“Kel and I load the last boxes into the U-haul. I slide the door down and pull the latch shut, locking up eighteen years of memories, all of which include my dad.”

Grief and Loss is introduced as an important theme in Slammed’s opening sentence. The Cohens struggle with the move, as it is a symbolic move away from their life with a beloved father and husband, who died six months ago.

“I’m standing in what is no longer our kitchen when I catch a glimpse of a purple plastic hair clip under the cabinet in the space where the refrigerator once stood. I pick it up, wipe the dust off of it, and run it back and forth between my fingers.”

Lake’s purple hair clip takes on symbolic significance; it reminds her of her father, who convinced her the clip was magical. She holds it, longing for her father and grieving the family’s move from the ranch.

“He smiles. Our handshake lingers as neither of us says anything.”

Lake and Will’s chemistry comes through in their lingering handshake; they are both occupied in their assessment of the other. Love and Attraction is an important theme in their developing relationship and the romance novel as a whole.