EyebrarianPrize winnersGet the app

Books › Slow Burn

Cover of Slow Burn

Slow Burn

Julie Garwood

First published 2005 · 432 pages

A high-stakes blend of escalating danger and undeniable chemistry, where a string of lethal accidents ignites a fiercely protective romance.

Where to buyBooks like this

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like slipping into the golden era of romantic suspense, where the danger is explosive and the heroes are unapologetically protective. The narrative moves at a brisk, entertaining clip, seamlessly weaving life-threatening stakes with the delicious, forbidden tension of a best friend's brother trope. There is a comforting rhythm to the escalating threats; even as the heroine's world crumbles under the weight of sabotage and near-fatal accidents, the atmosphere remains buoyed by snappy dialogue and undeniable romantic chemistry. It is a cozy kind of thriller, one that balances the adrenaline of a whodunit with the swoon-worthy satisfaction of finding a safe harbor. Fans of Nora Roberts and Linda Howard will devour this perfect cocktail of suspense, resilience, and hard-won happily-ever-afters.

Mood
  • tense
  • swoony
  • urgent
  • cozy-yet-dangerous
Tone
  • suspenseful
  • playful
  • romantic
  • protective
  • earnest
Pace
brisk
Themes
protective romance · best friend's brother · family betrayal · finding safe harbor · resilience under fire
The writing
Accessible and dialogue-driven, prioritizing snappy banter and escalating suspense over flowery descriptions.
The arc
Moves from a state of overwhelmed vulnerability and escalating danger to a deeply satisfying, secure romantic resolution.
Who it's for
Readers who crave the comforting formula of 2000s romantic suspense, where capable women are swept up in danger and fiercely protected by alpha heroes.
Content notes
  • attempted murder
  • explosions
  • stalking
  • family betrayal

About the book

Living a successful life just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, Kate MacKenna has always been able to turn her challenges into triumphs. But now the fates seem to be lining up against her...in lethal fashion.

While attending a reception at a friend's estate for a controversial artist, Kate is nearly killed by an explosion. Once home, Kate is hit with the news that the prosperous fragrance company she has nurtured from the ground up is in jeopardy: It turns out that her late mother used the business as collateral for a huge loan, and full payment is due in three weeks. Kate's still reeling from this devastating news when her younger sister's volatile ex-boyfriend shows up and threatens her.

Then Kate receives a call from her best friend, Jordan Buchanan, who is hospitalized and scheduled for surgery in Boston. Though stretched to the limit, Kate immediately rushes to her side. Once she knows that Jordan is going to be fine, Kate abandons her calm facade and allows herself a major meltdown, doing something that is totally uncharacteristic: She has a one-night stand with Jordan's brother Dylan.

Coming to her senses, Kate returns home determined to get back on track and save her business. But the mishaps keep coming.

At Jordan's insistence, Dylan checks up on Kate. He's convinced that she's merely having a spell of bad luck, until he discovers how many people want Kate MacKenna dead.

Description from Open Library.

Books like Slow Burn

See why they match