I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4 stars — Well this was a fun sequel! I loved being back in the Dance Off world and finding out what was happening with Natasha, but the fun thing was that this was a completely different story to the first one! It may have been set in the same world, but it wasn’t during the competition this time. And I found I didn’t mind that, because there was still a lot of great dancing scenes, and still some drama surrounding the show.

Natasha and Dimitri were also very different main characters than Gina and Stone! Like, completely different. But I LOVED the two of them together. They were so very different from each other as well, but they complemented each other well. They were both very damaged from their pasts, and even their damage had both similarities and differences that meshed. It helped them to understand each other when they eventually let down their guards and let the other in. They both had so much growing to do, and they were both so afraid of taking the risk for love, even though they both so desperately sought it out. Their love story was one that had me wanting to bang my head on a wall a lot of times, b/c they were both so slow to trust, and it could get frustrating…but it did make it so that when they finally let each other in, I was cheering for them!

And it wasn’t just about learning to accept love and to give love, it was also about taking risks in their professional lives as well…and finding their passion and following it. I loved that it had that aspect to the story as well.

Dimitri was so freaking adorable. I loved that in this story you were certain of his feelings right from the start. And I LOVED the way he was all in with Natasha, even though he had no idea how to make it work. And he was so oblivious to how he was doing everything wrong, and what she really needed. But I loved how earnest he was, if that makes any sense. Seriously, he made me shake my head so many times, but I still adored him.

I loved Tasha too. I mean, she was frustrating as all get out, but I could understand how she became so damaged, and I could SEE the roadblocks in her way from understanding how she was already a success, and how asking for help wasn’t a failure. That was something I actually loved about Dimitri, how he actually understood the importance of a support network and how he kept trying to get her to reach out to Gina.

The true strength in this book lie in their adorable, if reluctant romance. They were so sexy together, I LOVED the dancing scenes. I loved all those little moments they had together. I LOVED how Dimitri cared for her, even if it wasn’t always what she needed. I LOVED the way they opened up to each other, and let each other in to parts that they hadn’t shown anyone else.

And I LOVED the potential I could see for more stories! I want Lori’s story and Kevin’s story! And is it odd that at the very end, despite Fucking Donna earning her name, I felt a bit bad for her. Like, I almost saw some depth to her, like maybe she wasn’t just stereotypically evil, but had reasons for her meddling. I don’t necessarily want her as a heroine or anything, but I wouldn’t mind seeing her be better, learn or something.

The diversity in this one was fantastic as well — probably b/c the author is latina, so the heroine feels very realistic. And I even appreciated what Dimitri being from Ukraine brought to the story, with an immigrant perspective.

So yeah, another great dance book in the bag! I look forward to more from this world!

I really want to start off by saying thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was shocked when I received an email where I was invited to review this ah-mazing book without having requested it (yet!) It’s taken me awhile to write this review I must admit, even though I literally read the book on the same day I received it – I love Alexis’ books! Take the Lead was one of my favorite reads of this year. For some reason I just couldn’t really find the words to describe how I felt about this book.

I love Alexis’ writing. It’s simple but it also fascinates me and captures me very easily. The way she describes the dancing and their passion for the art of dancing (and their passion for each other) really does something to my heart and brain. I can’t help but sit with a smile on my face because it’s beautiful.

One of my favorite tropes is friends-to-lovers and friends-with-benefits and this book did everything to make me happy. Because it had that! I’m a sucker for it. Give me all the books with these tropes. Ahem Mrs. Daria. I would not mind a third book. At all. Especially if it would include a similar trope (or the same), and it would make me the happiest girl. I’m ready to give you my money for a third book.

It was interesting seeing two really different personalities compared to Gina and Stone in the first book. I admired Natasha determination to be this independent person, who could stand on her own feet despite having one shitty thing thrown at her after another. Natasha is a strong and admirable character and I am glad we got to see this deeper side of her. In the first book, we didn’t really get the opportunity to truly get to know her (which is understandable because the book was about Gina) but she still fascinated me in the first book, so it was nice to get to know Natasha. I see myself a lot in her when it came to her insecurities.

Dimitri is a very protective man who cares deeply for the people in his life. I love characters like that. I know at some points Dimitri appeared pushy towards Natasha (sometimes a bit too much) but because of his personality, I’m well aware it’s just because he wants to care for everyone around him, and make sure they’re okay.

Overall a good book that was super easy to read. I cannot wait to read more stuff from Alexis Daria in the future.

The only thing missing from this fiery friends-with-benefits-that-want-more story was a playlist. The way Natasha and Dmitri connected through dance was mesmerizing and I wished I could hear the music while envisioning the dance scenes.

Dance with Me was a great surprise to me because I usually don't care for romances set in the fake and weird world of reality tv and I usually don't find romances compelling when the MCs are already sleeping together. But the push-pull between Natasha and Dmitri and their undeniable chemistry on and off the dance floor made this more an emotional story about two people making mistakes (and learning from them) as they fight falling in love. I loved watching the smooth Dmitri fall over himself trying (and often failing) to say and do the right things for Natasha once he realized he was in love with her.

It was lovely how Natasha and Dmitri's ethnic backgrounds flowed together without need for unnecessary exposition or translation. Some of my favorite little moments were when Natasha would lapse in Spanish and Dmitri in Ukrainian. Their cultural differences blended together just as effortlessly as they did when dancing together.

Although this was the second in the Dance Off series, it reads like a standalone. I hadn't read the first but didn't have any trouble following along.

Dance With Me by Alexis Daria is the second instalment of a series about a Strictly Come Dancing type reality show. I read the first book (Take the Lead) when I came out. I definitely enjoyed it, but I felt the dance competition featured so heavily, it overshadowed the rest of the book. This second book takes place in the off-season and while the TV show is very present, it never dominates the story.

Dance With Me centres around Natasha, a professional dancers on the show, and Dimitri, one of the judges. I liked how they were both complex characters that grew throughout the book. I loved Natasha’s Puerto Rican roots, especially in contrast with Dimitri’s Ukrainian background.

I thought the romance mostly worked. The one thing that bothered me a little was that Dimitri didn’t really see why they couldn’t really be on the show together if they were in a relationship. I also struggled with suspending my disbelief for some of the fundamental parts of the plot. Yet, I enjoyed this book and I’m look forwarding to reading more from this author.
3.5 stars

Sadly I struggled with this couple which was a real shame as I loved the first book (and couple) in this series and the authors writing style. It could very well be a case of it’s not you it’s me though—there are many who did enjoy so definitely worth checking out for yourself.

This is the second installment of the Dance Off series. I really appreciate Alexis Daria's writing and ideas. I enjoyed reading this book and what I liked the most was the relationship dynamics since we have a couple who are friends with benefits and then they have to move in together and it's also a forbidden relationship so they have to keep their arrangements a secret. I absolutely adored the domesticity that surrounded them, my favourite part, as with the first book is how they used dancing to express their feelings. Alexis Daria has a real talent for descriptions on dance and creating tension and communication between the characters through it.

Something that kept me at the edge of my seat for most of the book is seeing them grow as people, the development and the different ways they interacted. I loved how they already knew that they liked each other but were too fearful to do anything about it. Nevertheless, I wanted more conversations on how they came to fall in love with each other before the book started to connect with them and their relationship more. Natasha was a super strong character and I appreciated the aspects of Puerto Rican culture that we got to see from her as well as Dimitri and his Ukranian heritage. The pacing of their relationship was well done and I liked that it was slow burning. Both of them had flaws that they had to work on and they did it together, as friends and as lovers. However, there was too much coming and going with them and I lost interest at one point because they wouldn't communicate. I didn't like that Dimitri was very over protective of her and even when she asked him to not do things for her, he wouldn't listen. Apart from those things, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and I look forward to reading more from her!

Professional dancer Natasha's life has been spinning a bit out of control since her former roommate and best friend Gina moved out after finding true love AND winning the dancing competition show they both perform on. Natasha is cash strapped and growing tired of the booty call game she's been playing with Dimitri, the main judge of The Dance Off.

And then Natasha's bedroom ceiling collapses and with no where else to turn she finds herself living with her booty call.

Dimitri loves Natasha but can't and won't tell her until he is sure she feels the same. When he gets the chance to have her live with him, he thinks it will be the perfect opportunity to finally bare all. Too bad what they are doing is strictly against the rules and both their careers are at risk.

Sensual, sexy, and trope defying, this is even better than the first in the Dance Off and I'm hoping Daria's "duology" turns into MORE.

I was super excited to start this one thanks to the little bits we got to see of these two in the previous novel, Take the Lead.

Once again, the character development here is great! I often find in romances that one of the characters is "stronger" (or more put together) than the other when it comes to their lives but in this novel, I liked that they each had their flaws and things to work on. I loved watching both of our leads grow as people and push each other to better things. They make great partners in all aspects which is what I loved watching in this book.

They also make a great romantic pair because they have fantastic chemistry. Sure, the somewhat forbidden element of their relationship adds to the tension but they are both super passionate people and it shows.

The main reason this rating isn't a 5/5 is that I wanted a little more showing than telling with the romance. It's always hard to write a romance where the characters have already fallen in love with each other without the readers seeing that because we love watching the initial sparks fly (or at least I do). These two have had a relationship for a long time (one that isn't really touched on in the previous book either other than its brief mention) and those feelings for each other are already established. As I said above, these two have great chemistry and it shows but often times I felt like I was reading the sequel novel to their story without reading the first because I wanted more of those sparks.

However, I still really enjoyed this book! The character development is truly the highlight of this novel (it's hard to find a solid character driven romance instead of just a focus on sexy times) and Alexis Daria has succeeded once again!

I really enjoyed this sequel to Take the Lead. The first novel focused on a celebrity dance show and the pairing of one of the couples. This one takes place in the off season with an on-again/off-again relationship between a dancer and one of the judges. I really enjoy the way Daria writes such full stories for her characters. Her novels really do a great job of investing the reader in the backstory and I really hope there is more to this series.
Thanks to Swerve and NetGalley for the chance to review this book.

I very much enjoyed Alexis Daria's first book, Take the Lead, but this second book blew me away. I loved it so much. I loved Dimitri and learning more about him and the same with Natasha. It was steamy but not overly so and a really great romance. Alexis Daria is definitely an author to look out for.

Good story. Natasha and Dimitri have chemistry in the dance floor and out. Is a story of success and take risk. Love, commitment are risk we need to be happy.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. If you are looking for a love story developed from a friends with benefits relationship this book is for you.

Sexy, funny, and emotionally satisfying
When I reviewed Take the Lead, the first book by Alexis Daria, I mentioned hoping Tash would get her own book. Not a month later, Dance with Me hit my inbox and it’s even better than the first. It’s the story of friends-with-benefits who don’t realise the other also wants more from the relationship, but it’s also the story about self-worth and following dreams.

Tash’s insecurity and desire to prove herself really resonated; it was awesome to see her reach out for help, even as I wanted to toss a book at her head to make her do so. Dmitri was totally-swoonworthy: talented and hot, but the primary goal of looking after his family? It almost makes up for his terrible foot-in-mouth syndrome. Their physical attraction is off the charts so the book focused on emotional intimacy, where they help each other reach for the stars and find love along the way. I loved reading this book and I suspect you will too.

I received a copy of this story from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 3.5
Ok,my anticipation for this one was prettyyyyyy high, because book one is now one of my fave books i've read for 2017. i just adored it! But i have to say I didnt get that same feeling here, sadly. i liked Natasha and could so relate to her insecurities of wanting to do things on her own, and not knowing how Dimitri felt but I feel like i never fullyyy warmed up to Dimitri.

He was soooo pushy with Natasha that for a good portion of the book he sort of turned me off. Like, she gets injured and he's carrying her and she says to put her down multiple times and he flat out refused....that just...rubbed me so wrong,

I never did get that omg swooon feeling that i got with Stone in book one. i know i know, two different guys here but still! I may have slightly, towards the end, been like ok he's wising up to how not to act with Natasha but idk, maybe it was too late then.

BUT. lemme just say the few dance scenes were magical as always. Alexis Daria knows how to give good dance , lemme just say that. emotions were so real when they danced. And i know this book takes place in the off season of their show but I wanted mooore dancing.

This is where book 1 shone for me. that emotion, of their building relationship was seen so well with the dancing and while we got a few scenes here with Dimitri and Tash i missed them. i really did.

And whooo boy Donna i legit despise you girl. Even more so than in book one damn lol.

Also side note: i really liked Nik, even the little we got of him I was like oh i like him and I want to see more of that guy heheh.

So while i didnt get the swoony feeling that i got with book one I will say i'm hoping for more books in this series. Idk is something's being hinted at with Kevin, Tash's friend and coworker on the dance show but im here for more books in this universe!

I think the problem I have with these books isn't a problem with the books themselves, but a problem with me. Because I'm honestly not connecting to the characters that well, and finding myself bored by the relationships and the conflict. The prose in this felt a little flowery at times and clunky at others, and in the end it was just one of those books that I almost finished for the sake of finishing, which is a shame because I was looking forward to this series. It just didn't live up to my expectations.

I have not read the first book in this series but after hearing so many great things about it I decided to try this one when it was on offer on Netgalley. I did not feel at all lost by jumping into the series in book two. I still may go back and read book one but this book really did not work for me.

I just did not like either character, Dimitri was at least more developed but Natasha was just one long whine about how she fails to be an adult with the typical mean mother who withholds all love. Their romantic situation could be solved by having a conversation. I just felt like I was way too old for them and their drama. I just wanted everyone to grow up.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. The review below is entirely my own opinion.</i>

I loved the first book in this series "Take the Lead" and was thrilled when I got an ARC for this one. And I loved this one too. Actually, to be honest, I loved this one even more. Here's why:

1) I'm a big fan of DWTS and I can totally imagine some of my favorite celebrity-pros playing Tasha/Dimitri.

2) I loved that Tasha's struggles to eke out a living as a dancer were realistically portrayed. I love that she doesn't have her act together and has insecurities like normal people. I love that her issues with her mom are so honest. She's a totally relatable character.

3) I loved that Dimitri is such a family oriented man. I love that he was dumb/dense/clueless about handling this whole relationship with Tasha --- I thought he redeemed himself in a really good, sweet way.

While I wasn't comfortable with some aspects of their love story: <spoiler>Tasha and Dimitri had this weird on/off/hook-up "relationship" prior to this book. They've been basically boinking each other and boinking others for the past 3 years.</spoiler> I could see how this situation/arrangement could happen in real-life, especially in amongst celebrities/actors/actresses.

I hope the next book will be about Kevin!

In one line - "I really want to love this book because it's so good but this particular collection of tropes is working against me, gaaaaah-"

It is good. The storyline has much more angst than the first book, though, and that's where you start to lose me. If you don't mind angst and (well explained!) miscommunication this is your jam.

The good:

- The writing is solid and little things that sometimes fall by the wayside are perfectly in place.
- The characterization is spun out slowly and realistically, aided by the duel points of view.
- It's a friends-with-benefits to lovers storyline, which I haven't seen in quite this configuration before.
- The baddie gets her due and ooo boy is it good.
- Dimitri's backstory is interesting and even fun in places. Wait until you see what his breakout movie role was, bwahahahaha. :)
- I love what Daria has to say about acceptance, the importance of friends, and the different ways one can be Latina.

The not-for-me:

- Miscommunication is rife. There are good reasons for it but my tolerance is pretty low.
- One of the characters is always prepared to believe the worst and it drove me a bit nuts. 'This awful thing will totally happen, leading to this and that which mean ruin!' No. Please breathe and think for a sec.<
- The reality show the series is based around is in the off season so there's none of the associated happy crazy. I don't usually read contemporary romance and having something a bit outside of everyday real life makes it more interesting for me.

Even though this wasn't the best book for me it's still an easy recommend if your tastes run counter to mine. I'm excited that Daria has more books planned in this universe, and a f/f relationship is teased in the epilogue! Love it.

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. The heroine wasn't as endearing as the first one. She came off as pretty immature. I liked how well both of their cultures we're portrayed. I liked the setting of the dance show so I kind of missed that in this book because it was so identifiable.