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On Pointe #1
Toe to Toe: A YA Ballet Romance
16 year-old Hannah O’Brian knows 3 things for - One day she’s going to move to NYC to become a professional ballerina. - Olivia Beck is her best friend. - Tyler Stanley is the boy of her dreams. To make her dreams come true she’s going to have to stay focused, work hard and get rid of that pesky voice in her head that says she’s not good enough. But with a best friend like Olivia it can’t be that hard, right? Olivia Beck can’t stand Hannah’s perfectly charmed life. When the hottest guy in school, one Tyler Stanley, asks her out, Olivia just can’t say no. So what if her supposed best friend called dibs in 6th grade? Author’s This contemporary YA with a ballet twist includes a slow-burn romance, frenemies that still have your back, bunheads, blisters, mild language and honest conversations about bodies and sexuality. Hannah’s story will continue in Head to Head, Book 2 of the On Pointe series.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2021
68 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2025
*3.5*
i wanted a young adult contemporary book, and this did what it needed to! 💗
this is a book about ballet, friendships, with just a touch of romance (I think the romance will play a bigger factor in the later books)
it reminded of an Australian show i used to binge a lot, "Dance Academy"🩰 especially with the main character and her best friend (Hannah & Olivia = Tara & Kat, down to the similar personalities and even hair colors👩🏻🦰👱🏻♀️)
I liked how well the dancing aspects were written (dance, team, teachers, competitions) you can really tell the author knew what she was talking about
this was nothing revolutionary, some parts were your cliche teen drama, but it was enjoyable and fun :)
i wanted a young adult contemporary book, and this did what it needed to! 💗
this is a book about ballet, friendships, with just a touch of romance (I think the romance will play a bigger factor in the later books)
it reminded of an Australian show i used to binge a lot, "Dance Academy"🩰 especially with the main character and her best friend (Hannah & Olivia = Tara & Kat, down to the similar personalities and even hair colors👩🏻🦰👱🏻♀️)
I liked how well the dancing aspects were written (dance, team, teachers, competitions) you can really tell the author knew what she was talking about
this was nothing revolutionary, some parts were your cliche teen drama, but it was enjoyable and fun :)
April 30, 2021
Toe to Toe (On Pointe #1), Penelope Freed's debut, is a contemporary YA novel told in the first person, dual POVs of 16-year-old ballet dancers and lifelong friends Hannah and Olivia. The story explores the complexities of their relationship as they navigate dance and highschool life along with the ups and downs that come with changing interests, new friendships, boys, crushes, and jealousy.
I loved the two point-of-view characters. I thought they were both well-developed, relatable, likeable, and realistically flawed. Hannah is kind, smart, responsible, goal-oriented, shy and somewhat insecure, with a tendency to be self-absorbed. She's also an incredibly gifted dancer, laser-focused on becoming a professional ballerina. Olivia is popular, sassy, outgoing, fun-loving, and snarky, with a tendency to be insensitive and at times a mean girl. She's a dancer, but she's more interested in having fun and being a normal teenager. She's also on the cheerleading squad and dating Hannah's longtime crush, Tyler.
Both girls are envious of each other for different reasons and they both behave badly at times, as teens do, but they deal with their negative emotions differently. Hannah focuses inward, cries, complains, and wallows, whereas Olivia lashes out by using subtle manipulation to be intentionally hurtful. Despite her mean-girl tendencies, Olivia was my favorite character. (#TeamOlivia LOL!) She's not really a mean girl - there's more going on inside.
As somebody who danced for many years when I was younger, the dance scenes made me feel a bit nostalgic, as they were portrayed accurately and realistically. The author also did a great job conveying the angst of teen life and making me feel for both characters. My heart went out to Hannah in her pain, and even more so to Olivia in her frustration. The story explores friendship - how it can evolve and change, how growing up can sometimes mean growing apart, and how some bonds will always remain. Toe to Toe is a strong, YA debut that drew me in from the start and kept me reading. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
I loved the two point-of-view characters. I thought they were both well-developed, relatable, likeable, and realistically flawed. Hannah is kind, smart, responsible, goal-oriented, shy and somewhat insecure, with a tendency to be self-absorbed. She's also an incredibly gifted dancer, laser-focused on becoming a professional ballerina. Olivia is popular, sassy, outgoing, fun-loving, and snarky, with a tendency to be insensitive and at times a mean girl. She's a dancer, but she's more interested in having fun and being a normal teenager. She's also on the cheerleading squad and dating Hannah's longtime crush, Tyler.
Both girls are envious of each other for different reasons and they both behave badly at times, as teens do, but they deal with their negative emotions differently. Hannah focuses inward, cries, complains, and wallows, whereas Olivia lashes out by using subtle manipulation to be intentionally hurtful. Despite her mean-girl tendencies, Olivia was my favorite character. (#TeamOlivia LOL!) She's not really a mean girl - there's more going on inside.
As somebody who danced for many years when I was younger, the dance scenes made me feel a bit nostalgic, as they were portrayed accurately and realistically. The author also did a great job conveying the angst of teen life and making me feel for both characters. My heart went out to Hannah in her pain, and even more so to Olivia in her frustration. The story explores friendship - how it can evolve and change, how growing up can sometimes mean growing apart, and how some bonds will always remain. Toe to Toe is a strong, YA debut that drew me in from the start and kept me reading. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
February 3, 2021
I was skeptical about this book at first because I know nothing about ballet, but I devoured it in a day. The characters are adorable and believable, and Ms. Parker is my favorite. I laughed. I cried. And I didn't want it to end. I cannot wait for the next one!
April 22, 2021
I stumbled upon one of Penelope’s posts on Instagram just a few days ago. I’d been following her but we know how the algorithm works, it picks and chooses what to show you even if you want to see everything from everyone you follow. So finally, FINALLY, it decided to show me that there’s a book series out there from an indie author that combined so many of my loves: ballet, female friendship, and sweet romance. I bought Toe to Toe instantly and devoured it.
Hannah, Olivia, Lisa, and Katy feel like girls I knew in high school. While I didn’t start dancing ballet until I was an adult, I still participated in competitive activities and Penelope just hit the nail on the head with that aspect of this book. The way Hannah pours her heart and soul into dancing while navigating a long time crush, a deteriorating friendship, and a possible new love interest is so realistic and took me straight back to when I tried to balance school and band and theatre and boys and everything in between. The dialogue between characters flowed so naturally, their interactions with each other were perfectly written, the growth and moments of self-realization that Hannah and Olivia both had were so poignant and beautiful. It really felt like watching a friend grow up from a teen into a young adult, right before my eyes.
And the teen romances sprinkled in are some of the best. When the girls talk about boys, when the boys start to pay attention to the girls, when there’s flirty texts and DMs—all of that sent me right back to high school and left me squealing and giggling in excitement for them, like I’m not a married 33 year old.
I just am dying that there’s three more to read. I can’t wait! I am so happy Instagram put Penelope’s post front and center on my feed. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I know the others will be just as amazing!
Hannah, Olivia, Lisa, and Katy feel like girls I knew in high school. While I didn’t start dancing ballet until I was an adult, I still participated in competitive activities and Penelope just hit the nail on the head with that aspect of this book. The way Hannah pours her heart and soul into dancing while navigating a long time crush, a deteriorating friendship, and a possible new love interest is so realistic and took me straight back to when I tried to balance school and band and theatre and boys and everything in between. The dialogue between characters flowed so naturally, their interactions with each other were perfectly written, the growth and moments of self-realization that Hannah and Olivia both had were so poignant and beautiful. It really felt like watching a friend grow up from a teen into a young adult, right before my eyes.
And the teen romances sprinkled in are some of the best. When the girls talk about boys, when the boys start to pay attention to the girls, when there’s flirty texts and DMs—all of that sent me right back to high school and left me squealing and giggling in excitement for them, like I’m not a married 33 year old.
I just am dying that there’s three more to read. I can’t wait! I am so happy Instagram put Penelope’s post front and center on my feed. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I know the others will be just as amazing!
January 31, 2021
Penelope Freed's 'Toe to Toe' is a compelling look at the lives of teenage 'bunheads'. As a teenage dancer myself, I found this novel to be incredibly accurate, and quite possibly the closest description to the thrills of dancing that I have come across in literature. I found myself welling up as Hannah, the protagonist, found her confidence shattered by a challenging ballet class. Equally, Hannah's joy as she dances translates so well on the page - helped by the alternating narrative with Hannah's friend Olivia - that a reader cannot help but feel their heart soar alongside hers.
This novel is not simply for those who dance, however; unlike a lot of dance-based novels, Freed examines other aspects of teenage life, such as romance and family, and how they interact with such a time-consuming extracurricular activity. In particular, Freed's depiction of teenage friendship and the pressure to keep it the same whilst you yourself are changing is fascinating and far more interesting than any of the relationship drama involved. In fact, I found myself so invested that I read the whole thing in just one sitting!
This is a very strong debut YA novel that defies many (but not all!) YA character stereotypes. Penelope Freed successfully conveys all of the angst that comes along with being sixteen, whilst adding a fabulous layer of dramatic flair.
This novel is not simply for those who dance, however; unlike a lot of dance-based novels, Freed examines other aspects of teenage life, such as romance and family, and how they interact with such a time-consuming extracurricular activity. In particular, Freed's depiction of teenage friendship and the pressure to keep it the same whilst you yourself are changing is fascinating and far more interesting than any of the relationship drama involved. In fact, I found myself so invested that I read the whole thing in just one sitting!
This is a very strong debut YA novel that defies many (but not all!) YA character stereotypes. Penelope Freed successfully conveys all of the angst that comes along with being sixteen, whilst adding a fabulous layer of dramatic flair.
January 30, 2021
I signed up for the author’s ARC team and she sent me an early ebook edition of this book.
Hannah and Olivia are both ballerinas. Their mothers were best friends and the girls grew up as best friends too. But life changes us and sometimes our childhood best friends don’t stay our best friends as we get older. The breakup of a friendship can really be a heartbreaking thing to go through and I feel like this author did a beautiful job addressing this topic.
Hannah is ambitious and takes ballet very seriously. Hannah has had a crush on Tyler for four years and Olivia knows it. But Hannah has also never acted on the crush, she’s admired Tyler from afar. Ballet always was top priority for her. Not boys.
Olivia is now dating Tyler. She knew it would hurt Hannah, there’s no denying that. Maybe she even wants it to hurt Hannah. After all, Hannah’s life is so perfect that Olivia is a little jealous. Hannah’s home life is easier and she’s better at ballet.
The girls’ drama comes to a head during the time surrounding a major ballet event that’s very important to Hannah and less important to Olivia.
This book ends in such a way that a sequel is a must. I’ll definitely read it. I’m curious what will happen next with Hannah, with Trevor and with the two girls that are more minor characters in this book. I imagine that their stories will be told in Head to Head.
Hannah and Olivia are both ballerinas. Their mothers were best friends and the girls grew up as best friends too. But life changes us and sometimes our childhood best friends don’t stay our best friends as we get older. The breakup of a friendship can really be a heartbreaking thing to go through and I feel like this author did a beautiful job addressing this topic.
Hannah is ambitious and takes ballet very seriously. Hannah has had a crush on Tyler for four years and Olivia knows it. But Hannah has also never acted on the crush, she’s admired Tyler from afar. Ballet always was top priority for her. Not boys.
Olivia is now dating Tyler. She knew it would hurt Hannah, there’s no denying that. Maybe she even wants it to hurt Hannah. After all, Hannah’s life is so perfect that Olivia is a little jealous. Hannah’s home life is easier and she’s better at ballet.
The girls’ drama comes to a head during the time surrounding a major ballet event that’s very important to Hannah and less important to Olivia.
This book ends in such a way that a sequel is a must. I’ll definitely read it. I’m curious what will happen next with Hannah, with Trevor and with the two girls that are more minor characters in this book. I imagine that their stories will be told in Head to Head.
January 27, 2021
When I picked this up I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I haven't read anything by Penelope before and as a new author I'm always just a smidge wary of what I'm going to get going in. I needn't have worried. This book was awesome! I loved Hannah and her 16-year-old day to day life, Olivia the antag we love to hate (and want to shake sometimes) and their friendship - which I can say with almost certainty many of us have lived through. It has just the right amount of Ballet sprinkled in so that muggles like me (who have no clue about ballet) can still enjoy a beautiful story. Can't wait for the next book!! Can't wait to read more from this amazing new author!
March 15, 2021
Authentic and compelling
Penelope Freed’s Toe to Toe tells the story of best friends Hannah and Olivia. While inseparable as children they are learning that being best friend becomes more difficult as they grow and their lives lead them down different paths. YA novels are not my first choice of book, but being involved in dance and theater as a teenage I decided to take a chance. What I found was such an authentic story that captures all the roller coaster emotions I experienced at that age. I am so excited to dive into the second book and cannot wait to see what Penelope dishes up next.
Penelope Freed’s Toe to Toe tells the story of best friends Hannah and Olivia. While inseparable as children they are learning that being best friend becomes more difficult as they grow and their lives lead them down different paths. YA novels are not my first choice of book, but being involved in dance and theater as a teenage I decided to take a chance. What I found was such an authentic story that captures all the roller coaster emotions I experienced at that age. I am so excited to dive into the second book and cannot wait to see what Penelope dishes up next.
March 20, 2021
Oh man, I got sucked into this book SO fast. I felt like I was there, I was one of the ballerina crew. All the drama, the struggles, the life changing decisions, the friendship issues... it was all so realistic, so relatable, it was like I was in high school again (without actually having to relive that!)
I loved getting a dual POV that wasn't the hero/heroine. It was a refreshing take I didn't know I needed! But getting into the head of two different characters really helped move the story along and allow the reader to understand the motives of what was happening.
10/10 recommend-- especially for those that love dance yet know nothing about it. Freed does a great job incorporating the life of a dancer for the beginner to the expert!
I loved getting a dual POV that wasn't the hero/heroine. It was a refreshing take I didn't know I needed! But getting into the head of two different characters really helped move the story along and allow the reader to understand the motives of what was happening.
10/10 recommend-- especially for those that love dance yet know nothing about it. Freed does a great job incorporating the life of a dancer for the beginner to the expert!
July 14, 2022
Such a great and fun read! I know nothing about ballet, but I was immediately drawn in and hooked to the story.
January 25, 2021
A super cute -little bit gritty- look into being a young, aspiring ballerina in a competitive circuit.
The characters were relatable and had well-defined voices.
The characters were relatable and had well-defined voices.
May 9, 2021
The perfect summer read. Interesting characters, just enough drama to keep it lively, and an incredibly accurate portrayal of life inside a ballet studio. I was instantly nostalgic for my own childhood at the studio. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 17, 2025
I loved this story following two friends Hannah and Olivia as they navigate a stressful time with lots of ballet practise, auditions and competitions. I actually stayed up all night reading this, from about 25% to the end, I finished about 6:30am! Hannah was definitely my favourite (and I think she's meant to be), but I definitely still liked Olivia a lot of the time. I 100% felt for her with everything she'd been through but I didn't like the way she handled a lot of things. Hannah though I liked throughout apart from the odd comment about Olivia during an argument, and despite what was said about her I think she was a good friend? Their friendship and issues came across as very real to me, not overdone or over the top. I was rooting throughout for the two of them and their other two ballet friends Lisa and Katy. (I hated what little we saw of Olivia's other friends, the popular girls at school though, as intended!)
I loved seeing and learning more about the ballet world! I did a bit of ballet as a child, but obviously not anywhere near to this level so it was interesting to see into the more competitive side and just how many hours goes into it every day. As well as of course seeing ballet from their different perspectives and why they both do it and enjoy it. We also weren't bogged down with lengthy descriptions of what each ballet move was as they performed or talked about them which I thought was good because although I wouldn't mind knowing I imagine some people would get annoyed if they don't care as much and just want the story. And you get the names of the moves that you can easily Google and see if you so desire.
My only complaint is the fact it ended so partway through the story! Although in some ways it was a satisfying way to end (we know the outcomes of the different auditions and somewhat of a resolution in their friendship) there was still a lot left to be discovered in the next book and I generally prefer my books to be very definitely ended, with room for another book still after they then go off. But I get that story-wise the other things it would have been nice to have resolved need more time to have elapsed in their world and that can only come with the whole next book. I've seen there's 4 and I definitely plan to carry on and read them all because I loved this.
I loved seeing and learning more about the ballet world! I did a bit of ballet as a child, but obviously not anywhere near to this level so it was interesting to see into the more competitive side and just how many hours goes into it every day. As well as of course seeing ballet from their different perspectives and why they both do it and enjoy it. We also weren't bogged down with lengthy descriptions of what each ballet move was as they performed or talked about them which I thought was good because although I wouldn't mind knowing I imagine some people would get annoyed if they don't care as much and just want the story. And you get the names of the moves that you can easily Google and see if you so desire.
My only complaint is the fact it ended so partway through the story! Although in some ways it was a satisfying way to end (we know the outcomes of the different auditions and somewhat of a resolution in their friendship) there was still a lot left to be discovered in the next book and I generally prefer my books to be very definitely ended, with room for another book still after they then go off. But I get that story-wise the other things it would have been nice to have resolved need more time to have elapsed in their world and that can only come with the whole next book. I've seen there's 4 and I definitely plan to carry on and read them all because I loved this.
February 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Being a former dancer I always love reading books that feature characters that also dance, yet many times I feel let down by the lack or understanding or research that goes into them. This book was not one of them. What really makes this book shine is the amount of knowledge of the dance industry that the author has which in turn gave it a very authentic feel. Even something as small as steps that naturally flow into each other made me happy.
This is a book that can be a little frustrating at times because your feelings for the two main characters can switch on a dime, but this in part to do with their ages and them finding their identities and place. Once I understood why we were getting Olivia's POV--who I originally hated with quite a passion--I was very happy with where I was lead.
There were a few technical aspects of the writing that could be addressed but they are something I believe will be learned and ironed out with each new release. Overall I think this is a very strong debut novel and I look forward to reading more of this series.
Being a former dancer I always love reading books that feature characters that also dance, yet many times I feel let down by the lack or understanding or research that goes into them. This book was not one of them. What really makes this book shine is the amount of knowledge of the dance industry that the author has which in turn gave it a very authentic feel. Even something as small as steps that naturally flow into each other made me happy.
This is a book that can be a little frustrating at times because your feelings for the two main characters can switch on a dime, but this in part to do with their ages and them finding their identities and place. Once I understood why we were getting Olivia's POV--who I originally hated with quite a passion--I was very happy with where I was lead.
There were a few technical aspects of the writing that could be addressed but they are something I believe will be learned and ironed out with each new release. Overall I think this is a very strong debut novel and I look forward to reading more of this series.
February 1, 2022
This story hit home as a mom to a ballet dancer. The competitions, the auditions, the ALL day rehearsals. Most of all, the relationships that are formed and change over the years. This story is about Hannah, a beautiful red haired, blue eyed ballet dancer who's dream is to get a scholarship and end up dancing in a ballet company in the future. She has friends that share her love of dance, but sometimes as you grow, the priorities change.
Come along with Hannah, Olivia, and their friends on their adventure of life, dance, family, and just what friendship means. Feel the pain, the happiness, and cheer on your favorite character through whatever the world throws her way. I am definitely looking forward to the 2nd book, Head to Head.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Come along with Hannah, Olivia, and their friends on their adventure of life, dance, family, and just what friendship means. Feel the pain, the happiness, and cheer on your favorite character through whatever the world throws her way. I am definitely looking forward to the 2nd book, Head to Head.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2021
I absolutely adored this book. It was (mostly) light, quick, & fun. I smiled through most of it, laughed a number of times. It inspired me in ways I can’t explain. Though I have to say, I think my favorite part was Ms. Parker chewing out the organizer. Plus being a red head & having a red headed blue eyed daughter I really appreciate reading Hannah’s perspective. I really liked the way ballet was taught in this book, it’s nice to be seeing breaks in the mold of the super strict & critical dance teachers, we need less of that and more of the positive styles that were encouraged. I can’t wait for book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 22, 2021
I really loved this book for so many reasons. I wanted to read this since I use to take ballet and point so all the dance references really took me back to when I used to dance. I read and loved the book tiny pretty things, and this book reminded me of that, but not as mature. I loved the character of Hannah and Olivia, and I felt like I was living their lives while I was reading the book. Overall, if you love to dance and want to read a book about the lives of ballet dancers, then totally check this book out!
May 16, 2022
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did, I was ignoring YA after reading some awful ones. This was much different, I have no dance knowledge to judge those specific parts but the emotions and actions are appropriate for 16 year olds. It is much more about the pressure of life deciding choices and friendship than it is about relationships.
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.
November 13, 2021
Nostalgic
This is a cute high school story of friends as they grow apart or together and start to want boys. The girls are dancers and the story brings me back to my high school days and all the drama with it.
This is a cute high school story of friends as they grow apart or together and start to want boys. The girls are dancers and the story brings me back to my high school days and all the drama with it.
September 27, 2025
This was a quick easy fun read about girl ballet students which focused on the work and dedication it takes to compete. It was typical teenage girl activity including gossiping and nitpicking, boyfriend problems, etc. It was a delightful read.
February 15, 2021
Overall enjoyed this young adult book and look forward to the next one
February 17, 2022
This was an intriguing read. Good book. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 31, 2024
A good quick read for a slump. I really enjoyed this one as a girl who used to do hours of ballet. It’s very YA but I think perfectly depicts what that world is really like. Fantastic read.
May 6, 2025
4⭐️ it was good. It was ok.
June 23, 2025
Yea I hate everyone and their died moms ( if you know you know)
March 8, 2021
I've been a fan of ballet for many years. My mom took me to ballet at around age 5, hated it, wouldn't do it. At age 78, I do appreciate it a great deal more. I felt Ms Freed spent a lot of time, well-spent, educating we ignoramuses on the nitty-gritty of dance, both physically as well as the environment surrounding the profession. Very much liked this book, and look forward to its sequel.
February 20, 2021
Hannah and Olivia have been best friends for their entire lives. They love each other, they love dance and they are in love with the same boy. Get pulled into their circle and watch as their friendship changes and matures. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Penelope makes you feel like you are part of their world.
This is a must read!
This is a must read!
January 28, 2023
Extremely well written. I only gave this 3 stars because of the amount of cursing from Olivia. The f word is used more time than i can count. I liked Hannah best, and thought Olivia was awfully mean to her. I would rate this book 5 stars, except for all the curse words that are used in this. Fewer curse words please in your next books, Penelope Freed. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews