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The Slow Burn
From the bestselling author of Unlikely Story comes a warm, witty novel about a chef whose unexpected summer in Italy turns messier and richer than any recipe she ever would’ve planned.
Between a breakup and a burned-down restaurant, there’s nothing left in New York for Kit Roth except the ashes of her success.
Needing distance and distraction, she agrees to work for her best friend’s pasta-making nonna in the Italian countryside. But instead of providing a quiet sabbatical to eat up time while her kitchen is rebuilt, the small town of Manciano keeps pulling Kit into its rituals and rhythms. And before long, it shows her everything she’s been missing. Simpler cooking, community…and Nico Ruspoli, an olive oil producer with his own scorched past. But with Kit determined to leave after three months, and Nico rooted to his grove, their growing chemistry is at odds with what they both want for their future.
Yet with each passing week, Kit finds herself measuring less and tasting more. And when it’s time to go back to her life in New York, she doesn’t know what—or who—she’s willing to leave behind.
Between a breakup and a burned-down restaurant, there’s nothing left in New York for Kit Roth except the ashes of her success.
Needing distance and distraction, she agrees to work for her best friend’s pasta-making nonna in the Italian countryside. But instead of providing a quiet sabbatical to eat up time while her kitchen is rebuilt, the small town of Manciano keeps pulling Kit into its rituals and rhythms. And before long, it shows her everything she’s been missing. Simpler cooking, community…and Nico Ruspoli, an olive oil producer with his own scorched past. But with Kit determined to leave after three months, and Nico rooted to his grove, their growing chemistry is at odds with what they both want for their future.
Yet with each passing week, Kit finds herself measuring less and tasting more. And when it’s time to go back to her life in New York, she doesn’t know what—or who—she’s willing to leave behind.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
About the author
Ali Rosen
10 books639 followersAli Rosen is a bestselling author of both cookbooks and novels, and is the Emmy and James Beard Award-nominated host of Potluck with Ali Rosen on NYC Life.
Her novels, which have been described as “swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie,” are USA Today Bestselling, Kirkus Best of the Year and Amazon Editor picks. Her latest is The Slow Burn.
She is also the author of three cookbooks including the recently released 15 Minute Meals. She has frequently been featured on shows like NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America, and in publications including The New York Times, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post and New York Magazine. She is originally from Charleston, SC but now lives in New York City with her husband, three kids, and rescue dog.
Her novels, which have been described as “swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie,” are USA Today Bestselling, Kirkus Best of the Year and Amazon Editor picks. Her latest is The Slow Burn.
She is also the author of three cookbooks including the recently released 15 Minute Meals. She has frequently been featured on shows like NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America, and in publications including The New York Times, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post and New York Magazine. She is originally from Charleston, SC but now lives in New York City with her husband, three kids, and rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
December 20, 2025
After her restaurant burned down and her boyfriend of five years broke up with her, Kit Roth, for the first time in her busy life, doesn’t know what to do. Her work is her everything, but with the restaurant gone and construction for a new one underway, she doesn’t know what to do with herself. And that’s when her best friend suggests she go to Italy to work with her nonna to not only keep her busy, but to get her mind off of things. So, Kit leaves New York and adjusts to the small town life in Italy. Life shouldn’t be too hard, right? All she has to do is keep her hands busy, and time will fly. However, Kit was not expecting to be charmed by the wonderful people of Manciano or be attracted to a devastatingly handsome olive oil producer, even though she had every intention of going back to her life in New York.
*Heavy sigh* Well. That was disappointing.
I heard great things about Rosen’s novel, Unlikely Story, so I was excited to read this book, especially because the cover is so pretty and the setting is in Italy. I mean, come on? It’s Italy! What more do I need? Apparently, a lot because the only thing that slow-burned was my expectations, and even that went up in flames rather quickly. And a swoon-worthy romance? We don’t know her. 😭 I will say, though, I am proud of myself for finishing it, even though I forgot what most of it was about.
I think what really was a deal-breaker for me was the fact that I did not like Kit or her story. Like, at all. I thought she was so annoying, and the plot did nothing for me because it was so dull. I wanted to pull my hair out whenever she spoke a single sentence or thought a single thought, which was the whole damn time! Don’t get me wrong. I get why she is the way she is, and there is nothing wrong with not being like other women, and I appreciate that she wasn’t shouting that from the rooftops because ew, gross. She really was “not like other girls,” and that’s great! Perfect! You do you, queen. Just don’t be around me because I can’t stand you or your personality. 😂
And then there’s Nico, the love interest. He had potential, but his character/personality was as bland as an unsalted cracker, and whenever Kit talked about him, drooling over the fact that he “wasn’t like other men,” the blandness turned acidic, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. In my opinion, there was no chemistry, no depth, and no reason to put me through this torture. Sure, the man was sweet and said and did all the right things, but I don’t know. I just couldn’t root for their romance or their characters, honestly.
What I did like, however, were the side characters. Anita, Gia, and the other friends Kit made in Manciano. They were funny and amazing, and I liked the chapters they were involved in. But when it was just Kit or just her and Nico. Nuh-uh. Nope. I wanted those chapters to be over with. The writing was also good, and even though I didn’t like this book, I do want to read the author’s other novels and see if I have better luck.
I'm so sorry if I'm sounding judgmental, but I am glad my brain has forgotten about it because this is one book I do not want to be thinking about for days on end. Maybe you’ll have better luck with it if you decide to read it, but I honestly don’t recommend it.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
I honestly can’t remember–I’m so sorry! 😭
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶/5)
#TheSlowBurn #NetGalley
*Heavy sigh* Well. That was disappointing.
I heard great things about Rosen’s novel, Unlikely Story, so I was excited to read this book, especially because the cover is so pretty and the setting is in Italy. I mean, come on? It’s Italy! What more do I need? Apparently, a lot because the only thing that slow-burned was my expectations, and even that went up in flames rather quickly. And a swoon-worthy romance? We don’t know her. 😭 I will say, though, I am proud of myself for finishing it, even though I forgot what most of it was about.
I think what really was a deal-breaker for me was the fact that I did not like Kit or her story. Like, at all. I thought she was so annoying, and the plot did nothing for me because it was so dull. I wanted to pull my hair out whenever she spoke a single sentence or thought a single thought, which was the whole damn time! Don’t get me wrong. I get why she is the way she is, and there is nothing wrong with not being like other women, and I appreciate that she wasn’t shouting that from the rooftops because ew, gross. She really was “not like other girls,” and that’s great! Perfect! You do you, queen. Just don’t be around me because I can’t stand you or your personality. 😂
And then there’s Nico, the love interest. He had potential, but his character/personality was as bland as an unsalted cracker, and whenever Kit talked about him, drooling over the fact that he “wasn’t like other men,” the blandness turned acidic, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. In my opinion, there was no chemistry, no depth, and no reason to put me through this torture. Sure, the man was sweet and said and did all the right things, but I don’t know. I just couldn’t root for their romance or their characters, honestly.
What I did like, however, were the side characters. Anita, Gia, and the other friends Kit made in Manciano. They were funny and amazing, and I liked the chapters they were involved in. But when it was just Kit or just her and Nico. Nuh-uh. Nope. I wanted those chapters to be over with. The writing was also good, and even though I didn’t like this book, I do want to read the author’s other novels and see if I have better luck.
I'm so sorry if I'm sounding judgmental, but I am glad my brain has forgotten about it because this is one book I do not want to be thinking about for days on end. Maybe you’ll have better luck with it if you decide to read it, but I honestly don’t recommend it.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
I honestly can’t remember–I’m so sorry! 😭
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶/5)
#TheSlowBurn #NetGalley
March 14, 2026
✩ 3 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Small Town
➼ Vacation Romance
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Friends-to-Lovers
➼ Michelin Star Chef FMC
➼ Found Family
➼ Tuscan Setting
➼ Narrated by Dominique Salvacion
➼ First Person POV
This book has a similar vibe to Under the Tuscan Sun if you switch out Diane Lane with a type A workaholic chef.👩🏼🍳 I’m a sucker for anything Italy so I was pulled in by the town and the atmosphere and stayed for the found family vibes and the self-discovery. The whole premise of running off to Italy when life gets hard is an absolute dream. 😂
Based on the backstories and future goals of the main characters, I was skeptical that the author could write a satisfying conclusion for them, but in the end, I was happy with how it all came together. The ending actually went a long way in convincing me that these two were well matched. Unfortunately, neither character really stood out to me. I love the idea of Nico, but the execution of his character was pretty bland, and while I identify with Kit’s type A qualities, my love for her stops there.
As a millennial who grew up on Mary-Kate & Ashley movies and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it was hard not to find some enjoyment in this, but I can’t claim it as a new favorite. I gotta say though, if they ever decided to do a screen adaption, I’d watch the heck out of this movie. 🙌🏻 We need more Italian heartthrobs in Hollywood!
Thank you to the author and Amazon Publishing for the gifted finished copy.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram ✩ Tiktok
What to Expect:
➼ Small Town
➼ Vacation Romance
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Friends-to-Lovers
➼ Michelin Star Chef FMC
➼ Found Family
➼ Tuscan Setting
➼ Narrated by Dominique Salvacion
➼ First Person POV
This book has a similar vibe to Under the Tuscan Sun if you switch out Diane Lane with a type A workaholic chef.👩🏼🍳 I’m a sucker for anything Italy so I was pulled in by the town and the atmosphere and stayed for the found family vibes and the self-discovery. The whole premise of running off to Italy when life gets hard is an absolute dream. 😂
Based on the backstories and future goals of the main characters, I was skeptical that the author could write a satisfying conclusion for them, but in the end, I was happy with how it all came together. The ending actually went a long way in convincing me that these two were well matched. Unfortunately, neither character really stood out to me. I love the idea of Nico, but the execution of his character was pretty bland, and while I identify with Kit’s type A qualities, my love for her stops there.
As a millennial who grew up on Mary-Kate & Ashley movies and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it was hard not to find some enjoyment in this, but I can’t claim it as a new favorite. I gotta say though, if they ever decided to do a screen adaption, I’d watch the heck out of this movie. 🙌🏻 We need more Italian heartthrobs in Hollywood!
Thank you to the author and Amazon Publishing for the gifted finished copy.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram ✩ Tiktok
April 7, 2026
Well this was disappointing 🥲 how is this the same author that wrote Merry and bright 💔
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November 11, 2025
While this was an incredible story worthy of all the stars, I was extremely disappointed with the author’s choice to include open-door intimacy. It made me uncomfortable and I skipped pages. I don’t think I’ll be reaching for another book by this author.
If the above isn’t a deal breaker for you, then allow Rosen to whisk you away to the little town of Manciano, about 1.5 hours out of Rome, and introduce you to Kit Roth (I read it as Kid Rock the entire book, not accidentally), who has arrived to work for her bff’s grandma for the summer. The townsfolk and the break are good for Kit, who soon sees the value of having time to marinate.
I appreciated the reminders that:
✔️part of growth is learning to accept the things that we can’t change
✔️we can’t possibly guess or even plan for everything
✔️there’s danger in allowing someone to be your crutch
✔️self-care is essential
✔️relationships require sacrifice
✔️endings are also beginnings
Grab your tissues! Nico Ruspoli and Nonna Gianna will work their way into your heart.
Fav. scene: when Gia puts Kit’s pasta in the same drawer as hers
What I’ll remember about this book: (Besides the uncomfortable sex scenes?) The powerful lessons about olive DNA.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
If the above isn’t a deal breaker for you, then allow Rosen to whisk you away to the little town of Manciano, about 1.5 hours out of Rome, and introduce you to Kit Roth (I read it as Kid Rock the entire book, not accidentally), who has arrived to work for her bff’s grandma for the summer. The townsfolk and the break are good for Kit, who soon sees the value of having time to marinate.
I appreciated the reminders that:
✔️part of growth is learning to accept the things that we can’t change
✔️we can’t possibly guess or even plan for everything
✔️there’s danger in allowing someone to be your crutch
✔️self-care is essential
✔️relationships require sacrifice
✔️endings are also beginnings
Grab your tissues! Nico Ruspoli and Nonna Gianna will work their way into your heart.
Fav. scene: when Gia puts Kit’s pasta in the same drawer as hers
What I’ll remember about this book: (Besides the uncomfortable sex scenes?) The powerful lessons about olive DNA.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 11, 2025
damn, I'm out here cooking with olive oil because it's high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, but now I'm stocking up in the off chance this man shows up and wants to sensually drizzle olive oil all over my naked body.
✰ 4.5 stars, I knocked off half a star because the spice could do to more closely adhere to the female gaze
source: netgalley ebook arc
✰ 4.5 stars, I knocked off half a star because the spice could do to more closely adhere to the female gaze
source: netgalley ebook arc
Did Not Finish
February 18, 2026It’s not you, it’s me. I tried. I just couldn’t get into this one. Book is likely wonderful for many readers.
Available on KU with audio. Was hoping this could be my car listen but my brain was everywhere else but this book every time.
Available on KU with audio. Was hoping this could be my car listen but my brain was everywhere else but this book every time.
January 24, 2026
3.5/5 stars
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is read by Dominique Salvacion.
This is a slow burn, friends to lovers, foodie romance set in Italy.
Kit is a Michelin star chef with a restaurant in New York City. When something happens she suddenly has the summer off. She travels to Italy.
The setting is amazing. Her being a chef and everything to do with food is amazing. But the book is very slow burn. The romance takes a while to happen. The actual story also took me quite a while to get into.
Dominique Salvacion is a good audiobook performer. However a bunch of the characters (other than the main character Kit) are Italian. And so she did their parts with an Italian accent. I obviously understand why it was done this way. But it didn’t work for me. So I ended up reading most of the book.
The last part of the book is by far my favorite. The friendships and the romance in Italy really came together. And I ended up really enjoying this part of the book so much.
Overall read this if you like slow burn stories with major focuses on Italy and food.
Thanks to Montlake Romance, Brilliance Publishing and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is read by Dominique Salvacion.
This is a slow burn, friends to lovers, foodie romance set in Italy.
Kit is a Michelin star chef with a restaurant in New York City. When something happens she suddenly has the summer off. She travels to Italy.
The setting is amazing. Her being a chef and everything to do with food is amazing. But the book is very slow burn. The romance takes a while to happen. The actual story also took me quite a while to get into.
Dominique Salvacion is a good audiobook performer. However a bunch of the characters (other than the main character Kit) are Italian. And so she did their parts with an Italian accent. I obviously understand why it was done this way. But it didn’t work for me. So I ended up reading most of the book.
The last part of the book is by far my favorite. The friendships and the romance in Italy really came together. And I ended up really enjoying this part of the book so much.
Overall read this if you like slow burn stories with major focuses on Italy and food.
Thanks to Montlake Romance, Brilliance Publishing and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
March 22, 2026
I loved this! The food and setting descriptions 🤤
March 21, 2026
I'm not like other girls.
Like other girls, I am not.
Other girls that you've met? I'm not like them.
Those girls, the ones that you know? I'm nothing like them.
I'm different from other girls, in that I am not like them.
If you like books about girls that are not like other girls you know, this book is for you. A whole new kind of girl, with a career and everything. In case you forget she is not like other girls, no worries. She will remind you that she is not like other girls.
Like other girls, I am not.
Other girls that you've met? I'm not like them.
Those girls, the ones that you know? I'm nothing like them.
I'm different from other girls, in that I am not like them.
If you like books about girls that are not like other girls you know, this book is for you. A whole new kind of girl, with a career and everything. In case you forget she is not like other girls, no worries. She will remind you that she is not like other girls.
January 21, 2026
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Slow Burn releases January 27, 2026
“Two abandoned souls finding solace in each other […]”
When Kit gets dumped by her boyfriend the same night her restaurant is engulfed in flames, she takes her best friend’s suggestion and packs her bags for a summer spent in Italy, giving her the best of both worlds: a much needed escape from the city while her team rebuilds their restaurant, and the necessary work-life structure to keep Kit at ease.
A summer in Manciano sleeping in fields with cows and the neighbour who produces olive oil, making pasta, and assisting her best friend’s nonna in her restaurant, is a stark change of pace for Kit as an executive chef in New York’s world of fine dining. Yet even with the simplicity, Kit’s surroundings are not so far removed from the principles, repetition, precision, and fierce loyalty that Kit knows like the back of her hand.
It feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for a culinary romance like this one. As a female chef, I can attest that Rosen gets it! The innate passion, drive, and straightforwardness in her fmc, the sense of being at home in a kitchen, and the speed in which you can become familial with those alongside you in the industry. I even loved the focus on breaking down a dish and appreciating the technicality and purpose of an ingredient, and how those later became metaphors weaved into the character’s self-growth.
But more than that were these subtleties in which Kit and Nico responded to each other — his inability to remain idle when he could sense her in distress, the solidarity shown in the squeeze of a hand, effortlessly making space for him in the soft underbelly of herself when she’s naturally conditioned to have this impenetrable shell of resiliency, and even the intentionality and romanticism of delicately holding wildflowers when they’re meant to withstand the worst of weather… I mean, come on!!
A glass of wine with fresh pasta, or an affogato with a helluva good pastry is a must while reading this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Slow Burn releases January 27, 2026
“Two abandoned souls finding solace in each other […]”
When Kit gets dumped by her boyfriend the same night her restaurant is engulfed in flames, she takes her best friend’s suggestion and packs her bags for a summer spent in Italy, giving her the best of both worlds: a much needed escape from the city while her team rebuilds their restaurant, and the necessary work-life structure to keep Kit at ease.
A summer in Manciano sleeping in fields with cows and the neighbour who produces olive oil, making pasta, and assisting her best friend’s nonna in her restaurant, is a stark change of pace for Kit as an executive chef in New York’s world of fine dining. Yet even with the simplicity, Kit’s surroundings are not so far removed from the principles, repetition, precision, and fierce loyalty that Kit knows like the back of her hand.
It feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for a culinary romance like this one. As a female chef, I can attest that Rosen gets it! The innate passion, drive, and straightforwardness in her fmc, the sense of being at home in a kitchen, and the speed in which you can become familial with those alongside you in the industry. I even loved the focus on breaking down a dish and appreciating the technicality and purpose of an ingredient, and how those later became metaphors weaved into the character’s self-growth.
But more than that were these subtleties in which Kit and Nico responded to each other — his inability to remain idle when he could sense her in distress, the solidarity shown in the squeeze of a hand, effortlessly making space for him in the soft underbelly of herself when she’s naturally conditioned to have this impenetrable shell of resiliency, and even the intentionality and romanticism of delicately holding wildflowers when they’re meant to withstand the worst of weather… I mean, come on!!
A glass of wine with fresh pasta, or an affogato with a helluva good pastry is a must while reading this!
January 27, 2026
I fear I'm an outlier when it comes to this book. I really wanted to love this one especially since it takes place in Italy, but man was this boring. I can't even remember what happened because the characters were so one dimensional. It would've definitely helped to have dual POVs to see each character and their personalities and not live inside Kit's head, who was not very likeable.
Also if the audiobook is on any speed higher than x1.5, it sounds like they're saying "Kid" instead of "Kit" and that through me off so many times and kept giving me the ick
Also if the audiobook is on any speed higher than x1.5, it sounds like they're saying "Kid" instead of "Kit" and that through me off so many times and kept giving me the ick
February 28, 2026
3.5 - Solid “palate cleanser”. Loved the Italian setting and the characters. Won’t spoil things but the scene with the door knocks was swoony.
March 13, 2026
After her restaurant burned down, her boyfriend broke up with her and her proverbial life went up in smoke.. Kit goes to Italy to learn about pasta from her best friend’s grandmother. What she finds instead are the life lessons that can only be found when you are able to take a step back from your busy life and just be. Kit enjoys the small Italian town of Marciano with its quirky neighbors, Nonna with her harsh but empathetic life lessons and finds the healing and love her heart always needed with Nico. And while basking in all he food, culture, lessons, sarcasm she finds a full and complete revitalization of her spirit and confidence.
I truly loved the Ali Rosen story! Love the characters, the setting, the recipes at the end! This was the full package and I cannot wait to finish this author’s backlog!
I truly loved the Ali Rosen story! Love the characters, the setting, the recipes at the end! This was the full package and I cannot wait to finish this author’s backlog!
February 18, 2026
Solid story of a chef whose restaurant burns down so she goes to Italy for the Summer to relearn how to make pasta. Think 'Under the Tuscan Sun' but with more food. Unfortunately (and I suspect this may be unpopular) I just had some major red flags with Nico - he moped a lot, took ages to get over his ex-wife and then seemed to then realign his fixation to a new partner quite quickly when a rival to her affections suddenly appeared. I know he had great hair and has his own olive grove but girl - run.
(I might edit this if I feel I'm being over harsh to Nico 😬)
(I might edit this if I feel I'm being over harsh to Nico 😬)
February 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the audio of this book!!
Slow Burn makes me want to get on a plane to Italy and eat pasta. I could picture the small town and the amazing food the characters were eating from Ali’s wonderful writing. But now I really want pasta, and Olive Garden just won’t cut it!!
Slow Burn makes me want to get on a plane to Italy and eat pasta. I could picture the small town and the amazing food the characters were eating from Ali’s wonderful writing. But now I really want pasta, and Olive Garden just won’t cut it!!
February 27, 2026
This was so BORING. I had to drag my way through this bland, vanilla, uninspired Italian romance. How do you make an Italian romance awful?! I really liked Alternate Endings and Recipe for Second Chances by this author, but this was nearly unbearable to get through - even skimming to get by!
June 30, 2026
3.5⭐️ book club!!! so so sweet! i loved the plot, the characters, and the setting! im glad ive watched You Me & Tuscany so that i can picture the barrel rolling 😆 loved the maturity we got from both the FMC and the MMC!
Did Not Finish
June 28, 2026The narrators fake Italian accent… i could not
February 15, 2026
4 🎧 Audiobook
March 18, 2026
slow burned so hard i barely see any romance in the book. dnf at 43%
March 7, 2026
Finally finished this book for book club and it was a struggle lol just so boring. I think this would’ve been better if it was a short story, it really didn’t need to be that long 🥱
October 4, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Sometimes when a tiny spark ignites in our life, we might as well let it all burn and start fresh. In Kit Roth’s case, her entire famed New York restaurant burned down so it might have been more than a tiny spark...but it was certainly a moment that launched some serious self reflection about next steps. Breaking up with her boyfriend and taking a sabbatical in Tuscany might not have all of the answers, but it certainly will equip her with some serious pasta making skills from the best of the best, Nonna.
Ali Rosen whisks readers away for an immersive summer in the Italian countryside in a robustly heartfelt lighthearted take on Eat, Pray, Love…a book that has resonated in the hearts of women and prepared them for empowerment and wanderlust before they even hit their mid-life crises.
Ali Rosen’s The Slow Burn brings the perfectly paced slow burn summer of personal growth, “pasta studies”, and of course romance with a handsome Italian olive oil producer. I’m an almost forty-one year old mom of four who is exhausted beyond words and I still almost pulled an all-nighter for this one. While I wish I could hop on a plane to Italy right now, I know the that is not in the cards for me, but there are smaller things I can do to find joy. Life throws us one challenge after another and The Slow Burn is a reminder to take the sabbatical when we can and embrace the unexpected to find happiness.
📖 Book Review 📖 Sometimes when a tiny spark ignites in our life, we might as well let it all burn and start fresh. In Kit Roth’s case, her entire famed New York restaurant burned down so it might have been more than a tiny spark...but it was certainly a moment that launched some serious self reflection about next steps. Breaking up with her boyfriend and taking a sabbatical in Tuscany might not have all of the answers, but it certainly will equip her with some serious pasta making skills from the best of the best, Nonna.
Ali Rosen whisks readers away for an immersive summer in the Italian countryside in a robustly heartfelt lighthearted take on Eat, Pray, Love…a book that has resonated in the hearts of women and prepared them for empowerment and wanderlust before they even hit their mid-life crises.
Ali Rosen’s The Slow Burn brings the perfectly paced slow burn summer of personal growth, “pasta studies”, and of course romance with a handsome Italian olive oil producer. I’m an almost forty-one year old mom of four who is exhausted beyond words and I still almost pulled an all-nighter for this one. While I wish I could hop on a plane to Italy right now, I know the that is not in the cards for me, but there are smaller things I can do to find joy. Life throws us one challenge after another and The Slow Burn is a reminder to take the sabbatical when we can and embrace the unexpected to find happiness.
December 3, 2025
When Kit's restaurant burns down and her boyfriend dumps her on the same day, she unexpectedly decides to spend the summer in Italy learning how to make pasta from her friend's Nonna. Kit's busy life in NYC quickly turns into a slower life in Italy with new friends, simpler cooking, and a slow burn romance with the local olive oil producer.
The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen is a wonderful story of personal growth, romance, and friendship. I loved seeing Kit slow down and learn how to balance her work/passion with enjoying all that life has to offer. This was a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend it!
☆☆☆☆.5/5☆
Pub date: January 27th, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the gifted copy. This is my honest review.
The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen is a wonderful story of personal growth, romance, and friendship. I loved seeing Kit slow down and learn how to balance her work/passion with enjoying all that life has to offer. This was a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend it!
☆☆☆☆.5/5☆
Pub date: January 27th, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the gifted copy. This is my honest review.
October 5, 2025
If I wasn’t desperate for a summer spent in Italy before reading this book, I certainly am after! Ali Rosen’s The Slow Burn is an utterly delightful romance filled with beautiful settings, sizzling chemistry, a wonderful, full cast of characters, and what I can only imagine would be THE most delicious tasting food! I’m craving a bombolini as I type!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my copy!
February 18, 2026
I wonder if the author was doing a challenge: “let’s see how many stereotypes about Italians can I manage to fit in the first few pages”?!?
She rather only saw Italy from some cheesy movie, or she only visited tourist trap places.
She should stick to write cook books ….
Also an audiobook narrator that actually knows how to pronounce Italian words might have helped infuriating me a little bit less ….
She rather only saw Italy from some cheesy movie, or she only visited tourist trap places.
She should stick to write cook books ….
Also an audiobook narrator that actually knows how to pronounce Italian words might have helped infuriating me a little bit less ….
February 6, 2026
Unfortunately I didn’t finish this one. I got to 60% and I’m so bored I can’t force myself to finish it. I expected a book titled “The Slow Burn” to be a slow burn. Instead the main characters hook up at 50% and that isn’t really a slow burn.
October 5, 2025
Olive oil has never been so hot.
October 23, 2025
Thank you so so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book! Ali Rosen never disappoints this book was so so good and the perfect escape getting into the colder months!
February 17, 2026
Approximately titled, The Slow Burn is definitely a slow moving story that drags a bit - but slowly builds up to a heated love story that captured my heart.
Kit Roth doesn’t know what do with herself when her NYC restaurant where she is the acclaimed chef burns and her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her best friend (Anita) convinces her to go to quaint Manciano in the Tuscany region of Italy, to learn how to make pasta from her grandmother. It’s hard for Kit to slow down, but she enjoys the kitchen work. Eventually she realizes the benefits of taking some time for herself, and of being seen for herself rather than her achievements as she builds a deepening friendship with Nico. Of course, the friendship becomes more. (Not closed door, but not overly detailed.) Too bad Kit has to return to NYC to head chef duties, and Nico can’t leave his grandfathers olive tree farm and his olive oil production. How can this work? I was thankful they figured out a way!
The little Italian town and people bring all the charm to this book. I just saw the movie Solo Mia which takes place in Italy and includes family gatherings around the Palio horse race, so I was picturing those scenes as I read. (Interesting that Gia is the name of restaurant owner in both this book and that movie.) Nico is a great leading man with his own back story issues, with his calm and considerate ways as a good contrast to Kit’s driven and more abrasive personality. It’s nice to see the man make concessions to support his love’s career; and it’s nice to see that he brings out her softer side.
The book did move slowly and I wasn’t always completely engaged. But it was good. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
(This book is on KU with included audio so it’s easy to go back and forth between reading and listening, which I love.)
Kit Roth doesn’t know what do with herself when her NYC restaurant where she is the acclaimed chef burns and her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her best friend (Anita) convinces her to go to quaint Manciano in the Tuscany region of Italy, to learn how to make pasta from her grandmother. It’s hard for Kit to slow down, but she enjoys the kitchen work. Eventually she realizes the benefits of taking some time for herself, and of being seen for herself rather than her achievements as she builds a deepening friendship with Nico. Of course, the friendship becomes more. (Not closed door, but not overly detailed.) Too bad Kit has to return to NYC to head chef duties, and Nico can’t leave his grandfathers olive tree farm and his olive oil production. How can this work? I was thankful they figured out a way!
The little Italian town and people bring all the charm to this book. I just saw the movie Solo Mia which takes place in Italy and includes family gatherings around the Palio horse race, so I was picturing those scenes as I read. (Interesting that Gia is the name of restaurant owner in both this book and that movie.) Nico is a great leading man with his own back story issues, with his calm and considerate ways as a good contrast to Kit’s driven and more abrasive personality. It’s nice to see the man make concessions to support his love’s career; and it’s nice to see that he brings out her softer side.
The book did move slowly and I wasn’t always completely engaged. But it was good. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
(This book is on KU with included audio so it’s easy to go back and forth between reading and listening, which I love.)
January 28, 2026
4.5 stars! The Slow Burn is such a sweet story of friendship, personal growth, and a cute friends to lovers romance between a chef (Kit) and an olive oil producer (Nico).
Set in the small town of Manciano, Italy, this story included so many beautifully detailed descriptions of Italian food, scenery, and culture (e. g. barrel rolling, olive oil production, local pasta and pastry shops). The writing of the setting was well-done, which made me easily picture the town and left me craving a trip to Italy.
I felt invested in Kit's and Nico's love story and eagerly awaited how things would play out for them, considering the logistical challenges of their relationship.
Some parts of the story felt quickly passed over, which for the most part I didn't mind since it kept the story moving at a quick pace, but I would've liked to see Kit's and Nico's friendship building at the beginning more on page. Their early days at Belpagna were mentioned only briefly, and although their friendship's growth was expanded on throughout the story, that initial connection as friends was very formative for the start of their relationship (but not focused on much).
In addition to enjoying the romance, I loved how much personal growth and development Kit experienced throughout her time in Manciano. She learned to appreciate simplicity, find balance alongside her ambition, slow down, and open up more to the people in her life. The friendships formed and grown along the way with Gia, Emilia, and Anita were lovely to see.
Overall, this is a beautiful story and I highly recommend!
Thank you to LEO PR and Montlake for the ARC! As always, all opinions are completely my own.
Set in the small town of Manciano, Italy, this story included so many beautifully detailed descriptions of Italian food, scenery, and culture (e. g. barrel rolling, olive oil production, local pasta and pastry shops). The writing of the setting was well-done, which made me easily picture the town and left me craving a trip to Italy.
I felt invested in Kit's and Nico's love story and eagerly awaited how things would play out for them, considering the logistical challenges of their relationship.
Some parts of the story felt quickly passed over, which for the most part I didn't mind since it kept the story moving at a quick pace, but I would've liked to see Kit's and Nico's friendship building at the beginning more on page. Their early days at Belpagna were mentioned only briefly, and although their friendship's growth was expanded on throughout the story, that initial connection as friends was very formative for the start of their relationship (but not focused on much).
In addition to enjoying the romance, I loved how much personal growth and development Kit experienced throughout her time in Manciano. She learned to appreciate simplicity, find balance alongside her ambition, slow down, and open up more to the people in her life. The friendships formed and grown along the way with Gia, Emilia, and Anita were lovely to see.
Overall, this is a beautiful story and I highly recommend!
Thank you to LEO PR and Montlake for the ARC! As always, all opinions are completely my own.
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