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The Slow Burn
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100 copies available
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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.
Audible Audio
Expected publication January 27, 2026
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About the author
Ali Rosen
8 books522 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 latest novel— described in a starred review by Kirkus as “a swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie”—is Unlikely Story. 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 latest novel— described in a starred review by Kirkus as “a swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie”—is Unlikely Story. 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 68 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
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
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen transports you to Summer in Italy in the best way!
Kit Roth is having a rough time, she is going through a breakup and has learned that her restaurant has burned down. Her best friend decides Kit needs a distraction, and suggests she go work for her Nonna in Italy, while the restaurant is being rebuilt.
Kit easily settles into the rhythm of the town of Marciano. Before long, she starts to reflect on things that were missing from her life back in New York. She likes the idea of the simpler cooking, the sense of community the small town brings and Nico, a olive oil producer who catches her eye.
Kit will be leaving once her restaurant in NYC is ready, and Nico's whole world is in Marciano, but the feelings between the two continue to grow.
I loved the amount of information you learn about pasta and olive oil throughout the book, and love that it's woven into the book so you learn it almost accidentally along the way. Warning, this book makes you hungry!!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Ali Rosen and NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This title will be available to read on January 27th 2026.
Kit Roth is having a rough time, she is going through a breakup and has learned that her restaurant has burned down. Her best friend decides Kit needs a distraction, and suggests she go work for her Nonna in Italy, while the restaurant is being rebuilt.
Kit easily settles into the rhythm of the town of Marciano. Before long, she starts to reflect on things that were missing from her life back in New York. She likes the idea of the simpler cooking, the sense of community the small town brings and Nico, a olive oil producer who catches her eye.
Kit will be leaving once her restaurant in NYC is ready, and Nico's whole world is in Marciano, but the feelings between the two continue to grow.
I loved the amount of information you learn about pasta and olive oil throughout the book, and love that it's woven into the book so you learn it almost accidentally along the way. Warning, this book makes you hungry!!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Ali Rosen and NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This title will be available to read on January 27th 2026.
November 24, 2025
All I needed to read was "Italian setting and food romance" and I was all in for this book. We follow Kit, who after a fire closes the restaurant she's working at in NY, decides to take a break in Italy, helping a friend's nonna at her restaurant. As she gets used to the laid back lifestyle, Kit finds herself enjoying herself more than she thought she would, especially after meeting handsome Nico. But what happens when her time is up and she needs to return to NY?
What a sweet book this was! It was light and refreshing with wonderful characters in a fabulous setting. The small town charm was real and I loved hearing about the festival and olive oil production! After all the yummy food talk throughout the book, I'm grateful to the author for providing recipes at the end and I can't wait to try my hand at making some of them.
What a sweet book this was! It was light and refreshing with wonderful characters in a fabulous setting. The small town charm was real and I loved hearing about the festival and olive oil production! After all the yummy food talk throughout the book, I'm grateful to the author for providing recipes at the end and I can't wait to try my hand at making some of them.
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!
January 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Ali Rosen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this one! The scenery and personality of the town was really enjoyable. The side characters and storylines were an asset to the book.
Kit wasn’t your typical damsel in distress. Readers might not like her because of that but I found it endearing. I liked that she was tall, strong, blunt personality, dedicated to her work and reserved in relationships. She had some significant personal growth that was cool to see.
My two complaints - Kit mentioned she was the person she was due to being a chef very often. Sure, I’m guessing there’s an argument to back that up but it was brought up more than necessary. Second, for as lusty as they were for each other I didn’t feel the tension and angst as much as I hoped. This was single POV so maybe that contributed to the low tension/angst.
I saw a review referencing the open door scenes and I have to clarify - sure, they are open door but in my opinion they are not explicit (I wished they were more but that’s just me). I know sex scenes are very subjective but I was surprised by it so thought I’d address it.
I really liked this one! The scenery and personality of the town was really enjoyable. The side characters and storylines were an asset to the book.
Kit wasn’t your typical damsel in distress. Readers might not like her because of that but I found it endearing. I liked that she was tall, strong, blunt personality, dedicated to her work and reserved in relationships. She had some significant personal growth that was cool to see.
My two complaints - Kit mentioned she was the person she was due to being a chef very often. Sure, I’m guessing there’s an argument to back that up but it was brought up more than necessary. Second, for as lusty as they were for each other I didn’t feel the tension and angst as much as I hoped. This was single POV so maybe that contributed to the low tension/angst.
I saw a review referencing the open door scenes and I have to clarify - sure, they are open door but in my opinion they are not explicit (I wished they were more but that’s just me). I know sex scenes are very subjective but I was surprised by it so thought I’d address it.
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!
Read
October 23, 2025*early work perk read*
November 24, 2025
What a sweet, romantic, delicious romance that swept me away to a small town in Italy for new beginnings & good food.
I loved it. 😍
I loved it. 😍
October 5, 2025
Olive oil has never been so hot.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
RTC!
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 22, 2025
⭐️ Reseña de «The Slow Burn» de Ali Rosen⭐️
Puntuación: 5 ⭐️
Disclaimer: Muchas gracias a NetGalley, la autora y Montlake por permitirme leer una copia avanzada (ARC) del libro. Las opiniones que leerán son mías y solo mías.
Entré en este libro buscando un romance, pero con cero expectativas de lo que podría encontrar. Así que imaginarán mi absoluto deleite al haber conectado inmediatamente con la historia y sus personajes.
En «The Slow Burn» seguimos a Kit Roth, una chef con renombre, en una especie de viaje de desconexión y un poco de autodescubrimiento después de que su restaurante haya sido quemado. Su visita temporal a Italia le da más que un descanso de su rutina, sino que encontrará un romance, amigos, y tal vez la manera correcta de cocinar una buena pasta.
Me encantó la protagonista y su forma de saber lo que es y lo que funciona con ella, incluso si no siempre ha sido lo mejor para sus relaciones con las personas de su entorno. El libro no es sobre cómo tiene una epifanía que cambia los cimientos de su vida, sino un ablandamiento de la coraza con la que se envuelve sin perder su esencia.
El interés romántico, Nico, es perfecto. Y no porque no tenga sus miedos o defectos, sino porque muestra otra forma de ser feliz. En mi libro, un hombre tan sosegado y tranquilo, con la vulnerabilidad en la piel, siempre gana puntos de más.
No pude haber disfrutado más el romance, ese descubrimiento de hasta dónde quieren llegar con la otra persona sin perderse a sí mismos. Hay comunicación y una evolución clara de ambos personajes, paulatina y con conflictos que se sienten reales. Hubo un punto en el que no creí que hubiera solución porque entendía la situación en la que ambos se encontraban de una forma en la que no suelo comprender los conflictos de los libros de romance. Y eso lo hizo aún más perfecto porque la resolución es la prueba perfecta de cómo Kit y Nico crecieron (juntos y separados) como personas más allá del pasado o las expectativas.
El libro es de romance, sí, y tiene el peso principal, pero una de las cosas que más disfruté es sobre otro tipo de amor: la amistad. Emilia y Anita me parecieron increíbles. Ver la evolución de la amistad entre Kit y Anita me gustó mucho, porque muestra una amistad lo suficientemente fuerte como para cambiar junto a sus partes. También disfruté mucho del personaje de Emilia; la sentí como la contraparte perfecta para Kit o, tal vez, lo que Kit pudiera haber sido en otras circunstancias.
No he visitado Italia, pero siento que la autora pintó un cuadro vívido al describir la ambientación del pueblo y sus costumbres. Aún no puedo creer que la carrera de barriles sea real, ni lo mucho que aprendí sobre los olivares y el proceso de elaboración del aceite de oliva.
A pesar de ser Kit una chef y de que sus ambiciones giren tanto alrededor de la comida, me gustó que esto no sobrepasara la historia de romance. La comida está en cada interacción y diálogo, pero como parte de quién es Kit, sin eclipsar su desarrollo como personaje más allá, justamente, de la comida.
En resumen, «The Slow Burn» es un romance adulto en un pueblo pequeño que te deja el corazón lleno y la esperanza de, tal vez, encontrar a tu propio Nico esperando en un sofá mientras mira el atardecer en un olivar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⭐️ Review of “The Slow Burn” by Ali Rosen⭐️
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Disclaimer: Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Montlake for allowing me to read an advance copy (ARC) of the book. The opinions you will read are mine and mine alone.
I went into this book looking for romance, but with zero expectations of what I might find. So you can imagine my absolute delight at having immediately connected with the story and its characters.
In The Slow Burn, we follow Kit Roth, a renowned chef, on a journey of disconnection and a bit of self-discovery after her restaurant burns down. Her temporary visit to Italy gives her more than just a break from her routine; she finds romance, friends, and perhaps the right way to cook good pasta.
I loved the protagonist and her way of knowing who she is and what works for her, even if it hasn't always been the best for her relationships with the people around her. The book is not about how she has an epiphany that changes the foundations of her life, but rather a softening of the armor she wraps herself in without losing her essence.
The romantic interest, Nico, is perfect. Not because he doesn't have fears or flaws, but because he shows another way to be happy. In my book, a man who is so calm and quiet, with vulnerability in his skin, always wins extra points.
I couldn't have enjoyed the romance more, that discovery of how far they want to go with the other person without losing themselves. There is communication and a clear evolution of both characters, gradual and with conflicts that feel real. There was a point where I didn't think there was a solution because I understood the situation they were both in in a way that I don't usually understand conflicts in romance books. And that made it even more perfect because the resolution is the proof of how Kit and Nico grew (together and as individuals) as people beyond their past or expectations.
The book is about romance, yes, and that's the main focus, but one of the things I enjoyed the most is about another kind of love: friendship. I thought Emilia and Anita were incredible. I really liked seeing the evolution of the friendship between Kit and Anita, because it shows a friendship strong enough to change alongside its parts. I also really enjoyed Emilia's character; I felt she was the perfect counterpart to Kit or, perhaps, what Kit could have been in other circumstances.
I haven't visited Italy, but I feel that the author painted a vivid picture when describing the setting of the village and its customs. I still can't believe that barrel racing is real, or how much I learned about olive groves and the olive oil production process.
Even though Kit is a chef and her ambitions revolve so much around food, I liked that this didn't overshadow the romance story. Food is in every interaction and dialogue, but as part of who Kit is, without overshadowing her character development beyond, precisely, food.
In short, “The Slow Burn” is an adult romance in a small town that leaves your heart full and hopeful that you might find your own Nico waiting on a couch while watching the sunset in an olive grove.
Puntuación: 5 ⭐️
Disclaimer: Muchas gracias a NetGalley, la autora y Montlake por permitirme leer una copia avanzada (ARC) del libro. Las opiniones que leerán son mías y solo mías.
Entré en este libro buscando un romance, pero con cero expectativas de lo que podría encontrar. Así que imaginarán mi absoluto deleite al haber conectado inmediatamente con la historia y sus personajes.
En «The Slow Burn» seguimos a Kit Roth, una chef con renombre, en una especie de viaje de desconexión y un poco de autodescubrimiento después de que su restaurante haya sido quemado. Su visita temporal a Italia le da más que un descanso de su rutina, sino que encontrará un romance, amigos, y tal vez la manera correcta de cocinar una buena pasta.
Me encantó la protagonista y su forma de saber lo que es y lo que funciona con ella, incluso si no siempre ha sido lo mejor para sus relaciones con las personas de su entorno. El libro no es sobre cómo tiene una epifanía que cambia los cimientos de su vida, sino un ablandamiento de la coraza con la que se envuelve sin perder su esencia.
El interés romántico, Nico, es perfecto. Y no porque no tenga sus miedos o defectos, sino porque muestra otra forma de ser feliz. En mi libro, un hombre tan sosegado y tranquilo, con la vulnerabilidad en la piel, siempre gana puntos de más.
No pude haber disfrutado más el romance, ese descubrimiento de hasta dónde quieren llegar con la otra persona sin perderse a sí mismos. Hay comunicación y una evolución clara de ambos personajes, paulatina y con conflictos que se sienten reales. Hubo un punto en el que no creí que hubiera solución porque entendía la situación en la que ambos se encontraban de una forma en la que no suelo comprender los conflictos de los libros de romance. Y eso lo hizo aún más perfecto porque la resolución es la prueba perfecta de cómo Kit y Nico crecieron (juntos y separados) como personas más allá del pasado o las expectativas.
El libro es de romance, sí, y tiene el peso principal, pero una de las cosas que más disfruté es sobre otro tipo de amor: la amistad. Emilia y Anita me parecieron increíbles. Ver la evolución de la amistad entre Kit y Anita me gustó mucho, porque muestra una amistad lo suficientemente fuerte como para cambiar junto a sus partes. También disfruté mucho del personaje de Emilia; la sentí como la contraparte perfecta para Kit o, tal vez, lo que Kit pudiera haber sido en otras circunstancias.
No he visitado Italia, pero siento que la autora pintó un cuadro vívido al describir la ambientación del pueblo y sus costumbres. Aún no puedo creer que la carrera de barriles sea real, ni lo mucho que aprendí sobre los olivares y el proceso de elaboración del aceite de oliva.
A pesar de ser Kit una chef y de que sus ambiciones giren tanto alrededor de la comida, me gustó que esto no sobrepasara la historia de romance. La comida está en cada interacción y diálogo, pero como parte de quién es Kit, sin eclipsar su desarrollo como personaje más allá, justamente, de la comida.
En resumen, «The Slow Burn» es un romance adulto en un pueblo pequeño que te deja el corazón lleno y la esperanza de, tal vez, encontrar a tu propio Nico esperando en un sofá mientras mira el atardecer en un olivar.
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⭐️ Review of “The Slow Burn” by Ali Rosen⭐️
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Disclaimer: Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Montlake for allowing me to read an advance copy (ARC) of the book. The opinions you will read are mine and mine alone.
I went into this book looking for romance, but with zero expectations of what I might find. So you can imagine my absolute delight at having immediately connected with the story and its characters.
In The Slow Burn, we follow Kit Roth, a renowned chef, on a journey of disconnection and a bit of self-discovery after her restaurant burns down. Her temporary visit to Italy gives her more than just a break from her routine; she finds romance, friends, and perhaps the right way to cook good pasta.
I loved the protagonist and her way of knowing who she is and what works for her, even if it hasn't always been the best for her relationships with the people around her. The book is not about how she has an epiphany that changes the foundations of her life, but rather a softening of the armor she wraps herself in without losing her essence.
The romantic interest, Nico, is perfect. Not because he doesn't have fears or flaws, but because he shows another way to be happy. In my book, a man who is so calm and quiet, with vulnerability in his skin, always wins extra points.
I couldn't have enjoyed the romance more, that discovery of how far they want to go with the other person without losing themselves. There is communication and a clear evolution of both characters, gradual and with conflicts that feel real. There was a point where I didn't think there was a solution because I understood the situation they were both in in a way that I don't usually understand conflicts in romance books. And that made it even more perfect because the resolution is the proof of how Kit and Nico grew (together and as individuals) as people beyond their past or expectations.
The book is about romance, yes, and that's the main focus, but one of the things I enjoyed the most is about another kind of love: friendship. I thought Emilia and Anita were incredible. I really liked seeing the evolution of the friendship between Kit and Anita, because it shows a friendship strong enough to change alongside its parts. I also really enjoyed Emilia's character; I felt she was the perfect counterpart to Kit or, perhaps, what Kit could have been in other circumstances.
I haven't visited Italy, but I feel that the author painted a vivid picture when describing the setting of the village and its customs. I still can't believe that barrel racing is real, or how much I learned about olive groves and the olive oil production process.
Even though Kit is a chef and her ambitions revolve so much around food, I liked that this didn't overshadow the romance story. Food is in every interaction and dialogue, but as part of who Kit is, without overshadowing her character development beyond, precisely, food.
In short, “The Slow Burn” is an adult romance in a small town that leaves your heart full and hopeful that you might find your own Nico waiting on a couch while watching the sunset in an olive grove.
December 5, 2025
📚The Slow Burn
✍🏻Ali Rosen
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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 and passion with enjoying all that life has to offer. This was a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend. friends-to-lovers, Italian summer romance. Kit is an acclaimed chef in New York City who is left feeling lost when her boyfriend breaks-up with her while her restaurant is literally burning to the ground. She decides to travel to Tuscany to work with her best friends Nonna for the summer, where she meets Nico. He has been a part of this community since he was a child and now runs his families olive grove and mill. This book was an absolute delight to read and had me swooning, both from the amazing characters and the description of the countryside. I loved the main characters and how they grew and loved throughout the story. Additionally, the supporting characters were charming, witty, and made the book even better! I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves food, adventure, and a swoony love story.
Thanks NetGalley, Montlake Publishing and Author Ali Rosen for the advanced copy of "The Slow Burn" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MontlakePublishing
#AliRosen
#TheSlowBurn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Ali Rosen
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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 and passion with enjoying all that life has to offer. This was a heartwarming story and I definitely recommend. friends-to-lovers, Italian summer romance. Kit is an acclaimed chef in New York City who is left feeling lost when her boyfriend breaks-up with her while her restaurant is literally burning to the ground. She decides to travel to Tuscany to work with her best friends Nonna for the summer, where she meets Nico. He has been a part of this community since he was a child and now runs his families olive grove and mill. This book was an absolute delight to read and had me swooning, both from the amazing characters and the description of the countryside. I loved the main characters and how they grew and loved throughout the story. Additionally, the supporting characters were charming, witty, and made the book even better! I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves food, adventure, and a swoony love story.
Thanks NetGalley, Montlake Publishing and Author Ali Rosen for the advanced copy of "The Slow Burn" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MontlakePublishing
#AliRosen
#TheSlowBurn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Full disclosure: I read this book almost a month ago, then promptly procrastinated on reviewing it. Even worse, I left myself exactly one note to work from: THE MAN CROCHETS.
But before we get to that, let’s discuss Kit. I loved this character who, in many ways, was a departure from genre norms.. It’s not that she’s prickly, or hard, just that she’s focused. Driven. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to sacrifice in the pursuit of it—first as a high-level athlete, and now as a Michelin-level chef. She’s the kind of person who’s not content with being good; she wants to be exceptional. I really love that this book never treats that ambition as something she needs to unlearn.
Then there’s Nico. Soft-hearted, crocheting Nico. Sits-up-all-night-to-babysit-cows Nico. Olive-nerd Nico.
He’s the kind of character who could very easily have tipped into “hot, foreign, manic-pixie-dream-boy” territory, but Ali Rosen writes him with enough depth and restraint that he never feels like a fantasy object. Instead of being some unattainable female-gaze fever dream, he feels grounded and real — someone who can match Kit’s hard edges with his softness, someone who can meet her where she’s at without needing her to change.
Together, they have stellar chemistry.
Truly.
It’s friends-to-lovers.
It’s slow-burn.
It’s just-for-the-summer.
It’s the heartbreak of watching two people fall in love when they don’t think it can last. And what’s happening between them is so apparent, so unavoidable, that they take the risk anyway. I LIVE for this kind of yearning in contemporary romance, and it is so well done here.
What else I enjoyed:
• I loved how much Kit stays Kit — she grows where it makes sense, but never feels rewritten to make someone else happy. Refreshing in a world where a woman is often asked to be the one to change everything.
• The town of Marciano — yes, it might be slightly romanticized, but it still feels like a real small town, full of blemishes and quirks.
• Gia, the pasta-making badass extraordinaire.
• The weird, wonderful number of olive — and olive oil — facts sprinkled throughout the book. Bonus!
This was my first Ali Rosen book, and I can’t wait to read more. Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Full disclosure: I read this book almost a month ago, then promptly procrastinated on reviewing it. Even worse, I left myself exactly one note to work from: THE MAN CROCHETS.
But before we get to that, let’s discuss Kit. I loved this character who, in many ways, was a departure from genre norms.. It’s not that she’s prickly, or hard, just that she’s focused. Driven. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to sacrifice in the pursuit of it—first as a high-level athlete, and now as a Michelin-level chef. She’s the kind of person who’s not content with being good; she wants to be exceptional. I really love that this book never treats that ambition as something she needs to unlearn.
Then there’s Nico. Soft-hearted, crocheting Nico. Sits-up-all-night-to-babysit-cows Nico. Olive-nerd Nico.
He’s the kind of character who could very easily have tipped into “hot, foreign, manic-pixie-dream-boy” territory, but Ali Rosen writes him with enough depth and restraint that he never feels like a fantasy object. Instead of being some unattainable female-gaze fever dream, he feels grounded and real — someone who can match Kit’s hard edges with his softness, someone who can meet her where she’s at without needing her to change.
Together, they have stellar chemistry.
Truly.
It’s friends-to-lovers.
It’s slow-burn.
It’s just-for-the-summer.
It’s the heartbreak of watching two people fall in love when they don’t think it can last. And what’s happening between them is so apparent, so unavoidable, that they take the risk anyway. I LIVE for this kind of yearning in contemporary romance, and it is so well done here.
What else I enjoyed:
• I loved how much Kit stays Kit — she grows where it makes sense, but never feels rewritten to make someone else happy. Refreshing in a world where a woman is often asked to be the one to change everything.
• The town of Marciano — yes, it might be slightly romanticized, but it still feels like a real small town, full of blemishes and quirks.
• Gia, the pasta-making badass extraordinaire.
• The weird, wonderful number of olive — and olive oil — facts sprinkled throughout the book. Bonus!
This was my first Ali Rosen book, and I can’t wait to read more. Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Ali Rosen helped me escape to Italy in this book, which is a neat trick since I've never been there, including Tuscany, where one of my favorite movies was filmed.
Kit Roth is an executive chef of a popular restaurant in New York City. As her restaurant burns down and her long-term boyfriend, John, dumps her, her best friend Anita suggests she spend the summer in Italy, working as her Nonna Gia's pasta restaurant in Tuscany. She takes her up on that suggestion, and with little fanfare, shows up in Maremma rady to assist Gia. Kit very much approaches her job with humility and lack of arrogance. She makes friends, including Emilia, the owner of an Italian pastry shop, and Nico, who grows olives for olive oil on his farm.
Kit and Nico very much are the definition of slow burn, but they work here because they become friends who are fighting an attraction to each other. Nico's wife had left him, so Anita and anyone else was warning her to stay friends, including Nico himself. It takes a typical moment of male jealousy to turn things up. While Nico is crazy for Kit, he's also a really good person for Kit. It is shocking that he doesn't have a stereotypical machismo. Kit, I liked, but I was a little disappointed there was no mention or discussion of her background, presumably Jewish. This is a minor issue because I really enjoyed the book, especially a lack of a 3rd act breakup or surprise pregnancy to move the plot along. Kit and Nico are adults who find themselves in love with each other and have to figure out how to make their lives work together.
4/5☆ available 1/27/26.
Kit Roth is an executive chef of a popular restaurant in New York City. As her restaurant burns down and her long-term boyfriend, John, dumps her, her best friend Anita suggests she spend the summer in Italy, working as her Nonna Gia's pasta restaurant in Tuscany. She takes her up on that suggestion, and with little fanfare, shows up in Maremma rady to assist Gia. Kit very much approaches her job with humility and lack of arrogance. She makes friends, including Emilia, the owner of an Italian pastry shop, and Nico, who grows olives for olive oil on his farm.
Kit and Nico very much are the definition of slow burn, but they work here because they become friends who are fighting an attraction to each other. Nico's wife had left him, so Anita and anyone else was warning her to stay friends, including Nico himself. It takes a typical moment of male jealousy to turn things up. While Nico is crazy for Kit, he's also a really good person for Kit. It is shocking that he doesn't have a stereotypical machismo. Kit, I liked, but I was a little disappointed there was no mention or discussion of her background, presumably Jewish. This is a minor issue because I really enjoyed the book, especially a lack of a 3rd act breakup or surprise pregnancy to move the plot along. Kit and Nico are adults who find themselves in love with each other and have to figure out how to make their lives work together.
4/5☆ available 1/27/26.
October 19, 2025
When Kit's Michelin-star restaurant burns down and her boyfriend breaks up with her the same day, she heads off to Italy for the summer to learn pasta making with her friend's grandmother in an eccentric small town.
I was so excited to get this ARC. I loved Unlikely Story, and was looking forward to another Ali Rosen romance. As in other Rosen books, the characters were wonderful, and the amount of research that went into this book really shined. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me.
Kit is fabulous. I love her drive, her passion for her work, and that it isn't even a question of whether she'll settle down somewhere else. The fact that Kit and Nico's respect for each others' values and life goals is the push/pull dynamic is incredible.
However, this book felt choppy in parts, which made some aspects of the story (especially the romance) feel rushed. Most of what we learn about the process of rebuilding Kit's restaurant is via offhand comments during dialogue with other characters, and yet we have an entire chapter devoted to a small-town sporting tradition. Given how big Kit's career is as part of her identity, it seems like there would be more time given to that particular aspect of the plot. But I will also acknowledge that I have given similar criticism to other very highly regarded contemporary rom-coms, so maybe this is simply a trend that I don't particularly enjoy.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of lighthearted books about chefs. There's a lot to love about Kit, Nico, and the rest of the cast.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
I was so excited to get this ARC. I loved Unlikely Story, and was looking forward to another Ali Rosen romance. As in other Rosen books, the characters were wonderful, and the amount of research that went into this book really shined. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me.
Kit is fabulous. I love her drive, her passion for her work, and that it isn't even a question of whether she'll settle down somewhere else. The fact that Kit and Nico's respect for each others' values and life goals is the push/pull dynamic is incredible.
However, this book felt choppy in parts, which made some aspects of the story (especially the romance) feel rushed. Most of what we learn about the process of rebuilding Kit's restaurant is via offhand comments during dialogue with other characters, and yet we have an entire chapter devoted to a small-town sporting tradition. Given how big Kit's career is as part of her identity, it seems like there would be more time given to that particular aspect of the plot. But I will also acknowledge that I have given similar criticism to other very highly regarded contemporary rom-coms, so maybe this is simply a trend that I don't particularly enjoy.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of lighthearted books about chefs. There's a lot to love about Kit, Nico, and the rest of the cast.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
November 4, 2025
A big thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kit, a self-described workaholic, is the chef de cuisine at a Michelin-star restaurant in New York however when the restaurant burns down and Kit gets dumped all in one night, she jets off to Italy for the summer to assist her best friend, Anita’s Nonna in her restaurant making pasta. While in this town, Kit learns to slow down and develop some work life balance. New friendships are formed as well as a romance with the local olive oil producer, Nico leading Kit to discover everything that has been missing from her life.
I really loved this book. It was one of those reads that when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and itching to pick it up again. I got similar vibes as Emily Henry books, so if you like EmHen, I reckon you'd enjoy Ali Rosen's writing.
This book felt very mature in the way that Kit was unapologetically herself. She was aware of her faults but also embraced them. Her and Nico had impressive communication. All of this was quite refreshing after having read many romances where issues/conflicts occur due to poor communication/miscommunication. There were a few spice scenes but none of them were overly descriptive which allowed the emotional connection that Kit and Nico had developed to be most important part of their relationship.
The way the author described all the different desserts and pasta dishes had me salivating, and the description of the Italian countryside now has me craving a summer spent in Italy.
I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on Ali Rosen. I bought Unlikely Story back at the beginning of the year and am still yet to read it but am now definitely going to be picking it up soon.
Kit, a self-described workaholic, is the chef de cuisine at a Michelin-star restaurant in New York however when the restaurant burns down and Kit gets dumped all in one night, she jets off to Italy for the summer to assist her best friend, Anita’s Nonna in her restaurant making pasta. While in this town, Kit learns to slow down and develop some work life balance. New friendships are formed as well as a romance with the local olive oil producer, Nico leading Kit to discover everything that has been missing from her life.
I really loved this book. It was one of those reads that when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and itching to pick it up again. I got similar vibes as Emily Henry books, so if you like EmHen, I reckon you'd enjoy Ali Rosen's writing.
This book felt very mature in the way that Kit was unapologetically herself. She was aware of her faults but also embraced them. Her and Nico had impressive communication. All of this was quite refreshing after having read many romances where issues/conflicts occur due to poor communication/miscommunication. There were a few spice scenes but none of them were overly descriptive which allowed the emotional connection that Kit and Nico had developed to be most important part of their relationship.
The way the author described all the different desserts and pasta dishes had me salivating, and the description of the Italian countryside now has me craving a summer spent in Italy.
I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on Ali Rosen. I bought Unlikely Story back at the beginning of the year and am still yet to read it but am now definitely going to be picking it up soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was so charming and I read the entire thing in one go so it was like watching a movie play out in front of me in real time. There are definitely similarities to a Hallmark movie (complimentary) and there's even a reference to it at the end which made me chuckle. This book knows exactly what it is and it delivers in every way.
Kit's restaurant in NYC burns down and that same night, her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her best friend Anita suggests going to Italy for a few months while the repairs are being done to learn how to properly make pasta from her nonna. This is considered taking a break for Kit, even though she'll be working every day, as she doesn't have the added stress of running her own kitchen.
Pretty quickly, Kit adapts to her new normal, and takes in everything her tiny town has to offer. She makes friends with locals Emilia and Nico, and together they make for a really fun trio. Kit is also very attracted to Nico, but puts it on the back burner as they become friends first. The attraction between them continues to grow and grow though, and there's only so long they can both fight it.
Nico is the perfect man in every single way. Everything about him is so absolutely swoon worthy, you find yourself rooting so hard for him and Kit to just be together already! They have such perfect chemistry, it just jumps off the page. And Kit herself is a great main character. The book is told from her POV and she's so strong and solid and it's so easy to want every good thing for her. As she forces herself to slow down, you just want her to get everything she wants and succeed in life even though you know she's a fictional character and that's a testament to good writing!
I've read Ali Rosen books in the past, and this is probably my favorite one of hers so far. She's so good at describing details that it really felt like I was there with Kit (and Nico, Emilia and Gia) cheering her on from the sidelines during her journey of self discovery. I highly recommend this one, you'll be glad you picked it up!
Kit's restaurant in NYC burns down and that same night, her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her best friend Anita suggests going to Italy for a few months while the repairs are being done to learn how to properly make pasta from her nonna. This is considered taking a break for Kit, even though she'll be working every day, as she doesn't have the added stress of running her own kitchen.
Pretty quickly, Kit adapts to her new normal, and takes in everything her tiny town has to offer. She makes friends with locals Emilia and Nico, and together they make for a really fun trio. Kit is also very attracted to Nico, but puts it on the back burner as they become friends first. The attraction between them continues to grow and grow though, and there's only so long they can both fight it.
Nico is the perfect man in every single way. Everything about him is so absolutely swoon worthy, you find yourself rooting so hard for him and Kit to just be together already! They have such perfect chemistry, it just jumps off the page. And Kit herself is a great main character. The book is told from her POV and she's so strong and solid and it's so easy to want every good thing for her. As she forces herself to slow down, you just want her to get everything she wants and succeed in life even though you know she's a fictional character and that's a testament to good writing!
I've read Ali Rosen books in the past, and this is probably my favorite one of hers so far. She's so good at describing details that it really felt like I was there with Kit (and Nico, Emilia and Gia) cheering her on from the sidelines during her journey of self discovery. I highly recommend this one, you'll be glad you picked it up!
November 10, 2025
If I had to narrow my life’s joys down to three things (besides reading of course), it would be travel, food and (found) family. This book tied all of those together for the most beautiful romance! Our female main character, Kit, is a chef who takes off for Italy when her restaurant and love life go up in flames in NYC. Not only does she learn to master the art of making handmade pasta, but she learns so much about herself and of course, has a slow burning love affair in the process.
This was the first book I read by Ali Rosen and I loved that the author’s life experience as a chef really added so much insight and fun detail into this beautiful story. The descriptions of the food were incredible (and there are recipes at the end!!!), the setting seems like every travelers dream (and it’s inspired by real places that you can actually visit! Sign me up!!), and all of the characters come together to form a beautiful found family for our FMC who spent the years leading up to our story very lonely while being consumed by work.
While this book wasn’t paced as a book I couldn’t put down (tough to do that in a slow burn), I definitely savored it every time I picked it up. It had me laughing, welling up with emotion through the tough parts and salivating over the beautiful details about the setting and THE FOOD!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance!! 4.5⭐️!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montclair for the ARC copy of this book. All of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was the first book I read by Ali Rosen and I loved that the author’s life experience as a chef really added so much insight and fun detail into this beautiful story. The descriptions of the food were incredible (and there are recipes at the end!!!), the setting seems like every travelers dream (and it’s inspired by real places that you can actually visit! Sign me up!!), and all of the characters come together to form a beautiful found family for our FMC who spent the years leading up to our story very lonely while being consumed by work.
While this book wasn’t paced as a book I couldn’t put down (tough to do that in a slow burn), I definitely savored it every time I picked it up. It had me laughing, welling up with emotion through the tough parts and salivating over the beautiful details about the setting and THE FOOD!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance!! 4.5⭐️!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montclair for the ARC copy of this book. All of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 2, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Ali Rosen, for providing me with an advance copy of this book. This is the first novel I’ve read by Ali, and it definitely won’t be the last!
If you enjoy romances that feel light, comforting, and full of heart, The Slow Burn is a perfect pick.
Kit, who manages a Manhattan restaurant, suddenly finds her life upended when a fire damages the restaurant and she ends things with her boyfriend—all in the same week. Feeling lost, her best friend Anita convinces her to spend the summer in Italy while the restaurant is being rebuilt.
Once there, Kit begins working at Anita’s grandmother’s restaurant and rents a small apartment in town. Slowly, she starts to rebuild her sense of self, forming new friendships and unexpected connections—including a charming, slow-burn relationship with Nico.
I loved the way the story captured the beauty of Italy—the food descriptions were so vivid I found myself craving every dish! I also enjoyed learning about olive oil production and the history of the olive groves. The romance between Kit and Nico felt genuine and tender, and while there are a few spicy scenes, they’re tastefully done and never overpower the emotional depth of the story.
The Slow Burn feels like a warm hug in book form—comforting, hopeful, and full of heart. It’s a story about new opportunities, friendship, and finding yourself again in unexpected places. A truly delightful read to curl up with on a chilly day or take along on your next sunny escape.
If you enjoy romances that feel light, comforting, and full of heart, The Slow Burn is a perfect pick.
Kit, who manages a Manhattan restaurant, suddenly finds her life upended when a fire damages the restaurant and she ends things with her boyfriend—all in the same week. Feeling lost, her best friend Anita convinces her to spend the summer in Italy while the restaurant is being rebuilt.
Once there, Kit begins working at Anita’s grandmother’s restaurant and rents a small apartment in town. Slowly, she starts to rebuild her sense of self, forming new friendships and unexpected connections—including a charming, slow-burn relationship with Nico.
I loved the way the story captured the beauty of Italy—the food descriptions were so vivid I found myself craving every dish! I also enjoyed learning about olive oil production and the history of the olive groves. The romance between Kit and Nico felt genuine and tender, and while there are a few spicy scenes, they’re tastefully done and never overpower the emotional depth of the story.
The Slow Burn feels like a warm hug in book form—comforting, hopeful, and full of heart. It’s a story about new opportunities, friendship, and finding yourself again in unexpected places. A truly delightful read to curl up with on a chilly day or take along on your next sunny escape.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Slow Burn was my first book by Ali Rosen, and I really enjoyed it!
This book takes place in Marciano, Italy. We are introduced to Kit, a single-minded, hot-shot chef from New York whose restaurant burns to the ground, along with her long-term relationship. Kit's best friend, Anita, urges her to take some time off while repairs are being made, working for her nonna to relax and slow down. Nico, a local olive oil producer, immediately finds common ground with Kit as they geek out about all the intricacies of food science.
I really loved the friendship and eventual relationship journey they went on. It was a sweet and mature story, supported by a great cast of side characters. Nico is a fantastic male lead. He was grounded, reserved, and calm, though there were definitely some chapters where he felt a bit flat due to those personality traits. Kit felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story.
A wonderful addition to the book was the inclusion of some Italian recipes at the end, which I loved. I will definitely be trying some of those out! Coming off a recent trip to Italy, Ali did an excellent job immersing the reader in a summertime experience, enjoying all that Tuscany had to offer.
If you want a mature love story with no misunderstandings, lingering looks/touches, sensual intimate scenes, and a respectful love, I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes place in Marciano, Italy. We are introduced to Kit, a single-minded, hot-shot chef from New York whose restaurant burns to the ground, along with her long-term relationship. Kit's best friend, Anita, urges her to take some time off while repairs are being made, working for her nonna to relax and slow down. Nico, a local olive oil producer, immediately finds common ground with Kit as they geek out about all the intricacies of food science.
I really loved the friendship and eventual relationship journey they went on. It was a sweet and mature story, supported by a great cast of side characters. Nico is a fantastic male lead. He was grounded, reserved, and calm, though there were definitely some chapters where he felt a bit flat due to those personality traits. Kit felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story.
A wonderful addition to the book was the inclusion of some Italian recipes at the end, which I loved. I will definitely be trying some of those out! Coming off a recent trip to Italy, Ali did an excellent job immersing the reader in a summertime experience, enjoying all that Tuscany had to offer.
If you want a mature love story with no misunderstandings, lingering looks/touches, sensual intimate scenes, and a respectful love, I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
I didn’t know I needed that, but I did. This is what I want to get when I see a book classified as general fiction/romance (as it was on NetGalley) - the perfect amount of both.
It felt raw, passionate, and emotional - nothing was too much or too little, even though it would be very easy with this kind of writing to go overboard. The romance didn't overwhelm the emotional journey, and the journey didn't only happen through the romance.
The setting - together with its inhabitants - is perfection. You get transported to this beautiful village with all its colorful people and drama, and it's a real treat to be able to live there throughout these pages.
Also, the yearning? The way Nico is as a person is great to read about, sure, but the way he loves is simply intoxicating. And how they go through an entire friendship to get where they get is so natural.
It's easy to ruin things at the end with an ending that goes against everything we learned about the characters, and that's actually mentioned in the story itself - how it could end, what would be the wrong conclusion. Fortunately, the finish is as good as it has the potential to be.
I don't really have any negative feedback. I liked everything about it.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read an ARC!
It felt raw, passionate, and emotional - nothing was too much or too little, even though it would be very easy with this kind of writing to go overboard. The romance didn't overwhelm the emotional journey, and the journey didn't only happen through the romance.
The setting - together with its inhabitants - is perfection. You get transported to this beautiful village with all its colorful people and drama, and it's a real treat to be able to live there throughout these pages.
Also, the yearning? The way Nico is as a person is great to read about, sure, but the way he loves is simply intoxicating. And how they go through an entire friendship to get where they get is so natural.
It's easy to ruin things at the end with an ending that goes against everything we learned about the characters, and that's actually mentioned in the story itself - how it could end, what would be the wrong conclusion. Fortunately, the finish is as good as it has the potential to be.
I don't really have any negative feedback. I liked everything about it.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cute romance set in an idyllic Italian town; my first read by Ali Rosen was a decent palate cleanser in-between heavier reads.
Funnily enough, despite the open door spice I feel like this was more a women's fiction with a romance subplot. The book really focuses on Kit's journey, and since we only get the story through her single first person POV, we really see her emotions and warring feelings over her career and the male protagonist, Nico. I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Italian town, the wonderfully unique information about olive trees, and the bonus recipes at the end of the book were such a fun surprise!
As far as the romance went though, I think it was okay, but nothing great. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the main characters, and Nico as a male protagonist fell a bit flat for me. The side characters of Emilia and Gia added more depth and flavor to the plot, as well as the unique barrel rolling sporting competition, but I was a bit disappointed that we didn't see much of Kit as a chef in her natural habitat.
Overall, this was a decent read which served it's purpose as a light, small town fiction filled with mentions of delicious Italian pasta and pastries!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the gifted Netgalley eARC!
Funnily enough, despite the open door spice I feel like this was more a women's fiction with a romance subplot. The book really focuses on Kit's journey, and since we only get the story through her single first person POV, we really see her emotions and warring feelings over her career and the male protagonist, Nico. I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Italian town, the wonderfully unique information about olive trees, and the bonus recipes at the end of the book were such a fun surprise!
As far as the romance went though, I think it was okay, but nothing great. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the main characters, and Nico as a male protagonist fell a bit flat for me. The side characters of Emilia and Gia added more depth and flavor to the plot, as well as the unique barrel rolling sporting competition, but I was a bit disappointed that we didn't see much of Kit as a chef in her natural habitat.
Overall, this was a decent read which served it's purpose as a light, small town fiction filled with mentions of delicious Italian pasta and pastries!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the gifted Netgalley eARC!
January 5, 2026
This book made me HUNGRY and made me want to go to Italy and compete in small town barrel racing and made me want to go to culinary school and made me want to plant olive trees and made me see the beauty in surrendering to the peace after a fire!!
When superstar chef Kit’s restaurant burns down, she finds herself with a summer to spare - so why not go to Italy to sous chef for her best friend’s grandma? She thinks she’ll get a chance to perfect her pasta making, enjoy a quiet slower paced lifestyle, and spend the summer prepping her big return, but instead finds herself with new friends, a boss who is both sweet and snarky, and a chance at rewriting her own narrative of what she wants and needs in life (and of course, love is on the menu too don’t worry)!!
This book truly felt like a fresh bowl of pasta, delicious and fresh and warming me up from the inside! I loved Kit’s love of cooking and food science, and that she was ready to chase her dreams with no regrets and no one trying to stop her. She wasn’t about to give up her dreams, but she was prepared to modify the recipe just a tad!!
Thanks so much to Ali Rosen and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
When superstar chef Kit’s restaurant burns down, she finds herself with a summer to spare - so why not go to Italy to sous chef for her best friend’s grandma? She thinks she’ll get a chance to perfect her pasta making, enjoy a quiet slower paced lifestyle, and spend the summer prepping her big return, but instead finds herself with new friends, a boss who is both sweet and snarky, and a chance at rewriting her own narrative of what she wants and needs in life (and of course, love is on the menu too don’t worry)!!
This book truly felt like a fresh bowl of pasta, delicious and fresh and warming me up from the inside! I loved Kit’s love of cooking and food science, and that she was ready to chase her dreams with no regrets and no one trying to stop her. She wasn’t about to give up her dreams, but she was prepared to modify the recipe just a tad!!
Thanks so much to Ali Rosen and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
This is my second read of Ali Rosen's, my first being Alternate Endings, which I really enjoyed. This one was also enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the strength and unapologetic nature of Kit's character, along with the patience and gentleness of Nico's. I think what I loved even more was that, while this was a love story, it was also a way to examine the professional aspect of life and not acquiesce to things that do not serve you. This was, in fact. a slow burn; from the way that Kit and Nico fall in love, but also in the way in which Kit learned to reflect on the way she was showing up professionally and decided that there were things that needed to change, but not in a way that she had to be less of herself or demand less from others. I also thought this was a love letter to Maremma and the quiet beauty it offers, from its people, food, and culture. Adding the love of food and community, two aspects that are central to Italian culture, this is a perfect read for those who love a strong FMC who finds herself in a small town, in this case, in Italy, amongst a community of strangers who show her how to slow down and be more like the olive trees.
This is my second read of Ali Rosen's, my first being Alternate Endings, which I really enjoyed. This one was also enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the strength and unapologetic nature of Kit's character, along with the patience and gentleness of Nico's. I think what I loved even more was that, while this was a love story, it was also a way to examine the professional aspect of life and not acquiesce to things that do not serve you. This was, in fact. a slow burn; from the way that Kit and Nico fall in love, but also in the way in which Kit learned to reflect on the way she was showing up professionally and decided that there were things that needed to change, but not in a way that she had to be less of herself or demand less from others. I also thought this was a love letter to Maremma and the quiet beauty it offers, from its people, food, and culture. Adding the love of food and community, two aspects that are central to Italian culture, this is a perfect read for those who love a strong FMC who finds herself in a small town, in this case, in Italy, amongst a community of strangers who show her how to slow down and be more like the olive trees.
October 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!
The Slow Burn is exactly what the title says—but more for the FMC’s personal journey than the romance. The story follows a driven, workaholic chef who slowly learns there’s more to life than just her career. I really enjoyed seeing her growth, especially how she finds healing without giving up the career she worked so hard for.
That said, I struggled a bit with the romance. The instant attraction from the FMC toward the MMC felt a little forced especially since the book is called “The Slow Burn.” It sometimes pulled me out of the story because every time she saw him, she was fixated on his looks. Their chemistry didn’t fully click for me until much later. Also, the pacing in the middle dragged; I even skimmed a chapter when it felt too flat. And ngl, the make-out during the fire scene had me going… wait, what??
Still, the ending worked well for me, and I loved how the FMC’s arc wasn’t reduced to “choosing love over career.” Plus, the recipes at the back were such a fun bonus, perfect for food nerds!
Overall, this was a thoughtful read about ambition, balance, and second chances.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!
The Slow Burn is exactly what the title says—but more for the FMC’s personal journey than the romance. The story follows a driven, workaholic chef who slowly learns there’s more to life than just her career. I really enjoyed seeing her growth, especially how she finds healing without giving up the career she worked so hard for.
That said, I struggled a bit with the romance. The instant attraction from the FMC toward the MMC felt a little forced especially since the book is called “The Slow Burn.” It sometimes pulled me out of the story because every time she saw him, she was fixated on his looks. Their chemistry didn’t fully click for me until much later. Also, the pacing in the middle dragged; I even skimmed a chapter when it felt too flat. And ngl, the make-out during the fire scene had me going… wait, what??
Still, the ending worked well for me, and I loved how the FMC’s arc wasn’t reduced to “choosing love over career.” Plus, the recipes at the back were such a fun bonus, perfect for food nerds!
Overall, this was a thoughtful read about ambition, balance, and second chances.
October 26, 2025
Let me start by saying I love Ali Rosen’s books. They are the perfect read for someone like me who likes character driven romances.
The title of her newest, SLOW BURN, is aptly titled because the book takes quite a long time for the heroine, Kit, to move things along in her life.
But I think that was the premise for the book, actually. Her fast paced, emotionally unfulfilling life comes to a halt when her restaurant burns down. She takes the advice of a friend and goes to Italy to cook with and learn from a real old fashioned Nonna, famous for her food and pasta. While there, Kit comes to see the pace she was working at, the way her life in NYC had been a series of days and weeks with nothing but work, was burning her out.
When she meets a handsome Italian ( you saw that coming, didn’t you?) and they both dance around one another for a very long time, Kit reevaluates everything in her life- past and present and comes to to some startling conclusions.
This book was, as usual, written beautifully. But I did find it very slow going in some parts, really underscoring the title.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a sneak peek.
4 starts from me. Brava.
The title of her newest, SLOW BURN, is aptly titled because the book takes quite a long time for the heroine, Kit, to move things along in her life.
But I think that was the premise for the book, actually. Her fast paced, emotionally unfulfilling life comes to a halt when her restaurant burns down. She takes the advice of a friend and goes to Italy to cook with and learn from a real old fashioned Nonna, famous for her food and pasta. While there, Kit comes to see the pace she was working at, the way her life in NYC had been a series of days and weeks with nothing but work, was burning her out.
When she meets a handsome Italian ( you saw that coming, didn’t you?) and they both dance around one another for a very long time, Kit reevaluates everything in her life- past and present and comes to to some startling conclusions.
This book was, as usual, written beautifully. But I did find it very slow going in some parts, really underscoring the title.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a sneak peek.
4 starts from me. Brava.
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