Slow Burn Romance Books That are Worth the Wait
In our fast-paced world, is there anything more refreshing than a slow burn romance book? Nothing comes to mind. Unrushed plots unfurl allowing ample time for the protagonists to evolve individually while a more organic chemistry develops between them. As a result, readers are highly invested and eagerly awaiting that HEA.
As the saying goes, the best things in life take time, right?
Interestingly, the slow burn subgenre has been dominating my TBR list lately. There’s just something about these character-driven, authentic, brimming-with-tension stories that keep me coming back for more. Plus, there’s so many great slow burn romance books choose from right now!
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
>>>>>>>>>>Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping novel from Henry.
The dynamic between eternal optimist Alice and human thundercloud Hayden was delectable. Forced proximity means lots of scenes with sizzling interactions…but the complication of the competing for the writing opportunity of a lifetime keeps them from acting on their desires.
It must be addressed: this book is THE slow burn romance book of the summer. It was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club Pick. The buzz surrounding Henry’s latest release caused me to save it for my literal beach read and it did not disappoint!
I enjoyed it so much, I read it twice.
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
The USA Today-bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a fun, flirty rom-com about a pact between friends that goes awry when one of them suddenly decides to get married.
In dual timelines, we see the evolution of Mari and Ravi’s 10+ year friendship that always had something more simmering just below the surface. Just like My Best Friend’s Wedding, you end up rooting for the wedding saboteur; however, you feel less guilty because Mari and Ravi are destined to be together.
This is easily a most-anticipated book of 2025 with everyone from Publishers Weekly and Peopleto NPR buzzing about the title. This slow burn romance book isn’t out yet and has already earned a 3.91 rating on Goodreads.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Two writers with a complicated history end up working on the same tv show. Can they write themselves a new ending? This sexy enemies-to-lovers romance is guaranteed to pull on heartstrings and give readers a book hangover.
This book read as an original since the tropes were more subtle. The slow burn effect stems from Helen and Grant sharing a past trauma and now working together in a professional setting. The consensus on Goodreads is that Grant’s character = major man crush.
“I was hooked on the very first page. Don’t miss this one!”—Carley Fortune
Fun fact: Yulin Kuang has written the screenplay for the film version of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation. Kuang is also set to write and direct the film adaptation of Henry’s debut rom-com Beach Read.
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
A captivating, heartwarming debut about two estranged friends who find solace, camaraderie, and perhaps more, written in the margins of their favorite books when they accidentally begin a correspondence through an anonymous book exchange.
Oodles of You’ve Got Mail vibes. The classic literature references made this a bibliophile’s paradise. It was fun watching their slow-burn relationship unfold in the margin notes they left each other in the community library books.
“Bickers charms in her depiction of how James and Erin bond through literature, and how literature changes their lives. This will have bookworms swooning.”—Publishers Weekly
Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava
A Muscogee pop star and a cowboy who couldn’t be more different come together to strike a deal in this new romantic comedy by Nava. As Avery helps raise funds to save her grandmother’s horse ranch (where the very serious Lucas Iron Eyes works), Lucas shows her what it means to be Indian.
It’s apparent from the beginning that these two beautifully messy people need each other. The humor and heat leap off the page! I also really enjoyed the themes of culture and identify woven throughout.
“A swoony love story that deftly explores identity, redemption, and the complexities of cancel culture…It’s a must read for all romance book lovers.”—Hannah Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Daydream
