Rating: Summary: At last another historical romance by Catherine Coulter! Review: I absolutely love reading Ms Coulter's novels. However, the past few years, I have been disappointed in the books she has released. Yes, they are more contemporary, but the witticism present in her usual historical romancs are missing in her new books. It has gotten to the point where I have nit read ANY of her new books--I just don't enjoy them. So imagine my surprise when I saw this book--I had to have it! Ms. Coulter has definitely not lost her edge when it comes to writing historical romances--her characters seem to come to life! It has been a joy to read her work again. I hope she continues to write these historical romances--it would be a shame to say good-bye to a favored author if she does continue to write mystery/contemporary romance novels.
Rating: Summary: Fun, interesting read Review: I think the biggest advertisement about this one is that we have meet the characters before. Spenser Heatherington is from "The Sherbrooke Bride" and Helen Mayberry is from the hit novel "Mad Jack."Spenser becomes aware of Helen at the Sherbrooke's home. He is dazzled by her beauty and size and decides later to seek her out. Unbeknownst to him she has been plotting to meet him as well, but not for the same reason. Spenser's desire is to get her in bed by afternoon. Helen's desire is to make him a partner in her treasure hunt for King Edward's Lamp. Although flattered by his attention, she has her reasons for wanting to keep it strictly platonic. I was really looking forward to another Coulter masterpiece. I was impressed with the characters and the treasure hunting mystery; having a chance to meet up with the Sherbrookes once again was a treat. The only thing I was disappointed in was the amount of story time spent on Spenser and Helen's sexual antics. I understand the premise of the story is discipline, which is what Spenser over heard Helen and Lady Sherbrooke discussing, but I felt sex and discipline with sex was over the top. Catherine Coulter is too talented a romance writer to depend on erotic love scenes to make her book. Although my thoughts lean toward too much sex in the storyline, I did enjoy the adventure of King Edward's Lamp and all those involved in it. Ms. Coulter's characters are colorful and fun and the atmosphere a historical work of art.
Rating: Summary: hilarious and sexy Review: I absolutely loved this book. When I read the excerpt that amazon.com provides, I knew I had to read it because it was just so funny. I wasn't disappointed! Helen is a very nice change from the usual romance novel heroine, which I am a little sick of since I read an average of 4 romance novels a week. Instead of being very delicate, not too bright, and needing a man, Helen is built like an Amazon and is extremely capable and self-confident, even physically strong too. Spenser is hilarious with his over-active imagination (something he and Helen share) and ability to laugh at himself. In a lot of romance novels, it seems like one of the pair can be replaced with someone else and it would still work, but it's obvious that Spenser and Helen are absolutely made for each other. I especially love how they have absolutely no control when one is around the other. Secondary characters have their quirks as well and are interesting, yet don't detract from Spenser and Helen. For instance, Helen's father is constantly experimenting with champagne, while Helen's maid, Teeny, doesn't know how she can marry either of the two male servants who want her due to unfortunate last names ("Teeny Flock" or "Teeny Nettle"). As for the whole discipline thing, I found it made for extremely interesting situations and overall hilarity, and it made this book special. As for plot... well, one thing that could have been improved on is that there is never any reason given for Helen's obsession with finding the lamp. She wants to find it, okay, but why? I kept waiting for a reason, but none ever came. Otherwise no complaints. Kudos on definitely not following the big misunderstanding formula, which I hate. Spenser and Helen always communicated and were extremely, extremely open with each other from the beginning, which I found refreshing. Basically this book has very interesting and lively characters, great chemistry and love scenes, and very funny moments. Read it!
Rating: Summary: Not impressed! Review: The only discipline lacking in this story, is the author's.
Rating: Summary: Not my favorite Coulter novel. Review: Heroine: Tall and sturdy      Statuesque widow Helen Mayberry, owner of the King Edward's Lamp Inn, is on a quest. Driven to root out the ancient namesake of her business, she concocts a scheme to meet and entice Spenser Heatherington, notorious rake and scholar of ancient languages, into helping her decipher a scroll which may point her in the direction of the lost artifact. Can Helen win Spenser over to her quest without having to pay too dearly for services rendered? Can his lordship spend time with the beautiful widow yet stay free of the marriage trap? And can the lusty lovers survive their hunt, which brings both murderers and the dead alike out of the woodwork? What worked for me:       The idea of the archaeological mystery had some merit and added a bit of suspense and drama to the story. I only wish it had been given more time on center stage. What didn't work for me: This book wanted so badly to be a titillating descent into decadence and "discipline". It didn't really ring true as bondage and dominance erotica for me, but instead just left me feeling awkward. (Especially the passages where the entire village takes part in the public discipline activities.) I also felt like I might have benefited from reading "The Sherbrooke Bride" and "Mad Jack" beforehand, both of which apparently introduced the characters from "The Courtship". Perhaps then these people might have seemed more three-dimensional to me. Overall: I would have enjoyed this book more had I not been previously spoiled by the author's excellent Medieval and Viking novels. Die-hard fans may wish to read "The Courtship", but newcomers to Coulter are better off starting with just about any other title by her. Warning: steamy sex scenes with occasional forays into mild B.& D.. If you liked "The Courtship" you might also enjoy: "The Accidental Bride", "The Bride and the Beast", "The Fire-Flower", "Unmarriageable", "The Last Days of a Rake", or "Suddenly You".
Rating: Summary: In My Opinion Review: I look forward to books by Catherine, Her herones do not "wimp" out after having sex. Which I find in alot of other writers books. When a strong female heroine has sex they seem to be weak and get a case of the "stupids". The characters in The Courtship are refreshing. I enjoyed re-visiting some of the characters from previous books. I enjoy reading Catherine Coulter and look forward to her books. When I read a book and can't put it down like Catherine Coulter's books it is because she draws me in as if I were there. I don't disect what an author writes. But if an Author can draw you in and you are totally invovled in the story and characters then to me the book is a KEEPER. And yes I have ALL she has written and re-read them.
Rating: Summary: Terrific Book! Review: The Courtship by Catherine Coulter was a terrific book that I enjoyed very much. I think most people that enjoy this writer will like it too.
Rating: Summary: Not my favorite Coulter novel. Review: Heroine: Tall and sturdy Statuesque widow Helen Mayberry, owner of the King Edward's Lamp Inn, is on a quest. Driven to root out the ancient namesake of her business, she concocts a scheme to meet and entice Spenser Heatherington, notorious rake and scholar of ancient languages, into helping her decipher a scroll which may point her in the direction of the lost artifact. Can Helen win Spenser over to her quest without having to pay too dearly for services rendered? Can his lordship spend time with the beautiful widow yet stay free of the marriage trap? And can the lusty lovers survive their hunt, which brings both murderers and the dead alike out of the woodwork? What worked for me: The idea of the archaeological mystery had some merit and added a bit of suspense and drama to the story. I only wish it had been given more time on center stage. What didn't work for me: This book wanted so badly to be a titillating descent into decadence and "discipline". It didn't really ring true as bondage and dominance erotica for me, but instead just left me feeling awkward. (Especially the passages where the entire village takes part in the public discipline activities.) I also felt like I might have benefited from reading "The Sherbrooke Bride" and "Mad Jack" beforehand, both of which apparently introduced the characters from "The Courtship". Perhaps then these people might have seemed more three-dimensional to me. Overall: I would have enjoyed this book more had I not been previously spoiled by the author's excellent Medieval and Viking novels. Die-hard fans may wish to read "The Courtship", but newcomers to Coulter are better off starting with just about any other title by her. Warning: steamy sex scenes with occasional forays into mild B.& D.. If you liked "The Courtship" you might also enjoy: "The Accidental Bride", "The Bride and the Beast", "The Fire-Flower", "Unmarriageable", "The Last Days of a Rake", or "Suddenly You".
Rating: Summary: one of Coulter's better books Review: I liked this book more than other books that Ms. Coulter's has written. I liked the chemistry between the characters and the female character wasn't a wimp. If you are going to read any of her books, I definately recommend this one.
Rating: Summary: THE COURTSHIP BY CATHERINE COULTER Review: I FOUND THE COURTSHIP TO BE VERY FUNNY AND FAST PACED I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH FROM THE FIRST PAGE TO THE LAST I WAS HOOKED. I RECOMMEND ANYONE TO READ IT WHO NEEDS A GOOD LAUGH. ENJOY!!!!
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