Flirty Dancing by Jenny McLachlan

Flirty Dancing
Written by Jenny McLachlan
Published July 1st 2014
192 Pages
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
Bea Hogg is shy but fiery inside. When national dance competition Starwars comes to her school looking for talent, she wants to sign up. It's just a shame her best friend agreed to enter with school super cow Pearl Harris. Bea will fight back! But when school hottie, Ollie Matthews, who also happens to be Pearl’s boyfriend, decides to enter the competition with Bea, she will have more than a fight on her hands.

This warm, nuanced, hilarious story about friendship, fortitude... And dancing is impossible not to fall in love with. Jenny’s voice is fresh and convincing, and she handles both darker and lighter elements of the story with equal panache.
At home, Bea is the older and doting sister to Emma, the flamboyant and quirky three year old. She's a loving daughter, bedroom dancer and now temporarily sharing a room with her fabulous grandmother. But it's when Bea leaves the safety of home and away from those who love her unconditionally, when the shy Bea takes over. Though she be but little, she is fierce. Bea repeats it like a mantra, but it doesn't seem to help her overcome the toxic Pearl, who is determined to make Bea's life unlivable. Luckily she had best friend Kat to rely on.

When it's announced that Starwars is searching for talent, Bea can't help but think back to her days as a junior in her dance group the Ladybirds, that once tied best friend, bully and now school outcast together. But when she assumes that she and best friend Kat will be entering together, it's yet another victory for Pearl, who had made it abundantly clear that Bea isn't welcome to join their dance troupe, she's the wrong size. But leave it up to Bea's grandmother to have a plan, and arranges dance classes for the now mortified Bea, who has just learned who her dance partner is, none other than Pearl's supposed boyfriend Ollie.

As the two practice each day for the competition, Bea and Ollie form a friendship. Pearl had Bea in her sights and begins the cruel taunts, the jostling in the halls and the anonymous text messages that should force Bea to withdraw from the competition. When Bea's personal life seems as though it is spiraling out of control, it's her mantra that keeps her going, though she be but little, she is fierce... And that's exactly what Bea plans to do.


When I discovered the synopsis for this one, I had assumed it was another light and fluffy teen romance, but it was so much more. Not since The Year Nick McGowan Came to Stay, have I laughed so much. Snorting, unbridled and unattractive laughing, it was brilliant. Bea is the shy girl who has so much to say but lacks the confidence to speak out. I absolutely adored Bea, her inner thoughts and narrative were delivered with composure and a comedic timing that most authors would struggle to maintain, all from a debut author in Jenny McLachlan.

Flirty Dancing was incredibly engaging and entertaining, but also deals with intimidation, a first love, self confidence, and celebrates the unique, the quirky and the outrageously entertaining. It allows readers to experience a sense of family and belonging, while taking a lighthearted and heartwarming approach. I'm thrilled that this will be part of a series, following each one of the original Ladybirds. From the mock dance troupe The Panty Liners, to Bea's grandmother in what is clearly a pimp coat and cowboy hat, to adding 'arse' onto the end of nouns. Flirty Dancing was flirty, fabulous fun and I'm an instant fan of the fabulous Jenny McLachlan.

18 comments

  1. I think I would actually enjoy this! I'm all for for snorty laughter and Bea sounds like a character I would really like. I think this is perfect when I'm looking for something light an uncomplicated but will still leave you something more than nice fluffy feeling, although those are good too! Awesome review Kelly! :)

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    1. It's incredibly funny and heartwarming Amir, I think you'd really enjoy this one.

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  2. Lovely little review, Kelly! I love a good read that's light but still meaningful, I'll be on the lookout for this one!

    -Grace :)

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    1. It really was an absolute delight to read. So fun and witty. I'm thrilled it's being turned into a series.

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  3. I'm really not big on contemporary YA but I DO like when books can be silly and have fun. It took me several goes to get through it, but I liked the Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging movie for being over the top ridiculous and having all those embarrassing moment bits to take the piss out of itself.

    Even though I probably wouldn't read them, I always appreciated the release of a new Louise Rennison book because the titles were so ridiculous and funny (Knocked out by my Nunga Nungas and the like.

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    1. I've seen that one floating around on eBay actually, will have to pick up a copy now. This one is a really quick read, but it's incredibly funny. I can imagine it'll appeal to the wider YA audience too. I hope you pick up a copy Lauren, it's brilliant.

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  4. Awww, this sounds so cute, light, and fun! It screams character development all over, and for some reason, I have a feeling I will see myself in Bea. I was exactly like her when I was in High School, and thankfully, my confidence have skyrocketed until then (otherwise, I wouldn't be blogging like this! Haha). I can't wait to meet her!

    Faye at The Social Potato Reviews

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    1. So true Faye, Bea really represents the everyday teen who struggles with confidence. It's really refreshing to see girls in our young adult that aren't popular or classically beautiful find themselves.

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  5. I just read Cait's review of this over at Notebook Sisters. It sounds really awesome! I love contemporary and this sounds like a cross between MG and YA - plus, three-year-old sister? CUTE. Bloomsbury sent me this one so I can't wait to read it soon :)

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    1. It's an early teen title, but I think most age groups will really enjoy it. I certainly did. The humour is just brilliant. Can't wait to see what you think of it Em.

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  6. Dancing queen! Feel the beat from the tambourine!!!!! :D Sorry I just had to add that XD

    I think I'll like this one. 'Cuz from the looks of it, its not just a fluffy read, it holds meaning :D I love the cover too! <3

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    1. It certainly does Jules. It also depicts real relationships, with family, friends, a love interest and even the bully. Beautifully fluffy and so heartwarming, you'll devour this in one setting.

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  7. It was definitely cute. x) I just finished (and coincidentally reviewed it) today, too! I really enjoyed how funny Bea was and how adorable she and Ollie were together and OMG EMMA IS THE BEST. She had me in stitches. The descriptions!

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    1. Me too, I absolutely adored her! A three year old who accessorises her nudity with a crown. Ollie was lovely. It's so refreshing to see a teen boy that's not described as immaculately gorgeous or built like an athlete. I love everyday characters. I could read this one again and again.

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  8. Huh, I was contemplating on skipping this because I wasn't a fan of the title but you have me really curious now!

    Lovely review, Kels! <33

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    1. Thanks Mel. It's super cute, and really funny. You've got books that are entertaining and make you smile, but with this one I was snorting with laughter and I love that it's being made into a series that follows each of the girls that were in the original dance troupe together. Give it a go, at least it'll make you laugh.

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  9. The more reviews I read, the more excited I get to read this book. I have to admit that it sounded really bland when I first got it in the mail but it sounds amazing! Great review Kelly! You never fail to grow my TBR pile. ;)

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    1. It's absolutely adorable Laura, such a feel good read. Can't wait to see what you think of it.

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