You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
chronicallybookish 's review for:
Take the Lead
by Alexis Daria
lighthearted
medium-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:
Complicated
Quick Stats
Age Rating: 18+
Spice Level: 3/5
Over All: 4 stars
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
This book is essentially a romance novelization of Dancing With the Stars—and yes, it was as fun as that sounds. I love reality TV romances. They’re drama-packed, fast paced, and always swoony. Take the Lead is no exception.
The one thing that kept me from fully enjoying this book, is that I felt that the connection between Stone and Gina was significantly more sexual in nature than it ever was emotional. The author spent so much time focusing on that sexual chemistry and spicy scenes, that the scenes in which the characters were emotionally bonding often got cut short by sex. I understand that Gina was doing this purposefully, in order to protect herself. However because of this, and the singular focus on sex in their relationship, I was never able to be sold on their emotional connection. I wanted to root for them, but I was never convinced they had anything particularly special in their relationship outside of good chemistry.
I enjoyed both Gina and Stone as individuals. I think they were great characters, with convincing goals and motivations on their own. I loved watching them each grow as characters, come into their own, achieve their dreams. And Alexis Daria is fantastic at writing about fame and reality television. The appeal, the pitfalls, the reality of reality TV. This book felt even more convincing than You Had Me at Hola, and that one was one of the most convincing portrayals of the entertainment industry that I’ve read.
This is a really good book, with two solid leads, a fun hook, and a not insignificant amount of spice. I definitely intend to pick up the sequel when the revised edition is released, and I do recommend this book, and Alexis Daria as an author.
Age Rating: 18+
Spice Level: 3/5
Over All: 4 stars
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
This book is essentially a romance novelization of Dancing With the Stars—and yes, it was as fun as that sounds. I love reality TV romances. They’re drama-packed, fast paced, and always swoony. Take the Lead is no exception.
The one thing that kept me from fully enjoying this book, is that I felt that the connection between Stone and Gina was significantly more sexual in nature than it ever was emotional. The author spent so much time focusing on that sexual chemistry and spicy scenes, that the scenes in which the characters were emotionally bonding often got cut short by sex. I understand that Gina was doing this purposefully, in order to protect herself. However because of this, and the singular focus on sex in their relationship, I was never able to be sold on their emotional connection. I wanted to root for them, but I was never convinced they had anything particularly special in their relationship outside of good chemistry.
I enjoyed both Gina and Stone as individuals. I think they were great characters, with convincing goals and motivations on their own. I loved watching them each grow as characters, come into their own, achieve their dreams. And Alexis Daria is fantastic at writing about fame and reality television. The appeal, the pitfalls, the reality of reality TV. This book felt even more convincing than You Had Me at Hola, and that one was one of the most convincing portrayals of the entertainment industry that I’ve read.
This is a really good book, with two solid leads, a fun hook, and a not insignificant amount of spice. I definitely intend to pick up the sequel when the revised edition is released, and I do recommend this book, and Alexis Daria as an author.