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A Choreography of Longing
At twenty-one, Eden Sorensen had one last shot at a professional ballet career. During a grueling summer intensive at Metropolitan Ballet Theater, she fell into a passionate secret affair with the company's brilliant principal dancer, Portia Duvall. But when Eden was denied a contract, she left believing Portia had betrayed her to eliminate a rival.
Fifteen years later, interim artistic director Portia Duvall is on the brink of divorce, retired from dance, and drowning under the weight of saving Metropolitan Ballet Theater from scandal. She’s counting on a guest choreographer to help restore the company's reputation, until she discovers it's Eden Sorensen, the woman who broke her heart without explanation and who's hiding devastating secrets of her own.
Trapped working together with nowhere to run, they uncover the truth about what really tore them apart. But their reconciliation couldn't come at a worse time. The ballet world around them is imploding under decades of corruption and exploitation, and the architect of their original heartbreak is orchestrating his return to power.
Eden and Portia must make an impossible choice: fight to save the institutions that destroyed them, or burn it all down and build something entirely new.
With careers, reputations, and a second chance at love on the line, can two women who lost each other once find the courage to build a future together?
Fifteen years later, interim artistic director Portia Duvall is on the brink of divorce, retired from dance, and drowning under the weight of saving Metropolitan Ballet Theater from scandal. She’s counting on a guest choreographer to help restore the company's reputation, until she discovers it's Eden Sorensen, the woman who broke her heart without explanation and who's hiding devastating secrets of her own.
Trapped working together with nowhere to run, they uncover the truth about what really tore them apart. But their reconciliation couldn't come at a worse time. The ballet world around them is imploding under decades of corruption and exploitation, and the architect of their original heartbreak is orchestrating his return to power.
Eden and Portia must make an impossible choice: fight to save the institutions that destroyed them, or burn it all down and build something entirely new.
With careers, reputations, and a second chance at love on the line, can two women who lost each other once find the courage to build a future together?
- GenresSecond Chance
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
125 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
72 books1,167 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 4, 2026
5 ⭐️
"The Choreography of Longing" is my favorite book so far by these two authors. Although ballet isn't really my thing, it never fails to fascinate me.
The story begins with Eden (21), a young dancer who wants to seize her last chance to achieve her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Portia (28) is already a principal dancer at the Metropolitan Ballet Theater, and although it is forbidden, she secretly gives Eden lessons. The two fall head over heels for each other, but misunderstandings and betrayal break their hearts and separate their paths. Reunited in the ballet world after fifteen long years, they must now find a way to work together and perhaps rediscover their lost love.
Slowly, Eden and Portia unravel the threads of their own story, the successes, wrong decisions, misinterpretations, and also the blindness to see things that were happening right in front of them. That they, too, as young dancers, were puppets in the game of the powerful. Longing and passion are center stage in their story. The brutal world of professional dance, successes, injuries, and failures has shaped Eden and Portia, made them tough, but also allowed them to develop strong personalities. And passion and emotions still bubble up inside them, even though they have learned not to show any emotion. While the love story was stormy at the beginning, after they met again, it slowly developed into a deep love, with admiration and appreciation.
Besides the love story, what I liked best was that it wasn't just about the two main characters, but also about all the many young talents and the fight against their exploitation. The fight against the ballet establishment begins, and Eden and Portia receive strong support from some unexpected sources.
The secondary characters are also very important to the story. One of them, Portia's mother, was a force to be reckoned with, and she was hilarious. Also, Eden's best friend, Mariela, and her daughter, “Belly Button,” are amazing and supportive people.
This story tells a lot about friendship despite competition, success against all odds, potential career-ending injuries, love, betrayal, loss, and responsibility. Also, the authors did not shy away from the negative machinations that occur time and again, especially in women's sports, like power games, decades of corruption, and exploitation of young women and girls. And last but not least, it is a story about fighting for your dreams and not giving up if it doesn't work out right away.
Come on, take a seat and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is the story of Portia and Eden.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
"The Choreography of Longing" is my favorite book so far by these two authors. Although ballet isn't really my thing, it never fails to fascinate me.
The story begins with Eden (21), a young dancer who wants to seize her last chance to achieve her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Portia (28) is already a principal dancer at the Metropolitan Ballet Theater, and although it is forbidden, she secretly gives Eden lessons. The two fall head over heels for each other, but misunderstandings and betrayal break their hearts and separate their paths. Reunited in the ballet world after fifteen long years, they must now find a way to work together and perhaps rediscover their lost love.
Slowly, Eden and Portia unravel the threads of their own story, the successes, wrong decisions, misinterpretations, and also the blindness to see things that were happening right in front of them. That they, too, as young dancers, were puppets in the game of the powerful. Longing and passion are center stage in their story. The brutal world of professional dance, successes, injuries, and failures has shaped Eden and Portia, made them tough, but also allowed them to develop strong personalities. And passion and emotions still bubble up inside them, even though they have learned not to show any emotion. While the love story was stormy at the beginning, after they met again, it slowly developed into a deep love, with admiration and appreciation.
Besides the love story, what I liked best was that it wasn't just about the two main characters, but also about all the many young talents and the fight against their exploitation. The fight against the ballet establishment begins, and Eden and Portia receive strong support from some unexpected sources.
The secondary characters are also very important to the story. One of them, Portia's mother, was a force to be reckoned with, and she was hilarious. Also, Eden's best friend, Mariela, and her daughter, “Belly Button,” are amazing and supportive people.
This story tells a lot about friendship despite competition, success against all odds, potential career-ending injuries, love, betrayal, loss, and responsibility. Also, the authors did not shy away from the negative machinations that occur time and again, especially in women's sports, like power games, decades of corruption, and exploitation of young women and girls. And last but not least, it is a story about fighting for your dreams and not giving up if it doesn't work out right away.
Come on, take a seat and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is the story of Portia and Eden.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
February 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (3.5 stars, rounded down here)
I have a lot to say concerning this book, and I’m trying to keep it manageable. The first half of the book felt really rushed in my opinion, obviously given the fact that they had to establish a connection and chemistry between our two main characters for the second and main part of the story. But still, it made me a bit sad because I felt like there was so much potential to show how Portia and Eden actually came to love each other besides the glimpses we’ve got from their ‘secret’ training sessions.
However, as the story then progressed it certainly got better and the main part carried the depth that I was searching for in the first half. Here again, I felt like the characters getting back together was somewhat rushed but I tried to overlook it as a lot of things happened within this story that needed more attention too. Eden and Portia certainly had a lot of chemistry, and I liked being in their heads and I enjoyed reading about their journey together. But I can’t really give this book the praise others might have given it. Though, I certainly do think there was a lot done right (e.g the depth of the main and side characters, the overall pace, the intimate scenes, the chemistry between Eden and Portia), I unfortunately think some things of this story were rather ‘meh’. For instance, the writing felt off every now and again. And I couldn’t always fully connect with the characters because of that. Moreover, since the story is primarily about ballet, I would’ve wished to have seen more actual scenes where Eden or Portia danced (especially in the first part). Overall, I feel like this book had so much potential and I probably had a lot of expectations too, that I feel rather let down after reading it. I did have a somewhat enjoyable time reading, and I do think (as I mentioned) that there was things the story did amazing. But overall, I just couldn’t connect which is why I give it 3.5 stars.
I have a lot to say concerning this book, and I’m trying to keep it manageable. The first half of the book felt really rushed in my opinion, obviously given the fact that they had to establish a connection and chemistry between our two main characters for the second and main part of the story. But still, it made me a bit sad because I felt like there was so much potential to show how Portia and Eden actually came to love each other besides the glimpses we’ve got from their ‘secret’ training sessions.
However, as the story then progressed it certainly got better and the main part carried the depth that I was searching for in the first half. Here again, I felt like the characters getting back together was somewhat rushed but I tried to overlook it as a lot of things happened within this story that needed more attention too. Eden and Portia certainly had a lot of chemistry, and I liked being in their heads and I enjoyed reading about their journey together. But I can’t really give this book the praise others might have given it. Though, I certainly do think there was a lot done right (e.g the depth of the main and side characters, the overall pace, the intimate scenes, the chemistry between Eden and Portia), I unfortunately think some things of this story were rather ‘meh’. For instance, the writing felt off every now and again. And I couldn’t always fully connect with the characters because of that. Moreover, since the story is primarily about ballet, I would’ve wished to have seen more actual scenes where Eden or Portia danced (especially in the first part). Overall, I feel like this book had so much potential and I probably had a lot of expectations too, that I feel rather let down after reading it. I did have a somewhat enjoyable time reading, and I do think (as I mentioned) that there was things the story did amazing. But overall, I just couldn’t connect which is why I give it 3.5 stars.
January 29, 2026
eden and portia their story starts in a summer school a 6 weeks intensive course that could lead to something and its eden last chance she is one of the oldest students there
but betrayal and loss ends before the 6 weeks are up and they part ways eden to another place and portia to where she belongs....
ohh man this story catches you and hold you tight as you run the rollercoaster of emotions as you read eden and portia story and the hits keep coming
its a great read that keeps you right to the last page....
but betrayal and loss ends before the 6 weeks are up and they part ways eden to another place and portia to where she belongs....
ohh man this story catches you and hold you tight as you run the rollercoaster of emotions as you read eden and portia story and the hits keep coming
its a great read that keeps you right to the last page....
January 25, 2026
Good start. Intimate quite quickly into the book but the chemistry and build up was there. I am also pleased it is not a book of frustrated imagined longing but rather about the barriers against many repeats.
Second intimate scene, the risk of discovery added a tension to the scene, discovery as in them losing everything, not a public performance.
Not having read the synopsis I wasn’t quite sure who to trust but the first part of the timeline, and knowing appearances were deceptive the unfairness, understandable with one side of the story, but unfair with the other side….. All the emotions!? Perfect! I cannot wait to read the rest.
Halfway through, I am on a rollercoaster. This is gripping and lovely and unfair and I am loving it!
Well justice is done, there is a fabulous happy ending, all the unfairness becomes fair, in a way that real life could with catching up on!
Second intimate scene, the risk of discovery added a tension to the scene, discovery as in them losing everything, not a public performance.
Not having read the synopsis I wasn’t quite sure who to trust but the first part of the timeline, and knowing appearances were deceptive the unfairness, understandable with one side of the story, but unfair with the other side….. All the emotions!? Perfect! I cannot wait to read the rest.
Halfway through, I am on a rollercoaster. This is gripping and lovely and unfair and I am loving it!
Well justice is done, there is a fabulous happy ending, all the unfairness becomes fair, in a way that real life could with catching up on!
January 24, 2026
A well-written saga of empowerment overcoming oppression.
What seems impossible to achieve as an individual can seem more easily accomplished with a supportive partner sharing the journey. (Of course, it helps if an MC also has a rich and supportive ex.)
I enjoy a story where the MCs unite a group of oppressed women to sock it to their oppressors. Fist pump! It doesn't get much better than that.
What seems impossible to achieve as an individual can seem more easily accomplished with a supportive partner sharing the journey. (Of course, it helps if an MC also has a rich and supportive ex.)
I enjoy a story where the MCs unite a group of oppressed women to sock it to their oppressors. Fist pump! It doesn't get much better than that.
February 7, 2026
An Intense story over ballet and de scene behind it.
February 10, 2026
The first half felt a bit rushed and with not the best chemistry but I understand they were trying to set the story for the second part, 15 years later. Like every other work by this pair, I couldn’t put it down and was rooting for our ballerinas the whole way. Loved it.
January 31, 2026
Nothing like a happy ending. Second chances & a little anxiety! Def a gooooood book! Really enjoyed it!
February 25, 2026
The Dance of Miscommunication
T. B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have a special dance of words for readers everywhere in their new book, A Choreography of Longing.
As an ex-ballerina, and that is with a small "b", I can tell you that an immense amount of research into the politics and dirty linen of the real ballet companies was performed. The gossip and the Machiavellian moves behind the scenes ring so true.
Eden comes to New York City at the age of 18 to audition for the summer internship program of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater, MBT. If she's successful, she'll earn a place in the ballet corps, or even a slot as a principal dancer. However, she's far older than most of the dancers and quite poor, she'd have to earn a scholarship, and she feels like she is fighting an uphill battle.
Portia Duvall, daughter of the famous Celine Duvall, is the primary principal dancer of the MBT, and is known for her fluidity and perfection of form in dancing. Portia notices Eden’s dancing, and, for an inexpressible reason, offers to tutor her in the evenings.
Thus begins the long dance for the two ballerinas. A dance that includes an unnecessary separation of 15 years, broken hearts for the wrong reasons, a shaky recovery for Eden of a catastrophic injury during the last dance of the season, and the exploding reputations of both MBT and The Empire Ballet Company.
A Choreography of Longing is a poignant tale of two dedicated women who, through the pain inflicted upon them, learn to become strong, healthy women who achieve their goals without sacrificing their values.
I loved this book and I was truly sad when it was over. I hope to hear more about Portia and Eden and their developing lives. I'm giving it 5 stars for an outstanding plot and interesting characters. I highly recommend it.
T. B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have a special dance of words for readers everywhere in their new book, A Choreography of Longing.
As an ex-ballerina, and that is with a small "b", I can tell you that an immense amount of research into the politics and dirty linen of the real ballet companies was performed. The gossip and the Machiavellian moves behind the scenes ring so true.
Eden comes to New York City at the age of 18 to audition for the summer internship program of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater, MBT. If she's successful, she'll earn a place in the ballet corps, or even a slot as a principal dancer. However, she's far older than most of the dancers and quite poor, she'd have to earn a scholarship, and she feels like she is fighting an uphill battle.
Portia Duvall, daughter of the famous Celine Duvall, is the primary principal dancer of the MBT, and is known for her fluidity and perfection of form in dancing. Portia notices Eden’s dancing, and, for an inexpressible reason, offers to tutor her in the evenings.
Thus begins the long dance for the two ballerinas. A dance that includes an unnecessary separation of 15 years, broken hearts for the wrong reasons, a shaky recovery for Eden of a catastrophic injury during the last dance of the season, and the exploding reputations of both MBT and The Empire Ballet Company.
A Choreography of Longing is a poignant tale of two dedicated women who, through the pain inflicted upon them, learn to become strong, healthy women who achieve their goals without sacrificing their values.
I loved this book and I was truly sad when it was over. I hope to hear more about Portia and Eden and their developing lives. I'm giving it 5 stars for an outstanding plot and interesting characters. I highly recommend it.
February 16, 2026
In A Choreography of Longing, T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod deliver a second-chance romance that understands a crucial truth. Rekindled love is never about returning to what was. It is about reckoning with who we were, who we have become, and whether the future has enough space to hold both. From its opening pages, the novel makes clear that memory can be both seductive and unreliable. Here, first love is rendered with all the urgency and intensity of youth, yet the authors resist romanticizing it. Instead, they treat the past as something that must be examined honestly rather than unquestioningly embraced. The emotional stakes are grounded not in nostalgia, but in accountability. What happened fifteen years ago is not merely backstory. It is unfinished business that demands clarity, courage, and emotional maturity before any hope of renewal can feel authentic.
The novel opens with the intoxicating intensity of youth and a forbidden summer between aspiring ballerina Eden Sorensen and Metropolitan Ballet Theater’s principal dancer, Portia Duvall. What lingers is not simply passion but pain. Fifteen years of silence stretch between them, built on a betrayal Eden believes cost her career and Portia believes cost her love. When their worlds intersect years later, the emotional architecture of the story begins to unfold with deliberate care. They are expected to work together, with Portia now serving as interim artistic director and Eden as the guest choreographer. Their mission is simple: they must stabilize a scandal-plagued ballet company, or it will endure serious fallout. What begins as a collaboration to save the Metropolitan Ballet Theater quickly becomes an emotional unraveling neither woman is prepared to face.
Markinson and MacLeod wisely anchor the romance in layered conflict. The ballet world surrounding Eden and Portia is imploding under long-standing corruption and exploitation, and that institutional decay mirrors the fracture in their relationship. The external plot is not without purpose; the authors use it wisely to intensify the personal stakes. Every rehearsal, every boardroom confrontation, and every whispered memory becomes charged with the question of whether something built on distrust and misunderstanding can be salvaged or be dismantled entirely. The authors use the language of dance, including balance, lift, collapse, and alignment, as quiet symbolism for emotional risk. Love, like ballet, requires trust, and trust once broken demands reconstruction.
What elevates this story beyond the typical second-chance trope is the emotional discipline Markinson and MacLeod bring to Eden and Portia’s reconciliation. The truth of their past is neither rushed nor glossed over, and both women are granted complexity through ambition, fear, pride, and regret. Forgiveness is not presented as a given but as a choice, one that carries real cost. Their reunion depends on what they are willing to sacrifice to build something enduring, something healthier than what once stifled them. The result is a resolution that feels earned because growth precedes reunion. They do not fall back into love; they step forward into it.
Final remarks…
A Choreography of Longing ultimately reminds readers that love, when granted a second chance, never returns unchanged. It emerges reshaped by experience, honed by loss, and steadied by self-awareness and courage. In the end, Markinson and MacLeod deliver a story that feels emotionally authentic, thematically unified, and deeply satisfying. Readers who appreciate character-driven romance, where intimacy carries the narrative and redemption requires transformation, will find this novel both engaging and powerful. Two thumbs up.
Strengths…
Well-developed story structure
Immersive story world
Layered tension and conflict
Engaging romance
Likable characters
Uses literary devices that elevate the storytelling
Ending feels earned and believable
The novel opens with the intoxicating intensity of youth and a forbidden summer between aspiring ballerina Eden Sorensen and Metropolitan Ballet Theater’s principal dancer, Portia Duvall. What lingers is not simply passion but pain. Fifteen years of silence stretch between them, built on a betrayal Eden believes cost her career and Portia believes cost her love. When their worlds intersect years later, the emotional architecture of the story begins to unfold with deliberate care. They are expected to work together, with Portia now serving as interim artistic director and Eden as the guest choreographer. Their mission is simple: they must stabilize a scandal-plagued ballet company, or it will endure serious fallout. What begins as a collaboration to save the Metropolitan Ballet Theater quickly becomes an emotional unraveling neither woman is prepared to face.
Markinson and MacLeod wisely anchor the romance in layered conflict. The ballet world surrounding Eden and Portia is imploding under long-standing corruption and exploitation, and that institutional decay mirrors the fracture in their relationship. The external plot is not without purpose; the authors use it wisely to intensify the personal stakes. Every rehearsal, every boardroom confrontation, and every whispered memory becomes charged with the question of whether something built on distrust and misunderstanding can be salvaged or be dismantled entirely. The authors use the language of dance, including balance, lift, collapse, and alignment, as quiet symbolism for emotional risk. Love, like ballet, requires trust, and trust once broken demands reconstruction.
What elevates this story beyond the typical second-chance trope is the emotional discipline Markinson and MacLeod bring to Eden and Portia’s reconciliation. The truth of their past is neither rushed nor glossed over, and both women are granted complexity through ambition, fear, pride, and regret. Forgiveness is not presented as a given but as a choice, one that carries real cost. Their reunion depends on what they are willing to sacrifice to build something enduring, something healthier than what once stifled them. The result is a resolution that feels earned because growth precedes reunion. They do not fall back into love; they step forward into it.
Final remarks…
A Choreography of Longing ultimately reminds readers that love, when granted a second chance, never returns unchanged. It emerges reshaped by experience, honed by loss, and steadied by self-awareness and courage. In the end, Markinson and MacLeod deliver a story that feels emotionally authentic, thematically unified, and deeply satisfying. Readers who appreciate character-driven romance, where intimacy carries the narrative and redemption requires transformation, will find this novel both engaging and powerful. Two thumbs up.
Strengths…
Well-developed story structure
Immersive story world
Layered tension and conflict
Engaging romance
Likable characters
Uses literary devices that elevate the storytelling
Ending feels earned and believable
January 21, 2026
Page turning, all the feels romance with ballet (on and off stage) in the spotlight
If you want a real page turner that puts the main characters thru the wringer but makes it all worthwhile in the end, that has an age gap romance and cast of secondary characters who will vie to be your favorite, and will have you dabbing at tears when not making you chuckle or grumble-shout at shenanigans on the page, this book delivers it all in spades, and more. Main characters Eden and Portia are likable and easy to root for, their city mouse/country mouse dynamic sweet and their countless moments of physical contact stimulating. I was rooting for each of them from the beginning, to achieve their individual goals and to get and stay together romantically despite the obstacles. The twists in the plot trajectory along with bombshell reveals and cliffhanger style moments kept me reading to find out what happened next; my only criticism of the book is that I could not put it down unless or until sheer physical exhaustion or a dead e-reader battery prevented me from continuing. It's full of drama and angst but also humor and a touch of mystery; some dark themes do come up related to dance culture, its politics and funding along with personal loss and people doing terrible things to others for shallow ego based reasons, but the good uplifting smile and cheer inducing moments outweigh the heavier ones and feel all the more satisfying in that contrast. It's a long book and lots happens in it but it flows at an even pace so nothing felt lagging. The parallels made between dance and relationships are clever and apt, and when it comes to the sensual and steamy moments Eden and Portia know how to tease and prolong and get creative with their bodies in all kinds of locations. If you have a long flight or bad weather is going to keep you indoors for several days, or you have the discipline to read one chapter per sitting rather than bingeing a bunch at once, this book will give you plenty of entertainment for many hours with all the feels.
I always look forward to TB and Miranda's cowrites and this one did not disappoint in the least. I highly recommend this one and all their other co-writes as well as their solo writes and am curious to see what they publish next. If you're curious about behind the scenes insight for the book, whose real life might have inspired a scene or other aspect of the story, sign up for their email newsletters where they share such stories and other goodies about their friendship; they're hilarious and if you're already signed up for them you may recognize an Easter egg type nod to their friendship arc in this book.
If you want a real page turner that puts the main characters thru the wringer but makes it all worthwhile in the end, that has an age gap romance and cast of secondary characters who will vie to be your favorite, and will have you dabbing at tears when not making you chuckle or grumble-shout at shenanigans on the page, this book delivers it all in spades, and more. Main characters Eden and Portia are likable and easy to root for, their city mouse/country mouse dynamic sweet and their countless moments of physical contact stimulating. I was rooting for each of them from the beginning, to achieve their individual goals and to get and stay together romantically despite the obstacles. The twists in the plot trajectory along with bombshell reveals and cliffhanger style moments kept me reading to find out what happened next; my only criticism of the book is that I could not put it down unless or until sheer physical exhaustion or a dead e-reader battery prevented me from continuing. It's full of drama and angst but also humor and a touch of mystery; some dark themes do come up related to dance culture, its politics and funding along with personal loss and people doing terrible things to others for shallow ego based reasons, but the good uplifting smile and cheer inducing moments outweigh the heavier ones and feel all the more satisfying in that contrast. It's a long book and lots happens in it but it flows at an even pace so nothing felt lagging. The parallels made between dance and relationships are clever and apt, and when it comes to the sensual and steamy moments Eden and Portia know how to tease and prolong and get creative with their bodies in all kinds of locations. If you have a long flight or bad weather is going to keep you indoors for several days, or you have the discipline to read one chapter per sitting rather than bingeing a bunch at once, this book will give you plenty of entertainment for many hours with all the feels.
I always look forward to TB and Miranda's cowrites and this one did not disappoint in the least. I highly recommend this one and all their other co-writes as well as their solo writes and am curious to see what they publish next. If you're curious about behind the scenes insight for the book, whose real life might have inspired a scene or other aspect of the story, sign up for their email newsletters where they share such stories and other goodies about their friendship; they're hilarious and if you're already signed up for them you may recognize an Easter egg type nod to their friendship arc in this book.
February 18, 2026
3.5/5
*This review contains SPOILERS*
I really loved the premise of this book. The concept, especially the inclusive ballet element, was super interesting and felt fresh. That aspect of the story was easily one of the stronger parts for me. I also really appreciated the inclusive ballet company they create toward the end. That felt meaningful and aligned beautifully with everything the story had been building toward.
That said, the first section felt a bit rushed, and I struggled to fully buy into the chemistry between Eden and Portia early on. I actually much preferred them after the timeskip; their dynamic felt more layered and emotionally interesting at that point.
One thing that pulled me out of the story was how many significant moments happened “off-screen.” Big developments such as, them deciding to dance together at the end, Eden’s surgery, her recovery, even finding out the outcome, were glossed over in time jumps (e.g., it had now been 3 weeks since her surgery....). It made me feel like I wasn’t fully experiencing the story alongside the characters, which affected my ability to immerse myself in their story.
The reconciliation also felt a bit rushed, and the central miscommunication from the beginning of the book was resolved in a fairly anticlimactic way considering how much weight it carried to both characters.
I also found myself wishing we’d seen them with a child in the epilogue. It had become something important to both of them, and seeing that part of their future realised on-page would have felt like a deeply satisfying full-circle moment.
Overall, while the concept was compelling and there were elements I really appreciated, this wasn’t my favourite read.
P.S. I can’t tell if I’ve just read too many books at this point, but I kept getting a strange sense of déjà vu while reading, almost like I’d read it before long ago. I just can’t quite put my finger on why.
*This review contains SPOILERS*
I really loved the premise of this book. The concept, especially the inclusive ballet element, was super interesting and felt fresh. That aspect of the story was easily one of the stronger parts for me. I also really appreciated the inclusive ballet company they create toward the end. That felt meaningful and aligned beautifully with everything the story had been building toward.
That said, the first section felt a bit rushed, and I struggled to fully buy into the chemistry between Eden and Portia early on. I actually much preferred them after the timeskip; their dynamic felt more layered and emotionally interesting at that point.
One thing that pulled me out of the story was how many significant moments happened “off-screen.” Big developments such as, them deciding to dance together at the end, Eden’s surgery, her recovery, even finding out the outcome, were glossed over in time jumps (e.g., it had now been 3 weeks since her surgery....). It made me feel like I wasn’t fully experiencing the story alongside the characters, which affected my ability to immerse myself in their story.
The reconciliation also felt a bit rushed, and the central miscommunication from the beginning of the book was resolved in a fairly anticlimactic way considering how much weight it carried to both characters.
I also found myself wishing we’d seen them with a child in the epilogue. It had become something important to both of them, and seeing that part of their future realised on-page would have felt like a deeply satisfying full-circle moment.
Overall, while the concept was compelling and there were elements I really appreciated, this wasn’t my favourite read.
P.S. I can’t tell if I’ve just read too many books at this point, but I kept getting a strange sense of déjà vu while reading, almost like I’d read it before long ago. I just can’t quite put my finger on why.
February 4, 2026
Eden Sorensen is making her last shot at being a pro ballet dancer by attending a six week program at the Met School of Dance. The first practice goes awful, but she's encouraged by another dancer.
Portia Duvall is a principal dancer, and shouldn't really be helping her. But she can tell she has that depth, and doesn't want her to wash out. Her mother, Celine, is a manipulative bitch.
(Eden could, potentially, get a job with a local ballet company, but not at a living wage. Only getting a position at the Met will get her the prestige she needs to make a actual living.
Portia, who had doors opened for her due to her famous mom, is determined to help.)
Three weeks in, they go out for the day, then they want to sleep together. But another ballerina, Mariela, convinces Eden she's gonna be cut, and suggests auditioning for Empire City Ballet.
15 year time jump.
Portia has retired due to injury but still works for the ballet company... when a scandal forces out the artistic director, she's dumped into the job. Now Celine has arranged a collaboration with Empire City to save the Met... and she has to work with Eden.
Like Portia Eden is facing a serious injury, and she still has feelings for Portia. She's married, however. They talk out the past, and Portia learns that Eden had been told she was going to be cut, possibly by someone sent by her Mom, Celine.
We also find out the previous artistic director Roland was a sex predator. And he successfully stages a comeback, causing Portia to quit in protest.
Eden and Portia start their own ballet studio, take down both bad guys, wrap up.
3.t stars out of 5. Good, didn't blow me away. I don't know if it even NEEDED the bad guy arc... it felt weirdly tacked on to the main plot.
Portia Duvall is a principal dancer, and shouldn't really be helping her. But she can tell she has that depth, and doesn't want her to wash out. Her mother, Celine, is a manipulative bitch.
(Eden could, potentially, get a job with a local ballet company, but not at a living wage. Only getting a position at the Met will get her the prestige she needs to make a actual living.
Portia, who had doors opened for her due to her famous mom, is determined to help.)
Three weeks in, they go out for the day, then they want to sleep together. But another ballerina, Mariela, convinces Eden she's gonna be cut, and suggests auditioning for Empire City Ballet.
15 year time jump.
Portia has retired due to injury but still works for the ballet company... when a scandal forces out the artistic director, she's dumped into the job. Now Celine has arranged a collaboration with Empire City to save the Met... and she has to work with Eden.
Like Portia Eden is facing a serious injury, and she still has feelings for Portia. She's married, however. They talk out the past, and Portia learns that Eden had been told she was going to be cut, possibly by someone sent by her Mom, Celine.
We also find out the previous artistic director Roland was a sex predator. And he successfully stages a comeback, causing Portia to quit in protest.
Eden and Portia start their own ballet studio, take down both bad guys, wrap up.
3.t stars out of 5. Good, didn't blow me away. I don't know if it even NEEDED the bad guy arc... it felt weirdly tacked on to the main plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
The writing duo of TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have written some great books, in my estimation, but "A Choreography of Longing" was a cut above anything I've read in the past-there truly aren't enough superlatives for this story! If I could give it more stars, I would!
I wondered if the story of two ballerinas would be appealing to me. I thought, "Oh, well, I do like their writing," so I thought I'd give it a try. I never thought it would be so powerful. The story of Portia Duvall and Eden Sorensen is filled with the emotion of their deep feelings for one another from the start. When fate intervenes...well....I'll leave that part for the reader. Suffice to say the emotions, positive and not-so-positive, are palpable throughout.
Added to the on-going story of Portia and Eden, there's Portia's "intetesting" 80-something year old mother (and former prima ballerina herself) and the palace-er, I mean-ballet intrigue. Suffice to say each scene kept me reading, wanting more, staying up far too late, unable to put it down.
It's been quite a while since I've read something that stayed with me so deeply, kept me thinking about it from the early chapters on while going about my day, and made me feel desperate to get back to it to see what happens next. Well, this was that book!
In conclusion, I only have one additional comment: I'm already wishing and hoping (pleading for) that THIS one has a sequel!!! (begging, even! :-《)
I wondered if the story of two ballerinas would be appealing to me. I thought, "Oh, well, I do like their writing," so I thought I'd give it a try. I never thought it would be so powerful. The story of Portia Duvall and Eden Sorensen is filled with the emotion of their deep feelings for one another from the start. When fate intervenes...well....I'll leave that part for the reader. Suffice to say the emotions, positive and not-so-positive, are palpable throughout.
Added to the on-going story of Portia and Eden, there's Portia's "intetesting" 80-something year old mother (and former prima ballerina herself) and the palace-er, I mean-ballet intrigue. Suffice to say each scene kept me reading, wanting more, staying up far too late, unable to put it down.
It's been quite a while since I've read something that stayed with me so deeply, kept me thinking about it from the early chapters on while going about my day, and made me feel desperate to get back to it to see what happens next. Well, this was that book!
In conclusion, I only have one additional comment: I'm already wishing and hoping (pleading for) that THIS one has a sequel!!! (begging, even! :-《)
January 27, 2026
A strong, memorable read
This book starts strong, immediately intriguing, engaging, and full of promise. From the first pages, it pulls you in and makes you curious about where the story is headed. I won’t deny that at times, there were moments I struggled with the first part of the book; the intimacy between the characters felt a bit rushed for my personal taste, and the pacing moved faster than I expected, the conflict felt almost too sudden, even a little jarring, and the large time jump caught me off guard. And yet… despite all of that, the story never let go of me.
That’s the magic of this book. Even when certain choices didn’t fully align with my preferences, the narrative worked. It stayed gripping. It stayed compelling. It kept pulling me forward, making me want to know what would happen next. The beginning and the time jump were small hurdles for me personally, but they ultimately served the story this fabulous duo wanted to tell, and they did so effectively. They never disappoint.
This is a book that knows how to hook its readers and hold them there. It’s engaging, emotionally charged, and rewarding. The conclusion felt very satisfying and well-earned, leaving me glad and enjoying the journey greatly.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This book starts strong, immediately intriguing, engaging, and full of promise. From the first pages, it pulls you in and makes you curious about where the story is headed. I won’t deny that at times, there were moments I struggled with the first part of the book; the intimacy between the characters felt a bit rushed for my personal taste, and the pacing moved faster than I expected, the conflict felt almost too sudden, even a little jarring, and the large time jump caught me off guard. And yet… despite all of that, the story never let go of me.
That’s the magic of this book. Even when certain choices didn’t fully align with my preferences, the narrative worked. It stayed gripping. It stayed compelling. It kept pulling me forward, making me want to know what would happen next. The beginning and the time jump were small hurdles for me personally, but they ultimately served the story this fabulous duo wanted to tell, and they did so effectively. They never disappoint.
This is a book that knows how to hook its readers and hold them there. It’s engaging, emotionally charged, and rewarding. The conclusion felt very satisfying and well-earned, leaving me glad and enjoying the journey greatly.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 27, 2026
My mother was a ballerina so I was whisked away into her world prior to me coming into the world. The two main characters, Eden, the newby summer student, and Portia, a principal dancer with the Metropolitan School of Ballet could not have come from more diverse backgrounds. They formed a bond when Portia noticed her potential and offered to work with Eden after hours.
The writing was exquisite filled with positive descriptions of the rehearsals, the music, the costumes and the friendships while also delving into the behind the scenes manipulation and corruption that almost made their world crumble around them. But what stood out the most was the longing. What could have been. The reader can feel it in every chapter.
The secondary character of Portia's mother Celine, the legendary icon of dance, was just hysterical. I also enjoyed Eden's best friend, Mariela and her toddler "Belly Button!" TB and Miranda have definitely penned another winner. What a collaboration. I loved it!
The writing was exquisite filled with positive descriptions of the rehearsals, the music, the costumes and the friendships while also delving into the behind the scenes manipulation and corruption that almost made their world crumble around them. But what stood out the most was the longing. What could have been. The reader can feel it in every chapter.
The secondary character of Portia's mother Celine, the legendary icon of dance, was just hysterical. I also enjoyed Eden's best friend, Mariela and her toddler "Belly Button!" TB and Miranda have definitely penned another winner. What a collaboration. I loved it!
January 28, 2026
"A Choreography of Learning", by TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod, is a great read for all lovers of Romance Novels; but this is especially true of Ballet lovers. All good authors research their material for authenticity, but the knowledge here is far more than that, as a deep love of ballet shines through; and not at the expense of the plot either. It had some very interesting twists to it. It ie a love story through and through.
The two main characters, Portia and Eden, meet and fall in love before being separated for 15 years, due to a misunderstanding. I particularly loved Eden's personality; she was quite impetuous when younger, and Portia had to "prove her worth" again when they remet.
The supporting characters were enjoyable and Portia's mother actually came good in the end. I found the characters very relatable and this is yet another winner for TB and Miranda. Well done! (Is the next one coming soon?)
The two main characters, Portia and Eden, meet and fall in love before being separated for 15 years, due to a misunderstanding. I particularly loved Eden's personality; she was quite impetuous when younger, and Portia had to "prove her worth" again when they remet.
The supporting characters were enjoyable and Portia's mother actually came good in the end. I found the characters very relatable and this is yet another winner for TB and Miranda. Well done! (Is the next one coming soon?)
January 28, 2026
A Heartbreaking & Heartwarming Storyline 💕
The Ballet. That was never a dream of mine. I watched “The Nutcracker” and Swan Lake but that is the extent of it. If I learned anything is that any women’s competition has hidden agenda��s and abuse of power in the ones that are supposed to teach and nurture. TB & Miranda has taken a ballet story and has given it a shot at new glory. Putting the young talent who want to be ballerinas in the spotlight. Showing the cruelty that happens but simultaneously working a love story between a teacher and a student (old enough) but forbidden. You experience the tough learning parts, the heartbreak when you are not accepted and then a new world opens later in life. A wonderful story that gives us the romance we expect but with tears, heartbreak, humility, humor & love.
The Ballet. That was never a dream of mine. I watched “The Nutcracker” and Swan Lake but that is the extent of it. If I learned anything is that any women’s competition has hidden agenda��s and abuse of power in the ones that are supposed to teach and nurture. TB & Miranda has taken a ballet story and has given it a shot at new glory. Putting the young talent who want to be ballerinas in the spotlight. Showing the cruelty that happens but simultaneously working a love story between a teacher and a student (old enough) but forbidden. You experience the tough learning parts, the heartbreak when you are not accepted and then a new world opens later in life. A wonderful story that gives us the romance we expect but with tears, heartbreak, humility, humor & love.
January 25, 2026
What a fun story! TB and Miranda have created a beautiful love story between two ballerinas and the egos that go with that. It was a very moving story as I couldn’t stop reading it! A mistaken assumption caused a loss of 15 years of “what could’ve been” to a perceived anger and professional jealousy. But the story had a beautiful ending. I hope that TB and Miranda write a sequel to this story as I would love to see what happens years later. Thank you both for sharing your gifts of story telling!
January 26, 2026
Compassion and passion, that’s what this book is full of. Compassion for dance itself but, mostly for the ballerinas who put their bodies & soul into their art but, are brutalised by institutions and misogynistic peers. Then, we have the passion. Passion between the two main characters, Eden & Portia. The passion as young women then the passion of adults at the end of their careers and the passion in their fight for the justice in their profession. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. A must read!
January 27, 2026
Well, not really being a fan of ballet as an art form I was a bit apprehensive about reading this latest story from TB and Miranda. I shouldn't have been worried. TB and Miranda have weaved another great story with their usual blend of humour, misunderstandings, abandoned dreams and dealing with some truly awful individuals who wield power in the lives of both Eden, Portia and other gifted ballet dancers. Although the story is set against the backdrop of 2 ballet companies it could be set in any walk of life. Great story TB and Miranda, keep writing.
January 30, 2026
This is a love story that spans a lifetime!
Miranda MacLeod and T.B. Markinson are perhaps the queens of writing with sensitive topics with HEA’s. This is no exception to that rule. The life and training of a ballerina is complex, emotionally and physically demanding and allows for a short career if you succeed. Politics, money and greed amongst many “decidedly evil pressures” make it even harder. I loved this intricate story meshed with success, it was satisfying on many levels. Good vs Evil with good winning!
Miranda MacLeod and T.B. Markinson are perhaps the queens of writing with sensitive topics with HEA’s. This is no exception to that rule. The life and training of a ballerina is complex, emotionally and physically demanding and allows for a short career if you succeed. Politics, money and greed amongst many “decidedly evil pressures” make it even harder. I loved this intricate story meshed with success, it was satisfying on many levels. Good vs Evil with good winning!
February 3, 2026
Awesome book!!!!
This book was good from the very beginning. I was pulled in from the first page and I found it hard to stop reading. I was angry at the way some things were happening, but I was also busting up on other parts.
I have never been to a ballet show, but this makes me feel like I need to go to one.
The cover of the book is good. It helped me visualize how Eden and Portia looked.
I borrowed the book from Amazon, but I will be buying it.
Excellent story
Thank you both.
KBalandran
This book was good from the very beginning. I was pulled in from the first page and I found it hard to stop reading. I was angry at the way some things were happening, but I was also busting up on other parts.
I have never been to a ballet show, but this makes me feel like I need to go to one.
The cover of the book is good. It helped me visualize how Eden and Portia looked.
I borrowed the book from Amazon, but I will be buying it.
Excellent story
Thank you both.
KBalandran
January 24, 2026
I'll be honest and say that I struggled through the earlier parts of this story but knew that it woudld be worth persiststing becaue T.B. Markinson and Miranda Macleod sure know how to deliver the big showstopping third act dramatic moment. And they really didn't fail to deliver on that front. Overall I really enjoyed the story.
I am grateful to the authors for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am grateful to the authors for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
The dance of life
I found this story to be very moving. How two people come away from a situation with different ideas of what happened to tear them apart. Eden and Portia spend 15 years wondering why they fell apart. This is a wonderfully written behind the scene look at what dancers are up against to have a career. The second chance romance is heartwarming and together they will seek the truth. I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end.
I found this story to be very moving. How two people come away from a situation with different ideas of what happened to tear them apart. Eden and Portia spend 15 years wondering why they fell apart. This is a wonderfully written behind the scene look at what dancers are up against to have a career. The second chance romance is heartwarming and together they will seek the truth. I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end.
February 3, 2026
I love the title ‘A Choreography of Longing’. The characters certainly showed their longing from the day they met to the very surprising HEA ending. I thought the story would be a normal friends to lovers scenario and then it turned from enemies to lovers in a quick flash. Exquisitely written while evoking lots of emotions. You can definitely tell this writing duo did their research on ballet, considering that ballet itself felt like an intrinsic character that felt both real and very alive.
February 5, 2026
Markinson and MacLeod, My Writing Heroes
My reading rate, usually insatiable, has lessened in the past few months. I just could not get excited by any book at all.
I stumbled across the latest offering from my favorite writing duo, TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod and delved into their latest sapphic undertaking, A CHOREOGRAPHY OF LONGING.
Wow! This book is filled with friends, family, feelings, all the good “effs” and I enjoyed it so much. Prepare to be impressed!
My reading rate, usually insatiable, has lessened in the past few months. I just could not get excited by any book at all.
I stumbled across the latest offering from my favorite writing duo, TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod and delved into their latest sapphic undertaking, A CHOREOGRAPHY OF LONGING.
Wow! This book is filled with friends, family, feelings, all the good “effs” and I enjoyed it so much. Prepare to be impressed!
February 9, 2026
Solid read, but anti-climatic IMO
Overall, I like this book. It was a fun easy read but IMO, it had a lot more potential than what was on the page. It felt like every time there was a conflict the author moved on too quickly. For me there were too many moments where I was invested only to feel down in the end by the direction the author chose to go. But again, it’s a great love story but that’s all it was for me.
Overall, I like this book. It was a fun easy read but IMO, it had a lot more potential than what was on the page. It felt like every time there was a conflict the author moved on too quickly. For me there were too many moments where I was invested only to feel down in the end by the direction the author chose to go. But again, it’s a great love story but that’s all it was for me.
January 27, 2026
Enjoyed the ballet-themed romance. The MCs are well written with similar strengths of determination and perseverance. A misunderstanding separates them for years and their reconciliation is slow but sweet. They find they are stronger together and pursue their own HEA. The story flowed beautifully and is a delightful read.
January 28, 2026
I just love it when the bad guys get publicly shamed, and arrested! And it's at the hands of women. I admired the girls who stood together as Portia gave the guys hell. A steamy story with strong heroines and set in the city I love. Couldn't be better! How about a follow-up/look back at Celine's life?
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