This book was okay, it was interesting, and I felt it was fast paced and a good continuation of the series. It does have cheating, just a heads up for people who may not like that in their novels. I actually felt like that turned me off a bit from this book. Mainly because the mistress part wasn't told that well. I just didn't like Isabel Howard, and I felt turned off in things concerning her. But I also felt bad because it seemed that she was so mentally disturbed because she was so desperate to get Rian back, she literally stopped at nothing to get him back! But I think the most frustrating character, because he just never saw how manipulating Isabel could be! I just wanted to shake him so badly! Overall I enjoyed it well enough, I did like the time period, and I am interested in reading the final book in the series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I really liked this book, it's well written.

Resolve is the second book in the (Corsets and Carriages trilogy by Carla Susan Smith. You definitely should read the first book in the trilogy, 'Mischance' before reading this one as this one follows on from a cliffhanger at the end of that book.

Rian Connor has taken Catherine Davenport to the family estate in the country. He and his brother believe it's the best place for her to recuperate and try to get her memories back. She lost them after suffering a serious traumatic beating and near-rape which we read about in 'Mischance'.

During her time in the country, both Rian and Catherine realise that if nothing else they have a strong case of lust towards each other. Rian won't act on it because he knows how fragile Catherine is. Catherine won't act on it because for one, she is an innocent and wouldn't know where to start, and secondly, because she believes herself too damaged, and possibly beneath his social status. They couldn't have a future together. Despite that, they do manage to share a couple of passionate kisses.

This story of course revolves around the couple and the hope for a happily ever after for them, it has so much going on, so many things conspiring to keep them apart. Of course, there is the angst Catherine suffers as bits and pieces of her memory start to return in a dramatic way. There is also the drama of Rian's ex-mistress hovering where she isn't wanted, putting on a serene front when all along she is determined to come between Rian and Catherine. No matter what she has to do, or how evil, she is determined to get her man back. She is the absolute perfect villainess and if you thought you disliked her in book one, you will hate her by the time you get to the end of this second book. At the same time, you can't help but feel sorry for her because she is so mentally disturbed. One person you can't feel sorry for at times is Rian. I wanted to jump into the book and give him a good shaking for being such a 'man' when it came to Isabel's lying and deception. You'll see what I mean when you read the book for yourself. Brilliant writing on the author's part!

Again we are left with a cliffhanger, and a desperate longing to find out what happens next. Will Catherine remember who attacked her, what will happen when she does? Will Rian be able to stop himself from killing the man? Will the wicked Isabel get her comeuppance and finally accept that Rian will never be hers again, and can Catherine and Rian finally find the happiness they so very much deserve together? I cannot wait to read the third and final instalment to find out!!!!

If I had to say anything negative about this book it's a very little thing, it's the way the brothers' names are spelt; Liam and Rian. I kept wanting to say Rian's name as Ree-an because that is how you pronounce Liam! When their names were mentioned a lot in the same paragraph it got quite annoying reading Rian incorrectly and having to correct myself. A silly niggling thing, and certainly not worth rating the book down over!!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book

This is the second book in the Corsets and Carriages series. I read the first book in the series and was looking forward to reading this the second book, continuing to catch up with the characters in he first book. She is a woman without a past, he just may be the one who could help her to remember.
After being savagely beaten she escapes with her life barely intact with many bodily injuries that take a long time to heal. One thing that isn't so quick to return is her memory though. She has no idea who beat her or why. She is rescued by a devastatingly handsome man who is nothing but kind to her.
His mistress though wants nothing to do with Catherine and to keep Rian all to herself. Despite Isabel's jealousy and conniving ways when Rian looks to marry it is with Catherine not Isabel. No matter how much Isabel tries to insert herself in Rian's life there is no hope for her.
Will Catherine regain her memory and will she feel worthy of Rian's love?
An emotional tale of finding love when and where you least expect it.
I very much enjoyed this quick read and look forward to reading book three, the last in the series very soon.
Pub Date 30 Jan 2018
I was given a complimentary copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Resolve by Carla Susan Smith is book Two in the "Corsets and Carriages". This continues the story of Rian and Catherine. Since this book does continue their story I strongly suggest you read the previous book 'Mischance' first before this one.
Catherine is still struggling with getting past what has happened to her and her growing feelings for Rian. Rian had swore to never marry again but hes growing feeling for Catherine are bring that choice into question. But his former mistress wants to be his wife and will do anything to get to that point.
This is and exciting drama filled romance that doesn't end with this book. There story continues into the next one called 'Salvation'.

This is part two of the series and I do recommend reading the first part as well. Catherine is healing yet she can’t remember who hurt her. Rian and Catherine’s chemistry is growing but Isabel, his former mistress doesn’t plan on letting him go. Will Rian and Catherine find a way to be together? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. I liked both Rian and Catherine and look forward to hearing the rest of their story. A good read.

As I was totally turned off by this author's book, MISCHANCE, I will not waste my time trying to read this one. Sorry! The genre of this book was mislabeled.

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley.
This is the continuation of Catherine and Rian’s relationship as it unfolds, even with all of the outside interference by Isabel. They each realize their love for the other but have a difficult time expressing this to one another. Catherine has regained a lot of her memory except for the person responsible for her injuries. The book has a cliffhanger and hopefully i5 will resolve itself in the next/last book.

This book continues immediately from Mischance with Catherine & Rian travelling to Oakhaven, there Catherine regains her health & strength.
On the night of his brother Liam’s wedding ball, Rian proves exactly how much he wants his beautiful young protégé, only to be lured by his former mistress Isabel Howard into committing the ultimate betrayal. For Isabel will stop at nothing to do away with Catherine and destroy her future with the man they both desire above all others.
I read this immediately after Mischance & now can’t wait to read Salvation when I hope everything will be resolved. I couldn’t put this down & read well into the night to finish it. I’m totally engrossed in the story. I felt Rian was quite naïve at times especially concerning Isabel & I wanted to shake some sense into him but he did eventually have his eyes opened. I really like Catherine & how strong she is, her memories returning were harrowing at times.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Carla Susan Smith takes you through the next step in the Trilogy of Rian and Catherine's true love and the obstacles in their way. Resolve picks up where Mischance leaves off with the journey to Rian ancestral home. The thinking is that the country will be better for Catherine since they think that is where is has grown up. After arriving at Oakhaven Catherine is left to her own devices while Rian and his brother Liam and his betrothed Felicity travel back to London for the their wedding. While away Catherine gets to know her surroundings inside and out. Rian had promised Isabel his what he thinks is is former mistress to take her to the wedding where she proceeds to cause a feeling of discomfort for Liam and lets him know she knows about Catherine.. After returning home to Oakhaven the 3 of them settle in and Catherine is trying to avoid Rian, because of how he greets her not realizing that he feels the opposite of what she thinks. When she over hears the brothers talking about her and about Rian's feelings she decides that maybe what she thought he felt wasn't right. When they end up walking back to the house together and fall down a frozen hillside together and Catherine kisses him they become closer. Rian leaves on business and comes back just before the family ball the is held when a master of Oakhaven takes a wife to introduce her to the tenets of to property.The reason that Rian left was to surprise Catherine with a gown for the ball and when it's revealed Catherine goes into such a state that Felicity is sent from the room so that Rian can deal with her. After she has calmed down she reveals that her memory came back about her vicious attach which she relays to Rian. When Isabel crashes the ball, Catherine leaves to retire for the night only when Rain goes to check on her he realizes that she hasn't been to bed and goes looking for her. After a passionate kiss and Rian revealing a secret they go their separate ways. Rian finds Isabel in his room on the pretense that she wants to be just finds but that isn't her intent at all. In the morning when Rian wakes up confused with no memory of how he became to be in bed with Isabel there is a knock at the door and when open it reveals Catherine on the other side giving Isabel exactly what she wants a rift between Catherine and Rian so that he will turn back to her. Rian has no contact with Catherine when he decides to leave and look into her past. While away her confronts Isabel about how as she let slip the last time they saw each other that she knew Catherine's last name which she had just remembered herself. When Isabel won't give him the information he wants and she doesn't get what she wants from Rian. Isabel in her fury reveals information she knows about Catherine. After his confrontation with Isabel Rian knows that Catherine isn't safe. He also had hired an investigator to find out as much as possible about Catherine and later the same as the meeting with Isabel the same information is revealed so travels to the north to look into Catherine's past and meets her old childhood friend and buys back The Hall as Catherine's home is called and felicitates a hopeful meeting between Edward and Isabel hoping that he doesn't loose her. But does he loose Catherine to Edward? Will Isabel get Rian back and revenge on Catherine? Can she remember the person who so brutally attacked her? Is Catherine safe from the person who abused and could've killed her. Is Catherine's attack and the resulting trauma going to affect her relationship with Rian? Is Rian truly the man for Catherine and if he is
can they live happily ever after.? All will be answered in the final book in the Corsets and Carriages Trilogy. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Rian & Catherine. My have to reread Mischance and Resolve to reacquaint myself with what went on.

I'm not a fan of serials and definitely wouldn't have ordered this book if I had known this. In addition, I'm not a fan of the violence against women in this series.

Resolve (Corsets and Carriages, #2)
by Carla Susan Smith

I absolutely loved this story, HOWEVER, because it does not conclude here, I had to downgrade it in stars! From beginning to end, I was captured by the writing. I found the plot to be a little different then the normal amnesia. So different in fact that at times, my heart hurt for the heroine. What a world we live in that causes such harm to others. I like the way the author handled the plot as well as the characters within the book. I did not lay the book down until I was finished unless it was to do a ladies call or answer our door! Even then it was with great reluctance! So for a good read that has mystery, suspense, romance, passion and life, buy the book and enjoy. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

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.
Rian's ex takes things to a new level in this second book.

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.

Once again, the second book in the series “Corsets and Carriages”, is a real gem. The story continues with Catherine Davenport moving to Rian Connor’s family home, in the hope of regaining her memory. Rian has saved Catherine after he found her badly beaten and wandering the streets of London. The feelings between Catherine and Rian are very strong but neither is prepared to reveal anything to the other. However, Rian’s former mistress Isabel is desperate to hold onto Rian and will do whatever it takes to prevent Catherine and Rian from being together.
This story has everything to keep you captivated. The characters are so passionately depicted that it was hard to not be taken with them on their journey. I have been enthralled since the first book and can’t wait until the third book is released. Each character is well detailed as are all of the secondary characters. This is a great series!
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let me begin by saying that this story is part two 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 book three.

This story more or less picks up where book one leaves off. Once again this author manages to seamlessly weave together several different story-lines in a way that makes sense and keeps the reader interested. I also enjoyed seeing more interaction between Rian and Catherine, and watching their relationship begin to evolve into something more. And oh Isabel! Just when you think she can't sink any lower, she manages to surprise you even more. In my opinion, she's a near perfect villain, and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store with her!

I believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels. Honestly, I can't wait to find out how it all ends it book three!

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.

Catherine Davenport is rescued by Rian Connor when she is found injured and dazed on the London docks. Catherine cannot recall who she is or anything that has happened to her. Rian takes her under his wing and lets her recuperate at this home. Liam, Rian's brother, is about to be married to the lovely Felicity and they both help in Catherine's recuperation. Isabel Howard, Rian's past paramour, enters the picture and tries to come between Catherine and her protector. An ok read. Too slow and tedious!

Resolve by Carla Susan Smith will be available January 30, 2018 from Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

A very unusual concept to have serialised historical romance, and a bit of a risky concept.
I loved many aspects of the story, and the writing was solid.
Full coverage of the series on my blog in the New Year.

Resolve, Carla Susan Smith (Corsets and Carriages 2)


Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Historical.

I love Susan's Vampire's Promise series, and when I saw the first one in this historical series I thought I'd like to read these books. A historical trilogy its a very big departure from the supernatural world!
I loved book one, have just finished book two (read the day I got it!!) and am keen to see how things wrap up. 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.

Rian is the archetypical, dark, swoon-making hero, and a true gentleman. Someone who had vowed never to remarry after the death of his wife, but who was known for his affairs, though each lady knew that they would never mean more to him.
Then he found – literally – Catherine and his thinking has undergone a huge change even if he's not quite ready to admit it to himself.

Lady Isabel though is determined to be the next Mrs Connor, regardless of what Rian wants or feels, and she isn't going to let him having feelings for someone else stand in her way. She's a rich widow and has the money to “persuade” others to do what she wants, and removing Catherine is her current desire. She really is a wonderful character, one of those who are totally selfish, manipulative and have no care for others.
As I was reading part of me was thinking “c'mon, surely they can see through this” while hoping Carla let things run to the full extent and drag out the drama and theatrics. Its characters like hers, so deliciously avid and amoral that can make a book. Romance without drama or controversy, without some nasty, grasping selfish types can be very bland. Lady Isobel is one of the finest anti-heroines ;-)
Of course there's Catherine, recovering well, developing strong feelings for Rian, becoming part of the Connor family and loved by them and the staff, but who still has no memories other than her name. Slowly things happen that are bringing back little parts, and her confidence is growing. Isobel doesn't like that she's still there and there's a fabulous private confrontation between the two fairly early in the book, that shows Catherine she's not the pushover she hoped. Ultimately I think Catherine will be in real danger from her, though she has everyone else ( apart from the staff of course) hoodwinked about her motives and machinations.
Its another wonderful read and though its part two of a trilogy Carla avoids the awful, hated cliffhanger employed by so many authors – I hate them with a vengeance, and TBH they spoil a book for me. Carla finishes this on a natural break point, setting up book three and delivering a tantalising description of what's to come.

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

Stars: Five, some fabulous characters, what looks like an awful betrayal, and the promise of lots more drama to come. I adore books with lots of jealousy and dramatics.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers