Some women find themselves in therapy. Gia found herself in rhinestone heels.
Blindsided and newly single, Gia DeLuca trades the grind of New York for one easy summer in San Diego at her cousin's place. She wonders if thirty-something is too late to want more.
One night in the Gaslamp Quarter answers that question.
When dancing wakes up something she buried years ago, she finds herself pulled toward the one person she shouldn't want. Sebastián Solano is San Diego's favorite celebrity, the son of salsa royalty, and a soccer legend whose career ended too soon.
What starts as a favor — a pro-am competition for Sebastián's sister's studio — becomes something neither of them expected. Somewhere between charged rehearsals and music that says everything they can't, Gia stops being the woman the safe life required. And Sebastián wonders if there's life beyond the roar of the crowd.
Every woman deserves one summer that reminds her who she really is.
Tropes You’ll Love: Retired Pro Athlete / Celebrity Hero Forced Proximity He Falls First & He Falls Hard Dance as Foreplay Emotional Slow Burn Found Famaily
Spice level: 2.5/5 — slow burn with palpable tension and a few open-door scenes once the heat finally breaks
I like to say I was dancing before I could walk, mostly because it feels true.
I grew up in a little ballet academy on Long Island, danced on a competitive salsa team in my twenties, and bought a one-way ticket to South America when I turned thirty, where I spent my time taking classes and dancing with strangers who instantly felt like friends.
Somewhere in between all those late nights and all that music, I knew I would eventually write a romance set in the social partner dance scene. Salsa, bachata, and tango…it’s the perfect setting to explore heat, connection, and body movement, all with an intoxicating soundtrack.
I believe the path to happily-ever-after is so much hotter when you dance your way there. Hang around a while and see for yourself.
Official Bio:
Jessa Leads writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction from a desk near the beach. Her work brings together sensual dance worlds, heartfelt character journeys, and sun-soaked San Diego magic.
Friends know her as the author of seven children’s books, an accomplished executive ghostwriter, and a startup marketer. She uses this pen name to explore the more…passionate side of her writing.
A graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Cognitive Science, Jessa has spent her career exploring how people think, communicate, and connect. Her fiction writing grows out of that curiosity, too, and is inspired by the way dance can stir emotion and awaken desire.
This is such a feel good story and if you ever were a part of the dancing world or wanted to become a part of it, here is your invite. It is relatable to everyone! (Not just for the dancers out there). Finding pieces of ourselves and discovering new possibilities. Igniting passions and not being afraid to take the chance, big or small. A reminder that dancing is family! It unites us and you will experience that in this book. From beginning to end. I felt the fire, the love and the passion. Impossible not to enjoy!! It’s a “Sí” for me! 💃❤️🔥
ARC — I am blown away. There was so much hope, longing, love and dancing in this book. Can I consider it an art and sports romance? Because I feel like yes, and that I’ve been reading the wrong sports romances. I even cried LOL, because it also covered how emotional rebuilding your life is. This book was a whole moment, and it came to me at the exact right time, because what a perfect week to talk about Salsa (day after the Super Bowl).
Quick, Quick, Slow By @jessaleads Book One| San Diego After Dark
This is the debut novel of Jessa Leads and it’s a spicy, salsa one-two!
Gia, off of a bad breakup, one where her ex called her boring, and had lost her spark… maybe there was some truth in that, but also what a jerk 😒 she’s landed in San Diego, set to stay with her cousin Nikki and happens upon a salsa nightclub, Casa Sevilla. Full of life, vibrant energy, and just what she needed! “Come in, Gia. Something’s waiting for you.…” Gia studied contemporary dance as a minor in college, so more of a classical route, she was barefoot and emotions, but she doesn’t dance anymore… Gia meets Camila, a salsa superstar and owns her own dance studio and knows Gia is a star ⭐️ just waiting to burst onto the salsa scene. Gia’s a great dancer, and Camila notices her from night one… someone else notices Gia too… Sebastián Solano ex fútbol hottie superstar and now is in San Diego and floundering some coming from the high stakes world of sports and off a career ending injury… Camila is his sister and salsa is in his blood! Man’s got moves… and man’s seriously a hottie 🔥 He and Gia meet on the dance floor, and burn instantly… like sexy as hell, bedroom experience on the dance floor 💃🏼
This one is a must read! I loved all the salsa elements, passion and heels, the rich culture and beauty that is SALSA 💃🏼 Bravo @jessaleads 👏🏻 I give this one all the “eight counts” rating!! 8️⃣ Come get up on the floor and let your kindle do a quick, quick, slow and download on February 17,2026 “Siempre” ❤️
ARC review: Quick, Quick, Slow is a romance that fully pulls you into its world from the very first pages. Jessa Leads’ writing is richly descriptive in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of the experience. I could clearly picture the rooms, the small gestures between characters, and the quiet moments where everything shifts. It genuinely felt like watching a movie play out in my head rather than just reading a book.
Beyond the romance, this story is about burnout, selfdiscovery, and giving yourself permission to slow down and reconnect with what you love. The emotional journey of finding that lost spark felt honest and extremely relatable. Nikki, the cousin, was an absolute standout. She was sharp, funny, and perfectly timed comic relief who had me laughing out loud. And as someone who grew up with a built-in-best friend who was a cousin, this made the story feel personal. The included playlist adds another layer of immersion, perfectly matching the mood and giving the reader the chance to be a part of the dance. This is a tender, thoughtful, and uplifting read that stays with you long after the final page, and one I’d highly recommend to anyone who loves romance with real heart and depth.
This book has everything you want in a romance novel. The slow burn, the tension. But it has so much more. It's a story of reawakening and finding oneself. It uses the dance as part of the tension and building of chemistry, a brilliant use of the art of dance to tell a story. I was totally immersed in the dance scenes, felt all the things and understood perfectly what was happening even though I'm not a salsa dancer. I was riveted. The characters were well fleshed out, the story had a great arc, and damn the steamy scenes were on point! Please do yourself a favor and read this unique and refreshing addition to this genre!
From the moment Gia wanders into Casa Sevilla alone on her first night in San Diego and the flamenco guitarist's melody drifts out onto the street like an invitation, Jessa Leads makes you feel the music in your chest. The dance scenes throughout this book are so vivid — the suede-soled shoes, the mirrored studio walls, the salsa counts threading throughout — I kept catching myself moving my hips or shoulders to keep the beat.
This is a romance that at its heart is about what happens when you stop chasing the life you thought you were supposed to have and start listening to the one that actually lights you up. Gia walked away from playing it safe, and stepping back onto the dance floor — nervous and deeply brave — felt genuinely moving.
Sebastián is a wonderful counterpart — a man wrestling with his own version of the same lesson, learning to find joy and purpose outside the identity he built his whole life around. And their dynamic on the dance floor carries everything happening between them off of it. And Jessa Leads uses that parallel beautifully.
A warm, joyful, feel-good read that also has something real to say: trust what brings you joy. It had me literally grinning from ear to ear by the end of the Epilogue.
The HEAT!! This book was so captivating. From start to finish was a page turner. Never been a dancer and it was so fun to follow the characters. The only down side… it’s not a movie!! I kept imaging how this would look on the big screen. I savored each chance I got to read. This got me out of my reading slump. Excited for the next books!
What a fantastic debut romance novel! Jessa Leads did such a good job promoting this book on Instagram that it made me want to read it and it did not disappoint! I love when books, movies and television shows include dancing so I was very excited to read this book and the descriptions of the dances were very beautiful. I rooted for Gia and Sebastián. They obviously had incredible chemistry from the start and were perfect dance partners but I love how they considered each other and their relationship when making big life decisions. Thank you to Jessa Leads for giving me the opportunity to read this early and I apologize for the delay in my reviewing your book.
‘Quick, Quick, Slow’ is much more than a love story. It’s more a story about finding yourself and what makes you happy. We meet Gia and Sebastian who are both going through their own trials in life and trying to find their footing. Gia makes her way back to dance but is very insecure and nervous about jumping back in. But she pushes herself and finds not only what makes her happy but also a new community, family and friends. Sebastian was a soccer star who was forced out of the game after an injury. He is coaching now but feels like he should be back playing. He comes from a big dance family and while he loves that he feels like he has to prioritize soccer. But he learns that he can have both in his life and that he doesn’t have to be playing soccer to still get fulfillment out of it. The two of them have great chemistry. They are paired up with eachother in a dance competition and you could feel the chemistry between them while reading. I was drawn to them as a couple and wished we got to see a bit more of them together in the book. I was a bit frustrated by all the communication issues. They had so many chances to just talk and work things out. It felt like almost as soon as they got together they started getting in their heads about stuff and not talking. A big part of that was on Gia. I was a bit annoyed at times when I just felt like she was assuming things and not talking to him.
This story is written in 3rd person. Which to be honest I don’t usually enjoy. So it did take me a bit longer to get into it. But once I adjusted to that I thought the authors writing was well done and she really had a way of getting you to feel like you were right there with the characters. And as someone who is not involved in dance at all, I thought that was great.
3.75 ⭐️’s I was given an ARC copy of this book but this was my honest review.
Let me start by stating that I'm not big on romance novels (especially steamy ones) and I'm not a dancer (I'm an engineer, I can't let loose). So both the topic and the genre was not a fit for me.
Having said all that, I lovedQuick, Quick, Slow by Jessa Leads! Usually I read a book after getting through all of my daily pile of email. But while reading Quick, Quick, Slow I started reading before finishing my emails (bad discipline on my part).
Yes, the book is a steamy romance novel and it spends a lot of time talking about salsa. I know nothing about salsa, but after reading this book, I'm very intrigued. Not only that, but the book has another layer beyond just the romance, its about life, pursuing your dreams, not being afraid to fall short, and figuring out what truly makes you happy.
There were so many great phrases in the book that I kept highlighting (I read on a kindle).
In summary, its a well-written novel, that is fast paced, light reading, but still carries a heavy message. Definitely worthy of a 5 star rating!
This book had many strong points. The love the author has for San Diego was immediate and infectious and made me want to visit, and the dancing swept you up--even for someone who has little experience with any of that, I could visualize the dance itself very well from how she described it.
Both main characters had good, strong separate character arcs and were relatable with how they struggled. I love how they're both 'older' for a romance book (which seems silly to have to say that--love is ageless!) I definitely got the Dirty Dancing vibes, as promised, especially during rehearsal scenes. The build up to the heat between them was immediate from the beginning.
What really didn't work for me was this--the humongous cast of characters. Everyone had a first name and a backstory, and not just a few extra characters that will go on to have their own books, but everyone. It became very confusing, trying to figure out who was who and their relation to others in the story if they weren't a main character.
Secondly, I didn't understand the love story's arc, or what it was that drew the two together besides physical attraction. Maybe it was very subtle and I missed it, but I didn't understand what made them fall in love with each other. Was Gia so strong and fierce and determined, and that was what Sebastian loved? How she wouldn't quit? Was Sebastian generous and vulnerable in a way that spoke to Gia's heart? I honestly couldn't tell.
Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Quick, quick, slow is more than just a story… it’s a different way of looking at things and the reality of life. I am not normally a romance love story reader. I am more a thriller/murder mystery gal, but this story right here!!! 🔥 I feel like if I read it over and over again, I would continue to learn something new each time.
This story is romantic, hot, spicy, along with the true reality of life. As I’m going page by page, chapter by chapter, I loved the playlist that goes on throughout the story. It was the most perfect touch and perfect song choices for the tone of the novel, especially Bad Bunny!
I had been visiting San Diego since I was a child, so it was awesome to be able in envision when reading all the different locations they were and how it may have been around that time there. Jessa Leads added such descriptive words that truly made you feel like you’re right there with Nikki, Gia, and Sebastian! As much as I love music, dancing does not come naturally to me such as salsa, bachata, meringue, etc. but I felt like I was there watching the dance scenes and feeling the heat between the characters when reading. I also feel like I want to take some salsa lessons to try it out. 💃🏼
If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself, this is a great book to remind yourself to get back in to what you love no matter how intimidating it may be! It may come back even stronger and hotter! 🥵
I CANNOT wait for more novels from Jessa Leads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novel swept me away from the very first page. Gia's journey from heartbreak and uncertainty to rediscovering her passion and confidence felt authentic, relatable, and deeply inspiring. I loved watching her leave behind the life that no longer fit and embrace opportunities she never expected.
The chemistry between Gia and Sebastián is beautifully developed. Their connection grows naturally through shared rehearsals, mutual respect, and a love of dance that brings out the best in both of them. Sebastián is an especially compelling hero - charismatic yet grounded, successful yet searching for something more meaningful than applause and accolades.
The San Diego setting adds warmth and energy to the story, while the dance scenes practically leap off the page. The author captures the excitement, vulnerability, and joy of stepping onto the dance floor, making every rehearsal and performance feel alive.
More than just a romance, this is a story about taking risks, finding yourself again, and discovering that it's never too late to chase the life you truly want. Heartfelt, uplifting, and filled with wonderful characters, this was an unforgettable read that left me smiling long after the final chapter.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an incredible debut! I was an early reader of this book, and Sebastian was my favorite male main character of 2025. Both main characters have depth and grow throughout the book. Their chemistry is FIRE. It definitely has Dirty Dancing vibes but with a grown-up FMC who is ready to find herself again. And boy does she! The dance scenes are written beautifully; they are both visual and sensual. Dance is not something that is easy to write. Plus...they are a topnotch precursor to the spicy bits. Side characters are well-developed and do a good job supporting the growth of Gia and Sebastian (and calling them out when they aren't being true to themselves). Leads also does a good job giving the city itself a vibe and feeling of its own, bringing the setting to life. This is one you won't want to miss...and Leads is just getting started. I'm so excited to see what she does next!
This sexy, heartfelt romance is about two people who lose the very things that once defined them and have to figure out who they are all over again. As they navigate loss, identity, and second chances, their chemistry is undeniable, passionate, tender, and so real you can feel it.
Music and dance add so much life to the story. They bring joy, healing, and this playful energy that makes you smile. The book takes you on a ride, and every character is so compelling you’ll struggle to choose a favorite.
It’s a beautiful story about starting over, reconnecting with yourself, and opening your heart again. Truly a must read if you love a romance that’s emotional, a little spicy, and impossible to put down.
Admittedly, I am an avid reader of historical and vampire romance. So when I was asked to read Quick, Quick, Slow, I felt a bit out of my zone. I'm not a dancer or even what I thought was the correct generation. What a surprise! The book is well written. The characters are believable. Any person, young or older, or any gender, living east, west and everywhere in between will find these pages relatable. Jessa weaves the wants, desires and fears everyone has experienced...or wishes to experience, into believing they can. The book was an easy read. Finishing in two days, left me hungry for the next book in the series.
I love this book! It's fun, romantic, and completely swept me up. The salsa dancing is the heartbeat of the story and the chemistry builds in such a natural, exciting way as the characters learn to trust each other on and off the dance floor. The romance feels earned, the emotions feel real, and the dance scenes are vivid without being over the top. It's warm, sexy, and joyful, and I flew through it. Perfect for anyone who loves romance with energy, heart, and lots of heat!
I don’t usually read fiction, but Quick, Quick, Slow completely hooked me. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the San Diego vibe to life.
The high-stakes world of professional football (soccer), the vibrant energy of the salsa scene, and the descriptions of San Diego must visit places, there's never a dull moment.
If you're planning a trip to San Diego or just want a page turner that feels like a San Diego vacation, this is a must-read!
Quick, Quick, Slow delivers the perfect blend of heat, heart, and high-stakes chemistry. The dance setting adds electric tension, with every rehearsal, every touch, and every step charged with emotion. The spice is hot, but the emotional connection makes it even hotter.
If you love strong chemistry, sizzling scenes, and romance with rhythm, this one absolutely hits the mark and is a five-star read.
'Somewhere between late-night rehearsals and a rhythm she can't ignore, Gia stops being the woman the safe life required. And Sebastián — who thought the roar of the crowd was the only thing worth chasing — starts to wonder if he got that wrong.'
The characters were well written. Plot was exciting. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good read. Recommend.
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I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Quick, Quick, Slow is layered with genuine complexity, rooted in real adult challenges, yet it stays fun, lighthearted, and full of moments where you’ll giggle and cry on the same page. It’s beautifully written, emotionally deep, and leaves you wanting to show up in your own life with more heart. It’s truly unforgettable.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did as it isn’t my usual genre. Jessa Leads blends the perfect amount of romance with the spicy salsa dance community. Readers who know nothing about dance are transported into the world of social and competitive Latin dance. An easy and great read!
This is a beautifully written novel! The depth of character development is great as you feel like you get to know the characters and instantly want to know more about them and where they may end up. As someone who knows nothing about salsa, it was such a fun first exposure to the dance scene and I learned a ton. Can’t wait to see where these characters go in the next book!
A true can’t-put-it-down read. Quick, Quick, Slow delivers romance with real depth, strong character development, and the kind of pacing that makes “just one more chapter” a lie. I can’t wait for the upcoming books from this author.
Quick, Quick, Slow is more than a romance. It’s about finding your way back to yourself.
Gia comes to San Diego after a breakup that forces her to admit she’s been living smaller than she used to. She was once deeply connected to dance and to her own fire, and somewhere along the way she let that part of herself go. Watching her return to her body, her confidence, and her joy felt personal and real.
As someone in my own season of starting over, this story hit differently. There’s something about rebuilding your life in a city like San Diego — the light, the ocean air, the energy — that makes everything feel raw and possible at the same time. The connection between Gia and Sebastián unfolds against that backdrop in a way that feels immediate and alive. It’s not just about chemistry; it’s about what happens when you give yourself permission to step back into the world after you’ve gone quiet for a while.
If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself… If you’ve ever dimmed your light to survive… If you’re longing for a story about desire, embodiment, and second chances—
Quick Quick Slow by Jessica Leads gave me Dirty Dancing meets Havana Nights—but with deeper character development and way more emotional payoff. Gia and Sebastian’s connection really hit for me because they’re both stuck in that uncomfortable space of not being where they want to be in life. That shared internal struggle felt real and grounding. What I loved most was how they truly saw each other—not who they thought they should be, not who everyone else expected them to be, but exactly who they were in that moment. They were unapologetically themselves, even in their mistakes, and that made their love story feel honest and earned. Add in the strong sense of family and community, plus a story that progresses naturally without dragging, and this book completely worked for me. If you love dancing, finding your self, and love story this is for you!!!!