I love reading Rainbow Rowell’s novels, and I’ve read every single one of them. So, you can imagine how excited I was to pick up her latest book, Slow Dance. That first chapter, introducing us to Shiloh and Cary, was everything I want from a book. Every time I read her stories, I fall in love with Nebraska—even though I’ve never been there. Who in North Omaha played golf?
One line that stood out to me was: “He was so familiar to Shiloh.” When she sees him after so many years, this single line encapsulates their entire relationship. Rainbow is a master at moments like this.
The side characters were also wonderful—Mikey, their mutual friend who brings them back together, both their moms, and Shiloh’s kids all had such depth.
My only small nitpick is that, in contemporary novels, authors sometimes have to create contrived reasons to keep the leads apart, which can make them act irrationally when it comes to matters of the heart.
“He always took Mikey home first, and then he’d take Shiloh home.”
Shiloh, my dear girl, that’s a big hint right there. How do you keep missing it?
In the historical romance novels I write, it’s easier to find reasons to keep my lovers apart because society had so many rules back then.
That aside, I absolutely loved the book. I highly recommend it to contemporary romance readers!
I was always heading your way, Cary.
Anna Bushi 