What do you think?
Rate this book
Symphony #3
Evolution
Life in The Royal Ballet comes with a set of unwritten rules, and no one knows them better than Nina Devereaux. Even in her current role as the Company’s Artistic Director, those expectations still loom menacingly over her life. But when she’s granted the opportunity to bring her revolutionary ballet to stage, the little voice that has always kept her playing by the rules begins to waver as she watches her love letter to the woman who has held her heart for years come to life. She knows better than most that it’s a long road from wanting something to having it, but perhaps this time she’ll finally manage to get it right.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2021
96 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
17 books430 followersMJ Duncan is a Southern California girl who traded in her surfboard for hockey skates when she moved to Minnesota. When not writing, MJ enjoys reading, climbing, swimming, and spending time with her family. You can also follow her on twitter (@mj_duncan) and tumblr (mjduncan).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 24, 2022
This is third in a series and happens simultaneously with Pas de Deux. I definitely recommend reading that one first as this one has many more spoilers for that story. Plus, having met and interacted with Nina and Clara in the previous book gives interesting insight into this story.
Both Nina and Clara are distant enough from the characters in the previous book that all you really know is that they might get/be together, so I think the parallel thing works pretty well. Plus, I really liked having Nina's ballet play another significant role in a romance because Duncan's descriptions of it are evocative and engaging and getting another run at it felt lovely.
I'm really torn about Nina as a character, though. There's a core of fear that has kept her apart from Clara despite becoming close in their teens. They're best friends with hints of could've-been that are achingly poignant. That fear is really the only bar to them being together and it causes a few setbacks that Clara just rolls with that would have been devastating (though, thankfully, nothing like a dark moment). I really felt for Clara and that made me a little impatient with Nina.
And it doesn't help that I'm more-or-less contemporary with Nina and have a hard time imagining the Royal Ballet being so ragingly homophobic all that time. I mean, would the press or public, let alone the ballet-going public, have cared that much about the sexual orientation of a ballerina? If they did, it'd only be to drive ticket sales with a bit of prurient interest. And didn't the movie Billy Elliot imply that an openly, even flamboyantly, gay side-character had some kind of role with the Royal Ballet? That was over twenty years ago and didn't raise eyebrows.
Anyway, I had trouble with Nina's hesitation to own her own power. She had made significant interventions for the benefit of others. We saw that. Not being able/willing to do the same for herself frustrated me.
And that's a lot of griping about a story I enjoyed rather a lot. Nina and Clara belong together and I loved seeing Clara's trust and patience pay off. And it was awesome to see the romance from Pas de Deux once again while we were at it.
So I'm going to go with four stars for a story I enjoyed and characters I fell for.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They were exactly what they needed to be for the emotional arc of the characters, though I couldn't help thinking "about time, already."
Both Nina and Clara are distant enough from the characters in the previous book that all you really know is that they might get/be together, so I think the parallel thing works pretty well. Plus, I really liked having Nina's ballet play another significant role in a romance because Duncan's descriptions of it are evocative and engaging and getting another run at it felt lovely.
I'm really torn about Nina as a character, though. There's a core of fear that has kept her apart from Clara despite becoming close in their teens. They're best friends with hints of could've-been that are achingly poignant. That fear is really the only bar to them being together and it causes a few setbacks that Clara just rolls with that would have been devastating (though, thankfully, nothing like a dark moment). I really felt for Clara and that made me a little impatient with Nina.
And it doesn't help that I'm more-or-less contemporary with Nina and have a hard time imagining the Royal Ballet being so ragingly homophobic all that time. I mean, would the press or public, let alone the ballet-going public, have cared that much about the sexual orientation of a ballerina? If they did, it'd only be to drive ticket sales with a bit of prurient interest. And didn't the movie Billy Elliot imply that an openly, even flamboyantly, gay side-character had some kind of role with the Royal Ballet? That was over twenty years ago and didn't raise eyebrows.
Anyway, I had trouble with Nina's hesitation to own her own power. She had made significant interventions for the benefit of others. We saw that. Not being able/willing to do the same for herself frustrated me.
And that's a lot of griping about a story I enjoyed rather a lot. Nina and Clara belong together and I loved seeing Clara's trust and patience pay off. And it was awesome to see the romance from Pas de Deux once again while we were at it.
So I'm going to go with four stars for a story I enjoyed and characters I fell for.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They were exactly what they needed to be for the emotional arc of the characters, though I couldn't help thinking "about time, already."
December 16, 2022
Oh my, this book is going on my list of all time favorites! I knew as I was reading Pas de Deux that I was going to fall hard for Nina and Clara when it was their turn, and ooooh they didn't disappoint. Evolution was so angsty and swoony and just all around wonderful!
May 20, 2021
A good book - 5*s - which dove-tailed perfectly with Pas de deux (Book 2.) At times threatened to be too long, but then moved the story forward. Love MJ's writing, thank you.
May 8, 2021
MJ Duncan is one of my favorite authors. Atramentum and the Heist are two of my favorites. But I must say, contrary to most reviewers, the Symphony series was not for me. I found this particular part 3, repetitious, like I’ve read this before. I think I did in part 2. I simply couldn’t finish it. I love music, particularly classical music. But that wasn’t enough to interest me in this story. I am looking forward to more MJ Duncan stories, this particular series was just not for me.
April 29, 2021
Exquisite work of great talent
The progress from Symphony in Blue to this has been a dance married to music. The way Duncan uses the words to describe the music and the movement of dance as a reader you can almost hear and see it. I also love the Duncan relates back to previous books as in this case she refers to Veritas another of my favourites. If you have never experienced any of Duncan’s work then I suggest you indulge yourself and begin with Symphony. Of all three books I think this has become my favourite.
The progress from Symphony in Blue to this has been a dance married to music. The way Duncan uses the words to describe the music and the movement of dance as a reader you can almost hear and see it. I also love the Duncan relates back to previous books as in this case she refers to Veritas another of my favourites. If you have never experienced any of Duncan’s work then I suggest you indulge yourself and begin with Symphony. Of all three books I think this has become my favourite.
July 23, 2025
Unfortunately for me, I haven't read the series. I read this as a stand alone and I wasn't disappointed! This book is a FAVORITE! You can hear the music, see the dancers and feel the love.
This gorgeous book was on my TBR shelves. I guess I'll have to get the other books in the series! I highly recommend this book/series! Deserves more than 5 stars!!
This gorgeous book was on my TBR shelves. I guess I'll have to get the other books in the series! I highly recommend this book/series! Deserves more than 5 stars!!
December 25, 2022
Duncan's writing is good. Her books are easy to read. However, I DNF'd this at 30% because really?! The two MCs are -of course- super attracted to each other, but because of job reasons, one of them doesn't want to act on it. For EIGHTEEN years, the two MCs spend time together snuggling on couches, watching movies, having dinner, being super close but platonic. With one of them patiently waiting around for the other to finally say yes. Almost two decades. Seriously, how is that supposed to work. I know we readers are supposed to think it's romantic, all this pining, but can you really picture it? Not weeks, not months, not a few years, but 18. Some of which were spent living on different continents, granted, but even then they run into each other often. But their pining has now voting rights. I'm sorry, but I can't. And wouldn't it be more romantic if at one point, the reluctant MC would've said "feck my career, I love this woman"? No, she finally gives in when it's safe for her career to do so, risking nothing. And the other one patiently waits around, always understanding. Has some relationships of her own even, but nothing serious.
Ugh. No. I just can't picture how this would ever pan out IRL.
It's a shame, because I liked Pas de Deux and was looking forward to more detail on the romance that was hinted at in that book. But this, I cannot get on board unfortunately.
Ugh. No. I just can't picture how this would ever pan out IRL.
It's a shame, because I liked Pas de Deux and was looking forward to more detail on the romance that was hinted at in that book. But this, I cannot get on board unfortunately.
May 3, 2021
I've been a fan of this amazing author for years and this book is most definitely another hit! I was thoroughly in love with both main characters from MJ's previous book, Pas de Deux, and love that they were both in this one. I found this book to be extremely creative because it, for the most part, paralleled the timeline for Pas de Deux, but in this one, we got to know Nina and Clara (who made appearances in the previous book). I loved learning about Nina and Clara's history and loved being along for the ride when they finally made it a love story. I swooned when the reader got to learn more about Mal and Addy through Nina's eyes. Evolution, wow, what a concept! I am truly in awe of Ms. Duncan's ability to weave these amazing tales!
August 9, 2021
The MOST emotionally gripping book I’ve read this year.
Desperate yearning is my absolute favorite thing to read when it’s done well, and Evolution decisively checks all the boxes for me. It is a phenomenally well written story of self-denial and years of longing for love that’s just out of reach.
The main couple had understandable reasons they could not be together, and their love story was agonizingly perfect—I loved the flashback vignettes of how they’ve been dancing around their unspoken feelings for years, and with the gorgeous backdrop of music and dance, I was hurtled into another dimension with each swelling emotional crescendo.
Brava. 5 stars
Desperate yearning is my absolute favorite thing to read when it’s done well, and Evolution decisively checks all the boxes for me. It is a phenomenally well written story of self-denial and years of longing for love that’s just out of reach.
The main couple had understandable reasons they could not be together, and their love story was agonizingly perfect—I loved the flashback vignettes of how they’ve been dancing around their unspoken feelings for years, and with the gorgeous backdrop of music and dance, I was hurtled into another dimension with each swelling emotional crescendo.
Brava. 5 stars
April 24, 2021
MJ Duncan is Brilliant
MJ Duncan brings to light the troubles some face when working in the limelight. Her brilliance is shown as the book flowed as seamlessly as the dance Evolution. You were able to catch glimpses of characters from previous books. I will continue to look forward to more books from MJ Duncan. This can be read alone, or if you haven't read Symphony in Blue or Pas De Deux, I suggest you should, beyond getting a history of Mallory, Addison, Clara and Nina you get to see the amazing talent of MJ Duncan.
This one had more angst than other of her books, but it was necessary for the struggles that are mentioned. The remedy was timely and inspirational. Needless to say I loved it and couldn't put it down. Now do I go back to the beginning of the series and read all the way through... Because just like a potato chip, I can never read just one of her books without devouring another.
MJ Duncan brings to light the troubles some face when working in the limelight. Her brilliance is shown as the book flowed as seamlessly as the dance Evolution. You were able to catch glimpses of characters from previous books. I will continue to look forward to more books from MJ Duncan. This can be read alone, or if you haven't read Symphony in Blue or Pas De Deux, I suggest you should, beyond getting a history of Mallory, Addison, Clara and Nina you get to see the amazing talent of MJ Duncan.
This one had more angst than other of her books, but it was necessary for the struggles that are mentioned. The remedy was timely and inspirational. Needless to say I loved it and couldn't put it down. Now do I go back to the beginning of the series and read all the way through... Because just like a potato chip, I can never read just one of her books without devouring another.
May 9, 2021
Fabulous!
This story was such a sweet yet heartbreaking ballad of ones secret love. The third installment gave us a look at the beautiful coming together of the violinist Mallory and the ballet dancer Addison from the second which was written and created by Nina. Now we know maybe a personal story. Nina loves Clara. She has for a long time but times would not allow that in her world. But now they kissed and now she wants more but at what cost. Clara loves Nina. She has for so long. But their tender touches and loving looks and their sad expressions now has lead to a kiss. What a kiss it was. Long long overdue. But much of the same is happening, Clara is out, Nina is only just dealing with it. Normally Nina pushes away but she doesn’t want to anymore, she wants to be with Clara but needs to figure out how. Clara wants to help but Nina is again trying to deal with this on her own forcing Clara to give Nina an ultimatum. And so this story go through its ups and downs. Nina trying to keep the board happy with her although the chair has it out for her. Her parents who are homophobes. Clara is back in San Francisco pondering taking over for the LSO but won’t go back unless she can be with Nina. In the mean time Evolution has become a success and Nina can hardly keep track of that and her normal work, all while missing Clara. So for the third installment, it was good! Much More detail which was needed for the story but could get wordy. Overall you can feel the love that Nina and Clara had for each other. That goes to the writing of MJ Duncan. There are still reasons that some people stay in the closet. This story reminds us of all the struggles. Love is worth it.
This story was such a sweet yet heartbreaking ballad of ones secret love. The third installment gave us a look at the beautiful coming together of the violinist Mallory and the ballet dancer Addison from the second which was written and created by Nina. Now we know maybe a personal story. Nina loves Clara. She has for a long time but times would not allow that in her world. But now they kissed and now she wants more but at what cost. Clara loves Nina. She has for so long. But their tender touches and loving looks and their sad expressions now has lead to a kiss. What a kiss it was. Long long overdue. But much of the same is happening, Clara is out, Nina is only just dealing with it. Normally Nina pushes away but she doesn’t want to anymore, she wants to be with Clara but needs to figure out how. Clara wants to help but Nina is again trying to deal with this on her own forcing Clara to give Nina an ultimatum. And so this story go through its ups and downs. Nina trying to keep the board happy with her although the chair has it out for her. Her parents who are homophobes. Clara is back in San Francisco pondering taking over for the LSO but won’t go back unless she can be with Nina. In the mean time Evolution has become a success and Nina can hardly keep track of that and her normal work, all while missing Clara. So for the third installment, it was good! Much More detail which was needed for the story but could get wordy. Overall you can feel the love that Nina and Clara had for each other. That goes to the writing of MJ Duncan. There are still reasons that some people stay in the closet. This story reminds us of all the struggles. Love is worth it.
November 21, 2021
Evolution is a perfect name!
Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but will be more impactful after reading the second book. Nina was the premiere ballerina and is now the Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet and Clara is the premiere conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. Their unrequited love is so palpable, yet they were unable to give into their feelings for so many, many years. This book takes place at the same time as Pas de Deux which is the story of Addison, the ballerina, and Mallory, the violinist, who perform Evolution, this amazing piece of music and dance, created by Nina as a love story for Clara.
This series was crafted so beautifully by MJ Duncan. What a wonderful writer she is. The struggles were real and sometimes heartbreaking, but the final coming together of Nina and Clara was breathtaking. The friendly, loving relationship between Nina and her former husband, Ian, was precious. He added a priceless, unconditional love and some good-hearted levity throughout the story. The world of ballet and the symphony orchestra truly came to life and filled my heart and soul. I love this series!!!
Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but will be more impactful after reading the second book. Nina was the premiere ballerina and is now the Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet and Clara is the premiere conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. Their unrequited love is so palpable, yet they were unable to give into their feelings for so many, many years. This book takes place at the same time as Pas de Deux which is the story of Addison, the ballerina, and Mallory, the violinist, who perform Evolution, this amazing piece of music and dance, created by Nina as a love story for Clara.
This series was crafted so beautifully by MJ Duncan. What a wonderful writer she is. The struggles were real and sometimes heartbreaking, but the final coming together of Nina and Clara was breathtaking. The friendly, loving relationship between Nina and her former husband, Ian, was precious. He added a priceless, unconditional love and some good-hearted levity throughout the story. The world of ballet and the symphony orchestra truly came to life and filled my heart and soul. I love this series!!!
April 27, 2021
If this is a trilogy, then this was a satisfying end. It was challenging to effectively understand the musicianship of conducting without knowing the music. Clara's ability as a conductor to bring the best out of any orchestra she led was easy to understand but without a point of reference to what the Finnish composer's music sounded like I had to let my imagination take over. That being said I enjoyed the 'back story' to Pas de Deux storyline; a view of 'the underbelly of the beast' in the world of ballet and symphony orchestra. Nina's struggle was well written and when she lost her temper at the board meeting, that scene was priceless. Clara's love for Nina was patient, kind and supportive. The book was well written and I enjoyed the story.
February 13, 2022
It’s been a while since I read a book by MJ Duncan, and after reading this, I’m asking myself why. I loved the way the art, both music and dance, served as a character and moved the story forward. I was also pleased the main characters were older and had life experience. Their pasts definitely informed their behavior and feelings. Duncan brought back memories of the bad old days of rampant discrimination while reminding us how far we’ve come. It was an engrossing love story.
May 25, 2021
Great story about how love can last and be acknowledged without having a physical relationship.
Many young lesbians today would not understand how two women so in love can only have a platonic relationship because of society or a career.
It thought this was a tender love story and enjoyed the book.
Many young lesbians today would not understand how two women so in love can only have a platonic relationship because of society or a career.
It thought this was a tender love story and enjoyed the book.
June 16, 2021
I did enjoy reading Evolution. These two women have loved each other since their 20s but One can't see a way to be with the only person she has ever loved without jeopardizing her career. Seems fitting during the setting of this romance. This slow burn lasts for 20 years. LOL. Solid read
July 31, 2021
Another please
I’m always reminded how much I love this author with each book she writes. She just gets better and better. I’m a bit disappointed this is the last in the series. Nonetheless, I’m sure whatever she writes will continue to inspire.
I’m always reminded how much I love this author with each book she writes. She just gets better and better. I’m a bit disappointed this is the last in the series. Nonetheless, I’m sure whatever she writes will continue to inspire.
May 6, 2021
Excellent.
I loved Evolution. I repeat. I loved Evolution. The Music. The Dancing. The Romance. Please. Not a dry eye in the house near the end. Beautifully written.
I loved Evolution. I repeat. I loved Evolution. The Music. The Dancing. The Romance. Please. Not a dry eye in the house near the end. Beautifully written.
December 2, 2022
This was a lot better than i was expecting. Usually, older push the person you love away stories drive me nuts. The longer they go on, the nuttier i get, and this book being 429 pages - yikes. Also, the length of time this has been going on was forever. So long it reminded me of Love in the Time of Cholera (ok, not that long). Though our MCs took different paths than the MCs in that book, lol. When first starting the book, I found Clara more interesting. Which was a little disappointing as the Nina was the focus of the book. I would have loved to get more from Clara's point of view. At least, Clara was there to drive the plot. And i was stoked that she didn't spend her whole life pining for Nina. Amazingly, as the story got going, i actually began to like Nina and by the end i was rooting for her. Nice job by the author.
There were a lot of great moments in this book that turned into great scenes that stuck in my mind. Plus there was bonus material on Mallory and Addy (from book 2) so that was a major plus as i really liked them.
Still debating reading Symphony in Blue (book 1), but i like Mallory so much from book 2 and this book, I don't want to ruin my image of her . If i had a complaint about this book, it is always hard to watch someone give up what they want due to their (understandable) fear. Nina was very strong in many other parts of her life. That said, it was great to read and the author did a great job (imh0) of starting the story at the right time.
There were a lot of great moments in this book that turned into great scenes that stuck in my mind. Plus there was bonus material on Mallory and Addy (from book 2) so that was a major plus as i really liked them.
Still debating reading Symphony in Blue (book 1), but i like Mallory so much from book 2 and this book, I don't want to ruin my image of her . If i had a complaint about this book, it is always hard to watch someone give up what they want due to their (understandable) fear. Nina was very strong in many other parts of her life. That said, it was great to read and the author did a great job (imh0) of starting the story at the right time.
August 23, 2023
A Perfect Follow Up To Pas De Deux
The second book of the Symphony series is Mallory and Addison being brought together by Nina, the same Nina who has loved Clara, leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, for years. But the homophobia within the Royal Ballet has kept her from ever acting on that love.
But as Nina’s new ballet, Evolution, begins to take form, as she watches the two principal performers, Mallory and Addison fall in love, her own heart cries out for what she’s always wanted. When Clara leaves her current girlfriend and events begin to shift power within the Royal Ballet away from the board’s most homophobic members, Nina begins to dare to believe that she can finally have what she has always wanted - Clara.
All she has to do is risk her career and stand up for what she wants.
Evolution is the perfect follow up to Pas De Deux. I have loved all three books I’ve read in this series so far but books two and three have totally blown me away.
I highly recommend the entire series but please do read them in order!
The second book of the Symphony series is Mallory and Addison being brought together by Nina, the same Nina who has loved Clara, leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, for years. But the homophobia within the Royal Ballet has kept her from ever acting on that love.
But as Nina’s new ballet, Evolution, begins to take form, as she watches the two principal performers, Mallory and Addison fall in love, her own heart cries out for what she’s always wanted. When Clara leaves her current girlfriend and events begin to shift power within the Royal Ballet away from the board’s most homophobic members, Nina begins to dare to believe that she can finally have what she has always wanted - Clara.
All she has to do is risk her career and stand up for what she wants.
Evolution is the perfect follow up to Pas De Deux. I have loved all three books I’ve read in this series so far but books two and three have totally blown me away.
I highly recommend the entire series but please do read them in order!
June 14, 2021
Marvelous
This story is sort of a prequel and also a concurrent telling of Pas de Deaux. It is a prequel because it tells of how the inspiration came about for the music and muse of the ballet. It also runs concurrently because as Nina's story unfolds the ballet rehearsals for Pas de Deaux are progressing. Nina is the Ballet Director who has been secretly in love with the Royal Symphony conductor, Clara, for years but due to the stringent requirements of the ballet she cannot even admit to herself how deeply she loves Clara. Of course there are always fuddy duddies who deem themselves as the keepers of morality meaning that it is their concept of morality.
This is an excellent read that will keep you entertained and educated on what it takes to be a ballerina.
My only negatives come from the fact I was offended by two critical comments about American orchestras and audiences. This comes from my being an U.S. citizen and having the belief we are not all uncouth.
This story is sort of a prequel and also a concurrent telling of Pas de Deaux. It is a prequel because it tells of how the inspiration came about for the music and muse of the ballet. It also runs concurrently because as Nina's story unfolds the ballet rehearsals for Pas de Deaux are progressing. Nina is the Ballet Director who has been secretly in love with the Royal Symphony conductor, Clara, for years but due to the stringent requirements of the ballet she cannot even admit to herself how deeply she loves Clara. Of course there are always fuddy duddies who deem themselves as the keepers of morality meaning that it is their concept of morality.
This is an excellent read that will keep you entertained and educated on what it takes to be a ballerina.
My only negatives come from the fact I was offended by two critical comments about American orchestras and audiences. This comes from my being an U.S. citizen and having the belief we are not all uncouth.
July 19, 2022
Another one hit out of the ball park
So the title of this review may be far off from the eloquence of the story but MJ Duncan truly did it again. Five stars isn't enough but its what's available. Reading Symphony in Blue was so enjoyable, then came Past de Deux and all I wanted to do was buy tickets to the show it was so beautifully written. Evolution pulled it all together sharing Nina's creation of the ballet and following her story of finding her own love. Once again, a very beautifully told story that I didn't want to end (and still wishing Evolution was a real show I could go see). I for one sincerely hope there's one more book in the series and even if there's not, I can't wait for MJ Duncan's next story.
So the title of this review may be far off from the eloquence of the story but MJ Duncan truly did it again. Five stars isn't enough but its what's available. Reading Symphony in Blue was so enjoyable, then came Past de Deux and all I wanted to do was buy tickets to the show it was so beautifully written. Evolution pulled it all together sharing Nina's creation of the ballet and following her story of finding her own love. Once again, a very beautifully told story that I didn't want to end (and still wishing Evolution was a real show I could go see). I for one sincerely hope there's one more book in the series and even if there's not, I can't wait for MJ Duncan's next story.
March 31, 2022
‘Pas de Deux’ plus two
“Evolution” is Book 3 in Duncan’s Symphony Series, presenting the story of The Royal Ballet Artistic Director Nina Devereaux and London Symphony Orchestra Conductor Clara Martin. More accurately, “Evolution” could be billed as Book 2.5, as Duncan replays several scenes from “Pas de Deux”, but from Nina’s perspective. Technically, the book is a two-star attempt, as Duncan continues to misplace modifiers and overwrite, adding countless irrelevant details that dilute the story. But I’m giving the book a four-star rating based on how much I enjoyed Nina and Clara’s lovely relationship, the rewarding friendships they have with those in their sphere, and the positive images presented of women and LGBTQ people.
“Evolution” is Book 3 in Duncan’s Symphony Series, presenting the story of The Royal Ballet Artistic Director Nina Devereaux and London Symphony Orchestra Conductor Clara Martin. More accurately, “Evolution” could be billed as Book 2.5, as Duncan replays several scenes from “Pas de Deux”, but from Nina’s perspective. Technically, the book is a two-star attempt, as Duncan continues to misplace modifiers and overwrite, adding countless irrelevant details that dilute the story. But I’m giving the book a four-star rating based on how much I enjoyed Nina and Clara’s lovely relationship, the rewarding friendships they have with those in their sphere, and the positive images presented of women and LGBTQ people.
January 16, 2022
A great musical romance.
This story like the first two in the series has a beautifully written musical core. I have never read anything like it for the description of a beautiful context; the marriage of dance and music. It really needs to be a film but MJD writes so brilliantly that I hear the music in her words. Loved it. The writer has boldly described everything in great detail, a little too much actually. This makes the story much longer than it needs to be. And there are many very long sentences.
This story like the first two in the series has a beautifully written musical core. I have never read anything like it for the description of a beautiful context; the marriage of dance and music. It really needs to be a film but MJD writes so brilliantly that I hear the music in her words. Loved it. The writer has boldly described everything in great detail, a little too much actually. This makes the story much longer than it needs to be. And there are many very long sentences.
November 18, 2021
Wow! A long romance and one I enjoyed every word of! This was a story set in the world of ballet and orchestral music. Both I know next to nothing about, but at no point did I feel out my depth or out of interest or indeed unable to picture the world being portrayed to me. I hadn't read any others in this series, an error I am going to rectify- not because I needed the other books to enjoy this but rather I need more of this writers talent in my world.
April 24, 2021
Such a wonderful story
I can honestly say, MJ Duncan has never disappointed me with any of her books. This one is the final (supposedly) of three elegant stories of the arts that has made me a fan of the ballet and symphony. It is truly astounding how beautiful she writes. As a reader, the pleasure is all mine.
I can honestly say, MJ Duncan has never disappointed me with any of her books. This one is the final (supposedly) of three elegant stories of the arts that has made me a fan of the ballet and symphony. It is truly astounding how beautiful she writes. As a reader, the pleasure is all mine.
May 25, 2021
Magnificent
Magnificent story, magical, romantic, beautifully written, the characters are smart, gorgeous and talented. A fusion of music and dance, of love and eroticism, an artistic dream created in writing to enjoy our minds and souls. I loved it, another successfully story by MJ Duncan.
Magnificent story, magical, romantic, beautifully written, the characters are smart, gorgeous and talented. A fusion of music and dance, of love and eroticism, an artistic dream created in writing to enjoy our minds and souls. I loved it, another successfully story by MJ Duncan.
June 5, 2021
Great backstory to previous story
I had wondered as I started reading this one if it had actually come first- this was a great read as most of Duncan's books- have loved all of them- these two characters really spoke to me as an older lesbian- really great, epic friendship and love.
I had wondered as I started reading this one if it had actually come first- this was a great read as most of Duncan's books- have loved all of them- these two characters really spoke to me as an older lesbian- really great, epic friendship and love.
July 3, 2021
Amazing
The beginning of the story was quite slow. I started to stop reading it a couple of times. So glad I didn’t. It became so interesting that I couldn’t put it down. The love that the main characters had was so pure. Although it took so long for them to admit their feelings. The love scenes are great with a very nice ending.
The beginning of the story was quite slow. I started to stop reading it a couple of times. So glad I didn’t. It became so interesting that I couldn’t put it down. The love that the main characters had was so pure. Although it took so long for them to admit their feelings. The love scenes are great with a very nice ending.
April 25, 2021
Love Wins Again
Yet again, Ms. Duncan gifts us with another beautiful love story full of angst and passion. I loved Clara and Nina's story. Thank you Ms. Duncan, for another enjoyable read. Well done!
Yet again, Ms. Duncan gifts us with another beautiful love story full of angst and passion. I loved Clara and Nina's story. Thank you Ms. Duncan, for another enjoyable read. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews