Slow Dance

A Novel

By: Rainbow Rowell

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Attachments comes Slow Dance—a novel of true love and friendship.

“A will-they, won't-they second chance romance for the ages, this one is poised to be one of summer's breakout hits.”—PEOPLE

“Sexy, sweet, wise, and nostalgic–Jane Austen’s Persuasion for our times.”—Gabrielle Zevin, New York Times bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

“Deeply human, profoundly romantic. Rowell will break your heart and you’ll thank her for it.”—Leigh Bardugo

“I loved every page of Slow Dance, a book that is romantic to its core, and as funny and smart as its wonderful characters.”—Emma Straub

Back in high school, everybody thought Shiloh and Cary would end up together . . . everybody but Shiloh and Cary.

They were just friends. Best friends. Allies. They spent entire summers sitting on Shiloh’s porch steps, dreaming about the future. They were both going to get out of north Omaha—Shiloh would go to go to college and become an actress, and Cary would join the Navy. They promised each other that their friendship would never change.

Well, Shiloh did go to college, and Cary did join the Navy. And yet, somehow, everything changed.

Now Shiloh’s thirty-three, and it’s been fourteen years since she talked to Cary. She’s been married and divorced. She has two kids. And she’s back living in the same house she grew up in. Her life is nothing like she planned.

When she’s invited to an old friend’s wedding, all Shiloh can think about is whether Cary will be there—and whether she hopes he will be. Would Cary even want to talk to her? After everything?

The answer is yes. And yes. And yes.

Slow Dance is the story of two kids who fell in love before they knew enough about love to recognize it. Two friends who lost everything. Two adults who just feel lost.

It’s the story of Shiloh and Cary, who everyone thought would end up together, trying to find their way back to the start.

©2024 Rainbow Rowell (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

“A will-they, won't-they second chance romance for the ages, this one is poised to be one of summer's breakout hits.” —PEOPLE

“Sexy, sweet, wise, and nostalgic – Jane Austen’s Persuasion for our times.” — Gabrielle Zevin, New York Times bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

“Deeply human, profoundly romantic. Rowell will break your heart and you’ll thank her for it.” — Leigh Bardugo

“I loved every page of Slow Dance, a book that is romantic to its core, and as funny and smart as its wonderful characters.” — Emma Straub

Well-written but didn't get the full effect

3.5 stars. This second-chance romance is well-written, with a believable plot, dialogue which feels genuine and refreshingly regular, flawed, non-glamorous people at its center. The story alternates between the past and the present, starting off with the reunion of friends for a wedding and gradually filling in the backstories with narratives and scenes which shed light on their characters and relationship. There is definitely a quirky element to the friendship between Cary, Mikey and Shiloh, and I could believe how Cary and Shiloh didn't hold on to their friendship the same way after high school or allow romance to blossom because life got in the way and they made decisions based on their perceptions and insecurities. Romance novel fans will find much to enjoy that is not within the typical romance formula. However, I found myself emotionally detached from the characters and their situation. I wanted to finish reading to see how they would resolve their situation, but I did not feel connected to them. The novel dragged on too much for my taste and I often felt impatient with the characters.
About the audiobook: Rebecca Lowman does a very good job narrating, bringing the characters to life and moving the plot along with good energy.

10/10!!!

Ugggh this was just so wonderful!!! Had me beaming!!! 🥰🥰🥰 Such a feel gewwwd!

This was my first Rainbow Rowell novel. I’ve seen her books around for the last year or so and as usual, the cover to this one really grabbed me so I decided to read! I loved every page of this! You are invested into the dynamic of Shiloh and Cary from the get-go! What I probably love the most is that like most books like this, it is NOT predictable! It was surprising at every turn, and whatever I thought I was going to happen happened another way - often better than what I had in mind! In fact, I thought this book was going to be way different than what I figured. Honestly, most juvenile. One of those cases where the cover is better than the actual book. I was geared up for a possible let down or meh, 3 out 5 stars. BUT… NO 😃

Its humor in the dialogue really carries you through the story too. It keeps you engaged and totally gushing!! You root for these characters and also care about the sub charters too! They aren’t forgettable which is such a refreshment! Each role plays a very important part in these people’s lives. Rowell is a fabulous writer and now I just want to read everything she’s written!

10/10!!!

Ps. The sex scene is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!

Narrator was fantastic! Enjoyed her narration here than when she narrated "Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles! In "Slow Dance" her voice for the character Lois sounded so much like Sadness from Disney Pixar's "Inside Out" which was really cute and fun to hear! Anyone else pick up on that?

Great book. Great narration

Such a sweet story of deep, unwavering love. This book is beautifully narrated. It doesn’t matter how amazing a book is, if the narrators voice is hard to listen to, but it’s always a no go.

Unexpected gem

This was a great story about relationships. It’s not overly exciting but the character development is great. You really feel for what the main characters are going through. It’s not your typical romance but it’s much more realistic.

Real life love story

I love Rainbow Rowell!! Ever since Eleanor and Park, but the ending of this book was just so perfect. The story itself wasn’t like other novels. It’s real people and real life but still with the feels of a great love story. And of course Rebecca Lowman always delivers. I saw this was being narrated by my favorite Rebecca Lowman and didn’t even have to read the description before I clicked purchase. She always delivers a great story with that wonderful voice of hers.

Frustrating but good

Shilo and Carey were so frustrating and stubborn. Can someone please explain to me why in all the time that Carey was away at deployment Shilo never once offered to help or go see Carey’s mom? I mean they lived only blocks away! Not to mention when she was recovering from her hip surgery!!! This left me with too many unanswered questions.

Oh my feels

These people real, imperfect, ugly, beautiful…and the reason why I love Rainbow.
Thank you for this and for allowing Rebecca to tell it

Not the good story I had hoped

Reese’s pick was not that great. It was so repetitive and slow moving. It was a no for me.

This!

I struggled with the first few chapters ( me finding a rhythm in the past / present) then the story got its hooks into me and I couldn’t stop listening.

Worth the credit.

Main characters are unique but authentic and likeable.

Beautiful story about a decades long friendship and love story. Narrator was perfect- I felt like I knew both Shiloh and Carey so well.