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BOOKWORM REVIEW: Take the Lead by Alexis Daria


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

What a fun book! As a fan of Dancing with the Stars (and I may follow the UK version Strictly Come Dancing as well), I was really excited to dive into this read and it did not disappoint.

Gina Morales is ready to win The Dance-Off. Four seasons of persevering through losing in the early rounds, she is more than ready to get the trophy. Her chance might come sooner than she expected when she gets paired up with a gorgeous Alaskan survivalist. That is until she discovers that they want her in a showmance with her hot partner.

Stone Nielson is not thrilled to be in a dancing competition, but he's doing it for his family and getting exposure for their show. What started out as awkward becomes more intriguing as Stone and Gina get closer and learn more about each other. Soon, their showmance blurs the line between real and fake.

Before I dive into reviewing the story, can I just say how much I love the diversity in this read? The FMC is Puerto Rican, and we get so much great representation among the other characters. I particularly enjoy that the diversity is not lip service, either. Alexis Daria dives into Gina's culture and weaves it seamlessly into the story.

Now - Gina and Stone. Their connection was so much fun to read from beginning to end. Their meet-cute sparks a nice sizzle that eventually ignites into a muy caliente flame. The physical chemistry is well supplemented by the emotional connection. I love that Gina and Stone mutually lift each other, especially when it comes to their own personal problems. 

If you are a Dancing with the Stars fan or just love a great romance read, this is a fun, engaging book to pick up. I believe it is a new edition of the book published in 2017 and is the first in the series. I cannot wait to dive into the subsequent books.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Alexis Daria, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

From Alexis Daria, author of the critically acclaimed, international bestseller You Had Me at Hola, comes a fun, sexy romance set against a reality dance show.

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?

MEET ALEXIS DARIA

Alexis Daria is the award-winning and international bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola, A Lot Like Adiós, What the Hex, and more. Her books have been featured on several “Best of” lists from outlets like Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Buzzfeed, and Washington Post, and have received starred reviews from trade publications like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal. A former visual artist, Alexis is a lifelong New Yorker who loves Broadway musicals and pizza. Her next release, a special edition of her debut novel Take the Lead, will be available in print for the first time in early 2023.

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