HOLY SHIT! I am so glad that Rainbow Rowell decided to write another adult Romance cause it's her best contemporary book by a landslide. Cary and Shiloh's story made my heart ache, my pulse race and my cheeks hurt from smiling. I am so freaking PROUD of these two. Rainbow has always been exceptional at writing relatable characters and these two were so damn realistic and flawed it was a joy getting to see them grow and change (and not change sometimes). Rowell did an amazing job at taking romance tropes that are king (friends to lovers, second chance, single parent) and making them her own by grounding them in reality. I felt like I was reading about real people going through real shit who had an undying real love. I am obsessed with the same Rainbow Rowell describes love and intimacy and how there was so much space here for each character to be honest about what they wanted from another. God I can't stop thinking about how Cary was obsessed with Shiloh's messed-up bottom row of teeth and how Shiloh loves his cracked under-moisturized elbows. SIMPLICITY!!!

My favorite part outside of the romance and friendship aspects of the book was the portrayal of Cary's time in the military. I loved that we got Shiloh's distaste surrounding the entire thing and the nuance of why Cary joined the military and what he did. So often in military romances or in fictionalized military media period the main character will be some tortured war vet who almost died on top top-secret mission. So it was nice to have a hero that wasn't that. It reminded me a lot of my parents' military service and how they needed a way to stay afloat and provide for their loved ones.

Overall this book was a knockout for me and I hope Rainbow continues to write more in the adult space.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. Shiloh, Cary and Mickey were all old friends in high school. Years later they are all reunited at Mikey's wedding. Cary and Shiloh are drawn together even after all the years. However, they take a slow path to get there.

Huge thanks to William Morrow for this ARC!!

Oh god oh god oh god I have so many feelings and words how do I write them all down.
As someone who adores Rainbow Rowell, I knew I was going to love this book, I just didn't know how much. Something about her writing makes you feel every single word in your bones and even when it hurts, it's so worth the pain.
The relationship between Shiloh and Cary was so mundane, yet completely extraordinary. It was like seeing a rainbow (no pun intended); yeah, they're pretty common, but you'll always rush outside to find it because something about it is just so magical.
I want to read this book over and over again until I have it memorized. I want to be their best friends. I want to shake them both for being so stupid and annoying. I want to send this book to every person I know and tell them they have to read it.
It would be a HUGE disservice to anyone to not read this book.
5 stars through and through.

thank you to net galley and william morrow for this eARC!

i really enjoyed this book! it was very fun, i liked the characters and i liked their relationships with each other.

i think my only real notes are that the pacing felt a little weird to me. some parts felt like they were too fast and just totally skipped over and others were too slow, but not so much that it took away from my reading experience, it just felt a little odd in places.

!!!MINOR SPOILER!!!


the other note i had was about how the chapters were labeled. some chapters, the “flashback” chapters, were labeled as before, and, in theory, i really like the idea of this. i think the concept of chapters being either “before” or “after” an event in the book is really cool and can work really well, however in this case what the chapter was before kept changing. it kind of spoiled the effect for me. if it had been that all the “before” chapters took place before the wedding or before some other important event i think it would have worked really well for me, but because that timeline kept jumping it didn’t really hit the way i wanted it to.


!!!SPOILER OVER!!!

all in all, i really did have a good time reading this book. it was cute, it was fun, it had me giggling and kicking my feet. good read! :)

Heartfelt fiction at its best! Interesting format. Loved the characters that reminded me of high school. Will be a pleasure to sell this summer and I can’t wait to read more..

I am excited for 10-15 years later when someone explains to Shiloh about girls being under-diagnosed with neurodivergence.

The best parts of this book are in Shiloh's head, and the second best part are in Cary's as he navigates the family life he created by absenting himself. This book isn't about poverty, but it's there threaded through their childhoods and the resulting anxiety in adulthood. It's not a ROMANCEY romance and it shouldn't have to be to be loved for what it is: the story of two teenagers who loved each other, and the adults they became.

HUGE fan of childhood friends to lovers here, so there was no way I was going to miss Rainbow Rowell's newest offering. And as always, she takes the mess of life and turns it into something poignant, touching, beautiful, and real. Very happy to add this to our order list for our collection!

I LOVE Rainbow Rowell. Landline, the Simon Snow series, Fangirl… I’m so happy for a new novel from her. I’m not a huge fan of short stories or graphic novels, so this was a welcome surprise.

In Rainbow Rowell's poignant and heartwarming novel, "Slow Dance," we are introduced to Shiloh, a woman navigating the complexities of life and longing for a sense of escape. Growing up in the wrong side of Omaha, Shiloh finds solace in her friendship with Cary, a kindred spirit who provides laughter and support amidst their challenging circumstances. As Shiloh embarks on her journey to college, Cary joins the Navy, and their paths diverge. Fourteen years later, Shiloh finds herself back in her childhood home, divorced, and working in a theater, not quite fulfilling her dreams of being onstage. When she receives an invitation to a high school friend's wedding, she reluctantly attends, hoping to reconnect with the past and perhaps find closure. As she prepares for the event, Shiloh grapples with emotions she never fully acknowledged. She realizes that her feelings for Cary were deeper than she had ever allowed herself to admit. With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, she wonders if she might see him again, the boy who held her heart without her knowing it. Rowell paints a vivid picture of Shiloh's inner struggles and longings, delving into the complexities of relationships, missed opportunities, and the enduring power of first love. "Slow Dance" is a beautifully crafted story that explores the nuances of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit, leaving readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the relationships that shape our lives.

Like most Rainbow Rowell books I have read, this one was delightful. So realistic and charming. Will definitely be adding this to our school library.

Slow Dance tells a story we've all heard before, friends to lovers. That's where convention ends however. Rainbow Rowell has written a realistic, unique, nostalgic take on the genre with characters who feel like people you might actually know. The pacing and slightly out of order retelling of Cary and Shiloh's youth kept me intrigued and reading late into the night. Somehow Rainbow Rowell consistently hits it out of the park!

Life is messy. Rainbow Rowell’s super power is being able to take every single ounce of mess and mold it into a story that hits home for the reader on so many different levels.
Cary and Shiloh have been revolving around each other for almost their entire lives. Between high school, college and life beyond, their friendship was the most important aspect of life for both of them. Never once have I felt a title of book was so well paired to a novel before. Sometimes, the slow dance of life is more important than the fast ones.
Rowell incorporates so much of life between Cary and Shiloh that everyone struggle with, but no one talks about. Familial issues, finding yourself (or more accurately, understanding yourself), balancing life work and love, and so on and so forth.. Rowell is a writer that I will ALWAYS pick up and I am never disappointed. I adored this book.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I love when two best friends realize they love each other and get together. I think Shiloh and Cary's journey back to each other was wonderful. Some parts of it just weren't my taste, but I did love the writing and I think the characters were well developed. I will recommend it to library patrons!

Rowell always creates such real characters, sometimes frustratingly real, but also describes falling in love or discovering love so well. Her books really hit you "in the feels", and this book is no exception.

I love Rainbow Rowell and I loved this book. Set in Rowell's Omaha, this is the story of Shiloh and Cary, two people so obviously meant to be together who just took the slow path getting there. I did get a little frustrated with the characters at times for constantly sabotaging themselves, but they did so in such a real and believeable way. Slow Dance is definitely not set in a Hallmark romance world - Shiloh is divorced with two kids and a messy house and really struggles to connect to people, and Cary is constantly on the move with the Navy and seems to be the Only Sane Man in his chaotic family who is trying to take care of his elderly mother. Like all Rowell's books, there is something so addictive about the experience of reading this, and it would be perfect for those who love romantic comedies that aren't about early-20s magazine writers in NYC.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Rainbow Rowell’s writing is always a nostalgia-wrapped punch to the throat and I absolutely eat it up every time. I just had so much FUN reading this book. The characters all felt relatable to me, even though are lives are not necessarily all that similar. Her portrayal of decade long friendships, in particular, really rang true to me. How you can go years without seeing someone and then just pick up right where you left off. This book had the vibes of an indie movie with a super great soundtrack that you see sometime in high school and then sticks with you for years afterward

Shiloh has grown up in Omaha and is now divorced living with her three kids as a single parent in her mother's house. It's not how she imagined her life. When one of her high school best friends sends her a wedding invitation she goes hoping to meet their other best friend, the one she can't stop thinking about. Cary and Shiloh were inseparable until he joined the military at graduation and has lived around the world. Both in their thirties now- is it too late to see what might have been?

I loved this slow burn of a romance. Full of humor and every day life, Rainbow Rowell has another winner. I highly recommend this gem.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This was a DNF for me - I’m sorry, but it was WAY too slow of a slow burn. I’ve loved some of the author’s previous work, but this just didn’t do it for me. The dialogue was well done and the writing was good, but the plot dragged and I didn’t care about or like Shiloh. I got to a point where I thought the book must be almost over, then I checked and I wasn’t even halfway through, so I just stopped. Nothing really happened, which maybe was the point of the book, but again, just not my cup of tea. Two stars for good writing and dialogue.

So, as is typical when I finish a book by Rainbow Rowell, I needed a few days to process. I am always a bit crestfallen when her books end because they are ssssoooooooo remarkable. I must remark upon them! First and foremost, I am a fan of every character she has ever created...the real, flawed, imperfect, INTERESTING folks that populate this story in particular will have me recommending this one to my friends. Shiloh is so wonderfully weird and I love her. And Cary is not someone I would EVER be attracted to, with his quiet, stoic nature, but I love love love HOW Shiloh loves him and why and how he comes to realize how he feels. It was beyond gratifying, too, to learn to love certain other characters (Angie comes to mind) as Rowell revealed them in all of their quirkiness.

Also, can we talk about how the setting sounds so mundane (Omaha doesn't light my imagination on fire, sorry) but becomes sorta magical when she makes it the HOME of these folks I came to love??? How does she do this? I wish I had 1/100th of her talent...of her gift for description. I wish I knew how she makes me FEEL so much.

Sigh. Such a beautiful, lovely, special read. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️📚