Take the Lead: Best friend's older brother, fake dating romance... (Central State)

Product Information

Take the Lead was such a good time and there's something about Snowe's romances that is just fun and enjoyable, not to mention fantastically steamy! This new adult college sports romance served tropes that I really enjoyed including: best friend's brother, friends-to-lovers, and fake dating. The chemistry in the romance was amazing and the friendships even better. I loved Dani and Gabe together! It’s a bit of a slow burn as they start as friends and it was honestly funny how they decide to try fwb when they are already in love. I liked how there wasn’t TOO many sex scenes, it felt nice to not read smut the whole book. It still has those scenes, but just the right amount of them💗💗 Things begin easily with their friendship, but with every touch and fake kiss, Daniella can’t hide her feelings anymore. And for Gabe, who sets deadlines for every fling he’s ever had, he struggles to fight for what he wants. When their timeline is up, Daniella’s insecurities clash with Gabe’s inability to commit. For two people hesitant to take a chance, they must risk their decade-long friendship for a shot at love.

oh and I liked daniella too!! and when she stood up for herself in front of her mother I wanted to hug her so badly and clap and cheer for her at the same time because that was long overdue and her mother deserved it. this book wasn’t actually terrible (definitely not good), but it’s getting 1 star by default purely for the line about taylor swift in this book

Reviews

Overall I did really enjoy this story and the couple's chemistry and connection and would reccomend the book to any and all lovers of new adult sport romances. If you HATE tropes where the MC's insecurities get in the way of the relationship, then this is not the book for you. Throughout the book the FMC is constantly belittled and critiqued for her appearance by her mother which takes a toll on her confidence.

She said she was going to prove to me that she deserved my heart? Well, game on, Fletcher. I would prove to us that we were meant for each other.” but guys… CAL HOLT!!! that guy has me on a choke hold and I haven’t even read his book yet. I have such a big soft spot for him, you can’t even imagine. I have read about him in the first book where he was still just the biggest asshole. and he just had his little character development throughout three books and PROBABLY his biggest development in his own book. like the next book is about elle and if her love interest isn’t cal then I don’t know what I would do. but it’s him, I just know it. but dude, like he came up with that gift idea, when he hold on to van‘s gift for him,.. he’s just broken after losing his parents and you know, I would be too. I’m so excited to read his book now. I know I’m gonna love him even more and elle too.This book just made me happy in all the best ways and I cannot wait to read the next one, because I am here for Freddie!

How he watched secret movies, took Dani on a bookstore date, just wanted to sleep and cuddle with her. HE IS THE BEST. i didn’t like how everything came to a head… their (sort of) break-up and her mom going to the ER was just so dramatic and the resolution could’ve been amazing bc of it, but instead the drama fizzled into boring OMG I cannot, this book was so good. Once I got started I couldn't put it down. The execution of the tropes, the writing, just chef's kiss. I loved this book. No unnecessary angst, so much chemistry, flirting. These two I just Dani and Van were perfect for each other. Both in denial while they were just you know doing things because they were fake dating and definitely won't fall for each other. also, i know his sister was a big part of the plot, but why was she there professing his love for her best friend FOR him???? i had to skim that last scene bc it was just foul. maybe it’s a me thing, but i hate when the reconciliation is a grand gesture/public situation… like handle that shit in private, i have second hand embarrassment for christ’s sakeI love the growth in both these characters. I love that Dani isn't afraid to call Van out of things and she urges him to be a better version of himself and deal with things head on.