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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Ramsay is such a grouchy, grumpy man! This one didn’t appeal to me as the first one did. It was still good, but not the “read a book in one sitting” vibe. I think maybe the main couple wasn’t connecting with me. I’m still here for all things Kerrigan, because I’m still excited for the last book in this series!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I do think reading the books in order improves the books. The series is based on three eccentric women who attended school together and formed the Red Rogues Society.
Cecelia Teague was rescued by an unknown benefactor who sent her to a boarding school. Years later, she discovers her benefactor was Henrietta, her aunt. Her aunt had left her a gambling establishment that the law officials thought had a part in missing girls. Cecelia got tangled up in danger and the mystery of government secrets.
Cassius Ramsay’s job was to research the disappearance of young females that were disappearing as the Lord Chief Justice of High Court. He suspects Cecelia has some hand in their disappearances. He discovers Cecelia is innocent and that she is in danger. He takes her to his childhood home to keep her safe while she tries to decipher the journal Henrietta left Cecelia.
The book is fast-paced with a mystery that keeps your attention. With the twists and turns and unpredictable ending, I couldn’t put the book down. I have enjoyed reading the first two books and I cannot wait to read the next adventure of the Red Rogues.
Kerrigan has done it again!!! What a spellbinding story with amazing characters.
I am a HUGE FAN of her books. I am so glad that I discovered her books because she has taken me to places I would never have gone on my own and I have experienced a range of emotions, joy, sadness, sympathy, surprise, anticipation, and the most important emotion of all Love. Her characters are flawed and perfect at the same time. Strong heroes and the woman that they love are central to her love stories.
Cecelia Teague and Cassius Gerard Ramsay are smart, stubborn, and witty not always on purpose. I love that Cecelia is not a perfect svelt blonde young lady. She has curves and an attitude that drives Ramsay crazy, which is hilarious! There is also spine chilling peril and moments of great courage.
I think that Kerrigan is one of the best Historical Romance authors of our time. Her writing is captivating and one you should not miss. I highly recommend any and all of her books!
This is a lush, angst filled read. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Ramsey as he came across as an extreme puritan. But as you find out his childhood trauma, you understand his life choice. Cecelia was a likeable, open hearted character who you want to root for from page one. While at odds with each other in the beginning, the fates made sure Ramsey and Cecelia had to work together to uncover the secrets and evil in their midst as well as discover the truth about each other. A wonderful story!
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.
I am a huge fan of Kerrigan Byrne, which is why I am sad this book did not live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong – it was a good read, and I still recommend it but it just didn’t deliver as I’d hoped.
Part of my issue is that the plot was a bit far-fetched, and had some holes that were never fully addressed. I also felt like the story moved far too quickly.
Overall, I would say if you are a fan it is worth reading this book.
The Red Rogues are back. Cecilia finally finds out who has been funding her her education and life and it comes with a host of problems and a young child. Lord Ramsey is intent on destroying all Vice and especially the Scarlet Lady. Meanwhile he is desperately attracted to Cecilia. Cecilia is a fiery and independent young lady. The arguments between her and Lord Ramsey were enough to singe the pages. There is action, drama and plenty of romance that makes this story so very fun and exciting. One for reading more than once.
I enjoyed the story of Cecelia and Ramsay! Watching them either argue or fall in love depending on which persona Cecelia was using was entertaining! Plus, Phoebe was the crowning touch. Thank you for the advanced copy! I can’t wait to see if little Phoebe has a future story after all the Red Rogues have their story told!
4.5 Stars!
Kerrigan Byrne is one of those HR authors that are consistently reliable. Even when one of her books isn’t a top favorite of mine, it still tends to be far better than many others in the current genre and I’m invariably entertained.
In this newest series, I’m really loving the heroes (and heroines.) They’re not the anti-heroes we’ve come to expect from her previous Victorian Rebels Series, but still they’re still dangerous, brooding, and broken. While the previous book (How to Love a Duke in 10 Days) was a top favorite from last year, it was the heroine who stole the story for me. In All Scot and Bothered, I was riveted to hero Cassius Gerard Ramsay and his unleashed intensity. Seriously, riveted.
This was an enemies-to-lovers with a delicious slow burn that made the ensuing romance that much more special. I loved the sexy push and pull between the main characters and they had a couple of the most swoon-worthy encounters that I’ve read in Byrne’s stories. Both Ramsey and Cecelia were strong and respectable characters, but when they revealed their vulnerabilities they were elevated to amazing. Alongside the luscious romance, the author wove within a darker story line concerning human trafficking. Although it never went too deep into that darker element, it certainly lent relevance to the present day. The author also injected a little whimsy to the story with the addition of Cecelia’s ward, Phoebe. Not overdone, but at times her character added a sweet and precocious lightness to the story.
With her compelling descriptions and story development, the author again delivered an entertaining romance with a hero and heroine that I absolutely loved. I’m fairly certain we also saw the hero for the third book play a significant role in this one. It remains to be seen, but if so, he’s going to be a fun one.
When Cecelia Teague finds out that the mysterious benefactor who plucked her from her personal hell as a child, the one who sent her to boarding school, then later university was the owner of a gaming hell, she doesn’t bat an eye. When she’s willed the gaming hell and school for girls, she steps in to run it, but it’s not an easy task. Just moments into finding out about it all, the “Vicar of Vice” and the police are literally breaking down their doors and searching for the whereabouts of a young girl that’s been taken. The young girl is just a latest in a string of young girls, and the “Vicar” is sure that the “Scarlet Lady” is the one behind it. When he meets the newest owner of the gaming hell though, he doesn’t see who she really is. The disguise that was hastily thrown on Cecelia protects her true identity. Too bad she knows who the “Vicar” is, for he is none other than Lord Ramsay, the brother in law of one of her best friends, and Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. A rigid man who only sees in black and white, not the many delicious shades of gray that there are in between.
Will Cecelia be able to fool the big, brutish Scot and be able to run her establishment without him knowing? Welp, not for long. Especially when there’s a plot to kill her and destroy the establishment. Words out, the “Crimson Council” knows that Cecelia’s aunt (the one who was her benefactor and left her the establishment) has left a book filled with the nefarious deeds of many of the men who reside in England. One that could bring down some in the royal house, and the ton. They must recover that book and destroy it before the code is deciphered and their secrets are exposed.
Ms. Byrne has written a humdinger of a story. Full of action and romance, you’ll be hooked from the opening pages. I rather love that two completely broken people can come together with a love that’s fierce and forever. This is the second book in the series, but you don’t need to read the first book, but like me, you’ll want to!
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Wow oh Wow Wish I could give this book even more stars. This was such a complicated book. It has so much going on with the past of both our hero and heroine. They have overcome more than most could live thru. Cassius Gerard Ramsay is a Hugh imposing strong Scott and also the biggest grump in the world. As the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court he doesn’t do anything but work. He is a pious straight lace one thinking kind of person. He has not been tempted by any woman till he met Cecelia, friend of his half-brother’s new wife. Now all he can think of is her and what he would like to do with her.
Cecelia Teaque was an orphan with little to look forward to till a secret benefactor saved her, sent her to a girl’s school and to university. She is extremely brilliant especially with numbers. Just as she thinks she might fit into society she inherits one of the most well know gaming hells of London!!
Before she can even think what to do, she founds out Ramsay who is the half-brother to her best friends’ husband. Is also trying to shut down the Hell, and lock her up for selling young girls. They have met a couple of times in the past and have an attraction neither can overlook. What will he do when he finds out both women are her?
This is just the start of all that these two get into, there are so much going on you will not want to stop reading once you start.
To say anymore would give away too much of the story and ruin it for other.
Know that you really do not want to miss this one. I know I will be rereading this series again.
I received and arc from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and I am voluntarily giving it.
Cassius Ramsey, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court of England, didn’t get where he is by showing mercy. He’s had to make his own way in a ruthless world with his strength and cunning, so he’s very much used to having his way in all things. His latest mission is to investigate the happenings at a notorious London gaming den which he suspects is connected to the disappearances of several young girls. It also happens to be owned by the woman he can’t stop thinking about and who is, even more inconveniently, his sister-in-law’s best friend.
Cecelia Teague has lived the majority of her life under the support of an unknown benefactor, enabling her to attend a prestigious boarding school and then university. Now, in the course of one afternoon, she learns her benefactor was in fact her late mother’s sister, who has been murdered, and has left Cecelia her gambling den as an inheritance. Cecelia is caught between her regular life in which she is a mathematician increasingly attracted to the stern Lord Ramsey, and the people who now depend on her and her business, which is under attack from the very man who is the source of her infatuation. Cecelia would dearly like to keep her two roles separate, but with her aunt’s enemies now setting their sights on her, that is unlikely.
I had such high expectations for this book, and it left me with such mixed feelings. I really enjoyed parts of it, but others were a slog to get through, like it was taking on a bit too much. Given that there was so much going on here, it was sometimes difficult to stay invested with the story taking several abrupt turns. Ramsey was a rather tragic character for me, but oftentimes his treatment of Cecelia and his mistrust, though understandable, made him difficult to like. That said, I did appreciate his protectiveness and the huge amount of character development he showed, especially given the amount of emotional upheaval he faced. Cecelia was the perfect combination of sweetness and strength that made her an excellent match for Ramsey, though at times her behavior was totally nonsensical and annoying. Also, the male nicknames were heavily in use here and just seemed rather silly to me although I can’t put my finger on why. So much strife could’ve been avoided if Cecelia and Ramsey had been more honest with each other sooner, which I know would’ve shortened the book considerably, but it also would’ve lessened my frustration with its characters. At times, it almost seemed like these weren’t the same Cecelia and Ramsey we met in the previous book and that was a little jarring. Overall, I did like this couple together and I enjoyed much of the story, it just wasn’t quite up to my expectations given my love of the first book in this series. Nonetheless, I look forward to Francesca’s book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cecilia Teague had a rough childhood, but eventually found a new benefactor and two wonderful friends. She is highly intelligent, sweet, caring, and optimistic. She is curvy and bespeckled and does not fit the physical image or have the title of a society lady. And her benefactor just left her a gambling hell and a mystery to solve that could be making her a target. To keep her reputation intact she will have to keep her identity hidden in her new business pursuits.
Ramsay, the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court is rough, arrogant, ruthless, cynical, and unyielding. And he is determined to take down the gambling hell and end what he thinks is their part in girls going missing. Unfortunately, the new Scarlet Lady also garnered his attention in another way and he hates being attracted to her. And he also has an unhealthy attraction to Cecilia who is friends with his brother’s wife. He has been celibate for years and has no intention to marry or trust a woman again. He has self-worth issues and has been conditioned to believe he is nothing without his job title. He is pretty hard to like at the beginning of this story, and I was not sure he ever would be.
They both appreciate their freedoms. Men have always treated her like she was either lacking or too much. Women have always deceived him. And while Ramsay and Cecilia are finally starting to talk and get to know each other. He and the Scarlet Lady are at war. But he does not realize they might be fighting on the same side until she is targeted.
There is an underlying mystery, suspense, threats, and even unsolved murders. Cecilia and her friends are forced to keep secrets. It is hard to know who is friend or foe. Ramsay is a man conflicted in many ways, and he has a hard time feeling a pull towards any woman, especially when that threatens his control. And once he realizes that she is being targeted, his protective instincts begin to kick in.
I liked seeing all of the sides of Ramsay. The in-control and broody Vice Of Vicar, the burly, unrestrained beast, and the lost little vulnerable and hurt boy. He actually won me over and I liked him even when he was being stubborn, prideful, or stupid about feelings. And I enjoyed seeing Cecilia challenge and push him. She wears her heart on her sleeve and that is foreign to him. Their banter is spirited and challenging, and their chemistry is explosive. She wants to be loved for all of her quirks, flaws, and intelligence. He struggles with self-worth and is afraid he is not enough as a man. And no matter what happens with them, their goals and jobs do not seem to be able to co-exist.
This is a suspenseful, fiery, passionate, enemies-to-lovers story with mystery, danger, surprises, and twists. It builds and builds to a climax I did not see coming. This brings back her friends, The Red Rogues, Alexandra and Francesca, and Alex’s husband, Redmayne. One more Rogue left and that will be Francesca’s story. She already has a tragic past and not so hidden agenda. And we meet a couple of new characters I am sure we will see again.
I was all Scot and Bothered reading this story. Cecelia is an amazing person who is strong and stands up for others even though they might not be the most upstanding of citizens and most importantly she stands up for herself. She is not shy about who she is and embraces herself as a woman. Ramsey is sigh-worthy. A big Scot who feels he must be impervious to anything immoral but who falls in a big way for Cecelia. I love that he is a big guy and is so protective even with his feelings. But they soon change as he lets love enter into his soul. Every time I read a Kerrigan Byrne book I fall in love with the characters and with the story. Everything is not always clear cut but you feel that everything is genuine. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
3.5 stars
This series got me started on a quest of reading historical romances. I liked the first book and was intrigued by the other women in the Red Rogues. This is Cecilia’s story. We learned more about Cecilia’s back story and it was fascinating to see how that part of her life will affect her present. We get to know more about Ramsey and he becomes a major part of Ceclia’s life. The tension between the two was strong and seeing how they would navigate that along with everything else had me reading fast to see how it all plays out. The twists and turns were riveting. And of course Alexandra, Piers, and Francesca played their roles and we got introduced to new characters that were majorly involved. Overall, All Scot and Bothered was a good read and I was completely infatuated with the story. I am interested in the next book and can’t wait to see what happens with Francesca.
I love these kinds of books. Brave heroins wanting the same rights as men at that time.
And if she should loose her freedom then she would likely never marry.
This one is similar although Cecelia Teague is feary woman. She is not only wise, she is also very kind to everyone because of her past. She’s been hated and bullied enough.
Since boarding school she has an unbreakable bond with her 2 best friends Alexandra and Francesca. Those three are more like the three musketeers one for all and all for one.
When Cecelia inherits gaming hell which is financing School for Cultured Young Ladies she is excited to take over and help the poor and unfortunate. But the one and only man she’s been attracted to wants to move hell and heaven to close the establishment as young girls went missing and Cassius Ramsey, Lord Chief of Justice is convinced the gaming hell is involved in the kidnapping. He has been pulled to Cecelia since he’s first spotted her but his strong opinion wouldn’t let him to believe that Cecelia is Innocent.
How could Cecelia persuade him of the opposite and help him solve the case? Can they overcome their belief and fall in love?
I loved this twisted and incredibly great written story and honestly can’t wait for the next instalment in these series.
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
I really enjoyed the first book in the Devil You Know series, and was excited to dive into book 2 which is Cecilia’s story.
Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this story, I didn’t as much.
It took a long while to get into Cecil and Ramsay’s story, and while I thought it would speed and heat up, I found myself struggling to keep going with this installment.
I found myself not liking Ramsay at all – and I never say that about a man with a Scottish accent.
And I can’t quite put my finger on what it was with Cecilia, but she irritated me a lot of the time.
It is probably just me and my weird thoughts and feelings though.
I loved the mystery part of the story, and was as blindsided as our lovelies when things were revealed.
So whilst this one missed the mark for me, I am looking forward to our lady Francesca’s story.
This story had a little of most things that I like; some mystery, a romance, a love story (not only about a man and a woman; but, that of friends that become our family), good vs. evil, and obviously historical. The female main character, Cecelia Teague, is an uncommon woman. She is strong of spirit, and smart; something frowned upon by the men of the century this takes place in. She comes from a very inauspicious background and was mercilessly teased and snubbed due to her intellect and personality. She is also not one of the rail thin and short women mostly depicted in the usual stereotypical romance; she is a woman of substance in more ways than one. I loved her huge heart and forgiving nature, as well as her intellectual mind. She is a heroine that any girl would be proud to have in her life and look up to. The male lead is Lord Cassius Ramsay, a Scotsman from humble beginnings, who now has earned the title Lord Chief Justice; a position that has only the Lord Chancellor as his boss; just below the monarchy. Lord Ramsay has a distrust and distaste for all women; thanks to the way he was treated by his mother and what he saw her do to the other men in his life. Cecelia Teague is a conundrum that he can’t seem to figure out; she doesn’t fit the mold he’s created and forced all other women into. Can these two hurt souls figure things out and realize that they share the bruises and burdens based on each of their harsh pasts? They also need to figure out who is kidnapping young girls and then leaving them for dead, in the cruelest of ways.
Love Those Scots!!
Cecelia has had a horrible childhood until she was rescued. She’s sweet and super intelligent. She is all that is good despite what she went through.
“A tactical war against chocolate and wine?” That half smile again, the one that put the Mona Lisa to shame. Both shy and impish without a hint of coyness or guile.
Cassius is surly, grouchy and stubborn. He just needs some love Cecelia style.
“How scandalous of me. How will you ever abide?” She swiped the proffered wine from him and inhaled deeply at the vintage.
There is nothing I like better than a sexy Scottish Historical and Kerrigan Byrne writes some of the best. Lots of angst and a crazy twist.
“Will ye just be mine, Cecelia? Will ye share yer life with me, in any capacity ye deem fit? Will ye love me? Can ye love me, after all that’s happened?”
This book totally surprised me because it was frequently hilarious. I’m not used to that in historical romance but can honestly say the characters thoughts particularly Ramsey had me smiling for much of this book. Yes he’s a bit insufferable at times and I’m sure not all would warm to him but the quandary he finds himself in with Cecilia certainly made me chuckle.
Cecilia is a breath of fresh air and so ready to love any and all. Being mistaken for a Madam when in reality she’s an innocent, deeply sensitive woman with self confidence issues meant I found it easy to like her. Fear not though because she is confident of her own worth and not some down trodden product of her time .
This was for me a fun read and I loved the beginning although as it progressed it became more about the couple and their complicated relationship. There is a mystery to solve with young girls going missing and attacks on Cecilia but I found the ending to be a surprise and there’s a lovely sweetness too which was a wonderful way to end this story. Plus Ramsey finally got the dressing down he deserved but my lips are sealed.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
4.25/5
My first historical romance from this author, and I really enjoyed it!
Cecelia and Ramsay both suffered childhood abuse, but while Cecelia took that darkness and turned it into light and strength, Ramsay became a hard, distrustful man until he met her.
I really liked watching the progression of trust and feeling as it developed between the two. I enjoyed Byrne’s writing style, and her characters really came alive for me. Will definitely read more from her.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.