Slow Burn or Instant Obsession — Which One Ruins You More?

Originally sent as a newsletter to Shana Frost's mailing list on 25 June 2026. Subscribe here.

As someone who's now written both types of romances, I want to know: Slow burn or instant obsession - which one ruins you more?

A slow-burn romance is one with plenty of attraction. They want each other, but... it can't happen at that moment. It's a romance that builds up over little moments like the one where he's burning the midnight oil just so he can steal a few minutes with her, or when she's grabbing a glass of water during one of her breaks but ends up staring at him instead. And yet... they're just friends.

An instant 'fast-burn' romance has that crazed obsession, one where they'll set something on fire if they're not together that very moment. It's the one where he's the solution to her bad day... and he makes good on his promises. Until she wakes up the next day and realises he was a career-ending move.

As an author, both these romances are belter to write. But as a reader, I'm wondering... which one will you pick?

I can't decide which one is my favourite, as I am a mood reader. However, I find myself reaching for the slow burn romance more, even if I have to scream at my e-reader when the couple is too thick-headed to see how great they are together. 

Will I see you in Glasgow?

I will be at the Authors Invade Scotland (Glasgow) book signing this Saturday (27th June 2026) at the Golden Jubilee Hotel in Clydebank. Will I see you there? I would love to say 'hi' and sign books if you are :)

Your fellow excited-to-know-your-answer sleuth,
Shana

You might also like: Why slow-burn is the best kind of romance to read