Slide

Riptide of Secrets

When seventeen-year-old Marin Blake arrives at the Glasswater Aquatics Centre for summer training, she never imagines the whirlpool of emotions waiting beneath the surface. Jill Hathaway’s Slide sweeps readers into a sun-drenched world of competitive diving, where precision and artistry collide. Marin is determined to claim her spot on the national team—until she crosses paths with enigmatic newcomer Cooper Hayes, whose effortless grace off the board only deepens the mystery surrounding his past. As Marin trains under the watchful eye of her demanding coach, every plunge becomes a test of both physical skill and hidden vulnerabilities, and she must learn to navigate the tension between ambition and the lure of unexpected connection.

Shifting Currents of Desire

Hathaway masterfully balances pulse-pounding competition with tender moments of self-discovery. Marin and Cooper carve elaborate routines in the air, their teamwork a dance of trust and daring that reveals layers of longing neither was prepared to face. In late-night locker-room conversations and stolen afternoons on the empty pool deck, they confront family expectations, buried regrets, and the fear that opening up might cost them everything they’ve worked for. With each practice dive, Marin inches closer to understanding her own heart—and the truth about Cooper’s sudden departure from his hometown club. The result is a riveting journey through the highs and lows of first love, set against the glittering backdrop of Olympic dreams.

Courage in the Deep End

Slide isn’t just a novel about diving; it’s a story of resilience, friendship, and finding the courage to take the leap when the water feels endlessly deep. Hathaway’s vivid descriptions of crystalline pools and sunlit stadiums bring the sport vividly to life, while her rich characterizations ensure that Marin’s triumphs and setbacks resonate far beyond the final splash. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction alike, this 2011 HarperCollins edition reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories happen when we learn to trust ourselves—and each other. Author’s description.