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Academy of Stardom #1
Freestyle
From the gutter to the stars...
Dance is in my blood.
It’s what keeps me sane, out of trouble. It used to keep them out of trouble too.
A group of boys I grew up with.
Xeno, York, Zayn and Dax.
We were a crew once and we ruled the clubs.
Separate we were insanely good, together we were unbeatable. F*&ing on fire.
I was their girl and they were my Breakers.
Until they did something they promised they never would; break my heart.
We were sixteen when they left me.
You see, for kids like us, dance was all we had.
Growing up in a rundown housing estate in London with no prospects can make you view the world differently.
It can make you choose the wrong path.
I chose dance, and they chose crime.
Three years later I’ve won a scholarship to Stardom Academy. I try to forget my past.
But how can I do that when the four boys who hurt me are back?
And this time they won’t walk away even when I ask them too.
Freestyle is book one of this new gritty, contemporary reverse harem academy trilogy for 17+ readers and deals with adult themes and some subjects you may find upsetting. If you love dance, your men on the criminal side, alpha hot holes and the enemies-to-lovers trope, this is for you. Contains foul language and sexual scenes.
Dance is in my blood.
It’s what keeps me sane, out of trouble. It used to keep them out of trouble too.
A group of boys I grew up with.
Xeno, York, Zayn and Dax.
We were a crew once and we ruled the clubs.
Separate we were insanely good, together we were unbeatable. F*&ing on fire.
I was their girl and they were my Breakers.
Until they did something they promised they never would; break my heart.
We were sixteen when they left me.
You see, for kids like us, dance was all we had.
Growing up in a rundown housing estate in London with no prospects can make you view the world differently.
It can make you choose the wrong path.
I chose dance, and they chose crime.
Three years later I’ve won a scholarship to Stardom Academy. I try to forget my past.
But how can I do that when the four boys who hurt me are back?
And this time they won’t walk away even when I ask them too.
Freestyle is book one of this new gritty, contemporary reverse harem academy trilogy for 17+ readers and deals with adult themes and some subjects you may find upsetting. If you love dance, your men on the criminal side, alpha hot holes and the enemies-to-lovers trope, this is for you. Contains foul language and sexual scenes.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2020
4308 people are currently reading
24389 people want to read
About the author
Bea Paige
66 books1,570 followersA writer of gritty, dangerous love. A hopeless romantic. A lover of dark heroes. A drinker of red wine and a scoffer of Haribo sweets.
Librarian Note: Also writes under the name Kelly Stock.
Librarian Note: Also writes under the name Kelly Stock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,048 reviews
April 18, 2021
3 Stars!
... The beginning of Breakers.
I couldn't get into this book at all. I didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters. I wasn't able to connect with any of them. And I didn't feel any emotions except for lust and hatred. I felt like their past relationship was too instant. I couldn't believe that they fell in love with one another without enough history as to how and why. Yes, the author provided flashbacks when they were together, year through year, from they first met to their last days. Yes, the author provided excuses that some of them were lacking in attention and affection. However, these things weren't enough for me to buy the romance. Plus, I wasn't properly introduced with each of the heroes. I often find it hard to like one hero without his point of view, how come having four?
Note: This is a reverse harem, enemies to lovers romance.
Freestyle is the first book in the Academy of Stardom series.
If you love reverse harem, friends to enemies to lovers, dark, and bully romances, then this book is a hundred percent for you. It was me who doesn't like reverse harem but still tried one but ended up failing again. It was me who was frustrated with the main characters because they didn't talk their problems. It was me who wasn't much invested in the story like what I hoped I would be.
Overall, I liked some parts of the book. I loved the cover. I like dance-themed stories and this one wasn't an exception. Maybe, I will continue the rest of the series someday.
... The beginning of Breakers.
I couldn't get into this book at all. I didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters. I wasn't able to connect with any of them. And I didn't feel any emotions except for lust and hatred. I felt like their past relationship was too instant. I couldn't believe that they fell in love with one another without enough history as to how and why. Yes, the author provided flashbacks when they were together, year through year, from they first met to their last days. Yes, the author provided excuses that some of them were lacking in attention and affection. However, these things weren't enough for me to buy the romance. Plus, I wasn't properly introduced with each of the heroes. I often find it hard to like one hero without his point of view, how come having four?
Note: This is a reverse harem, enemies to lovers romance.
Freestyle is the first book in the Academy of Stardom series.
If you love reverse harem, friends to enemies to lovers, dark, and bully romances, then this book is a hundred percent for you. It was me who doesn't like reverse harem but still tried one but ended up failing again. It was me who was frustrated with the main characters because they didn't talk their problems. It was me who wasn't much invested in the story like what I hoped I would be.
Overall, I liked some parts of the book. I loved the cover. I like dance-themed stories and this one wasn't an exception. Maybe, I will continue the rest of the series someday.
"Loving the Breakers is my greatest sin ..."
August 23, 2021
3/5 ⭐️ | 1/5 🌶
I expected a little bit more spice from a RH book even if it is part of a trilogy. The action doesn’t really take place until towards the end and it’s very mild at that. It felt like they were more friends than potential love interests.
This flashes back between past and present so you get to see how they’ve grown together & all the important parts of their relationships, but I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite.
I like the dance plot, and I like how their lives are tangled up with each other, but the execution isn’t my favorite. Pacing is good, but the dialogue didn’t really sit with me 😭 I got me pick-me vibes from the girl and once that settled in, I couldn’t get it out 😩
This ends in a cliffhanger, but damn, that’s a pretty good one because I feel like that’s when the spice really starts!!
I expected a little bit more spice from a RH book even if it is part of a trilogy. The action doesn’t really take place until towards the end and it’s very mild at that. It felt like they were more friends than potential love interests.
This flashes back between past and present so you get to see how they’ve grown together & all the important parts of their relationships, but I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite.
I like the dance plot, and I like how their lives are tangled up with each other, but the execution isn’t my favorite. Pacing is good, but the dialogue didn’t really sit with me 😭 I got me pick-me vibes from the girl and once that settled in, I couldn’t get it out 😩
This ends in a cliffhanger, but damn, that’s a pretty good one because I feel like that’s when the spice really starts!!
June 23, 2025
"Hate is often at its most powerful when it’s formed on the back of love. Sometimes the two emotions are so thinly separated that tiny droplets filter from one into the other, discolouring the truth, blending it until you don’t even know how to feel anymore."
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This is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I need book 2 asap.
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Heard this series is addictive
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This is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I need book 2 asap.
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Heard this series is addictive
September 27, 2020
Over the past few days I’ve been seeing posts for LYRICAL by Bea Paige, and after reading the blurb I just knew I had to read this trilogy.
I don’t read many Reverse Harem books because I sometimes struggle with the dynamics of the relationship ship. More often than not I usually favour one of the guys over the rest, but that didn’t happen here. I loved Xeno, Zayn, York and Dax equally; they all had different personalities and they fit perfectly with Penelope (Pen).
This book has EVERYTHING. Romance, steam, suspense, DANCE...and one almighty cliffhanger!
When reading FREESTYLE, I highly advise you listen to the playlist at the same time. The songs used are perfect and heighten the emotions during the dance sequences.
I don’t read many Reverse Harem books because I sometimes struggle with the dynamics of the relationship ship. More often than not I usually favour one of the guys over the rest, but that didn’t happen here. I loved Xeno, Zayn, York and Dax equally; they all had different personalities and they fit perfectly with Penelope (Pen).
This book has EVERYTHING. Romance, steam, suspense, DANCE...and one almighty cliffhanger!
When reading FREESTYLE, I highly advise you listen to the playlist at the same time. The songs used are perfect and heighten the emotions during the dance sequences.
August 30, 2022
4stars
I don't have a lot to say really.
I really enjoyed it and I'm going to start the next book now😅
I've always loved stuff that has dance involved this book included
I don't have a lot to say really.
I really enjoyed it and I'm going to start the next book now😅
I've always loved stuff that has dance involved this book included
January 19, 2024
2,5 stars ish
I didn´t like this as much as i wanted. I got annoyed at the mc for showing weakness sorta when she sees the guys again after 3 years. Meanwhile the guys sleep with whoever they wanted, she still has feelings so she don´t which annoyed me just because the guys do. And the reason the guys are pissed at her is so petty, like omg they just believed her when she "lied" to protect her sis and from David s´the pshycho brother. I just wanted her to be a baddie and not show them any emotions she obvs still has for them and be a cold motherfucker. They don´t get to walk over her
I didn´t like this as much as i wanted. I got annoyed at the mc for showing weakness sorta when she sees the guys again after 3 years. Meanwhile the guys sleep with whoever they wanted, she still has feelings so she don´t which annoyed me just because the guys do. And the reason the guys are pissed at her is so petty, like omg they just believed her when she "lied" to protect her sis and from David s´the pshycho brother. I just wanted her to be a baddie and not show them any emotions she obvs still has for them and be a cold motherfucker. They don´t get to walk over her
February 21, 2024
All I could imagine when skimming the dance scenes was a mix of step up and camp rock…cringe
June 7, 2020
I’m newer to the Bea Paige fandom, and with books like Freestyle I want to slap myself for taking so long to discover her. Crisp writing, a tight and gripping narrative style, and emotionally nuanced and imperfect characters- Bea is a world builder, and Freestyle is an emotional, intriguing, and complex world that blew me away.
Our story centers on a RH friends-to-enemies (and hopefully to lovers) story. Our heroine Pen is fantastic. She’s a warrior- a survivor of multiple challenging circumstances, but she won’t give up. She’s also incredibly passionate, focused, and hard working. She lives with integrity even though she’s surrounded by greed and corruption. She takes nothing for granted, and selflessly sacrifices for the happiness and well being of others. She’s tough, but at her core she just wants to be loved, to matter to someone, to be FREE. She’s the kind of heroine you can admire and root for, the kind of heroine who you empathize with and hurt for.
And our harem, the BREAKERS? DELICIOUS. These guys are so well articulated, so intimately defined and developed- unique, dimensional, each completely compelling- which is HARD for RH. Not to mention, Bea so carefully sketches the emotional architecture of Pen to each guy- carefully constructed so that each relationship feels not only intimate and fully realized but also fundamental to the bones of these characters, and fundamental to the crew. The chemistry sizzles.
Where Bea really distinguishes her writing chops is in the surprise 5th harem member: Dance. Yes, the art of dance is so lovingly portrayed here, so fundamental to the emotional progression of our story and the characters’ development that it becomes a character in and of itself. I was doubly that an artform so VISUAL, so experiential, and so tied to music could be adequately conveyed in writing. Bea does this beautifully- she’s clearly researched, artfully uses imagery and descriptive language to build movement for us with words- her prose creatively conveying the emotive experience of each character in the many kinds of dancing they use to express their joy, their anger, their pain. Each character’s dance style serves to help us better understand them. The love for dance, the power of it as an artform bleeds off the page, elevating dance to a living, breathing character of this complex story. Dance becomes the emotional center of this story- an energy in and of itself.
The narrative is a split timeline, told all through Pen’s POV. Not my fav approach normally because I’m impatient, but here it really worked, even if it meant the overall progress in the story is slower because we’re building two concurrent stories. (and this also means this is a slower burn). But, it keeps you hooked, anxious to find out what is happening back in the timeline you were exploring, and it really serves our characters well- helps us understand them and also the impact of the past on the present as Bea skillfully juxtaposes the past and present- in character voice and emotive tone, in how they look, and, brilliantly, in how they dance. Answers are slow to be revealed, but what an emotional, agonizing, and angst journey. You are left with some unanswered questions, including the motivations of the Breakers, and a GIANT cliffy- HOLY SMOKES, that final scene! I sure hope we get some Breaker POV in the next book, too!
Freestyle is an enthralling, angsty, dark DELIGHT. I fell in love with these characters. I couldn’t step away from this menacing and captivating world Bea Paige has created. I need book 2 now!! <3
Our story centers on a RH friends-to-enemies (and hopefully to lovers) story. Our heroine Pen is fantastic. She’s a warrior- a survivor of multiple challenging circumstances, but she won’t give up. She’s also incredibly passionate, focused, and hard working. She lives with integrity even though she’s surrounded by greed and corruption. She takes nothing for granted, and selflessly sacrifices for the happiness and well being of others. She’s tough, but at her core she just wants to be loved, to matter to someone, to be FREE. She’s the kind of heroine you can admire and root for, the kind of heroine who you empathize with and hurt for.
And our harem, the BREAKERS? DELICIOUS. These guys are so well articulated, so intimately defined and developed- unique, dimensional, each completely compelling- which is HARD for RH. Not to mention, Bea so carefully sketches the emotional architecture of Pen to each guy- carefully constructed so that each relationship feels not only intimate and fully realized but also fundamental to the bones of these characters, and fundamental to the crew. The chemistry sizzles.
Where Bea really distinguishes her writing chops is in the surprise 5th harem member: Dance. Yes, the art of dance is so lovingly portrayed here, so fundamental to the emotional progression of our story and the characters’ development that it becomes a character in and of itself. I was doubly that an artform so VISUAL, so experiential, and so tied to music could be adequately conveyed in writing. Bea does this beautifully- she’s clearly researched, artfully uses imagery and descriptive language to build movement for us with words- her prose creatively conveying the emotive experience of each character in the many kinds of dancing they use to express their joy, their anger, their pain. Each character’s dance style serves to help us better understand them. The love for dance, the power of it as an artform bleeds off the page, elevating dance to a living, breathing character of this complex story. Dance becomes the emotional center of this story- an energy in and of itself.
The narrative is a split timeline, told all through Pen’s POV. Not my fav approach normally because I’m impatient, but here it really worked, even if it meant the overall progress in the story is slower because we’re building two concurrent stories. (and this also means this is a slower burn). But, it keeps you hooked, anxious to find out what is happening back in the timeline you were exploring, and it really serves our characters well- helps us understand them and also the impact of the past on the present as Bea skillfully juxtaposes the past and present- in character voice and emotive tone, in how they look, and, brilliantly, in how they dance. Answers are slow to be revealed, but what an emotional, agonizing, and angst journey. You are left with some unanswered questions, including the motivations of the Breakers, and a GIANT cliffy- HOLY SMOKES, that final scene! I sure hope we get some Breaker POV in the next book, too!
Freestyle is an enthralling, angsty, dark DELIGHT. I fell in love with these characters. I couldn’t step away from this menacing and captivating world Bea Paige has created. I need book 2 now!! <3
December 22, 2020
Holy guacamole!
Holy... I was drawn into this in the first chapter! I could not put it down for the life of me. I avoided work and everything to read this bad boy. SO WORTH IT.
Holy... I was drawn into this in the first chapter! I could not put it down for the life of me. I avoided work and everything to read this bad boy. SO WORTH IT.
Want to read
July 6, 2023my incredibly uncontemporary romance loving friend is eating this up.
they even want *gasp* hard copies of it 🤭
so now i have to.
they even want *gasp* hard copies of it 🤭
so now i have to.
August 14, 2021
I was really excited about this book. It is a RH romance (totally my favorite genre right now) has such good rates and i loved the synopsis, sounded so interesting.
In the beginning, i was really enjoying it. I was loving getting to meet Pen and her guys, Xeno, York, Dax and Zayn trough her flashbacks and all. I could feel how friends they were, how they cared about each other.
But then, somethings kept bothering me.
Here we have that classic drama, that i personally hate, were the heroine and the heroes were friends when younger and started liking each other, but something happens that breaks them apart, and both parts blame and hate each other. And OF COURSE is not that simple, but do the guys and the girl just TALK to each other to get to the bottom of it?NO!
I mean, i get that Pen was resenting them for being part of the Skins, but she always described them as the boys she loved, she even knew that despite their agressiveness sometimes with other people, they would never hit or hurt her, so why didn't she tell them something???
Is it so hard to say "i'm sorry but my sick brother who is in love with me threatened to kill my little sister if i don't stay away from you guys, so i hope you understand."
Okay, even if that annoyed me a little, as i said earlier, it is a classic book thing, i've heard this story before, so i could ignore if the rest was good.But it wasn't, at least for me.
I know every author has the right to write her RH the way she wants. In some books the men are just okay with sharing a girl with their best friends or brothers because they "feel" is right, because they've done everything together their whole lives, so it just makes sense. And in others books, the men, or at least one of them, has trouble with that.And i get it, i really do, but here i just thought Xeno was an asshole.I mean force the girl to choose one of them and then run off with that guy and never they would be friends again with the rest, it just sounds ridiculous to me.I kept thinking "why are they all just accepting this????"
I mean okay, Xeno is like the lider of the group, but if the guys really love her, how are they so okay with that ultimatum?
But Pen herself answer my question in that part of the book saying that they did not battle this because they respected Xeno and might've lose him if they did. Of course the guy himself clearly has no problem with losing one best friend and the girl he loves, but okay.
And let's not forget about the fact that our FMC throws up all the time, really all the time and spents most the book being jealous about the guys.That was annoying as fuck!!!!!!She "hated" them, wanted them gone, but every time they talked or flirted with other girls IN FRONT OF HER (assholes, super mature) she would get angry and had to control herself not to punch the girl they were with.
And in the flashbacks there's that part when Xeno fucks his latest girlfriend near the baysement they hang and she hears all of that, and gets a little hurt.I mean that's such a dick thing to do!!!!!!The guy claima he likes her but fucks other girls near her.
Of course in that time they were 16 and "just friends" but if she got that uncomfortable how would the idiot not know it was not okay or nice???
Those things really annoyed me.
I'm sad because i thought i was gonna love the book, and got so disappointed.
I don't know how this has 4.35 stars. I really don't.
PS: Sorry for any possible writing mistake, i speak portuguese.
In the beginning, i was really enjoying it. I was loving getting to meet Pen and her guys, Xeno, York, Dax and Zayn trough her flashbacks and all. I could feel how friends they were, how they cared about each other.
But then, somethings kept bothering me.
Here we have that classic drama, that i personally hate, were the heroine and the heroes were friends when younger and started liking each other, but something happens that breaks them apart, and both parts blame and hate each other. And OF COURSE is not that simple, but do the guys and the girl just TALK to each other to get to the bottom of it?NO!
I mean, i get that Pen was resenting them for being part of the Skins, but she always described them as the boys she loved, she even knew that despite their agressiveness sometimes with other people, they would never hit or hurt her, so why didn't she tell them something???
Is it so hard to say "i'm sorry but my sick brother who is in love with me threatened to kill my little sister if i don't stay away from you guys, so i hope you understand."
Okay, even if that annoyed me a little, as i said earlier, it is a classic book thing, i've heard this story before, so i could ignore if the rest was good.But it wasn't, at least for me.
I know every author has the right to write her RH the way she wants. In some books the men are just okay with sharing a girl with their best friends or brothers because they "feel" is right, because they've done everything together their whole lives, so it just makes sense. And in others books, the men, or at least one of them, has trouble with that.And i get it, i really do, but here i just thought Xeno was an asshole.I mean force the girl to choose one of them and then run off with that guy and never they would be friends again with the rest, it just sounds ridiculous to me.I kept thinking "why are they all just accepting this????"
I mean okay, Xeno is like the lider of the group, but if the guys really love her, how are they so okay with that ultimatum?
But Pen herself answer my question in that part of the book saying that they did not battle this because they respected Xeno and might've lose him if they did. Of course the guy himself clearly has no problem with losing one best friend and the girl he loves, but okay.
And let's not forget about the fact that our FMC throws up all the time, really all the time and spents most the book being jealous about the guys.That was annoying as fuck!!!!!!She "hated" them, wanted them gone, but every time they talked or flirted with other girls IN FRONT OF HER (assholes, super mature) she would get angry and had to control herself not to punch the girl they were with.
And in the flashbacks there's that part when Xeno fucks his latest girlfriend near the baysement they hang and she hears all of that, and gets a little hurt.I mean that's such a dick thing to do!!!!!!The guy claima he likes her but fucks other girls near her.
Of course in that time they were 16 and "just friends" but if she got that uncomfortable how would the idiot not know it was not okay or nice???
Those things really annoyed me.
I'm sad because i thought i was gonna love the book, and got so disappointed.
I don't know how this has 4.35 stars. I really don't.
PS: Sorry for any possible writing mistake, i speak portuguese.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
OMG I loooooooove this new book from Bea Paige!
As a former dancer myself, I felt so in sync with the moves and academy she's created. It was a joy to experience this, through Bea's words.
The guys are amazing! I love how complex they are. But it's nothing compared to the story between the Breakers and Pen. This is described beautifully with only a few things being revealed at a time, leaving the reader in a perfect place of knowing nothing but having all the guesses.
Try as I might, I can never get onboard with Bea's FMC's. For some reason they always come across entitled and bratty to me. Even when they do something good for someone else, they need someone to blame. They can't just own up to mistakes they make, or maybe admit not knowing the full in's and out's of the truth..... for some reason this always ends up rubbing me the wrong way.
However, this is still a 4 star read because of the men and the world building - and I can't wait for the 2nd book in the series!
As a former dancer myself, I felt so in sync with the moves and academy she's created. It was a joy to experience this, through Bea's words.
The guys are amazing! I love how complex they are. But it's nothing compared to the story between the Breakers and Pen. This is described beautifully with only a few things being revealed at a time, leaving the reader in a perfect place of knowing nothing but having all the guesses.
Try as I might, I can never get onboard with Bea's FMC's. For some reason they always come across entitled and bratty to me. Even when they do something good for someone else, they need someone to blame. They can't just own up to mistakes they make, or maybe admit not knowing the full in's and out's of the truth..... for some reason this always ends up rubbing me the wrong way.
However, this is still a 4 star read because of the men and the world building - and I can't wait for the 2nd book in the series!
September 24, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK FREESTYLE BY BEA PAIGE.
Pen had everything she had ever desired in her life......her dance....her friends who meant the world to her...until they did the one thing she was not prepared for...broke her heart.
Now, after her heart has finally managed to heal itself...they are back...BREAKERS.
And this time...no one..not even her can prevent the war they will bring to her door.
I Never thought I could love this theme in a novel...dance. But I was soo wrong. Turns out, I immensely enjoyed reading this book. The cliffhanger was superb... There were some things not disclose properly in the book but I hope to get that clarify while I read book 2.
the characters were so lively..its like you could feel their heartbreaks, agony, fury, pain...through the pages...
PROCEED WITH CAUTION...CLIFFHANGER AHEAD!!
Pen had everything she had ever desired in her life......her dance....her friends who meant the world to her...until they did the one thing she was not prepared for...broke her heart.
Now, after her heart has finally managed to heal itself...they are back...BREAKERS.
And this time...no one..not even her can prevent the war they will bring to her door.
I Never thought I could love this theme in a novel...dance. But I was soo wrong. Turns out, I immensely enjoyed reading this book. The cliffhanger was superb... There were some things not disclose properly in the book but I hope to get that clarify while I read book 2.
the characters were so lively..its like you could feel their heartbreaks, agony, fury, pain...through the pages...
PROCEED WITH CAUTION...CLIFFHANGER AHEAD!!
October 19, 2022
“Unless she’s got a weapon stuffed up her coochie, then she’s good,”.….… BFFR be fucking for real. AND IT GOT WORSE…… “Stuffed up my coochie?” I snap, unable to hide my indignation. I’ve not had anything stuffed up my coochie for three fucking years, let alone a fucking weapon. Actually, I’m fairly sure I’m a born again virgin, and my hymen has grown back for all the lack of use.”
GIRL PLSSS I CANT DO THIS RN. Don’t read books from instagram reels 🙏🙏🙏
GIRL PLSSS I CANT DO THIS RN. Don’t read books from instagram reels 🙏🙏🙏
June 4, 2020
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This book surprised me. Going in, I really didn’t think it was going to be my thing... but it turns out whatever Bea Paige writes is my thing! This book was SO good! It gave me everything I didn’t know I needed and was such a refreshing read!
This book surprised me. Going in, I really didn’t think it was going to be my thing... but it turns out whatever Bea Paige writes is my thing! This book was SO good! It gave me everything I didn’t know I needed and was such a refreshing read!
April 7, 2021
I NEED MORE!!
Holy crap this book hit the spot. I want more so bad it hurts! How will I move on after that? I love how Asia, Grim, and even Eastern were mentioned in this book as well. Oh man I need to know what happens. This is by far my favorite book by Bea so far! So so good and a great start to this trilogy!!!
Holy crap this book hit the spot. I want more so bad it hurts! How will I move on after that? I love how Asia, Grim, and even Eastern were mentioned in this book as well. Oh man I need to know what happens. This is by far my favorite book by Bea so far! So so good and a great start to this trilogy!!!
October 2, 2025
5⭐️
This book is everything I could have hoped for and I can’t believe I waited so long to read it.
The plot and the chapters are fantastic. My heart breaks for Pen, she has no good choices 🥺.
Onto book 2.
This book is everything I could have hoped for and I can’t believe I waited so long to read it.
The plot and the chapters are fantastic. My heart breaks for Pen, she has no good choices 🥺.
Onto book 2.
October 15, 2022
I don't even know where to begin.
This book was terrible from start to finish. From the "pick me, I'm not like other girls, no personality" main character, to the meathead "breakers" who ironically break bones, what a surprise, who would gladly become a bloody harem just to please their "insert another synonym for short", to the actual storyline(if this can even be called a storyline). The actual writing was as if I was reading a 15 year old's shitty fanfiction about some high school musical wannabe gangster drama. I'm not even going to get into the Sweet Home Alabama aspect of the atrocity that was this story because honestly, how could I ever?
This just felt like someone was trying to smash all too many different terrible themes into the same shitstorm that is called Penelope's sad, sad life. Let's all feel bad for Pen, who literally has no redeeming qualities whatsoever other than carrying for her little sister. I felt like this book was begging me to do that (feel bad for her), and to be honest, I just won't.
I am sad to say I will continue the series, as I do want to continue to hate it and have all the arguments for said hate. 0/10. Would not recommend it to my worst enemy.
This book was terrible from start to finish. From the "pick me, I'm not like other girls, no personality" main character, to the meathead "breakers" who ironically break bones, what a surprise, who would gladly become a bloody harem just to please their "insert another synonym for short", to the actual storyline(if this can even be called a storyline). The actual writing was as if I was reading a 15 year old's shitty fanfiction about some high school musical wannabe gangster drama. I'm not even going to get into the Sweet Home Alabama aspect of the atrocity that was this story because honestly, how could I ever?
This just felt like someone was trying to smash all too many different terrible themes into the same shitstorm that is called Penelope's sad, sad life. Let's all feel bad for Pen, who literally has no redeeming qualities whatsoever other than carrying for her little sister. I felt like this book was begging me to do that (feel bad for her), and to be honest, I just won't.
I am sad to say I will continue the series, as I do want to continue to hate it and have all the arguments for said hate. 0/10. Would not recommend it to my worst enemy.
February 26, 2022
4⭐️
Erm okay wow
That was intense
I loved it!
I took off a star as I didn’t like that it kept going from past to present. I know it needs to be like that for the story but I just prefer it when it’s all squished at the front so I can get on with the present.
But other than that, it was amazing.
I loved the plot and the characters. I can’t believe this is set in the same world as Asia I frickin loved her in Academy of Misfits.
Okay so we have..
Pen- I loved her, she was amazing. She’s so fucking strong, she’s had so much put on her shoulders and she can only rely on herself.
This gonna be hard for the guys as they were different in the past and present…
Xeno, Zayn, Dax and York.
I can’t pick a favourite yet as I’m baffled.
The plot twists tho omg
Can’t wait for the next one!
Erm okay wow
That was intense
I loved it!
I took off a star as I didn’t like that it kept going from past to present. I know it needs to be like that for the story but I just prefer it when it’s all squished at the front so I can get on with the present.
But other than that, it was amazing.
I loved the plot and the characters. I can’t believe this is set in the same world as Asia I frickin loved her in Academy of Misfits.
Okay so we have..
Pen- I loved her, she was amazing. She’s so fucking strong, she’s had so much put on her shoulders and she can only rely on herself.
This gonna be hard for the guys as they were different in the past and present…
Xeno, Zayn, Dax and York.
I can’t pick a favourite yet as I’m baffled.
The plot twists tho omg
Can’t wait for the next one!
November 17, 2023
Took me a while to get familiar with all the characters and remember what name goes with what character but after I did, I rolled into the story without much trouble.
Since I've always had a weakness for movies and shows about dancing it wasn't a big surprise how quickly I was into this book and how easily and how much I enjoyed it.
Characters are diverse and pretty deep and this Step up meets The God Father like story is exactly what I was hoping it would be.
Once you figure out you like this book I advise you to pre-purchase the second one called Lyrical. As you're gonna want to continue on immediately.
Not recommended if you're not into RH tho, but reading this made me figure out I really like it.
Since I've always had a weakness for movies and shows about dancing it wasn't a big surprise how quickly I was into this book and how easily and how much I enjoyed it.
Characters are diverse and pretty deep and this Step up meets The God Father like story is exactly what I was hoping it would be.
Once you figure out you like this book I advise you to pre-purchase the second one called Lyrical. As you're gonna want to continue on immediately.
Not recommended if you're not into RH tho, but reading this made me figure out I really like it.
August 9, 2021
Quite a few ppl rec'd this series and perhaps my expectations were just too high. It was good but not great or amazing for me.
The first half I struggled with and found quite slow. I think each chapter being past and present played into that for me as it took awhile to see their connections.
The whole "secret" thing / reason for Pen leaving bugged me and felt drawn out.
The last 25% saved this book for me. The cliffy made me much more interested.
Oh and where is the sex? RH with sex non existent? Not even once?....okay then. If book 2 doesn't pick up a hella lot then I won't be continuing.
Clearly in the minority here as this has great reviews.
The first half I struggled with and found quite slow. I think each chapter being past and present played into that for me as it took awhile to see their connections.
The whole "secret" thing / reason for Pen leaving bugged me and felt drawn out.
The last 25% saved this book for me. The cliffy made me much more interested.
Oh and where is the sex? RH with sex non existent? Not even once?....okay then. If book 2 doesn't pick up a hella lot then I won't be continuing.
Clearly in the minority here as this has great reviews.
December 20, 2024
Jeigu ieškai kažko su „Step Up“ vibe'u ir tikėjaisi daugiau pogrindžio šokių kovų – šis romanas gal šiek tiek nuvils. Šokiai buvo, ispaniškas šokis buvo, baletas basomis – labai faina, bet bendrai istorijoje daug chaoso: kaukės, kazkokia lengva pogrindžio mafija, šokių mokykla, ir dar step-brolis su "valdžios troškimu". Kai kurie tropai, kaip RH, neįgyvendinti iki galo – atrodo, lyg būtų bandyta, bet ne visai pavyko, nors gal tik toks įspūdis pirmoj dalį. Dialogų trūko rimtose vietose, o veikėjų augimas dar tikrai laukia savo eilės (fingers crossed ) pabaiga au cliffhangeriu. Skaitysiu antrą dalį, bet jei nebus progreso, tada jau... 🤷♀️
November 18, 2022
I didn’t even read this book and I’m giving 0/10. I sat through about an hour of my friend summarizing the series and it’s the worst thing I have ever heard in my life. We looked on the authors Instagram and this monstrosity she calls a series isn’t even promoted. Why? Because this book was ghostwritten by a dyslexic 2 year old. This book has the worst storyline, an impeccable and record breaking amount of plot holes and a delusional fan base. Please BFFR
April 29, 2024
This was a great start to the series, I've previously read another of this author's series set in the same world, the misfits one I think it's called and that was great, so I was excited to give this a try.
This is a new adult reverse harem romance, it's unique as in it's set in a dance academy and involves dance crews and the criminal underbelly. This takes place in London and our girl Pen is a girl from a low-income background who grew up on a council estate in Hackney.
It's here she meets the Breakers Zayn, Xeno, Dax and York and before long she's spending every moment with them in the basement of Zayn's uncle's house where he operates his criminal enterprise from. Zayn's uncle runs a local gang The Skins and Pen's abusive psycho brother works for him running drugs.
So this story unfolded in a now and then timeline we get the young Pen who is a Breakers girl and a recap of how they have arrived at this moment. Then we get a present-day pen who is currently attending the Stardom Dance Academy on a scholarship.
The only issue now is that something went down three years prior causing a massive wedge and the boys Pen once adored with all of her heart, her chosen family, now hate her guts and they are all now somehow involved with the academy. On top of that, we have problems escalating in the form of Pen's brother threatening her and also Jeb, who is Zayn's uncle and Pen doesn't know how shes going to resolve this whole mess.
This was interesting and this first book easily managed to capture my attention. I'm now excited to continue, especially where we left off here. The writing was good and I definitely recommend reading this.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 14, 2023
Diving in my little millennial heart was 100% ready for a similar vibe to Save the Last Dance or Step Up with the added elements of a RH relationship. On one hand there’s so many amazing parts to this book. Even though I’m not a dancer I enjoyed the story and how dedicated heroine Pen is to living up to her goals. On the other hand there’s a whole lot of annoying drama, man whore and OW messienss, and gang/mafia exploitation. It’s more that I had issue with the stupid manipulations that get the group into the mess that leads to a separation between them all for a few years.
There’s a case of miscommunication and even worse a lack of communication. I just don’t get why characters can’t be honest and dish shit out before letting it get blown out of control. When anyones being blackmailed why do they blindly do as they’re told as if the other person will follow through on their end of the deal. I hate watching people hurt those they love on someone else agenda. I also kinda hated how before Pen showed interest in them when they were younger they were parading girls around her all the time and yet of course she stayed pure and didn’t even date. And then worse for poor Pen here it seems she’s being personally tormented in some horrible and cruel ways by all the men in her life. Having to deal with so many horrible men in her life only kind of makes up for some of her absolutely asinine behaviors or words.
I didn’t really hate the pov switch as much as I hated how the chapter featuring the ‘now’ was all about the MCs being enemies and separated by betrayal and lies. Only the past has positive or romantic vibes between them with any meaning. Rather than sense off the chart hormones between them like I wanted, all I felt was each barb as word by word they made everything worse. While I wanted more of a dance school drama this is that plus a whole lot of gang activity as the future harem are part of it as is the heroines brother and sadly they’re all dragged in. There’s so much blackmail and deceit I just wanted them to hash things out but they never do.
I’m shocked with how everything ended, so much so I’m even questioning if I wanna read on. This does leave on one hell of a cliffhanger and in the middle of a scene I normally would not mind but I am so repulsed and enraged I want to punch something. I’m a glutton for punishment and will likely read on but I really think imma jump into some fluffy nonsense to tame this fire in me first 😅 Here’s to hoping Pen and the guys can find their ways out if this crazy masked party and the clutches of Jeb and her brother. I’d rather see them gang up and turn the tables for a change, this drama is too much for me
There’s a case of miscommunication and even worse a lack of communication. I just don’t get why characters can’t be honest and dish shit out before letting it get blown out of control. When anyones being blackmailed why do they blindly do as they’re told as if the other person will follow through on their end of the deal. I hate watching people hurt those they love on someone else agenda. I also kinda hated how before Pen showed interest in them when they were younger they were parading girls around her all the time and yet of course she stayed pure and didn’t even date. And then worse for poor Pen here it seems she’s being personally tormented in some horrible and cruel ways by all the men in her life. Having to deal with so many horrible men in her life only kind of makes up for some of her absolutely asinine behaviors or words.
I didn’t really hate the pov switch as much as I hated how the chapter featuring the ‘now’ was all about the MCs being enemies and separated by betrayal and lies. Only the past has positive or romantic vibes between them with any meaning. Rather than sense off the chart hormones between them like I wanted, all I felt was each barb as word by word they made everything worse. While I wanted more of a dance school drama this is that plus a whole lot of gang activity as the future harem are part of it as is the heroines brother and sadly they’re all dragged in. There’s so much blackmail and deceit I just wanted them to hash things out but they never do.
I’m shocked with how everything ended, so much so I’m even questioning if I wanna read on. This does leave on one hell of a cliffhanger and in the middle of a scene I normally would not mind but I am so repulsed and enraged I want to punch something. I’m a glutton for punishment and will likely read on but I really think imma jump into some fluffy nonsense to tame this fire in me first 😅 Here’s to hoping Pen and the guys can find their ways out if this crazy masked party and the clutches of Jeb and her brother. I’d rather see them gang up and turn the tables for a change, this drama is too much for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2021
4.75 Stars
This is gonna be quick because I just wan't to read the next one jeje.
The book was pretty amazing. I’ve always loved dance movies, singing movies, musicals, cheerleading movies, etc. So this was just a dream for me.
It kept me entertained, it was fun, it was intriguing, it was mysterious, I loved the plot and I loved the characters.
Why isn’t a 5 stars read? Well, I wanted more of the guys and Pen in the present chapters. But everything was great!
This is gonna be quick because I just wan't to read the next one jeje.
The book was pretty amazing. I’ve always loved dance movies, singing movies, musicals, cheerleading movies, etc. So this was just a dream for me.
It kept me entertained, it was fun, it was intriguing, it was mysterious, I loved the plot and I loved the characters.
Why isn’t a 5 stars read? Well, I wanted more of the guys and Pen in the present chapters. But everything was great!
September 23, 2020
It took me a bit to get into this one. The transition for past to present took a bit to gel for me but when I got my grove it seemed to flow really well. Freestyle is book one in the Academy of Stardom. This is an interconnected series and must be read in order as the characters and the plot continue throughout the series.
Things have always been tough for Pen but she has had one constant release in Dance. Each time things in her life seem to be lining up something goes wrong that blows everything up. This one really sets us up with the back story and where Pen is at now with the convergence of her past and present. I look forward to seeing what book brings us.
Be warned it ends in a clify.
Things have always been tough for Pen but she has had one constant release in Dance. Each time things in her life seem to be lining up something goes wrong that blows everything up. This one really sets us up with the back story and where Pen is at now with the convergence of her past and present. I look forward to seeing what book brings us.
Be warned it ends in a clify.
March 3, 2022
I managed to pick this up when it was free, and had it on my TRB for a while and honestly, I wish I'd picked it up sooner. I wasn't sure how dance would translate in writing but Bea did such an amazing job and had me feeling every move. I'd been in a reading slump and, OMG, this had me hooked. I loved the pace, the jump between past and present, I loved it all. And needless to say, I started book two right away. I cannot wait for more!
January 14, 2024
Dammit my emotions are all over the place with this one. While I do wish it was Multi-POV, the author does convey a lot of depth, empathy, and emotional connection with the Hs through the interactions and experiences from the single POV by the FMC. I really like how the hints of their pasts and hints of something more to be revealed is interwoven over the story, even while my mind is spinning on WTF happened and trying to stay patient as it's only book 1.
I've had this on my TBR list forever and glad to finally be getting to it. I tried the Academy of Misfits first but I wasn't really drawn into that story or its characters like I have been with Stardom. This is former best friends nearly lovers turned enemies with second chance to fight for each other, with gangs and dance.
I've had this on my TBR list forever and glad to finally be getting to it. I tried the Academy of Misfits first but I wasn't really drawn into that story or its characters like I have been with Stardom. This is former best friends nearly lovers turned enemies with second chance to fight for each other, with gangs and dance.
September 17, 2020
not bad! pretty addictive, and though it may be a completely ridiculous storyline, it was an ENJOYABLE ridiculous storyline. i just wish she and the boys would talk everything out.... but i guess that would remove the angst ;)
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