What do you think?
Rate this book
Taking the Lead
ASIN B00GWKWL3Q moved to the most recent edition
Micah is eighteen years old when a single kiss forces her to question everything she knows about friendship, love, and herself.
Micah Williams has never before doubted who she is until she meets Casey, the new student in her English class. Under the guise of friendship, Casey quickly proves to Micah that they have a lot more in common than Micah could have ever imagined.
Now Micah must come to terms with her sexuality and her fears that her family and childhood best friend, Emily, will ostracize her.
Throughout the process of revealing her true identity, Micah finds herself testing the boundaries of her closest relationships. During this journey, she discovers the meaning of loyalty, bravery, and love.
Micah is eighteen years old when a single kiss forces her to question everything she knows about friendship, love, and herself.
Micah Williams has never before doubted who she is until she meets Casey, the new student in her English class. Under the guise of friendship, Casey quickly proves to Micah that they have a lot more in common than Micah could have ever imagined.
Now Micah must come to terms with her sexuality and her fears that her family and childhood best friend, Emily, will ostracize her.
Throughout the process of revealing her true identity, Micah finds herself testing the boundaries of her closest relationships. During this journey, she discovers the meaning of loyalty, bravery, and love.
285 pages, ebook
First published November 26, 2013
69 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
17 books228 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 3, 2025
What I like most in Michele L. Rivera's books is her dialogue. Sharp, witty and engaging. Just like here with Micah as our narrator dealing with coming out in high school with her best friend since kindy, Emily. Well done.
“You’re my best friend. You’re my girlfriend. You’re everything to me. You have been since I was a kid. All you would have to do is hurt me once and I would fall apart. That terrifies me!” (p. 260).
“You’re my best friend. You’re my girlfriend. You’re everything to me. You have been since I was a kid. All you would have to do is hurt me once and I would fall apart. That terrifies me!” (p. 260).
January 24, 2020
“You were so pretty. In your little blue, striped shirt on the first day of first grade,” Emily said as if she were talking in her sleep. “I watched you on the swings. I wanted to play with you. I should’ve known then.”
This book really had me for a moment. I was shipping Micah with Emily since the first scene and then she is all about Casey, who was so great but not Emily. I also thought this was gonna be a depressing read. Man was i wrong, it was heartfelt and sometime a really hilarious best friends to lovers.
“Emily wrapped her arms around Micah tenderly, then pulled away. Emily’s cheek lingered on Micah’s, but only for a second. A strange sensation coursed through Micah before Emily stepped back completely.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I need some space, though,” Emily stated.
Micah winced. “What? Why?”
“I didn’t realize how badly it would hurt to see you with Casey.”
I adore Micah, my dumb girl, for punching that homophobe Jared. Screw him. I really hated whenever Emily hurt. And God, Micah was so unaware of her own feelings. I love when one of them doesn't know. And the angst and jealousy OMG! so good. This book really delivered on best friends to lovers.
This book really had me for a moment. I was shipping Micah with Emily since the first scene and then she is all about Casey, who was so great but not Emily. I also thought this was gonna be a depressing read. Man was i wrong, it was heartfelt and sometime a really hilarious best friends to lovers.
“Emily wrapped her arms around Micah tenderly, then pulled away. Emily’s cheek lingered on Micah’s, but only for a second. A strange sensation coursed through Micah before Emily stepped back completely.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I need some space, though,” Emily stated.
Micah winced. “What? Why?”
“I didn’t realize how badly it would hurt to see you with Casey.”
I adore Micah, my dumb girl, for punching that homophobe Jared. Screw him. I really hated whenever Emily hurt. And God, Micah was so unaware of her own feelings. I love when one of them doesn't know. And the angst and jealousy OMG! so good. This book really delivered on best friends to lovers.
February 22, 2014
Just finished this book and I LOVED it! Taking the Lead is an incredible book that everyone should read! Taking the Lead is thought provoking, well-written, emotional, deep, funny, and hopeful. Michele Rivera takes you on a journey through love, passion, insecurities, fear, acceptance, and empowerment. It is a book about gay young women, but it is about so much more than that. It is about releasing our own secrets that may be holding us back. It is about coming to terms with our reality and being okay with who we are, whether we are gay or not. It teaches all of us, especially young people, to just be themselves, regardless of what people may think. Simply put, Taking the Lead is about love. Anyone who is interested in love, receiving love, giving love, accepting love, learning how to accept love, or expand on their love with their partner should read Taking the Lead. You won’t be disappointed!
September 7, 2020
3.5 Stars -cute high school friends to lovers story
Another solid read. I liked this story for the most part with a few nitpicks.
First the girls are 18 and are high school seniors. I can only think that maybe the author was uncomfortable writing teens when there were going to be some steamy scenes in the book, however, they act and are treated like 16-17 year olds. Who threatens to ground or grounds an 18 year old?
Second, when the drama happens between the two friends, who have been friends since 1st grade, I wanted to shake some sense into Micah. Who tosses off their soulmate bff like that? It was annoying.
On the positive side, the story is well written. I loved their friendship when it wasn't on the rocks. Micah pulled her head outta her a-- and actually was very mature about what needed to happen once she realized her true feelings and that was impressive. I was also pleasantly surprised how certain plot lines resolved. Yes, maybe they were super conveniently resolved but I don't care - I didn't need or want too much angst from those plot lines. One in particular had me chanting "please don't go there, please don't go there" It didn't so, huzzah! :)
This book is an enjoyable YA friends to lovers with good dialog and a nice HEA
Another solid read. I liked this story for the most part with a few nitpicks.
First the girls are 18 and are high school seniors. I can only think that maybe the author was uncomfortable writing teens when there were going to be some steamy scenes in the book, however, they act and are treated like 16-17 year olds. Who threatens to ground or grounds an 18 year old?
Second, when the drama happens between the two friends, who have been friends since 1st grade, I wanted to shake some sense into Micah. Who tosses off their soulmate bff like that? It was annoying.
On the positive side, the story is well written. I loved their friendship when it wasn't on the rocks. Micah pulled her head outta her a-- and actually was very mature about what needed to happen once she realized her true feelings and that was impressive. I was also pleasantly surprised how certain plot lines resolved. Yes, maybe they were super conveniently resolved but I don't care - I didn't need or want too much angst from those plot lines. One in particular had me chanting "please don't go there, please don't go there" It didn't so, huzzah! :)
This book is an enjoyable YA friends to lovers with good dialog and a nice HEA
November 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet little romance. The problem with most high school best friends turn lovers books is the really slow self-realisation of feelings. I'm glad this author doesn't do slow burn in the books I've read so far.
So I usually read the synopsis before I start any book because I always like to know how its going to go. So when I started the book, I thought Casey had the main role until she wasn't. Then I knew this was going to be a much better book than I thought. It was a perfect love story. Micah and Emily were really the sweetest.
I realise this is actually the author's first book and loosely based on her own coming out story. Wow, if Emily was real, then wow.
So I usually read the synopsis before I start any book because I always like to know how its going to go. So when I started the book, I thought Casey had the main role until she wasn't. Then I knew this was going to be a much better book than I thought. It was a perfect love story. Micah and Emily were really the sweetest.
I realise this is actually the author's first book and loosely based on her own coming out story. Wow, if Emily was real, then wow.
April 21, 2020
Unexpected And Great Ending . . .
This book bucks its own description. The story starts off kinda like a basic coming out would seem but is soooo much more and the drama is definitely there. Don’t want to spoil too much but there is BFF love that makes this book one of my favorite friends to lovers books even through all the drama that ensues for Micah to figure out her sexuality and love interest.
This book bucks its own description. The story starts off kinda like a basic coming out would seem but is soooo much more and the drama is definitely there. Don’t want to spoil too much but there is BFF love that makes this book one of my favorite friends to lovers books even through all the drama that ensues for Micah to figure out her sexuality and love interest.
December 22, 2013
Refreshing
I titled this story "Refreshing", because it lacked all the hateful words, the pain of losing "friends" and the harsh realization that not all your family members supported you anymore, just for loving who you did. A very well written book, I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling to come to terms with their sexuality. Be who are.
I titled this story "Refreshing", because it lacked all the hateful words, the pain of losing "friends" and the harsh realization that not all your family members supported you anymore, just for loving who you did. A very well written book, I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling to come to terms with their sexuality. Be who are.
August 31, 2016
Love this book!! It captures so well all the facets of coming out. It is such a great representation of falling in love for the first time too. I couldn't put it down.
April 6, 2017
3.5 stars
A typical YA story of coming out/falling in love with your best friend. I actually like Casey the most and hope there's gonna be a separate book where she can find her true love.
A typical YA story of coming out/falling in love with your best friend. I actually like Casey the most and hope there's gonna be a separate book where she can find her true love.
May 27, 2020
A good, but one dimential story. Needed more depth, so a quick, easy read though the emotions were high. For 18 year olds, felt immature.
October 11, 2022
One of my favourite high school, friends to lovers romances that I've read. Funny, well-written, and I really liked both characters. Worth a read!
February 27, 2020
guess I really don't enjoy young teenage love much. Most authors usually have me but this just did not do it for me.
March 8, 2018
I had high hopes for this book as this seems to be one the more looked at books for this author, however I was very much disappointed. Sometimes first books can be a flop, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt but it was so poorly constructed and unbelievable that I couldn't even give it a first book pass. I read 3 books by this author, hoping at least one would be decent, but it was a chore to finish. It was immature with cheesy characters and bad jokes. As with the other books I read by this author, there was absolutely no substance and it was full of confusing back and forth dialogue, to where multiple times I had to stop reading and look back up at the top of the paragraph to figure out who was even "talking". No depth. Boring read. Will not recommend.
May 23, 2018
Nice Read
When I started reading this story, I thought it would be a silly teenage story. it began with Micah and Emily. Very close friends who turned out to be in love with each other. They went thru changes and both dated others. Casey dated Micah and was in love with her. Micah broke Casey’s heart when she went back to Emily. This is a very nice love story. Ms Rivera is turning out to be one of my favorite authors.
When I started reading this story, I thought it would be a silly teenage story. it began with Micah and Emily. Very close friends who turned out to be in love with each other. They went thru changes and both dated others. Casey dated Micah and was in love with her. Micah broke Casey’s heart when she went back to Emily. This is a very nice love story. Ms Rivera is turning out to be one of my favorite authors.
January 8, 2014
The emotional roller coaster ride was amazing. You will laugh, cry and learn about true love. I loved it!
June 5, 2014
Simply loved it.
September 5, 2014
Great and quick read. The character development is well done and believable.
April 23, 2018
WORTHWHILE😍
If your into wonderfully happy ☺ endings this will most certainly provide that for you.
If your into wonderfully happy ☺ endings this will most certainly provide that for you.
April 20, 2023
super cute coming out story.
I really enjoyed this book. Poor Micha had alot going on in life. Being a teenager sucks and this book brought me back to my high school years. Overall 5 stars in my opinion
I really enjoyed this book. Poor Micha had alot going on in life. Being a teenager sucks and this book brought me back to my high school years. Overall 5 stars in my opinion
July 17, 2023
Trip to self-discovery and acceptance, very sweet friends to lovers story.
April 21, 2018
Sweet coming out
I wish All parents were as accepting as the set in this story- and discovering your first love is your best friend and they've Always loved you- great plot-
I wish All parents were as accepting as the set in this story- and discovering your first love is your best friend and they've Always loved you- great plot-
October 8, 2014
I truly appreciate this complimentary book Taking the Lead by Michele L. Rivera that I received from the Goodreads Giveaway program. Although this book was different from what I had expected, it was a well-written book for any teenager who is struggling with their sexuality and "coming out", admitting being a lesbian. It takes one through the ups, downs, and roller-coaster feelings of teenagers. I particularly found it interesting that oftentimes people are more supportive of differences than most people imagine they are. This book was quite easy to read and teaches a good lesson about keeping secrets.
June 6, 2016
It's either a cliché story that's also cheesy and corny. Or it's a classic story that's also sweet and romantic.
I'll go with the latter, because I liked it. But if you don't like it, then it's probably because you think it's the former.
It's simply a well-written story, somewhat predictable, and in a recognizable setting with familiar characters.
I'll go with the latter, because I liked it. But if you don't like it, then it's probably because you think it's the former.
It's simply a well-written story, somewhat predictable, and in a recognizable setting with familiar characters.
August 2, 2014
I truly appreciate this complimentary book Taking the Lead by Michele L. Rivera that I received from the Goodreads Giveaway program. I found the story very endearing. It is a good story for those teens just coming into their own.
August 24, 2017
3.5/5
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and getting to know the characters. it did take me a little while to get used to the style and the tone. It felt a bit off for me at times - the writing itself feels kind of light and innocent, and then the story will take a sudden shift into more adult themes or something very dramatic will happen, and it caught me off guard.
I appreciated the twists in the story as well, not all of which I saw coming. A lot of drama felt like it could've been easily solved if characters would just communicate with one another, but I'll give them a pass because they're teenagers and that can happen to the best of us.
Micah was a fun character, albeit a bit annoying and obtuse at times.
Overall, my problem was with the writing. Something about the book made it feel almost like it was a fanfic. I'm not sure why. That isn't to say it was bad - quite the opposite. I think perhaps the book just didn't quite capture me like others have. It was a quick read but it never really sucked me into the story. Even at the end I didn't have a great sense of who these characters were. It was a lot of 'in the moment' stuff, if that makes sense.
Bit of a spoiler about a character:
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and getting to know the characters. it did take me a little while to get used to the style and the tone. It felt a bit off for me at times - the writing itself feels kind of light and innocent, and then the story will take a sudden shift into more adult themes or something very dramatic will happen, and it caught me off guard.
I appreciated the twists in the story as well, not all of which I saw coming. A lot of drama felt like it could've been easily solved if characters would just communicate with one another, but I'll give them a pass because they're teenagers and that can happen to the best of us.
Micah was a fun character, albeit a bit annoying and obtuse at times.
Overall, my problem was with the writing. Something about the book made it feel almost like it was a fanfic. I'm not sure why. That isn't to say it was bad - quite the opposite. I think perhaps the book just didn't quite capture me like others have. It was a quick read but it never really sucked me into the story. Even at the end I didn't have a great sense of who these characters were. It was a lot of 'in the moment' stuff, if that makes sense.
Bit of a spoiler about a character:
May 20, 2024
This story centers around three girls, starting off with Micah and Emily, two very close friends. The third girl is Casey, who is a new girl at the school.
Emily realizes that Micah is a lesbian. Casey is a more open girl than Emily and they do kiss but Micah worries about what others will think of her. Micah's parents are nice but Emily's parents seem to fight a lot. So what is being set up is a Micah-Emily, Micah-Casey situation with the effects of both parings on the one girl not involved.
Then there is Jared, a punk. One time he gets what's coming to him when Emily punches him in the nose.
The relationship between Emily and Micah goes sour but they are forced together to write a history paper for class. There's a major problem with Emily (caused by the punk Jared) and this leads to the resolution of the triangle.
There's a lot of feeling in this book, who really likes who, what each one is looking for, some misunderstandings, testing of friendships and the reaction of parents and it is blended together very well. I really like the way the story played out and how it ended.
Extremely well done.
Emily realizes that Micah is a lesbian. Casey is a more open girl than Emily and they do kiss but Micah worries about what others will think of her. Micah's parents are nice but Emily's parents seem to fight a lot. So what is being set up is a Micah-Emily, Micah-Casey situation with the effects of both parings on the one girl not involved.
Then there is Jared, a punk. One time he gets what's coming to him when Emily punches him in the nose.
The relationship between Emily and Micah goes sour but they are forced together to write a history paper for class. There's a major problem with Emily (caused by the punk Jared) and this leads to the resolution of the triangle.
There's a lot of feeling in this book, who really likes who, what each one is looking for, some misunderstandings, testing of friendships and the reaction of parents and it is blended together very well. I really like the way the story played out and how it ended.
Extremely well done.
November 8, 2020
Poignant coming out story
Coming out is never easy. The potential for losing family and friends is prevalent and oh so painful. Would that we had parents like Micah’s. Unconditional loving parents whose acceptance was profound. Two best friends who spent most of their lives together found each other’s hearts and fell in love ... not without the drama of obstacles. Other relationships aside, Casey, Sam, and idiot boy Jared ... Emily and Micah knew they belonged together. A very good read with some surprises near the end. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this beautifully written novel. I will continue to read this author’s works. Well done! Thank you Peace
Coming out is never easy. The potential for losing family and friends is prevalent and oh so painful. Would that we had parents like Micah’s. Unconditional loving parents whose acceptance was profound. Two best friends who spent most of their lives together found each other’s hearts and fell in love ... not without the drama of obstacles. Other relationships aside, Casey, Sam, and idiot boy Jared ... Emily and Micah knew they belonged together. A very good read with some surprises near the end. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this beautifully written novel. I will continue to read this author’s works. Well done! Thank you Peace
December 29, 2020
I really wanted this to be excellent. It had the potential but it just felt too rushed. From the moment I read the part about Micah coming out to Emily, I knew that something was going to happen between them and that excited me but then I saw the page count and my excitement died. There just isn’t enough for a good story. There needed to be more tension and build up between Emily and Micah, I felt like they had very limited chemistry before they got together save a couple “scenes”. I mean the author set up the sort of I guess plot lines (?) where all of this could’ve been expanded on. We also didn’t learn much about Emily which I felt was really needed. All of this would’ve done the scenes after they finally admitted their feelings to each other so so much more justice. Gosh I’m really upset cause this had so so much potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
Set in a high school environment, the main characters are Micah, Emily, and Casey. The author did a good job of showing Micah's struggle of coming out, and her navigating the mixture of feelings she was experiencing. I liked the way the author expressed the inner turmoil Micah was experiencing, which definitely was realistic and on target.
While it was an OK read, I found Casey to be off-putting and not particularly likable, and not as well-developed a story as some of her other reads. Rivera also needed to do a better job with editing, as there were multiple typos. Although I didn't rate this as highly, her books are typically good, so depending on what you are looking for, there is probably something you will enjoy.
While it was an OK read, I found Casey to be off-putting and not particularly likable, and not as well-developed a story as some of her other reads. Rivera also needed to do a better job with editing, as there were multiple typos. Although I didn't rate this as highly, her books are typically good, so depending on what you are looking for, there is probably something you will enjoy.
August 6, 2022
The story follows Micah as she discovers that she may be gay, wrestles with how she thinks her best friend and family will react to that, and pursues the flirty new girl at school. This felt less like a book and more like a stage play with very few characters, few locations, and a lot of external expression of internal thoughts and feelings. I never felt like I was in a character's head; there are almost no descriptions of the characters so I don't even have a clear mental picture of them. There was also a disturbing amount of violence and questionable consent that felt way too casually brushed to the side. I'm not sure what this book was trying to actually be, but it definitely wasn't it for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews