Take the Lead (Dance Off, #1) in Around the Year in 52 Books

Feb 05, 2018 CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, diversity, ownvoices

Amazon recommended this title to me under "interracial romance", and this was a Kindle impulse buy that worked out really well for me. It's been awhile since I've read a romance novel I so thoroughly enjoyed, from diverse, realistic yet likable characters to a setting that felt real. Granted, I have no actual experience to contrast to Daria's descriptions of the behind-the-scenes reality TV world--but it felt real. Just confirming my suspicions of the reality TV world wasn't the primary accompli Amazon recommended this title to me under "interracial romance", and this was a Kindle impulse buy that worked out really well for me. It's been awhile since I've read a romance novel I so thoroughly enjoyed, from diverse, realistic yet likable characters to a setting that felt real. Granted, I have no actual experience to contrast to Daria's descriptions of the behind-the-scenes reality TV world--but it felt real. Just confirming my suspicions of the reality TV world wasn't the primary accomplishment, though--this story got me to see how normal, likable people might end up working on them. To see the humanity behind the skillfully manipulated facades in the media and on the shows.
I'm not into "mountain men" like Stone, or men with long hair and beards and man buns--but this book made me really like Stone, to sympathize with the struggles he faced, and to root for his relationship with Gina. And Gina--I loved Gina. Charming and energetic and driven and kind and professional and so guarded with her heart. Both characters had baggage they carried with them, from family and from previous relationships, but they did the best they could to be good people in good relationships despite the weight they carried. I also liked that Gina had a good support network--family that cared and accepted her for herself, and a bestie who was there for her, not just for talking about boys, but for drinking and dancing and mourning and making comfort food and living life. Natasha and Gina had a rich, strong relationship that was refreshing to see in a romance novel, as was the matter-of-fact depiction of their Puerto Rican culture.
I'll admit that the conflicts could have been resolved a lot earlier if they main characters had just TALKED HONESTLY. but that's kinda true to life, sadly. And the ending did wrap up a little too neatly and easily. It was a nice ending. Just a bit too convenient.
Overall just a really fun, engaging, charmingly realistic read. I've already bought the second book in this series, and can't wait to read it. I hope there will be more books too.
If you need a fun read to take your mind off stress, but reflect a real, diverse world, and the issues that come with living in it, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. ...more

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Jan 03, 2023 Darrah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

*I was given an e-ARC of this book by NetGalley in return for my honest opinion*

Honestly, give me anything written by Alexis Daria and I will gobble it up. Take the Lead was no exception. This was such a fun premise and I enjoyed the antics that ensued while we ramped up to our inevitable romantic coupling. I would die for Stone and Gina and I can't wait to read the rest of the Dance With Me series. ...more

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