“‘I wonder what the poor people are doing?’”

I had the chance to listen to the audiobook of THE SLOW BURN. If you are an avid audiobook listener you may be familiar with Stella Bloom and Lance Greenfield. I adored their narration in both THE HOOKUP and THE SLOW BURN - Stella Bloom has this cute, quirky way of performing that I find utterly adorable and endearing. Lance Greenfield did a stellar job for both Johnny and Toby - he transfers the intensity and raw masculinity of them perfectly. If you love audiobooks, give this a shot!

I don't know about you guys but when Addie and Toby met in THE HOOKUP it wasn't only obvious that they had some serious chemistry it was OBVIOUS, so I couldn't wait to get my greedy hands on THE SLOW BURN. I'm happy to report that Kristen Ashley didn't disappoint.

Both Gamble men are an entirely different species from KA's usual alpha male - they both are sweeter, not as rough around the edges. We know KA's heroes to be protective, sometimes a little overbearing, and definitely bossy. Toby has all that down pat. When Addie and Toby meet it's pretty much love at first sight for both of them - but since the older Gamble man is going to marry Addie's older sister Toby doesn't want to go there. The family dynamics would take a serious hit if it went south. And Addie? She's completely oblivious to Toby's feelings for her.

Addie barely makes ends meet. It goes as far as her not eating properly although she has a great support system and people who would fall over themselves to help her out but while she doesn't have money, she has buckets full of pride. The situation escalates into a huge fight almost causing Toby to throw the towel and leave Matlock, KY. This argument is the catalyst that gets their relationship going and on the right track. From then on it's pretty much smooth sailing for them (their make-up sex is pretty spectacular and SCORCHING).

In most of KA's books there is always a bit of a lull when the relationship is building and running. Most of the times it works very well for me because the author packs lot of sweet stuff into that pause. It definitely worked this time around because Addie and Toby are all kinds of funny and sweet together. Especially this man, who gives Addie everything she wants and needs, who loves her so openly and says the sweetest things in the most unexpected times. And if the scene in which he feeds the little toddler doesn't melt your ovaries then I don't know what would.

Both of them understand that life is full of compromises and Addie in particular learns that pride, while it has its place, shouldn't come first, especially if you have a child to care for. I loved Addie, she was a firecracker with a heart of gold and true dedication to her son and family. She was independent and strong but she learned that sometimes pride and independence may just be in your way of the truly important things.

While this story is pretty low in angst it has its heartbreak and emotional parts - especially in the last few chapters - that will have your heart in your throat and it's then when all of these characters, main and side cast, truly shine. In these scenes the main theme of this story is the strongest: family is the most important thing. No matter what riches you gather, they won't make you happy, if you don't have anyone to share them with. So it's pretty awesome that we get to hang out with Johnny and Izzy, Deanna and Charlie, Margot and David.

THE SLOW BURN was one of my most anticipated books this year. I adored THE HOOKUP but I think that this installment is even better by a tiny margin - in my opinion it's Kristen Ashley at its best. She is a master at writing family dynamics and stories to make you dream. This book ends on an uplifting, sweet note.

18 people found this helpful

Perfect story, fantastic narraction!

The Slow Burn is the second book in the Moonlight and Motor Oil series by the talented Kristen Ashley. I'm a huge fan of Kristen's and I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio. I love a good audio book and this one was great. The narration was top notch. The story interesting and addicting. The characters sexy, funny, and smart. Toby and Addie's chemistry is crazy hot! I could feel it coming through their voices. Lance and Stella were fantastic and I'll be looking for more audio books by these narrators. Toby loves Addie something fierce. Addie wants Toby more than anything in her life. They are perfect for each other. They are mature, they actually talk to each other instead of fighting over miscommunication issues. I especially loved Toby's domineering, protective nature. Kristen has a way of writing men who make me melt when they take over! Overall, I laughed, cried and loved every second of it!

2 people found this helpful

THIS IS HER BEST

Just to say, can't stop smiling and crying.

If you pick just 1 of her books to read - this is it.

Narrators were awesome as usual.

2 people found this helpful

The Slow Burn turns to Flames

We meet Tobias and Adeline in the first book of this series because these two are the younger siblings to the main characters from that book.

I am so happy we get their HEA, a lot of these books intertwine and I am a huge fan of this. The family dynamic and how they are all there for one another in stress-filled, sad and esp in the happy times. This book had me smiling out of the gate and right then you know YOU KNOW it’s going to be a good one.

Was it always easy heck not but those are the stories you need, I have said this many times before Kristen knows how to do children well in her books you never feel like she forgot about them and they are always perfectly set in the scene so organically it’s as if a movie is being played in your head as you listen. I love the detail that flows so well you don’t even notice the time.

Toby and Addy are awesome and complement each other, I love how they communicate this really helped with the drama it never felt forced and it always felt relevant and not unnecessary.

Sigh, I wish it never ended.

I loved the narration I am a huge fan of Lance he hits all the right places for me. And Stella girl she is awesome her character voices are perfection.

8 people found this helpful

...stirs the inner workings of every emotion.

Ashley has a way of grabbing hold of a heart and never letting go. The Slow Burn makes it easy to understand why. Addie and Toby have both experienced less than perfect. Just as they are ready to throw in the towel, love presents itself. At the worst possible time. Do they take a chance or walk away? I had the pleasure of discovering their journey in audio. Bloom and Greenfield brought life to an already emotional read. It felt like watching a movie unfold. There is something about hearing the words that stirs the inner workings of every emotion. I loved the experience.

2 people found this helpful

Good followup and conclusion

I liked book 1, The Hookup, so much that I bought this one through kindle with audiobook. It’s a solid book with good follow up on all the characters from The Hookup. It’s 5 months later and Toby and Addie finally get past the hurdles keeping them apart when his mother reappears. Addie has to get over her pride and learn to accept Toby’s money and all have to deal with Margot’s health issues. Then the long missing father appears.
I like dual male/female narrators, but wish they could have recorded this in tandem.

1 person found this helpful

Basic

I feel like I lost some IQ points reading this. Basic characters with a basic and predictable plot. If you are into scentsy parties, jello salad or tribal tattoos, this may be the listen for you.

2 people found this helpful

Not what I would call a slowburn

I love Kristen Ashley books but I'm thinking that my tastes have changed. I'm just not into the Macho Man guy anymore. Also, to me a slow burn is a long build up to the relationship with lots of "almost" situations. These two got together about 40% of the way in and then were all in from the first kiss. This is the exact opposite of a slow burn to me. I also found the male narrator very distracting. He reminded me of Lego Batman.

2 people found this helpful

Burn Out

Gave up after 40% through the book. The last half may be better the first but I just didn't care enough to find out.

2 people found this helpful

Kristen Ashley

This series is amazing. This book made me cry so freaking hard!!! Either way, you have those books that just stick...and this one I have a feeling is one of them. I love the attention to detail, the storyline and all that goes with it. PERFECTION. 10 🌟