Review by natashaleighton_ - Slow Burn Summer

natashaleighton_ 's review for:

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

Witty, heartfelt and bursting with soo much nuance— Josie Silver’s sizzlingly slow burn, second chance romance had me on tenterhooks until the very last page!

This may come as a surprise, but Slow Burn Summer is actually the first of Silver’s books I’ve ever read and I completely get the hype now. Her writing brings a sense of intimacy and emotional honesty to the story, which sees her flawed but loveable characters embark on journeys that help them find their way back to themselves — something I found soo satisfyingly uplifting!

And that uplifting tone carries over into the cast of characters too. Especially our adorably charming MC, Kate! Reeling from her recent divorce, (yet determined to kickstart her acting career) I was in awe of her bravery at taking that first big step into the unknown, not knowing if it would lead to the reinvention and self discovery she so desperately hoped for.

But pay off it does! Maybe not in the way she had envisioned, but her messy, unpredictable path and self deprecating humour leads Kate to finally let go of her insecurities and slowly transform into a confident and self assured person who doesn’t need a role or relationship to define her.

Likewise, Charlie undergoes his own emotional transformation, delving behind his polished, guarded exterior to the man shaped both by others’ expectations and the legacy his father (Kate’s former agent & a powerhouse in the industry) left behind. His time with Kate sees him let go of his mask and finally confront his feelings (and fears) surrounding ambition, relationships and learning to live more authentically— which I really enjoyed. Plus his chemistry with Kate was fabulous.

I also have mention to Liv for being such a supportive (and hilariously badass) sister to Kate— I loved her!

Honestly there’s soo much to love that I could be here all day waxing poetic. So I’ll just say, this was a gorgeously slow burn, deeply emotional yet satisfying read that fans of Bridget Jones or Beth O’Leary definitely have to consider checking out.

Also, a huge thank you to Penguin UK for the stunning proof and PR goodies

Content Warnings