Review: Slow Summer Burn by Elisabeth Barrett

Title:Slow Summer Burn by Elisabeth Barrett
Series: Star Harbor #4
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

If you’ve followed my blog, Forever Book Lover, you know how much I adore the Star Harbor series. I’ll admit—I put off reading this one. Not because I didn’t want to, but because Slow Summer Burn is the final chapter in the Grayson brothers’ stories. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Cole, Seb, and Theo… and now it’s Val’s turn. The thought of closing the book on Star Harbor left me just a little heartsore.

Val, the eldest Grayson, has always been the rock—steady, responsible, the glue that held his brothers together after their parents passed away. His own dreams have taken a backseat for years, but in this book, it’s finally his moment. Paired with Cameron, a high-society woman whose warmth and determination challenge his rigid, by-the-book DEA lifestyle, the sparks are instant. The title perfectly captures their dynamic—there’s a slow, simmering heat that builds with every encounter, keeping you turning the pages.

One of the things I love most about Elisabeth Barrett’s writing is her ability to blend romance with a dash of suspense. Here, danger lurks just beyond the idyllic small-town setting, adding tension without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story. There were moments that had me holding my breath, but I knew I could count on Val to rise to the occasion and protect the woman he’s come to love.

Why I Think You’d Like This Book

• Perfect for readers who love a slow-burn romance with plenty of heat once it ignites.
• Features a mature hero who’s both protective and deeply loyal.
• Offers that small-town comfort with a suspense twist to keep things exciting.
• Beautifully ties up the series while letting you revisit beloved characters.

This book offers everything I’ve come to expect from the series—emotional depth, romantic tension, and cameos from the other Graysons that make it feel like coming home. It’s a satisfying send-off to a family I’ve grown attached to. My advice? Start with book one and enjoy the journey through Star Harbor from the very beginning.

Read my full Goodreads review

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