Dance Off #1
New cover!
One of the Best Romances of 2017
— Entertainment Weekly and The Washington Post
2018 RITA® Award Winner for Best First Book
Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus
Library Reads Pick for February 2023
“A sparkling debut.” —Entertainment Weekly
“Vibrantly written.” —The Washington Post
“Very spicy.” —Cosmopolitan
Welcome to The Dance Off…
From Alexis Daria, USA Today bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola, comes a “very spicy” (Cosmopolitan) romance set against the backdrop of a reality dance competition.
After four lackluster seasons on The Dance Off, Gina Morales is determined to make it to the finals this time around. When she’s whisked off to the wilds of Alaska to meet her new celebrity partner, she prays for a winter Olympian. Instead, she gets Stone Nielson, a strong, silent, and ridiculously sexy survivalist. Which is a problem, because the only thing Gina won’t do to win is fake a showmance for the cameras…and that’s exactly what her producers want.
Stone dreads relocating to Los Angeles almost as much as he fears revealing the truth behind his family’s own hit show, Living Wild. Little by little, though, his vivacious dance partner drags him out of his shell, and soon, he’ll do anything to help Gina reach her goals – even burlesque. But as much as they try to hide their developing romance, Gina and Stone’s explosive chemistry on and off the dance floor is unmistakable. With the spotlight threatening to expose all their secrets, they’ll have to decide if the real prize is the trophy, or a shot at true love.
Listen to Take the Lead in audiobook!
Praise for TAKE THE LEAD
⭐ 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
⭐ 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
[Gina and Stone’s] romance is believable, emotional, and hot—everything you want from a story about dance partners!
—Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author, Oprah Magazine
As irresistible and sexy as a Bad Bunny song.
—Adriana Herrera, USA Today 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
This is a case of extreme opposites attracting: Gina is a hilarious city girl, and Stone is a stoic mountain man with a secret. Together, they are outrageously sexy. 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, Washington Post
Take the Lead is everything I look for in a romance—lovable and layered characters, sizzling chemistry, and a charming and authentic voice. I loved it!
—Sonali Dev, USA Today bestselling author
Come for the spot-on descriptions of the paso doble and the outrageous dance competition costumes, stay for the heartfelt romance about two people breaking down their barriers to forge a genuine connection in a world where reality is the furthest thing from it. … Daria’s story of this behind-the-scenes romance is a perfect ten.
—Entertainment Weekly
A fun and flirty romance with a wonderful cast of characters. Perfect for fans of Dancing with the Stars!
—Library Reads February 2023 Pick, Tristan Draper, Dekalb Public Library, Dekalb, IL
Do not miss Take the Lead by Alexis Daria… [Stone and Gina’s] sexy secret romance is tested not just by the crazy world of reality TV, but also by that classic obstacle to HEA — reality.
—Maya Rodale, USA Today bestselling author, NPR
As the chemistry sizzles…Daria brings humor and colorful detail to each scene.
—Booklist
This 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. This is definitely going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship…between Alexis and my wallet.
—Book Riot
A ballroom dance competition is a beehive of activity and emotion, and the intensity of that environment is conveyed very well in the first entry of the Dance Off duology… Gina and Stone are a lovable couple who make it easy to root for them.
—RT Book Reviews
Alexis Daria 