THIS LIST HAS BEEN HUGELY UPDATED MAY 20th 2020!!!
We are SO in love with taking our time with book love, aren’t we? It’s the #1 thing so many of us love in romance novels, and come on… we know that the main couple will inevitably fall in love (no surprise there). But what makes a romance book go from “good” to being one of my absolute favorites is ALWAYS the slow burn (*if* it has one, that is). It’s simply what I (and many of us) prefer.
Ashley: I need help!Β I need a slow burn book. I just read Kulti, and I forgot how much I love the building of a relationship. I can’t do the insta connection now. Any recommendations?”
Lapis: What do you think about making a list of slow burn romances? I just read KultiΒ and I’m in crazy need of more books like that one.
Maryse: Of course I feel like telling her “Thoughtless” AND “Beautiful Disaster” AND “On The Island” AND “Love Unscripted” were all slow burns, but I have a feeling she already read ’em.Β πΒ So… any new (or old!!) recommendations? Must have rocked your socks off and must be slow burns… We want tummy aches and butterflies! I’m ALL ears. Or eyes.
Ashley:Β Maryse how did you know Those were are all on my have read list π . I feel like the blog could totally use a slow burn list!! I’ve read all the above mentioned…
Lori: …yes, we need a list!!
Maryse:Β Great idea!!
Michelle:Β I LOVE the slow burn!
Louise:Β LOVE slow burns!
Jessica: A slow burn done right is one of my favorite things ever.
Kathleen:Β Love a slow burn, it’s nice all of you are creating a good to be read pile for me π
bev:Β I want to see slow burn, swoon, hea/hfn, & maybe a good grovel…Β I just love a slow burn and stories that really take the time to build the relationship.
Maryse: EXACTLY, bev. YES!!! And I love a good grovel, too. π LOL!!! *snort* π
Ashley: …my favorite angsty-romance trope is the βjerk-faceβ trope (is that a trope??? β I donβt know but thatβs what Iβm going with). I like it the slow burn of getting to know the hero and what makes him tick because then itβs so much sweeter when the characters get together.
The slow burn is the quality in a love story that makes it, so that I become fully invested. Where I feel how she feels, even to the point of forgetting that I am not the heroine. I ache with her, I giggle with her, I break with her. I find my all-encompassing love and happiness with her. And it brings me back to my own big crushes, love and heartache.
Now don’t get me wrong… I’ve enjoyed plenty of insta-crush, or even insta-love books (I’ve read many like that… where mates and/or souls just know each other and it’s an instant romantic connection). I believe that truly happens in real life, too. Seeing someone from across the room, or meeting the “friend of a friend” and it just clicks… HARD. Your heart stutters, stops and speeds up… and that’s it. You’re in a “love fog”. LOVE THAT. I believe that wholeheartedly.
However… when it comes to reading a book, I need more. Much more. Since I’m not the character, and I need to be, to become fully invested in her story, I have to feel her “living” before they become “one”. See through her eyes, and feel with her emotions. And since I’m reading a love story, I need to ache, pine, and exhilarate with her… slowly. Because even if “insta-love” is real, there is always that lengthy, insecure time when everything is up in the air, and I need to live that with her.
So all that to say, when I read a potential love story, I want her (or him!) to:
pine for him, and live in lengthy emotional agony when he doesn’t even really notice her (like in Sweet Dreams, when not only was she not his type, he made it known,Β or like in Mystery Man, when she suspected she was possibly… one of many. Or like inΒ Motorcycle Man, when she realized all he wanted her for was one night, after months of crushing on him…)
Β *gasp* and grrrrrrr
Β to all of these books, and OMG can KRISTEN ASHLEY do pining, being alone in love… and slow burn right, or what?
Or the feelings might be mutual and yet she’s still not allowed to be him for whatever reason. Like in Thoughtless… slow burn and emotional agony all the way through, or Love, In English.
Or I want that painful yet obligatory resistance (and I mean truly resist, for really good reasons), by either member of the potential couple. As in “Slammed“. Sure it was a quick and mutual crush, but circumstances kept them apart BIG time, and OMG THAT was a slow delightfully painful burn.
Or I want to immensely dislike him, ’cause he’s a total jacka$$ (like inΒ Beautiful Disaster). He’s such an obvious cocky player, and arrogant to boot. So sure of himself, and of being able to attract her, and despite her seeing the obvious hotness in him, her own self-respect and self-preservation kept her at arms length. She didn’t want to be his next victim! Oh GAHHHHH the slow burn in this one incinerated me right up and I loved every single second of it!!!! MORE LIKE THIS!!!! LOL! π
Or I want a humongous *almost love* and then a nice lengthy (within reason ;)) breakup that I can feel and hurt along with the heroine. But I don’t want to just jump to it (either the breakup, or the get back together). Ohhhh like in Karina Halle’s Experiment in Terror SeriesΒ or theΒ Downside Ghosts Series.Β I wanna live it ALL. Or!!
I love a book where they are just friends… truly just friends and we have fun, and we enjoy it, and we see them dating others and all of the angst and pain that goes with it, and the *boom*!!!! It sneaks up on us and we didn’t even realize it… we’re in love with the best friend!
Ahhhhhhh all of those scenarios are perfect “slow burn” romance reads, for me.Β I love βworkingβ for itβ¦
Amy:Β Those are all *perfect* examples of what slow burn is in our reads. Pining, resistance, rotten circumstancesβ¦oooooooh that is FUN! The more it twists my heart and gut the better!! π
Another kind I love (it probably falls into one of your categories up there) is when she screws up big time for whatever reason and has to really work at getting him back because now he doesnβt want herβ¦well, he *does* want her but he wonβt let himself go back to her, and we have to suffer right along with her not knowing if she will get him back in the end. LOVE that!
Maryse: Ohhh yes Amy! I want to post books like that. Kind of like Arsen⦠right?
Amy: YES!!! *Exactly* like Arsen. π Oh! Remember the wonderful agony of Sweet Thing? THAT would be another one with that kind of burn. *sigh* I loved that book!
Okay so this list is a “work in progress” as I know there are TONS of awesome slow-burn romance books that are missing from this list (even probably many of my own favorites that I have to backtrack on, to add here), so send me your recommendations and I’ll add them! π
UPDATED MAY 20th 2020
Mony: finished Marriage for One by Ella MaiseΒ Hidden gemβ¦found title under similar books to Kulti, Wall of Winnipeg. Very slow burn. H is a lawyer who helps the h with legal issues, and the story goes from thereβ¦unfolds beautifully with intriguing twists. Takes its time building things upβ¦some might think bit too long. Wonderful characters β not over the top & speak like everyday people. Punches its weight way above GR rating. Just loved reading it.
Leslie M: I liked Marriage for One too. Great slow burn and I loved the grumpy H.
Mony: Me too! I think theyβre my favourite kinda booksβ¦slow burn & grumpy Hβ¦throw in alpha male too. π
Cat: My last read was Marriage for One by Ella Maiseβ¦.it was more than 5 stars for me.Β I just loved the slow slow burn. I loved how they fell in loveβ¦Β Loved loved the heroineβ¦.and how she was counting his smiles, so adorableΒ I know some readers found it boring or too slow but for meβ¦it has something magicalβ¦ left me feeling good. I would read another book about these two just going on with their lives.
Mony: Just finished The Cornerstone by Kate Canterbary and loved it! Steamy story about Hot Guy & Sassy Girl as they steer through one night stands into something more. Sassy Girl is great β sharp-witted & a tough nut to crack. H is a great alpha. Loved the slow burn & Hot Guyβs transformation. Banter between h & H is clever and even sharper in second half. A 4.5-star read (deduction cause too much about hβs family).
Ashley: The Cornerstone by Kate Canterbury … Itβs one of my favorite audiobooks.
Harper: These are a few of my favorites. But the ultimate slow burn is Kulti! I loved the list. Thereβre are many here that I havenβt read yet.
The Beach Read by Emily Henry,
- How to walk away by Katherine Center,
- Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy C. Cherry,
- Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren.
Lisa: The All the Kings Men Duet has become one of my favorite reads this year. This story line had it all! When an author can combine social justice issues with a riveting slow burn romance?? Yes please and more!!
Jackie: I didnβt see the Cityscape Series by Jessica Hawkins. One of my fav slow burns. Did I miss it somewhere??
Carlotta: Iβm in the mood for something like The Cityscape Seriesβ¦I love love and love this series! β¦.awesome *_* ( andand I found this thanks to the blog and your advice )
Susan: Mayse I loved the Cityscape Series. Read them all back to back
LisafromDFW: Iβve been reading books based on all the 2017 favorites lists. The latest is Waking Olivia. It is a βforbiddenβ (not very forbidden ) SLOW BURN CR. The MC fight the attraction. Catnip! I liked it!!!
Leslie M: Cement Heart by Beth Ehemann. Almost done book 1 (itβs a duet) and itβs got a broken hero, emotional and slow burn romance.
Leslie M: Until it Fades which was swoony and slow burn-ish but not boring.
Maryse: ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!! Until it Fades is not that angsty, but explores all sorts of exciting βfamous guy-normal girlβ possibilities, and has the perfect slow burn.
Pia: I just finished Furious Rush by S C Stephens and loved everything about that book. Just a little bit of angst, the slow burn between Hayden and Kenzie, and everything is just heading for the HEA. Until the last page and now my heart beats faster just thinking about starting book 2 Dangerous Rush. I have a very strong feeling where book 2 will take us, and Iβm not sure I can handle that. Iβm really nervous but sure I have to start it. I loved Thoughtless and it had a lot of angst too, so hopefully I will survive Dangerous Rush π
LisafromDFW: Work Wife was great!!!! I read it in a day/night. Slow burn, chefs, taboo as in heβs engaged!!!!!!!! It checked a lot of boxes for me. Really well done.
Ashley: I obviously love The Work Wife as that was a reread.
R. Renee: I loved The Work Wife!!
Ashley: I read My Best Friendβs Ex and I loved it! It was hilarious and sweet. It was more of a slow burn book and the sexual tension in it was great! The banter between the leads was so funny. Thereβs also a rant in the book that had me laughing so hard that I think my next door neighbors may have heard me.
Heather: Loving this updated list! Iβve been doubling back to my neglected TBR list. Absolutely loved Sincerely, Carter (How could I have missed this!) and On a Tuesday both by author Whitney G.
Jen C: Aaah finished His Royal Highness last night and it was SO CUTE. Love everything about it β disney-esque and themeparks, slow burn, second chance romance.
Tasha J: Finished 99% Mine β¦ stayed up way too late, did nothing today either and it was awesome!!! So completely different than THG, but still Sallyβs amazing voice, slow burn AND made me fall for a totally not my type hero.
Anne18: Donβt Let GoΒ by Sharla Lovelace.
Sonia: Anne 18 thanks for recommending Donβt let go. If you were in front of me if give you chocolate and hug. Iβm reading the book now. Itβs so perfect slow burn, triggers , family feel. Thanks a ton xx
Lisafrom DFW:Β Donβt Let Go was perfect for this list!!!! So good!!!! The deception, the choices, the pain!!!! Thanks for the recommendation!
Cheryl: Dear Enemy. It was a SLOW burn, enemies to lovers story. Enjoyed it.
Ashley: I was up until 4 in the morning reading The Bride series by S. Doyle. They were SO good! If youβre in a slump itβs basically 5 novellas all on KU about a girl whoβs almost 17 and marries the foreman/her best friend on her ranch after her father dies so she doesnβt go into foster care. Itβs funny, touching and really well written β I didnβt know if I would like it but it completely sucked me in! Itβs a slow burn which are my favorite type.
Lisa C: Guys! Best Man by Katy Evans is her best book since Real. Lots of slow burn and tummy butterflies. I stayed up late to finish.
Kathy: I havenβt read it but it looks good.
Michele G: Best Man by Katy Evans has my interest piqued too!!
Mony: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker –Β One of my favourite books last year β put it on My Book Club list. π .Β It had it all for me. Quirky northern story, slow burn romance, pilot boyfriend, great characters, heart warming family. 5 stars, for sure!
Jean: Just about finished The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker and really loved it. For those of you who like the slow burn, and that initial dislike of each other slowly growing into something more, you will love this. And I loved all the aspects of Alaska and the types of people who live there and their way of life!
Mony: Lawless by Tracey Ward. A fantastic little bookβ¦set on ocean beach with a laidback surfer vibe. Lovely slow burn story about a popular champion surfer dude who gets together with a quiet pianist dudette in their beach home town. Some angstβ¦and lots of sweet & mellow.
Also made me remember how the beach gets me feeling all zen. Smell of coconut sun tan lotion, warm sun & sandβ¦add a bit of ocean waves. Ahhβ¦Mojitoβ¦with fresh mint leavesβ¦the water droplets from the glass dripping on my fingersβ¦ π
Kim: From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata ( Ivan β enemies to lovers / very slow burn)
Cheryl: Just finished From Lukov with Love. It is definitely the very definition of SLOW BURN. I enjoyed the snarky h and her interactions with the equally snarky H; however, I felt like I was skimming because it did get a little redundant with her inner monologues and issues. I think I would have like a little more at the end.
D.G.: Just want to gush! Mariana Zapata knocked it out of the ballpark with her latest- From Lukov With Love!!! Sixβ¦no seven stars for the Queen of Slow Burn! Jasmine and Ivanβ¦oh the snarkiness! This very well may be my new fav of her books!
Maryse:Β Speaking of Mariana Zapata (she’s the slow burn queen!!!) Wait For It by Mariana Zapata is one of my slow burn favorites without a doubt!!!
Jean: Iβm reading Wait For It by Mariana Zapataβ¦.. itβs long and I expected the slow burn, but so good. She is amazing with the character development!
DG: Wait For It! I think I gushed over it for a week or two because it is a slow burn and reunion all in one! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED it (5 loves instead of stars!!)
Jean: For those of you who like the slow burn, Shacking Up will be for you. I really liked it!
Lisa C: Her Perfect. Teacher/student romance. Usually this troupe doesnβt live up to my expectations. Iβm halfway through Her Perfect and itβs slow burn goodness!!! I want them to fight it!!!!!! Writing is good. I hate when the teacher is βthe bad guyβ. I love Eli. Or at least so far. Excited to finish.
Ashley: The Penalty Box by Odette Stone (which came out today!!! Woot woot!) and it was amazing!!! I think itβs my favorite book of the series so far. It had a wonderful slow burn and was done perfectly for me.
Susan: Odette Stoneβs hockey series is a must.
J R: I just finished Penalty Box this morning. I hadnβt read the first two but felt this one totally worked as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the story and couldnβt put it down. Parts of it were over the top but I really liked the main characters.
Bibi: The Penalty Box such a good book!. Reminds me of wall of winnipeg!
Michele G: Did you just say it has a βWall of Winnipegβ feel??? Uh ohβ¦.up it goes on my TBRβ¦.
D.G.: Hold up! Similar to WoWβ¦I need to check this out..
J R: The best Iβve read this year is The Guy on the Right. Itβs a slow burn but enjoyable.
Linda: Iβm reading The Guy On The Right by Kate Stewart. So yummy good. Loving Theo and Laney.
Anna T: Just finished The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart. Not bad, a very slow college romance.
Missy: If you like PNR, check out Ava Wardβs Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco. First book, Royal Dragon Bind, is a bit of a slow burn, but damn does the story and the heat pick up as the series unfolds. Iβm completely hooked on this guilty pleasure series!
Carla: I also read two books this week that I was so invested and in love with it. Have you already read Wrecking Ball and Sledgehammer by P. Dangelico?! If you hadβt, I think youβd like it. My God the slow burn and the buit up of those books are just amazing. Actually Wrecking Ball kind of reminded me of The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata. I love it! Couldnβt put them down for a minute!
MichelleS: Wrecking Ball β 5 stars. Loved the slow burn
Jackie: Not sure what took so long , but Wrecking Ball by P. Dangelico just crossed my radar. I know you reviewed it last year, and Iβm late to the party, but I absolutely loved it. What a fun book. So much that I immediately started the second book in the series Sledge Hammer. Itβs a stand alone, but both characters were in the first book.
I donβt usually enjoy those second books as much as the first, but not the case here. It was hysterical. There were some very sweet moments as well, but I donβt know the last time I laughed so much during a book. If you liked the first, be sure to read the second book in this series.
Robyn: Maryse I have a book recommendation for you and everyone else. I just finished P. Dangelicoβs Bulldozer, book 3 in her Hard To Love series. I also have read the first 2 books Wrecking Ball and Sledgehammer. These books are so good and funny. They hit all of the feels.
I have decided that this author is a cross between Marina Zapata, Lani Lynn Vale and N A Alcorn. Broody H meets quirky h, they have altercations with lots of funny humor and angsty moments and eventually fall in love against all odds. perfect! You have to read these books!
Maryse: YAY!!! I loved Wrecking Ball too!!!! *happy wiggle*
Leslie M: I just finished Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens and I think all of you will love it! No worries if you didnt like Thoughtless as characters and storyline are NOTHING like it. Itβs slow burn, major UST, super swoony, single POV by h and reminds me of The Simple Wild and K.A. Tuckerβs writing style.
Jean: Yay Leslie!! I really loved that one tooβ¦.loved the slow burn, and you are right, absolutely NOTHING like Thoughtless series!
DG: Outstanding. Just outstanding. I absolutely LOVED The Gravity of Us! More than a handful of moments that made my eyes wateryβ¦but the best books always give me all kind of feels. Loved the slow burn of it. Good gravy but I absolutely LOVE the cover!!! I mean it is Stuβ¦my all time favorite cover model. Swooning hereβ¦.
Rachael: Must read Sweet Pea, M.B. Klein
Jan: Iβve been rereading a few of those old LaVyrle Spencers over the last year or so. She was such a fantastic writer. Many of her books still stand up really well. The CRs might feel pretty dated now, but the HRs are timeless. I really enjoyed rereading Forgiving last year. A beautiful slow burn romance.
Grey: Iβm finishing up Jeannine Allisonβs Unveiling series today. Omg, seriouslyβ¦ These covers are stunning, and the writingβ¦well it kind of speaks for itself that I picked it up and ran with it. It was exactly what my soul needed, some sweet HEA, slow burns, heart healingβ¦ not fluff β but real life romance.
MichelleS: Scarlet Stone, by Jewel E. Ann. Really really good! Slow burn.
Tessa: I just finished one, I feel ridiculous. A Court of Thorns and Roses is a total slow burn. She hates all the Fae when they meet (having just killed one) and just wants to return home.
Cheryl: Finished River Wild. The prologue hits you hard and what the H and h have been thru breaks your heart; however, nothing is too graphic or vivid in detail. It is definitely a SLOW burn. Not a lot of romance and not as angsty as you would think. What I didnβt like was an event that happened that was not addressed and left some loose ends and unanswered questions. Just seemed too convenient.
Tessa: Two PNR that I need to mention. Patricia Briggsβ Mercy Thompson series and Ilona Andrewβs Kate Danielβs series. Both are extremely slow burns.
Tessa: TheΒ Sea of Tranquility was a slow burn.
bev: Tessa, exactly what I was thinking.Β Like Maryse, Iβm going to have to back and think.
- Strawberries for Dessert is a slow burn. The physical happens relatively quickly but it takes a while for the feelings.
Going the Distance, also. Two very reserved characters that took awhile to open up.
- Without Words is one too. It really takes its time.
- Iβd say Eyes of Silver Eyes of Gold is too. Love this one.
- Master of Crows by Grace Draven.
- And what about Eleanor & Park.
- Oh, and I think Deeper fits too.
- Amy, speaking of Arsen, havenβt read it. But Iβve read a novella that I believe has a , same story point. The tragedy part. But I think handled in a different way. Have you read Snow-kissed by Laura Florand?
Amy: Bev, that one sounds super emotional from the blurb! With books like Arsen, the burn comes from the h doing something to really mess up and then she has to fully experience the consequences of her actions, and the whole time we donβt know if she is even going to win him back in the endβ¦those kind make my tummy eat itself!
bev: Amy, its one of those weird ticks, I like it better when the guy messes up.Β I think itβs hard when Iβm in the head of someone who makes alot of bad and hurtful choices. Also, sometimes it doesnβt seem like the author wants to make the h apologize or grovel or etc the way heroβs do.
Though Iβve read plenty where there are no consequences for the hero too. But you know the whole have your cake and eat it to thing.
Anne:Β Love this list and a good slow burn book.
- Flowers in the Storm is an amazing example of slow burn done right and
bev:Β *high fives Anne* Flowers from the Storm.
- The Sweet Gum Tree too.
- Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn too! He doesnβt even find her attractive at first!Β Iβll keep thinking of more π
MichelleS:Β With Colin & Penelope Featherington? My absolute fave of that whole series!!! Loved that one.Β Slow burns are best. I said that about bad boys tooβ¦. Hmmmβ¦
Anne: Its my favorite from the entire series too! π
- On the Island – Tracey Garvis-Graves
Shane: Maryse, this is excellent. On the Island still my fave.Β I save a few from this list, want to check them out, thank you.
Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
- Maybe Someday – Colleen Hoover
- Hopeless – Colleen Hoover
- Wait for You – J.Lynn
- Flat Out Love – Jessica Park
- Present Perfect – Alison G. Bailey
- All of Mia Sheridanβs books (love her!)
- A Knight in Shining Armor – Jude Deveraux
- The Man I Love – Suanne Laqueur
- With a Twist – Staci Hart
- Iβll Meet You There – Heather Demetrios
- BrisΓ© – Leigh Ann Lunsford
A Beautiful Kind of Love – Ellie Wade
- I am having so much fun with this list!
bev:Β
- Sebastian St. Cyr series by CS Harris. Love the romance story in this.
- A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith. They meet as children, love that trope.
- Maryse because she does it so well I wish Kristen Ashley would sometimes draw it out a bit more. The books are long enough to handle it, lol.
- Oh, two more.Β Kiss an Angel & Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She brings the grovel too.
Anne: Bev I loved Kiss an Angel! SEP is one of my faves!
bev: Think i just remembered another. I just checked it out to do a re read of it, been years & years. The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williams.
Maybelis: You forgot Wait for You by Jennifer Armentrout
Alissa: Magan Vernonβs NA Romance The Only Exception!
Sherry: Tina Reberβs other awesome book, Love Unscripted was a great slow burn πΒ One of my favorites!
Grey:Β Making a list, checking it twiceβ¦ *feeling like itβs Christmas time around here with this gift of a list*Β Slow burn, how about Beautiful Player (Book 4 in the Beautiful Bastard series) by Christina Lauren. Gah, Will & Hannaβ¦ the feelsβ¦
Marina: Beautiful Player for sure! My fave in the series! Love this list!!
Nicole: Iβd say my favorite βbrothers best friendβ angsty goodness is Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren. I re-read it more than anything else, that slow burn is everyyyyyyythaaaannngggg!!
Mandy:Β Didnβt see anyone mention Gabrielβs inferno (if thatβs the first one)β¦MAJOR slow burn
Linda: Loving this category!! I do love slow burn and even though I really liked Kulti their connection was too slow for me. Reads that I found perfect for me:
The Offer by Karina Halle
- Worth the Fall – Claudia Connor
- Reedβs Reckoning – Ahren Sanders
- To Professor With Love – Linda Kage
- A Reason to Breathe – CP Smith
- Underestimated – Jettie Woodruff
- Dangerous to Know and Love – Jane Harvey Berrick
- Diamond Girl – Andrea Smith
- Loving Mr. Daniels – Brittainy C. Cherry
- Fearless and Price of Angels – Lauren Gilley
Kandace: “I loooved The Hardest Fall. I read it a few weeks ago. It was a perfect NA slow burn. I liked how shy she was and that it was a little suspenseful too.”
Lisa: Great list idea Maryse. The Pact by Karina Halle. Super slow burn for me. About to start The Offer and hoping for similar feels. Oh and
- Maybe Someday was sweet pain slow burn.
- And Renee Carlinos Sweet Thing. Still think about that book sometimes and read it many many books ago.
Mony:Β I went wildβ¦ lazy afternoon π² My favourites from my Slow Burn reading listβ¦
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Lisa: I loved the Dublin Street series. For me they were a bit like a KA book. I knew what I was gettingβ¦.I could relate to characters and I wasnβt going to get slugged with a CH. Great stories.
Jean: …loved On Dublin Street and entire series for that matter so I get it!
- Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
- The Matchmakerβs Replacement by Van Dyken
Angry God (All Saints High, #3) by L.J. Shen
Tessa: Angry God up there! *gasps* I canβt even put into words how good that was. Just so much of the dread with Viciousβs story, but in a totally different way. Vicious as a dad is amazing. Heβs all, βyou hurt my son I will torture and kill you, and no one will find the bodyβ type of dad. lol I expected nothing less.
- Devastated by R L Mathewson
Ashley: I also just finished Devastated by R.L. Mathewson and I loved it! I love her books and this one did not disappoint!
Rochelle: Just finished Devastated anger management one and it was worth the time to read it, written by a talented author.
Maryse: One of my recent favorites!!!! It had me giggling like mad at times, and I just loved the banter and how she was with him… and how he was with her. A great build-up to them finally… π Here’s my Book Review
- Melt for You (Slow Burn, #2) by J.T. Geissinger
Cheryl: Just finished Melt For You. A slow-burn, but I loved it. Scottish rugby player and quirky American. Funny, low-angst with sigh out loud moments.
NSFW by Piper Lawson
- Beautiful BastardΒ by Christina Lauren
Jan: Beautiful Bastard… Heβs her boss. Sheβs an intern. They hate each other. Oh, this is going to be so inappropriateβ¦β¦
Lisa: Beautiful Bastard had me belly laughing out loud with ChloΓ©βs antics. She is a total ball buster and I adored her.
- Manwhore + series by Katy Evans
JulieO: Mony…Β Manwhore series is one of my all time favorites. Did you read PLAYBOY? I think the last book in series.Β She started great and ended great but the ones in between were just ok to me.
Mony: Yes! same here about the Manwhore seriesβ¦Iβm always drawn to those two as my βcomfort booksβ.
- Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott
VIP series by Kristen Callihan
- Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
Kathy P: My favorite is an oldie but goodie! Loved Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. It is an enemies to lovers but also had those laugh out loud moments that made it a great combination!
Grey: Iβve read Wallbanger by Alice Clayton in the past and loved it. It was fun, flirtyβ¦definitely spicy on the smut scale. It was an βupβ read
Maryse: Yep!! π LOVED this one!! Here’s my Book Review
- Rock Chicks SeriesΒ by Kristen Ashley β funny kinda slow burnβ¦hot guy pursuing & h resisting π
MichelleS: I loved the Rock Chicks. I consider them βKA light & fun & sexyβ.
Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Paige: Lothaire by Kresley Cole. Heβs hot, mad, and bad! Heβs loyal, possessive, a jerk, but heβd do anything for the people he loves.
Young: OMG, so good! Lothaire is so infuriating and SO mean and jerky to h π Love h. She is spunky, smart and brave, and the interaction between H and h is really fun.
Maryse: OH YES definitely this one! Here’s my Book Review.
Teardrop Shot by Tijan
Tessa: Teardrop shot. Actually better and i didnt expect that. It starts you out laughing and yet, towards the end your crying, even with the HEA. Tore my heart in pieces because so much starts with that happy cute feeling then emotions start to see in.
At first itβs all sad. Okay. No tears. But then the emotions really come out and I couldnβt stop feeling all the sadness. Still. HEA.
- The Player by K. Bromberg
One by Jewel E. Ann
Etsun: One by Jewel E. Ann –Β This is actually from the jack and jill series. Not sure if you have read it but this one is about the sister Lake and YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE!!!!! In my humble opinion I think it jewel has out done her self in this one.
Reader Recommendations (when this first posted):
The Bronze HorsemanΒ byΒ Paullina SimonsΒ <—Β Amy asks: “What about The Bronze Horseman??” (Agreed! My review)
Marina: Def thought of Bronze Horseman too.
Fearless: The Complete Novel (Dartmoor Book 1)Β byΒ Lauren GilleyΒ <—Paula says:
Paula: Sort of a slow burn it covers what happened 5 years ago and also in the present β love and MC drama β so really good! Yep, the hero is Cajun and the MC go to man for getting the truth from peopleβ¦.it doesnβt feel like a long book as really enjoying the story and the other characters are great too…
Maryse: Agreed! My review
After HoursΒ by Cara McKenna <—Β MichelleS recommends this one for the slow burn! And I agree! One of my absolute favorites!!!Β My review.
MichelleS: “Of course the cover of After Hours is amazing β but so is the slow burn in the book. So hot. Loved it. Youβre gonna love it, I just know it!!!”
Marina: Cara McKenna books are all great slow burns as mentioned. Need to ponderβ¦
Anna: Cara McKenna does some great slow burn! I loved After Hours, and also found that same tension building awesomeness in Unbound, and Hard Time. Iβm excited to read other recommendations from this list. Nothing like a slow and steamy build up!
Maryse: She’s one of my absolute favorite authors!!
KultiΒ byΒ Mariana Zapata <—Β jen felt the burn with this one!
Jen: “…what took me so long to read this??? I am swooing big time for The German. Sighβ¦I caβt stop thinking about this book. a slow burn for sure,but so worth it.”
Maryse: I AM LOVING KULTI!!! Almost halfway through the book, and Iβm crushing big time and yet stillβ¦ NOTHING.Β
Β !!!! SLOW BURN is rightβ¦ but itβs done SO right. Nothing is boring me hereβ¦ βcause the interactions are funny, infuriating, and so obviously NOT βobviousββ¦ you know? No cliches or rushing in this one and I. AM. IN!!!!!! (My review)
Cheryl: “I loved Kulti!!! I love when I start reading a book and it gives you the βfeelβ of where you just enjoy reading it and canβt wait to see where it goes. It is definitely a slow burn.”
marina: def will read Kulti after seeing it on this list!
Hafsa: The Wall of Winnipeg is also a slowburn
Chelse: I loveeed the list! But Iβd really appreciate it if someone could narrow the recommendation to something similar to Kulti for me? The kind where the hero acts mean to heroine then falls in love βslowlyβ and regrets his initial behaviour? Many thanks xxx
Maryse: Chelse!! I have a couple of categories & lists for that:
The Friend Zone (Game On Book 2)Β byΒ Kristen CallihanΒ <—Β Cheryl suggests this one. “Just finished The Friend Zone and I liked it more than The Hook Up. There was more angst and more of a slow burn with their friends to lovers relationship.”
Bad Romeo (The Starcrossed Series)Β byΒ Leisa RayvenΒ <—Β Amy was feeling the burn in this one!
Amy: “Guys, I am about halfway through Bad Romeo and simply LOVING it! Itβs going back and forth between the past and present (which I donβt mind when itβs done well like this is), and the anticipatory buildup to what happened before has me all anxious and bouncing my leg.
And even the flashbacks for me have that slow burn Weβll see what happens with the last half, but if it continues this way then I *might* just have found me a 5 star!Β
“
Little Town SeriesΒ by J.D. Nixon <—Β IsDonIsGood says: “Just finished the awesome 4th book in JD Nixonβs Blood Tears series. Really good; slow burn, to the point of βwill they or wonβt theyβ being a sincere question through out.”
Emi Lost & Found SeriesΒ by Lori Otto <—Β bev mentioned this one… (and I agree! My review – although this is just of book #1… I enjoyed #2 and #3 even more)
Bev: “Ok, one that messed me up? Emi lost & found series. I probably read it at the very worst time. I was still in the early stages of grieving. And I pick up this book and has friends to lovers and slow burnβ₯. I knew it was a first book so when almost done I grabbed the other two so I could stay in this world.
I started the second, hopefully, and pretty soon Iβm sobbing so so hard. Canβt see the book cause of the tears hard…”
Radiance (Wraith Kings Book 1)Β by Grace Draven <—Β MichelleS has one!!
MichelleS: “Bev β you said, β I just love a slow burn and stories that really take the time to build the relationshipββ¦ well, have I got a book for you! And Michelle. And maybe Fabi, if sheβs in the right mood for it. I was searching for my next good fantasy findβ¦ and this is it. Loving it so much. Itβs called Radiance, Wraith Kings Book 1. Just released.
Fantastic writing. Sheβs a human, royalty. Heβs not human, and royalty. Arranged marriage. Sounds corny, I know, but somehow this author has a fresh, original, wonderful point of view and writing style. She thinks heβs hideous. He thinks sheβs hideous. Funny and sweet and unbelievably good. I laughed out loud at the wedding feast!
Canβt stop thinking about this book. Yay me!”
The Fever Series 6-Book Bundle: Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, Dreamfever, Shadowfever, IcedΒ by Karen Marie MoningΒ <— bev suggested this one and yep!! This one burnt me up nice!!!
Bev: “…the romance is definitely a slow burn in the fever series.”
Maryse: “Each book gets better and better, and book #1 was not my favorite. In fact, my least favorite. And thereβs that delicious slow burn that will burn you alive in the most delicious way. Plus.. Maybe even a triangle. And some shock value to blow your mind!!!!Β
”
Amy: “...the Fever series has that crazy-slow burn and buildup that gets me all book-sexually frustratedβ¦or would it be sexually-book frustrated? *pfft* Iβm too mad at Barrons right now to care about linguistics.Β
Β I also like how nothing is being solved and wrapped up quickly so Iβll get to stay in their world that much longer.
Iβm reading the third book (Faefever), and I just want to tie Barronsβ sac up in a pretty little bow and hang it above the doorway so I can smack his nuts everytime I walk by!!
Ooooooh!!!! Heβs a-p!ssing me off!!! But I still love him. *giggle*” <—
Β Tee hee! OMG YOU SLAY ME, Amy!
The Mason ListΒ byΒ SD HendricksonΒ <—Β Speaking of Amy, here’s one that she loved! Agreed! My review
Amy: “I didnβt mind the slow build-up (love that kind of βslow burnβ as Maryse calls it) but once I got to about the 50% mark, holy sh!t it was a crazy intense ride for me! As if thatβs not obvious from my comments on the other page, right?Β
Β I absolutely loved this one.”
Written In Red: A Novel of the OthersΒ by Anne Bishop <—Β bev: “The romance in WIR is a very slow burn type.”
Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (The Reed Brothers Series Book 1)Β byΒ Tammy Falkner <— bev enjoyed this one! “…can not say enough how much I love the slow burn. And as Michelle S pointed out when an author takes the time to show us.”
The Unwanted Wife (The Unwanted Series)Β byΒ Natasha AndersΒ <—Β Jeannie suggests this one! “The Unwanted Wife is one of my favorites!”
SLOW BURNΒ byΒ Nicole ChristieΒ <—Β Leah recommends this one! “slow burn, nicole christie — The name says it all.”
The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1)Β by Elle Kennedy <—Β Kandace recommends this one! “The Deal by Elle Kennedy gave the BD butterfly feeling.” (Agreed! My review)
Making FacesΒ by Amy Harmon <—Β Jennifer says: “Anything Amy Harmon” (Agreed! My review)
No Turning Back (The Kathleen Turner Series Book 1)Β by Tiffany Snow <—Β Theresa suggest this one: “Reading Tiffany Snow currently. On 5th book and still no HEA. So this is my current Slow Burn.”
Never MeΒ by Kate Stewart <— This is Yamara’s pick!
Bright SideΒ by Kim Holden <—Β Sara recommends:
Sara: “Bright Side and right now I’m reading the sequel “Gus” by Kim Holden”…
Christine: “I am with Sara – Bright Side and I am currently reading the sequel Gus, by Kim Holden.”
The Year We Fell Down: A Hockey Romance (The Ivy Years Book 1)Β by Sarina Bowen <— another Sara recommendation! and!! “…anything byΒ Penny Reid”
Jacked (Trent Brothers Book 1)Β by Tina Reber <—Β Andrea says: “Tina Rebers recent release Jacked is slow burn and good too.”
MichelleS: Who else has read Jacked? I really really liked this book & think itβs gotten passed over!!! Itβs really good.
MatchedΒ by Angela Graham and S.E. Hall <—Β Linda recommends it!
Linda: Matched by S. E. Hall. Such a neat spin on a romance novel. Definite slow burn!
True Love StoryΒ by Willow Aster <—Β Robyn says this one! “True Love Story – Willow Aster” (Agreed! My review)
Missy: Feeling like itβs time for a True Love Story/ Willow Aster reread.
Kandace: Now you have me thinking about True Love Storyβ¦ again. I still donβt know how he ever redeemed himself.
Darker Water (Once and Forever Book 1)Β by Lauren Stewart <—Β Rachel says: “Ooo, Darker Water was sort of slow and achy.”
Anne: decided to read Darker Water by Lauren Stewart instead and loving it!! I think its going to be on my 2015 favorite books list π
Anne: Just finished Darker Waters and loved it! The banter and chemistry between Carson and Laney was off the charts! 4.5/5
βββ Β Looking for more of our favorite recommendations? Browse our “Ultimate Favorites Lists” here. Are you in the mood for a certain kind of story? BrowseΒ our favorite “genre/trope categories” here and our reader favorites lists too.
βββ Β Love this trope? Browse more slow burn romance features and reviews on my blog. π
Just thought I’d sneak this in here… my NA All It Takes is a slow-burn romance (which is pretty much the only kind of romance I can write, lol).
You can find it here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22843165-all-it-takes
<3 Sadie
Two PNR that I need to mention. Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniel’s series. Both are extremely slow burns.
Sea of Tranqquility was a slow burn.
Tessa, exactly what I was thinking.
Like Maryse, I’m going to have to back and think.
Strawberries for Dessert is a slow burn. The physical happens relatively quickly but it takes a while for the feelings.
Going the Distance, also. Two very reserved characters that took awhile to open up.
Without Words is one too. It really takes its time. I’d say Eyes of Silver Eyes of Gold is too. Love this one.
Master of Crows by Grace Draven. And what about E&P. Oh, and I think Deeper fits too.
Love this list and a good slow burn book.
Flowers in the Storm is an amazing example of slow burn done right as The Sweet Gum Tree too.
Seducing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn too! He doesn’t even find her attractive at first!
I’ll keep thinking of more π
You forgot Wait for You by Jennifer Armentrout
Magan Vernon’s NA Romance The Only Exception!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/1H8ClUt
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/1vgOZJ6
Google Play: https://bit.ly/1JwOt1a
Itunes: https://apple.co/1dA6n7I
Kobo: https://bit.ly/1NwFaQn
Sebastian St.Cyr series by CS Harris. Love the romance story in this.
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith. They meet as children, love that trope.
* high fives Anne* Flowers from the Storm.
Maryse because she does it so well I wish KA would sometimes draw it out a bit more. The books are long enough to handle it, lol.
On the Island- Tracey Garvis-Graves
Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins
Maybe Someday- Colleen Hoover
Hopeless- Colleen Hoover
Wait for You- J.Lynn
Flat Out Love- Jessica Park
Present Perfect- Alison G. Bailey
All of Mia Sheridan’s books (love her!)
A Knight in Shining Armor- Jude Deveraux
Oh, two more.
Kiss an Angel & Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She brings the grovel too.
I am having so much fun with this list!
The Man I Love- Suanne Laqueur
With a Twist- Staci Hart
I’ll Meet You There- Heather Demetrios
BrisΓ©- Leigh Ann Lunsford
A Beautiful Kind of Love- Ellie Wade
Bev I loved Kiss an Angel! SEP is one of my faves!
Tina Reber’s other awesome book, Love Unscripted was a great slow burn π
One of my favorites!
Making a list, checking it twice… *feeling like it’s Christmas time around here with this gift of a list*
Slow burn, how about Beautiful Player (Book 4 in the Beautiful Bastard series) by Christina Lauren. Gah, Will & Hanna… the feels…
Those are all *perfect* examples of what slow burn is in our reads. Pining, resistance, rotten circumstances…oooooooh that is FUN! The more it twists my heart and gut the better!! π
Another kind I love (it probably falls into one of your categories up there) is when she screws up big time for whatever reason and has to really work at getting him back because now he doesn’t want her…well, he *does* want her but he won’t let himself go back to her, and we have to suffer right along with her not knowing if she will get him back in the end. LOVE that!
Ohhh yes Amy! I want to post books like that.
Kind of like Arsen… right?
YES!!! *Exactly* like Arsen. π Oh! Remember the wonderful agony of Sweet Thing? THAT would be another one with that kind of burn. *sigh* I loved that book!
Then can we do a heroines we like post? Lol.
Amy, speaking of Arsen, haven’t read it. But I’ve read a novella that I believe has a same story point. The tragedy part. But I think handled in a different way. Have you read Snow-kissed by Laura Florand?
Anne: do you mean Romancing Mr. bridgerton? With Colin & Penelope Featherington? My absolute fave of that whole series!!! Loved that one.
Slow burns are best. I said that about bad boys too…. Hmmm…
Bev, that one sounds super emotional from the blurb! With books like Arsen, the burn comes from the h doing something to really mess up and then she has to fully experience the consequences of her actions, and the whole time we don’t know if she is even going to win him back in the end…those kind make my tummy eat itself!
Who else has read Jacked? I really really liked this book & think it’s gotten passed over!!! It’s really good.
I just finished one, I feel ridiculous. A Court of Thorns and Roses is a total slow burn. She hates all the Fae when they meet (having just killed one) and just wants to return home.
Think i just remembered another. I just checked it out to do a re read of it, been years & years. The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williams.
Amy, its one of those weird ticks, I like it better when the guy messes up.
I think it’s hard when I’m in the head of someone who makes alot of bad and hurtful choices. Also, sometimes it doesn’t seem like the author wants to make the h apologize or grovel or etc the way hero’s do. Though I’ve read plenty where there are no consequences for the hero too. But you know the whole have your cake and eat it to thing.
Didn’t see anyone mention Gabriel’s inferno (if that’s the first one)…MAJOR slow burn
Loving this category!! I do love slow burn and even though I really liked Kulti their connection was too slow for me. Reads that I found perfect for me: The Offer by Karina Halle
Worth the Fall- Claudia Connor
Reed’s Reckoning- Ahren Sanders
To Professor With Love- Linda Kage
A Reason to Breathe-CP Smith
Underestimated-Jettie Woodruff
Dangerous to Know and Love-Jane Harvey Berrick
Diamond Girl-Andrea Smith
Loving Mr. Daniels-Brittainy C. Cherry
Fearless and Price of Angels-Lauren Gilley
bev I have that one next (for next Monday).
Oh yes Mandy!!!
Oh wow all of you are giving me some really good ones. Okay I’ll be adding each one… YAY FOR THIS LIST!!! π
We’re all gonna be smoldering in no time! *snort* See what I did there? π
MichelleS yes! Its Romancing Mr Bridgerton not Seducing! Lol I guess I got carried away thinking about Colin! Its my favorite from the entire series too! π
MichelleS who’s the author of Jacked? Couldn’t find it on GR by the name alone.
Lol Maryse! I am loving this list! Adding tons of books to my TBR pile π
Anne, it’s by Tina Reber who wrote Love Unscripted. π
Thank you Amy! π
The heroines one? Nice!!
The Pact by Katrina Halle. Super slow burn for me. About to start The Offer and hoping for similar feels.
Oh and Maybe Someday was sweet pain slow burn. And Renee Carlinos Sweet Thing. Still think about that book sometimes and read it many many books ago.
Great list idea Maryse.
Beautiful Player for sure! My fave in the series! Love this list!! Def thought of Bronze Horseman too. Cara McKenna books are all great slow burns as mentioned. Need to ponder… def will read Kulti after seeing it on this list!
Maryse, this is excellent. On the Island still my fave.
I save a few from this list, want to check them out, thank you.
Cara McKenna does some great slow burn! I loved After Hours, and also found that same tension building awesomeness in Unbound, and Hard Time. I’m excited to read other recommendations from this list. Nothing like a slow and steamy build up!
Must read Sweet Pea, M.B. Klein
I loveeed the list! But I’d really appreciate it if someone could narrow the recommendation to something similar to Kulti for me? The kind where the hero acts mean to heroine then falls in love ‘slowly’ and regrets his initial behaviour? Many thanks xxx
Chelse have you read Under Locke by same author…Marina Zapata.
Lisa, yes I did! And I really enjoyed it too. Mariana Zapata is definitely one of my favourite authors.
Hello. While searching for something similar to Kulti, I came upon this website and I am so glad that I did! I was wondering though, are there are any old books where the couple falls in love over time? Like Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer and Silver Lining by Maggie Osborne? Most of the recommendations here are of recent books but I suddenly feel like reading an old one. I just saw that someone recommended A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux and I’m thinking of reading that one. I would also like to say that I also love Kiss an Angel, Heaven, Texas and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton!
Hi Nadine!!! Thank you so much for commenting and joining us. π I have posted your recommendation request and I’ll see what I can come up with for you. π
The Wall of Winnipeg is also a slowburn
The Beach Read by Emily Henry, How to walk away by Katherine Center, Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy C. Cherry, Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren. These are a few of my favorites. But the ultimate slow burn is Kulti! I loved the list. There’re are many here that I haven’t read yet.
I didnβt see the Cityscape Series by Jessica Hawkins. One of my fav slow burns. Did I miss it somewhere??
Hi Jackie! I’ll add it in right now!! π Thank you!!
I went wild… lazy afternoon π² My favourites from my Slow Burn reading list…
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Smooth Talking Stranger by L Kleypas
The Matchmaker’s Replacement by Van Dyken
Angry God (All Saints High, #3) Shen, L.J. *
Devastated by R L Mathewson
Melt for You (Slow Burn, #2) by Geissinger
NSFW by Piper Lawson
Beautiful Bastard
Manwhore +series by Katy Evans
Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott
VIP series by Kristen Callihan
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
Rock Chicks Series – funny kinda slow burn…hot guy pursuing & h resisting π
Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Teardrop Shot by Tijan
The Player by K. Bromberg
One by Jewel E. Ann
Loving this updated list! Iβve been doubling back to my neglected TBR list. Absolutely loved Sincerely, Carter (How could I have missed this!) and On a Tuesday both by author Whitney G.
YAY!!! I just added these in. π Thank you Heather!
Rebecca Zanetti’s Anna Albertini series is also very good.
N K Pockett’s Marriage by Law