It is a fascinating story, well told and, importantly, well researched, with numerous enlightening quotations. The citations for each chapter add to the depth of the work, there is a lengthy bibliography, an index, and abundant photographs with detailed descriptions.

NetGalley, Robin Joyce

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Courting the Virgin Queen is a captivating exploration of Queen Elizabeth I’s life, focusing on how she used courtship as both a political tool and a means of personal empowerment. Carol Ann Lloyd provides a well-rounded and nuanced portrayal of Elizabeth as a ruler who deftly navigated the pressures of marriage, succession, and diplomacy. This book is perfect for readers interested in Tudor history, political strategy, and the life of one of England’s most remarkable monarchs. Through its compelling narrative and sharp historical analysis, it reinforces Elizabeth’s legacy as a monarch who shaped her own destiny in a world determined to control it.

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sometimes it feels like there are too many topics about the Tudors. That's why it's refreshing to see things from a different perspective, like in the case of "Courting the Virgin Queen." The title might seem sensational, but it's just meant to grab attention. Readers can expect a well-researched text with lots of interesting facts, such as Tudor's desire for more than just political marriages.

NetGalley, Magdalena Šejdová

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Carol Ann Lloyd give us yet another Tudor book with a fresh angle: Elizabeth I’s ‘dating history’.
Told with great pace in a very entertaining way, this is another one for the must-haves.

NetGalley, Natalie Lomako

This book is a must-read for anyone with a strong interest in women’s and British history.

NetGalley, Lynnie W

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book reveals how Elizabeth I skillfully navigated courtship and marriage proposals as political tools throughout her reign. From her early days as a potential bride to her final years as the “Virgin Queen,” Elizabeth strategically used her marital status to forge alliances, quell rebellions, and solidify her power in a world dominated by men.

This book is arranged thematically rather than chronologically, bringing a new perspective to a familiar story. It’s entertaining and easy to read.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Overall, I did find this a rather informative and fascinating read. If you want a solid book about Elizabeth I and her numerous romances, I recommend you read, “Courting the Virgin Queen: Queen Elizabeth I and Her Suitors” by Carol Ann Lloyd.

NetGalley, Heidi Malagisi

This was an extremely engaging book, especially if you love to read about the fascinating Tudors.

NetGalley, Lisa Sanderson

A biography of Elizabeth I through the lens of all the candidates for her hand in marriage and the people who pushed for those marriages - and how hard Elizabeth had to work to stay single.

Lloyd shows how from her cradle to almost her death bed, marriage with this, that or the other prince/king/noble was discussed, and people were continually surprised that she held firm to that 'no'. Despite all expectations and pressure to marry, Llyod lays out all the many, many factors that would have convinced Elizabeth early on to runaway very fast from the very idea of marriage - and events just kept piling up throughout her reign to underscore that.

Lloyd also does a good job of showing how Elizabeth didn't merely say 'no' to marriage - she managed to turn it into a political tool, keeping everyone, both at home and abroad, dancing to her tune, as she first let everyone think she might marry them, and then, later, creating the persona of the venerated Virgin Queen, creating awe and power out of not doing what everyone expected and flourishing as a monarch.

NetGalley, Kara Race-Moore

Courting the Virgin Queen is a good addition to the literature on Tudor-era and Elizabethan England, focusing on her suitors and decision to remain unmarried. It is well-researched and thorough about these topics.

NetGalley, Cynthia Cruger

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Courting the Virgin Queen - Queen Elizabeth I And Her Suitors by Carol Ann Lloyd is a refreshing, insightful account of the personal life of Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and last of the Tudor line.

Despite being bandied about as chattel from an early age as nearly all women were in the Tudor era, and multiple suitors throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth I never married, her sense of duty being to her greatest love, that of her country and her loyalty to it. It is easy to see from the narrative of this very interesting book, how growing up in the household of Henry VIII would give any woman pause for thought with regard to choosing a potential husband, especially in an era disproportionately favourable to men.

Utterly fascinating, highly recommend.

NetGalley, Ink Reads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A must read for fans of Tudor history!
I’m her book “Courting the Virgin Queen” Carol Ann Loyd gives a well rounded account of Elizabeth’s ever changing and highly political marriage tapestry. Her introductory chapters set the scene perfectly for the intricate and frustrating marriage options thrusted upon England’s queen. Her writing is full of details yet easy to read and guides the reader on the ins and outs of Elizabeth’s delicate situation. She not only reinforces the Queen’s power and commitment to lead her own life but also shines a bright light on the potential alliances and issues she had to face throughout her reign. What a treat for Tudor fans!

NetGalley, Maria Granda

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

‘Elizabeth’s first suitor arrived when she was still an infant, when she was considered as a possible bride for the son of the French king.’

After reading The Tudors By Numbers and loving it, I knew I needed to get my hands on Carol’s next book.

I admire Elizabeth for her courage to remain ‘the virgin queen’ despite the constant pressure from the moment she was born to her later years in life to marry and provide an heir.

‘She well understood the values and the dangers of marrying and the cakes and dangers of remaining single.’

Carole has done a great job and I defiantly just want to read ALL of her work in the future!

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books