do it with... she needs a job.
Enter Charlie. He took over his dad's talent agency and he needs an actress to 'play' an author who doesn't want their real name associated with their first ever romance book.
Kate was thinking more along the lines of a theatre job or a commercial. But okay. She can play an author for a bit. She loves books.
And seeing her hot new agent more often won't hurt much either.

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That was so adorable!
And funny and sweet and bookish and also a bit sad.
We want for Kate to get her happily ever after and this new bookish world would be the perfect life for her. But it's not her life. She's just pretending. Ugh. So sad.
But of course it's not all sad. We get lots of funny and sweet and bookish and exciting and ... it's just adorable. I loved reading it. I adored the sister and brother in law and even super grumpy Fiona! Lol! Great cast! Great book world romance that gives us exactly what it promises: an amazing slow burn summer! READ IT!

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver is a beautiful, beautiful story that gripped me with both hands and didn't let go anymore. Published by Penguin General UK telling the story of Kate and Charlie.
Unique, intriguing, well written with some lengths, set in London UK, a wonderful slow burn, a story that gives all the feels.
I have a question, why does the author disrupt the flow with repeatedly putting 4 words into one???

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver had some lovely moments, but overall, it didn’t quite come together for me. I liked the premise of the ghost author, I typically enjoy the meta aspect of books about the publishing industry and this was a fun twist. There were some strong themes around love and grief, and a few humorous moments (like the T-Rex in the costume shop!). I had a lot of sympathy for Kate; she’s a relatable protagonist who seems to have been landed in an impossible situation by every member of her family.

However, the romance felt underdeveloped. The relationship between Kate and Charlie didn’t get enough time to grow, and I struggled to feel invested in them as a couple. The I-love-you declaration at the end completely took me by surprise as it didn’t feel built up in the story.

While I like Josie Silver’s writing a lot, the book was bogged down by too many subplots, like the email exchanges with the ghost author, which distracted from the main romance. There seemed to be more time given to the relationship with Kate and Hugh, than Kate and Charlie. The "first love" storyline seemed a bit weak. The side characters, such as Kate’s daughter and ex-husband, felt underdeveloped and one-dimensional, and some threads, like the manuscripts Kate rescues from her old house, were abandoned without resolution.

Slow Burn Summer had its moments of charm and humor, but the lack of focus on the central romance and the uneven pacing left me wanting more.

Another excellent story from Josie Silver. The idea of an unknown actress playing the part of an author because the real author doesn’t want to be associated with the book they’ve written had me hooked from the start. Kate is an endearing main character who’s spent most of her life putting others first, and her new agent Charlie is the ideal, caring love interest. Every good rom com heroine needs a fun, supportive sidekick and Kate’s sister Liv fulfills that role perfectly. With lots of ‘will they, won’t they’ moments and clues to the identity of the mystery writer, this is an entertaining read. I loved it.

“+I want to be part of your story.
-You are my whole book.”

Maravillada con esta historia!!! He estado inmersa desde el mismo inicio, me ha parecido increíble la forma de atrapar de la autora con su manera de escribir.

Read this book for:
📑Workplace romance
📑Actress x Talent Agent
📑Forced proximity
📑Slow burn
📑Redemption arc

Synopsis
Kate Elliot is used to playing roles, but nothing could prepare her for this one: pretending to be the author of the year’s hottest romance novel. Hired by talent agent Charlie Francisco to be the face of a reclusive writer, Kate immerses herself in interviews, signings, and all the chaos of a blockbuster book tour. But things get complicated when Kate starts exchanging creative notes with the real, anonymous writer and discovers unexpected chemistry with Charlie. As the book becomes a literary phenomenon, Kate must navigate her growing feelings and the precarious web of lies threatening to unravel everything, including her chance at love.

My Thoughts
This book was a total wild card for me. Based on the blurb, it felt like it could either be a big hit or a complete miss—but I’m so glad to say it was an absolutely hit! The story of Kate and Charlie pulled me in right from the start, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

Kate, in particular, stole the show for me. Her vulnerability and the emotional journey she went on to discover her own worthiness for love was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Watching her grow, stumble, and ultimately embrace herself felt so authentic, and it was hard not to root for her every step of the way.

I also adored her sister Liv. What a standout character! She brought so much humor and warmth to the story, and every time she appeared, I couldn’t stop laughing. Liv is exactly the kind of person you’d want in your corner—unflinchingly supportive, honest to a fault, and wildly entertaining. I loved Hugh as well especially the T-rex scene and all the emails that have been written.

And then there’s Charlie. The sensitive, steady, and dependable talent agent who stood by Kate through every twist and turn. His quiet strength and ability to be there for her, even in the most difficult moments, was so endearing. I loved the balance he brought to the story, especially when Kate was struggling to navigate the more chaotic parts of her situation. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the slow burn of their connection kept me turning the pages.

If I had one critique, it would be the ending. After such a wonderfully drawn-out slow burn, the final declaration of love felt a little too sudden for me. It was almost like I got emotional whiplash—the "I love you’s" and resolution came so quickly that I felt it could have used just a bit more build-up. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story; it just left me wanting more of that sweet, satisfying payoff.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it without hesitation! It’s heartfelt, funny, and filled with memorable characters that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore the words written by Josie Silver, and the storyline that she shares in Slow Burn Summer is simply wonderful.

I do love narratives where leading characters are authors, and Ms. Silver took this in a different direction - which was a refreshing change. As a reader, I had my own opinions on Kate’s journey, and I feel that the story unfolded as I imagined it should. It, on the whole, felt very true to life.

Thinking back over the storyline, Slow Burn Summer seems to me to be more than just the courtship between Kate and Charlie. I did initially wonder if the author should have focused more on their romance – especially towards the end. However, I love different. The development of the storyline and the characters portrayed are perfect. Who wants to read the same, over and over again?

Slow Burn Summer took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved the humour. I adored the relationship between Kate and Liv, and a story always gets a huge tick from me if my assumptions are proven wrong.
I highly recommend Slow Burn Summer to you to read.

Loved, loved, loved this! I devoured it over the past weekend - made me cry a number of times - in the best ways. The main character, Kate, gets likened to Bridget Jones in the book and it definitely gave me the same vibes - laugh out loud funny in places! a hard recommend from me :)

Wow. This was IMPOSSIBLE to put down and resulted in far too many late nights but with no regrets because it was a brilliant story. I loved Kate’s character, I loved Liv and their passionate sisterly relationship. I thought the premise was very clever and the best thing was that I was kept guessing the entire duration of the story. Triflegate was inspired and it was just such an entertaining and moving story- would absolutely recommend and will be telling everyone to read it!!

OMG I LOVED IT!!
As with all Josie Silver’s books this had me gripped from start to finish, taking the reader on an emotional ride, I cringed, laughed, cried and felt so frustrated for the character Kate in this truly fabulous novel.
As well as bringing all the characters to life it was a glimpse into the publishing world, which is tough and unpredictable.
I loved Kate and her family, hated Richard and the trolls on social media.
Without spoilers, my favourite scene involved a mass of book community supporters who showed up when really needed!
Charlie was indeed a wonderful character too, we all need a Charlie in our lives, to pick up the pieces and be out cheerleader.
Overall a feel good happy ever after ❤️

This was a very fresh and original read about a new book release being published with a unique twist - unbeknown to the readers. Kate desperately needs work and upon reading a manuscript and falling in love with the story she agrees to act the part of the author who is desperate to conceal their identity. Kate is a fantastic character and as the story progresses the impact the book has on her is really well related, I also liked the connection between her and the author which were told through email. Charlie was a nice addition to the story but this felt more like a love story about books than one between Kate and Charlie, not actually a criticism as the book side made for really strong reading.

Loved.

“I want to be part of your story.”
“You’re my whole book. “

Swoon!

I had tears running down my face into my Lush snowfairyinthused bath water. They were happy, delighted, younailedit tears.

I’ve been immersed in the book world for many years. I’ve seen the drama of it play out before my eyes. The scandals and the apoplectic rage from readers when they feel like they’ve been slighted. The, howdareyounot complete the series, the, why did you kill my favourite character, the, whyisyourswagshit. This book perfectly, perfectly portrays the drama.

Kate Elliott, newly divorced decides to try to resurrect her once promising acting career. Her agent Jojo Francisco, sadly passed away, but his gorgeous, aviator wearing son, Charlie is picking up where he left off. I love Charlie Francisco!

Kate gets sucked into the whirlwind of a successful author’s life, when she takes on the acting role of the writer of a romance book. I really want to read The Power of Love, it comes across as an absolute masterpiece.

I loved what happens at her first book signing event. You honestly can tell the newbie authors who turn up with a smile and a pen and have no clue what is going to hit them when the book universe descends on them.

I laughed out loud at things that happened to Kate and I felt her lows and cheered at her highs. T-Rex outfits and trifle will forever make me smile and remember this book.

I’ve read a very early copy of this book and one of the things I loved about it, is when words are rolled together to create new words. I have no idea if it’s a formatting issue, or whether they are intended. If they are intended, I think they are bloody genius, and if they weren’t intended, please keep them in! I mean, holdingonbyathreadhere tone, is something that we’ve all experienced, amIrite?

“He kissed her full of champagne-tomorrow promises and she kissed him back with youmakemeactuallyshiver wonder.”

Brilliant!

I had high expectations of this book, having been a fan of Josie Silver’s previous work.. and it totally delivered! It felt like a fresh angle that I’d not come across before, the characters felt realistic and well developed and the pacing felt just right - I devoured this in one sitting!

If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. I loved it!

Devoured it over 2 days, it was one of those ‘can’t put down’ book- don’t you just love that.

There’s nothing to criticise, it was pure genius.

Josie Silver, you have another best seller on your hands.
Huge recommendation from me.

I absolutely adore Josie Silver! Her books stay with me forever. I love the concept of “acting” I feel we are all actors in some way. Some of us get paid for it and some of us don’t. I love the idea of also starting fresh after turmoil and I think readers are going to love these themes in this beauties uplifting story by one of my favorite authors of all time

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. An intriguing premise, great characters and a well plotted story, a wild ride which revealed the secrets of the publishing world and highlighted the hideous aspects of the phenomenon of social media. I liked Kate and Charlie and of course the relationship between the sisters was fabulous. The author writes really well, with flowing prose and fabulous dialogue. It was sharp, funny, moving and emotionally satisfying.

However there were several aspects of the book which niggled.
Firstly pre-nups are not legally binding in the UK although judges can take note of them in certain circumstances. Kate was so young when she married, it could be argued that the terms of the pre-nip were unfair - so the horrible husband would not have been able to cast her off so easily or without a fair division of goods and chattels. So the rationale for her being so short of funds and desperate for money didn’t ring true to me.
The ex-husband was so uniformly one-dimensionally villainous, he was unbelievable.
It was even more doubtful that the daughter wouldn’t have sided with Kate after he treated the mother so badly - then and later when his sued that dreadful statement.
Finally, - despite Kate warning Alice how important it was that the secret was not revealed, she happily shares with the awful boyfriend who immediately sells the email to the media - and Kate says nothing but comforting words to her daughter. No - that was so unreal. Of course she would have forgiven her, but to immediately segue into devoted mother mode struck me as utterly unbelievable.

I would have loved a longer resolution for Charlie and Kate. The author spend more page time on the meeting up with Harry in the bookshop than the resolution between Kate and Charlie and I was disappointed.

Because of these weaknesses, I rate this a three star read. Entertaining and enjoyable. And I would read more by this author.