The Ultimate List of Slow Burn Romance Books

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! 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 Kulti 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. 😉 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: Maryse how did you know Those were are all on my have read list 😉 . 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: Great idea!!

Michelle: I LOVE the slow burn!

Louise: LOVE slow burns!

Jessica: A slow burn done right is one of my favorite things ever.

Kathleen: Love a slow burn, it’s nice all of you are creating a good to be read pile for me 🙂

bev: I want to see slow burn, swoon, hea/hfn, & maybe a good grovel… 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. 😉 LOL!!! *snort* 😛

Ashley: …my favorite angsty-romance trope is the ‘jerk-face’ trope (is that a trope??? – I don’t know but that’s what I’m going with). I like it the slow burn of getting to know the hero and what makes him tick because then it’s 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, or like in Mystery Man, when she suspected she was possibly… one of many. Or like in Motorcycle Man, when she realized all he wanted her for was one night, after months of crushing on him…)  *gasp* and grrrrrrr  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 in 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! 😛

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 Series or the Downside Ghosts Series. 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. I love “working” for it…

Amy: 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!! 😀

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!

Maryse: Ohhh yes Amy! I want to post books like that. Kind of like Arsen… right?

Amy: YES!!! *Exactly* like Arsen. 😀 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! 😀

UPDATED MAY 20th 2020

Mony: finished Marriage for One by Ella Maise Hidden gem…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 there…unfolds beautifully with intriguing twists. Takes its time building things up…some might think bit too long. Wonderful characters – 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 they’re my favourite kinda books…slow burn & grumpy H…throw in alpha male too. 🙂

Cat: My last read was Marriage for One by Ella Maise….it was more than 5 stars for me. I just loved the slow slow burn. I loved how they fell in love… Loved loved the heroine….and how she was counting his smiles, so adorable I know some readers found it boring or too slow but for me…it has something magical… 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 – sharp-witted & a tough nut to crack. H is a great alpha. Loved the slow burn & Hot Guy’s transformation. Banter between h & H is clever and even sharper in second half. A 4.5-star read (deduction cause too much about h’s family).

Ashley: The Cornerstone by Kate Canterbury … It’s one of my favorite audiobooks.

Harper: 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.

• 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 didn’t see the Cityscape Series by Jessica Hawkins. One of my fav slow burns. Did I miss it somewhere??

Carlotta: I’m in the mood for something like The Cityscape Series…I love love and love this series! ….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: I’ve been reading books based on all the 2017 favorites lists. The latest is Waking Olivia. It is a “forbidden” (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 (it’s a duet) and it’s 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 “famous guy-normal girl” 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 I’m not sure I can handle that. I’m 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 🙂

LisafromDFW: Work Wife was great!!!! I read it in a day/night. Slow burn, chefs, taboo as in he’s 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 Friend’s 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. There’s 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! I’ve 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 – disney-esque and themeparks, slow burn, second chance romance.

Tasha J: Finished 99% Mine … stayed up way too late, did nothing today either and it was awesome!!! So completely different than THG, but still Sally’s amazing voice, slow burn AND made me fall for a totally not my type hero.

Anne18: Don’t Let Go by Sharla Lovelace.

Sonia: Anne 18 thanks for recommending Don’t let go. If you were in front of me if give you chocolate and hug. I’m reading the book now. It’s so perfect slow burn, triggers , family feel. Thanks a ton xx

Lisafrom DFW: Don’t 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 you’re in a slump it’s basically 5 novellas all on KU about a girl who’s almost 17 and marries the foreman/her best friend on her ranch after her father dies so she doesn’t go into foster care. It’s funny, touching and really well written – I didn’t know if I would like it but it completely sucked me in! It’s 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 haven’t 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 – One of my favourite books last year – put it on My Book Club list. 🙂 . 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 book…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 angst…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 & sand…add a bit of ocean waves. Ahh…Mojito…with fresh mint leaves…the water droplets from the glass dripping on my fingers… 🙂

Kim: From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata ( Ivan – 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!!! Six…no seven stars for the Queen of Slow Burn! Jasmine and Ivan…oh the snarkiness! This very well may be my new fav of her books!

Maryse: 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: I’m reading Wait For It by Mariana Zapata….. it’s 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 doesn’t live up to my expectations. I’m halfway through Her Perfect and it’s slow burn goodness!!! I want them to fight it!!!!!! Writing is good. I hate when the teacher is “the bad guy”. 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 it’s my favorite book of the series so far. It had a wonderful slow burn and was done perfectly for me.

Susan: Odette Stone’s hockey series is a must.

J R: I just finished Penalty Box this morning. I hadn’t read the first two but felt this one totally worked as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t 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 “Wall of Winnipeg” feel??? Uh oh….up it goes on my TBR….

D.G.: Hold up! Similar to WoW…I need to check this out..

J R: The best I’ve read this year is The Guy on the Right. It’s a slow burn but enjoyable.

Linda: I’m 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 Ward’s 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. I’m 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 had’t, I think you’d 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! Couldn’t put them down for a minute!

MichelleS: Wrecking Ball – 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 I’m 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. It’s a stand alone, but both characters were in the first book.

I don’t 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 don’t 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. Dangelico’s 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. It’s slow burn, major UST, super swoony, single POV by h and reminds me of The Simple Wild and K.A. Tucker’s writing style.

Jean: Yay Leslie!! I really loved that one too….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 watery…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 Stu…my all time favorite cover model. Swooning here….

Rachael: Must read Sweet Pea, M.B. Klein

Jan: I’ve 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: I’m finishing up Jeannine Allison’s Unveiling series today. Omg, seriously… These covers are stunning, and the writing…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 healing… not fluff – 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 didn’t 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 Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniel’s series. Both are extremely slow burns.

Tessa: The Sea of Tranquility was a slow burn.

bev: 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 Eleanor & Park.
• Oh, and I think Deeper fits too.
• 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?

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 don’t know if she is even going to win him back in the end…those kind make my tummy eat itself!

bev: 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.

Anne: Love this list and a good slow burn book.

• Flowers in the Storm is an amazing example of slow burn done right and

bev: *high fives Anne* Flowers from the Storm.

• The Sweet Gum Tree too.
• Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn too! He doesn’t even find her attractive at first! I’ll keep thinking of more 🙂

MichelleS: 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…

Anne: Its my favorite from the entire series too! 😀

• On the Island – Tracey Garvis-Graves

Shane: Maryse, this is excellent. On the Island still my fave. 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 Sheridan’s books (love her!)
• A Knight in Shining Armor – Jude Deveraux
• The Man I Love – Suanne Laqueur
• With a Twist – Staci Hart
• I’ll Meet You There – Heather Demetrios
• Brisé – Leigh Ann Lunsford
• A Beautiful Kind of Love – Ellie Wade
• I am having so much fun with this list!

bev: 

• 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. 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 Vernon’s NA Romance The Only Exception!

Sherry: Tina Reber’s other awesome book, Love Unscripted was a great slow burn 🙂 One of my favorites!

Grey: 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…

Marina: Beautiful Player for sure! My fave in the series! Love this list!!

Nicole: I’d say my favorite “brothers best friend” angsty goodness is Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren. I re-read it more than anything else, that slow burn is everyyyyyyythaaaannngggg!!

Mandy: Didn’t see anyone mention Gabriel’s inferno (if that’s the first one)…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
• 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

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: I went wild… lazy afternoon 😲 My favourites from my Slow Burn reading list…

• 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 getting….I could relate to characters and I wasn’t 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 Matchmaker’s Replacement by Van Dyken
• Angry God (All Saints High, #3) by L.J. Shen

Tessa: Angry God up there! *gasps* I can’t even put into words how good that was. Just so much of the dread with Vicious’s story, but in a totally different way. Vicious as a dad is amazing. He’s all, “you hurt my son I will torture and kill you, and no one will find the body” 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… 😉 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 Bastard by Christina Lauren

Jan: Beautiful Bastard… He’s her boss. She’s an intern. They hate each other. Oh, this is going to be so inappropriate……

Lisa: Beautiful Bastard had me belly laughing out loud with Chloé’s antics. She is a total ball buster and I adored her.

• Manwhore + series by Katy Evans

JulieO: Mony… Manwhore series is one of my all time favorites. Did you read PLAYBOY? I think the last book in series. She started great and ended great but the ones in between were just ok to me.

Mony: Yes! same here about the Manwhore series…I’m always drawn to those two as my “comfort books”.

• 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: I’ve read Wallbanger by Alice Clayton in the past and loved it. It was fun, flirty…definitely spicy on the smut scale. It was an “up” read

Maryse: Yep!! 😀 LOVED this one!! Here’s my Book Review

• Rock Chicks Series by Kristen Ashley – funny kinda slow burn…hot guy pursuing & h resisting 🙂

MichelleS: I loved the Rock Chicks. I consider them “KA light & fun & sexy”.

• Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Paige: Lothaire by Kresley Cole. He’s hot, mad, and bad! He’s loyal, possessive, a jerk, but he’d do anything for the people he loves.

Young: OMG, so good! Lothaire is so infuriating and SO mean and jerky to h 🙁 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 it’s all sad. Okay. No tears. But then the emotions really come out and I couldn’t stop feeling all the sadness. Still. HEA.

• The Player by K. Bromberg
• One by Jewel E. Ann

Etsun: One by Jewel E. Ann – 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 Horseman by Paullina Simons <— Amy asks: “What about The Bronze Horseman??” (Agreed! My review)

Marina: Def thought of Bronze Horseman too.

Fearless: The Complete Novel (Dartmoor Book 1) by Lauren Gilley <—Paula says:

Paula: Sort of a slow burn it covers what happened 5 years ago and also in the present – love and MC drama – so really good! Yep, the hero is Cajun and the MC go to man for getting the truth from people….it doesn’t feel like a long book as really enjoying the story and the other characters are great too…

Maryse: Agreed! My review

After Hours by Cara McKenna <— MichelleS recommends this one for the slow burn! And I agree! One of my absolute favorites!!! My review.

MichelleS: “Of course the cover of After Hours is amazing – but so is the slow burn in the book. So hot. Loved it. You’re gonna love it, I just know it!!!”

Marina: Cara McKenna books are all great slow burns as mentioned. Need to ponder…

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. I’m 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!!

Kulti by Mariana Zapata <— jen felt the burn with this one!

Jen: “…what took me so long to read this??? I am swooing big time for The German. Sigh…I ca’t 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 I’m crushing big time and yet still… NOTHING.  !!!! SLOW BURN is right… but it’s done SO right. Nothing is boring me here… ’cause the interactions are funny, infuriating, and so obviously NOT “obvious”… 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 “feel” of where you just enjoy reading it and can’t 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 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

Maryse: Chelse!! I have a couple of categories & lists for that:

• Groveling Heroes
• Unrequited Love
• Bossy Bullies

The Friend Zone (Game On Book 2) by Kristen Callihan <— 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) by Leisa Rayven <— Amy was feeling the burn in this one!

Amy: “Guys, I am about halfway through Bad Romeo and simply LOVING it! It’s going back and forth between the past and present (which I don’t mind when it’s 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 We’ll see what happens with the last half, but if it continues this way then I *might* just have found me a 5 star! “

Little Town Series by J.D. Nixon <— IsDonIsGood says: “Just finished the awesome 4th book in JD Nixon’s Blood Tears series. Really good; slow burn, to the point of ‘will they or won’t they’ being a sincere question through out.”

Emi Lost & Found Series by Lori Otto <— 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 burn♥. 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 I’m sobbing so so hard. Can’t see the book cause of the tears hard…”

Radiance (Wraith Kings Book 1) by Grace Draven <— MichelleS has one!!

MichelleS: “Bev – you said, ” I just love a slow burn and stories that really take the time to build the relationship”… well, have I got a book for you! And Michelle. And maybe Fabi, if she’s in the right mood for it. I was searching for my next good fantasy find… and this is it. Loving it so much. It’s called Radiance, Wraith Kings Book 1. Just released.

Fantastic writing. She’s a human, royalty. He’s 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 he’s hideous. He thinks she’s hideous. Funny and sweet and unbelievably good. I laughed out loud at the wedding feast!

Can’t stop thinking about this book. Yay me!”

The Fever Series 6-Book Bundle: Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, Dreamfever, Shadowfever, Iced by Karen Marie Moning <— 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 there’s 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!!!! ”

Amy: “...the Fever series has that crazy-slow burn and buildup that gets me all book-sexually frustrated…or would it be sexually-book frustrated? *pfft* I’m too mad at Barrons right now to care about linguistics.  I also like how nothing is being solved and wrapped up quickly so I’ll get to stay in their world that much longer.

I’m reading the third book (Faefever), and I just want to tie Barrons’ sac up in a pretty little bow and hang it above the doorway so I can smack his nuts everytime I walk by!!

Ooooooh!!!! He’s a-p!ssing me off!!! But I still love him. *giggle*” <—  Tee hee! OMG YOU SLAY ME, Amy!

The Mason List by SD Hendrickson <— Speaking of Amy, here’s one that she loved! Agreed! My review

Amy: “I didn’t mind the slow build-up (love that kind of “slow burn” 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 that’s not obvious from my comments on the other page, right?  I absolutely loved this one.”

Written In Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop <— bev: “The romance in WIR is a very slow burn type.”

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (The Reed Brothers Series Book 1) by 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) by Natasha Anders <— Jeannie suggests this one! “The Unwanted Wife is one of my favorites!”

SLOW BURN by Nicole Christie <— Leah recommends this one! “slow burn, nicole christie — The name says it all.”

The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1) by Elle Kennedy <— Kandace recommends this one! “The Deal by Elle Kennedy gave the BD butterfly feeling.” (Agreed! My review)

Making Faces by Amy Harmon <— Jennifer says: “Anything Amy Harmon” (Agreed! My review)

No Turning Back (The Kathleen Turner Series Book 1) by Tiffany Snow <— Theresa suggest this one: “Reading Tiffany Snow currently. On 5th book and still no HEA. So this is my current Slow Burn.”

Never Me by Kate Stewart <— This is Yamara’s pick!

Bright Side by Kim Holden <— 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) by Sarina Bowen <— another Sara recommendation! and!! “…anything by Penny Reid”

Jacked (Trent Brothers Book 1) by Tina Reber <— 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 it’s gotten passed over!!! It’s really good.

Matched by Angela Graham and S.E. Hall <— Linda recommends it!

Linda: Matched by S. E. Hall. Such a neat spin on a romance novel. Definite slow burn!

True Love Story by Willow Aster <— Robyn says this one! “True Love Story – Willow Aster” (Agreed! My review)

Missy: Feeling like it’s time for a True Love Story/ Willow Aster reread.

Kandace: Now you have me thinking about True Love Story… again. I still don’t know how he ever redeemed himself.

Darker Water (Once and Forever Book 1) by Lauren Stewart <— 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 😀

Anne: Just finished Darker Waters and loved it! The banter and chemistry between Carson and Laney was off the charts! 4.5/5

➔➔➔  Looking for more of our favorite recommendations? Browse our “Ultimate Favorites Lists” here. Are you in the mood for a certain kind of story? Browse our favorite “genre/trope categories” here and our reader favorites lists too.

➔➔➔  Love this trope? Browse more slow burn romance features and reviews on my blog. 😀