Take the Lead
RATING: 5 Stars (★★★★★)
SPICE LEVEL: 5 Spicy Peppers (🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶)
DISCLOSURE: I was given a free copy of Take the Lead from St. Martins Press as a Latinx influencer (I’m Cuban-American).
Author: Alexis Daria
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Is it on KU?: Nope, but I LOVE this book, so it’s 100% worth it.
TW: Latine stereotypes
Tropes:
↠ Hollywood Set (Inspired by Dancing with the Stars)
↠ Forced Proximity
↠ Puerto Rican Dancer & Alaskan Wilderness Star
↠ Height Difference (Dude is 6’5)
When I saw this cover, I thought, “Selena Gomez and Thor find love!” All jokes aside, I was interested to read the updated first book from one of my favorite authors, Alexis Daria. I had never heard of her series, The Dance-Off, and boy, was I in for a wonderful surprise! This book has all the behind-the-scenes drama of You Had Me at Hola with the softest male lead. Stone is literally the sweetest, and there is something so comforting about how he acts in this book. He knows that by his height alone (he’s 6’5), he scares people, so he is even more inclined to approach Gina, the female lead, gently. The emphasis on consent is crucial in ballroom dance. Alexis Daria has proven once again that consent is sexy. Take the Lead is a new favorite, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to tiptoe into the lovely world of romance!
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?
Buy the Book:
If you like my content, please use the affiliate links. I get a small affiliate commission from each.
