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Tumbling Dreams
Tyler Bannichek has spent his whole life training for this moment, his shot at the 2012 US Olympic team and gymnastics gold. He's worked past the injuries and the blocks, focused every moment of every day on improving his skills. Now, at the peak of his talent, just in time for the world's biggest stage, he should be thrilled. Instead, long-suppressed fear is rising like ice water in his veins.
Eli Nelson has roomed with Tyler for two years, cheered him on through every obstacle. But now, watching Tyler in the trials, Eli is also afraid. When does friendship mean letting someone take their own risks? When does it mean speaking out to save them? And how can he pretend to be just a friend when he's falling in love with Tyler?
Tumbling Dreams is a 21,000-word stand-alone novella featuring two young men weighing goals, risks, fear, and love, in the crucible of Olympic sports. This story originally appeared in the "Going for Gold" anthology.
Eli Nelson has roomed with Tyler for two years, cheered him on through every obstacle. But now, watching Tyler in the trials, Eli is also afraid. When does friendship mean letting someone take their own risks? When does it mean speaking out to save them? And how can he pretend to be just a friend when he's falling in love with Tyler?
Tumbling Dreams is a 21,000-word stand-alone novella featuring two young men weighing goals, risks, fear, and love, in the crucible of Olympic sports. This story originally appeared in the "Going for Gold" anthology.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2026
About the author
Kaje Harper
94 books2,762 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 22, 2026
In her poignant sports romance, author Kaje Harper deftly explores the high-stakes tension between roommates and best friends, Eli Nelson and Tyler Bannichek. Eli can't handle watching Tyler risk permanent paralysis in his relentless quest to win a gold medal as a member of the US Gymnastics Olympic team. When Tyler can no longer deny how close his body is to complete physical collapse, he chooses life and love over Olympic glory. This touching portrayal of their relationship highlights Ms. Harper's skillful character development as the two navigate the crucible of elite sports.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2026
This novella packs quite a lot of emotion into a short space. The backdrop of Olympic gymnastics creates an immediate sense of pressure, and the story really captures how all-consuming elite sport can be. Tyler has spent years pushing his body to the limit for a single goal, and you can feel how much that dream defines him—even as the physical toll starts becoming impossible to ignore.
Eli’s perspective adds another layer that I found really compelling. He’s been by Tyler’s side through all the training and setbacks, but watching someone you care about push themselves toward serious injury is a completely different challenge. The story does a good job exploring that difficult line between supporting a friend’s dream and recognising when that dream might destroy them.
What stood out most to me was the quiet shift in their relationship. Beneath the worry and the tension of the trials, Eli’s feelings for Tyler slowly come into focus, and those emotions make the stakes feel even higher. The romance itself is gentle and heartfelt, built on years of friendship and trust rather than sudden drama.
Despite the short length, the characters feel fully realised, and the story balances the intensity of competitive sport with a thoughtful look at love, fear, and the choices people make when everything they’ve worked for is suddenly at risk.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eli’s perspective adds another layer that I found really compelling. He’s been by Tyler’s side through all the training and setbacks, but watching someone you care about push themselves toward serious injury is a completely different challenge. The story does a good job exploring that difficult line between supporting a friend’s dream and recognising when that dream might destroy them.
What stood out most to me was the quiet shift in their relationship. Beneath the worry and the tension of the trials, Eli’s feelings for Tyler slowly come into focus, and those emotions make the stakes feel even higher. The romance itself is gentle and heartfelt, built on years of friendship and trust rather than sudden drama.
Despite the short length, the characters feel fully realised, and the story balances the intensity of competitive sport with a thoughtful look at love, fear, and the choices people make when everything they’ve worked for is suddenly at risk.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2026
2.5 stars
This wasn’t my favorite from this terrific author. It feels like one MC, Eli, is throwing ultimatums left and right at the other, Tyler, who is chasing his Olympic dreams and has made the team, but might wind up paralyzed if he twists funny or lands wrong.
They didn’t feel like a healthy potential couple to me. Eli's ready to walk out on the friendship at any time, and Tyler isn't really in the head space for romance anyway. And I’m tired of athletes with injuries having to quit doing what they love in stories. It’s very legit, valid, true, but…overall I felt sad, reading the book, not rejuvenated and hopeful.
I also never like that they’re roommates and best friends, and one’s been bringing hookups home for years and the other has been too focused on gymnastics to care. It just wasn’t the makings of a grand romance for me.
Too much reality in this one for me, but, as always, beautifully written and emotionally mature. I do love this author’s work a lot.
HFN with HEA overtones. Roommates/best friends to more (but sweet, doesn’t really get steamy till very very late). Focused on living or giving up a dream and finding a new one. No OM action or drama at all, but, the situation wasn’t a good one for me. Recommended when you are looking for a short but intense read.
This wasn’t my favorite from this terrific author. It feels like one MC, Eli, is throwing ultimatums left and right at the other, Tyler, who is chasing his Olympic dreams and has made the team, but might wind up paralyzed if he twists funny or lands wrong.
They didn’t feel like a healthy potential couple to me. Eli's ready to walk out on the friendship at any time, and Tyler isn't really in the head space for romance anyway. And I’m tired of athletes with injuries having to quit doing what they love in stories. It’s very legit, valid, true, but…overall I felt sad, reading the book, not rejuvenated and hopeful.
I also never like that they’re roommates and best friends, and one’s been bringing hookups home for years and the other has been too focused on gymnastics to care. It just wasn’t the makings of a grand romance for me.
Too much reality in this one for me, but, as always, beautifully written and emotionally mature. I do love this author’s work a lot.
HFN with HEA overtones. Roommates/best friends to more (but sweet, doesn’t really get steamy till very very late). Focused on living or giving up a dream and finding a new one. No OM action or drama at all, but, the situation wasn’t a good one for me. Recommended when you are looking for a short but intense read.
March 15, 2026
💥 Tyler and Eli . . .
Eli Nelson is Tyler Bannichek's roommate, currently watching for Tyler's performance in the trials in order for him to join the U.S. Gymnastic Olympic Team. His friend Derek is on the phone trying to talk Eli into joining him on a road trip since he isn't working a summer job, and Eli certainly needs to relax! Derek wants Eli to have some fun and stop worrying about his gymnastic roommate. Eli's attention went back to the TV when he heard Tyler's name. Tyler has one more attempt to get the spot on the Olympic team. He has concentrated on intense training for this moment to get on the team. But an old back injury puts him at risk of permanent paralysis if he keeps pushing like he has. And Eli is terrified that Tyler won't hesitate to risk it all for his dream. Will Eli try to convince Tyler to give it up and walk away when he is so close to getting his Olympic opportunity? Eli feels more than friendship toward the talented athlete. But should he interfere in Tyler's lifelong dream? Is success worth the cost that may have to be paid as the back pain worsens?
The author does a wonderful job with this story, letting the reader feel close to the characters and caring about the outcome. Grab your copy and share their story as dreams vs reality becomes a difficult choice.
Eli Nelson is Tyler Bannichek's roommate, currently watching for Tyler's performance in the trials in order for him to join the U.S. Gymnastic Olympic Team. His friend Derek is on the phone trying to talk Eli into joining him on a road trip since he isn't working a summer job, and Eli certainly needs to relax! Derek wants Eli to have some fun and stop worrying about his gymnastic roommate. Eli's attention went back to the TV when he heard Tyler's name. Tyler has one more attempt to get the spot on the Olympic team. He has concentrated on intense training for this moment to get on the team. But an old back injury puts him at risk of permanent paralysis if he keeps pushing like he has. And Eli is terrified that Tyler won't hesitate to risk it all for his dream. Will Eli try to convince Tyler to give it up and walk away when he is so close to getting his Olympic opportunity? Eli feels more than friendship toward the talented athlete. But should he interfere in Tyler's lifelong dream? Is success worth the cost that may have to be paid as the back pain worsens?
The author does a wonderful job with this story, letting the reader feel close to the characters and caring about the outcome. Grab your copy and share their story as dreams vs reality becomes a difficult choice.
February 15, 2026
An inside look at the life of an elite athlete
I’m game to read anything Kaje Harper publishes and, even though this is the republishing of an older story, I seized it. Olympic fever, anyone? And I remember the London Olympic games vividly. This novella was written back then, but still stands the test of time - a testament to Kaje’s writing.
The novella starts in Eli’s point of view. He’s watching his roommate competing for a coveted spot on the Olympic men’s gymnastics team. Huge stakes as the US is always competing for gold. Eli sees Tyler in more than just the roommate lens. He’s pretty much in love with Tyler. But he also sees the struggles his friend is enduing.
The story then transitions to Tyler’s point of view – where it stays for the rest of the novella. Tyler the elite athlete. Tyler the man doing everything in his power to make his mother proud. Tyler the closeted guy with questionable sanity who is risking everything for the chance at glory.
I’ll admit I had no idea where this story was going. So I was surprised where it landed (see, you knew I had to make at least one gymnastic reference…).
This was a quick but enjoyable read that kept me on my toes. I really hope everyone picks it up!
I’m game to read anything Kaje Harper publishes and, even though this is the republishing of an older story, I seized it. Olympic fever, anyone? And I remember the London Olympic games vividly. This novella was written back then, but still stands the test of time - a testament to Kaje’s writing.
The novella starts in Eli’s point of view. He’s watching his roommate competing for a coveted spot on the Olympic men’s gymnastics team. Huge stakes as the US is always competing for gold. Eli sees Tyler in more than just the roommate lens. He’s pretty much in love with Tyler. But he also sees the struggles his friend is enduing.
The story then transitions to Tyler’s point of view – where it stays for the rest of the novella. Tyler the elite athlete. Tyler the man doing everything in his power to make his mother proud. Tyler the closeted guy with questionable sanity who is risking everything for the chance at glory.
I’ll admit I had no idea where this story was going. So I was surprised where it landed (see, you knew I had to make at least one gymnastic reference…).
This was a quick but enjoyable read that kept me on my toes. I really hope everyone picks it up!
February 18, 2026
This was an interesting take on sports romance. It wasn't so much about winning as the journey. The intro is from Eli's point of view and sets the stage for this journey. The rest of the chapters are from Tyler's point of view and highlight his struggles. I very much wanted to reach into the pages and give him a hug several times. This is not a particularly long story, but it packs a punch all the same. Definitely one to have a look at if you like hurt/comfort in your stories and wouldn't mind a different take on sports romance.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
March 16, 2026
Exciting! Tyler trains his entire life for a shot at the olympics. When, he's ready to take his shot for the gymnastic team, he is afraid. Eli, is Tyler's roommate, his biggest supporter and secretly in love with T. Tyler drags a bit of emotional baggage with him settling heavy at the trials. Eli, witnesses T's hard work, struggles and anxieties. Kaje brings us the frama of athletes competing for the top prize, what it cost them and the people who stand with them. Suspenseful, exciting, stressful and life affirming story of setting expectations while hoping to exceed them. Great story, nice fast flow, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2026
I found this story relatable. Working yourself ragged towards a goal or a dream that might not be healthy for you is something that isn't unique to athletes. I think many of us do it to varying degrees, often without taking the risks seriously. Kaje Harper has managed to capture that in this story.
This book was written 14 years ago and I think that it's still highly relevant today. I'm sure it will end up on my list of top books read this month and I wouldn't be surprised if I reread it in the future.
This book was written 14 years ago and I think that it's still highly relevant today. I'm sure it will end up on my list of top books read this month and I wouldn't be surprised if I reread it in the future.
February 24, 2026
ARC review
A quick read that I enjoyed very much. It's about elite athlet Tyler trying to make it to the US Olympic team in gymnastics. He will do absolutely everything to reach his goal. His best friend and roommate Eli who have supported him the last two years, see what it costs him. Eli won't stand on the sidelines and watch Tyler destroy himself.
This is a hurt-comfort, friends-to-lovers read.
A quick read that I enjoyed very much. It's about elite athlet Tyler trying to make it to the US Olympic team in gymnastics. He will do absolutely everything to reach his goal. His best friend and roommate Eli who have supported him the last two years, see what it costs him. Eli won't stand on the sidelines and watch Tyler destroy himself.
This is a hurt-comfort, friends-to-lovers read.
March 10, 2026
For me, there just wasn't enough time to fully develop much beside's Tyler's injuries- Eli's personality, their relationship, the side characters, anything. I get it's a novella, but I just feel like it needed to be longer to actually give Eli and Tyler the time they deserved. I really want to try a full-length book from this author because I did like the writing!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2026
A short and fairly intense read. Tyler is an Olympic level gymnast, but an old back injury is becoming much worse and threats to paralyse him. He is still so determined to succeed that he ignores the pain. His roommate Eli, who has been in love with Tyler for some time, is unable to stop being terrified for Tyler. An understandable struggle for both characters.
February 17, 2026
A good novella, Tyler is training for the Olympics but his old back injury is not cooperating and his best friend/roommate is steaming mad at him for even attempting this. It's a short tale but intense and a little sad.
February 18, 2026
Short but intense. Bittersweet story. It reminds us how much athletes have to work and sacrifice sometimes to the point of ruining their bodies. Tyler was so close to his dream. I hope Eli can help him establish a new and fulfilling life.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews