Take the Lead: A Dance Off Novel

by Alexis Daria

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

This novel was originally published as an ebook original in 2017, won a RITA award in 2018 – and is now in print … you know what we’re going to say, "No one puts Take the Lead in a corner." Let this novel sweep you off your feet as it did ours!

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?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250817969
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/14/2023
Series:	A Dance Off Novel , #1
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	315,661
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

ALEXIS DARIA writes stories about successful Latinx characters and their (occasionally messy) familias. Her debut Take the Lead won the 2018 RITA® Award for “Best First Book” and her book You Had Me at Hola is a national bestseller, Target Diverse Book Club Pick, and New York Times Editor’s Choice Pick. Alexis is a lifelong New Yorker who loves Broadway musicals and pizza.

Editorial Reviews

★ 10/17/2022

Bestseller Daria (A Lot Like Adiós) brings heat to the dance floor in this delightful rom-com about reality TV stars who find love during a celebrity dance competition. Idealistic professional dancer Gina Morales, 27, dreams of being a star. Despite four seasons of the Dancing with the Stars–esque TV show The Dance Off under her belt, she’s never made it to the finals. But Gina has high hopes for her new partner: handsome and impossibly ripped Stone Nielson, the reluctant star of an Alaskan wilderness show. Stone hates reality TV and is only doing The Dance Off to help his parents through a rough patch, but working with Gina makes him realize his love of dance. Neither is interested in a showmance, but as Stone’s gruff exterior melts in the face of Gina’s bubbly personality, the pair can’t deny their explosive chemistry both on and off stage. When the paparazzi catch on to their burgeoning relationship, Gina and Stone must decide what to prioritize: their careers and a shot at the trophy or a chance at true love. The structure of the competition keeps the pages flying, and Daria does a fantastic job making the thrilling dance routines jump and twirl off the page. Add in the protagonists’ opposite personalities and fiery attraction, and this whirlwind romance scores a 10 out of 10. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

"Daria creates a rich, multilayered romance for Stone and Gina. They are different in every way, which requires honest communication and true sacrifice in order to achieve a happily-ever-after. The description of their dancing is joyful, sexy, and mimics the trust and intimacy they develop as partners and lovers. This perfect romance will dance its way into the reader's heart." - Kirkus, Starred Review

"Bestseller Daria (A Lot Like Adiós) brings heat to the dance floor in this delightful rom-com about reality TV stars who find love during a celebrity dance competition…The structure of the competition keeps the pages flying, and Daria does a fantastic job making the thrilling dance routines jump and twirl off the page. Add in the protagonists’ opposite personalities and fiery attraction, and this whirlwind romance scores a 10 out of 10. " —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"As the chemistry sizzles between them against the fun background of the dance show, Daria brings humor and colorful detail to each scene." - Booklist

A 2018 RITA® winner for Best First Book!

“A sparkling debut.” —Entertainment Weekly

“Vibrantly written.” —The Washington Post

"As irresistible and sexy as a Bad Bunny song." —Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author

"Filled with a collection of intriguing characters, this is a light, vibrantly written romance from an author who clearly adores the world she’s developed — and the characters she’s matched." –Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author

"Believable, emotional, and hot—everything you want from a story about dance partners!" –Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author

“Stone and Gina’s chemistry leaps off the pages in a story filled with grit, humor, passion, and heart. A must-read!” –Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man

"Do not miss Take the Lead." —USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale

"Take the Lead is everything I look for in a romance—lovable and layered characters, sizzling chemistry, and a charming and authentic voice." — Sonali Dev, author of A Bollywood Affair

“A ballroom dance competition is a beehive of activity and emotion…as locations change the passion of the competition flares higher. Gina and Stone are a lovable couple who make it easy to root for them.” — RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“It was an emotional rollercoaster…[TAKE THE LEAD] is Alexis Daria’s debut novel and boy…I can’t wait for more from her. The feelings just jump off the page; the dance scenes are vivid.” — Bookriot

"[Alexis Daria]'s one to watch." — POPSUGAR

"A story I could not put down." — Books 2 Blog

"This book was addictive. I can't wait to read more from this author." — Booklovers Hangout

"[Gina and Stone] had so much personality, chemistry, and some serious dance moves. Their emotional connection had me on a roller coaster of emotion and Alexis Daria does a fantastic job conveying it all through their dancing." — Happily Ever After Book Nerd

"A sizzling and fun romp through the world of dance competition reality shows." — Meags.net

"A delectably charming book." — The Librarian's Corner

"Fun and sexy with the right balance of fight and conflict, Take the Lead is a strong, satisfying series opener and debut from Alexis Daria," — Vanilla & Spice Books

"Take the Lead by Alexis Daria is perfect. PER.FECT...a 5 star romance." — TBQ's Book Palace

"One of the best romances of the year." — Badnecklace Unclasped

From the Publisher

★ 2022-12-14
Unlikely dance partners fall in love while filming a reality TV show.

Gina Morales has completed four seasons as a professional dancer on the popular reality dance show The Dance Off, and this season, she’s determined to win it all. Gina is confident in her dancing skills, but she knows courting the viewers is a key element in making it to the finals. All she needs is a little luck landing the perfect partner, a person who can both dance and charm fans into voting for them. Gina is spirited away to Alaska to meet her new partner, Stone Nielson. He is the star of his family’s reality TV show set in the Alaskan wilderness. Stone considers himself an outdoorsman, not a dancer, but his parents ask him to appear on The Dance Off in an effort to help revive the family’s flagging brand. Gina and Stone are irresistibly attracted to each other, but Gina is determined to keep things professional. Her contract explicitly forbids the producers from forcing her into a “showmance”; she wants to avoid being stereotyped as a sexy, sassy Latina. When they get to Los Angeles for filming, instead of hating the hustle and bustle of city life, Stone finally has the space to be himself. He admires Gina’s strength of character, especially since he feels trapped in the lies meant to protect the reputation of his seemingly perfect family. Daria creates a rich, multilayered romance for Stone and Gina. They are different in every way, which requires honest communication and true sacrifice in order to achieve a happily-ever-after. The description of their dancing is joyful, sexy, and mimics the trust and intimacy they develop as partners and lovers.

This perfect romance will dance its way into the reader's heart.

Kirkus Reviews