Given my literary tastes range widely, I'm always on the hunt for a variety of books. Flirty Dancing filled the need for a romantic m/m story set in a place I've been. My family vacationed in the Catskills for a week each summer during my early teens, plus I read a charming vintage mystery series that took place in the same local by a cozy author I adore. And who can forget Dirty Dancing, which is what this book attempts to be, tho on a much lighter scale, for a mostly gave venue not too far from NYC. Mateo is a former Broadway star who let the fame get to his head and lost his fans when he made a mistake. Archer is coming to Broadway with the hopes and dreams of a newly graduated high school student but he's actually 27 and being told despite how hot he is and how amazing of a dancer, he's too old. They both end up at this upstate NY venue, and sparks fly. But so do bedhopping shenanigans, way too much partying, and frequent misunderstandings. By all truths, this show should've failed. Missed rehearsals, drama between the dancers, and a flighty producer/director who isn't always present. But all turns out well and readers get several romantic scenes that make it feel possible.

Mostly, I enjoyed the book. So much of it is manufactured drama and the things we all did in our 20s... Perhaps a few decades later I'm turned off by the silliness of youth and the ease of swapping lovers. Archer is supposed to be a clean-cut, good boy, but he goes way overboard and becomes a little too naive. Mateo is the star of the books. He's rebuilding his life. He has an attitude with everyone but knows it's a show and when in the privacy of one-on-one moments, he's charming and sexy. Caleb is useless and should have exited sooner... he was too rude for Archer to tolerate. But that's what's good about this book - readers can get angry at what is happening because perhaps they have invested in the characters?

Not many sexual scenes, so if you're looking for something risqué, this probably isn't it. But there are some hot moments, and also a few tender ones... and the flash-forward makes for a great ending.

3.5 stars

Dancing and romancing are coming your way with this newest release from Jennifer Moffatt.

Archer and Mateo are dancers in a music review at a place called Shady Queens, and they are both there because of their own perceived failures. Archer, at 27, isn't getting many bites when it comes to his dance career (his parents are way more enthused about his potential life as an accountant), and Mateo was a well known and respected dancer who has now, somehow, ended up here. While neither dancer's career is showing much promise in the moment, a burgeoning romance just might be changing the game.

I'm always here for queer romance, and this is a fun and relatively light read. I did want some more depth in characterization and in the development of the central relationship, but this is enjoyable overall, and I'll be back for more from this author.

I requested and received an eARC of Flirty Dancing by Jennifer Moffatt via NetGalley. When I saw the combination of the title and cover I knew that I needed to read this! Archer Read is 27 and starting to think that his move to New York City to pursue his dream of being a dancer might have been a mistake. After a string of rejections, he finally earns a part in a musical revue at Shady Queens, a queer-friendly resort in the Catskills. He arrives ready to prove himself but is thrown through a loop when he discovers he’ll be working with his teenage crush, one-time Broadway start Mateo Dixon.

Archer and Mateo were an interesting pair! Once I was able to get past the storm cloud that made Mateo seemingly unbearable, I found myself wanting these two to connect beyond the stage. For a while I also found myself invested in the other staff at the camp, hoping that Ben and Beau’s squabbling wouldn’t be too serious or wishing Caleb could see things a little bit more clearly (or act more maturely.) The more I read, however, the less I seemed to want of them. There seemed to be such a concentration on infidelity and a notion that gay men are unable to tame their lust that it felt a bit off for me, at least in the setting of a romance novel.

All in all, Flirty Dancing was a fun read. I admit that there were moments and plot choices that left me slightly puzzled, but I think the overall premise worked rather well. Archer and Mateo had great chemistry, although I would have loved to see a bit much depth to their connection on the page. This a mostly closed door romance, so there isn’t much in terms of spice, but it is packed with humor and heart and a splash of melodrama. I appreciated the color cast of supporting characters, but I think the most compelling of them has to be Lynn, Archer’s roommate in Manhattan. Her story is revealed through texts with Archie throughout the story and I loved the occasions when they popped up!

iturn0image1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — *Flirty Dancing* by Jennifer Moffatt is a delightful queer rom-com that blends the charm of *Dirty Dancing* with the vibrant energy of a Broadway summer camp.

The story follows Archer Read, a 27-year-old who leaves his accounting job in Ohio to chase his Broadway dreams in New York City. After numerous rejections, he lands a spot in a dance troupe at Shady Queens, a queer-friendly resort in the Catskills. There, he encounters his teenage crush, Mateo Dixon, a former Broadway star turned brooding dance instructor. As Archer navigates his feelings for Mateo and a budding romance with his bunkmate Caleb, he becomes entangled in the troupe's drama, discovering that personal issues often spill onto the dance floor citeturn0search0.

Moffatt's writing shines with its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a cast of lovable, messy characters. The slow-burn romance between Archer and Mateo is both tender and electric, capturing the complexities of love and ambition. While some readers noted a desire for deeper exploration of certain themes, the novel's charm and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre citeturn0search1.

Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and anyone craving a story filled with dance, drama, and heart, *Flirty Dancing* is a summer read that will leave you smiling.

I had such a wonderful time reading 'Flirty Dancing' that I finished it in one sitting, which is something I don’t often do.

It's been a while since I've cared about characters as much as I did about Archer, the optimist, and Mateo, the supposed grump. I immediately felt the chemistry between them, and the atmosphere definitely had that *Dirty Dancing* vibe. The book also features a great cast of supporting characters, some of whom create chaos, while others... well, you’ll have to read to find out!

Flirty Dancing was a cute LGBTQ rom com inspired by Dirty Dancing. Five months after leaving his accounting job in Ohio to try to make it as a dancer in New York City, Archer finally gets his first job - part of a dance troupe at an LGBTQ resort in the Catskills for the summer. Once there, he realizes that his teenage crush, Mateo Dixon, is also among the cast members.
I really liked most of this book. The characters were well developed, the setting was interesting, and the Dirty Dancing inspired plot added a fun take. My biggest issue with the book is that Archer starts dating another character, and they are in a relationship for a good part of the book, so the relationship building between Archer & Mateo felt very rushed. All around, however, I did enjoy this book, it was a fun summer romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Flirty Dancing in exchange for my honest review.

I just need to start with how big of a fan I am of this cover art. I would 100% pick this up from a book store if I saw it on the shelves!

I really did enjoy this story. Mateo is the perfect brooding and grumpy love interest, and Archer the sweet, optimistic MMC. I enjoyed the side characters and love that we spent time with many of them throughout the story. Basically, I felt like I was at summer camp and I loved that!

If you love a lighthearted, cheesy and easy romance, this book is for you! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC!

I'm just gonna say it; This felt really juvenile for a non YA book. I would almost consider this YA, in fact, irregardless of the fact that it was about a 27 year old man who still seemed stuck in his starry 14 year old self's body. He claimed that he was upset at being told 27 was too old for Broadway dancing, and yet acted like a child, and it never really got better. Mateo almost seemed too old for him. I like a good slow burn too, but not when I'm not made aware the MC spends most of the book being with someone else. A disappointing flop.

This m/m grumpy/sunshine rom-com really swept me off my feet! I mean, I was GLUED to this! I can’t remember the last time I devoured a book so fast, but I just couldn’t tear myself away. It was comforting and cozy and dramatic and sexy and frustrating and so f*cking cute I couldn’t put it down. I think I just found a new gay fave!

I was a dancer and musical theater kid most of my life… Did I ever go off and chase my dreams of being on Broadway? No. But can I relate to wanting to? Absolutely! So this book really worked for me. I found so much of myself in Archer’s character, which really helped this book hit home. We’re both from Ohio, we both struggle with self-doubt, we both undersell our talents, we both have big dreams, we both have an unnatural love for blueberry pie… I could go on and on and on.

I’ve always been a Showtunes kid at heart, and maybe that’s partly why this worked so well for me, with all the references to very specific things I know and love. But I really think this could appeal to just about any romance reader. If you’ve ever had a celebrity/Broadway crush… If you’ve ever watched Dancing With The Stars and swooned over the Argentine Tango… If you enjoy books like The Charm Offensive and Red, White & Royal Blue… you should totally give this a go! Personally, I know I’ve found a new cozy favorite and will totally be rereading this at some point, no question.

Thank you so much to SMP for the advanced copy! I truly loved this book so much, and can’t wait to watch other people fall for it too when it releases in May.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

As a Dirty Dancing fan, I was totally charmed by this LGBTQ+ twist on the classic! The dancing was full of energy, the found family vibes were adorable, and Mateo absolutely stole my heart. His backstory added so much depth, and while there’s an age gap between him and Archer, it didn’t really read that way aside from his life experience, he didn’t feel significantly older.

The book is fade-to-black in terms of spice, but wow, is it full of drama. Normally I’m not big on that, but given the high-stress, close-quarters dancing environment, it worked. That said, I really disliked Caleb and both of the B-boys.

My biggest issue? I wanted more of Mateo and Archer’s romance. The build-up while Archer was still with Caleb had some solid tension, but once Archer became single, the switch to Mateo felt almost instant and a little rushed. I think a slower development post-Caleb would've given the romance more impact.

Still, if you're into dance, drama, and queer romance with a found-family flair, I’d say give this one a shot!

Flirty Dancing is obviously a take on Dirty Dancing, but it left me fairly cold and bored. I didn’t care much about the protagonists, but I especially didn’t care about the secondary characters. Not a very interesting read for me.

Flirty Dancing is an absolute charmer—a sweet, inclusive twist on a classic film that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. From the very first pages, I was drawn in by the warmth and authenticity of the characters, especially the way friendships were portrayed with such heart and honesty. It’s not often you find a story where the platonic connections shine just as brightly as the romantic ones, but Jennifer Moffatt nails it.

The slow burn romance is one of the highlights for me—it builds with just the right amount of tension and payoff, making the final moments feel completely earned. There's a sincerity to this story that makes it impossible not to root for everyone involved.

Overall, Flirty Dancing delivers a joyful reading experience full of charm, connection, and just the right amount of sparkle. Perfect for fans of rom-coms, dance movies, and stories that celebrate being unapologetically yourself

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the
E-ARC! Really enjoyed! Fun banter & characters. Really liked the dance setting too. Great debut.

Flirty Dancing by Jennifer Moffatt was a fun and lighthearted read, though not exactly my typical genre. The story follows a protagonist diving into the world of competitive dance while navigating romance and personal growth, which made for a charming plot.

What really stood out to me were the colorful side characters. From quirky dance partners to supportive friends with their own mini-dramas, they brought a lot of humor and energy to the story. The drama within the plot was also a nice touch— it added an entertaining layer that kept me engaged.

As a fan of Broadway, I loved the references to musicals and dance. The author clearly has a passion for theater, and it shines through in the way dance and performance are woven into the writing.

“Flirty Dancing* is a solid pick for anyone looking for a fun, romantic escape with a bit of drama and Broadway flair. It’s light, enjoyable, and perfect for fans of dance-filled, feel-good stories.

I had such a great time reading this LGBTQ+ retelling of Dirty Dancing with the best fun vibes and a love letter to performing arts! The story follows two MMCs who are hired for the summer as dancers in an entertainment troupe at a Catskills vacation resort. Archer is a cinnamon roll character chasing down out of reach Broadway dreams. Mateo is his broody, grumpy love interest with a chip on his shoulder. We follow the troupe as they deal with the messy group dynamics that tend to form in close proximity over a stretch of time as they put their show together. Along the way, we get a slightly campy slow burn, closed door summer love story that feels like the best throwback to beloved dramatic romantic comedy movies. This story is a fun read, sure to leave you in a great mood!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the gifted arc in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the idea of a Dirty Dancing inspired story and the idea that it is never too late to follow your dreams. There were so many sweet and romantic moments in this sour with a focus on the beauty of the performing arts. I found that one of the romantic pairings was forced and a fair amount of the drama felt unnecessary. However, there was a fun group of characters that kept the story moving.

This one wasn't what I expected, but it was cute.

Another solid book to throw into the beach bag this summer. It's reminder to pursue your dreams no matter the age and however it looks.
It's sweet albeit predictable. The characters were fine; maybe a bit flat. I didn't love the Caleb/Archer romantic subplot that took over half of the book, especially when we could tell Archer wasn't feeling it and Caleb was not the intended love interest. It felt very YA/high school.

It's a short read. Fade to black. And just fine.

I really enjoyed this book! Archer was such a cinnamon roll main character, and I was rooting for him to get his happy ending and have all his dreams come true from the very first page. Mateo was also such a swoony, sexy love interest, and I just. I literally could not. (Yes, I realize this is supposed to be a semi-professional review, but sue me. He was so hot and brooding but also so sweet and caring and attentive to Archer and like?!?! I love him, your honor.) I also just need to sit for a while with Mateo and the birthday cake scene. That is all.

There were parts of this book that felt a wee bit rushed for me, personally. Times where I would have enjoyed delving more into the characters' thoughts and emotions, places I wished we spent more time immersed in specific scenes instead of rushing right on through. But again, that's just a personal thing. I literally read this book in 2 sittings because it was SO entertaining, and I can't wait to read more from Moffatt!

Highly recommend if you're looking for a great queer novel with delicious drama, so much dancing, and a certified happily ever after. :)

Queer dirty dance? Yes please. This was really cutesy, but don’t worry, there’s tons of drama too. There’s not a whole lot of romance though, I do wish there was more balance between drama and romance. Archer is definitely relatable and interesting, and the writing is nice.

Such a cute, fun and funny romance.

Flirty Dancing follows Archer Read, a 27 year old who quit his job on a whim and moved to New York with dreams of being on broadway. Months into this search, he has nothing to show for it, leading him to Shady Queens, a resort in the Catskills, where he'll make his last-ditch attempt to make it in the industry. Once there, he realizes he'll be working with none other than his celebrity crush...what could possibly go wrong?

The characters were relatable and funny, and I absolutely adored this story. As a former dancer, it was so fun to get back into this world, and I loved the undertones of it never being too late to follow your dreams!

The setting vs plot and character development felt a little unbalanced, as the characters probably could have done with a little more focus/screen time, whereas the setting could have been a bit less developed.

Overall I enjoyed this book, and if you're a fan of Red White and Royal Blue, Dirty Dancing, and Theater, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martins, and Jennifer Moffatt for the arc!