Courtship

by Carsen Taite

In a stunning twist of events, Addison Riley is launched from the halls of academia to the spotlight of Supreme Court nomination. She’s not entirely sure she wants the job, but the opportunity to make history ultimately trumps the trouble of having every aspect of her life examined by friends and enemies alike. Committed to the process, she’s determined not to let her attraction to a beautiful woman or the threats on her life deter her from becoming the first female Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Campaign advisor Julia Scott has spent her entire life working to make other people successful, and her pinnacle achievement was the recent presidential election. Now she’s in charge of making sure the president’s first Supreme Court appointment sails through the Senate. She’s faced tough challenges before, but nothing like those posed by the infuriatingly focused Addison Riley, a woman who challenges her mind and awakens her heart.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Lesbian Romance, Politics, Mystery

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2014

About the author

Carsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about Carsen Taite books that I always seem to enjoy them. And this book was no exception. I was sucked right into the book after the first few pages and couldn't stop until the end. I've always had a bit of an interest in the Supreme Court. They are some of the most important people in the USA, yet they still seem a bit mysterious. Also, considering there is an opening on the Court right now, and the President is blocked for nominating anyone, it was interesting to see a bit of the behind the scenes process to understand how that is even possible.

The story also had a small mystery, which added a little bit of excitement, but it was pretty easy to figure out. My only small complaint was with the romance, while it started off good and the chemistry was there.... The flip flopping of one of the mains, was annoying. "Yes, I want her" "No, I don't", "Yes, I could commit to a relationship" "No, I'm not relationship material". This happened again and again and got a little old.
Overall, the book was great and I would recommend it to anyone that likes politics or is interested in what a Supreme Court nominee might go through.

[hubsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woah....A very abrupt ending, indeed, which was disappointing!

This was a decent read, and I learned quite a bit about America's justice system which really doesn't affect my life whatsoever, but hey, learning new stuff is fun. The writing itself was good, and I quite enjoyed the main couple, Addison who is in the running to become a supreme court judge, and Julia, contracted to find the right candidate for said job. Two high-powered, intelligent, assertive, commanding yet witty and feminine women? My kinda couple. But that pesky ending was a like a hockey puck to the head.

Was this a realistic read? No, but that's ok by me. A few things were kind of left hanging, like Eva's storyline, that I would have like resolved....which could have if it hadn't ended so suddenly. No spoiler here, the two get together, but this coupling certainly would have caused waves in the political spheres due to the nature of their positions, and seeing them have to navigate these waters would have been welcome. I would have liked more of Julia's story too, we find out she was burned in the past, but she is so cagey about answering anything remotely personal in the first 60% of the book that hinted at more ghosts than just that. More detail would have made her character so much richer.

The slow burn was paced well enough, with flirtation abound, and only one sexy-time scene, to my dismay. There was an air of mystery with the storyline, though was predictable as to whom was behind the controversy. But it added some depth and interest which was welcome in amongst all the lawyer jargon.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.. Yes, it might be a tad boring and a little heavy on the US politics and law. The Presidential election and Supreme Court nomination set the tone of the story - might not be anyone’s cup of tea. But heck, we’ve got 2 hot high-powered femme with brains, who are both attracted to each other but kept ‘pushing & pulling’. What’s not to like??... Well maybe the ending...too abrupt & too short 🙂

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! I didn't plan to read it all in a couple of sittings but I just couldn't stop. The plot was complex and captivating, just kept getting more and more interesting, and the characters didn't disappoint either. Their relationship got off to a shaky start and kept hitting bumps along the way but they didn't really feel forced or unrealistic to me. The mystery/crime part of the plot was kind of predictable, as I could tell from early on pretty much everything that happened and it was wrapped up quite fast, but I didn't even mind because the political and legal sides were drama enough for my enjoyment.

The ending left me super curious about what would happen after the last scene, but all in all, satisfying anyway. :)

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I don't know why I never read a Carsen Taite book before. With politics in the news and a justice seat vacant - I decided to read this book. I really liked it - it's well written and it's got great MCs, beautiful, intelligent, accomplished, very likable and yet lonely. There is a bit of intrigue & murder thrown in. It's about the behind the scenes politics and scheming to get a Chief Justice approved and a nice romance that I enjoyed.
I loved Addison. Taite wrote her well - on one hand she was vulnerable - especially in her personal life but professionally she was not a pushover - nobody walked over her, she wasn't bombastic but everyone in the room would take a step back when she had enough. I loved that she was very intelligent and confidante in her abilities yet not obnoxiously so. I'm not expressing myself very well - just read the book and see what I mean. Now to decide which Taite book to read next...

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that was both informative (on US Politics without ever being preachy) and entertaining. Really enjoyed it. Recommended.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was my first Carsen Taite read. My rating may be inflated because I was so excited to find another author to add to my favorites list.

Update: I am really enjoying this reread. I haven't read all of Carsen Taite's books, but this one is my favorite so far.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was ok though I listened to it on audible and the narrator was awful. I struggled with finishing it due to that.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was great! I had the audio version and wasn't overly fond of the narrator. Something about her tone or inflection irritated me. I enjoyed the political information in the story. I'm not a political person, so learned a few things I never paid attention to before.

[Justina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one really fine story. I felt as if I were right in the middle of a major political battle to get a relatively unknown woman appointed to the most important court position in the land. Levels upon levels plus twists and turns, including a passionate entanglement adding a spectacular underscore, as the lovers meld and re-meld multiple times. I would have to say this is a classic page turner and I totally enjoyed the high-spirited elements that may always surround key political battles. Magnificent!

Addison Riley is dean of the Jefferson University Law School within the Washington DC area. Before this current posting she has had an impressive array of positions wherein her prowess shone. She isn't initially included in the *short list* for nominees, but she is teamed up with a highly proficient and powerhouse campaign manager as she is groomed to become the nominee for the next chief justice of the Supreme Court. Before my eyes, all manner of razzle-dazzle events blossomed around Addison and she so goes with the flow. There is a touching yet potent subplot involving Addison's father and brother presenting some unexpected dynamics. I was awed by Addison's accomplishments, style, and verve. She would present two remarkable firsts to the country if she were nominated and confirmed. Exquisite!

Julia Scott is the campaign manager SUPREME for the incumbent president and then for a new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In the last two weeks of campaigning for the president things were looking grim, but a classic stroke of luck is so stylishly and prominently presented by Julia completely reversing the polls and the outcome. I guess she is really worth the big bucks! On a few rare occasions, I sensed she wished she were more in the public's eye than her current client, but she quickly squelches that disruptive train of thought and rises to the occasions of manipulating the threads and trends to the best advantage of her current client. I adored Julia even when she exhibited a Teflon exterior and possibly an impenetrable heart. What a player!

The political drama is just top-notch. The emotional and sexual tensions are intertwined with great timing and flair. I truly adored this book from beginning to end. Fantabulous!


NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Milkiways · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to other Carsen Taite's romance novels with little bit of Court house/University/Lawyers etc., surroundings this book is filled with American political system with very little romance. I wouldn't call it as romance rather low notch political drama. Again, to categorize it into strong political drama there isn't enough politics involved here but nonetheless its very interesting. I appreciate the writer's effort to make it interesting its not an outstanding work nevertheless a fine attempt. If you are interested in American judicial system, selection of the executive members in the government, vetting process etc., at a low tone this is the book for you if not don't even give it a try :)

My only complaint is that the story was ended abruptly perhaps the writer is planning on second book in the series where she will focus more on the details what and how really happened then may tell story there how the protagonists are doing an outstanding job for the president ;)

P.S. if you like the story due to political environment I strongly recommend you to watch The Contender movie if you haven't yet!

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison Riley is a Dean of a prestigious law school, quite comfortable with her work in academia. She finds herself as a possible nominee for this coveted position due to the spot becoming suddenly vacant.

This story provides an insight into the process involved in nominating and confirming the Chief Justice quite well. Not only does it do this but a bit of White House politics, romance, mystery and maybe some suspense gets mixed in. I found it hard to put the book down at times!

[D. Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's an intricate weave of law and politics and romance. Absolutely the author's best to date, in my opinion. And that's saying a lot considering I love her Luca Bennett series.

I'm not a lawyer, but I am a career journalist and Courtship's insider politics felt pretty spot-on to me.

I read another review that lamented it should have focused more on the legal aspect rather than the politics of the selection. Problem is, these appointments are completely political, regardless of whether they later make decisions based on politics once they are confirmed.

Great read. Good enough, that I'm sure it will go on my re-read shelf.

[Heinerway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read for me, specially because as a foreigner I get to know a little bit more about the U.S. politics.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a certain issue with this book (actually more than one) that no one else seems to have either seen, or if seen, didn't have an issue with. So it is possible I'm reading things differently than everyone else. If so, then my rating probably should be, oh, 0.5 stars higher.

I'll mention my main issue in a spoiler.

Some notes:
1) For a book about the nomination of the first woman as chief justice of the supreme court, it sure took a really long time before that woman actually even got nominated (Was it 55% of the book or 72% of the book that went by before she got the nod?)
2) Addison's character was inconsistent. Certain things caused her to get all huffy and to immediately leave and never ever want anything to do with the person who annoyed them (Julia, the person who apparently annoyed her (Julia was hired to help a specific person get through the nomination process; Addison was immediately angered and deeply annoyed to find out that Julia didn't actually care that the guy was a moderate and probably a bad choice for the role of chief justice; and therefore she just had to sever all ties to Julia. Um. okay.), had no clue what the issue was - at the time). And then later Addison's character did a 180 and went in the other direction. (Things started off with Julia wanting to get close to Addison, though filled wiht fear and feeling that she probably shouldn't because of her role in Addison's life; that specific character trait continued. Addison, though, switched to wanting to be near Julia despite earlier not wanting anything to do with her because of . . . um . . 'reasons'.
3) There's a good chance I'd have ended up rating this book a lower rating, 2 stars?, if not for the 'tension' and 'heightened activities' that occurred near the end of the book that pulled everything up.

Main issue I had with the book that didn't seem to either be a real issue, or was something only I cared about: Addison is a lying cheating hypocrite.

Apparently, in her own mind, she may or may not have broken things off with Eva, her girlfriend (at the 45% mark there's a comment, in Addison's mind, about how Eva asked her out after they had broken up. Maybe I misread the section where they had argued. Maybe they had actually broken up there. Problem? Even if so, Eva was attempting to fix the relationship by directly 'attacking' the issues Addison had - namely that Eva didn't want to be public about their relationship. And - Addison accepted. They went out on a date.

Shortly thereafter, as far as I can tell while still in a relationship with Eva, Addison goes and fucks Julia.

Long after the fact, around the 72% mark, Eva rushes in all concerned about an issue. Makes comments that include the word 'girlfriend' - in regard to the relationship between Eva and Addison. And, as far as I can tell, the book ends with Addison still in a relationship with Eva (at least in the sense that she never actually broke up with her (nor did Eva break up with Addison)).

So, in my status updates I had written something:
While Eva does not have a POV in this book, we can 'imagine' things from her point of view. Namely - From Eva's POV: she's dating her college dean (and she, Eva, is a professor at this school), Addison has made some disgruntled comments about disliking how they never actually 'go out'. Eva isn't ashamed of being a lesbian or dating a woman, but is somewhat concerned about being out and about, dating wise, with her school's dean.

Despite this, Eva attempts to set up a public date, but Addison can't go. Eva attempts again, and this time Addison is available.

They go to a fancy hotel restaurant. They seem to be having a good time. Eva happens to notice the current Supreme Court nominee and makes mention of it. Addison spots that guy and the woman sitting with him, Julia.

At this point, since we are in Eva's point of view, we the readers would not know that Addison has already attempted to hump Julia at one point, but got annoyed by a comment Julia made and left in a huff (ETA: this is an important point, by the way - no matter if some kind of 'break up' actually occurred when Addison made disgruntled comments to Eva - the almost humping between Addison and Julia had occurred before those comments by Addison - and they had been one step away from going back to one or the other's places to fuck. When Addison got all huffy about a comment Julia made. There's no question Addison, at that point, was still dating Eva at the time).

Julia wanders over. Addison completely forgets that Eva's there as she talks with Julia, then finally remembers and introduces her. Then practically forces Eva to wander over and talk with the Supreme Court nominee.

Then Julia and Addison: a) point out how bad Eva's acting, not like a girlfriend (WTF?); b) flirt with each other (immediately after making bitchy catty comments about Eva). - Eva, of course, and since we are in pretending to be in her POV (recall that she doesn't have her own POV in the book), the reader do not know any of this. We are over talking with a loud mouth pompous ass - the nominee guy.

Later, Eva's girlfriend sleeps with another woman, though Eva does not know this yet - at the 72% mark.

From this angle, Addison is a massive bitchy slutty cheating . . um . . bitch.

From Addison's point of view? While she hasn't actually broken up with Eva in any official way, she kind of thinks of them as being separated . . . ish; and 'Eva should know' because of a few comments by Addison about how she'd prefer to actually head out on the town with her girlfriend. Oh, and she's kind of bored. Of Eva. And Eva should know that. Because. Reasons. Okay, from Addison's point of view? Even with that film of 'I'm not a bad person, really', Addison is a cheating bitch.

--
heh - and when she was flirting with Julia and on and off dating her? She kept getting all huffy and charging off. Because. From Julia's point of view: a) Addison is free to date (i.e., not currently dating anyone); b) has no fucking clue why Addison keeps getting all huffy (they have a few conversations, Julia notes she's been hired to attempt to push through a specific supreme court nominee; Addison is all huffy about how Julia obviously doesn't care about that nominee's politics and how'll he be horrible on the bench (or, maybe more, how he is too 'moderate' and 'safe'). WTF?
c) is confused when Addison gets angry with Julia when Julia, naturally, felt betrayed when she learns that Addison actually has a girlfriend named Eva.

Hate when they slip cheating in this way - this has to do with the part where I didn't even bloody notice until the 72% mark how bloody annoying Addison is re: dating, cheating, and fucking around. Because most of that was from Addison's POV (there are alternating POV's between Addison and Julia, but Julia knows nothing about Eva being Addison's girlfriend); and Addison was relaying things that seemed down right reasonable. To cheat on her girlfriend. Because, from her eyes, it's more of just a long-ish term fling.

I only really noticed now, at the 72% mark, because Eva's just burst into Addison's office all emotional because a reporter has contacted Eva about her relationship with Addison. In a 'I'm your girlfriend, but why'd you talk to a reporter about our relationship without first talking to me about it' kind of way.

That isn't the 'open eyes moment'. No, it was the part where a reporter did interrupt Addison's night last night. At a restaurant. Where Addison had been on a date with Julia. For fuck sake.

There was a moment in time when I was 'liking' Addison. That moment ended when I saw her personality around Eva and around Julia. I never particularly liked Julia. And I didn't like Eva, though that's not fair since nothing is from her point of view.

September 16 2016

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political story providing a view of the sometimes unsettling world of politics. Julia Scott, talented campaign manager, placed her heart in the hands of someone she should not have and now she is focused on work with little if any distractions. Addison Riley, Dean of a prestigious law school, and would like to share her life with someone. Addison is thrust into the world of politics as a nominee for the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. As unlikely as that seems, it was intriguing to imagine. I am a fan of Carsen Taite and the stories she pens related to the law, politics and connecting it to romance with a little mystery on the side. I thought this was a good read with some insightful introspection. As Julia and Addison interact with each other, I appreciated the struggle of what will come next, what do you want to come next, and not a big to-do about what others will think.

[Dide · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the quality of this book if read but not actually for the quality if listened to.
I chose to go with an audiobook and while the narrator seem to do her best, i do not think i liked her narrative as much as if i had read the book. I have read a handful of this author's books and I'd say i am quite familiar with her style however i didn't feel the narrator delivered in turn.
The narrator's southern accent and impressions at times confused me on who she was supposed to be impersonating. In addition it lacked the gusto that i have felt whilst reading a Carsen Taite book.
Anyways bottom line i am going to find a way in the future to read this book....Carsen Taite is the bard of f&f court/legal novels just as Radclyffe is to f&f medical novels.
Brilliant!

[Starsandsun18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you loved the West Wing then... you’ll recognise at least some of the story lines in this.
The two MCs are so very very needy that I found this quite annoying. The plot lines are so very close to the appointment of a Supreme Court justice in S1 of West Wing - including the reason why the initial front runner has to resign- and yet so far in terms of the snappy dialogue and heart-warming liberal moments.

Not a favourite.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this actually surprised me. I didn't think I would be able to connect to the characters as well as I did, knowing nothing about their fields. I loved seeing the will they or wont they throughout the book. I liked seeing the way the Americans appoint someone one. The romance was sweet in places.

[Pippa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a nod to The West Wing, Taite has done it again. It is a joy reading her prose as her command of language, story and character are revealed on every page. Taite’s legal and academic experience also shows in the language of her character Addison Riley. Riley is the Dean of a Law Faculty, who is courted by the opportunity to be the first female chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Managing the process is Julia Scott, a campaign advisor who heads the Supreme Court nomination process as a favour to the President she helped to elect. Of course, two smart, capable women who happen to be lesbians having to work together is prime romance material, but Taite does such a good job of it that it a pleasure to be in their company. I highly recommend Courtship.

[Paige Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a scale of 1-5 stars, I give this 6 stars. I wish it were non-fiction because I'd love nothing more than to have Addison as Chief Justice. This book is timely, politically savvy and the dialogue is incredibly sharp and intelligent. Heck, I wish I was as smart as Addison (one of the two main characters) and could go head-to-head with certain members of Congress myself. At least it was fun to live that out vicariously through Carsen's cast of characters. And enjoy the developing romance between Addison and Julia along the way. Well done, Carsen Taite.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from Carsen Taite. This time, it's centered around Washington DC - a presidential election and the nomination of a Supreme Court Chief Justice. Overall, it's a good romance with a side education on US politics.

[Alicia]

Okay Story

Even though I did enjoyed this I was was not truly engrossed. I have read other ebooks by this author and will look forward to reading more.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a political mystery with a small side of romance. Addison's mentor on the Supreme Court dies in an automobile accident that may not be so accidental. Julia has just run the reelection campaign for the President of the USA and he asks her a personal favor to head up the search for the next Chief Justice of the supreme court. He has a favorite but Addison is on the short list as an alternate. The book shows lots of the of the political maneuvering to appease both sides in trying to get a justice confirmed. The author is a lawyer and very good at explaining the process and the law. I thought the book was an interesting quick read, but I like lawyers and government mysteries. The romance was probably the weakest part of the story. The ending was abrupt and there were some unanswered questions.

[Huntham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Really enjoyed this book. I have read 3 books by this author in the past week and loved them all. She does a great job with character development and creating suspense. They are real page turner and hard to put down.

[Angela Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing, had me guessing until in end!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong leading ladies, good plot, some suspense, over all an enjoyable read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Courtship! Read it twice. Julia and Addison are wonderful main characters. The plot is multi-layered but Taite keeps it focused. I love the political background and legal discussions but the book doesn’t overdo the latter. The attraction between Addison and Julia is riddled with angst and emotions to the point where I almost doubted there would be a HEA (happily ever after). The writing is excellent except I wish Ms. Taite had not overused descriptive phrases such as “she cocked her head.” Sorry to be picky but I think the image didn’t have to be repeated more than once. All in all I really enjoy her writing and her books, and Courtship is my favorite so far.

[YorkieBoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about secrecy, deception and intrigue. Carsen Taite throws the reader head on into the murky world of the political system where there are no rights or wrongs, just players attempting to broker the best deals regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

Addison Riley dean of Jefferson University law school is launched into the spotlight of Supreme Court nomination. With integrity and genuine loyalty at her core she struggles with the choices she must make.

Julia Scott lives her life on the fly, looking for exciting new campaigns’ to capture her attention. Her current role is to guide the presidents’ first choice through the confirmation process. Distant, focused and dedicated with only one aim, to be successful.

The two women have an instant love/ hate relationship standing on opposite sides of a moral divide. Whilst all around them fierce battles for power are played out. Loyalties are brought into question and dirty trick campaigns threaten to over shadow the whole process.

The book is extremely well written and makes compelling reading. With twist and turns throughout the reader doesn’t know how the story will end. Who will accomplish their goal, if the attraction between Addison and Julia will be too strong to deny. If success at any cost is worth achieving.