One thing I’ve learned over the many years of reviewing I have done is if the author tells you that a romance is a slow burn, believe it.
This one is definitely a slow burn, hence the name. But it also has a double entendre included as well. An unlikely romance that touches on some heavy subjects, but a wonderful romance too. Check out my thoughts below.
The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (September 24, 2024)
ISBN-13: 978-1250894724
OVERVIEW:
Ellie Wasserman’s life is neat and tidy, and that’s exactly how she wants it. Really. A top ghostwriter for celebrity cookbooks, she was widowed three years ago and has no interest in taking chances―not on writing her own cookbook, not on telling her still-grieving in-laws she wants to move out, and certainly not on dating, which is about as intimidating as a recipe with fifty steps.
Kieran O’Neill isn’t known for being organized. An up-and-coming chef who scored big on a reality television competition, he’s been the guy who cracks jokes and makes messes―something his chilly family has never let him forget. The only place he feels truly capable is at the stove. But when he’s paired with an uptight ghostwriter with cool blue eyes and distracting curves to write his debut cookbook, she shreds his class clown act like a paring knife cuts an orange peel.
As Ellie and Kieran are forced to work closely together in a hot kitchen for weeks on end, their sharp edges and harsh judgments slowly soften and sweeten into a wildly delicious attraction. Long, steamy days turn into even steamier nights, but they have to face their painful pasts to know if this tender new love can transform into something lasting.
The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain Review
I have to say, I was a tad concerned when this book started. The author wasn’t kidding when she said slow burn. It felt like half of the book they were at odds with each other, then drip by drip, they started warming up.
There was a lot going on with this book other than the budding heat in the kitchen. We are also faced with intense grieving, which in itself was a lot for Ellie to deal with on top of trying to move forward. The guilt is strong in this one!
We also face parental neglect, mean personalities, and a multitude of other tropes popping in a out. There was a lot to unpack here. Some of the secondary characters you love to hate!
Once the two main characters started working with each other instead of against each other, I really got involved with the story. These two have a fabulous connection which allowed for understanding and feeling to grow. The romance was sweet, not overly hot, and in the end, the two stood for and with each other.
Overall, The Slowest Burn offers a wonderful plot that slowly grows and develops into a lovely romance. I love the fabulous ideas and foods they are cooking up together. Too bad the cookbooks don’t really exist!
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.
One thought on “The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain: Review”
Great review. I looked at this book, but I’m not so sure about it anymore. Not sure I want to take on all those heavy emotional topics. Might keep it for some time in the future.