A Summer with Dean

by Michael Mcilwee

Patrick O'Connell, a Broadway dancer with a notorious knack for attracting romantic catastrophes, lands in London with a bruised heart and a desperate yearning to rewrite his life. His acceptance into a prestigious acting school feels like destiny a chance to trade past heartbreaks for profound theatrical artistry in a city brimming with new possibilities. But when he meets Dean Clarke, a fellow student whose effortless charm and enigmatic gaze make Patrick's carefully constructed walls crumble, a truly magical summer in London begins to unfold. As they navigate the intensity of rehearsals for a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, they forge a connection that feels dangerously inevitable. But when a sudden twist of fate upends the production, their chemistry is thrust into the spotlight, threatening to expose a burgeoning, fiercely real passion that could jeopardize everything they've worked for.

But beneath Dean's captivating exterior lie closely guarded secrets, a past that casts a long shadow, and a quiet hesitation that leaves Patrick wondering. Is this intense connection merely the bond of two artists, or something far deeper? Patrick finds himself trying to decipher Dean's every glance, every touch, desperately hoping for a sign that this isn't just friendship. Dean, a dream of a man, seems to embody all the beauty and mystery Patrick has ever sought. With a rival classmate lurking, eager to exploit any vulnerability, and the relentless pressure of their high-stakes academic world, Patrick must navigate not only the exhilarating chaos of his new school but also the bewildering, beautiful landscape of Dean's heart. Can two star-crossed actors find their own happy ending, or is their love story destined for a heartbreaking curtain call?

273 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2026

About the author

Michael McILwee is an author, award-winning journalist, and performer. He has been seen in shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) and The Plot Against America (HBO), and has performed on stage in shows including The Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, and The Music Man. An award-winning journalist and producer, McILwee has worked for news organizations such as CBS News. He holds an MA in Journalism from NYU and a BFA in Musical Theatre from The New School. A lifelong Star Wars fan and proud nerd, Michael was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and now divides his time between New York and Los Angeles with his dog, Alfie. A Summer with Dean is his first novel.

Reviews

[Calvin Naraghi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I read this in less than 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. It perfectly mixes humor and witty banter in a way that kept me entertained and quickly falling in love with all the characters.

As for the romance, well let’s just say it definitely had me kicking my feet, because every moment was simply adorable and breathtaking. Hope to see more from this author!

[Travis Cilik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely perfect for any gay theatre kid who ever dreamed of having a spicy co-star romance. Fulfilled my fantasies 100%.

I loved about so much about this novel. Its pacing. Quick and light. It went in all the right directions for a romcom and really satisfied me as a reader hoping it would take the turns that it did.

I’m really hoping for this to become a series like Boyfriend Material did. I’d love to see where this goes!!!

[Charlotte Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what a book, easily my book of the year and a MUST for anyone who loves a good love story with theatre and gin thrown in! The story was so beautifully told it felt like I was sat in the rehearsal space with Patrick and his cohort. The characters were so detailed and the story was so grasping I couldn't put it down! Read the book in one day and I wish I could reread it again as a new book! Absolutely no notes, a beautiful debut novel.

[Colleen Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, romantic novel that unfolds like a film set during a magical London summer. The story is beautifully written, vivid, and I could easily picture every scene as if I were watching it on screen. The atmosphere is enchanting, the romance feels heartfelt and genuine, and the setting adds a dreamy charm that lingers long after you finish the last page.

Even the cover perfectly captures the mood of the story inside. A truly delightful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written romantic comedy full of real life experiences- love, heartbreak and starting over.

[Amanda Ostrow Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! A beautiful story of love, heartbreak, starting over, friendship, trusting and believing in yourself.

[Alphonso Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Patrick and Dean is one many of gay men wish we had. The fleeting summer love you share with someone in a far away place. In his debut novel, Michael McIlwee delivers a fantastic telling of these two young lovers. It plucks at the heartstrings in all the best ways, with clever pop-culture references, plenty of laughs, relatable moments, real drama, and of course, that sweep you off your feef romance. A perfect binge worthy read that that feels raw, authentic, and lovely.

[Susan Huckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! The author created such vivid and engaging characters, and the setting of studying Shakespeare in London was beyond captivating and romantic. I got completely caught up in the romance, and you would NEVER guess this is a debut work! I found it witty and moving, and also found myself passionately rooting for the protagonist to find real, meaningful, uncomplicated love.

[Margaret Rabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful journey of self discovery and an endearing love story. As we follow Patrick from New York to London, we learn how to stay hopeful in the face of heartache.