The Slowest Burn

Chamberlain’s heartfelt opposites attract debut introduces two beautifully flawed characters who learn through cooking just how much they complement each other. Three years after her husband’s sudden death, Ellie Wasserman, still in mourning, lives in a cottage behind her in-laws’ home and makes a living ghostwriting cookbooks. Her newest client is Kieran O’Neill, who made a name for himself on a reality cooking show. Laidback Kieran, who struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, immediately clashes with uptight Ellie, who favors hyperorganization and intense focus. To help them work together, their editor sends them to wine country for a week to work with no distractions. The plan pays off; as they learn more about each other, their animosity falls away. Once back in the real world, Kieran must face his judgmental parents, who don’t approve of his career or perpetual singledom, at a family party and asks Ellie to come with him as his fake girlfriend. Their attraction is intense and mutual, but are they ready for a real relationship? Chamberlain makes finding the answer to that question an emotional roller-coaster ride. Readers won’t be able to get enough. Agent: Heather Jackson, Heather Jackson Literary. (Sept.)