This book was a delight, the characters felt so real and I loved the way their relationship built over time. Rowell is a master writer and I really enjoyed her return to adult romance.

Did not enjoy this book at all. It was not well written. Nothing of substance and not even able to be considered a sweet, fluffy romance book. Definitely do not recommend.

"Slow Dance" by Rainbow Rowell has moments of charm, but it ultimately feels underdeveloped. While the characters are relatable and the themes of love and self-discovery are appealing, the plot lacks depth and tension. I found myself wanting more from the storyline and wishing it had explored its ideas more thoroughly. It’s an enjoyable read but didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Ah. A classic friends to lovers where they were always in love. There was no third act miscommunication. The book just took a slice of Shiloh and Cari’s life. I’m sure they are living their best life in Omaha. I refuse to believe these are made up characters.

Rainbow Rowell gives us all the feels in her latest novel Slow Dance. The sense of nostalgia and aching slow burn romance was absolutely wonderful.

Rainbow Rowell does it again with another amazing romance. The main characters in this story take a long time to finally come together, but when they do, it is so rewarding. The characters are so realistic, and I loved that this was an unconventional structure and setting for a love story. It's not often we see characters with children and ex-husbands getting their whirlwind romance. Slow Dance was a sensational slow burn. I loved this book, would recommend it to a friend, and will definitely read it again, which is why I'm rating it five stars.

No one does quirky and heartfelt loves stories like Rainbow Rowell. Her authorial voice is utterly authentic and 100% captivating—a breath of fresh air. Shiloh is very much a 30-something damsel in distress. She's divorced, her kids are pull-your-hair-out young, her ex is a jerk, and she's never left her hometown. She never became the person her angsty, outspoken, justice-seeking 16-year-old self thought she would be. For starters she never imagined a life where she didn't know every single thing about Cary, her best friend from high school. But it's been so long and when she runs into him at a mutual friends wedding... it feels like fate. And then if feels like a mistake. Something too big and all encompassing for her small, messy and complicated life. I fell in love with Shiloh and Cary HARD. I loved their relationship as kids and the many realistic hurdles of their relationship as adults. But, mostly, I loved the way they loved each other. As friends. As humans. Love stories are great. Romance is yummy. But Rainbow Rowell will make you believe in earth shattering, messy, soulmate deep love, like no author you've ever read.

Shiloh and Cary were best friends in high school. Everyone could see they were perfect for each other. But no, they were just friends. After high school they each went their separate ways; he joined the navy, and she went to college. Fast forward 15 years and they are 30-somethings attending their friend's wedding. Time for them to reconnect.

One thing that worked for me: Love is love and appearance and odd behavior don't matter. Shiloh and Cary are not traditionally attractive people. Shiloh is very touchy with Cary (like poking and pulling hair), and he is fine with it. He is described in a way that makes him seem unattractive, or at least not conventionally attractive, with moles all over his face and body.

One thing that was a problem for me: Shiloh and Cary act like teenagers. Is it because they're developmentally stunted? I'm not sure. They are both quirky (Shiloh more than Cary), so maybe this is just one of the quirks. They have trouble talking about anything that matters and they have a hard time being honest with each other and with themselves. I kept whispering, "find a good therapist."

I really like Rainbow Rowell and I wish I liked this book more. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

beautiful little work with some awesome romance in there. totally love it and would recommend it, tysm for the arc

I enjoyed this and the writing style, and the story was compelling. I am very interested in reading this author’s future work and this was a very solid romance. Would definitely recommend to others.

When they were in high school, Shiloh and Cary were best friends. They were both committed to leaving their hometown— Shiloh for college and a new life somewhere far away from where they grew up and Cary for the Navy. Everyone thought they would get together. But despite their strong connection, that never happened.

Nearly 15 years later, Shiloh is divorced, with two kids, and living in her hometown with her mother. Cary pursued his goal of joining the Navy and has spent the years since high school traveling the world. When Shiloh attends the wedding of one of her old friends from high school, she runs into Cary for the first time in years. Shiloh senses they still have some of their old connection but isn’t sure what can come of it now their that their lives are in such different places…even though Cary still feels like the only person who has really ever understood her.

This is a touching story about the enduring power of first love. As the novel moves back and forth in time, from present day to the past, we see all the ways that Shiloh and Cary both find connection in one another but also can’t seem to get out of their own way.

Highly recommended.

I've liked some of Rainbow Rowell's books, this is not one of them. It felt like something fished out of the unbaked slush pile and then fussed with some more in hopes it'll turn out good. The idea had some promise but it just didn't sing off the page, give me all the feels and keep me on edge to read all night/nor was this a book that I wanted to savor and read slow. This was a book I picked up, stopped to read other books, get back to in an effort to finish, wander astray again in hopes of something better, etc. 1.5 stars

This book!! I'm obsessed! Rainbow has outdone herself. I had trouble putting this book down. Really great character development and it has me thinking about my highschool years and the things I was too shy to say then. Thought provoking and so well written. I love this book with my whole heart! So many feelings and a must read! Highly recommend! Shiloh had my heart from the very beginning.

While I love Rainbow Rowell, I’m not the biggest fan of the second chance romance trope. However, I did have to read this to see if maybe just maybe, Rainbow could make me love just one second chance. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Shiloh, I just couldn’t connect with her character like I was hoping to, I really enjoyed the story. I think Shiloh was just a little bit immature for a woman who was supposed to be a divorcee with kids. If you can get past that though, you can will absolutely love Slow Dance. I gave it a 3.8. Definitely a book I think those who enjoy the second chance trope will enjoy.

*Slow Dance* is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, lost dreams, and the complexities of love as Shiloh and Cary navigate the passage of time and the choices that shaped their lives. Set against the backdrop of their shared childhood in north Omaha, the story captures the bittersweet nostalgia of their once-promised future together. Now, fourteen years later, Shiloh grapples with her unfulfilled aspirations, a failed marriage, and the weight of her past as she prepares to confront Cary at a friend's wedding. Their reunion holds the promise of rekindled feelings, but both must come to terms with the changes life has thrust upon them. This poignant tale will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about second chances and the enduring power of connection, making it a compelling read for anyone reflecting on the roads not taken.

I loved Slow Dance, just like I’ve always loved Rainbow Rowell so much! Her books always suck me in and I leave feeling so many emotions oh my god. <3

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can undoubtedly say I have never read a main character like Shiloh before.

Rainbow Rowell has such an excellent ear for dialogue and character development. While some of the themes between books can be similar, she always writes such different characters. It's easy to sink into their lives and watch as they grow and change over the course of the novel.

In this case, it's Shiloh and Cary. They were best friends in high school, but lost touch for multiple reasons after graduation. Cary went into the Navy, and Shiloh went to college and wound up back in their hometown, married and divorced with two kids. They run into each other at the wedding of a mutual friend, and thus begins a new phase of their story. Rowell interweaves the Before and After, filling in the blanks for readers and creating a compelling narrative. The will-they or won't-they is fascinating, because Shiloh especially is afraid to repeat past mistakes and lose Cary, and struggles with just letting go and hoping for the best. This is another beautiful story from Rowell. Highly recommended. Received from Netgalley and Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance is a beautifully crafted story that captures the magic of quiet, everyday moments. Her signature warmth and relatable characters make this a heartfelt, engaging read that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for anyone who loves stories with emotional depth and a touch of nostalgia.