Cover Image: All Scot and Bothered

All Scot and Bothered

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I absolutely loved this story! I actually listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Derek Perkins.
The story itself has a dark, and interesting plot with the H, Cassius Ramsay, being the strong and rather stiff type. But there are reasons for his behavior. Cecelia Teague is a young woman raised to be a lady thrown into this world with the passing of a relative who has left her a legacy.
The two characters clash as they are drawn by their attraction to each other and the story has explosive elements.
Thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it

Was this review helpful?

Despite my efforts over the past few months, connecting with this story has proven challenging. While I enjoyed the first book in the series and have been a fan of every other work by this author, this particular installment doesn't resonate with me. I find it difficult to relate to the hero, and the plot remains elusive to me. My overall impression is rather lukewarm, and I've already glimpsed the ending, yet I haven't mustered the motivation to read every word. This book, unfortunately, feels like a constant struggle—I pick it up only to set it down again.

Was this review helpful?

This was such an enjoyable read - the pacing was excellent and I was interested all the way through. I loved the main characters and the primary side characters, and the story didn't have any of the tropes that bug me (love triangles, silly heroines running into danger so that they need rescue, etc.) I also have to commend the author for the non-traditional heroine - there was no fat shaming - in fact, from day 1, Ramsey is extremely attracted to Cecelia just as she is, and he revels in her body. There was also no math shaming (I have to love that as a math teacher).

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. I'm especially excited that it allowed me to find a new author and series that I can read more of!

Was this review helpful?

Book One wasn’t for me, but this was a delight. I had no issue having DNF’d the previous book. I enjoy her writing, the dedication to historical context and believability.

Was this review helpful?

No longer reading or reviewing due to authors problematic and argumentative behavior with readers on Instagram.

Was this review helpful?

Really loved this book!

It’s original, fresh and fun!

I really like how strong the heroine is in this story. The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.

If you love Regency romance, this one is not to be missed!

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this. Fast paced, easy to connect with the characters. Well written. Funny and playful read. Love the romance level. Not to over the top. Easy weekend read

Was this review helpful?

Apologies for the late response on this title, and apologies for clogging up an inbox on old titles.

While I am aware it's obvious, I have chosen not to read/review this title.

As always, I appreciate access to titles and look forward to the next one...which I have likely already read based on how long ago this title was published.

Thanks, again.

Was this review helpful?

ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED is an exceptional must read. It's a stirring tale of two tortured past characters, Cecelia and Ramsey. They are bold, complex and emotionally charged characters. Their story is well-written, beautifully paced and full of suspense, down to the last chapter.

Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I usually love Kerrigan Byrne's books but this one was a struggle for me. The plot didn't feel fully developed. This author's prose is something that I am used to but it felt overdone here. Love this author but this just wasn't a favorite.

Was this review helpful?

All the delicious angst and tension of a historical romance! I just love Kerrigan Byrne and her books, and All Scot and Bothered is no exception. Cecilia and Ramsay have great chemistry, and the plot is filled with action with a swoon-worthy ending that has her signature all over it. If you're a fan, definitely don't miss this book. If you've never heard of her, don't miss out!

Was this review helpful?

Kerrigan Byrne really is the queen of the edgy, darker, sexually tense romance, I thought I was lost with The Duke with the Dragon Tatto but this one is stunning!!!
Gorgeous cover!
Amazingly atmospheric story!
Gloriously sexy and seductive characters!
Just mind-blowing!!

Was this review helpful?

This was amazing. Dark and angsty. Exactly how I live my books. Brilliant writing and great chemistry!!! Loved it.

Was this review helpful?

A very dark start for a historical romance.

It was an interesting idea that the hero falls in love with one heroine and detesting the other, that are one and the same. A bit cheesy, but cute. A lot of angst. The series is good and I will continue to read more.

Was this review helpful?

FINAL DECISION: I was bored by this book. The story, the hero and heroine, nothing interested me. I felt the story was more interested in complaining about women's role in the world rather than the romance.

THE STORY: Cecelia Teague has a secret benefactor from whom she inherits a girls' school -- and a gambling establishment. This unwittingly places her in opposition to one of her best friend's brother-in-law, Cassius Gerard Ramsay, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, who has made it his mission to investigate the establishment and bring to justice those who are engaging in illegal activities. Taking on a disguise, Cecelia confronts Ramsay who finds himself attracted to both the innocent Cecelia and her alter ego.

OPINION: Disappointing book. There is no fire here. The book was dull and so were the characters. The book feels like the author wanted to tell a story about a woman rejecting conventions of her time and then grafted the romance upon the story. As a result, neither the characters nor the romance had any interest.

I read romance books for the romance between the characters -- not about the self-actualization of women or their feminist ideas. I'm not against either of those things, but if the romance is not primary, then it is not really a romance to me. Yes, there is the relationship focus in the book, but the characters felt bland.

This is the worst of Byrne's books I've read. The decline from the Victorian Rebels series is serious and I would not recommend reading this one. It seemed rather pointless.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a darling little girl who is central to the story.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED is the second book in the Devil You Know series. The romance here is self-contained and while characters from the first book are in this book, this book can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 1.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I love Kerrigan Byrne's writing style. I simply do. She has a way of bringing angst, ache and longing into a story in a meaningful and beautiful way. This novel is not an exception.
Both Ramsay and Cecelia have tragic childhoods marked by loneliness and abuse. It was really interesting to see how that past shaped them in a different way: Ramsay is cold and shut to emotions while Cecelia lives to help and care for others. I love how they complement each other and bring the best in each other. There's intrigue, danger and mysteries that unfold at the last minute that make this story a beautiful read.

Was this review helpful?

I had high expectations for this one and I did like the book eventually, but...
I've got to say that I love Kerrigan Byrne's writing and her characters, but the hero in this one - Ramsay was such a rude guy(trying not to swear lol), I didn't even want the heroine to end up with him at one point. His own friend Piers calls him out on it and I was glad for that. He does make up for it later and I don't expect my heroes to be perfect, but it was annoying at first when he was so judgemental towards the heroine, I did love Cecilia though! She really kept this book going for me and I was glad for that! I hope the next one's better as I'm quite excited for that couple!

Was this review helpful?

This was the second book that I’ve read by this author and unfortunately we do not click. Maybe it was me who might have read these at the wrong time, but I could not get into it and ended up putting them down. It’s been a good year and I still can’t finish. So it’s time to just leave it be.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

This series revolves around three women: Alexandra, Cecelia, and Francesca. The trio call themselves the Red Rogues. Each book in the series can act as a standalone. The first book is Alexandra’s story. The second is Cecilia’s and the final book is Francesca’s.

Cecelia is a heroine to marvel. She is utter kindness and brilliance, even though she has very real fears. She endured a harsh childhood but revels in life as an adult.

Cecelia inherits a gambling establishment and decides, with the help of the Red Rogues, to turn her new home into a school for young girls. A haven to the girls whose fathers and brothers died on her own late husband’s ship. Because of her own background, Cecelia is adamant about supporting women and their rights, and this is her first step to do that.

Upon beginning this process of establishing her school, Cecelia’s overbearing neighbor, Cassius Ramsay (a chief justice) blazes into her home. This is not one of those “put your best foot forward” times. Cassius grossly miscalculates Cecelia and her purpose, but he makes it well-known that he is determined to bring hell upon one of the most notorious gaming halls. He was intimidating and scary, but Cecelia doesn’t cower.

The writing brings flawed characters, witty banter, and heated controversies. Cassius is a hard man, skeptical and wary. He stands in conviction that he is a man without fault.

Cecelia is struggling to understand all that she’s inherited from her aunt, including her role as The Scarlet Lady. She doesn’t know the full breadth of her aunt’s business dealings or anything about the villainous Crimson Council.

While Cassius is not entirely convinced about Cecelia or her school exploit, he does begin to see beyond his career. He almost takes it upon himself to become the protector and helper for Cecelia and the girls. Slowly, the pair build a foundation of trust with an overpowering sexy chemistry.

With Cassius’s role as a chief justice and his drive to bring down certain entities in town, things get convoluted when Cecelia gets mixed up in her ignorance of her aunt’s previous dealings. Cassius is bent on ending the kidnapping and sex trafficking, and both wind up tangling with the Crimson Council.

Was this review helpful?

This was so GOOD!!! I absolutely love Kerrigan Byrne and her writing style!! I adored book one but I think this may be a new favorite for me from her! I thought the concept was a lot of fun with having Cecelia and Ramsay fall for each other, while he’s actually hating the other side of her not knowing that it’s her! It was so different and built so much suspense!!! THE ANGST WAS KILLING ME IN THE BEST WAY!!! Then the romance that came out of it was just beautiful and I was smiling so hard at the end!! I loved this one so much!!

Was this review helpful?