Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the ARC.

I just wanted to say while I enjoyed the story overall, this book disappointed me in a lot of ways.

I had a hard time getting invested in these characters. Mostly, I found Ellie to be grating and Kieran to be ridiculous. I understand that both of them have their own respective issues that lend themselves to these characterizations, but the author didn't do much to endear me to them. It was difficult for me to get over my initial impressions of them and get to the heart of the matter.

The romance felt a bit unfinished to me. The progression for these two people didn't feel natural. At times, it felt very stilted and clunky and other times it felt wildly unbelievable. It didn't feel like watching two people fall in love but rather them going down a checklist of things that needed to happen in a romance book.

I enjoyed reading the book, though. I am sure plenty of people will read this and enjoy it immensely. I just wanted more than what I got.

The Slowest Burn is a slow burn, enemies to lovers story, and so much more. Ellie is a 30-something widow, taught from childhood to be a people pleaser in extreme. Kieran is a master chief who has been asked to write a cookbook, but he hates to write and cooks by instinct and taste. This is the sweetest love story, with dual POV, opposites attract, and wonderful side characters.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for an ARC copy of this book.

This was a super sweet romance. MMC Kieran won a reality TV cooking show, and is now putting out a cookbook. Enter MFC Ellie who is his ghost writer. Ellie is ultra organized, and Kieran has ADHD.
The burn was slow... but I absolutely loved both of them! There was so much talk of recipes and food... and I was here for it.
But the character who stole the show for me was Ben. What a gem. And Floyd the cat obviously.

This was a really enjoyable read. I loved the complicated family/ relationship histories. The characters had such depth!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read early!

This was a cute but kind of average romance for me...with some added depth. It was definitely a slow burn which is one of my favorite tropes, but sometimes it felt a little too slow.

The depth came from both main characters as one was dealing with guilt and grief (both her own and others close to her), and the other was dealing with social issues and emotional abuse. I enjoyed watching as these two began to see outside themselves, recognize each other's needs/pain and step in to provide support and eventually love...that's what I really take away from this story. They both made missteps/mistakes, and there were a few frustrating moments for me, but overall, I admired the growth arc and considered it a good and worthwhile read.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for providing the free early arc of The Slowest Burn for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

The Slowest Burn made me realize just how much I really love culinary romances. As someone who has always loved cooking shows and competitions, this was a really fun and lovely read, and the cookbook ghostwriter aspect was really unique.

Dual POV is my favorite way to read a romance and this one was exceptional. I will admit that I didn’t much like Ellie at first, but the more she opened herself not only to Kieran, but also to us as the reader, I really enjoyed her and felt for her after all she’s been through. Kieran was very easy for me to fall for, partially due to how very well done the ADHD rep Sarah Chamberlain wrote was. I saw so much of my husband in him and his mannerisms and struggles.
The chemistry between Ellie and Kieran was apparent from the start, which definitely made for a good enemies to lovers trope. They had such good banter and the opposites attract was in full swing. The way they learned to let their guards down and lean into each other was really special and great to read.
This book also really touched on some heavy topics in such a beautiful way, not only ADHD struggles, but sobriety, death and grief, depression, parental neglect and trauma. It was such a rollercoaster of emotions, but done in an incredibly powerful and elegant way.

I really cannot say enough good things about this book, and could go on forever, but I will leave it at, if you read one romance for the rest of the year, make it The Slowest Burn.

Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC via NetGalley.

Oh my gosh, I loved this book so much! If this is a debut, I can only imagine how amazing her next books will be.

It was essentially a mix between The Bear and How to Lose a Guy In Ten Days, or any other romcom you’ve experienced and loved in the last few decades. It was sweet, it was silly, it was emotional, and it felt so real.

The relationship that builds between Ellie and Kieran is really such a beautiful story. Both have gone through so much in their lives and we really get to know who these characters are and what their motivations are and it’s tough and a little messy sometimes. The angst and tension here was done so perfectly! Their banter had me cracking up often and secondhand embarrassment had me closing my kindle to recover and regroup. I love when characters are relatable!

Essentially these two felt that they were so flawed and so undeserving of good things in their lives. Ellie has always been the one to take care of others and put everyone ahead of herself. She spent her whole life caring for people and never expecting anything in return. Kieran grew up feeling inadequate due to learning disabilities. He wants so badly to prove himself but has never had anyone believe in him until Ellie comes along. She helps him realize that he is capable of anything he puts his mind to and he shows her that she is brilliant and deserving of her own success, and that her voice and opinions matter. The way these two lift eachother is so freaking romantic, I could scream. It’s such a sweet and natural progression of a relationship. Even the spice was sweet and the nicknames were cute. I could gush over them for hours.

My only nag:
The third act breakup bothered me, but I can appreciate the level of emotion it brought to the story. It’s not like we couldn’t see it coming.

Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of romcoms! It was short, sweet, and I enjoyed it a lot. The perfect palate cleanser to read in between series.

*Thank you to Sarah Chamberlain and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance! My thoughts and opinions are fully my own.*

4.5/5

I loved this! What starts with two people who can’t stand each other, evolves into a beautiful friendship and then relationship. The stages felt distinct and realistic to me, likely because of the longer timeline. I loved the banter between the two characters. It continues throughout the book, but becomes more playful and loving as opposed to the initial acrimony.

Kieran is such a sweetheart. I just wanted to squeeze him. There’s a lot more to Kieran than what his outward persona suggests and deep down he just wants people to be proud of him, including Ellie. I identified with Ellie’s loyalty and caretaker qualities. She placed her self-worth on her usefulness and Kieran helped her see that she was so much more than what she could do for others. In turn, Ellie showed Kieran he was capable of more than he gave himself credit for. Their support and care for each other was so special.

I also appreciated how the author showed people in various stages of grief. Ellie lost her husband a few years prior and while she’s in a fairly solid place with her own grief, she’s become the main support for her mother-in-law, who is still struggling immensely, to the detriment of her own life. Through the love that develops with Kieran, she realizes she has to start living for herself.

This might be a niche reference but I kept thinking of Seth Green and Lauren Ambrose’s characters from Can’t Hardly Wait as I read. Also, Steve and Miranda from SATC.

If you’re looking for a slow-burn, foodie romance with lots of banter and tender moments, check this out!

In The Slowest Burn, Sarah Chamberlain masterfully crafts a slow-burn romance that delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of a small town filled with vibrant characters, Chamberlain's narrative captivates from the very first page.

The story follows two protagonists, Emma and Jake, whose paths have crossed for years but never quite aligned. Chamberlain does an exceptional job of developing their relationship slowly, allowing readers to witness the evolution of their feelings in a realistic and relatable manner. The tension between them builds steadily, drawing readers into their world and making the eventual moments of connection all the more rewarding.

One of the standout elements of this novel is Chamberlain's ability to create vivid, relatable characters. Emma is fiercely independent yet grappling with her past, while Jake is charming and grounded, yet harboring his own insecurities. Their inner struggles and personal journeys are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making their eventual union not just a romantic climax but a celebration of their growth as individuals.

Chamberlain's writing style is lyrical and engaging, with rich descriptions that bring the setting to life. The small-town atmosphere serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, and the supporting cast adds layers of complexity and warmth to the story. From quirky neighbors to wise friends, each character feels fully realized and contributes meaningfully to the narrative.

While the pacing may feel leisurely at times, it perfectly aligns with the theme of a slow-burn romance. Chamberlain invites readers to savor every moment, reminding us that true love often takes time to develop. The emotional payoff is undeniably satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of hope and fulfillment.

Overall, The Slowest Burn is a beautifully written exploration of love’s intricacies, with a plot that unfolds like a delicate dance. Fans of slow-burn romances will find themselves enchanted by Emma and Jake's journey, while newcomers to the genre will appreciate the depth and heart at the core of this story. Chamberlain has created a compelling tale that lingers long after the last page is turned, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of love that blossoms over time.

Sarah Chamberlain’s debut novel is a love letter to foodies. It’s about Kieran, a newly famous chef with ADHD who just won a reality cooking competition and Ellie, his cookbook’s ghostwriter who is looking for her big break in order to finally move on and move out of her in-laws house.

Their relationship starts off a bit rocky but with a little forced proximity (which we always love), their relationship turns into a great friendship. Of course there is sexual tension and attraction but what kept us turning the pages was their banter and friendship. They opened up to each other and tackled some tough subjects (grief, depression and parental neglect) while making some really delicious sounding food. They balanced each other in an authentic way. She kept him grounded and he left her fly. Their love is a slow burn and the end result is simply delicious!

Read if you like:
▪️Workplace romance
▪️Opposites attract
▪️She’s grumpy & he’s sunshine
▪️Forced Proximity
▪️He falls first
▪️Love after loss

This book was not what I was expecting. The cover did not lend itself to the content. But I enjoyed the characters. I thought it was a little bit slow going at first but overall a solid story.

4 stars
2 spice

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for this ARC!

3.75 Stars!

The Slowest Burn was indeed one of the slowest burns I've read lol. It was halfway through the book before anything, and I was READY. A chew and a cookbook writer was a plot I hadn't read before, and I loved it! They are opposites attract and I loved that the tension was building between them while they worked together. Ellie and Kieran have a sweet and fluffy love story that has tender moments.

What didn't work for me was the spice. It was open door, but I feel as though we got so little? Also, the fake dating blip didn't really make sense for their story to me.

The Slowest Burn has:
- Opposites attract
- Chef/ cookbook writter
- Dual POV
- Little spice
- ADHD representation

ps, maybe we'll get the cookbook they created? I know I would make the recipes.

A wonderfully charming debut!
 
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
 
I adored this read! The main characters were so lovable and their dynamic was hilarious and so romantic!
 
Kieran was such a goofball; I loved him so much! I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of him and Ellie’s story. The banter was to die for, and the romance was just perfect!
 
I highly recommend this to every romance reader; it has all the tropes we know and love! Chefs kiss

Goodies:
Enemies to lovers
Close proximity
Banter
Laugh-out-loud funny
Opposites attract
Reverse grumpy sunshine
HE falls first
Slow burn
Dual POV

4.5⭐️

Thanks @netgalley @smpromance and @sarahchamberlainauthor for the chance to review The Slowest Burn. It releases today!

Sarah's debut romance is full of amazing details about the food world. She really showed her knowledge about the restaurant industry and how cookbooks are made. Also, the chemistry between chef Kieran and cookbook ghostwriter Ellie was delicious!

Here's a bit about the book: Ellie is used to being a ghost in her own life. She helps chefs create beautiful cookbooks but never takes credit for her essential role in creating them. Kieran is a hot-shot chef fresh off a reality show victory where they dubbed him the Happy Pirate Leprechaun. He wants to show the world that he's more than a silly moniker. They couldn't be more different, but as they work together on the cookbook, they start to find that they balance each other perfectly...like adding citrus in a sweet dessert.

Steam: 🔥🔥
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, cool job, bad family, fake dating, just one time

The Slowest Burn was quite enjoyable and easy to read!

It follows Ellie Wasserman, a ghost cookbook author who is still dealing with the death of her husband. She gets offered the job to help write a cookbook for Kieran O’Neill, a chef who recently won a cooking competition show.

We get dual POV, and I feel that this really helped to slowly build up their romance and get a good glimpse at both of their back stories. It is much deeper than a romance and also touches on familial issues and grief. I liked watching both characters heal throughout the course of the book.

There is great tension and banter between the two, however, at times I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two of them.

Overall, it’s a pretty sweet romance!

Also the cover is so beautiful!

This book was so comforting. The characters are each on their own journey of healing when they meet and don't expect that the other could be the one to help them through. The presence of food as love, strength, and connection was a beautiful addition. The way the characters each used cooking as a coping mechanism was incredibly relatable for me and made me love this book even more.

Ellie is a ghostwriter for cookbooks, and has an opportunity to write a cookbook for or with Kieran O’Neill, the winner of the food competition Fire on High. However, after meeting him, not only is he infuriatingly handsome, but he also doesn’t seem to take anything seriously. And Ellie takes her job VERY seriously.

Kieran won the food competition of Fire on High and now has the opportunity to write his own cookbook, until he meets Ellie and thinks she takes things a little too seriously, and is determined to win her over with his cooking.

Can these opposites really attract?

This book gave me many mixed feelings. On one end, I adored it and thought it was cute and quirky. On the other end, I kind of didn’t like it at all. I ended up giving it 4 stars, leaning more towards 3.5, because I really didn’t dislike it. I enjoyed it more than disliking it, and it is quite the cute read, it just has its moments.

This had a lot of emotion and connecting. There’s talk about grief, a lot of it, handling grief, learning to continue on with life, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning your own personal worth.

These two people didn’t exactly grow up in the greatest of households, and it seems like they were kind of handed a lame hand in life. They each seem to see the potential in others, but not in themselves. They each had to learn that through the other.

I know this book is called Slowest Burn, but I wouldn’t really say this was a slow burn. I think they’re the connected pretty quickly and lusted after each other pretty quickly, but it’s more the emotional connection and giving into each others feelings, acknowledging those feelings that was the slow burn. There’s a bit of back and forth and drama, but I think the banter and charm throughout made up for any drama and gave the romance charm.

It’s a deeper thinking book than I expected it to be, and I think it was balanced very well with the romance and everything else that happens in this book. There’s also a cat named Floyd in here and we’ll, I’m a cat lover, so I’m a goner and love Kieran just for his love for the cat 🥰

Overall, it’s a sweet and cute read with some heavy moments and emotion throughout that made for a charming romance. I would recommend, especially if you’re a foodie. Just give it a go if you love food, cooking and romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title:  The Slowest Burn  
Author: Sarah Chamberlain
Genre: Romance   
Rating: 3.8 out of 4

Kieran O'Neill should be on top of the world. He's just won a cooking reality TV show, he's on track to open his own restaurant before he turns thirty, and he's even got a high-paying cookbook deal. Still he can't impress his stuck-up family, his ADHD makes planning ahead impossible and, worst of all, his ghostwriter is the most uptight, humourless woman he's ever met. But to be seen as a serious chef like he's always wanted, he needs to finish this book...

Ellie Wasserman is barely holding it together. She's a thirty-year-old widow living with her needy in-laws, her little brother won't adult without her help, and instead of working on her own cookbook, she's ghostwriting one for the chaotic, impulsive Kieran O'Neill. Or would be, if he'd ever answer her emails. But to own her own home like she's always dreamed of, she needs to finish this book...

As their deadline gets closer and the heat between them builds, can these two driven, lonely people let go of their past hurts and make something truly sweet together? Or will their fragile new love go up in smoke?

I found Kieran to be low-key annoying about half the time, frankly. I liked Ellie, but she spent most of the book being pretty passive about everything…why are you putting your own life on hold and letting everyone around you tell you what to do? The food scenes were fantastic—and everything sounded so good—but the rest of the novel wasn’t as engrossing. Maybe the voice just wasn’t a good fit for me.

Sarah Chamberlain lives in London. The Slowest Burn is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

This book was just what I wanted. Cute romance, the slowest of burns and food.
I don't think this book will be for everyone but I really enjoyed it.

Ellie and Kieran and their story were sweet and The Slowest Burn was definitely a slow burn. However, it took me a while to connect with the main characters and their story never fully engaged me.

This is one of the better debuts I’ve read in a while - The Slowest Burn from Sarah Chamberlain. I enjoyed it immensely and if I didn’t know going in that it was her debut, I never would’ve guessed that it was. The plot was very well developed with well-rounded characters. Banter and chemistry was perfect.

I really enjoyed the reality tv winning chef and his cookbook writing ghost, who clash from the start but being forced into proximity by the publisher in order to get the book written and tested, become friends. The shenanigans to get the recipes and cookbook figured out… that’s where the book magic happens. A great slow burn romance.

The backstory of each character is extremely interesting. The way everything unfolds - yeah, I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend it! Excellent for a debut. Very well done.

The audiobook is narrated by new to me voice Hunter Johns, and long-time fave Kate Handford (beloved narrator of one of my long-running detective series). They did a great job and I truly enjoyed both performances. I really look forward to hearing a lot more from them both in the future. I absolutely recommend the audio version of this book over the ebook. It’s a far better experience listening.

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.