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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?
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
46 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
72 books1,159 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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?
January 26, 2026
Once again a great collaboration between these two awesome authors.
Absolutely loved getting to know Eden and Portia's story, learning about the ballet world and it's politics.
The supporting characters also gives some drama to the story. And as always excellent heat.
Absolutely loved getting to know Eden and Portia's story, learning about the ballet world and it's politics.
The supporting characters also gives some drama to the story. And as always excellent heat.
January 27, 2026
A Choreography of Longing is one of those books that lives in your head rent free and I already cannot wait to reread it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews