Dancing Fools and All That Jazz

by B. Fleetwood

What do a dress designer, a nanny, and a dentist have in common? Their love of dance and Clarissa’s amateur dance group for mature ladies.

Now the Manchester troupe heads to Paris for the finals of the Expression competition. However they're carrying more baggage than just their costumes. Monica’s marriage is on the rocks, Ruby is torn between her lascivious lifestyle and a new love, Ingrida has secretly married her employer. Meanwhile, Fay longs to reconnect with her daughters, and Asha is obsessed with nailing her Bollywood routine for her upcoming wedding.

With Clarissa’s choreography and their shared passion, the ladies are determined to triumph. But betrayal and sabotage threaten their friendships and their chances of winning.

Can they overcome the obstacles and claim the prize?

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2025

About the author

Becky Fleetwood lives in the Northwest UK with her engineering hubby.
Her love of writing started when she won a large quantity of chocolate in a Cadbury's writing competition, at the age of 8.
At the age of 20, she fell in love with Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonflight" series, in particular the female heroine, Lessa. Since then, she has burned with an ambition to write a novel with a similar female protagonist - someone who was strong, analytical and did not see the world in black and white. It is from this that Chroma was born, and B Fleetwood completed the trilogy: Imogen's Secret / Imogen's Journey and Imogen's Destiny in 2020.
During lockdown she turned her hand to a new genre - a commercial women's fiction. Upbeat and inspired by her real life amateur dance group, Dancing Fools and All That Jazz will be published on 28th July 2025.

Reviews

[Valerie Tweed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I just couldn’t put down until I got to the end.
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz by B. Fleetwood. It is a vibrant, uplifting novel, which I just loved
The writing is sharp and engaging, with a wonderful balance of humour, wit, and emotional depth. The story moves at a lively pace, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The characters, each from different cultural and personal backgrounds, are beautifully drawn.
At times funny and lighthearted, at others poignant and serious, the book strikes a perfect emotional rhythm. The ending leaves you smiling - and maybe even a little emotional.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dancing Fools and All That Jazz and wouldn’t be surprised if it finds its way onto the bestseller lists—it certainly deserves to. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a really great read.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb -
What do a dress designer, a nanny, and a dentist have in common? Their love of dance and Clarissa’s amateur dance group for mature ladies.
Now the Manchester troupe heads to Paris for the finals of the Expression competition. However they're carrying more baggage than just their costumes. Monica’s marriage is on the rocks, Ruby is torn between her lascivious lifestyle and a new love, Ingrida has secretly married her employer. Meanwhile, Fay longs to reconnect with her daughters, and Asha is obsessed with nailing her Bollywood routine for her upcoming wedding.
With Clarissa’s choreography and their shared passion, the ladies are determined to triumph. But betrayal and sabotage threaten their friendships and their chances of winning.
Can they overcome the obstacles and claim the prize?
🧡 Review -
This was such a beautiful and heartfelt novel. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested and guessing until the end. I found the story funny and also a bit emotional at times. Also some of the place settings in the book sounded beautiful. I thought that there was a great mix of characters in the dance group and I wanted them to do well. Also can we also appreciate the beautiful cover 😍. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to The author B. Fleetwood and the author and The Book Guild for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Fools and All That Jazz is a thoroughly enjoyable read that vividly captures the highs and lows experienced by a group of women competing in a Parisian dance competition. For many readers, this setting may be unfamiliar, yet the author skilfully introduces the intricacies of the dance world in a manner that is both informative and entertaining. The dialogue is consistently crisp and witty, bringing the characters to life, while the storyline unfolds compellingly through the perspectives of the protagonists.

One particularly memorable scene involves the group’s rehearsal in a grand Parisian studio, where tensions and camaraderie are equally palpable. Moments like these not only highlight the emotional stakes of the competition but also showcase the unique personalities of the ensemble cast.

As someone with little prior knowledge of the dance world, I found myself both entertained and enlightened by the vivid descriptions and the authentic portrayal of the characters’ journeys. This novel is a delightful blend of humour, insight, and emotional resonance, and I would highly recommend it to fans of contemporary fiction, as well as anyone interested in stories of friendship and personal growth.

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is both uplifting and moving in equal part. It follows the lives of women of all ages who are involved in a an amateur dance club, and are soon to be competing in a prestigious competition in Paris. It’s told from the perspective of the 5 main protagonists: Ruby, Monica, Fay, Asha and Ingrida, each chapter being in the first person narrative. Which makes it even more interesting.
The novel narrates the tale of each character and delves into both their domestic lives and work lives. With some humorous and heartwarming tales in between. My first but not my last read by this author. Couldn’t put it down. And certainly can’t wait for the next instalment. And this is from someone who loves crime.

[Peter Grieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to read an advanced copy.
This is not the usual type of genre I read but there was no need to worry.
There are very individual and different characters to follow with their own stories to tell, which merge and intertwine extremely well together.
Many twists and turns in the plot with surprises, humour and pathos along the way make it a compelling read.
I would definitely recommend this book.

[Angie Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It’s about a group of dancers who are about to compete in a dance competition in Paris. The book is told through 5 of the women each having their own chapters. They tell the story of their own lives and the build up to, the dance competition and the arrival back home. I read this in no time, I couldn’t put it down. I normally read crime and this was so different I surprised myself. Wonderful book. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Dina Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Dancing Fools and All That Jazz! The book is an engaging read from start to finish. The author's description of characters and their interwoven relationships drew me in - I felt I knew them all. The excitement of their trip to Paris was almost tangible. I couldn't put it down and can’t wait to read the sequel.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was uplifting and moving at the same time. It follows a group of dancers in Paris . Their ups and downs. A good page turner, keeps you wanting more. Well worth a read.

[Sam Ridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Book Guild Publishing and author B Fleetwood for providing me with the eARC of “Dancing Fools and All That Jazz”, in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 28th July 2025

Dancing Fools and All That Jazz is a lovely story about a group of ladies, varying in ages and at different stages of their lives, as they compete in a dance competition in Paris.

The story center's around 5 of these ladies, given them each their own perspective, which allows the reader to get to know each of them as well as their struggles, while the story progresses.

My favourite thing about each of these women was their relatability. I don’t love a perfect character, and when they are flawed and have their own issues and own areas of growth, I find this a much more interesting read.

Overall, a lovely read to curl up with and get lost in.

[Becca Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Fools is contemporary fiction about friendship with the backdrop of dance.
Following the turbulent lives of five very different women, their individual opinions and prejudices.
Get caught up with their, mostly, growing love for over another and their wider dance troupe.
Funny and heartfelt.

[Clare Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have been able to read and review this book..though should have posted my review earlier ! I really enjoyed the antics of all the characters and how they all had their own story to tell during the course of the book...found Monica's story quite sad as it was a familiar story and also Fay having lost the bond with her daughters ...a truly good read

[MRS B J WASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Karen Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Fools and all that Jazz was a perfect read. An excellent mix of humour, sadness, relationships, love, loss and friendships. I was hooked from the start. I initially thought there were going to be lots of predictable moments but this was certainly not the case and chapter by chapter the stories of the dancing ladies opened up, intertwined and captivated me. I will be recommending it to my book club.

[Louise G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this funny and moving book, and quickly found that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way the plot unfolded through the voices of the various characters, each of them beautifully drawn, memorable and easy to relate to. The writing was fresh, engaging and highly visual (this book would make a great film!), and the story had emotional weight. I would love to hear more about the women and their adventures, dancing and otherwise, and definitely more from B Fleetwood. A wonderful read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced and amusing story about a dance group who have to overcome many hurdles to compete in the competition in Paris. Friendships are tested, but the ladies all pull together because of their love of dancing which shines through.
A great summer read.

[Nicola Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. A light hearted read which was a perfect distraction when needed. A diverse range of characters, all with their demons to face and hopefully lay to rest. A little reminder that you never really know what people are dealing with on the surface of it. Each mini saga had more to it than met the eye. There was quite a bit to unravel.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pacy and uplifting book, funny and inspiring, about a group of women who travel to Paris for an amateur dance competition.
The women are presented warts-and-all. I loved the realistic nature of their conversations, confidence, doubts and deliberations as they all carry the kind of troubles faced by women the world over. I'd say the writer has spent a long time lingering in changing rooms eavesdropping on the unfiltered conversations that take place in those hallowed halls.
I think Fay was my favourite character; private, pedantic. I share her despair over the sloppy use of the English language. But in a crisis she really stepped up.
What shone through the story and the characters was the writer's love of dance. She is an advocate for it, in the same league as Shirley Ballas, Angela Rippon and Sarah Hadland, and made me feel that even I, in my mid-sixties, could maybe give it a try.

[Katie Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Fools is a page-turning, heartfelt, gem of a book with a host of diverse female characters who you cannot help but become incredibly attached to. I really hope the author writes a follow-up as I am dying to know what happens post-Paris for the women I’ve grown so fond of!

I loved the pace (couldn’t put it down), the vividness of the dances in the vibrant setting of Paris and the characters’ authentic voices narrating their version of events in each chapter - Ruby and Ingrida were my favourites!

It’s a compelling read with the perfect balance of challenges, emotional moments and humour; I laughed out loud in many a moment!

Will definitely be recommending this read to everyone this summer!

[Ruth.Scoreygmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is riveting; it hooks you in and takes you on a roller coaster ride full of relational upset mixed with hilarity. The characters are so well drawn that I could see and hear them in my head and I cared about them. The book’s been so well researched with regard to languages and places that I feel as though I’ve had a bit of a holiday in my head; albeit a very turbulent one! And it’s funny, with visual jokes and plays on words; I laughed out loud at one point. With its northern humour against a backdrop of the performing arts, Dancing Fools has elements of The Full Monty, Billy Elliot and Calendar Girls. In fact, someone should really make this into a film!

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book shows the experience of 5 women dancers (of varying ages)as they compete in a Paris dance competition. It shows how each one is dealing with the stress of the competition and other things they are dealing with in life. It was great how it not only showed the good but also the flaws of each person. It received so many great reviews that I was excited to read it. However I quickly realized that this book was not for me due to have so many points of view there were and I didn't like the story. Sometimes all of those povs make it was hard to keep track. I am clearly in the minority though because it really gets great reviews.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Karen Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether a fan of dance or not, Dancing Fools and All That Jazz is a fabulous read.
Becky Fleetwood's method of introducing the characters one chapter at a time, allows the reader to really see events from their perspective and understand the hidden depths within their personalities.
As a fan of her 'Chroma' trilogy aimed at young adults, I was eager to read Becky's first 'adult' novel.
I was not disappointed.
I highly recommend 'Dancing Fools and All That Jazz' and am eagerly awaiting a sequel!

[Julie Berentzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me wanting more!
I haven’t read a novel for years, but I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this one. I have to say, it had me hooked right from the start. This book is all about the characters and the author builds them up brilliantly chapter by chapter. They are all relatable and anyone who has been part of a group of some sort will probably recognise the human interactions here. Every chapter left me wanting to start the next. It’s an easy but intriguing read and would be a great ‘holiday book’ which I highly recommend.

[David Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading an advance copy of this book. The characters are very believable and likeable, but not sugar coated. They have their challenges and face them in a very human way. The story rattles along at a very good pace and the end of each chapter leaves you wanting to carry on and read the next. The details of the dancing are very accurate without being overbearing and certainly not a barrier to the uninitiated, like myself. This is a book that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Penny Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Highly Entertaining Read!

I loved this funny, unpredictable and pacy book about friendship and relationships. I was gripped from the first page by the characters and the passion they share for dancing. The twists and turns of the plot match the twist and turns of the dances which are vividly described. The energy of the author, B. Fleetwood, keeps your interest until the last page. I hope there is a sequel!!

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book my first by this author, it's based around a amateur dance class run by Clarissa, her class is soon to be competing in a prestigious competition in Paris. The dancers Ruby, Monica, Fay, Asha and Ingrida, all have their own complicated lives. The book delves into both their domestic lives and work lives. With some hilarious and heartwarming tales in between. Hoping there will be a follow up book.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book shows the love between a group of women drawn together by their love of dance and performing together. As life throws everything at the as individuals, illness, relationship problems, traumas and celebrations, the power of friendship and love shines through. I laughed soo much but also cried.

[thereaderpolly · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF after struggling to enjoy the writing.

I often enjoy books with multiple POV's, this time however, it was really hard to follow whose POV I was reading. Some of the characters were very annoying as well.

I got to 40% and decided to DNF rather than try to push myself through a story I was not enjoying. I was so excited for this book.

[B. Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I'm not going to give a low star rating to my own book! Slightly crazy I can review my own work? Just wanted to say I hope you enjoy this tale. The characters - my invention - are none the less very real to me and I am currently writing a follow-up book but a way off having it finished as yet.

[R M COTTEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed . Well balanced with plenty to keep readers hooked .

[Vanessa Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed all the characters and their story