** Thank you Netgalley for this arc**

Alexis Daria definitely done it again, if you haven't read any of her books please do so. When I saw that Alexis Daria was going to write a new book, I just knew I had to get my hands on it. I'm really glad that I was approved to read the arc :). This book was so good that I couldn't put the book down but I also wanted to savor it at the same time, this book gave me 'Dancing with The Stars' vibes. This book gave me my favorite things in a romance novel: steamy scenes, the drama, and the HEA *swoons*. I give this book a 5/5 stars and 5/5 stars on the steamy scenes, Alexis Daria never disappoints on writing the steamy scenes LOL. I definitely recommend this book if you haven't read any books from Alexis Daria or if you love just reading romance.

“This. This is what she adored about dance. To dance like this with a man as handsome and compelling as stone, to be this close and intimate without words, to let their bodies do the talking… It was the most perfect thing in the world. Time lost its meaning. The beat changed, and she used her own body to communicate the shift to him. After a week of dancing in hold together, he figured it out without her having to say it. God, she loved that.”
Gina Morales has what it takes to win The Dance Off, but she has never gotten the partner that would boost her to the top. When she is flown to Alaska to meet her new partner, she is hoping and praying that it’s an Olympic figure skater, but instead she gets Stone Nielsen. He is a sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show, but underneath his strong and silent demeaner, he just might be what Gina needs to secure her position on The Dance Off for good.

Alexis Daria’s debut novel is getting a shiny new cover, updated text, and bonus material before being re-released into the world a second time. I have been a fan of Alexis Daria’s for a few years now. She writes tough, feisty, and intelligent heroines, which I appreciate. Gina was all these things, and she was also determined to make her way in the industry without sleeping her way to the top. Stone was the strong silent type, but he also had a sweet and caring side. He protected Gina a lot throughout the book, even when she didn’t want him to. They had great chemistry, and I was rooting for them the entire book. I think my issue is that this feels like a debut novel because the flow and ease I have come to expect from Alexis Daria’s writing was missing, and I think that’s because she hadn’t found it when she wrote this book. There was a heavy focus on the dancing side of the story, and less of a focus on the romantic connection between Gina and Stone. Of course, it got there in the end, but I wish it had started focusing on their emotional connection earlier instead of just their insane physical chemistry.

If you’re a fan of authors such as Lucy Parker or Mia Sosa then I think you wouldn’t regret picking this one up.

~ Michelle

3.5 stars ☆ I've been looking for a book that has a reality tv type of plot and the fact that this has dancing with the stars vibes?! Yuppp. This book was such a quick and cute read. The only thing I have was that I'm just not really invested in the story that much probably because it’s written in 3rd pov but the chemistry between Gina and Stone still made the book so so good.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc !!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. This book was published previously but was republished with a new cover and it made me like this book. Strange right?? Haha.. This was good and Stone and Gina were a good couple. Thanks!!

I will never emotionally recover from this book.

As someone who grew up watching dancing with the stars, this book IMMEDIATELY hooked me. Like I read it in 6 hours, hooked me.

Stone and Gina are just *chefs kiss+

Cannot wait until the next book!!!

Can’t believe this was a debut novel for Alexis Daria - I loved it so much! It’s sexy, fun, and I couldn’t put it down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 rating)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5 pretty spicy!)

I adored the reality dance show element of it - Gina is a professional dancer, paired with Stone, a reality tv star known for living in the Alaskan wild. Opposites from seemingly different worlds, these 2 complement each other so perfectly.

Read if you enjoy:
⭐️ Reality (dance) show
⭐️ Different worlds
⭐️ Opposites attract
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Dual POV

This book was so fun! It’s the perfect amount of romance and steam, which is perfect for its set re-release on Valentine’s Day! Stone and Gina have such amazing chemistry and whew, the steam was on point in this one! The dancing competition aspects were interesting and I could picture the atmosphere and dancing pairs so easily! I loved how strong and determined Gina was in this one. It was also nice to see her softer, more vulnerable side with Stone. The opposites attract trope was perfect for this romance. I loved the Latin American woman representation in this one and I thought the way that Daria touched on how Latin American women are often portrayed in the media and the stereotyping that happens was really important. The friendship between Daria and Natasha was also super cute and I loved how supportive they were of each other. All around, this was a solid romance read and perfect to pick up this month!

“You light me up. You helped me remember who I was before, and see clearly who I am now and who I want to be.”

This was such a perfect February romance. The premise is really fun, and it’s the kind of book that’s easy to lose yourself in. I really was invested in the story and the romance.

Gina Morales is one of the pro dancers on The Dance Off, where she is paired up with Stone Nielsen. Stone and his family star in a reality series documenting their life in the Alaskan bush. Gina and Stone couldn’t seem more different, but there are sparks from the moment they meet. Gina is adamant about not faking a romance for the show, but it’s only a matter of time before their feelings boil over.

I loved the chemistry between Stone and Gina, and how protective they are of each other. They have lovely vulnerable moments and come to really know each other. Despite the outside noise, they stay focused on the competition while serving as each other’s anchor. It seems like they each provide such a grounding presence to the other while they’re under the microscope on television. The story really portrays the difficulties of being in the spotlight really well.

For being a reality tv setting, it felt realistic. They are dealing with producers who want to portray things a certain way, regardless of Gina and Stone’s feelings. Stone has a difficult relationship with his family as he’s given up a lot to do the reality show with them. They are both struggling with the boxes they’ve been placed in. For Gina, she doesn’t want to be seen as the sexy Latina and wants to be taken seriously in the industry. She’s so determined and headstrong, and I really loved her character. As the completion progresses, both Gina and Stone form better pictures of what they want for their futures.

There were a few smaller plot points that I felt didn’t really get completely wrapped up, but that didn’t take away from the cute romance. The story didn’t feel overly deep; the majority of the conflicts felt as if the were more on the surface. I think that there were a few opportunities to give both Gina and Stone more detailed backgrounds, connecting the reader to the story. Overall, though, this was just such an adorable story.

Take the Lead is the first novel in the Dance Off series that follows different couples. While the dancing competition is based on Strictly Come Dancing (UK) and Dancing with the Stars (US), the author does her own take with the in-novel The Dance Off. Professional dancer, Gina Morales is determined to land in the finals after four seasons on the show. She is paired with Stone Nielson, star of a reality show about a family living off-the-grid in Alaska called Living Wild. While Stone does not really want to compete, he is determined to win the prize money to help pay for his mother’s medical bills. This part initially confused me a lot as if he and his family are on a successful show already, I do not get why they are scraping money together.

Due to their amazing chemistry, the producers push a “showmance” storyline between the couple. While neither initially is for the idea, the two eventually give in and the two try to explore a relationship. While they had great tension between them, I wish that some elements were explored in greater depth. There is a major height difference between the two characters as Gina is 5’6” and Stone is 6’7.” While this is addressed early on when they first start to choreograph dances, it seems it was soon forgotten. I feel the author mainly did this just for the initial moments, but then did not bother to think about the logistics. Unfortunately, “accidentally kissing” should not have been plausible as their lips don’t line up. I wish if the author wanted to make this a plot element, then more care should have been given to the actual logistics.

Gina was difficult to like at first as she seemed blinded by her ambition to win. Stone is out of his element and even has some knee issues, yet she seemed to gloss over them. I do not think she did not care as there are very small hints, but I think some additional scenes of Gina coaching Stone would have benefited this side of their relationship. Additionally, she objectified Stone a lot which felt a little hypocritical considering she didn’t want it done to her. It is unfortunate that these traits came across this way as she was an otherwise decent character. Unfortunately, the writing just needed to highlight these in a more positive way for me. In comparison, Stone came across a little better for their connection, but I think he needed a little more work, too, to make him a more well-rounded character. Overall, this was a very fun story, and I loved the concept of not only having a sweet love story, but to highlight the ins and outs of a reality show dancing competition. I look forward to trying the next novel with a new couple in the future!

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**

***Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of Take the Lead by Alexis Daria! All thoughts are my own!***

Gina Morales is a professional dancer for a show called The Dance Off. Approaching her fourth season on the show (and not having been to the finals) she is sent to Alaska to meet her celebrity partner for the upcoming season of the show. Enter reality TV star Stone Nielson, known for his family's wilderness survival show, she thinks this season might be different. Her partner, though not having dance experience, could help her win with her instruction (and the showrunners obviously wanting them to have a showmance.)

Stone, however has his own reasons for joining the show, mainly being his family and the prize money he could win for them. He has to adjust quickly to a relocation to Los Angeles for the show and wants nothing more than to be back in Alaska. Little did Stone know he 'd have trouble keeping dancing professional with Gina with their flaming hot chemistry and intensity on the dance floor, he starts to fall for her. But when the paparazzi start publicizing their up and coming romance, they could both lose everything.

This book is so good! It really gives you an inside look behind dance shows. Gina and Stone are such different characters but similar at the same time. They have different backgrounds in fame, but they are both determined to get to where they want to be. You see their progression throughout the book from their dancing to their romance and the pacing was great. Both characters have something to lose here and you can tell it fuels their dancing week after week. Their romance is a bit of a slow burn but once the tension builds, we definitely see their relationship delve further from the professional to very personal.

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars and have always wanted behind the scenes details on it in a book with some steamy romance, you need to check out Take the Lead when it releases on February 14th!

The story follows Gina Morales, a professional dancer that wants to shine and be known through her talent not because of her latina sensuality. A dilemma starts when she meets her new partner for a celebrity dance competition called The Dance Off, the sexy public figure Stone Nielson. He makes her feel every kind of feel, but she's placed in an uncomfortable situation. The chances of winning increase if they agree to have a “showmance”. They both need to win. Would she take a risk for the possibility of fame? Or will she stay true to her feelings surrounding them?

As a disclaimer, I want to be completely honest and say that I was going through a reading slump and this probably affected the final rating. I did like some details of the book, like the representation of latinx puertorican culture, the slang and references. I didn't like how the “conflict” is handled, and honestly the book could've been shorter.

I give it 3/5.

The rerelease of this book is tomorrow February 14, 2023. So if you want to spend your Valentine's Day reading steamy romance, this book is a great option!

Huge thanks to both netgalley and the author for the ARC.

This one is an excellent opposites-attract love story with a skillfully executed Hollywood angle that sets it apart from others in the genre.
I confess I came into Take the Lead expecting a pretty generic read, but Daria takes all the typical tropes and turns them on their head. It's all the things we love about contemporary romance from a fun, fresh angle with characters that are easy to connect with.
Gina Morales is a pro dancer in a televised dance competition. She has spent her life focused on her dancing career and on not letting some man take it all away from her. Stone Nielson is a very reluctant part of his family's survivalist reality show. He's tired of all the lies and just wants to live a quiet life away from cameras. But Stone's family needs money and he's the best choice of sibling to head off to LA and compete. There's attraction from the get-go, with Gina's firm stance that she wants to be a good role model and doesn't want to be reduced to the sexy Latina just one of the obstacles they'll have to face.
It's an interesting story with lots of behind-the-scenes glimpses at just how unreal reality TV is and why some people would put themselves through it. I really liked how it's completely focused on Gina and Stone but leaves room for the rest of the characters to be fully-fleshed people that are there for more than just sounding boards for when the main characters have things they need to figure out.
Not to mention that it's hot and sexy as H--- when they eventually give in.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the early peek at this romantic read!

If you like opposites attract, (whatever opposites your thinking it's not near anything like Alaskan wilderness and city) then this is for you!

The competition is cute and very fluffy so if you like cute moments, dancing, competition, and romance then this book is for you!

Listen, if you like reality tv shows, especially dance shows, this book is for you. I've never watched those, but since I didn't know what this book was about before opening it, I didn't have any expectations.

To me, this was a fun little romance with some reality television sprinkled in, and I learned a few things.

I will definitely read more from this author.

Solid 3 1/2 stars for me.

In this book reality shows take the field. One a wilderness survival family in Alaska and the other a dance competition. It starts off with quite the opening as the professional dancer Gina Morales is transported to Alaska to meet her partner with only a bit of notice.

Stone Nielson has been under the camera's eye for a while now as his family rebuilds in the wilderness of Alaska. His producers and hers think he's the perfect one to cross into the dance competition, they even set up something unusual for their meeting.

They have their first lesson at that first meeting and there was a bit of a spark between them. However, Gina will never compromise her professionalism for the sake of a showmance. That doesn't mean she isn't in favor of seeing where this attraction could go, it means it won't be on display for the world.

There are plenty of secrets in this book and every one of them comes out with some interesting consequences. Plus, there is much more on the line than the trophy.

This is a page turning read with lots of fun, competition, romance and sizzle.

This is a fun, flirty book perfect for fans of Dancing with the Stars. Gina has been a professional dancer working with the tv show, The Dance Off, for years. She wants to win this year so is nervous about her match, reality TV star Stone. Stone lives in the wilds of Alaska and has zero dancing experience. Despite that, these two work together to try to survive being voted off week by week. Gina wants the opportunities winning will bring her. Stone needs the money for his family.

I enjoyed these two together. They are definitely from two very different worlds, and it was easy to understand what's keeping them apart, which is tough to do in a contemporary. While this definitely has the feel of an earlier Daria novel, it still has her signature style that makes this book a major win. The world of dance competition was a lot of fun. I loved the Puerto Rican representation and discussions about working as a female minority. I couldn't always understand Stone's reasons for what he did with his family, but I did like him as a character overall.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted romance full of chemistry and steam. I am a major fan of this author and will continue to look forward to more from her in the future.

Reality shows collide in this story about a brawny survivalist and a sexy dancer. Gina and Stone have their work cut out for them, both for the dancing competition (he has NO experience...other than breakdancing) and she wants to win, badly. No relationship is in the cards for Gina either. She's been down that road and it didn't end well. Stone has some secrets of his own and keeping them is slowly destroying him and them. When things are scripted and done without your approval, all kinds of things can break down and explode. Enjoyable story!

What's it about (in a nutshell):
Take the Lead by Alexis Daria is the story of Gina Morales, a professional dancer, and Stone Neilson, a reality star, and their pairing to participate in Dance Off (which is like Dancing with the Stars in the US). They each hold many secrets, and those secrets quickly build a wall between them, but they need chemistry to win, and for that, they need to let each other in.

Actual Reading Experience:
I thought the dance competition aspect of the story was fascinating, and I felt like I was genuinely backstage learning all the ins and outs of this type of show. I loved how the unreality behind reality tv is brought to the forefront and is a significant factor in the story, especially for Stone's story but also for the dance competition. Let's face it; everything has a spin to maximize the number of viewers.

I loved the character of Stone. He has a pure heart, and his main goal is always to help his family, even if it costs him his dreams. I found him very relatable and authentic. However, I struggled with Gina, and I didn't feel like her reasons justified her actions, so she just came off as mean and unapproachable to me.

There are many steamy open-door moments in this story but very few laughs. I don't know that I would classify it as a romcom but rather a contemporary romance story.

Read if you like:
Contemporary Romance
Dance Competitions
Slow-burn romances

This is my first time reading a re-vamped book, and unfortunately (or I suppose fortunately) I didn’t read the original version so all of my thoughts reflect this newer edition!

Thank you St Martin’s Press for sending me a copy! Perfect little read for Valentines day, which happens to be its re-release date!!

Imagine Dancing with the Stars smashed together Alaskan Bush People, but with a lot more sizzle and a view ‘behind the scenes’ of what reality shows are truly like. Gina, professional dancer, gets paired with Alaskan hottie Stone, and their chemistry just kicks off from there 🔥


We get sexy ballroom dancing, lots of pining, devotion to family and careers, and an eventual secret relationship that threatens to ruin everything. My heart guys. Stone was such a cutie patootie except also like … smokin hot. Which is weird to say about a character, but the way he was written - dream come true. A genuinely caring man?... who puts others first?... and can turn up the spice too? HELLO. I’m in.

Gina was great herself, though her reasonings for not wanting to date someone in the business were sort of sub par - I’m glad she eventually got called out for them. Having a bad relationship at 17 with a nobody shouldn’t affect your life that badly 10 years later … but the whole “trying to be taken seriously and avoiding the type cast as the sexy Puerto rican” made most sense.

Even if you’re not a big Dancing with the Stars fan, everything was so well described that it’s easy to picture the dances and even easier to picture Gina and Stone together.

This was a cute read, I’m sad I put it off for so long. And for this to be a debut novel from Daria? Kudos to her. I wonder how much it was reworked from the original.

4 ⭐

Bonus points for not shoving a marriage/engagement at the end for the sake of the Romance. Not every budding relationship needs to end in a marriage three months later! The ending of this was * Chefs kiss * 🧑‍🍳💋

I expected to enjoy this book. I didn't expect to absolutely love it.

Take the Lead is the Dancing with the Stars - sorry, *The Dance Off* - romance novel that I've wanted for ages. It gets the vibe of the long-running reality show (that I unabashedly love) totally right while adding in a compelling and layered romance between Gina, a pro dancer, and Stone, her celebrity contestant. This book manages to balance steam, tenderness, and hilarity with a conversation about competition reality shows and what their stars owe the public. Not to mention discussions of identity, relationships, and family. There's a lot going on, but it all works perfectly in my opinion.

I had so much fun reading this book. There are so many winks and nods at DWTS - teasing and loving all at once - and the central romance had me hooked as I, along with Gina and Stone, tried to figure out how they were ever going to make things work. Both characters grow over the course of the story, their strengths and flaws explored in equal measure. My only wish is that there was a way to actually see the dances they performed (though the book did as well as it could rendering some of them on the page).

Anyway, go read this if you love TV dance competitions or even if you don't, because it's really just such a great time.

5/5