[ad/gifted eARC - I received a eBook copy for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Title & Author: Take The Floor by Leigh Suznovich
My rating: 4/5
Publication date: 18th August 2026
Blurb:
Sophie Allard is one of the most passionate, accomplished ballroom dancers in the game, but she has yet to win the US Championship. Right on the cusp of getting her chance with her partner, disaster strikes. She’s now partnerless and adrift, but still dreams of claiming that title. Her haughty persona and wealthy upbringing hide a host of insecurities, and a soft heart that yearns to be properly loved. Never did she think she might find it in the arrogant Russian who has been a thorn in her side for years…
Leonid Antonov is the picture of smug arrogance after getting out of Russia and overcoming poverty. Ballroom dance is his outlet and refuge, and he is one of the best in the sport. When his longtime partner makes the difficult decision to retire, Sophie’s coach pitches him the idea of partnering with his longtime rival. They have been dogging each other on the competition circuit and trading barbs since they were teenagers. The idea of dancing with the pampered French princess who makes his blood race is not his favorite, but he doesn’t see any other way to keep competing.
With their eyes fixed on winning, they strive to put their animosity aside and make the partnership work. The constant proximity and close dancing start to bring both of their sky high walls down, ignite a fire between them, and help them find a beautiful partnership off of the floor as well as on it. Will they be able to both win the championship and each other’s hearts?
Review:
Having read and loved Suznovich's previous three books, I was so excited for Take The Floor, especially as a massive Strictly Come Dancing fan. Do I know anything about ballroom or Latin dancing beyond what I've picked up from watching Strictly? Absolutely not, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this.Russian dancer Leonid Antonov and French dancer Sophie Allard have been competing against each other on the same circuit since they were teenagers. Leo has always secretly had a thing for Sophie, but growing up in a poor family, he never thought he was good enough for her. To him, Sophie seemed completely out of his league, with her beautiful costumes and confidence.
After a decade of competing against each other, both of their dance partners are retiring for different reasons, Sophie's coach finds out that Leo is interested in partnering with Sophie and sets it up. Sophie is far from impressed, convinced Leo is cocky and arrogant, but the more time they spend together, the more she begins to realise that there is a fine line between love and hate.
And maybe the two of them together have what it takes to become US Latin Champions?
I absolutely adored this. You can tell Leigh knows her stuff when it comes to the dancing and competition aspects of this book, but Leo and Sophie's relationship was so beautifully developed too and I loved experiencing their relationship grow.
They both have their own complicated family issues, and I appreciated how they were handled and how Leo and Sophie supported one another.
There is even a little crossover of characters from another one of the author's books which I loved. I'm a sucker for a wee Easter egg! Another Suznovich book that I absolutely adored.
