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Dream's Edge #0.5
Dancing to Freedom
Canada, 1960
Ballet is Katerina Petrova’s world. But when the stage lights go dim and the curtain closes, she is simply a young woman who is trapped. On tour with the Soviet Kirov Ballet in Canada, Katerina is watched day and night by her chaperones and ballet security. But no one realizes that her hotel balcony adjoins that of handsome Canadian hockey player Robert Marcell.
Robert is enchanted by Katerina, though he knows little about who she really is. In an attempt to find out more about this mysterious young woman, Robert extends his stay in the hotel. One night, when a teammate’s wife persuades him to join them at the ballet, Robert reluctantly attends. He has no interest in cultural experiences—until Katerina dances onto the stage. Soon, the two are inseparable, but despite their growing love, Katerina knows they can have no future together. They come from different worlds, and to escape her gilded cage would be nearly impossible.
Ballet is Katerina Petrova’s world. But when the stage lights go dim and the curtain closes, she is simply a young woman who is trapped. On tour with the Soviet Kirov Ballet in Canada, Katerina is watched day and night by her chaperones and ballet security. But no one realizes that her hotel balcony adjoins that of handsome Canadian hockey player Robert Marcell.
Robert is enchanted by Katerina, though he knows little about who she really is. In an attempt to find out more about this mysterious young woman, Robert extends his stay in the hotel. One night, when a teammate’s wife persuades him to join them at the ballet, Robert reluctantly attends. He has no interest in cultural experiences—until Katerina dances onto the stage. Soon, the two are inseparable, but despite their growing love, Katerina knows they can have no future together. They come from different worlds, and to escape her gilded cage would be nearly impossible.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
69 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
66 books1,943 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 24, 2025
⭐⭐.75
this was...cute, ig?
the premise was interesting. but i felt like this needed to be longer. smh.
idk why she risked her safety, her future and her family just to be w a guy that she met a few days ago. they didn't know each other that well.
it was too insta-love(y) but ig that was to be expected, cs this is a novella :/
(that's why i said that this should've been a full-length novel)
(also. i'll admit that i knew almost next to nothing about the aftermath of russian civil war, and the kgb. after reading multiple articles, let's just say that i'm actually speechless.)
this was...cute, ig?
the premise was interesting. but i felt like this needed to be longer. smh.
“I need to know what Katerina would have to do to defect.”
“Robert, are you sure about this?” Miles asked. “I know you care about this girl, but defection? The Soviets take that very seriously. Anyone who wants to leave their country is considered an enemy of the state.”
idk why she risked her safety, her future and her family just to be w a guy that she met a few days ago. they didn't know each other that well.
it was too insta-love(y) but ig that was to be expected, cs this is a novella :/
(that's why i said that this should've been a full-length novel)
(also. i'll admit that i knew almost next to nothing about the aftermath of russian civil war, and the kgb. after reading multiple articles, let's just say that i'm actually speechless.)
May 15, 2021
So, a book by one of my favorite authors AND one of the main characters is a prima ballerina? Yes, please!! This novella is set during the Cold War in 1960, when Russia was the Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and I was reminded of how things were for those who lived there during that time.
I liked how Robert, a hockey player, was so taken in by Katerina, a ballet dancer that he saw Swan Lake multiple times. I also liked how he snuck notes to her under her guards and chaperones noses in her bouquets. I think I was almost as stressed out by Katerina's escape as she was--they were so close to getting caught. The story is told from both Katerina's and Robert's perspectives which I love.
The only I didn't like about this novella was that it was a novella, but it's a great prequel to Traci Hunter Abramson's new Dream's Edge series. I can't wait to dig into this new series, as she's been one of my favorite authors for several years.
I liked how Robert, a hockey player, was so taken in by Katerina, a ballet dancer that he saw Swan Lake multiple times. I also liked how he snuck notes to her under her guards and chaperones noses in her bouquets. I think I was almost as stressed out by Katerina's escape as she was--they were so close to getting caught. The story is told from both Katerina's and Robert's perspectives which I love.
The only I didn't like about this novella was that it was a novella, but it's a great prequel to Traci Hunter Abramson's new Dream's Edge series. I can't wait to dig into this new series, as she's been one of my favorite authors for several years.
June 10, 2021
Short and Sweet
When I started reading this story it seemed so familiar. I knew I had read it before. I believe it was part of an anthology. It's a novella, so shorter in length and I read through it quickly. It was good to refresh my memory in preparation for the next book (full length) in this series that just released.
A Russian ballerina and a Canadian hockey player fall in love on a hotel balcony. Richard works very hard to help Katerina defect so they can be together. It is sweet. Richard is smart and resourceful and motivated by love. That's a great combination. A winning combination.
When I started reading this story it seemed so familiar. I knew I had read it before. I believe it was part of an anthology. It's a novella, so shorter in length and I read through it quickly. It was good to refresh my memory in preparation for the next book (full length) in this series that just released.
A Russian ballerina and a Canadian hockey player fall in love on a hotel balcony. Richard works very hard to help Katerina defect so they can be together. It is sweet. Richard is smart and resourceful and motivated by love. That's a great combination. A winning combination.
June 10, 2021
This book was quite interesting. I liked how the author showed life of a Russian ballet dancer in the 1960’s who was performing in America under maximum security.
The historical part of the book as well as the drama and adventure was very good.
My main issue that made me give it 3 stars was the romance. To me, it was unrealistic.
Not even one week after meeting, this young couple was talking about true love and then marriage and I was like 😳... they barely know each other and they only talk for 30min after her rehearsals :s
There were other little things that were also not believable but I decided to oversee and try to enjoy the “main plot” of the book.
Tbh, the second half had me hooked. It was all the espionage and secret plans that hooked me.
Having said that, it was a clean read plus just a couple of kisses.
Overall, I enjoyed it and it was a very nice quick read.
The historical part of the book as well as the drama and adventure was very good.
My main issue that made me give it 3 stars was the romance. To me, it was unrealistic.
Not even one week after meeting, this young couple was talking about true love and then marriage and I was like 😳... they barely know each other and they only talk for 30min after her rehearsals :s
There were other little things that were also not believable but I decided to oversee and try to enjoy the “main plot” of the book.
Tbh, the second half had me hooked. It was all the espionage and secret plans that hooked me.
Having said that, it was a clean read plus just a couple of kisses.
Overall, I enjoyed it and it was a very nice quick read.
June 24, 2021
Fun novella set during the cold war. I especially loved the beginnings of the romance on the hotel balcony.
Who knew the 60s setting made this a historical romance? I'm getting old. lol
Who knew the 60s setting made this a historical romance? I'm getting old. lol
April 30, 2021
Sweet romantic suspense novella
Romance, suspense,sweet; 1960's setting
Katrina and Robert's meeting and romance story was a fun escape to the past with Russian ballet and the KGB as a backdrop to Katerina's defection with Robert. The NYC cab moment one of the best. Most novellas feel incomplete for me as a reader, but this was well paced. Told from alternating points of view, it was a lovely Sweet romantic fall for both of then, and the perfect amount of suspense to make it a page turner for me as a reader. T.H.A. gets the small moments with her characters that flesh out a story and make it real. Can't wait to read the next novel in this series.
Romance, suspense,sweet; 1960's setting
Katrina and Robert's meeting and romance story was a fun escape to the past with Russian ballet and the KGB as a backdrop to Katerina's defection with Robert. The NYC cab moment one of the best. Most novellas feel incomplete for me as a reader, but this was well paced. Told from alternating points of view, it was a lovely Sweet romantic fall for both of then, and the perfect amount of suspense to make it a page turner for me as a reader. T.H.A. gets the small moments with her characters that flesh out a story and make it real. Can't wait to read the next novel in this series.
May 3, 2021
There seems to be a lack of books that have dancing or dancers in them. As a dancer myself, it was really quite refreshing. Although the dancing isn't the main plot point, I understood Katerina Petrova and the dedication it would take to be at her level of dancing with the Kirov Ballet. I think that adds to the understanding of later points in the book that would deepen Katerina's character. For those who may not understand, let me just say, it's a big deal, much like it would be for any high caliber athlete to reach the Olympics or go pro in their chosen sport.
Katerina lives for ballet but she is also a dancer that is trapped by the confines of the 1960 Soviet Union. After a previous defection from the ballet company she dances for two years previously, the security surrounding them on their North American tour, has been significantly increased. The only look into the free world comes from her hotel balcony.
Robert Marcell, a professional hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens, is enchanted with Katerina from the moment he meets her on their shared balcony. He wants to know more about her so he plans to extend his hotel stay. Robert is persuaded by a teammate and his wife to go to the ballet one night, which he definitely has no real interest in. That is until he sees the beautiful Katerina dancing on stage.
Katerina and Robert become closer and closer through their interactions on the balcony. But to escape the reality of the cage she lives in, constantly chaperoned and watched, could cost them more than just their relationship- it could put their lives in jeopardy.
Traci made such a great novella and the anticipation for the rest of the books in the Dream's Edge series is high. I don't think there is anything Traci can't write and make amazing. I was captivated quickly and entirely.
Katerina lives for ballet but she is also a dancer that is trapped by the confines of the 1960 Soviet Union. After a previous defection from the ballet company she dances for two years previously, the security surrounding them on their North American tour, has been significantly increased. The only look into the free world comes from her hotel balcony.
Robert Marcell, a professional hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens, is enchanted with Katerina from the moment he meets her on their shared balcony. He wants to know more about her so he plans to extend his hotel stay. Robert is persuaded by a teammate and his wife to go to the ballet one night, which he definitely has no real interest in. That is until he sees the beautiful Katerina dancing on stage.
Katerina and Robert become closer and closer through their interactions on the balcony. But to escape the reality of the cage she lives in, constantly chaperoned and watched, could cost them more than just their relationship- it could put their lives in jeopardy.
Traci made such a great novella and the anticipation for the rest of the books in the Dream's Edge series is high. I don't think there is anything Traci can't write and make amazing. I was captivated quickly and entirely.
May 2, 2021
Is there anything Traci Hunter Abramson can’t write? Her writing never ceases to draw me. I am constantly wow’d with whatever she publishes. This book was entertaining and captivating. I absolutely loved this romantic suspense novella and Katerina and Robert’s characters. I really enjoyed the intrigue surrounding the KGB - that aspect really made this book come alive for me and actually feel the suspense and danger surrounding Katerina’s every move. Some may feel this is an ‘instant love” story, and I know that will make some hesitate, but know it is written SO WELL that it absolutely worked! I’m extremely excited for this new series and can’t wait to read more!
May 19, 2021
Do you like to read novellas? I enjoy them sometimes. It’s nice to be able to read a book in a single afternoon. I loved this novella by Traci Hunter Abramson. Her characters were fabulous.. And the plot is so great too.
I’d never given much thought to the way the people from Russia would have felt. This book is set during 1960. And the people of Russia were very oppressed at this point. I enjoyed seeing things from Katerina’s point of view. It just made me think a lot about the freedoms I enjoy here and the way I’m able to live my life without fear. Katerina had to sneak around, jut to spend a few minutes with Robert on their balconies. So crazy.
Robert is a great guy. I thought it was so funny when he went to the ballet thinking how bad he hated it, and then he realized that Katerina was in it. I loved how he went out of his way to spend time with her. And to try to get her more freedom than she had.
I really hope we get to see these two great characters again in another book!
I bought Dancing to Freedom on Kindle. All opinions are my own.
I’d never given much thought to the way the people from Russia would have felt. This book is set during 1960. And the people of Russia were very oppressed at this point. I enjoyed seeing things from Katerina’s point of view. It just made me think a lot about the freedoms I enjoy here and the way I’m able to live my life without fear. Katerina had to sneak around, jut to spend a few minutes with Robert on their balconies. So crazy.
Robert is a great guy. I thought it was so funny when he went to the ballet thinking how bad he hated it, and then he realized that Katerina was in it. I loved how he went out of his way to spend time with her. And to try to get her more freedom than she had.
I really hope we get to see these two great characters again in another book!
I bought Dancing to Freedom on Kindle. All opinions are my own.
June 14, 2021
Forbidden love
There's something so intriguing and heartbreaking about a forbidden love and Abramson snapped me to attention with this sweet novella.
Russian ballerina Katerina and Canadian hockey star Robert share an adjacent balcony at a hotel and forge an attracting friendship that I just devoured. Abramson portrays these characters in a lifelike and authentic way that gripped my heart. Details about how captive Katerina was stirred feelings of fear and hope deep in my soul and I desperately wanted Robert to find success.
Written in a very engaging way, this story nestled itself deep in my heart and left me anticipating more from this series.
Content: mild moments of peril/threat/fear; mild romance
There's something so intriguing and heartbreaking about a forbidden love and Abramson snapped me to attention with this sweet novella.
Russian ballerina Katerina and Canadian hockey star Robert share an adjacent balcony at a hotel and forge an attracting friendship that I just devoured. Abramson portrays these characters in a lifelike and authentic way that gripped my heart. Details about how captive Katerina was stirred feelings of fear and hope deep in my soul and I desperately wanted Robert to find success.
Written in a very engaging way, this story nestled itself deep in my heart and left me anticipating more from this series.
Content: mild moments of peril/threat/fear; mild romance
June 17, 2021
This book brought back a lot of memories of growing up during the Cold War. I always loved stories of people defecting to the United States in spite of the efforts of the KGB. This is a wonderful start to the series. I look forward to reading the series!
May 3, 2021
Making me consider things I haven't ever considered
I know on an intellectual level what communism is. But seeing it through someone's eyes was eye opening. I wonder if I'd be able to walk away if it's the only thing I'd ever known. Clean. Well thought out. Creative. Can't wait to read the next one. I guess freedom has many faces.
I know on an intellectual level what communism is. But seeing it through someone's eyes was eye opening. I wonder if I'd be able to walk away if it's the only thing I'd ever known. Clean. Well thought out. Creative. Can't wait to read the next one. I guess freedom has many faces.
May 24, 2021
Loved it! I’m so excited to read this series and love the back story to the books. Short novella, clean.
May 31, 2021
This novella brought a taste of the Cold War era to the forefront through the eyes of a prima ballerina. She had reached her dreams and was happy in the prima spot, until she found freedom through the eyes of a hockey player she met on the balcony outside her hotel room.
Katerina and Robert are well matched and are drawn to each other. He introduces her to things she has not even known to dream of and he finds someone in whom he can confide. Together they are something beautiful.
Robert with a little help from his friends works to keep Katerina from having to go back to Russia. Their adventure and love story is touching and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Katerina and Robert are well matched and are drawn to each other. He introduces her to things she has not even known to dream of and he finds someone in whom he can confide. Together they are something beautiful.
Robert with a little help from his friends works to keep Katerina from having to go back to Russia. Their adventure and love story is touching and kept me on the edge of my seat.
May 4, 2021
From what I have seen from this novella by Traci Hunter Abramson, I know the rest of the books in the series is going to be fantastic. Romance and a tiny bit of suspense mixed with an historical setting, made this a terrific story. Not to mention a forbidden love. What’s not to love about that.
September 11, 2025
I quite enjoyed this novella! It takes place during such an interesting time period. And I love how we get to see how their stories continue in the series with their daughter.
May 18, 2021
This is the year of novellas for me! I really enjoy seeing how an author can pack an entire story into just a few pages. I’m still relatively new to Traci Hunter Abramson but I have to admit I have every expectation that she can deliver a fantastic story! I was not disappointed with this book! It may be short, but there is still a good amount of tension, some character development, and a great story arc. When we got closer to the end I was so convinced things wouldn’t work out and I was so pleased with how things went! The Russian element was so intriguing and I loved the hockey-player-turned-ballet-enthusiast character. If you’d like a quick read that still delivers, this book is the one for you!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 29, 2021
#BookReview : DANCING TO FREEDOM (Dream’s Edge, #.5)
I am a new Traci Abramson fan. Dancing to Freedom is a fantastic prequel to a great series. You can grab your free copy on kindle. Two worlds collide in this suspenseful novella. It follows Katerina, a Russian prima ballerina for Swan Lake. It’s set during the time of the Cold War and so she is not free even if she is in Canada for their tour. I would love to see her perform. I will be mesmerized with her performance like Robert did. I like Robert’s persistence but at the same time I feel his fear and uncertainty. This has kept me on edge as Katerina tried to defect from the Soviet Union. I wish it's longer. I very much look forward to the next book in the series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I am a new Traci Abramson fan. Dancing to Freedom is a fantastic prequel to a great series. You can grab your free copy on kindle. Two worlds collide in this suspenseful novella. It follows Katerina, a Russian prima ballerina for Swan Lake. It’s set during the time of the Cold War and so she is not free even if she is in Canada for their tour. I would love to see her perform. I will be mesmerized with her performance like Robert did. I like Robert’s persistence but at the same time I feel his fear and uncertainty. This has kept me on edge as Katerina tried to defect from the Soviet Union. I wish it's longer. I very much look forward to the next book in the series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
May 14, 2021
I read this one after reading book 1 so I had already developed a relationship with this couple. I really like both of them. The story is sweet and a little intense toward the end. I was born not long after this book takes place and can remember the cold war and negative feelings toward Russia. And I remember talk about people defecting when I was a kid. So it was interesting to read this book from the Russian's point of view.
It is a sweet love story and enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence, but potential danger.
It is a sweet love story and enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence, but potential danger.
May 27, 2021
Dancing to Freedom is another novella I read this week. These short stories are perfect for this time of year when it's the end of my school year. I'm super excited about this novella and the series, Dream's Edge, that it is a part of. You must know by now that anything from author Traci Hunter Abramson is fantastic. This is different from her usual books but just as compelling.
Dancing to Freedom takes place in 1960 and involves a Canadian hockey player and a Russian Ballerina. Basically, they meet, fall in love, and then the suspense heightens as you wonder if Robert Marcell will be able to help the beautiful and talented Katerina Petrova defect from her homeland of Russia. I'm always amazed how authors can make such an exciting story happen in under a 100 pages. Readers will be hanging on the edge waiting to see if Robert can make a miracle happen and save Katerina. I loved this novella and know other readers will love it too because it's a quick read and very fulfilling.
Dancing to Freedom takes place in 1960 and involves a Canadian hockey player and a Russian Ballerina. Basically, they meet, fall in love, and then the suspense heightens as you wonder if Robert Marcell will be able to help the beautiful and talented Katerina Petrova defect from her homeland of Russia. I'm always amazed how authors can make such an exciting story happen in under a 100 pages. Readers will be hanging on the edge waiting to see if Robert can make a miracle happen and save Katerina. I loved this novella and know other readers will love it too because it's a quick read and very fulfilling.
November 30, 2021
This is a sweet super short novella. I read “An Unlikely Pair” before this but you can read it out of order. “Dancing To Freedom” is about Katerina and Robert. Two athletes from different worlds, building a friendship to possibly more but the Cold War is going and the Soviet Union is very concerned for their people and property.
It’s a sweet fast read with an impossible scenario at the end which made for fun reading. While 80 pages it felt like a complete story but of course more would’ve been even better!
It’s a sweet fast read with an impossible scenario at the end which made for fun reading. While 80 pages it felt like a complete story but of course more would’ve been even better!
April 30, 2021
Awesome
This book continues Traci’s great books. Could not put it down. Finished in a few hours. Love her books. Thank you Traci for wonderful books
This book continues Traci’s great books. Could not put it down. Finished in a few hours. Love her books. Thank you Traci for wonderful books
May 18, 2021
What a good story for the times we live in, when so many seem to under value freedom and are willing to trade it "for a mess of pottage." Looking forward to this series!
July 25, 2022
I realize this is a novella, but it needed a bit more character development. Plenty of insta-love and almost spy novel drama.
May 29, 2023
This book was excellent! I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
May 10, 2025
This was a re-read. The majority of the series focus on the kids, but it's fun having young Katerina and Robert's story.
June 18, 2021
Wonderful Novella!
What a wonderful story! I loved how the characters were willing to risk everything to be together. I also loved how Traci described what was happening at the time. Very well done!
What a wonderful story! I loved how the characters were willing to risk everything to be together. I also loved how Traci described what was happening at the time. Very well done!
August 31, 2023
I liked this even more than An Unlikely Pair by Traci Hunter Abramson. I loved the protective nature of Robert. I liked the politics in this book. It was entertaining and an easy read.
May 5, 2021
Excellent Novella
This was an excellent novella! It kept me turning pages. I was quickly drawn in. The story follows a Russian Ballerina in the 1960s, making her debut as Odette in Swan Lake while her company is on a North American tour. Quite by accident, she meets a Canadian and they secretly spend some time together each evening and fall for each other. I for sure am excited to check out others in this author’s new series. This book really drew me in!
This was an excellent novella! It kept me turning pages. I was quickly drawn in. The story follows a Russian Ballerina in the 1960s, making her debut as Odette in Swan Lake while her company is on a North American tour. Quite by accident, she meets a Canadian and they secretly spend some time together each evening and fall for each other. I for sure am excited to check out others in this author’s new series. This book really drew me in!
May 3, 2021
Fast paced, romantic suspense, clean
Enjoyed this. Suspense stories are a bit out of my usual genre, but i liked it. Read it because i enjoy hockey and history, and was interested in the Russian ballet history. It seemed like it was probably simplified, and the romantic subplot seemed incredibly far fetched. Overall, 4 stars.
Enjoyed this. Suspense stories are a bit out of my usual genre, but i liked it. Read it because i enjoy hockey and history, and was interested in the Russian ballet history. It seemed like it was probably simplified, and the romantic subplot seemed incredibly far fetched. Overall, 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews