Review by Booklist Review
This updated and expanded version of Daria's award winning 2017 romance explores the behind-the-scenes world of a reality TV show, The Dance Off. Gina Morales is starting her fifth season on the show when she heads to Alaska to work with the star of a survival reality show, Stone Nielsen. A possible bear sighting emphasizes how different the native New Yorker is from her new student. Stone is doing the show to pay for his mother's medical bills and never imagined how difficult it is to learn to dance. It is even harder to fight his attraction to his smart, sexy partner. Gina's producer insists on an onscreen romance and threatens her job if she doesn't make the finals. Even though Gina and Stone do fall into a real-life romance, the demands of the show and their aspirations seem to make a genuine relationship impossible. As the chemistry sizzles between them against the fun background of the dance show, Daria brings humor and colorful detail to each scene. A second Dance Off tale is in the wings.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Bestseller Daria (A Lot Like Adiós) brings heat to the dance floor in this delightful rom-com about reality TV stars who find love during a celebrity dance competition. Idealistic professional dancer Gina Morales, 27, dreams of being a star. Despite four seasons of the Dancing with the Stars--esque TV show The Dance Off under her belt, she's never made it to the finals. But Gina has high hopes for her new partner: handsome and impossibly ripped Stone Nielson, the reluctant star of an Alaskan wilderness show. Stone hates reality TV and is only doing The Dance Off to help his parents through a rough patch, but working with Gina makes him realize his love of dance. Neither is interested in a showmance, but as Stone's gruff exterior melts in the face of Gina's bubbly personality, the pair can't deny their explosive chemistry both on and off stage. When the paparazzi catch on to their burgeoning relationship, Gina and Stone must decide what to prioritize: their careers and a shot at the trophy or a chance at true love. 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. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Unlikely dance partners fall in love while filming a reality TV show. Gina Morales has completed four seasons as a professional dancer on the popular reality dance show The Dance Off, and this season, she's determined to win it all. Gina is confident in her dancing skills, but she knows courting the viewers is a key element in making it to the finals. All she needs is a little luck landing the perfect partner, a person who can both dance and charm fans into voting for them. Gina is spirited away to Alaska to meet her new partner, Stone Nielson. He is the star of his family's reality TV show set in the Alaskan wilderness. Stone considers himself an outdoorsman, not a dancer, but his parents ask him to appear on The Dance Off in an effort to help revive the family's flagging brand. Gina and Stone are irresistibly attracted to each other, but Gina is determined to keep things professional. Her contract explicitly forbids the producers from forcing her into a "showmance"; she wants to avoid being stereotyped as a sexy, sassy Latina. When they get to Los Angeles for filming, instead of hating the hustle and bustle of city life, Stone finally has the space to be himself. He admires Gina's strength of character, especially since he feels trapped in the lies meant to protect the reputation of his seemingly perfect family. Daria creates a rich, multilayered romance for Stone and Gina. They are different in every way, which requires honest communication and true sacrifice in order to achieve a happily-ever-after. The description of 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. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
