Take the Lead- A Dance Off Novel by Alexis Daria
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Web ID: 16835984Loved it! Lots of chemistry
**I received a copy of the book through NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.** As soon as I finished reading, I had to berate myself for waiting so long to read it. Saying mood reader problems explains most of it but it's also that I'm not much of a fan of mixing reality tv or even tv competitions with my books. Daria brings the heat with this one with two individuals who find passion in and out of the dance floor. Gina and Stone appear to be opposites when they first meet. She's a city girl and Stone is from the Alaskan wild, but they are going to be dance partners in a tv competition. They ooze chemistry, but Gina is determined to avoid it to ensure her dancing skills get the attention instead of a potential romance with her partner. I admired Gina's commitment to her job and trying to move her career forward. I appreciated the inclusion of combatting sterotypes as one of Gina's motivations--this is a battle I completely understand. It brought additional depth to Gina's character and to the overall story. While Gina made a lot of valid arguments for why the romance was something she needed to keep under wraps, I also felt bad for Stone. It didn't mean she felt any less for him, but it also meant they couldn't freely express how much they cared for each other, which I wanted more of. Let's also be honest, women usually usually end up more scrutinized than men when something of this nature happens. It's hard to not want to keep it away from prying eyes. I completely understood Gina's inner turmoil. The book is sexy and their chemistry is sizzling hot. Both characters are fleshed out, but it was Gina I easily connected to. I liked this one more than I thought I would and definitely recommend it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Imagine”Dancing with the Stars”but romance story
4.5 rating Imagine the show, “Dancing With the Stars”, but make it into a book with a Puerto Rican female lead, a survivalist hunky man, the behind the scenes drama that follows reality television, and more! Gina Morales had always been on the reality television show called, “The Dance Off”, a dancing competition where professional dancers were paired with celebrities. In the seasons that Gina had been on the show, she had yet to win the trophy. Now, with Gina learning this could be her final time on the show, she’s more determined than ever to show everyone she’s got what it takes to win the competition. With Stone as Gina’s partner, it was an opposites attract dynamic that they couldn’t deny, but due to their individual goals, had to put their lustful thoughts/ feelings in the background. This was my first time reading a book by Alexis Daria, and I was so interested to start with this book. I kid you not, I would always see this book in the store, online, or just any of Alexis Daria’s books in general, and finally decided I had to read this book. Especially with the premise of a dancing competition combined with an opposite’s attract romance, I was excited to see what would unravel in this story! Also while I’m not Puerto Rican (I’m Latina; Mexican) I loved reading about Gina’s background and reading some of the phases that I know. Kind of hoped that this book was written in dual p.o.v. but I still enjoyed reading it nonetheless. The way that Gina and Stone were together was like a simmering heat that just kept building and building over the course of the story. I would say that in terms of Gina and Stone in the beginning of the book, it seemed like instant attraction between the two. Gina and Stone equally found the other attractive, and couldn’t help the occasional daydream about what more they could do if there was potentially a shot at something more, but with the high stakes of the competition they’d immediately shove those feelings right back into the closet. I also loved seeing how Stone couldn’t help feeling protective over Gina from the way kept an eye on her when they went on dancing with the rest of the cast of the show to even making sure Gina was ok after the bear incident in the beginning (*despite the beat incident being set up by Stone’s producer smh). I’m not much of a dancer, but even I could tell the tension building between Gina and Stone in their dance rehearsals were steamy. Nothing beats seeing two characters feel a mutual attraction between them, and yet Gina and Stone kept their distance as to keep focus on their own goals while competing on, “The Dance Off”. I found it so interesting the way Gina choreographed the dances to tell a story which at the end of the day, dancing is a form of express that was fully illustrated throughout the story. The thing that was even more intriguing was the way how Gina and Stone were able to communicate their emotions through dancing. The dancing aspect of the story played a major role aside from participating in a dancing competition, but also seeing Stone take on the new challenge of learning to dance, and Gina showing him the ropes. I also found it endearing the way that Stone was always cautious/ worried about potentially hurting Gina since he was a lot bigger and taller than she was (Stone was 6’7 whereas Gina was 5’6), but once Gina set him straight and assured him she wasn’t fragile, Stone was capable of a lot more in his moves. Stone was so respectful of her. He knew he was big and burly, and since their first meeting, he'd done everything in his power not to frighten her again. Sweet, sweet man. Also the way that the dances were layered with so much sensuality and passion from Gina and Stone’s chemistry was fantastic! Even I couldn’t get enough of it, and I was mentally screaming in my head, “OMG YOU BOTH LIKE EACH OTHER! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!” Correction, as soon as I thought those words, Gina and Stone DID SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR CONNECTION! The blooming romance between Stone and Gina became passionate and all consuming as they couldn’t get enough of each other! The chemistry between Gina and Stone was palpable during their rehearsals, but once things got intimate between them, their attraction skyrocketed into a whole new level of steamy romance! I loved seeing the softer side of Stone when he was with Gina. Stone was always portrayed as the serious/ silent type on his family’s reality tv show, but being around Gina he was able to feel more comfortable, and be a bit more playful and talkative than he normally was. Plus, seeing the way Stone couldn’t help but wanting to have Gina in his arms all the time or having to hold himself back from being affectionate during rehearsals truly made me swoon over him. In a way, Stone kind of reminded me of, “he’s a cinnamon roll” trope especially since you normally wouldn’t picture this 6’7 tall beautiful stoic looking Viking man to be the type of man who would actually be so endearing and sweet! Aside from the dancing aspect of the storyline, I really loved Stone and Gina’s romance. Stone was portrayed as a strong, silent type on his family’s television show, but with Gina he was able to be vulnerable. Gina was a strong force as well with her strong work ethic and commitment to her dancing career, she was inspiring. I loved seeing the romance unfold between Stone and Gina because, with their opposite lifestyles, you wouldn’t have thought they’d be together, but with their individual personalities they each brought out something special in the other. As much as I had fun reading about how Gina taught Stone each dance style through out the competition, my favorite part was how they easily became comfortable around each other, and how sweet they were. Basically, the romance was spot on, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of Stone and Gina! Overall, such a fun read! Stone and Gina were easily lovable characters, and I loved them together! This book reminded me of the show, “Dancing with the Stars”, kind of vibe and that’s exactly what I pictured while reading. With a heavy focus on the musicality, precision, and emotional focus that goes along in dancing, Gina and Stone gave it their all in order to win the competition. Stone was everything I could have wanted in a male lead from not only being physically strong, tall, gorgeous, but also endearing, sweet, protective, and dreamy! Gina was equally strong and kind with her spirit and determination she was making moves in her career, but also maintaining her kindness towards others despite working in an industry where not everyone was nice. The romance between Stone and Gina was passionate! The spice in this book caught me off guard, but I loved it! Stone and Gina’s chemistry was so noticeable throughout the story and I couldn’t get enough of it. The way the story went from Gina and Stone meeting each other for the first time to the way it ended with them getting their happy ending, and starting their new chapter in their relationship was so rewarding to see. I also loved seeing how in the epilogue, Gina and Stone were thriving in the careers while still finding the time to enjoy their new home together! Definitely looking forward to reading more books by Alexis Daria. If you want to read a book that has lots of diversity, Puerto Rican representation, strong, lovable characters, romance, passionate spice, and heartfelt moments, you’ll love this book!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Sweet & Spicy Romance
Gina and Stone have a lot at stake in The Dance Off! While they come from very different backgrounds, they have a strong connection and chemistry between them. But they also have secrets between them and those can be dangerous. As they prepare for the competition, they may encounter challenges due to their different personalities and ways of approaching things. However, they may also be able to learn from each other and find ways to complement each other's strengths. Gina's job and Stone's family both depend on their success in the competition, so the pressure is on. However, if they are able to work together and support each other, they may be able to overcome any obstacles and come out on top. Of course, there are forces at play in the show that cause issues and the paparazzi also gets in their heads. It's a mental game as much as a physical one. Ultimately, The Dance Off will be a test of their skills and their ability to work together as a team. If they can channel their chemistry into a winning performance, they may be able to achieve their goals and come out on top. The real test will be to see if their hearts can survive. I thought this was a sweet and somewhat spicy book. The characters were likable and easy to cheer for. I'll be interested to see how the rest of this series is. Thank you to NetGalley for this complimentary copy. I chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fantastic romance
Take the Lead is the story of Gina and Stone- one a professional dancer by trade and one an Alaskan survivalist. They couldn’t be more different- at least on the surface. When both are cast in a celebrity dance competition, they must team up to make it to the finals. While Stone wants the money for his family medical bills, Gina’s career and professional reputation is on the line. As they grow closer, they find it harder to stay apart. But the competition is cutthroat and they must decide how far they will go to make it to the finals. I loved Take the Lead!! This is my new favorite from Alexis Daria. This book combined a steamy, emotional romance with the energy of a dance competition where you can’t look away. I loved both Stone and Gina, who are incredible characters with strong convictions. I really appreciated how Gina was so determined to have a career and stellar reputation that she was proud of. Meanwhile, Stone has a strong dedication to his family and also must learn when a sacrifice is too much. They had some amazing chemistry, which flourished when combined with vivid dance scenes. I felt like the tension was always well-maintained and it was difficult to put this book down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Looking forward to whatever Alexis Daria writes next.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A great book!
I received this ARC for an honest review. This is the first book I have read from Alexis Daria, and it won’t be the last. Alexis Daria is a must read author! Alexis Daria knows how to get the reader invested in the story. You feel a connection with the characters. This story is about Stone and Gina. Stone is famous from being on a reality show with his family about living in Alaska and Gina is a dance choreographer and teacher on the reality show “Dance Off”. Stone is reluctant to be on the show, but agrees because his family needs the money to pay off his mother’s hip surgery. Gina is determined to finally win and use that win to further her dancing career. The chemistry between the two is off the charts since the beginning. But will Gina stick to her rule to never get involved with a co-worker or will she put caution in the wind? I’m not telling because you have to read the book. I know this a re-write, so I can’t give you comparison between the two books. I can only say I’m glad I gave Alexis Daria a try. It’s well written and has a good flow. Alexis Daria’s characters are multidimensional and grow through the story. I highly recommend to give the book a try. You won’t be disappointed.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fabulous swoony romance
Alexis Daria is officially on the auto-buy author list for me. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of reality TV and steamy contemporary romance. It has a fabulous cinnamon roll love interest in a fish out of water situation as a season guest star on the reality Dance Off competition, a fierce, earnest professional dancer, and a strong cast of siblings, rival coworkers, and friends to round out the characters. I just loved Gina and Stone right from the start. They have fantastic chemistry and loved that we get both of their POVs. This book is fast-paced, and I devoured it in two sittings. I really loved everything about it.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fun and flirty dance competition romance
This read was a fun and flirty dance competition romance. I loved that this friends to lovers story included some juicy drama and gossip and spicy moments. If you are a fan of reality tv shows, than this a read for you.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Entertaining Contemporary Romance
Take The Lead is a fun contemporary romance by Alexis Daria. Ms. Daria has crafted a well-written book and populated it with a phenomenal cast of characters. Gina is a professional dancer on The Dance Off show, where couples compete with one pro dancer and one non-pro dancer. Stone and his family are on a reality tv show and he's selected to be Gina's partner for the upcoming competition. Stone and Gina's story is packed with humor, drama, angst, sizzle and backstabbing. I didn't think I'd enjoy a dance show book but the characters in this one made me a fan. Take The Lead is book 1 of the Dance Off Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com