The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen: My Book Review
Check out my book review of The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen to see what I think of this new romance set in Italy!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Slow Burn
by Ali Rosen
Category: Contemporary Romance
Tags: Slow Burn, Inspire Travel, Chef, Italy
Published January 2026
Amazonย |ย Goodreads
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The Slow Burn Summary:
Between a breakup and a burned-down restaurant, thereโs 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 friendโs 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 sheโs been missing. Simpler cooking, communityโฆand 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 itโs time to go back to her life in New York, she doesnโt know whatโor whoโsheโs willing to leave behind.
The Slow Burn: My Review
Ali Rosen 100% swept me away to a small village in Italy with this book and had me wishing that I could escape there, like Kit, to eat delicious pasta, make a new best friend whom I could talk shop with while eating the most delicious pastries, and of course, fall in love with an amazing, man who tends an olive groove and calms my anxiety. What more could one ask for?
Ali is such a talented writer โ I highlighted so many lines that spoke to me throughout this book. Itโs evident that she loves food as much as writing because I was hungry the entire time while reading this. Her descriptions of the food were incredible and has me wanting to book a culinary tour throughout Italy ASAP.
I liked Kitโs gradual transformation toward a better work/life balance in her life, and how she didnโt compromise her career goals despite falling for Nico. Itโs so refreshing to read about a woman who is at the top of her field and I appreciated the sacrifices that she made to get there.
Nico is such a sweet man and I enjoyed their slow burn romance though I would have welcomed even more chemistry between them.
If youโre ready to escape to Italy within the pages of a book, then this is the book for you! This was my first read by Ali and I cannot wait to read more.
*I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Related Book Lists:
- The Best Slow Burn Romance Books
- Romance Books That Inspire Travel
- Top 10 New Romance Book Releases of January 2026
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