If you’re looking for a romance that simmers with emotion and sparkles with chemistry, Slow Burn might just be your next great read!
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For dancer Lira, Latin Ballroom is everything. Whilst her dreams of fame were cut short aged 19, she’s never forgotten the connection she felt dancing with a stranger at the Paris World Championship afterparty 13 years ago.
Now, with her younger sisters pursuing their own successful dancing careers, and the responsibility of running the family dance studio falling to her, Lira’s ambitious flame is about to flicker out. Until a chance encounter sees her secretly auditioning for Slow Burn, a new dance show about to embark on a 6-week European tour, and coming face to face with a blast from her past that sends her reeling.
Gabriele is the quintessential bad boy of the Latin Ballroom scene. Slim of hip, with long, lean muscles that pop, a chiselled jaw, dark eyes, obscenely long lashes, and a mouth that just won’t give, it’s no surprise when he lands the principal male lead role on Slow Burn. But, with just a few weeks to go till the tour starts, he still hasn’t found his female co-star. All it takes is one audition to set his world on fire…
On the dance floor they’re smouldering, off it, they’re on fire.
Slow Burn Review
There’s something so satisfying about a story that mixes passion, family dynamics, and second chances—and Slow Burn delivers all three in the best way.
You absolutely don’t need to be a fan of Strictly (or even dance!) to enjoy this one. Yes, there are theatres, studios, and glitzy moments on stage, but the heart of this story is 100% the romance—and what a romance it is. Smouldering tension, electric chemistry, and all the push-pull you could hope for. It really lives up to its name.
I wasn’t sure whether I’d picture Oti Mabuse as the lead, but I didn’t. Lira came across as completely her own person. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the emotional threads—dreams, doubts, and family pressure—were inspired by the author’s own experiences. But let’s face it, a lot of us will relate to putting ourselves last or feeling stuck.
Lira and Gabriele take turns narrating, and it works so well. They’re both a bit emotionally unavailable, but not in a tired or overdone way. Gabriele might be the classic bad boy of the Latin Ballroom world (all charm, swagger, and ridiculously long lashes), but he’s also self-aware—which made me warm to him surprisingly quickly. The glimpses of vulnerability underneath the arrogance just spoke to my heart.
Lira is the eldest daughter and very much the glue holding her family together. She’s carried responsibility for so long she’s forgotten what it’s like to put herself first. Watching her start to stand up for herself—especially when her usual support system isn’t there—was honestly one of my favourite parts. Her strength builds quietly but powerfully, and I loved her for it.
There’s a strong theme of family sacrifice threaded through both characters’ stories, and it gave the romance even more emotional depth. And yes, the chemistry really is sizzling. The slow build, the banter, the stolen moments—it was all very believable and completely swept me away.
Slow Burn is vibrant, heartfelt, and so much fun to fall into. I thoroughly enjoyed it—and if you love a layered love story with real heart, I think you will too.
About the Author
As one of the most instantly recognisable faces in the UK and one of the country’s most beloved broadcasters, presenters and talent show judges, Oti Mabuse is a dancer of international success and renown, winning titles and championships across the world. The only professional on Strictly Come Dancing to win twice concurrently, she left after seven years on the show and became a judge on Dancing on Ice appearing on our screens to over five million viewers per week. Family and connection means everything to her and in December 2023 she welcomed her first child into the world. Oti spends her (hard won) downtime getting used to the rhythm of Mum-life and escaping into romantic fiction, which, second only to her love of dance, is her other passion in life. Her favourite authors include Colleen Hoover, Bernadine Evaristo and Dolly Alderton. ”My name, Otlile, means ‘I am here’ in Setswana, and that’s exactly what I am – here. For too long women like me – empowered, curvy, black women – haven’t been able to see ourselves in swoon-worthy, heart-racing romances… I want to change that.” Oti Mabuse
