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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite but some interesting parts!
I’ve been a fan of Josie Solver since One Day in December came out and was thrilled to have the chance to read her new novel. She does a really great job of building whimsical and sort of outlandish scenarios and characters into stories that feel grounded in reality and emotion. I felt so invested in our FMC Kate and her journey to figuring out her post-divorce life. This was heartfelt and lovely — though not quite my favorite Josie Silver book.
4 stars
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was good but maybe my expectations were higher? I went into Slow Burn Summer expecting full rom-com vibes, something a bit different and dreamier and maybe that’s on me. The book is still a fun read, though. The premise is: Kate Elliott, fresh off a messy divorce and feeling lost, gets hired to pretend she wrote a bestselling romance. Her boss is a brooding agency owner juggling grief, legacy pressure, and he has a mystery manuscript he can’t publish under the real authors name.
Without giving much away, brace yourself cause the slow burn part is very real. But I didn’t feel THAT spark. It’s more like slow-building tension without delivering big passion or romance.
Middle of the book dragged for me. I hated that part of the story and how it felt like no one protected Kate in such a difficult spot. I also kind of wished the “real author reveal” and Kate’s ex backstory were explored a bit more - kinda felt rushed.
Still no hate—there’s heart. Kate’s arc about reinventing herself, Charlie’s journey hacking out his own path, and the sister bond grounding everything made it soft and relatable. But for someone expecting full romance, it’s a quiet simmer not a fireworks show.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wish they’d hated each other more.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.75 out of 5: I loved the idea of a ghost author and the mystery behind who the real author was to Kate(as well as the reasons to why in the bonus scene that relays back into the beginning of the novel). I also love any book that gives me insight into the publish industry, author events and into release day. I loved the bond between Kate and her sister Liv and their support of each other.
The romance itself was a slow burn but it wasn't at the forefront for me it was more about the book and the book community. Finding and establishing yourself, goals, and creativity again. This was a sweet read with a bit of mystery and it does show the importance of books to us.
I will forever be in love with how Josie Silver writes settings and will continue to support her books whether it be through reading them through the library to buying my favorites. As two of her books found me when I needed them most.
The romance itself was a slow burn but it wasn't at the forefront for me it was more about the book and the book community. Finding and establishing yourself, goals, and creativity again. This was a sweet read with a bit of mystery and it does show the importance of books to us.
I will forever be in love with how Josie Silver writes settings and will continue to support her books whether it be through reading them through the library to buying my favorites. As two of her books found me when I needed them most.
This was such a fun read about an actress hired to play the role of author of a book, in place of a very famous author who is publishing something that feels too personal to put their own name on. The talent agent who is the go between is also in a tricky spot: trying to carve his own path and fill his father’s shoes. It was quite funny and poignant and I really enjoyed it. Would recommend!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
No