3*
It takes something special to hold my attention, and although I’m a fan of Silver’s previous books, I struggled to get through this one. Yes, the title is Slow Burn Summer, but it seemed more about lack of forward momentum that would keep me engaged than about the buildup of a tepid romance. The chemistry between Kate and Charlie was the opposite of explosive, so much so that I didn’t remember the one s#x scene between them that came late in the book. I also didn’t care for Silver’s choice of third person narration because it created a sense of unnecessary distance between this reader and the main characters. There are other aspects of the story that disappointed me, but are hard to describe without spoilers. So, I’ll just leave it that it wasn’t the book for me, but I think it’ll find its audience.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
5*
Nora, a literary agent in NYC, has a savior complex, sacrificing her own dreams and happiness because of a compulsive need to take care of her sister, her authors, and the memory of her mother. She took on a mothering role while still a child herself because her own cared more about her acting career than she did her daughters. Unfortunately, Nora never gave up parenting her younger sister Libby, a codependent relationship that’s kept her from living her own life and her sister from growing into a capable, independent adult. So when Libby asks her to take a month-long vacation in Sunrise Falls, NC, the setting of her favorite book, Nora can’t say no, despite the fact that her entire life’s focus is her work.
So, imagine her surprise, when morose book editor Charlie, with whom she’s had a contentious relationship for years, keeps turning up. As they get to know each other and the walls they’ve both built up begin to crumble and sexual tension becomes incendiary, they must decide if they’re willing to take the risk and make the sacrifice to be together. In a reflection of the romantic literary trope of big city person who has business in a small town, meeting their soulmate, and deciding to give up their life to start a new one, Nora has been the loser in this scenario 4 times. However, when the tables are turned and Nora is the one who needs to choose between the city she loves or the chance to build a relationship with Charlie in a small town, will she be willing to give up her job and NYC to be with the man she loves or will Charlie find a way to be with her despite family obligations keeping him in NC?
Ultimately, this enemies-to-lovers romance is about the meaning of home…is it a place or people? Can a person be happy anywhere if they’re with those they love or can a place be an all-consuming love? Henry has written another wonderful, intelligent story that strikes a perfect balance between snarky, witty banter and serious issues. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Fans of Christina Lauren will love this one!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
