Reviews

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

annabel_jacobs's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is a nice, warm, generic romance. The plot was predictable, but fun. I didn’t connect with either MC so I didn’t think there was an emotional depth to their romance. It wasn’t bad, just kinda bland. Had I read this book 3-4 years ago I probably would’ve enjoyed it more. But the lack of emotional connection between characters left me wanting more.
I usually like celeb romances but this book was more tell and not show.
I get annoyed when characters make obvious stupid mistakes and then are surprised when something doesn’t go there way. This book had a couple of those instances and for that reason I’m giving it 3 stars

mushmysteriesandmore's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read this book in 24 hours.  It was the kind of book that had me staying up way past bedtime because I was just so invested in Stone and Gina, their romance, and also their progress in the Dance Off competition.  As a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing, many aspects of the dancing competition were so familiar to me.  

I loved how the author blended the right amount of competition detail with scenes of them outside of the reality show.  Their budding romance, hidden from the cameras and the public, was sweet and burning in equal measure as well.  I’ve always been a sucker for the big guy paired with the petite female.  I know it’s not very feminist of me (hey shoot me) but I love the protective big dude, taking care of the delicate female.

Stone was a big outdoor mountain man type guy but he was also very sensitive, sweet and caring and had some great dance moves.  Gina was a great advocate for the sensual and fiery Latina, yet the author instilled some integrity and values, refusing to make her the stereotypical ‘red-blooded’ Latina and she valued her family and self-esteem over being forced into a role just for the TV cameras.

 

cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars

This sounded interesting, fun with diverse characters thrown into a reality TV show. There were cute and sweet moments I enjoyed but overall it just didn't work for me. That said, I am looking forward to reading the next book.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

cristyt31's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

kimberlyy_'s review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

annrouhani's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

freadomlibrary's review

4.0

I received an e-ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Trigger warnings: abandonment, surgery, injury, medical debt, lying

TAKE THE LEAD is an adult contemporary romance set in the world of reality tv. It follows Gina, a veteran dancer on a ballroom competition show who is hoping to finally earn the coveted trophy. Her plans go awry when she learns her producers are trying to set her up for a showmance with her reality tv survivalist partner, Stone. Neither of them wants to follow along with the ruse, but their chemistry and attraction to each other could change their plans.

All I can say about this book is FINALLY! I am so happy to have finally read a Latinx romance that I actually really love. I really liked Gina as a character, her integrity and passion jumps off the page and makes her such a great protagonist. Stone is the mountain man of my dreams. He’s so earnest and sweet. I wish the romance would’ve developed differently, it was hard not to feel like it was doomed from the start. But I really enjoyed the ending! I really hope the second book in the series gets re-released because I would jump on it. Definitely recommend this book!

christinescorner's review

5.0

🌶 | kinda hard to think of what trope but they were strangers who were paired up for a dance reality show 

5 stars for this for how unique the story is and was actually written well 

allhdvm's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this story. I've never watched one of the dancing competition shows, but after reading this I am very intrigued. Stone is a giant cinnamon roll, and Gina is a consumate professional who is trying to fight stereotypes. He wants to do right by her, and she fights her growing attraction in an effort to remain professional. We know how that goes.

There is an appropriate amount of steam, and it is steamy! My only critique is that the narrator of the audio sounded pretty stiff through the steamy bits, making it feel a bit perfunctory.

I would read this author again!

idk_indigo's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Cute little love story :)