The Devil in Her Bed is the final book in the stunning Devil You Know trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne! He lives in secret service to the Crown–a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart. They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back … undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other.
TRUE LOVE WEARS NO DISGUISE
Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey–those responsible for the death of her family–by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?
“Romantic, lush, and suspenseful.”–New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch
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The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne is a daring novel of corruption surrounding the nobility in Victorian England, taking place in the late Victorian era, beginning when a gang descended upon Mont Claire estate in Hampshire one day, murdering all they could find and burning it to the ground. Pippa, the daughter of the butler and housekeeper, escaped with a Romani woman who worked on the grounds. As far as they new, no one else survived. At Serena’s behest, Pippa became Francesca, the daughter of the house, who grew to be a beautiful heiress with nothing but revenge on her mind. At thirty she was getting old but still could b ring men to their knees and she had a reputation of doing just that. Many men had had her, but she used them to further her own plans: to determine who had attacked Mont Claire that day and killed all she loved.
An interesting plot, certainly different than any I’ve read before. She met a man, one with many faces, who seemed to know things about Francesca that no one else knew. She could not let him get in the way of what she had to do, despite that he seemed determined to do just that. This was, at its core, a love story, but it was so much more. It was a mystery, and not a bad one. Although not all the questions were answered enough were to satisfy the reader. It was lusty, in turns, barbaric and depraved. Could Chandler do his job and take care of Francesca at the same time? Could Francesca do what she needed to do and love Chandler? Lots of questions. Plenty of twists and turns to determine the answers. Terrific book. Very different, well-done plot. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Devil in Her Bed. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #thedevilinherbed
Another Five Star read for me!
This is the third book in the Devil You Know series and can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting with the first book.
I know going in that Kerrigan Byrne is going to have me on an emotional rollercoaster. That first chapter was quite devastating as it laid the groundwork for Francesca’s tragic childhood that lead to her current mission.
The Devil of Dorset is just one of the many names he goes by. He is a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys, and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. When he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other.
Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?
Excellent ending to this exciting series. Great characters and storyline with so much emotion, intrigue, and steamy heat make this book, and series, well-worth reading. I loved Francesca and Chandler. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Dual identities and vengeance.
Francesca, the Countess of Mont Clair is on the war path, wielding vengeance like an axe. She’s more of a late Victorian age Batwoman on the hunt for the Crimson Council. She’s wearing an assumed identity that allows her access to money and the people behind the massacre.
Declan Chandler, the Devil of Dorset is a spy, a chameleon, a rake and a rogue. He’s got a Jones for Francesca.
They also share a bloody past as children. Its this shared past that has them assuming other people’s identities (a familiar trope for Kerrigan Byrne).
This series is particularly filled with brittle women with traumatic pasts and the Duke and the Devil are particularly unsavory characters in this series (esp the Duke, he was infinitely more villain). Declan is more broken and held together by being many other people in addition to also assuming another person’s identity. He uses men and women as marks.
They are actually working toward the same goal on the hunt for real villains.
Imposters, both.
Sizzle, suspense, a mystery and plenty of action abound.
Recommend. .
Another enjoyable read from this author.
I loved Francesca’s determination and intelligence in working towards justice. I loved how she recognized the imbalance between how men and women are perceived, and did what she needed to do in spite of others’ attitudes. She didn’t let her loss hold her back, rather she used it to continuously move forward.
Chandler was Byrne’s usual tortured hero. He, too, had suffered immeasurable loss and was working to balance the scales of justice.
Some of the story is pretty predictable, but there were one or two twists that kept me sufficiently surprised. I would have liked for Chandler to have had more fond memories of Pippa throughout the story, if only so that his attitude change wasn’t a complete 180.
Still, the final scene had tears streaming down my face. The love between the two is so palpable it reaches out from the page to squeeze at the heart. Byrne is a favourite author because of her ability to invoke strong emotions, and I look forward to her next book with eager anticipation.
The Devil in Her Bed is the third story of three school friends, each with a dark secret, and all sworn to keep the confidences and protect each other. This Francesca’s story. Francesca wants to find and take revenge on the Crimson Council, the people she has learned were responsible for the massacre of her family. Chandler, known as the Devil of Dorsett among other names, is after exactly the same thing. Their goal for revenge is not the only thing they have in common. A long time ago they knew each other as Declan Chandler and Pippa Hargrave.
This is an intense, unpredictable story of revenge. It is also a dark, emotional love story. The chemistry between Francesca and Chandler is strong, but the mistrust is just as strong. Their story is filled with danger, betrayal, deception, and secrets. So many lies and so much pain must be reconciled before they have a chance for their happily ever after. Our hero and heroine are not alone. The other two Red Rogues and their husbands are right there with them. There are more than enough villains to go around, but the man at the top of the Crimson Council is a shocking surprise. I recommend this exciting page turner.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This is the third book in the Devil You Know Trilogy, a Dark Historical Romance. This is a series of interconnected stories, with intertwined characters, and an ongoing plot. The story is intricately well written. The main characters are both intriguing characters. She is strong, smart, brave, and capable. He is dark, and enigmatic. I like their powerful relationship. Their story is emotional, suspenseful, action packed, and captivating, filled with revenge, mystery, intrigue, and twists and turns. The cast of supporting characters is impressive, and they have an important part in this story. The world building is enthralling, and intricate. There is a lot going on in this story. This is a great conclusion to this trilogy. If you like Dark Historical Romance, this Series is for you. #NetGalley
The Devil In Her Bed was a fitting end to this wonderful trilogy. I’ve been waiting to devour Francesca’s story from the get. It did not disappoint. I loved watching her let her guard down, be vulnerable and fall in love under dangerous circumstances. I figured out the twists before they were revealed but that in no way took away from my enjoyment of the book. I’m going to miss the Red Rogues they captured my heart with their fierce loyalty and love for one another. If you haven’t read this series I highly recommend that you do. They are amazing.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
Both Chandler and Pippa, scarred by a tragic attack on their family, think each other dead. They both remake themselves into someone else. So much so, they don’t recognize each other when they meet many years later. They both have been seeking the people responsible to get revenge. Can they work together to finally get justice? I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my honest review.
Kerrigan Byrne’s novels are just amazing to me. They are always filled to the brim with sassy and engaging heroines and alpha heroes who give me all the swoons. I was absolutely obsessed with The Devil in Her Bed and could not get enough of Chandler and Francesca.
What I loved more than anything was how empowering and strong Francesca was. She was a woman on a mission and was one of the strongest heroines I have read from Byrne. I also loved the banter between Chandler and Francesca. Their interactions were outright funny but also quite sexy where I could feel the simmering tension between them.
Overall, this story was sexy and suspenseful. I absolutely loved this novel so much! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Holy cow this is an intense book of powerful emotions and deep secrets! I am emotionally wrung out and I stayed up too late to finish the book! I couldn’t put it down.
Francesca Cavendish, Countess of Mont Claire is an orphan and pretender. She’s the only one who survived the massacre at the Mont Claire estate in her childhood. She’s really Pippa, a child of the estate’s staff but she’s taken her best friend’s identity to enable her to to avenge everyone who were killed, especially her love Declan Chandler, a houseboy who saved her life. While at school she became one of the Red Rogues, sisters of the heart who support each other through thick and thin. She comes to the notice of The Devil of Dorset, a undercover spy & assassin for the government when he realizes they are crossing paths in their individual investigations of the the Crimson Council who appear to be responsible for the massacre.
The Devil of Dorset has many names and no one knows who he is. He’s a driven man wholly absorbed in bringing down the Crimson Council. It is run by a triad and one of the members was arrested in the previous book. They know one spot was vacant at the time of his arrest and now he’s after the head of the viper. He also knows Francesca from childhood and this woman doesn’t fit his memories of the child he once knew and loved. This begins the dangerous and twisted story of how they fell in love and solved the mysteries of the past.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A masterful conclusion to this series! I truly loved the fast paced engrossing story of Francesca and Chandler. This book is quintessential Byrne, reading it is like jumping on a fast moving train that never stops long enough for you to get off, and frankly you don’t want to! I loved the continued storyline from the other books in the series and the characters reoccurring in this book. It’s comforting and it makes a series worth read as a reader. You fall in love with the characters and get to do it over and over again every time you see them on the page. Francesca and Chandler combust on the page, long before they know of their past connections and that makes it even more special to watch it unfold as the reader. I cannot recommend the book enough, it is best enjoyed as a full series.
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of The Devil in her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own and nothing has influenced them.
The Devil in her Bed is a steamy historical with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. The pacing kept me enmeshed in the story from the start to the end. There’s plenty of action and suspense in this book.
I enjoyed the romance between Francesca and Chandler. The sexual tension between the couple is excellent. Their need to work together greatly added to the plot, and I really wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy historical romances with spies, exciting scenes and a fiery love affair, then you will love The Devil in her Bed. This is definitely not the normal historical romance. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Byrne, and I am sure it won’t be the last. Happy reading!
This was definitely my favorite book of the Devil You Know series. Francesca and Chandler had brilliant chemistry and the premise of Kerrigan Byrne’s lovely story telling for this book was as intriguing as it was engaging. These two characters have the most interesting back stories that gave the story an illicit and mysterious feel to it all the while having scorching chemistry.
I loved how the previous characters from the first two stories were brought back in this one and how that camaraderie played out from beginning to end in aiding the flow of this one. My favorite part of this one was the strength of this female lead. Francesca conveys a no-nonsense, witty, assertive, and brave female in a time when that “kind” of woman wouldn’t be taken overly seriously. I love her plight and and her attitude, her kindness and vulnerability, and how all those pieces complete a compelling feminine puzzle.
Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance stories never cease to entertain. She knows how to expertly match her characters to bring out the best and worst in both of them giving readers a whole and complete picture. While each book in the series can be read as a stand alone, I suggest reading from the beginning for a broader understanding and lots of excellent romance.
This was an amazing ending to the trilogy. We finally got to uncover who has been behind all the problems plaguing our heroes and heroines for years as well as discover more about the last red haired lady of the group, Francesca. I won’t say anything as it will give to much away. I leave it to you to uncover the secrets revealed in this fast paced page turner. I could not put this down and just flew through the book. I have discovered a new favourite author that will be an auto buy for me. Amazing job, keep up the great work!!
Pippa was raised in the Cavendish home with her parents who worked for them. One day a group of riders came to murder everyone in the house and burn it to the ground. That day Pippa lost her best friend Francesca and DeClan the boy she loved while trying to help her escape hid her and was then shot in the back. She was helped by Serana who talked her into taking the place of Francesca and from then on made it her purpose in life to seek out those murders and have her revenge. There is a lot of drama, action, suspense, and love that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy from NetGalley.
Oh. My. Word. This book has it all. Action, adventure, mystery, romance, chemistry, friendship. I think one my favorite things about a Kerrigan Byrne book is how she doesn’t hold back. The Devil in Her Bed opens with a James Bond style of opening where you’re thrown right into a high-tense action sequence. I loved our main characters right from the start. Francesca is not simply one of those independent, free-thinking women. Byrne takes her further. She can literally take our hero down and does so more than once. As the hero says, she is “magnificent” and I couldn’t agree more. Chandler is pretty amazing himself. A literal spy, I love his focus, power and strength. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and their backstories really got to me. The way she ties the end to the beginning made my heart sigh. I loved every part of this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a historical romance with an adventure aspect to it. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
CW: violence, parental abuse
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
The Red Rogues are back and ready to take on the Crimson Council in The Devil in Her Bed, the third book in the Devil You Know series! This historical romance follows Francesca, a woman who survived an unfathomable tragedy in her youth. One of the only survivors of an attack that killed her family, Francesca lives for revenge and won’t rest until she uncovers the leaders of the Crimson Council, who she believes directed the attack on her home.
The Devil of Dorset is a spy who works for the crown. A man with a mysterious past, he goes by many names. As his path crosses with Francesca, neither can resist the attraction they feel. However, with many secrets, the past, and Francesca’s need for revenge standing in their way, does this pair have a shot at love?
I adored this series and felt that The Devil in Her Bed was a fantastic conclusion! Francesca is a fierce, smart, and strong protagonist. She doesn’t need to rely on anyone to reach her goals and loves a fairly independent life, though she is extremely connected to her two best friends, Cecilia and Alexandra. Francesca lives for revenge and is close to uncovering the leaders of the Crimson Council.
The romance between Francesca and the Devil of Dorset is fiery, sexy, swoon-tastic, and one of my favorite parts of the novel. Their connected past is so painful and tragic, and it has affected them in profound ways. They both live with secrets and are fueled by revenge. However, they both show vulnerability when they are together. They have so much chemistry, and it is clear that their feelings run deep.
I also love that characters from the first two books in the series have important roles in this story. The Red Rogues are a family, and they and their partners help Francesca seek her revenge. This found family aspect is another one of my favorite elements of the story, as is the depiction of strong, independent women. Francesca, Alexandra, and Cecilia are great friends and strong allies, and I loved watching their relationships deepen and expand.
The story is unpredictable, with one particularly shocking revelation. The plot highlights the corruptive nature of power and the dark side of society, and the deeper Francesca digs, the darker and more nefarious the Crimson Council’s intentions appear. Deceit, manipulation, murder, and more make for a suspenseful story filled with intrigue and tension. I like that, just when I thought I figured everything out about the characters and the Crimson Council, Byrne managed to shock me with plot twists and character revelations.
Kerrigan Byrne is a master storyteller with a knack for crafting well-layered and captivating stories with intriguing characters. I loved this series and am a bit sad that it’s over! Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Kerrigan Byrne for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this series from start to finish! The first installment, How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was my first introduction to Kerrigan Byrne’s work and now I am working on devouring her entire backlist. This series though, has a special place in my heart. Two of the Red Rogues have found their matches, leaving Francesca with her relentless drive toward revenge. Francesca is an army of one; a jack of all trades really. She is fierce, witty, with a sharp mind and tongue. Out of all three rogues, she is my favorite! Chandler, the Devil of Dorset, works for the crown and has a bit of that tortured hero background that motivates him.
The barely restrained passion fills each interaction between Francesca and Chandler. Watching them both struggle to keep a cool head, and failing, while trading barbs was endlessly entertaining and a bit blush inducing. The Crimson Council is back, front and center in this final installment and it was interesting to see a bit of the inner workings of the council.
As much as I loved this story, the ending had a tinge of bitterness for me. In fact, I waffled between 4.5-5 stars until I used my husband as a sounding board. Francesca and Chandler fit together so well, their strengths complement the other’s weaknesses. And yet throughout the relationship, that specter from their past felt ever present for me and gave this HEA a bittersweet feel. To have that feeling and still feel willing to give five stars is just a testament to how well Kerrigan Byrne crafted her characters. I desperately wanted fairytale endings because all of these charming characters deserve it after all that they have been through.
Basically, what I’m telling you is to pick this series up. Start with book one because all three books are fabulous in their own way. I will warn that the prologues are a bit brutal so if you have TW issues make sure to look up the warnings for this series. Byrne handles each topic (violence, rape, murder, child abuse, and others) with grace and sensitivity. As brutal as the scenes are, it is far from being trauma porn. ANYWAY. Read this series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 So Many Answers Stars!!!
I have been consumed by this series and have wanted Francesca’s story since I first met her in How to Love A Duke in 10 Days and I have to say Ms. Bryne, in my opinion, saved the best for last when it comes to these books. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORED Alexandra and Cecelia’s stories, but there’s just something about this book that spoke to me on an entirely other level!!
My heart was in my throat the entire first chapter. I knew what had happened all those years ago based on what Francesca has said in previous books. But to have it all played out in black and white was truly devastating!! I’m in awe of this young woman and how she survived.
But with this survival comes an all consuming need for answers and revenge and this is where the story takes a turn that is not surprising but definitely shocking. I understand what Francesca needed to due and when she crosses the path of The Devil of Dorset she’s crossed a line that will change her life and what she’s seeking for the rest of her life.
I loved how there was almost an awe they each had for each other but wouldn’t admit to right away. Francesca bests him a few times and he’s never encountered a woman like her and he LOVES it!! There’s also this underlying attraction that comes alive when they decide they’re fighting for the same thing!
I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll just say this, Ms. Bryne has written a book and series that I’ll read again and again. I admire who these women are and what they become as adults. The inner and sometimes outer strength is fabulous. Very unheard of in their time but they march to the beat of their own drummer. Chandler and Francesca two peas in the same pod, it just takes them a while to realize it and that together, they’ll get all the answers and revenge they’ve been looking for all these years!!