This is Book 2 of the series, Victorian Outcasts. Although part of a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone. I read the first book and enjoyed it and this one also did not disappoint. Emily and Brandon first met when they were both travelling on the Flying Scotsman and they really connected. But then there was an accident and after Emily's parents were killed, her aunt became her guardian. They both meet again years later at a ball and realize the connection they once shared between them is still strong, not to mention the shared trauma they both experienced with the accident that forever changed them. Brandon had promised to look out for her, but had eventually lost touch so now when they meet again, Emily has a hard time trusting him. But Brandon is determined to look out for her and protect her this time around. When he learns of her aunt's schemes regarding Emily's inheritance, which she had no idea she had thinking she had been left with nothing after her parent's death, he doesn't hesitate to come to her rescue and proposes a hasty marriage. Along the way, they both also face the fears of the past that have been holding them back.
I loved the sweet connection that initially developed between the young Emily and Brandon. It was very cute and such a lovely thing to see. Both had to deal with the trauma of their past separately, but then they had the opportunity to overcome their demons together. This was a lovely second chance story filled with intrigue, drama, and romance and I had such a nice time reading it. I look forward to continuing the series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Love the strength of these two, fighting through everything just to help the other one! My heart hurt with all they went through and how swiftly life can change. Cannot wait to read more!

I expected a standard historical romance novel and was pleasantly surprised by the direction the plot took. Yes, it was formulaic and predictable, but—the male lead was not a rake of any sort and in fact the female lead had more intimate experience than him, which was rather refreshing. It did dip into a Cinderella-esque storyline where the evil aunt and cousin are stealing the female lead’s inheritance, but you have to have conflict come from somewhere, right?

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

The two main characters, Brandon and Emily meet on the Flying Scotsman train ride between Edinburgh and London as teenagers and form a friendship. Unfortunately, the train meets with a horrific accident that kills both Emily's parents. Brandon saves her from the wreck and their bond is strengthened during their stay in hospital for their treatment. They promise to stay in touch but with Brandon dealing with his constant, chronic pain in his back and legs, becomes addicted to opium. Fortunately, he kicks the habit but becomes a recluse as the new Earl of Hastings, focusing on his estates and business holdings.

Emily suffers from claustrophobia and panic attacks and treated harshly by her aunt who treats her like a servant and embezzles her inheritance.

The two finally reconnect ten years later at a ball and when Brandon learns that Emily's aunt plans to declare her insane to steal her money, proposes they marry.

A sweet story that was a joy to read. Loved it and would recommend it. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my honest review.

An enjoyable short novella written by Barbara Russell .
I have read a few stories by this author and they are all an enjoyable read .
A sweet romance with lovely characters and an interesting storyline .
So grab a copy and a coffee put your feet up and enjoy .

The Earl's Red Hot Wedding by Barbara Russell is a perfect book for a sweet steamy romance.

After the train crashes, Emily and Brandon live a different lives. Emily have a fit if she sits on a train for hours while Brandon injuries from the tragedy affect his physical condition. However, they have to ride a train to elope when Emily's aunt threatened her inheritance.
This book is a slow burn and sweet at the same time. The storyline are addicting.

✅ Orphans
✅ Slow burn
✅ Spicy scenes: mild
✅ Suspense
✅ Angst
✅ Action

I'll definitely need to read the next book by Barbara Russell.

My second book by Barbara Russell and this one made an impression. You have 2 young adults Brandon and Emily who meet and hot ot off on the Flying Scotsman only to be broken apart by a horrendous accident that changes their life dramatically.

Years later they meet at a ball. Emily is deeply hurt by Brandon's desertion and is slow to warm up to him. Brandon in turn is guilt ridden for not having kept his promise to care for her.

But now he's reconnected, he does not want to let her go. Secrets come out about her inheritance and cheating manipulative aunt, his past addiction and injuries. Brandon offers a rescue, a red hot marriage to save Emily's wealth and inheritance. But she needs to get back on the Flying Scotsman. Their tenuous friendship becomes stronger and they work to overcome their emotional pain together. But a marriage does not end her aunts menace, and the situation becomes fraught with danger that they fight through for a hea.

Barbara Russell's writing requires some patience to wade through, That begin said the trope of second chance is well written. This book os a very realistic depiction of physical and emotional hardship and how 2 mature adults work through it together. I enjoyed it very much.

This was the best book !!! It had all the things a story should have. You get a good share of laughter with a great story line to keep you reading with a good feeling till the last word. Please enjoy like I did.

Emily and Brandon are great. They are given true emotions and fears and worries and the entwining for their lives is joyful. The Machiavellian behaviours of Emily’s aunt underpin the story and keep the pace and suspense up. The engineering tid bits are interesting and help to immerse me in the time of the railways and the limitations.

This was my first book by Barbara Russell. She writes in a very relatable, non-pretentious way. I appreciated that both the mcs, Emily and Brandon have a lot of past issues to work with and are not perfect. Ten years ago they both were in the same train accident and their lives have been completely turned upside down - physically, emotionally and mentally. They meet up again by chance and this is their journey of how they find their way again.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

An emotional story involving childhood trauma, a Cinderella moment and likeable characters. The "bad guy" was fairly obvious and there were some unrealistic scenes. Some of the events were also dragged out but the romance was certainly believable