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?
T. 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.
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
“Even if that story started with heartbreak. Even if it began in failure. At least it would be hers” (p.100).
But what happens when an internal monologue rises up and breaks the fragile pieces of first love. When a snap judgment closes the door on truth before it has a chance to have a voice? In this case, the cost is immense. A misunderstanding unfolds. Fifteen years pass in its dark and lingering shadow. And as the reader, we learn it never died for these two.
Two ballerinas, Portia Duvall an established principle in a respected company, and Eden Sorensen, emerging as a promising star. Finding each other through a prestigious summer intensive program, falling in love with secrecy all around them. There was more to unfold in this early space which might have deepened the reader’s attachment to them before the separation. Although its point was made, a few additional chapters could have sharpened the ache of what was lost. Still, the authors are clearly intentional about where they place their emphasis. This is not a story that withholds the couples “togetherness.” On the contrary, at the center of the story IS the relationship. In a genre where readers often wish for more time with the couple, this novel places that closeness at the heart of the narrative.
Because the story is a second-chance romance built on their fifteen-year divide, rekindled love often lives in the complicated space between memory and regret, longing and ache, between what was and what might have been. There are moments highlighted addressing these emotions. However, it was less taut with conflict and more tender with quick forgiveness. For some readers the gentleness may feel like a welcomed soft exhale. For others it may soften the emotional stakes. I found myself wanting a bit more friction, yet I also appreciated the calm certainty beneath it all: Portia and Eden have always loved each other. That truth never wavers. We are reminded often. Their affection, and the quiet intimacy between them, carries a sweetness of its own. “…small moments of intimacy still felt precious. Stolen” (p.368).
In the final quarter of the novel, the narrative stretches to confront the darker truth within the ballet world. The side story allows the couple to move through something difficult together – abuse and power. Here is where their relationship shapes into something beyond romance. It is the stuff that solidifies a solid future and a discovered purpose. As dancers, they understand the consuming devotion the art demands. Together they discovered an equal commitment and pull to protect and advocate the ballet community. “…we understand something most people never will. What it means to give everything to ballet and have ballet take everything in return” (p.151).
“It’s all about trust. Complete and unquestioning” (p161). In the end, the story lands. Portia and Eden grow beyond a painful misunderstanding that once tore them apart, building toward a life shaped not by the past, but by the trust they have reclaimed together. It is a gentle resolution, one that ultimately affirms their devotion and the promise of a hard-won happily ever after. *sigh*
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.
Moving from Indiana, Eden feels out her depth she's enrolled in Summer School at the NY Met Ballet School. There she meets Portia the principal ballerina who is following in her mother's legacy.
Portia recognises Eden's talent but some private tuition quickly gets passionate.
The break up that prompted the 15 yr gap.. I found a wee bit tenuous to be honest.
I appreciated Portia and Eden as well written, strong developed characters. The drama is really around when and if they can forgive each other. The authors stretched this point to it's limits.
There is an important 'side story' of misogyny, body shaming and abuse of power in the dance world. And at 400 pages it packs a lot in.
Overall It keeps you on your toes! and I did enjoy it.
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....
A beautifully, fabulous written second chance story! The heat between Eden and Portia is immediate! But a misunderstanding separates them for 15 years, though they didn't stop thinking about one another. Two premier ballerinas. When life throws them back together and they talk things out, they realize their love for one another. I've only seen the Nutcracker ballet on stage once. I was enthralled, but I never got into the idea of ballet. This changed my mind! This book is A FAVORITE!! Worth more than 5 stars!
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!
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.
Eden and Portia come back into one another’s lives after an unfortunate set of events left them hating one another after their relationship when Eden was at a summer intensive for ballet. Portia is going through a divorce and Eden is there for work. After discovering they had both misjudged each other based on their heartbreak, they reconnect only to learn that exploitation and corruption is destroying a career they both loved.
This was laced with scandal and heartbreak, but had an uplifting and powerful message that working together and fighting for justice is always the right thing to do. I loved how we got to meet Eden and Portia and learn about how they discovered feelings for one another, and then got to come back for their reuniting, but we only knew as much as Eden had back in the day. I was in awe of their passion for ballet and their dedication to their careers. They were willing to do what they needed to, and used their experience when they were younger to guide doing the right thing to make sure it didn’t happen to other young dancer again in the future.
Portia came from a background that meant in a way she had been shielded from some of the exploitation that Eden had definitely experienced, but I loved how she didn’t doubt what she was learning or being told. It was amazing how she stepped in to help Eden when she really needed it. They really focused on forgiving one another for the hurt they had both caused each other before, and were committed to being friends. Of course that didn’t take long for their spark to resurface and together they were the amazing team they had always been.
I loved every second of this and the powerful messages it sent about following your heart, being true to yourself, and never hiding the truth when it has the potential to harm others.
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.
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.
This was a story that took 15 years in the making. Eden and Portia our ballet dancers. They first met when Eden was trying out. to be a dancer. They ended up falling out and came together 15 years later. This was a great love story which shows our stubbornness and love can conquer anything. I really like this book and I recommend it to all romance readers.
Breathtaking second-chance romance between two ballet dancers!
MM and TB are at it again with an amazing romance between two lovely ballet dancers with a slight age gap! I feel especially close to them as they remind me so much of my partner and I, who found each other again after years apart.
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! :-《)
Really good story. Had a plot that was not only about the romance and gave the book depth. The love story felt real and was beautifully written. Looking forward to the next book by T. B. and Miranda.
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!
Absolutely terrific book from these two authors. The collaborations have been great in previous books but I think this has been the best so far. A true romance spanning nearly twenty years, all the feels with this story. I loved it. I hope there are more stories on the horizon from these excellent authors. Look forward to seeing more.👍
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
"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 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.
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!
Loved the main characters and enjoyed being part of ballet dancer’s dedication, work ethic and commitment to succeed. The love story and ultimate exposure of management manipulation combined to keep me reading for hours. This is a unique story with a happy ending.
I'm not usually a fan of miscommunication but this author made it work in a way that didn't send me running. I absolutely loved both these characters and their chemistry. The "taking on the man" subplot is also fantastic. All in all a great read.