Gina Morales is determined to find true fame but after four seasons on The Dance Off she’s yet to make the finals. That could change this season though, thanks to her new partner, an attractive survivalist from an Alaskan wilderness reality show. It seems Stone Nielson will be her shoe-in for the trophy, but that hope comes crashing down when it becomes clear that the producers are setting them up for an on-camera romance.

Stone is less than thrilled to be joining this competition, but his family needs the money so he’s willing to do it for them, even as he fears accidentally revealing their secret. The whirlwind of life in Los Angeles has him longing for the quiet stillness of Alaska, but Stone can’t escape his growing attachment to Gina. Neither is interested in faking a relationship for the cameras, but the fiery chemistry between them is all too real.

With their continued success in the competition, the cameras do catch on to that inevitable chemistry and the spotlight threatens to derail them, leaving both Gina and Stone to reevaluate their priorities.

I started off really liking both the heroine and hero of this story. They started off feeling impossible from the get-go and that was frustrating, but it did set the stage for a ton of great character growth. Stone was this gruff mountain man, the real strong, silent type. As the book went on, we got a lot of his inner monologue and in an excellent bit of character development he realized he didn’t want to fit himself into the mold as he’d been typecast. We really saw him start to come into his own as the person he wanted to be, a person who is allowed to have feelings and whose feelings are valid. It’s this element that made me so annoyed with Gina. I started out really liking her but ultimately, she was only about herself and her image and she just got to be too much. Too much angst, too much complaining, too much stubborn refusal to see anyone’s side but her own. Yes, Stone made an error in judgment, but it was ultimately a minor mistake. She put way too much focus on keeping him a secret, making him feel boxed into a role just like his family had. Gina, and therefore the book itself, was completely focused on Stone’s mistake and not her part in that little debacle, highlighting only her feelings and assumptions on how this would affect her and not caring about Stone’s feelings at all. Almost as if, once again, he’s not meant to have feelings. That was not cool, especially when Stone called her out on invalidating his feelings and she still didn’t make any changes. It’s nothing she hadn’t done in other parts of the book but still, I had come to expect more of her. I shouldn’t have been surprised, however, since when Stone was uncomfortable with being sexualized in a dance that was a problem and he was being unprofessional, but when Gina didn’t want to be sexualized by bringing their relationship public, her reasons were all automatically validated. I’m not here for the double standard.

Of course, everything is eventually fixed, and they meet each other halfway fairly easily after some basic communication, which I appreciated, but I would have appreciated it more if it had come sooner and with less angst. I enjoyed the book even though some of the pacing was a bit slow, but the heroine’s treatment of the hero left something to be desired and I wasn’t crazy about the third act break-up. All in all, I did enjoy this story and found it a refreshing break from my usual fare, but some aspects could’ve been handled a bit better. This was my first read from this author but I did like her writing enough to check out more of her work.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book! Both main characters, Stone and Gina, are equally enjoyable points of view and relatable in their own ways. I adored them both as individuals and together. There was a great mix of sweet moments and sexy moments between them. The arc of the romance is well-done with plenty of tension throughout and the whole “how could it possibly work” question hangs heavy right up to the perfect moment.

Each plot point hits well and it’s such a delightful read that I gobbled it up in just a few sessions. The ending was totally satisfying. As a romance reader, this ticked all the boxes for me and I’d absolutely recommend it to my reading friends.


Note: I received a free electronic edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to do so.

Alexis Daria can do NO WRONG in my book. One of my favorite authors and I loved getting to read this backlist title of hers, re released. The perfect amount of heart and spice!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book.

As a fan of dancing with the stars this was right up my alley. I thought that the characters were great, and the development individually lead into a wonderful relationship. I thought that the outside circumstances aided the story without distracting from the relationship and personal developments. I was always rooting for the characters.

This is not the first book that I have read by Alexis Daria, and it definitely will not be my last.

This is the story of two reality TV stars that couldn’t be more different. Stone who’s from Alaska is fresh from a reality TV show that he’s done with his family. Gina is a dancer/choreographer. Gina is energetic and bubbly, where Stone is kind of stand-offish and wondering why in the world he agreed to put himself through being in front of the cameras again.
The first time Gina and Stone meet the sexual tension between them is very thick. As the show goes on Gina does everything she can to keep Stone at a distance. She does everything she can yo ignore the attraction she has for Stone, and puts all her concentration into making Stone a phenomenal performer. Stone, tries to ignore the sexual tension, by concentrating on doing what’s right for his family.
Only 4 1/2 stars because I got confused with the time line. There are parts where the words ‘several months’ is said but there has been no real indication as to how much time has passed.
Despite this I still loved the book and will definitely be recommending it to my reading friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment the story opened, Stone swept my heart away. Gina’s snarky humor and zest for life didn’t stand a chance against the gentle giant who was also his family’s rock and protector. I loved seeing Stone break out from the character he was forced to be for his family and rediscover himself. It was inspiring to witness all of Gina’s girl-boss energy at work, making her dreams come true. It was frustrating to me, the way the reality television competition setup played with their emotions. Especially all the times it looked like the outside stressors were going to tear them apart. I adored the ending they were able to make their own, but it was a bit of a rollercoaster to get there. There were so many wonderful friends and supporters that made Stone and Gina’s journey possible, that I’m hoping the author will come back to this world to give us stories about each and every one of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

Uhm, ok I didn’t love this. The authors first two traditionally published novels I really enjoyed and was excited when I saw this book! I didn’t realize until a bit into it that it was just being republished from a few years ago and I do think that her writing has improved since this was first put out.

The relationship developed veryyy quickly in my opinion and we didn’t get as many details about their time together outside of the steamy scenes. I think I would have liked a bit more emotional connection building.

The dance competition aspect of this book and I think that I may pick up the second book with these characters from the library .

Summary
Gina has dreamed of being a dancer her entire life. She is in her 5th season of the ballroom dancing reality show, The Dance Off, and is in it to win it. Her partner is Stone Nielson, from a reality show about a family living off the grid in Alaska. Stone is quiet and stoic... and hot. But Gina needs to win this season to guarantee her contract for next year. She has plans and dreams to be a triple threat talent. Stone is overwhelmed by LA and misses the fresh, open air of Alaska, but Gina sparks something in him and he feels a bond with her. Can these two people from very different worlds open themselves up to each other or are Alaska and Hollywood too far apart for anything real to come out of it?

Review
I adored this story. I was shocked to see it was a rerelease and actually Alexis Daria's first book before You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adios. I originally LOVED Dancing with the Stars when it first started, and watched every season, so it was fun to have a romance set in that world. The other characters, like Natasha, Gina's roommate and best friend, Dimitri the judge, and Kevin the favorite, were all fun to learn about. I really hope a future book is going to cover Natasha. While both Gina and Stone had things in their past they had to work through to move forward, they both grew throughout the story and I really enjoyed.

This was a fun and sexy romance with unforgettable characters, a great take on a reality ballroom dance show, family drama and so much more. Once I started reading I knew that I would not be able to put the book down until I read the last word. I loved the instant attraction and explosive chemistry between professional dancer Gina Morales and Stone Nielson, her celebrity partner who is the sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show. If you enjoy reality dance shows, you will love Take the Lead. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much I purchased a copy to enjoy again later.

4 stars

It's a Dancing with the Stars-esque book, I love books centered around reality competitions probably because I watch so many of them in my spare time.

I really enjoyed this book, though I wish that the romance and characters were more developed but what is there I did enjoy. The largest part of the storyline focused on the dancing but there could have been more description of the dancing. The sex scenes were funny and wish that there were a few more humorous scenes in the book.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, Alexis Daria, and Netgalley, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of drama, spice and good story! Love Alexis Daria's work!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. I previously read Alexis Daria's "You Had me at Hola" and "A lot Like Adios" and really enjoyed them. I love the celebrity and second chance romances and as a fellow Puerto Rican I loved the authentic representation. I didn't know before I picked up this book that "Take the Lead" was a re-release of Daria's debut novel but I could see hints of it while I read. Take the Lead is compulsively readable and very enjoyable. I love a celebrity romance and Daria does a great job here of looking at some of the less glamourous aspects of fame As someone who grew up in the 2000's in the heyday of reality TV, I thought this was an insightful look at the affects of reality TV and how "real" it is or isn't. And of course it still has the steam you have come to love and expect from a Daria romance. The only reason I say you can tell this is actually a debut is that the main characters are slightly less fleshed out than in the Primas of Power series and I found Gina's reason for avoiding the burgeoning romance a bit immature for an adult romance (although I have seen the I got hurt once by a boy at 18 coming up more frequently than I would like). Overall, this is a very enjoyable romance that I would recommend.

I LOVE Dancing with the Stars, so when I read the synopsis of this, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. It was a fun romance.

Gina Morales is a dance professionals on The Dance Off. Her parenter, who is partnered with Stone Nielson, is on a reality show with his family where the live in the wilderness. Gina really needs a win to keep her job and is motived. Stone's mom recently had surgery that resulted in some lofty medical bills, and he is motivated to win for the money.

They have amazing chemistry from the beginning. When they are nudged to have a "fake relationship" to help them win, neither it interested. But things get a bit steamy and maybe they won't actually have to fake that relationship after all!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Alexis Daria never fails to deliver the heat when I read her books. As someone who enjoys reality TV, I couldn't wait to read this. I loved the tension and the chemistry shared by Gina and Stone. I felt like I was in the room, watching them waltz across the floor.

With lovable characters, a competition, and dancing to keep these 2 chest-to-chest, what's not to love??? It's Dancing With the Stars with a romance!

***3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP TO 4 STARS ON GOODREADS***

411...

Gina Morales has BIG dreams when she hops on a seaplane to Alaska to meet her partner in the next season of The Dance Off. In the four season of being a contestant on the show, she has yet to make it to the finals. She's hoping to get paired with an Olympian who is agile and can easily learn the choreography. Who she meets when they dock in Alaska is not what she expected. Tall Rugged Outdoorsman Stone Nielson signed up as a contestant for The Dance Off to help out his family but a dancer he is not. He does however have some experience with reality tv since his parents and siblings are known for their show based on outdoor living in the Alaska wilds. When these two meet and realize just how big the differences are in the lives they're living, they question whether this can workout. To the shows producers, their differences are exactly what makes them the ideal dance couple to have a "Showmance." A storyline to fee the public and get them invested in Gina and Stones on screen chemistry is a tried and tru way to boost up the ratings. Neither one wants to fake a romance but they both have a lot to lose if they don't. For Gina, it's her last shot at fame and really jump starting her career. It's the reason why she left the Bronx and moved to L.A and she doesn't want to throw in the towel just yet. For Stone who is hiding a family secret, this show can grant him the money he needs to help them. This may not be his comfort zone but he's up for the challenge.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...

This was a tandem read between my eGalley copy and audiobook which may be the reason why I didn't rate it a bit higher. It took me a bit to get into the narrators style but I'd say two hours in is when elements of the show started taking off and I started to get into the story. It's fast paced with what can be called instalove but considering the whole setting is this episodic dance show, we get to see Gina and Stone's romance develop along the way. This wouldn't typically work for me but that's because I'm just a slow burn girlie, I actually felt the instalove worked in this story because of its dance show theme. Alexis Daria did her thing with scene and dance descriptions that brought excitement to the page. The competition aspects were woven in perfectly and because some of the dances practiced/performed are sensual, our couple had a ton of close proximity moments where it was just HOT!

As a fellow Latinx woman I loved seeing Gina address the stigma attached to many Latinx women. How in the entertainment industry, Latinx women are often seen as spicy, feisty and seductive. Taking care of her image and maintaining her professionalism is something she takes seriously because of these stigmas. This is definitely a romance but first and foremost we get a strong goal oriented Latina who knows herself and what will make her happiest is this career she's nurtured. Stone is also very true to his roots and Alaska is his home, we see him getting real with himself and redefining his wants/needs. I loved these two together, they're polar opposites yet their differences compliment each other so well. If you love dancing, choreography, and high stakes competition with a big dose of close proximity/steamy scenes then pick this one up!

- opposites attract (city girl & a wilderness boy)
- dance show competition
- instant connection

While this book started out strong for me, I ultimately became very annoying by our main characters. I liked the simple attraction and the way their dance rehearsals brought them closer together. But I didn't ultimately believe in their chemistry and I did not enjoy the 3rd act break-up.

Such a delightful romance story following Gina, a professional dancer, and her partner in her dancing with the stars reality show, Stone, an Alaskan wilderness man. As they get to know each other, sparks fly and they find more than just dancing in common. Loved this one!

Alexis Daria did a really good job at creating a reality tv show setting that seemed reasonably realistic and characters that worked really well in it. I thought that Stone and Gina’s dynamic was really nice, but I wanted more interactions between them that weren’t in front of cameras throughout the whole book. It felt like the miscommunication and avoidable situations were a bit unnecessary, and the conclusion at the end wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been since it felt like a too convenient and sudden change of mind and circumstance. I did really like how Stone grew more confident in himself and comfortable with himself (even though I felt he needed to initiate more of an explicit conversation with his family to address his issues). Overall, it was a nice read and I enjoyed it!

I loved Take the Lead so much!!! I loved the pacing, the romance, the setting, the plot, and the characters. I seriously can't say a single bad thing about this story. I think Gina and Stone's chemistry and friendship was written in such a realistic way and I couldn't wait for them to get together. This was such a feel good story which left me with so much happiness. I highly recommend!

This was a wonderful romance set in a reality dance competition. Stone is the celebrity who is part of another reality show with his parents about living in the wilderness in Alaska, Gina is his dance partner. As soon as they see each other, they know there could be chemistry there but Gina's past and Stone's secret are actively working against there being anything between them. it was a case of will they, won't they and Alexis Daria is a pro at writing loveable Latina protagonists who you can't help but root for.