Mischance

Corsets and Carriages #1

by Carla Susan Smith

“The Hall . . . the estate . . .”

“Will all have to be sold.”

After her fortune is squandered by her drunken gambler of a father, Catherine Davenport must accept the charity of a cousin she has never met. But the household of Phillip Davenport is anything but welcoming. Catherine barely survives a brutal attack that shatters her body and severs her memory. A harrowing rescue on the London docks takes her into the home of two brothers: Rian and Liam Connor.

“Trust him . . . he will not hurt you.”

Mystery and scandal surround Rian, recently returned from a plantation in the Americas. As Catherine struggles to reclaim her identity, she must fight her overwhelming desire for the man who saved her life. But Rian, she learns, has come home for a wedding, and Catherine fears her enigmatic rescuer is already spoken for. How can a woman with no memory, no family, no home, hope to win the heart of London’s most intriguing rogue?

Genres: Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2018

About the author

Born in England a very long time ago, I now call South Carolina home where I live with my wonderfully supportive family, who have come to learn that meeting deadlines translates to pizza for dinner! When not writing, I’m just like everyone else, trolling the internet looking for recipes (I love rhubarb) checking out cute animal videos (who knew baby owls were so adorable?) and trying to get through my never shrinking stack of to-be-read books!

I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me through my website: carlasmithauthor.com

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part One of the Corsets and Carriages serial novels. A young woman,Catherine Davenport doesn't have any responsibilities in her life, her father takes care of everything. Or so she thinks. When he dies in a horse riding accident she realizes just how wrong her thoughts were. Her father's attorney sadly brings her up to date telling her her father lost his fortune to gambling debts. It all must be sold to satisfy these debts , the Hall,the estate and she is now homeless. There is a consolation though she has a cousin that was unknown to her up until this point. He takes her in just to get his hands on her money and beats her to within an inch of her life. In an excruciatingly painful fog,at night she stumbles her way to the docks of London where she is seen by Rian Connor and brought unconscious to his house and after a doctor's visit her health is restored by the excellent care of his housekeeper. Sadly she has lost her memory and doesn't know who did this to her or why. Throw in Rian's jealous mistress who thinks Catherine is only faking her memory loss to get Rian's attention.
This book ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read book 2, Resolve Pub Date 30 Jan 2018 .
Pub Date 09 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischance, Carla Susan Smith (Corsets and Carriages 1)


Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Historical.

I love Susan's Vampire's Promise series, and when I saw this I thought I'd like to read these books.
A historical trilogy its a very big departure from the supernatural world!

I've really enjoyed the first part and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones. Luckily there's not too long to wait, book one is Jan 9th, book two Jan 31st and book three is scheduled for Feb 18, so not one of those where by the time the end part is released you've forgotten how it started.

I did find the beginning a bit slow, but it becomes relevant later and made sense once I got to that section, and TBH I can't see any other way it could have been done ;-)

Some great characters here, Rian makes a terrific lead, just that bit of tragedy and mystique about his past, and he's a real swoon Hero. Charming, good looking ladies man but with honour and ethics, rich, courteous and polite and its clear he's taken with Catherine from the start.
Catherine has been through such a lot, lost her father in a tragedy, which left her homeless, passed off to a cousin who was horrific to her. That kind of thing was very real in the past, when ladies were considered property of the nearest male relative. Short of actual murder most treatment was accepted, everyone turned a blind eye. Men were never in the wrong, always the ladies. Gah!! She hits lucky being found by Rian, it could so easily have ended another way.
Rian's housekeeper ( who's name I've forgotten ) and Tilly, one of the maids are good characters and fit well in the story.
And the real gem of the story, the deliciously immoral, selfish, ambitious Lady Isobel. A widow determined to be the next Mrs Connor, she's not going to let someone stand in her way. She doesn't care about Catherine, doesn't give thought to Rian's feelings, she's just determined to get her own way. She's got the funds through her marriage to do plenty of harm too.
Oh part two, come on, I really want to see what she's planning!! Catherine has already shown she's got backbone but Isobel is one determined lady. Let battle commence.

I'm not a great historical reader but I do love to occasionally dip into the genre, and this was one perfect read for me.

Stars: Five, some fabulous characters, and the promise of lots of drama to come. I adore books with lots of jealousy and dramatics.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

[Connie]

I read a couple of hours into this book and got to the point where a woman was being disgustingly sexually abused. I was so angry that I refused to read another page. This book is obviously mislabeled. It should be under an erotic genre at the best. No! Not my kind of read.

[Debra Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and it will probably be the last. I don't like to rate books so poorly, but the violence in this book is so graphic that it turned my stomach. Not what I was expecting in an historical romance. I got to the 60% mark and just had enough of this story.

I don't recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive to violence against women.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review.

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mischance is the first book in the Corsets and Carriages trilogy by Carla Susan Smith.

After Catherine Davenport's father passes away leaving nothing but debts she is forced to move in with a cousin, Philip Davenport, who she never even knew existed. The family solicitor found him in an effort to do all that he could for Catherine to make sure she didn't end up on the streets.

Philip is a depraved pig of a man, abusive to his wife in every conceivable way. When he sets his eyes on Catherine and sees how beautiful she is he salivates at the thought of the debauchery he would force her to endure. It isn't long before he gets her alone and nearly beats her to death, which he considers arousing! Thankfully with the help of his wife, she manages to escape and is discovered at the docks by Rian Connor.

Rian takes her back to his and his brother's home and the long journey begins trying to bring her from the brink of death. When physically she is much better and death is no longer a worry, she still suffers because she has lost her memory. She knows her first name, but nothing else. During her time spent at Rian's home, they both find themselves feeling attracted to each other. Their chances of a relationship aren't promising. Not only does Catherine have no memories, but she also discovers that Rian has come home from America for a wedding. Then there is the fact that she is unaware of, and that is that Rian has a very jealous, possessive mistress. A mistress that refuses to let him go and will do anything to get him to marry her and no other.

Will Catherine's memory return, and if it does, will it help or hinder any chance of a relationship with Rian. Will his wicked mistress have her way and keep him to herself. What of Philip Davenport, will he show his face again? I hope you don't mind, but you won't get any answers in this instalment of the trilogy. YES, this book ends with a cliffhanger, and you will have to wait until the next book 'Resolve', out on the 30th of January, to get your answers.

Will the next book be worth the wait? If this one is anything to go by, then absolutely. I enjoyed this story and how the author introduced us to each character by giving them their own chapter in the book where we learned who they are and how they fit into the main character's lives. The minute you learn what Philip Davenport is like you just know that it's not going to end well for Catherine. BUT, oh boy, the scenes involving those two characters were harsh to read, I could have cried for poor Catherine. You can't help but feel the whole gamut of emotions reading this book because the author really sets the scenes well and gets you to either love or hate the characters. I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carla Susan Smith's Mischance is part 1 of the Trilogy of the love story between Catherine Davenport and Rian Connor. I kept waiting in the first 2-3 chapters for the main characters to meet but it took a little longer to happen. She sets up the meeting by showing you into the separate lives of the Catherine and Rian that leads up to their eventual meeting. As the story progresses Rian and Catherine are brought together under unique circumstances and are immediately attracted to each other, but there are some obstacles in their way. After Rian saves Catherine's life and she awakes from being ill she has no memory of where she came from and about all she can remember is her first name. As she heals physically her mind is still not cooperating but through a shared experience a name from her memory emerges. Rian is trying to break off his affair with the Lady Isabel Howard but when he goes to her and tries to finish their relationship they end up being together. When Isabel shows up at the house both Rian and Catherine get the feeling that her arrival won't be any good for them in the present or future. Isabel shows up at Rian's house and wants to meet Catherine under the guise of wanting to help but what she really does is warn Catherine away from Rian. Thinking that Catherine is more of a country person than living in London type of person they make arrangements to head to Oakhaven where Rian and his brother grew up. Leaving for Oakhaven is where the first part of the trilogy leaves off and keeps you wondering will Rian's patience pay off where Catherine is concerned. Can Rian and Catherine's feelings for each other survive Catherine's memory coming back. Will Lady Isabel get what she wants and how does she play a part into what happens to Rian and Catherine. What is it that Catherine can't remember and will it come back to her and destroy her life and Rian's or will the conquer all. The next book in the trilogy Resolve will answer some of these questions and Salvation the third installment will give the answers to the rest. I look forward to reading the next 2 books in the Corsets and Carriages Trilogy.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that this story is part one in a series, and as such, the story does not conclude in this novel. It does however perfectly set up for the continuation of the story in books two and three.

This was in interesting story on several levels. To begin with, it is definitely not your average historical novel. There is no way an unmarried young woman would be able to reside in the house of a bachelor without irreparably damaging her reputation and future prospects. The fact that Catherine stays there is bad enough, but things that happen during her fevered state complicate matters even more. However, these things are fairly easy to overlook, especially since this novel was so well done that I was drawn in from the beginning.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Mischance was the fact that the author moves between different characters and their points of view, feelings, and actions. Rather than be confusing, I feel as though this approach actually brings a new depth to the story and makes for a greater enjoyment. We learn more about the characters by what they don't say, but rather what they think and how they act when others aren't looking.

Speaking of the characters, each character in this story was well developed and brought something to the story. The brother's could not be more different, nor could the women we are introduced to. I have been drawn completely into this story, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I believe this story may still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels. I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
After her fortune is squandered by her drunken gambler of a father, Catherine Davenport must accept the charity of a cousin, Philip Davenport she has never met. But the household of Phillip Davenport is anything but welcoming. Catherine barely survives a brutal attack that shatters her body and severs her memory. A harrowing rescue on the London docks takes her into the home of two brothers: Rian and Liam Connor. Mystery and scandal surround Rian, recently returned from a plantation in the Americas. He’s been having an affair with Isabel Howard a notorious widow.
This is the first part of a trilogy & although there are lots of unresolved questions the explanations are set up to be answered in the second & third parts. If you are looking for a light hearted romance then this is not for you. There is violence which is abhorrent but the story is set in another time & violence of this kind was certainly more common & a wife was a husbands property for him to do with as he wished. I felt sick at the abuse Lettie had suffered for years & then anger kicked in & I wanted the abuser to suffer, oh how I wanted him to suffer. The characters are very well developed & the author has each of the main characters making their own points of view, feelings, and actions which I felt all added to the story. This is the first book I’ve read by the author but now I must read books 2 & 3 of the trilogy.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is seriously good! I have now read the first two books in the series ‘Corsets and Carriages’ and I am not sure how I am going to wait for the third. I suppose it means I will just have them again! The title ‘Mischance’ is very appropriate as Catherine Davenport faces tragedy from the beginning of the novel, with her forced to leave her family home after her father dies penniless and living with her cousin, Philip Davenport. However, it is here that Catherine faces a harrowing ordeal, only to be saved by Rian Connor. This book explores the connection between Rian and Catherine, which neither one is quite able to explain.
The story is very eloquently told, and I found myself drawn into the story from page one. Not only are Rian and Catherine’s characters beautifully described but so too are all the secondary characters which brings greater depth to the story. In many ways, this aspect does lead itself to more than one book and whilst I have to wait for the last in the series, the glorious detail in this book, makes it all worth the wait.
This series would have to be one of my favourites this year.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Catherine Davenport's world came crashing down around her with the sudden death of her beloved father in a riding accident. Catherine tries to rise to the challenge of running her family manor, but is shocked to discover it was heavily in debt thanks to her father's poor decisions. Catherine is forced to sell the family home to pay off the debts against the estate and must rely on the kindness of an unknown cousin to take her in as her benefactor. While living under her cousin's roof, Catherine is brutally attacked and left for dead out on the streets. With no memory of who she is except for her first name she is rescued by the enigmatic Rian Connor, who swears to do anything to take care of her, keep her safe and help her unravel the mystery of who she is.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mischance by Carla Susan Smith is the first book in the "Corsets and Carriages" This is the story of Catherine Davenport and what she is having to go through after the death of her alcoholic father who lost all of their money. Catherine learns she has a cousin named Phillip Davenport, who will accept her but unknown to her at the time he is an abusive husband. So Phillip turns his lust and abusive manor towards her. So much so that she looses her memory after his attack...but she is helped to escape and found by Rian and Liam Connor. Catherine starts to have feeling for Rian but he is supposed to be marring another women.
This is just the beginning to her story and will be played out over two other books.
Exciting Read for Sure!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley. The story us about a young woman whose father is in heavy debt, dies unexpectedly and her home sold out from under her. She goes to live with a distant cousin who beats her within an inch of death. She is saved by a man who forms an attachment to her. There is a lot going on, her lost of memory, a jealous mistress and a lurking danger from the cousin. This is one of three parts. I don’t particularly like cliff hangers as I see them as a way to drive up the price of each book when totally combined is a large cost for a story. Other than that the book is a good read.

[L.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Smith's smart and sexy Vampire's Promise series. So when I was offered an advanced reader's copy of her new historical serial, Corsets & Carriages, I jumped at the chance to read Mischance. I'm not a big historical romance reader, but I really enjoyed a change of pace and immersing myself in Catherine and Rian's version of Regency England. Catherine is a delightful combination of innocence and strength, while Rian is dashing and swoonworthy. The story doesn't shy away from the violence that befalls Catherine which makes her encounter with Rian all the sweeter. The villainess is someone you love to hate and the secondary cast of characters makes this serial especially enjoyable. Thankfully, all three books will be released close together, since this is one story told in three parts - hence, the definition of a serial.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good so far! Off to start the 2nd book!

The only negative I can say is that it's a cliff hanger and really the rating should be 4.5 stars...

The characters have you either loving them or hating them and there is one character I particularly hate...but that's all I'm going to say about them.

I would recommend getting all 3 of the books in the series before you start reading because its really hard to put them down. I personally had to go get the other 2 because I was lucky enough to win the first book through the Goodreads givaway, so THANK YOU to all those who made that possible and keep up the great work!

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story. There is a lot going on, lots of characters, good and bad.
It is not for the faint hearted as the people who are bad are really bad and do some awful things. From the depraved cousin to the jealous manipulative ex.
There is plenty of angst. You will need to read the whole series to get a HEA.
I did find the hero a bit annoying that he didn't think the ex was so scheming and couldn't see through her games even though the brother could.
ARC.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is for parts 1 and 2. This was such an emotional read. I honestly could not put it down. This was one of the best reads that I have read in a very long time. We have a young woman who is all alone in the world until a cousin is found. This cousin was just plain evil. The story evolves from there. I want to read part three so bad.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a trilogy. Be advised the story is continued in the next book. Catherine is forced to move in with her cousin after everything must be sold to pay her dead father’s debts. Catherine is found on the dock by Rian severely beaten. When she awakes she has no memory will she find out the truth of what happened to her? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. I look forward to finding out what happens next. A good read.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Another well-written tale from one of my fave authors!
I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a harrowing read at the beginning. All I can say without any spoilers is that I hope the villain dies an agonizing death.
With that, I loved the H/h - Rian and Catherine. Both were strong individuals - physically and mentally - especially Catherine, with all that she went through.
Looking forward to more of their story!

[Kaylee Dolat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three chapters or so were very confusing. They jumped from character to character and brought in a lot of information for one space. It made for a book that was difficult to read and I had to frequently put down in order to put scenes in order.

The ending left me on a cliffhanger and I felt disappointed that there was no real resolution. It felt like I was given half a book and expected to be happy about it.

Otherwise, the plot was interesting.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I stopped after Chapter 8 and the violent rape scene. It's bad enough I was having problems with the tech and I felt like when I restarted reading that it was a totally different book. There are too many characters going in too many directions. None of them were particularly likable. Then there is this over the top rape scene which is to prepare us for what? Don't know. Don't care. I may be in quarantine but I am not that bored.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Enough

A free Goodreads Kindle Giveaway that was exciting, touching, and well written. Catherine loses her ancestral home, finds a place with her cousin who is a raging alcoholic abuser. Everything goes wrong after that until handsome Rian appears. This novella ends abruptly and is continued in a Part Two! Frustrating!

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of heart. There is very graphic violence in the beginning; to the point I almost stopped reading. Now having completed the book, I am left with many questions. I am to understand this is a 3 part series and the ending certainly makes an invested reader want to continue to the second book.

[Gwenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had an interesting beginning but lost me. I started to see the connection between Catherine and Rian but then they left you hanging. Not a lot of chemistry. You have to read the next book to see what happens.

[Cristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for the free copy of Mischance. It was a good read with some action and a good plot. Parts of the story were rather sad with the hardships that were endured. I prefer books that can stand alone without having to read a whole series to understand what is happening. Worth reading.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nasty characters

I am admitting I don't normally read this kind of book. Men beating women is not something I can stomach. I guess there is a reader out there that finds this kind of storyline entertaining. I am not one of them.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Rian and Catherine have a lot to discover about each other. They will need to deal with Isobel for sure. I loved how Catherine put her in her place.

[Raquel | mommagracereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I greatly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Resolve to continue the story!

[Regina Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting...

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love it thanks