All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne! They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl–dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees… He is first and foremost–at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless … everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London’s most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met.
IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY
Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future–until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips…Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women…and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?
“With the Devil You Know series, Byrne once again delivers the beautifully nuanced characters and seductive storytelling her readers have come to expect.”–Booklist
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4.5 STARS!
All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne is the second installment in the Devil You Know series and follows Cecelia, the bespectacled, wallflower of the Red Rogues.
Lady Cecelia Teague discovers she’s the sole benefactor and heir of Henrietta, her recently deceased aunt. She’s a mathematician wiz, demure but also passionate when it comes to her beliefs and defending those she cares about most. Now, Cecelia must become her aunt’s predecessor and run a gambling house and school for cultured young ladies.
Cassius Gerard Ramsay, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court is investigating the inner workings of London’s notorious gambling establishment. He’s bewitched by Hortense Thistledown, the Scarlet Lady who currently owns the manse (mansion). He cannot forget her rogue lips but his sole purpose is to incriminate her and bring her establishment down. A giant brute Scotsman, loyal in his principles but also stubborn and inflexible. He’s had a dark and hard upbringing, which plays alot on his insecurites.
Together, they’re explosive. Two kindred spirits. Though they do fight their feelings at every turn, their relationship was beautiful and perfect to behold–Be still my beating heart!
All Scot and Bothered was filled with intrigue and suspense. I loved the sweet and tender moments mixed with angst. You won’t know what hit you!! Kerrigan Byrne, once again, captivated my heart with her grumpy hero and fierce heroine. Gimme book three, I cannot wait for Francesca’s story!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Before she met Alexandra and Francesca and became a member of the Red Rogues, Cecelia Teague led an awful life – hated and tortured by the man she called father until she was rescued by a beautiful woman named Genny on behalf of a mysterious benefactor. Genny tells Cecelia that she is beautiful and that she should never deny herself again. Words Cecelia takes to heart. She leaves and never looks back. She goes to school and meets Alex and Francesca and her beloved Jean-Yves, she goes to college and travels the world. Never knowing who her benefactor is until they pass on. Cecelia learns her mother’s sister was the one who saved her and has left everything to her – including Miss Henrietta’s School for Cultured Young Ladies. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that the school is in fact a gaming hell and she is reunited with Genny. She is given a letter from Henrietta and learns that no only was her aunt murdered, but she has inherited a ward, Phoebe, in addition to several properties and a fortune. But she doesn’t have time to absorb this information – Genny gets word that the police are on their way to raid the club and she needs Cecelia to pose as the “Scarlet Lady” – she is quickly disguised and is stunned that her friend Alex’s brother in law – Sir Cassius Gerard Ramsay, the Lord Justice is the one conducting the raid.
Ramsay has a tip that some missing girls are being held at Miss Henrietta’s and he will stop at nothing to save them and see those responsible brought to justice. Ramsay’s life is all about justice, he has no time for vice or women, he refuses to be tempted, so he is frustrated that the Scarlet Lady is eliciting a lustful reaction – it has been years since he has been with a woman and in the space of months she is the second woman to cause his thoughts to turn to sex – her and Cecelia Teague, his sister in law’s best friend. He pushes aside his lustful thoughts and threatens hellfire to the Scarlet Lady if she doesn’t tell him where the missing girls are – Cecelia stands her ground and sends him away, shaken by the incident. After he goes, she tries to figure out what is going on and how she will be able to decode the journal her aunt left her.
It doesn’t take long for Ramsay to figure out the Cecelia and the Scarlet Lady are one in the same, he is not happy, but when he realizes her aunt’s enemies will stop at nothing to prevent Cecelia from uncovering their secrets, he whisks her away to Scotland. There they will explore the passion that is barely contained between them, but between his stubbornness and her enemies – HEA seems like just a dream.
I loved this book, it was a wonderfully well written, fast paced follow up to the Alexandra and Piers book with the same level of heat, danger and intrigue with a fresh storyline. I liked Cecelia and Ramsay in the first book and loved them in this book. Ramsay was a bit hard to warm up to, but when his painful past is revealed I was in tears. I was a bit worried that Cecelia might end up being a doormat because she is a genuinely sweet person – almost Pollyannaish – but behind that sweet, kind, empathic heart is a spine of steel. This book was just a treat to read, it has wonderful characters, cameos with the Red Rogues, action, mystery, more than one twist, a villain that wasn’t a huge surprise, but still caught me off-guard, steamy love scenes, a lovely declaration scene followed by a sigh-worthy ending. There were a couple of inconsistencies and title errors, but nothing egregious enough to disrupt the story or ruin my reading enjoyment. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this title and can’t wait for Francesca’s book!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
All Scot and Bothered is the second book in Kerrigan Byrne’s sublime Devil You Know series. This story stands alone fine, but you will want to read the first book. The main reason is because it’s awesome, but also you won’t want to miss anything about the history of the Red Rogues, the trio of women who are the heroines in this series. Looking for a sweet historical romance? Keep on looking. But if you love strong women, fierce damaged men and more steam than you can shake a stick at, read on. You will be hooked. I swear.
I don’t see any reason to go over the book’s synopsis here. You can go read a description of it for yourself. What I must tell you about are the absolutely wonderful characters here, our hero and heroine of this story. Cecelia and Ramsay are in the exalted group of my favorite couples. Cecelia overcame a hideous childhood and self-esteem issues to become the most loyal of friends and a total math genius. I can’t add without a calculator; I was in awe of her intelligence. She loved truffles and champagne and would not deny herself either. There was nothing waif-like about this woman – she was tall with overly generous curves. She would do anything for her friends. And she could overlook the barbaric tendencies of her hulking Scotsman and see the soft filling inside. (Sorry. Thinking about those truffles.)
Ramsay was a damaged hero. Sigh…my favorite type. He was big and ruthless and expected everyone to adhere to perfect standards. Ramsay, too, had a horrid childhood which drove him to be a perfectionist. There was nothing soft about him…until he met Cecelia. Then again, he was still hard as a rock, but she managed to pry his frozen heart open. What was his best character trait? He found Cecelia to be the most beautiful, perfect woman. He craved her curves. Women who aren’t overweight truly cannot understand what a rare thing that is. There was no, “You’re pretty, but shouldn’t you lay off the truffles?” Be still my beating heart. The attraction between these two was beyond incendiary. The descriptions of intimacy were not behind closed doors, but were in no way gratuitous – they were perfection.
Of course, even the best of characters cannot lift a so-so story. Thankfully, the storyline was just as exciting as our hero and heroine! I loved the mystery of Cecelia’s inheritance and the ominous Crimson Council. Not only was there sadness that made me weep, mayhem, lovemaking and the most engaging side characters herein, but there was also humor that made me smile. This story has it all and is one of my favorite books I’ve read all year. Here’s hoping there won’t be a horribly long wait for Francesca’s book. Tomorrow would ne nice, but I’ll try to be patient!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
All Scot and Bothered
Devil You Know Series #2
Kerrigan Byrne
https://www.facebook.com/Kerriganbyrneauthor/
Release date 09/29/2020
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne!
They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees…
He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London’s most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met.
IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY
Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips…Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women…and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?
When two persons dealing in their own way with loneliness find a path to the other’s heart…
By inadvertence I have read some earlier reviews some talking about the characters’ arc, how much it was lacking.
And while I much dislike a heroine with wobbling knees and muddled brain when facing a dashing male, past her initial weakness, Cecelia gives eye for an eye. She is no warrior but in her own way, she fights her battle with very specific weapons, her kindness and cleverness. It is no match against strong armed men but it can make a difference among people if they have some brain cells.
Cecelia has always been marked as sin incarnated, she is a walking temptation to indulge for a bit and a bite. Thus she had been shunned, mocked all her life for being womanly, loving tasty food, being too smart.
She is everything a spartan fellow like Ramsay avoid at all cost. He has sworn of women years ago, and while she calls to him, he refuses to fall for her charms when she could flip his world upside-down.
And upside-down his life she will switch.
Because of his own mother’s fault, he has painted every woman with a danger sign to dodge whatever the attraction.
He mastered his aloofness and coldness, becoming judge and juror.
With Cecelia, he navigates in murky waters as she taste hot and cold, innocence and guilt.
He is enthralled by her but can’t trust her. His path has been outlined by his mother’s abandonment, he is above all blames, living a lonesome life, never indulging. So determined to make those in his scrutiny fall.
Until this woman screaming danger in his soul make him question am everything he thought right. He is so certain of his course and set on his way, he never considers she as an entity, a living with her all expectations and needs.
Up to him to accept or not her outstretched hand and kind heart when he until now sees only manipulation and betrayal. Their journey is a fast one with many bumps but they also endanger their heart and hurt one another by not seing the worth of the other.
My biggest complaint is the lack of epilogue. The first gave away a bit of this book outcome but it was a sweet one as it was Alexandra’s closure with her past trauma.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks and Netgalley, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/705757966680044/?extid=qTRj9wX5nAoAcyDF&d=n
As always, Kerrigan Byrne knocks it out of the park with her magical characters and her angsty historical plot. The heroine is plump, smart with a university education, and a code breaker. She’s both smart and confident, yet she sometimes reverts to the shy and self-conscious girl of the past. Cecelia is paired with a strong and taciturn Scotsman who also has issues stemming from his childhood. I adored these two together. They sparkled with their dialogue, their fears and insecurities, and their togetherness. I especially enjoyed his grumpiness at the start and his slow change to protective and tenderhearted.
One thing that gave me pause was the prologue detailing Cecelia’s childhood. I found this—the abuse at the hands of her guardian—distressing to read. I’m glad, however, that I trusted the author to write her usual fantastic, action-packed story.
If you’re looking for an angsty historical with action and adventure, characters with charisma all wrapped up with a romantic bow, this is the one for you. Look no further than All Scot and Bothered.
What woman isn’t bothered by a Scot? In the good sense that is, all that brawn and burr. . What’s not to love? Well it took awhile to fall in love with this one, but it is worth it in the end!
Two people influenced by their upbringing. but turning out opposite. Cecelia who had a terrible childhood but was very intelligent, caring and not your typical delicate woman.. Lord Ramsey, know as the Vicar of Vice, was a little arrogant and thought it was his way or not at all. But that was about to change as these two meet.
Danger, suspense and a building attraction bring this story to a wonderful ending. Loved these two and their journey!
I liked that the heroine wasn’t your traditional slim, demure beauty. She wore glasses and she was smart and not afraid to show it. It was funny in how she could put forth an argument that the hero couldn’t refute. I just really enjoyed it.
Love’s Treasure
This series keeps getting better. Cecelia is intelligent, independent, flawed, and kindness personified. Although people have rarely been kind to her, she doesn’t let the ugliness of others cloud her outlook. Her heart is full of compassion and hope. Her’s is a friendship of fierce loyalty and faithful nurturing .
Ramsey is big, bold, honorable, and ambitious. His ambition tends to lend to his righteous and merciless pursuit of justice. He is a man of great will, who trusts very few and none of them women.
Although they seem to have little in common, Cecilia and Ramsey are drawn to one another. Their attraction is definitely physical, but also something more significant. It’s as if their souls call to one another.
Cecilia and Ramsey appear to be on opposite sides of the law due to unforseen circumstances, thus the tension and lust between them add a level of urgency to their encounters. Add in secrets, a child in need of a ward, an attempt on Cecilia’s life, a codex and unwelcome reminders of the past for an action packed, intriguing story. Love is worth sacrifice and effort. It doesn’t ask you to change to its will, only to be. And that is enough!
All Scot and Bothered was full of passion and danger wrapped up in a delicious regency romance story by Kerrigan Byrne. I loved the characters of Cecelia and Ramsay, they were all consuming. A great read!
While the series is Devil You Know, so far it is really about the Red Rogues, three red heads, who bonded in school at at time, when women were really not educated at a high level. The heroines in the series are full of spunk and the men they fall for are flawed, and have to work to earn the love of their women.
This volume is about Celia Teague, an orphan who was physically and mentally abused by her legal “father” , a vicar and by her teachers and classmates, because she was smarter but also shy, tall and plump. She was rescued by her aunt, who plucked her into a girl’s school, but never actually met her.
Years later, a university educated mathematician, she skates on the edge of society, via Alexandra, who is now a duchess, and inherits a gambling hall and attached school for girls and women to learn a trade. Immediately, Cassius Gerard Ramsey, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, aka the Vicar of Vice, half brother to Alex’s husband, puts her on his radar, as being guilty of nefarious actions, including the kidnapping of girls. While frightened of him, she is also drawn to him, and he has to bury deepy his own attraction. Soon they are both engulfed in danger and Ramsey must protect Cecilia, while she tries to decipher a coded diary, with secret information about the powerful Crimson Council and others.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. While this might not have been in the finally version, but I really doubt that calculus was taught in a village school in 1876, to anyone. There was also an inconsistency in my version at the end, but again, might not be in the finale version. The book is full of filled with intrigue and suspense, but also tender moments. This is my voluntary and unbiased review.
This audiobook has it all! I loved everything about it!
Cecelia Teague and Cassius Ramsey are seemingly at opposing sides of the morality game. When they have to go into hiding in the wilds of Scotland, they realize how alike they are, while falling in love! Swoon! Again, Derek Perkins narrates this perfectly!
Loved this story as arrogant, Scot, Cassius Ramsey, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court of England is set back on his heals when he encounters feisty, Cecelia Teague. She’s intelligent, outspoken and statuesque. She has recently inherited a young charge, Phoebe, and a notorious gaming hell which is under investigation. Their stimulating encounters enliven and attract our interest. Her friendship with fellow Red Rogues Francesca and Alexandra adds another layer to the story. Good vs evil, spies, undercover operations, corruption, sexual tension, secrets, the Crimson Council this story has it all!
Another incredible read from Ms. Byrne. I love the way she seduces you into the story with her lyrical prose. Loved Cecilia, the heroine, and her tough to like but irresistible hero. If you want to escape and be immersed in a different world for several hours, read this book! Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. But it was a rather busy story. It started out with her being pushed into the basement that is very dark and scary for her. The loneliness is almost overwhelming. I think a lot of people feel that way. She is rescued and sent to a school. She meets Francesca and Alexandra. They become the Red Rogues. They are so intelligent, charming, and loyal to each other. Cecelia’s aunt is killed and everything goes to her including her aunt’s enemies. Then the Vicar of vice barges in screaming, searching, and trying to intimate everyone. She handled it beautifully. It gets a little more complicated from here. Little girls have been disappearing all over the town. I read it straight through and found it mesmerizing.
Lord Ramsay was definitely a pain in the… He was actually the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, and he had tried to become as perfect as he could so he felt he had the right to judge people. His life had not been easy either. Neither of his parents should have had children. His half brother got the title. But he had worked very hard to be where he was now.
Ramsey and Cecelia had met at a soiree at his brother’s Place. He found her beautiful but he did not want to give up his seven-year celibacy. He did not drink either. He could not keep his eyes from her. Both their lives get even worse.
It was so well described you could see the scene as things went on. It kept your attention and did a great job of entertaining you. The houses, all were magnificent, the bad guys were just that. There was a deep attraction between them. I do recommend this amazing book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Kerrigan Byrne’s All Scot and Bothered (The Devil You Know 2) is a lovely historical romance. Cecelia Teague, the second book of a trio of friends who call themselves the Red Rogues, finds herself wrapped up in a possible scandal upon the death of her aunt. To make things worse, she finds herself drawn to Cassius Gerard Ramsy is spearheading the investigation into her new inheritance.
Cecelia and Ramsy are a wonderful couple. Their insecurities equally get in their way at times, but their friendship and passion for each other help to balance that out. Any story has a certain amount of conflict for the couple, but it did not get drawn out to the point that I was questioning the characters’ intelligence.
I love Ramsy’s sense of duty. He seems a bit stuffy at first, but it quickly fades away. Cecelia was a woman with her own mind, which is refreshing, and I honestly appreciated she was voluptuous.
There was a great mystery also present in All Scot and Bothered, one that I did not fully suss out before the reveal. I appreciate when there is something else going on in a romance other than an internal struggle with the characters.
I would highly recommend All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne for any historical romance fan. I cannot wait for the next adventure of the Red Rogues.
As a young girl, Cecelia Teague was rescued from the home of the man she’d believed was her father, an extremely cruel man who’d treated her miserably following her mother’s death. She was placed in a Swiss school for girls where she became lifelong friends with two other redheads, calling themselves the Red Rogues. Her benefactor remained unknown until now when she’s learned that person has died and left her a gambling hell. Unfortunately, that’s placed her in the sights of Lord Cassius Ramsay, the Justice of the High Court, whose mission is to destroy the establishment…and its owner.
Ramsay is the half brother of Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, who is also married to Alexandra, one of the Red Rogues. Cecelia and Ramsay crossed paths at a dinner they had at their home and shared a close moment. When he confronted her at the gambling hell, she was in disguise so it took awhile for him to learn that the owner and Cecelia were one and the same. There was so much intrigue and subterfuge in this story that it made it extremely interesting, especially when it became clear Cecelia was in danger.
Cecelia is a tall, voluptuous woman who goes against the grain of the typical heroine. She’s brainy with a strong aptitude for mathematics. She was a formidable force with a velvet glove and confounded Ramsay at ever juncture. I liked their interactions, even though I despised his cruelty at times. What I loved most about the story was that it’s unconventional, even down to the ending that was chock full of surprises. Add to that, it’s narrated by Derek Peters, who lends so much authenticity to the characters and delivers another exceptional performance. I love this series and especially liked these two characters who were given a great, creative story to highlight their romance.
It’s no surprise, given the rating, that I was all hot and bothered by Kerrigan Byrne’s latest addition to the Devil You Know. Unlike the first book, All Scot and Bothered leans toward the lighter side of the angst spectrum while still giving both characters complex personalities and heart-wrenching backstories. I was so pleased with both our hero and heroine. I looked forward to both POVs equally, each voice giving all the feels, smiles, and more than a bit of squirming in my seat at times.
Cecelia was a delightful character; voluptuous, warm-hearted, intelligent, and a fiercely loyal friend. Exactly the sort of character I could identify with, root for, and wish she was among my friends. Even when inheriting a gambling establishment proves to be an interesting complication for Cecelia, she steps up to the plate without a second thought.
Cassius was the perfect blend of grumpy, protective, and utterly smitten with Cecelia’s soft-heart and luscious curves. The sexual tension was red hot! Heart pounding, thigh squeezing, blush inducing thoughts from Cassius in the beginning set an enthralling stage for their romance. I had no issues imagining not only the physical attraction between Cassius and Cecelia, but their growing respect and love for one another.
A perfect blend of mystery and romance, Kerrigan delivers another couple that I adore. I can hardly wait to get my greedy paws on book three! While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book one (How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) so you have more background for Cecelia and her beloved friends.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun and action packed adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists, exciting turns and undeniable passion. An edge of your seat, highly entertaining journey from beginning to end.
ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED, book two of With The Devil You Know series, is an intense, seductive tale of all-consuming lust, intrigue, betrayal, and danger. Kerrigan Byrne once again writes a compelling story about Cassius Gerard Ramsay, the high and mighty Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, butting heads with Cecelia Teague, a headstrong woman who inherits a savvy gaming hell. Their confrontation brings dry wit, hot kisses under the stars, and escalating danger. ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED is a page-turner where Kerrigan Byrne takes you on a adventure you won’t forget!
Wow! What a Magnificent story, it takes you to the heights of a passionate love swirling down into a vortex of intrigue, mystery and mayham! All Scot and Bothered will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Caaius and Cecelia until the very end! Kerrigan Byrne is not afraid to write a story that is heartrending, heart-stopping with characters that are well thought out and each one comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale. A dark and sinster traitor is spinning a silent intricate web of murder, espionage and chaos until slowly all the pieces start falling together that solve who the real villain is. As the conspiracy unfolds beautifully with drama, sizzling passion, grief, trials and tribulations, turmoil and the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that will keep you guessing until the end in this outstanding story!