Book Review: The Slow Burn

The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen will be released in the United States on Jan 27, 2026.

• If it is your dream to take a pasta-making course and fall in love with a sweet, sexy olive oil maker in Italy, then this book is for you. Or me. That describes me EXACTLY. Foodies will love it, too.

• If you love cute love stories set in small towns, this book is for you.

• If you wish you could fly to Italy and live there for the summer, this book is for you!

• And if you like found family and falling in love with a handsome olive oil maker, then read Slow Burn FOR SURE.

When Kit, a workaholic chef, must leave her restaurant, because her kitchen caught on fire, she truly needs a reset in her life. Her boyfriend breaks up with her, clearing the way for her to move to a small town in the region of Puglia, Italy and become a pasta-making apprentice. There, she makes new friends at the restaurant and local bakery, while learning to slow down and enjoy her surroundings. She also gains a new appreciation for her work as a chef and begins to return to the passion she has for her work.

My Thoughts

The Slow Burn is a true slow burn romance, because it did not feel fast-paced. Yet the pacing felt true to the setting, because if you have ever been in small-town Italy in the summer, you’ll know that no one is in a hurry. As for the romance, the two romantic leads are friends first. Nico cares for the olive trees on his family's land and you can tell he loves the land and art of making olive oil (foodies will nerd out here), with some beautiful descriptions of the setting, as well.

 Bella Italia

The gorgeous setting in Puglia, Italy was practically a character in this book. Overall, I loved it and would recommend it to readers who enjoy destination romances.

Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.