"The only man who even growled in a Scottish accent"....that describes Ramsay perfectly! When I first started reading this story, I wasn't too sure about it because it was a bit confusing but once I really got into it, I couldn't stop reading!!

Ramsay is the type of hero you can rely on and even though he can be cold and brutal, he really does have a heart. When you read about his childhood, be ready to have tissues nearby....the same with Cecelia's childhood. These are two lost souls who don't realize they're lost and it isn't until they come together that they realize they complete each other. So much stands in their way, though....danger, murders, child trafficking, etc. Lots of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes as well!

The only thing I really didn't like was the fact that it was mentioned over and over again, in fact throughout the story, how fat, thick, chubby, Cecelia is. There really was no reason to keep reminding the reader of it, I found all it did was put her down.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know Series and it follows the story of Cecilia and Ramsay. Ramsay is known for his ruthless cunning. He can turn on the charm at a moment's notice and likes to be number one in all things. As the Chief Justice of the High Court, he never expected that his next mission would turn his world upside down....Cecilia's life has been anything but easy. Her future looked dire until a secret benefactor came into the picture. Suddenly Cecilia finds herself in a life she never expected. She's is forced to live two lives: one as a proper, respectable lady, and the other as the owner of a gaming establishment. She's intrigued by Lord Ramsay but doesn't know how long she keeps up with her two lives. Only time will tell what will happen when truths and secrets are revealed...

Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable read. I will be the first to admit that it did take me some time to get into the plot, but once I did, I was hooked. The plot of this story is complex and has a lot of moving pieces. I really enjoyed Cecilia and Ramsay together. They were total opposites and rocked the perfect enemies to lovers' vibe. They kept me intrigued and coming back for more. I wasn't sure if I was going to love Ramsay, but what can I say, I have a thing for the "anti" hero of the story. 

All Scot and Bothered thrilled me and intrigued me. This story was everything I was looking for and had just the right amount of danger and romance with some delicious angst and twists that I didn't see coming. The only complaint I have about this story is that I found the ending somewhat lacking. It felt a bit abrupt and wishing that we were given just a little more. 

When it's all said and done, All Scot and Bothered was a terrific read to spend my evening getting swept up in. I easily finished this book in a single sitting and I look forward to seeing what adventure lies ahead for us readers in the next book!

**4.5 Stars**

With a contemptuous romance rooted in the sheer separation of position in society, All Scot & Bothered was as satisfying as it was enjoyable. The breadth of tension and connection that Byrne created between the two main characters was positively delicious and it was all too easy to become enamored by them. This was historical enemies to lovers done well.

The characters were individually well written and explored, creating threads that would eventually connect them. Having loved Cecelia in the first book, exploring her background was painful yet necessary to understanding her in the present. She was this deep-feeling being who found love and acceptance through her made family, and I adored her spark and openness. She contrasted so, so perfectly with the prim, justice-seeking High Court Justice Ramsay—a man built on refusing all of his baser needs. A man so primal and visceral in his wants long ignored that he comes alive upon his attraction to the voluptuous woman he can’t possibly have. Seeing him unravel and her become affected over the course of their tension-filled back-and-forth was positively addictive and I loved every moment of it.

This series has done so well at building strong female characters who’ve rebuilt themselves from trauma and creating this fantastic sisterhood of support and love, and Byrne added even more depth to the our Red Rogues. A great love story, but moreover a great story of character growth and learning to love yourself.

The hero is the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court.

The heroine is a brilliant mathematician who also happens to own a gaming hell where some of the women employees are have sex on the side for money.

His name is Cassius Gerard Ramsey. Her name is Cecelia Teague, or Henrietta Thistledown or the Scarlet Lady.

Both of these people have ambivalent feelings about one another.

He lusts after Cecilia as well as Henrietta. But, he also considers Henrietta to be a criminal who must be stopped. He believes she is involved in kidnapping children and putting them into sex trafficking.

She finds Ramsey interesting and powerful. But, she also fears him and believes that he will stop at nothing to find her guilty, prosecute her and possibly have her hung.

For me the book had a great deal of contradictions.

Cecilia came from a childhood that was horrendous. She had been emotionally and physically abused. But, because of an unknown benefactor, she received a good education. She has two very good friends who support her in all she does. She is a combination of naivety and shrewd thought processes.

Ramsey came from an abusive background which created a man who believes in right and wrong in black and white. But his inner thoughts are filled with lust and desire for Cecilia.

The book has strong secondary characters who add a great deal to the story.

Cecilia and Ramsey are both characters who are interesting on one level. At times, I felt that both of them slowed the action by having a great deal of inner angst. They are each intelligent and capable of behaving like the lead characters they are. I would have liked Cecilia to be a little more consistent in her feelings. Ramsey when he is in his full of lust mode, is very funny.

This is well written. Ms Byrne is a talented author who has a real talent for description.
She creates characters who are fully developed and complete humans. I like that a great deal.

For me, this book was too dark in spots. Yes, I am well aware the world is not all fun and games. But, I read historical fiction for light entertainment. A portion of this story did not feel light. The portion of the book which dealt with human trafficking made me feel uncomfortable.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

This book is what you want from a historical romance. A hero undone. A super strong heroine. A bit of adventure. I loved it. All Scot and Bothered features Cecelia and Ramsay. Cecelia has a rough start to life until an unknown benefactor comes along and changes her life. When this mysterious benefactor dies, Cecelia inherits a gaming hell and school for girls among other things. Almost immediately, Ramsay shows up at her door as he is the Chief Justice and is investigating a series of kidnappings and suspect that Cecilia has something to do with it. The two are instantly at odds..

I really enjoyed how this story played out. I love a strong heroine and Cecilia and her friends are exactly that. I have not read their stories but they are immediately going on my TBR. Then the fact that Ramsay is a stubborn Scot. Totally swoon worthy. The bit of mystery adds much to the story and really puts into play that initial conflict between the two. Plus, Byrne's writing is just so good. It's almost like every word is chosen so carefully and they are the exact right ones. I could not put this book down. It's truly fantastic and one that has put Byrne on my must-read authors list in the future.

I think I may have given Kerrigan Byrne more 5 Star ratings than the vast majority of authors but this book while engrossing was a bit less since it seemed to wander around a bit before it would move the story along. Now that that is said I loved the book, the story was wonderful but you had two people that started out being hard to like (especially our hero) so you have to work through that but the trip is worth it . Since he spend a good 1/3 of the book thinking she is a madam of a "house of ill repute" and then under some other misconceptions until late in the book it was a story that kept you on your toes and saying to yourself "Why doesn't he/she just do __" because you want these two very stubborn people to fall in love (I mean that is why we read these things) but there is a lot of adventure in this book also and some near death experiences that keep you guessing the "whodunnit" parts of the story but here again I was not dissatisfied with the ending but felt it was not up to the 5 Star ending I have come to expect from Kerrigan Byrne so 4 Stars and still a book you don't want to miss but I guess no author hits a home-run every time but this was very close :)

CW/TW: child abuse, child trafficking

*sobbing* the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one...

Okay tbh I've been down with Cassius Ramsay as a hero ever since he was described in the first book as a golden archangel compared to his brother Piers' dark, so sue me I'm shallow.

The premise was also interesting - Cecilia, one of Alexandra's best friends, and Ramsay knew each other through Alexandra and Piers obviously and there was a little zing between them, but then Cecilia found out that she inherited a gambling den from her late aunt, of whom Ramsay has been trying to pin down as a child trafficker 5ever. So now what?

I just love Cecilia with my whole heart and soul. She's so kindhearted and full of love to give. The angst between her and Ramsay (boy has baggage) is chef's kiss. There were a lot of conversations around trust and worthiness that I enjoyed but also was frustrated about because YOU BOTH DESERVE EACH OTHER, DEMMIT!!!

Anyway, I have a feeling that Francesca's book is going to be my most favourite out of three, for reasons I cannot say because major spoilers - can't wait!

This book was great. Well worth the lost time, the scot is grumpy and in need of some sunshine, enter the heroine. You will laugh, you will cry. You will want to scream. Over all a great book.

Cecilia is rescued from an abusive childhood by a wealthy benefactor. It is all very mysterious, as is her eventual inheritance of a gaming establishment. She is forced to keep her true identity a secret as she falls in love. Great romance!

Kerrigan Byrne consistently delivers for me as an author. This second book in the Devil You Know series focuses on the second member of the Red Rogues, Cecilia. (If you didn't read the first book in this series, though, don't worry... it holds up fine as a standalone.) Our heroine is curvy and brilliant and amazingly positive, despite the fact she had a horrible childhood. What I like about her is that she likes herself, despite so many voices that tell her she shouldn't. That she should dim her light. She is happy to be smart and to indulge in the things that give her joy, whether it's math or chocolate, or as the story begins... the inheritance of a gaming hell and school for girls. Though it's unorthodox, she sees its value and wants to use it to make a difference.

Enter Ramsay, her best friend's brother in law, and a man who has built his life on law and order. He's been working to take down the school, convinced it is a front for something more nefarious. He doesn't realize at first that Cecilia, the woman he is so taken with, is the same woman who now runs the place.

I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll stop there with the plot. I will say I really enjoyed both main characters. Ramsay is so buttoned up, but his rigidity is his mask and his comfort. Deep down, he just doesn't feel good enough and that sort of thing is my catnip in a hero. I really enjoyed watching him fight his feelings for Cecilia, particularly after her secret is out. (Thankfully, it doesn't take too long... I hate a Big Secret trope.) She wears down his hard edges with her softness. And when his walls come down, they are lovely together. Best of all, Cecilia never has to sacrifice who she is to find a way into his heart.

Another winner from this author. Would recommend.

Cecilia was a freaking cool character, loved her. And Ramsey was so tough, but so vulnerable underneath. Their cat and mouse until they finally gave in was fantastic.

The plot however was a bit confusing to me, some logical leaps to be made, and didn't 100% gel with the romantic story for me. This took me out of it, and I can see it all coming to an end in Frank's book, but I wanted a bit more closure and cohesion in this one.

My goodness, where do I even begin with this novel? It has been a solid three hours since I finished this novel, and I am still sweating from the intensity. Kerrigan Byrne has truly outdone herself. I had read How to Love a Duke in Ten Days back in June, and adored it! So when I was granted the opportunity to read the second installment of this trilogy. Let me just say, I was NOT disappointed.

All Scot and Bothered tells the tale of a shy yet spirited spinster by the name of Cecilia Teague. As an orphan who endured many a trauma as a young girl, she was allowed to turn her life around thanks to a mysterious figure that’s a lot closer to her than expected. She suddenly inherits not only a gaming hell but all that lies within it.

Enter The Vicar of Vice himself, the brutish Scotsman turned Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, Cassius Gerard Ramsay. Guided by his unrelenting passion, he is set on dismantling-no, destroying the gaming hell that has put a strain on his life.

The adoration I have for this novel has no bounds. It became an instant favorite of mine. I put my tablet down at various times just to gesture wildly at the twists and turns, especially towards the end.

Cecilia is my favorite type of heroine. She is fiery yet gentle, but never meek. She held her own when given a challenge. She was capable of her herself, and she knew it. I loved everything about her. Something I would like to applaud Byrne for is the discussion of Cecilia's body. Cecilia is fat. While she internalized the fatphobia she has experienced, she never speaks ill of her body. The only time that fear of perception is seen is when she is intimate with Cassius.

With Cassius, I had to grow to love him. The pious vigilante archetype has never sat well with me. He was relentless to the point of viciousness, but his journey was a worthy one to watch. There were visible points of growth in his treatment towards Cecilia and her peers. Not only that, but he learned how to be kinder to himself. Cassius is a Byronic hero through and through, but his HEA is just as fulfilling as Cecilia's.

All in all, this story was fantastic! I am buzzing with excitement for the conclusion of this electrifying trilogy. Kerrigan Byrne has worked true magic, and I am under her spell.

Unfortunately, I could not get into this book. I tried several times, but it’s just not for me. I will try again but I found it boring and very slow moving. Sorry!

I loved this story. The characters were well-devised, and the plot was filled with intrigue, mystery and passion. The plot's twists and turns kept me turning the pages trying to figure out which dastardly character was the culprit. I would love to read the next one in the series. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Woa! The sexual tension between the hero and heroine as amazing. Not only that, but I really liked both characters. The story was a bit different than the usual HR novel, and so that added to my enjoyment. The villain was a bit predictable, but that's probably my only major ciriticism.

**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date September 29, 2020.***

4 – 4.5 stars

All Scot and Bothered is the 2nd book in the “Devil You Know” series by Kerrigan Byrne. I LOVE the premise of this series: strong, smart, WELL-EDUCATED females not afraid to do what needs to be done because it’s the right thing to do … um, yes, please! The sad thing is, I was about ready to DNF the book about a third of the way through due to the unwillingness of the main male character (Ramsey) to see or listen to anything that was outside his very narrow-viewed mindset.

I am glad that I stuck with it though … I ADORE Cecelia’s character. She’s very loyal and protective of those she considers in her safe-keeping, and not afraid to speak up for them.

Now off to find other books by Kerrigan until time for Francesca’s story!

Kerrigan Bryne has done it again. I can never say enough. She writes with so much feeling I am transported into an emotional journey that will involve great struggle and angst. This story is not as dark as her previous, but if you like a more light hearted love story I wouldn't suggest Bryne, but I haven't disliked a story of hers yet.

Ramsay and Cecelia are both struggling to find a place in the world in which they can be happy. Through friends and family they first meet and there is an instant connection, but it isn't until they meet again disguised that the attraction becomes more. I loved how Cecelia became more confident throughout the story and how Ramsay always reassured her that he liked her just the way she is. With her trademark snarky dialogue this was easily another winner.


If there was one thing I could say that I didn't like as much it would be the cover. While, I love the colors and the couple's position I didn't feel like Cecelia was rightly shown. She is a heroine with more to love and I wanted to see a cover honor that character. I thought after seeing two previous historical romance covers that featured a more curvy heroine that was becoming more normal.

This book became less and less enjoyable the closer to the end I got - I really enjoyed the first quarter, but my interest quickly began to wane. Cecelia inherits a gambling hall (the profits from which funds a school for girls) from an aunt she never knew about; the man she's most drawn to, Ramsay, is also known as the Vicar of Vice and has a vendetta against Cecelia's dead aunt. Ramsay is determined to see Cecelia hanged, and Cecelia is determined to get to the bottom of a complex mystery her aunt died trying to solve.

At first, I was hopeful: Cecelia defends Ramsay, who's Scottish, when a French nobleman says that Scotsmen are savages and brutes. Plus, Cecelia has inherited a gambling den, is a talented mathematician - I was looking forward to some unabashed girl power reading.

Unfortunately, that ended pretty quickly. Despite Cecelia's early defense of Scottish people, she almost immediately starts constantly referring to Ramsay as savage, brutish, and so on - and talks a lot about how she as a woman, no matter how independent she thinks she is, will always need a savage male to protect her. She's also pretty sex-work-shaming for someone who has inherited a place staffed by sex workers, and Ramsay is even worse. Ramsay calls Cecelia some really cruel names and hurls a lot of insults at her (and says he wants to see her hanged!), and he just gets away with it. The mystery Cecelia's aunt left behind comes in and out of the plot, and it turns out her aunt may not have been a nice person.

Finally, in the last pages, the book introduces the first sapphic character and the first character of color, both of whom are involved in the conspiracy behind some heinous crimes in the book. Not all representation is helpful - in a book of white, straight characters, it sends a powerful message when the only characters who differ from the norm are conscience-less villains. It's damaging, and alienating.

So, no, I won't be recommending this, to anyone. This felt like if an author took themes from Sarah Maclean's books, then decided to de-fang the them, so that a feminist heroine doesn't challenge any status quo and only works to preserve systems that oppress her.

Melt-your-Kindle hot and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

"When you grow, you are going to devastate men."

Cecelia Teague's early days broke me. I cried for her - like ugly cried for her. I could feel her fear and loneliness, her anguish and self-doubt. Thank God for the woman who swooped in and saved her, a woman Cecelia never met, but one who'd been friends with her mother. Cecelia was sent to a boarding school, which nurtured her penchant for math and her love of learning. There she met her life-long friends and other members of the Red Rogue. Soon after graduating, Cecelia learned her benefactor had willed her a gambling hall. But it's not just a gambling hall, there are secrets within its walls that yearn to destroy her, and the women she desires to protect.

"She'd an air of softness he'd never before witnessed, and it boggled the mind how he could be both aroused and comforted by her all at once."

Ramsey's character is not easy to love at first sight. He's arrogant, condescending, and sanctimonious. His honor and image are so important to him that they sometimes cloud the truth. When we learn of his childhood, everything made sense; his trust issues, his need to be viewed as respectable and worthy. When he met Cecelia, his brain scrambled right from wrong. All he could think about was her and being with her. Any time she was in danger, he was there. He was her savior and protector. Even though he felt doing so was against his morals. He fought so hard to maintain his view on the world that he almost lost Cecelia to the truth.

"She haunted him. Nay, she possessed him like a demon that refused to be exorcised."

The chemistry between these characters was dynamic. Their push and pull created great banter and sexual tension.

I appreciated the growth both of these characters experienced. Ramsay learned to be vulnerable and trust, and Cecelia, while she'd always been caring, learned to trust herself and fight for herself and others. Her 'take me as I am' attitude was honorable.

I've not read a book by this author that I didn't love. She writes about strong women and redeemed men. Her stories are always romantic and always hope-filled.

All Scot and Bothered, was passionate, dynamic, and inspiring.