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Penelope Ward

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Toe the Line Kindle Edition

by Penelope Ward (Author), Jessica Royer Ocken (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition

2,932 ratings

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From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade…

At first, I thought I’d hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents’ friends.
What I knew about Archie: he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn’t exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father’s expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the saying: If two people are meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other?
Let’s just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would’ve never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Just when I thought I knew where this story was going - BOOM! I was wrong. Penelope delivered another heartwarming story that will pull on your heartstrings and not let go even after you hit the last page. Toe the Line is on my Best of 2023!
--Kindle Crack Book Reviews

Beautiful. Perfection. Emotional. Phenomenal. EVERYTHING.
Virginia, Stephanie's Book Reports

I read this book in four hours after a book slump and now I'm in a book hangover. This book had all the old school angst and feels that I ABSOLUTELY love and these characters will stay with me for a long time.
--Shelly's Book Corner

What a beautiful book. Truly phenomenal and so wonderfully written. A top 2023 fave!
--Lydia's Bookshelf

This book could definitely be adapted into a movie. I don't often say that about the romance novels I read, but there are a small few that stand out amongst the rest & this is certainly one of them.
--Sharon, Goodreads

This is hands down the best book I have read this year!
--Maria, Goodreads

Oh my heart... This is the kind of story you literally can't put down.
--TjLovesToRead

Slept for a few hours and already re-read the last few chapters TWICE ... Ugh! I'm having a massive book hangover. This book is going in my ALL TIME FAVORITE pile!
--AC Book Blog

Losing yourself in this book will be one of the best moments in your life.
--Donna, Goodreads

Ward's writing was superb. For her fans, the writing is on par with Sins of Sevin; totally different style of story, but the storytelling is that great.
--Once Upon a Page

Wow just wow. I finished the book in one go in a few hours and it was perfection and unputdownable!
--Livelyreads

I don't think there's a book couple I've rooted more for, to find their happily ever after.
--The Diva's Book Lounge

Toe the Line ticked all my boxes, I swooned, I sighed, I smiled and I cheered this couple on.
--Thelma and Louise Book Blog

Absolute & utter perfection.
--Dawn, Goodreads

Penelope Ward told this story with real life realities and it is my favorite of all her work.
--Marina, Goodreads

Besides Stepbrother Dearest, because that's my favorite book of all-time, this is my new favorite Penelope book!
--Peggy, Goodreads

By the time you finish you won't know how to put into words how much you love it.
--Cat's Guilty Pleasure

Anticipation, excitement and anxiety made for rapid page turning! And boy what a wonderful feeling you get when it all comes together!
--Kim, Goodreads

This story gripped me from the very beginning and will at times will have you wanting to throw your kindle. Such a great read! 5 stars
--Ruth, Goodreads

A feel-good romance with an emotional twist.
--Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog

If you're looking for a an angsty, slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance that spans decades check this one out.
--Book Addict Reviews

10 stars for me. My new favorite from Penelope Ward.
--Juli, Goodreads

I think this by far my favorite book of Penelope Ward's thus far.
--Barbara, Goodreads

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
--Romance, Movies and Books

This is one heck of a beautifully written, emotionally intense and heartfelt book.
--Veronica's Reading Vault

Hands down Toe the Line has to be my favorite Penelope Ward book ever! Definitely also in my top five for the year already as well!
--Cristina, Goodreads

Prepare yourselves in advance. Grab some snacks, some wine, a box of tissues and settle in for a story you won't soon forget!
--Wendy, Goodreads

Achingly beautiful!
--Nancy, Goodreads

I cherished this story, these characters and was sad when it ended. You know you like a book when it ends and you wish it didn't.
--Romance Books Explosion

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BWW1XR85
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penelope Ward Books, Inc. (February 25, 2023)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 25, 2023
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #14,784 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,221 in Contemporary Romance Fiction
- #2,857 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)
- #3,434 in Contemporary Romance (Books)

Customer Reviews:
2,932 ratings

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Penelope Ward

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Customer reviews

2,932 global ratings

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Customers describe this book as a well-woven story of young love and friends-to-lovers romance, with one review noting it's about two families. The book is emotionally intense, with one customer describing it as a tear-jerker, and customers praise its writing, with one highlighting the effective use of flashback style. Customers find the characters wonderful, the book beautiful, and appreciate its slow burn pacing. The timing receives mixed reactions, with some customers finding it frustrating.

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Story quality Readability Emotional content Writing quality Beauty Character development Burn rate Timing

51 customers mention "Story quality"45 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy this well-woven tale of young love and friends-to-lovers romance, with one customer describing it as a beautiful slow burn love story.

"...I love the realness of the story. Archie goes through a lot of hardships and deals with his daddy issues realistically...." Read more

"...I love this epic friends to lovers story. It may have spanned years, but by the time it ended, all I wanted was more of Noelle, Archie, and Roz too." Read more

"Every great story is filled with love that hurts, heals and mends. But most of all love that is unique and perfect in it's own way...." Read more

"...The conclusion was predictable and satisfying, but not over the top… wow. The Audible companion was well narrated." Read more

45 customers mention "Readability"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fantastic and really intense to read, with one customer noting it's the best read of 2023.

"4.5 stars I loved this book and devoured it in 2 days time. It was enjoyable from start to finish...." Read more

"...I was left speechless and motionless! You know the book is great when you have to clench your Kindle hard, cry your eyes out and your..." Read more

"...review by stating, unequivocally that I have enjoyed many wonderful reads by Penelope Ward. She is a gifted storyteller...." Read more

"...It'll be funny, sexy, emotional, and a stellar read. Toe the Line delivered all of that and more...." Read more

30 customers mention "Emotional content"23 positive7 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a tear-jerker with lots of angst and heartbreaking moments.

"...Theirs is a true slow burn, but the tension and the angst is ever present, even while both of them may be in separate time zones and with others...." Read more

"...It'll be funny, sexy, emotional, and a stellar read. Toe the Line delivered all of that and more...." Read more

"...Its heartbreaking and emotional roller coaster. I am honestly still reeling from all the emotions . Loved Archie and Noelle to bits...." Read more

"...So many emotions. A lot of back and forth. Could they finally put themselves first and be honest with how they feel 12 years later?" Read more

27 customers mention "Writing quality"27 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as fantastically and well written, with one customer particularly appreciating the flashback style and how it brings the story to life between the pages.

"...The set up was perfect and the synopsis prepares you without spoiling the major themes. I love the realness of the story...." Read more

"...but she delivered very relatable characters and brought their story to life between the pages...." Read more

"...To me this was a fair read but not great...." Read more

"...Love the flashback style writing. Not much spice but the story was so good I didn’t miss it." Read more

11 customers mention "Beauty"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one mentioning its wonderful imagery.

"...them both in a lot pain, but when they finally came together it was beautiful. I love this epic friends to lovers story...." Read more

"I always know what to expect with a Penelope Ward story. It'll be funny, sexy, emotional, and a stellar read...." Read more

"...was a swoony story about friends with (some) benefits that was steamy, sexy, and it was an enjoyable ride watching the friendship of Archie and..." Read more

"The writing was good and in typical PW style, easy to read...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...while since I have read something from Penelope but she delivered very relatable characters and brought their story to life between the pages...." Read more

"...I loved Archie i thought he was a great character he seemed to be honest and dishonest at the same time and he was frustrating but i loved that..." Read more

"This was a solid book, but lots of back and forth between the two main characters. I felt it dragged a bit this way. But overall liked it." Read more

"...I could not put it down. It was totally engaging. The characters are wonderful, imperfect with baggage and hangups...." Read more

6 customers mention "Burn rate"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the burn rate of the book, with one mentioning they devoured it in just two days.

"4.5 stars I loved this book and devoured it in 2 days time. It was enjoyable from start to finish...." Read more

"...Theirs is a true slow burn, but the tension and the angst is ever present, even while both of them may be in separate time zones and with others...." Read more

"...Get your tissues ready. It’s a very slow burn story, but is it really? Emotions of all kinds are everywhere...." Read more

"...The slow burn made it worth every second (and possible bladder infection as I didn't want to stop to go to the bathroom)...." Read more

11 customers mention "Timing"4 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the timing of the book, with several finding it frustrating and hard to follow due to different time frames, while one customer notes it felt realistic.

"...Way too confusing, unrealistic, and frustrating...." Read more

"...My favorite part was the timeline, I think the dual timeline in part one represented both feelings so well...." Read more

"...Delayed gratification. Talk about a second chance slow burn mess of emotions...." Read more

"...This book was awesome. I found it a little hard to follow all the different time frames with Noelle and Archie...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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Molly P
rom com worthy
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
Verified Purchase

✨DUAL POV✨
✨FRIENDS TO LOVERS✨
✨(NOT SO) UNREQUITED LOVE✨

The second I started reading this, I could already picture it as a classic 2000s rom com. The set up was perfect and the synopsis prepares you without spoiling the major themes.

I love the realness of the story. Archie goes through a lot of hardships and deals with his daddy issues realistically. The negative self-talk that comes from a negative relationship with a parent was also represented well.

I feel like this unrequited love does have a bit of miscommunication, but it leans towards no communication. They didn’t express how they felt in fear of how the other felt or how it would affect their friendship. All very real and very scary feelings one might feel when falling in love.

My favorite part was the timeline, I think the dual timeline in part one represented both feelings so well. And that Archie had the most negative view on himself. In most stories, Noelle would have been the one with trauma related to the past, but I liked that it was Archie and his story of self love.

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2 people found this helpful

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Happy Mom of 2
Loved Archie & Noelle
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
4.5 stars

I loved this book and devoured it in 2 days time. It was enjoyable from start to finish. It’s been a while since I have read something from Penelope but she delivered very relatable characters and brought their story to life between the pages.

Their friendship for one another knew no limits. Noelle and Archie have known each other since their late teens. One summer was all it took for them to grow a bond that would transend time. They shared stolen moments in their youth but could never watch it blossom into more as life kept throwing roadblocks in their way.

Noelle and Archie were the best of friends. When things got tough for Archie she was always there. His one constant in a sea of turmoil.

Reconnecting years later at the summer home their families owned stirred unfulfilled desires for Noelle. Archie was happy to soend time wirh her but broke her heart again without even knowing it.

The timing was just never right between these two. I felt for Noelle. The unrequited love she harbored for Archie was a lot to carry around for years. Never allowing her to give herself fully to another relationship.

Archie has always been pressured or felt obligated to “do the right thing”. From under the watchful eye of his father to becoming a father himself. His sense of duty is allowed him to keep Noelle at arms length over the years where the only place he truly wanted her was in gis arms.

So many emotions. A lot of back and forth. Could they finally put themselves first and be honest with how they feel 12 years later?

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5 people found this helpful

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valeen
I love this epic friends to lovers story
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Noelle and Archie have been friends for years, since a summer when their parents bought a home together. At first not being able to stand each other, but morphing into great friends whose friendship has stood the test of time. Noelle may have wanted more than friendship back then (and still), but timing and circumstances have never allowed the two to step past that line. Now in their 30s, Noelle's made a decision that will force Archie to finally break out of his head and perhaps get him to act on the more than friendly feelings he's always had for her. She may not have been his first, but she can be his last, if he gets his act together and doesn't toe that line!

"I love you for all the moments in between, when we weren't physically together but when I knew I could count on you, when I couldn't count on anyone else."

Ah the heart. This author never fails to give her characters and stories the heart that's often lacking in contemporary fiction, and here in Noelle and Archie's story, I think the heart is really what stands out. Theirs is a true slow burn, but the tension and the angst is ever present, even while both of them may be in separate time zones and with others. I was practically crying waiting for them to finally get on the same page. It took awhile, had them both in a lot pain, but when they finally came together it was beautiful. I love this epic friends to lovers story. It may have spanned years, but by the time it ended, all I wanted was more of Noelle, Archie, and Roz too.

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6 people found this helpful

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Ninfa
I'm blown away with her words, characters and storyline that will forever have a home in my heart!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Every great story is filled with love that hurts, heals and mends. But most of all love that is unique and perfect in it's own way. This story showed me just how much our decisions and missed opportunities lead us to a certain path. It was hands down an amazing journey driven by fate, time, and just life happening the way it does.

I finished reading it in just one sitting, because Penelope Ward took control of all my senses- while the world around me just moved. I was left speechless and motionless!

You know the book is great when you have to clench your Kindle hard, cry your eyes out and your left with a different perspective on life and love. Penelope continously manages to blow me away with her words, characters and stories that will forever have a home in my heart!

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4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Eylül Özbek
It was awful….
Reviewed in Turkey on February 19, 2024
Verified Purchase

Do not read this book….

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Jessica Grant
Such a good book!
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
Would definately recommend ! Such a touching steamy story! You never know what life can bring..but if u don't Take the chance u could be missing out on happiness.

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Sarah A.
Drawn out and boring
Reviewed in Germany on April 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
It really started out fairly strong, with chemistry between the two characters and an interesting premise.

But then it got boring very quickly. The love story was so incredibly drawn out and frustrating, with either of the protagonists not once talking about their feelings - not even when Archie announces a major event in his life (that I found hard to believe would happen in reality). When you love someone, can you really just go a decade without telling the other person, insisting on maintaining the "friendship" when it's clearly gone beyond that?

I don't ever skip parts in books, except for Frodo and Sam travelling through Mordor, but this made me skip plenty of pages with irrelevant, uninspired dialogues and I stopped reading at 84%.

I didn't feel any chemistry between Archie and Noelle once they actually did meet later on again. Really don't recommend picking up.

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Grá Na Leabhar
The easiest 5 stars!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2025
Verified Purchase
Penelope Ward's ‘Toe the Line’ captured me in a way I had not anticipated. Having read a few of her works before, I was eager to see what this book had in store, but nothing could prepare me for the whirlwind of emotions I experienced. From the moment I opened my Kindle while lounging in a Parisian bar, champagne in hand, I was drawn into the story. In just two days, I devoured the entire book, racing through the pages as I absorbed every twist and turn. The characters were richly developed, each with depth and relatability that made their journey all the more compelling. The chemistry between the leads was electric, sparking a sense of urgency that kept me glued to the text.

The story begins with a nostalgic summer backdrop, as their families share a summer house, providing an idyllic setting that highlights the innocence of first love. Noelle, a shy and introspective girl, contrasts sharply with Archie, the charismatic college student who exudes confidence. Their initial friendship blossoms into a deep emotional connection, fraught with unspoken feelings and the typical romantic misunderstandings that every good love story entails. The narrative takes a poignant turn when tragedy strikes, forcing Noelle and Archie apart before they can fully explore their feelings for one another. This heartbreak adds a layer of depth to their story, showcasing Ward's skill in crafting not just romantic tension, but also the pain of lost potential. The years that follow are marked by a bittersweet correspondence between the two, as they navigate their separate lives while still holding onto the fragments of their shared past.

The reunion of Noelle and Archie brings an intense emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of love and the paths we take in life. With Archie on the brink of starting a family, the stakes feel incredibly high. Readers are left enthralled by the bittersweet tension that characterizes their interactions, as both grapple with feelings that never fully faded despite the time and distance between them.

As part two unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with unresolved tension and emotional stakes that are higher than ever. Archie’s life has taken unexpected turns, revealing his vulnerabilities and the burdens he carries since their last encounter. This backstory adds depth to his character, allowing readers to empathize with his struggles while still longing for the man he once was—the one who shared dreams and laughter with Noelle.

Noelle, on the other hand, stands at a crossroads, contemplating a life-changing decision that could redefine her future. Her ambitious spirit and life aspirations propel her forward, but the weight of her feelings for Archie creates an internal conflict that she can't shake off. This moment of vulnerability perfectly encapsulates her character's growth, illustrating how far she has come while hinting at how deeply she is still affected by her past with Archie.

When Archie offers to help Noelle with her plan, it serves as both a lifeline and a source of tension. Their collaboration ignites old sparks, and the familiar chemistry between them is palpable, yet complicated by the realities of their individual lives. Each shared moment is laced with recollections of their history, amplifying the emotional stakes as both are forced to confront their evolving feelings.

Summarizing the journey that Noelle and Archie embark upon without divulging the plot is quite the challenge, yet I can confidently say that it is a blend of beauty and heartbreak—an experience that will resonate deeply with many. Penelope has skilfully portrayed their sensitive situation, capturing the nuances of their emotions with remarkable grace. Her writing encapsulates their struggles with both dignity and relatability, allowing readers to see themselves in their story. It’s a narrative that lingers in the heart, reminding us of the complexities of love and the human experience.

Throughout the book, the tension between the characters is palpable, and when they finally share intimate moments, those scenes are a perfect blend of sexy, sensual, and beautiful. I absolutely loved this book; it easily earns a five-star rating in my eyes. Noelle and Archie’s love story has secured a place among my all-time favourites, delivering an experience that is both pleasurable and heart-wrenching. It’s a tale that will linger in my heart for a long time to come.

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Amy Louise Haiser
Definitely recommend!!!
Reviewed in Australia on July 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

This book was a lot better than I was expecting! I absolutely loved listening to Noelle and Archie's story's and reading from both characters point of views. I loved that the author included both past and present events as it explained how they met and how they built such a strong connection. I absolutely loved how passionate and caring the pair were towards eachother. I felt alot of deep emotions while reading this book and i found myself constantly being curious of what was going to happen as i progressed through the chapters. While reading I constantly had this nagging feeling that I wanted them to be more upfront about their feelings, which I found kept me interested in the story. I absolutely loved the ending, but part of me wishes their was a second book as I crave knowing what happened after the book ended. The only thing that kinda frustrated me is some of the narration for the audio book felt a bit lacking in emotion and a bit robotic at times. But the story itself made it worth while. If you are considering reading, I definitely recommend this book!

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Toe the Line Kindle Edition

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars rom com worthy

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved Archie & Noelle

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this epic friends to lovers story

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm blown away with her words, characters and storyline that will forever have a home in my heart!!!

Top reviews from other countries

1.0 out of 5 stars It was awful….

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good book!

3.0 out of 5 stars Drawn out and boring

5.0 out of 5 stars The easiest 5 stars!

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely recommend!!!

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rom com worthy

Loved Archie & Noelle

I love this epic friends to lovers story

I'm blown away with her words, characters and storyline that will forever have a home in my heart!!!

It was awful….

Such a good book!

Drawn out and boring

The easiest 5 stars!

Definitely recommend!!!