I swear… I’m so basic when it comes to food. I’ve never had a crazy big pallet… but this book made me want to try all the foods. But only if a hot gourmet chef was in my kitchen cooking for me 😆

Expect —> Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Chef/Ghost Writer, Forced Proximity, Food, Hate to Love, Dyslexia

Stuck with someone you detest to get your job done? What could go wrong? Not a viral screaming match to put your drama online 👀😅😆

Kieran is a fantastic chef who just won a cooking contest. His star is rising so what better time to write a book? Only, he won’t respond to his ghost writer. He seems to want nothing to do with it.

Ellie is desperate to do her job. She’s 30, widowed and overly depended upon by her in-laws. But she can write. If only her client would take this book seriously.

The book is so perfectly named. It is such a fun slow burn romance and I really enjoyed it. The narrators were wonderful.

Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted alc

I really enjoyed this one, especially in audiobook format! I thought it was a solid listen and a great debut!

It was hard to connect with the characters. It took me a long time to start liking the book, and even then I never really start loving it.
The cover is cute. The story just okay.

Told in dual POV (once again, my favorite way to read a romance), The Slowest Burn is exactly as the title advertises, a sweet and (a little) spicy, slow burn romance for the ages.

The CHEM-IS-TRY between Ellie and Kieran was sizzling. This one has a slew of tropes to love.
Coworkers (Ellie is ghostwriting Kieran’s cookbook). Not quite enemies to lovers, maybe more people who are opposites and annoy each other and get in a screaming match in the middle of dinner service to lovers? A sprinkle of fake dating (for one night only). And add in a friends with benefits situation.

We follow Ellie and Kieran over the course of nearly a year of creating and cowriting a cookbook. Each has their own personal things to work through. This touches on topics like sobriety, ADHD, depression, grief, and loss. All are dealt with in a beautiful way that felt genuine and real, not put on.

The plot and story were well paced, especially when you get to the back half of the book. I couldn’t put it down.

(Side note: I want the cookbook they made because it sounds brilliant.)

An excellent debut from Sarah Chamberlain! I hope to read more of her works in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Slowest Burn’s title says it all! 🔥

Ghost writer and chef must collaborate on a cook book and don’t hit it off very well at first. What could possibly happen? I think I know ❤️🔥😊

I appreciated how things built over time between the couple into a believable friendship and attraction. Kieran and Ellie have great chemistry. While this one is chuck full of the best tropes ( fake dating, one bed, forced proximity etc) Kieran and Ellie’s personalities are what pulled me in. With both POVs we see a spot on representation of ADHD in Kieran’s character and its effects. Ellie has her own struggles as a people pleasing young widow with abandonment issues. The depth here is very well written, as is the very real concerns about a workplace romance and how it puts Ellie’s career at risk. The resolution is unique, smart and satisfying 👏👏

I listened to the audiobook alone and loved it! The narrator does a great job of capturing the humor and the slow build! It was a great way to spend a day off. I had to go out and buy a physical copy after because I enjoyed it so much and the cover is beautiful!

Thanks to @macmillan.audio and @Netgalley for the ALC
All opinions shared are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ALC of The Slowest Burn in exchange for an honest review.

"🎧 "The Slowest Burn" by Sarah Chamberlain is a heartwarming audiobook that follows the journey of Ellie, a ghostwriter who, after being widowed at a young age, finds herself working on a book with Kieran, a dyslexic chef known as the "pirate leprechaun." The story beautifully portrays their growing connection as they collaborate on the project.

One of the highlights of the audiobook is the fake dating dynamic that emerges between Ellie and Kieran. It adds an exciting layer of tension and anticipation to their relationship. However, I found myself wanting more from this plotline as it seemed to be introduced but not fully explored. I had hoped to see the potential complications that could arise when the media got wind of their arrangement, but it fizzled out rather quickly.

Another aspect that slightly detracted from the overall enjoyment was the sporadic time skips. While time jumps can help maintain pacing, the frequency and magnitude of the skips in "The Slowest Burn" felt disorienting at times. It would have been beneficial for the story to have a more cohesive and consistent timeline, perhaps with a tighter deadline to create a sense of urgency and propel the plot forward.

However, despite these missed opportunities, the audiobook shines in its depiction of the patient and understanding relationship between Ellie and Kieran. Their gradual bond and genuine care for each other make for an incredibly endearing romance. The emotional growth and self-discovery of both characters is beautifully portrayed, and I found myself rooting for their happy ending.

In conclusion, "The Slowest Burn" is a sweet and heartwarming audiobook that will tug at your heartstrings. While some of the tropes may not be fully explored and the time skips can be disorienting, the genuine connection between Ellie and Kieran is a captivating centerpiece. If you're in the mood for a gentle and poignant romance, this is a worthwhile listen."

100% Recommend!!!

I love a good chef romance! This was an adorable read. At first, I thought the widow aspect would be weird in a romance, but it was really well done by the author. I loved how Kieran championed Ellie. The whole calling out of the one bed trope had me cracking up. And Floyd was hands down my favorite character. So glad I got a copy of this audio from NetGalley!

The Slowest Burn is a beautifully crafted love story that will leave you breathless. With her signature wit and emotional depth, Chamberlain weaves a captivating tale of two friends who slowly realize their feelings for each other.

The novel follows Olive and Ethan, who have been friends since childhood. As they navigate the complexities of their lives, their bond deepens, revealing a connection that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Chamberlain's portrayal of their journey is both tender and passionate, capturing the nuances of their evolving relationship with stunning authenticity.

What sets The Slowest Burn apart is its deliberate pace. Chamberlain takes her time to develop the characters and their relationship, allowing for a deep and meaningful connection between Olive and Ethan. The slow burn is well worth the wait, as it culminates in a love story that is both believable and unforgettable.

In addition to its emotional depth, the novel also boasts a compelling plot, engaging characters, and beautifully written prose. Chamberlain's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, drawing readers into the world of her characters and making them feel as if they are experiencing their journey alongside them.

The Slowest Burn is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and literary fiction. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page!

Thank you so much SMP for my ARC and ALC!

I had tried to read this book via kindle first - I had a hard time getting into it, but I went the audiobook route and it was much easier to get into and kept my attention throughout. The narration was super well done and if you’re following / reading via kindle just hold out because overall it was an entertaining, enjoyable read.

I only have pretty insignificant, small issues with the book. I almost wanted the slow burn to be slower? I wanted more angst and build up to the drop, but it didn’t take away from the story overall. The writing was super easy to read and follow, but there were certain times where it was a bit too cringey and genetic for me. I had readers second hand embarrassment when he just randomly asked her to have sex. I hated the third act break up, i don’t mind a break up when it helps the characters grow or we handle it like adults but I feel like you could cut that out and the story would be EXACTLY the same.

Overall, it was a super easy read. It entertained me and i would recommend it to my peers. I also really liked the cookbook writing plot line. You got that plot, and the banter was there and spice.

Out now!
Thank you to my besties at Macmillan Audio!

3.5 stars from me for this one!

I thought this was a super cute story. I ADORED the cooking & food aspect as a Food Network lover. Kieran was a favorite character for me. Being in his head was fascinating and enlightening. Also, the way he stands up for Ellie in the end.... all the YES.

As the title suggests, this is a slow burn but it's nice reading the characters warm up to each other. this wasn't overly spicy but it isn't closed door either.
I was rooting for Ellie to realize that she was taking better care of everyone else other than herself. When finally she breaks free I was so happy for her!

The narrators were both good, but for the love of God y'all have got to edit out the sounds of this male narrator swallowing (gross).

This was a tough audiobook for me to get through for some reason. The male narrator was more monotone which led me to not be as involved in this book as I would’ve liked. I believe if I read the book on my own, I would’ve been able to understand the novel and characters better. I think I need to give this novel another chance by physically reading it.

I had no issue at all with the storyline. This was such a cute story that also dealt with some very serious topics such as loss, grief, and family dynamics. I loved all the Bay Area and San Francisco references that were in the book, being from the area itself. Surprisingly, wasn’t as slow of a burn in romance as I thought it would be.

A reality TV star chef is partnered with a ghostwriter to write a cookbook. The chef has dyslexia and ADHD and the writer is a parentified overachiever which leads to many mishaps and miscommunication. Cheesy at times but overall a fun lighthearted listen.

Read if you like:
•Forced Proximity
•Enemies to Lovers
•Forbidden Love
•Workplace Romance

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open Door: At least one intimate scene with the reader present, euphemistic language for act and body parts.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and unfortunately didn't love the narration. I'd rate the performance a 3 out of 5 since it was just a bit bland at times.

Onto the story... okay so I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. I didn't feel a strong pull between the characters and their tumultuous start to the working relationship just kind of ruined any attraction for me. Their back stories were well developed and fleshed out but I didn't feel much of a connection to either character. I did like the representation of ADHD in an adult male - that part was well researched and represented. I also, unfortunately, didn't find the description of the MMC attractive which made it hard for me to "fall" along with the FMC. This book has such great reviews and I think it'd be a great read for someone else; it just wasn't for me.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain is a tender, opposites-attract romance.

The plot centers around Ellie Wasserman, a cook-book ghost writer navigating life after the death of her husband, Max. Living in a guesthouse on his parents’ property, Ellie grapples with the desire to forge a new path while feeling an obligation to stay for Max’s mother. When an opportunity arises to write for celebrity chef Kiernan O’Neill, she takes it, only to find her initial impression of him surprisingly underwhelming. Kiernan, in turn, sees Ellie as bossy and critical, creating a complex dynamic that gradually transforms into something deeper.

The slow burn was delightful, and their relationship felt genuinely earned by the time they finally came together. What I found incredibly refreshing was the portrayal of the main characters with ordinary body types, rather than the typical perfect, hottest people often found in romance novels.
The dual POV allowed for a rich exploration of their evolving feelings, and Chamberlain skillfully developed both characters, revealing their difficult backstories. I often found myself wanting Ellie to break free from the constraints of her current situation, and the steamy love scenes added an exciting layer to their connection.

While I know the theme of a widow might not resonate with everyone, it felt authentic here, as Chamberlain didn’t shy away from acknowledging Ellie’s late husband. We get to see the book wrestle with the complexities of moving on from grief while still honoring the past.

The audiobook narrative was so well done! I found myself falling into the story more and more with each chapter. Overall, this book beautifully blended emotion and passion, making it a satisfying listen.

Thank you so much, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and Sarah Chamberlain for this audiobook copy in exchange for my honest opinion.



I will be posting my review to @professorrachelreads on Instagram on Thursday, October 3.

This is an aptly named novel as it is definitely is a slow burn romance where the characters become friends first. Ellie and Kieran are both fully formed, dealing with their own separate demons. The relationships they had with the secondary characters were great (Ellie & Ben especially!) and I loved how real and raw it all felt. Also, shout out to Chamerlain for giving us a 5’7’’ short king - they don’t all need to be huge, burly men!

I received an advanced reading copy of this audiobook.

Ellie and Kieran are very charming characters who are working through deep feelings outside of their growing romance. Ellie, a young widow, is work through guilt and grief. Kieran is working hard every day to keep his ADHD and dyslexia from taking over his world and his parents aren't the most supportive.

While they spend time together creating.a cookbook they show us how both friends and lover can build a person up with support, kindness, and affection.

Even with some tough topics throughout the book, these two characters make for an easy read.

I would definitely read another book by Sarah Chamberlain!

Kieran and Ellie's story is one that resonated with me. Not because they didn't like each other at first but more like how they became friends over time. Slowly, both their shells opened up and by the end, they were in love with each other.
This book was well written, I kept wanting to know what was next (not in a "gripping the edge of my seat" kind of way, but more like I wanted to see the story develop and their friendship bloom).
I liked how they were very different but found a way to love each other's flaws as well. Some quotes in the very last chapters did hit home for me. It was something along the lines of "my chaos and her calculated planning might clash sometimes, but we take a breath and let the other be themselves" and that was just beautiful. (I will have to go back when I get a paper copy to properly quote it).
I do recommend it, go read it!

𝕽𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝕯𝖆𝖙𝖊 : September 10th 2024 - OUT NOW

𝕸𝖞 𝕽𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 : ✭✭✭

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @dreamscapemedia, @bloombooks & LJ Shen for my gifted ALC & copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Slowest Burn is a charming, heartwarming, adorable, sweet with just the right amount of spice. It was such a delicious romance to devour and all the cooking, recipes just added to the charm. It was definitely a slow burn, as per the title, which is not my typical cup of tea, but I fell in love with these characters. They felt so real, their emotions so raw and I truly connected with them.

They both overcome a lot of issues and past traumas. I really started to get into the story once they truly meshed together. Their chemistry, their connection, their banter was just chef's kiss. I just thought they were adorable together, brought out the best of each other. When he calls her Love, I melted each time.

Great story with characters you can't help but fall in love with. Excited to read more from this author and I hope we can get the cookbook they made, because the recipes sound delicious !

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @macmillanaudio, @smpromance, @stmartinspress & @sarahchamberlain for my gifted audiobook & copy in exchange for an honest review.

Kieran was the most immature main character. I couldn’t stand him, I didn’t like the female MC either. The relationship with the in-laws was not realistic. Not for me!

This was a lovely read. I enjoyed the chef + ghost writer pairing ad I felt like Sarah did a great job exploring the different ways grief and trauma can present in peoples' lives. My only qualm was that Kieran seemed pretty immature to me and not necessarily someone that Ellie would go for, which made some aspects of the romance unbelievable. He did show growth during the story, but in some ways it felt like too big of a jump; he almost seemed like a completely different person at the end.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy!