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Cover of The Slow Burn

The Slow Burn

Ali Rosen (2026-01-27)

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age16

Content levels

ViolenceNone
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

Heartbreak

Synopsis

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.

Tags

Foodie FictionTravel RomanceWomen's Fiction

Is The Slow Burn appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

A contemporary romance about a chef rebuilding her life in Italy with sweet romantic tension, implied intimacy at fade-to-black level, and mild language. The story focuses on personal growth and community connections.

What to know going in

This book has no graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include heartbreak.

Who'll love this

Readers will love the mouthwatering Italian setting, the slow-building romance between two wounded souls, and the journey of finding yourself through food and community.