Rating: 
Summary: Not up to Coulter standards!
Review: For a long-standing Coulter fan, I found this to be a disappointment. The plot dragged, and the characters were too much like previous heros and heroines from her other books. The Sherbrookes did not keep in character, and there was too much discussion about "discipline" without the reader finding out what was actually meant. I felt Ms. Coulter was bored with the manuscript and the period. She has certainly shown her amazing talents in her latest contemporary novels, but those abilities are not showcased in this work.
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: I've read all of the Sherbrooke series and this is a most amusing and welcome addition. Spenser and Helen are more mature and more "direct" in both their personalities and their conversations. I thoroughly enjoyed this new addition to the Sherbrooke family!
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing effort!
Review: I'd rather these mega-star authors write few quality books rather than a hastily put together book. The characters had no depth, and I only finished it to see what exactly would happen. The entire novel dragged, and was not at all like Coulter's other efforts. I'd get this one from the library if you have to read all her efforts.
Rating:
Summary: 5+. Coulter is at her very best
Review: In 1811 London, Spenser Heatherington, Lord Beecham, overhears two ladies discussing discipline. One is Alexandra Sherbrooke, but her unknown companion intrigues the infamous rake even though he has no idea what she looks like. Later on, Spenser meets the source of disciplinary wisdom, Lady Helen Mayberry, a beautiful amazon, who runs a tavern.Though he thinks she wants to make love with him, she needs him to be her partner. Still, as the duo exchanges opinions on discipline, they fall in love. Spenser asks Helen to marry him, but she tearfully refuses because she is already married to a spouse who has disappeared. There is also a mystery involving a lamp that he tries to help Helen find. This keeps the pair working together and in close proximity, creating a situation where neither adult has the discipline to keep their hands off the other. Catherine Coulter has written her best novel in several years as she takes a satirical poke at her own Regency books. Using two secondary characters from previous tales, Ms. Coulter writes a witty, humorous story filled with odd characters whose eccentricities will charm the audience. The lead couple is an endearing pair that will garner much empathy with their constant battle of the sexes. Ms. Coulter makes the Regency fun with this clever and ironic tale. Harriet Klausner
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: The Courtship
Review: A wonderful read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Catherine Coulter's characters are always well written. I have read most of her books. This one is one of my favorites. I have read it twice. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Rating: 
Summary: At last another historical romance by Catherine Coulter!
Review: Wow - what inane characters! With Helen, or Helen of Troy, teasing the womanizing Lord Beechman early on, one understands that the author has designated Helen as the supposedly "spunky" gal who can handle a man early on. I had no real issue with the sex scenes. I like sex. But she went over the top re. the domination bit. It got really boring. Also, what the heck happened to Alexnadra and Douglas - are they middle aged already? Also, Lord Beechman was a bit of a bore being so fascinated with such a tease as Helen. Got old....
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