Slow Burn Summer

A Novel

By: Josie Silver

A talent agent hires an actress play the part of "novelist" on a book tour for his agency's publicity-shy client in this delightful rom-com from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club Pick One Day in December

Hard-boiled detective series author Hugh Hudson has been at the top of his game for over a decade. But when his luminous wife dies suddenly, he finds himself channeling his grief into writing a beautiful romance novel, an ode to his late love never intended for publication.

Until, that is, his long-time editor sneaks a peek at the manuscript and knows it's the unicorn story she's been waiting for. He’s eighteen months late delivering his next detective novel, so she throws him a lifeline—if he lets her publish the love story, she can get him an extension. He eventually agrees to allow publication, but only under a pen name. Who, then, will they send on the summer book tour?

Charlie Francisco, a talent rep at Hugh's agency, has an idea. He recruits Kate Elliot, a down-on-her-luck, recently divorced actress to play the role of "author" for all interviews, signings, and appearances. But Kate is not allowed to know who wrote the novel, and sparks fly with Charlie as he acts as intermediary between her and the still-anonymous Hugh, whose counsel she needs for her "performance." Kate's frequent correspondence with Hugh sets him on a path to healing, and her deepening intimacy with Charlie starts to make her believe that, post-divorce, she may yet have a chance at love.

But when the book becomes a success beyond their wildest dreams, how will they untangle themselves from their lies...and one another?

©2025 Josie Silver (P)2025 Random House Audio