REVIEW: Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria: Stone Nielson loved living in Alaska but hated being in the spotlight of Living Wild, his family’s survivalist reality TV show. He despises all the secrets necessary for the show and drama the producers want. To help with his mother’s medical bills, he joined The Dance Off, a dance competition reality show, as one of the celebrities during its fourteenth season. He didn’t expect his dance partner to be so attractive however he has no desire to be the show’s romantic couple.

This was professional dancer Gina Morales fifth season on The Dance Off show and she was hoping to be partnered with a celebrity so she could win the show. Someone like an Olympian, not a strong, serious Alaskan survivalist man. She quickly realizes the producers have paired her up with Stone hoping for a showmance. She has no intention of allowing that to happen since it would put her entire career at risk.

Stone was tired of all the secrets needed to keep the show going and missed his previous life as an engineer in Juneau. Dancing with Gina brought out the side of him he had been hiding for years. He felt like he could be himself with her and enjoy life again. Gina refused to do the showmance because she didn’t want to be labeled as the “hot Latino dancer” and becoming involved with another member of the show could hurt her career. But her job is on the line when the producer says her contract is in danger of being renewed if she doesn’t make it into the final round.

Take the Lead is the first book in the A Dance Off series. The characters and the storyline were entertaining and had depth. Gina and Stone’s cute meet was original and gave us a good look at their personalities. I loved watching Gina and Stone’s slow-burn relationship develop as the competition progressed. Although I think the romance side of the book was short compared to the emphasis placed on the competition events. I would have loved to see more interactions between Gina and Stone. Overall, it was a cute and fun romance to start off the series with.

Book Info:

Publication: February 14, 2023 | St. Martin’s Griffin | Dance Off #1

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?