This book has every type of catnip for me. It's steamy, fun, full of dancing, with very relatable and complex characters, Daria's writing is just so expressive. When she describes the dance numbers or the settings, it's so easy to visualize exactly what she means. There's a wonderful and empowering theme, too, about the difference between sexualizing and sexuality. LOVED it

This was such a fun read. I tore through it.

I’m in awe of dancers and have been a DWTS fan from the start. I loved how we see the characters grow individually and together through dance. If I’m right that this was Alexis Daria’s debut…wow! I’ve read her latest books but will now go back and get this whole series…glad it’s being rereleased. It’s everything you want in a celeb romance, but somehow more relatable.

I’ve read a few books with a reality TV plot and always seem to enjoy them. That was the case again with “Take the Lead”. I enjoyed the Dance Off plot with Gina and Stone. This was definitely an opposites attract story that brought the reader along with their journey. I liked that most of the drama in this book was external and it wasn’t until close to the end that we had to deal with conflict between the two main characters. I don’t want to spoil anything but I liked the way things were left in the epilogue. Goodreads lists this as book 1 in a series so I’m interested to see whose story will be next. Natasha?!
*Thanks to St. Martin’s and NetGalley for this advance copy for review.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. If you’re looking for an irresistible, heart skipping romance involving dance this is the book for you.

I didn't know if I would like this. Unfortunately I was right. It was well wrote however it was to romantic for my tastes and I struggled to push through. I felt as if some parts were a little predictable.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria
As a huge fan of the reality TV show ‘Dancing with The Stars’, this book was my jam. This was a very well written book, it was easy to read and I was hooked from the start. I felt the characters were very realistic, as well as their actions. I definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Alexis Daria, NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

the culture, the diversity, everything in this book was perfect! but what i did not really enjoy was the reality tv and the lack of tension between the character that i was hoping for. especially with the side character that should of gotten karma…. but this book overall was enjoyable 🤎

3 1/2 stars.

This story is set on a reality TV show like DWTS but called something else. Gina is the professional dancer who's been on the show for some seasons but has never made it to the finals. She's paired with Stone, an Alaskan lumberjack of a man, who's in a reality show with his whole family. They couldn't be more different.

I really liked Stone and his quiet, generous, loyal personality. Gina was a take-no-prisoners kind of character but also learned by the end.
I like the cover! It's like Chris Hemsworth dancing with Selena Gomez. :)

Docked a whole star for all the explicit language and on-page sex.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was Alexis Daria's debut and she re-released it this year. Usually, a writer's debut isn't as strong as their current work, or their writing isn't as great, but I feel with Alexis Daria that's not the case. I can't even tell this is her debut I feel like it's written now. I wish I would've have discovered her back then however I discovered her with Primas of Power series and that's when I first felt seen in the romance world of books as a Latina.

This book was so beautiful. It took you behind the scenes of what could be Dancing with the Stars which is a show I love but of course I identified with the pro dancer being Latina as she fell in love with her partner. There were so many obstacles to navigate in the Latinx culture that are ingrained in us, and I love how Alexis Daria always includes that in her stories.

There's also the story of Stone who also comes from a reality show background and a huge family in the sense who is feeling a bit lost, and the show helps him find himself. They both find their "home" and their love which in the end is beautiful.

Alexis Daria is an auto-buy author for me, so this book and review was a no brainer for me but thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy as always, all words are my own.

This was my first time reading one of Alexis Daria's Books, and let's just say I ate this book up! I absolutely loved Stone & Gina's relationship and all the challenges they faced throughout the book. I'd definitely say it's a forbidden/opposites attract romance. Not to mention the SMUT in this book is A tier. If you are looking for an easy and fun romance/Rom-com this is the book for you! I will for sure be reading more off Alexis Daria's books!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know what it is about ballroom dancing that's so steamy, but it really elevates the tension of the characters. Daria is very good at picking a niche setting or predicament and capitalizing on it, this is no exception.

📚✨Book Review✨📚

Take the Lead
Author: Alexis Daria

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Note: I received a copy of this book as an advanced reader from Net Galley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Liked:
💃🏻I was a faithful fan of Dancing With the Stars for many years, so this book had me hooked from the very beginning. I also found the “behind the scenes” aspects to be so interesting.

💃🏻The tension between these two was off the charts! Once they danced together at the club early on, every time they were in the room together I was screaming for them to kiss already!

💃🏻I adore when we we are females supporting females. The relations between Gina and Natasha was so sweet and relatable. Truly enjoyed the scenes with them.

What I Didn’t Like:
💃🏻There is one character who will remain nameless that I really wish got her comeuppance in the end. I’d really have liked to karma swoop in and serve her a little poop on a platter.

Final Thoughts:
💃🏻 It had been awhile since I read a book from Alexis Daria, but damn she is epic. Honesty, I will sing her praises far and wide. If you haven’t read any of her books, start here!




#bookreview #reviewsneedlovetoo #readforeverpub #unpopularopinion #booktok #bookstagram #bookfriend #books #bookish #booklover #instablog #romancereader #romcom #fantasybooks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Gina and Stone provided a wonderful dynamic for a brewing romance. While competing on a fictional version of Dancing With The Stars, you get to see Gina and Stone build a connection through dance. I think the banter and conversation between these two had a natural progression. Trust plays a big role in any relationship, including this one.

The contrast between a city-loving Puerto Rican woman and an Alaskan man give a great character contrast. It is hard to get over barriers a people with such different backgrounds. I think the one downfall of this book was the 🌶 was slightly underdeveloped for me but I still loved every minute of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alexis Daria for the ARC of this novel set to release in February 2023. I WILL be doing an in depth review again once it is obviously published.

I thought this was new by Alexis Daria but it is a re-issued version of the book. I am a huge fan of her Hola series featuring the Primas of Power but this was a little different. Fake dating mixed with dancing with the stars was really good. Stone couldnt help but fall hard, no matter how hard he resisted.

This is a re-release of a book that was originally published in 2017.
I will say, I do like the new cover more than the original. It captures the characters and mood of the story more.

If you're a fan of Dancing with the Stars, Take the Lead is the book for you. It has two wonderful leads trying to break free from expectations put upon them by others. Gina is such a relatable heroine and I really liked her journey throughout the book. Stone is the perfect grump with a heart of gold. He was so sweet and a secret cinnamon roll.
Gina and Stone's romance starts as a fake dating scenario for the cameras but soon develops into something real. I really loved their romance. They were so soft for each other, especially Stone. He fell so hard! I love when this happens in books.
Overall, Take the Lead is an enjoyable romance with a great message about perseverance and breaking the mold.

Take the Lead truly shows off the authors raw talent in both writing and bringing characters to life. While I'm not a big fan of dance/like tv shows I found his to be entertaining!

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and opinion. This was a fun read about Stone and Gina. It has you wanting to find your own dancer.

Alexis Daria has done it again! Take the Lead is another easy to read, fun romance book for the author. Opposites attract in this steamy, dual POV slow burn that sizzles on the page. Unlike a lot of romance novels, I feel like these characters were very well written and their actions were realistic. Additionally, while some may not love the miscommunication trope, I feel like the conflict of the book was very believable. I love that the main female character was a strong and ambitious Latina woman. I also love that the author always includes beautiful cultural representation and the use of both English and Spanish in all her novels. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book as the tension was good, the characters were authentic, and the writing was witty and fun.

Take The Lead by @alexisdaria 💃🏻

Pub Date: February 14,2023 👏🏼✨

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for sending me this E Arc .

I love reading books from Latine/x Authors
Especially when they show case my Puerto Rican Culture 🇵🇷❣️🫶🏼.

Soy Boricua aunque naciera en la luna 🌙

I felt seen reading this book and I love how Gina talks with her family and friends. Love that she curses in both Spanish and English. We LOVE a bilingual baddie👏🏼.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Gina Morales wants to make it big. In her four seasons on The Dance Off, she’s never even made it to the finals. But her latest partner, the sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show, could be her chance. Who knew the strong, silent, survivalist-type had moves like that? She thinks Stone Nielson is her ticket to win it all—until her producer makes it clear they’re being set up for a showmance.

Joining a celebrity dance competition is the last thing Stone wants. However, he’ll endure anything to help his family, even as he fears revealing their secrets. While the fast pace of Los Angeles makes him long for the peace and privacy of home, he can’t hide his growing attraction for his dance partner. Neither wants to fake a romance for the cameras, but the explosive chemistry that flares between them is undeniable.

As Stone and Gina heat up the dance floor, the tabloids catch on to their developing romance. With the spotlight threatening to ruin everything, will they choose fame and fortune, or let love take the lead?

🏷 #kindle #kindlepaperwhite #ereader

Alexis Daria never disappoints! I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. She has a way with her writing that's so easy to read and hooks you. The Dancing with the stars theme of this book was so fun. I really enjoy a good romance where opposites attract and this one defiantly hit the mark for me.