What inspired you to use a dancing theme for a romance series? Do you enjoy dancing?
While I am not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination, I’ve always loved watching dance movies (“dansicals,” I call them), and I’m a big fan of Dancing with the Stars. Dance tells a story through movement and has the power to touch the viewer emotionally, and I admire the hard work and dedication that goes into being a professional dancer. That combined with the high-pressure world of a reality TV dance competition made for a fun and challenging setting for a romance series.
In TAKE THE LEAD, you also have the main characters involved in reality TV. Are you a fan? If so, which shows or types of reality shows?
I’ve definitely watched more than my fair share of reality shows! When I watch, I play a game to spot the metaphorical hand of the producer manipulating the storyline and try to guess what’s real and what’s manufactured. But for the most part I prefer shows where the participants go on (what seems to be) a genuine inner growth journey, which is why I like Dancing with the Stars. It’s not about the dancing so much as it is watching people improve every week and embrace vulnerability. I also like makeover shows and home organizing shows for the same reason. The idea for Stone and his family, on the other hand, came from watching way too many wilderness survival shows back in the days before streaming services.
What motivates your two main characters?
Gina Morales, a professional dancer, wants to WIN. She’s motivated by ambition and the desire to prove herself in an industry that would sooner pigeonhole or ignore her. Stone Nielson, a wilderness survivalist and one of seven kids, is motivated by helping the people he loves. So when he finally sets his sights on winning the competition, it’s only because he wants to help Gina get what SHE wants.
How would you describe the dynamic between Gina and Stone?
There’s an immediate attraction between Gina and Stone, but they’re from completely different worlds and both have reasons not to act on that attraction. When they dance, however, the chemistry between them is explosive and undeniable. At first, their dynamic involves Gina coaxing Stone out of his shell, but as they grow closer, he’s the one who helps her open up more. They have a great partnership, on and off the dance floor.
How involved are any supporting characters in either helping or hindering the blossoming yet unexpected romance between Gina and Stone?
Gina’s best friend and roommate, Natasha, guesses early on that there’s a secret romance brewing. She’s in favor of Gina doing whatever makes her happy, but she’s also in her friend’s corner when things take a turn. Meanwhile, there’s a producer who’s trying to push Gina into a “showmance” with Stone, which Gina adamantly opposes. No fake dating for this dancer!
What is your favorite part of writing a romance?
My favorite part of writing a romance is finding the voices of the main characters through dialogue. Their dynamic first comes to me in snippets of conversation and banter, and those exchanges help me develop the characters further—their dreams, their fears, the pivotal moments in their pasts, and their underlying limiting beliefs. These exercises are what turn them into real people for me, and the story flows from there.
Any favorite authors or specific books?
Some romance (or romance-adjacent) standouts from the last few years that have really stuck with me are:
- The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
- You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
- Big Chicas Don’t Cry by Annette Chavez Macias
- Seoulmates by Susan Lee
- Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
- The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe
- Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Plus I’ll read anything by Sarah MacLean, Adriana Herrera, Priscilla Oliveras, Emily Henry, and CL Polk. I’m also a big audiobook listener, and I recently enjoyed the Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas and the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells in audio.
At the moment, I’m listening to After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez and it’s amazing! Sexy and heartfelt, with complicated characters and a rich, layered story that dives into what it means to be Mexican-American with a long family history in the United States.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently editing Along Came Amor, the third and final book in my Primas of Power series that started with You Had Me at Hola. Can’t wait for Ava’s story to be out in the world!
A Dance Off Novel
Gina Morales wants to win. It’s her fifth season on The Dance Off, a top-rated network TV celebrity dance competition, and she’s never even made it to the finals. When she meets her latest partner, she sees her chance. He's handsome, rippling with muscles, and he stars on the popular Alaskan wilderness reality show Living Wild. With his sexy physique and name recognition, she thinks he’s her ticket to the finals—until she realizes they’re being set up.
Stone Nielson hates Los Angeles, he hates reality TV, and he hates the fact that he had to join the cast of The Dance Off because of family obligations. He can’t wait to get back to Alaska, but he also can’t deny his growing attraction to his bubbly Puerto Rican dance partner. Neither of them are looking for romantic entanglements, and Stone can’t risk revealing his secrets, but as they heat up the dance floor, it’s only a matter of time until he feels an overwhelming urge to take the lead.
When the tabloids catch on to their developing romance, the spotlight threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their careers and their shot at the trophy. Gina and Stone will have to decide if their priorities lie with fame, fortune, or the chance at a future together.
Romance Comedy [St. Martin's Griffin, On Sale: February 14, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781250817969 / eISBN: 9781250175588]
Alexis Daria is the author of the Dance Off series, starting with TAKE THE LEAD (SMP Swerve) and DANCE WITH ME. A romance writer, artist, and native New Yorker, Alexis has a BFA in Computer Arts, but her most fulfilling job was as a group facilitator for a women’s empowerment community, where she coached other women in following their creative dreams.
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