Cecelia Teague was an orphan and facing a very difficult life when an anonymous benefactor comes into her life and sends her to an elite boarding school and then to university. She became best friends with two other girls. All three are smart and wealthy enough not to have to worry about life and support each other though life’s ups and downs. Then… without warning her benefactor dies and leaves her a gambling establishment that supports a woman’s school. Now faced with having to live two lives: one as the Scarlet Lady owner of a notorious gambling hell and one as a respectable lady of the ton who is falling for Lord Ramsey. Unfortunately, it is Lord Ramsey that wants to catch the Scarlett Lady and put her in jail.

The book was really slow and poorly conceptualized at the beginning. It is a very complex story and took a little patience to get into the swing of it. Once the storyline got sorted out it was a fun read. Overall, I did like the first book in the series better than this one, mostly because I had a hard time liking our hero until half way through. The overall story is unique and I enjoyed the last half of the novel.

The next Red Rogue, Cecelia, gets her story here with Piers half-brother, [Cassius] Ramsay. Most of my rating is for Cecelia, who although she could be a bit too good to be true at times, was really a sweet and decent person. Ramsay, while I liked him in parts, veered to the hot or cold sides frequently and without warning. A lot of Ramsay reminded me of Argent in The Hunter, only on the right side of the law. He was noble, but it came out wrong a lot of the time. Cecelia definitely gave him too many chances for his behavior.

There were several cute and funny moments at least, though far too many references equating Ramsay's Scottish heritage to being fierce, wild, beastly, etc. I get it, I even like Scot romances for this, but you really get beat over the head with it here. I was not crazy about the Phoebe storyline; it kind of wrapped everything up too cutely.

I was glad to see Alex and Francesca again, and the ladies' interaction. On the whole, I'm enjoying this series, and can't wait for Francesca & Chandler's (I assume) story in the finale.

Pride and Perfectionism

Right from their first scene together, you can feel the palpable heat between Ramsay and Cecelia. He's instantly drawn to her yet knows he shouldn't:

"A living sin, was Cecelia Teague. A wicked brew of both innocence and indulgence. The female equivalent of a truffle."

But their next meeting is when everything threatens to explode in passionate fury! The fire between these two is like poetic chemistry, yet the secrets between them prove nearly insurmountable.

The story unfolds at a fast pace, leaving the reader almost as breathless as the characters who are trying to figure out who they can trust and just how far they'll have to go for answers. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book, due in equal parts to the outside threats against them and the inner turmoil they felt for each other.

The writing is filled with heartbreaking emotive scenes, deliciously bawdy humor, triumphant stand-up-and-cheer moments, and gut-wrenching honesty that leads to a realization that neither of them should have to give up their essential purpose in life to be together, making their HEA all but impossible to believe in.

These characters truly came to life in unexpected ways. I adored Cecelia's scientific approach to learning everything, and I cheered for her indomitable spirit even when faced with losing everything dear to her. I swooned for Ramsay when he demonstrated that even though he couldn't understand why he felt so drawn to her, he wouldn't hesitate to burn the whole world down to protect her from everything and everyone who is threatening her.

The surprise twist at the end had me close to tears, and searching back through the book for clues that might have prepared me for such a revelation. The scene describing how his own heart nearly broke at the realization of how close he came to destroying everything he could ever want was written with such sensitivity that it was pure literary magic. The bigger they are, the harder they fall indeed.

While this book is a complete standalone with a tremendously satisfying HEA, reading it is enriched by having read the first book (How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) which gives a much more detailed account of the three Red Rogues, what ties them together, and why they're so fiercely loyal to each other. Observant readers will also be able to piece together clues in both this and the previous book to gain a few insights into the third book's characters and history.

I love this story, love this series, and will read anything written by this talented author. If you're a fan of historical romances, you don't want to miss this one. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I have been thrilled with this series. I adore these three Red Rogues and their unbreakable bond. Like the first in this series, All Scot and Bothered is filled with mystery, suspense, wit, romance, and hope. Though these characters have suffered such dark and tragic pasts, the wit, banter, and thrill of the mystery keep readers from being mired down in the darker elements.
This book was the quintessential adversaries to lovers book. I was sucked right in to all the obstacles these two faced. They may have lusted for each other from the start, but they certainly didn’t trust each other. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing two characters discover what they thought was boiling hatred is really sizzling passion. I loved watching that complete progression of feelings unfold. First impressions are shattered, secrets uncovered, and trust strengthened as love conquers all.
Anything Kerrigan Byrne writes is a must read for me. Her writing is impeccable- flowing and eloquent. The growth that occurs with her characters for romance to blossom is extraordinary. She has a real knack for taking a tried and true trope and giving it a fresh twist.
Fans of her Victorian Rebels series will be thrilled with this Devil You Know series. It has all the steam, scandals, and secrets I’ve come to anticipate in her books. I am so anxious to see what Kerrigan Byrne has in store for me next. There’s a luscious hint to it in this book and I am already counting the days till Francesca’s story.

"All Scot and Bothered (Devil You Know Book 2)" by Kerrigan Byrne
A never a dull moment historical romance with some suspense-filled didn't see that coming surprises. There are some spicy scenes, well per my personal spice/non-spice gauge. If you are not in the market for spice in your reading; you can easily skip those parts, just as I have a tendency to do. I did thoroughly enjoy my time in this story which can be read as a stand-alone. And, if you have not read book 1 (How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) that too can be read as a stand-alone story. Meanwhile, I think this is a worthy read. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher this is my honest review.

I loved the writing style of this author and the book has it all: romance, intrigue, and a good storyline. It was a great escape.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

In true Kerrigan Byrne fashion, there’s heartache and healing, and all kinds of love mixed in. My heart is happy.

This was a really nice story and whilst it was a bit of a slower start that I am used too, the story soon picked up and took shape.

I thought that the characters were good, strong and well developed. The plot was well planned out and developed and there was the right amount of content for me and it let the story flow really well.

I thought that it was well written and it held my attention.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended! I really enjoyed it!

Absolutely loved this. If you want a fun romance, this is it. I have enjoyed all of Kerrigan Byrne's novels so far but this is probably my favorite. #netgalley

Yummmmm, a sexy, brooding scot, and a sweet sexy bluestocking. I enjoyed the sexy hot chemistry once these two got together, and could have easily read a few more sexy scenes. This author has a way with words that makes the pages fly by. I loved the story with amazing characters and side stories, can’t wait to read more.

Kerrigan always brings it ! Sexy, funny , hot, intriguing . Cass and Cecilia were drawn together from day one! It was sent long before they couldn’t fight it. Great book

Rated 4.5 Stars

All Scot and Bothered was pretty good. It’s a historical romance with mystery, suspense and a bit of action. I adored it. I love repressed, prim and proper heroes and if they’re grumpy too I’m in heaven. Cassius hit all these buttons and so much more. I loved that Cecelia was shy yet also bold when she needed to be. I loved their courtship and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Although I did not love this book as much as the first in the series, I still enjoyed it and thought Cecelia and Ramsay interesting and appealing characters. I like the author's style of writing and will look forward to the third story.

All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne is the second book in the Devil You Know series. This series follows three friends for life who met at school and formed a triumvirate, promising to support each other through all their shenanigans in school and in life. This time the story evolves around Cecilia Teague who started life as an orphan, in the care of an abusive pastor.

Cecilia is rescued by an interesting woman and discovers that a secret patron has provided for her education and later leaves her a gambling hell, one that has come under the scrutiny of Cassius Ramsey, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. Ramsey finds himself enthralled by Cecilia when they meet publicly but has no idea that she is the owner of the gambling hell, which leads to some very interesting encounters!

Another satisfying book this this series, I'm looking forward to the third book! I do have to say, I enjoyed this novel for the sole reason that Cecilia was not the skinny waif that most novels have as their sexy main character. She was a voluptous, curvy woman, who accepted her body as it was, enjoyed chocolate truffles and other sweet treats, ate what she wanted and made no apologies for it.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

My heart broke for the childhood that Ramsay and Cecelia had. It made them into extraordinary adults though. Both are fierce protectors in their own ways. I enjoyed reading their love story.

All Scot and Bothered is the brilliant sequel to this amazing trilogy “Devil You Know” and in this trilogy and I have to say that this author keeps on winning my heart and it just doesn’t ever stop. She is such an underrated author in my opinion, she is one of the best when it comes to writing an historical romance. I love how old school it feels at times, without the consent issues. Just sexy romance we all know and love without all the modernisms that frustrate me about this genre especially of late. This story was unique in that it has plenty of angst but not too much and quite frankly Byrne handles the angst so well, way better than I was expecting.

All Scot and Bothered begins with our heroine, Cecilia. Cecilia may appear to be shy and reserved but has a spine of steel. She first meets Lord Chief Justice of the High Court; Cassius Gerard Ramsay at a party and he the brother of her best friends husband. And even though there is a connection between them …sometimes life tends to throw a curveball. This curve ball happens with Cecilia is endowed with a fortune, a girl’s home and a gambling hell from a friend of her mothers. But what she finds there is a disaster waiting to happen and an enemy who wants to destroy her because he assumes she is the worst of the worst….none other than Ramsay. Only Ramsay doesn’t recognize her in a disguise. But soon her true identity is revealed and Ramsay will have to deal with many unpleasant revelations including falling for a woman he should hate …who should be his enemy…but a woman who tempts him more than any other but is also the most dangerous to him because she could hold the key to melting the ice around his heart.

All Scot and Bothered is a delicious tale and I couldn’t get enough of this romance and it sparks so much passion in this one. I so loved this enemies to lovers trope and the angst was done SO well. I can say this with a certainty because I am probably one of the pickiest when it comes to angst in romance. I can tell you I had such a ball of fun with all the bantering that Ramsay and Cecilia display and boy it surely was a lively time seeing these two go back and forth. It was quite elemental seeing Cecilia find her own strength and drive. She wants to do so much good with what she has been given but she also wants to find these young missing girls and find the clues to the mystery of those involved. I will say that the identity of the villain involved was someone I half suspected, it was a surprise but half not. Its a character that you have doubts about their intentions in the beginning, so it doesn’t surprise you what this person becomes capable of, but its not someone that you would put at the top of the list. So very well done for this author to create a dynamic.

The romance that builds between Cecilia and Ramsay was unique and I was relieved in seeing that her identity and secrets weren’t kept from Ramsay for very long, in fact, it was less than 24 hours. And I breathed a sigh of relief on that score, because I really struggle at times with authors stretching out those lies and secrets. But amazingly, this was a story that really built on the emotional connection with such depths that impressed me. There are so many intricate layers to the characters but most especially the hero that comes into play here. At first, he appears to be packed with such arrogant and conceit, but it is soon revealed that there is so much more to him that comes to light and the heroine in pushing him in revealing his true self. As a pair these two really bring such clarity and soul deep intimacy that vibrates through the whole story.

Overall I found All Scot and Bothered to be a breathtaking read that steals your breath and captivates your attention and stuns you in its delights, pleasures, joys and sorrows…

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Lord Ramsay when I first read him didn’t particularly get my fancy. I thought he was a bit high handed. He seemed to look down on people if they weren’t just as he thought they should be. That changed as we see him change and learn to adapt and love. Cecelia is the reason for this. He sees that there is more than meets the eye with her and when they are both on the same side and want to learn the truth, they grow closer and he begins to see that not everyone and everything is black and white but shades of grey and colour. As he sees beyond the black and white and falls in love, you see the gentle and passionate man he is and fall in love with him.

Cecelia is smart and resilient. I love how she cares passionately and isn’t one to back down from what she believes in and she believes in the program her aunt set up. Her aunt she didn’t really know. Her past is a mystery to her so to suddenly come into all that she did shocks her. To come into all she does and have Lord Ramsay as an adversary and mysteries to figure out really does invigorate and stress her at the same time.

Cecelia and Ramsay have some interesting chemistry. They exasperate each other yet they are attracted to one another. They respect each other but are on opposites side of the coin when it comes to the gambling and what is really going on at the establishment. There is some heavy handed dealings that slowly come about and have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what will happen next and who is behind it all.

The danger is like the romance a slow burn that ignites and has you go wow just wow. There is so much happening and unraveling that you don’t have time to question the motives just go with it and be thoroughly engrossed in the story of blackmail, murder and finding your way. So many twists and turns that you don’t want to put it down because you don’t want to miss anything. Cecelia and Ramsay have some great banter and respect for one another. Their relationship isn’t easy sailing and it is more fulfilling at the end because of the journey to one another. Cecelia has to learn to be more patient and understanding when it comes to Ramsay and why he is how he is and Ramsay learns to open his eyes and heart and let go. They learn to love openly and without reservation while solving the mystery of what is really going on. A great story from beginning to end and you love the main characters and their journey.

Unable to review due to loss of book with Adobe Digital Editions when crashed working with Windows 10 had to switch to new e-reader. I did like what I read of it though. It was charming and hit all the right notes.

All Scot and Bothered was not even remotely what I expected and while this was a surprise it was a pleasant one. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It's teeming with sexual tension and female empowerment.

Cecilia has been lonely her whole life until she met her friends. Her father tortured her, her mother died, and teachers and students bullied her for being smart. Her friends gave her a safe place to be herself and travel the world. When her aunt is killed she leaves everything to Cecilia, which lands her in a whole heap of trouble. Trouble that leads her to Lord Chief Justice of the High Court Cassius Gerard Ramsay. Ramsay wants nothing more than to shut down Cecilia's aunts business he thinks is a front for child trafficking and he'll stop at nothing to shut the whole place down.

I found this story to be quite fun. It's a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope that I have a huge soft spot for. Cecilia and Ramsay are my types of characters. Both have tortured pasts that define how they interact with the world. Cecilia takes her past and uses it as a way to try and see the world as a beautiful place and show kindness to everyone. Ramsay is harsh and rude and shows no mercy to any and all he deems beneath him. To say the two clash in a battle of wits is an understatement. Their verbal sparring was brimming with sexual tension. Loved every moment of this.

The only reason this story wasn't a 5-star review book for me was that some of the descriptions of places and things tended to drag in some areas to the point where my eyes would be skimming sometimes whole pages to get back into the plot.

Other than that I greatly enjoyed this story. I was very surprised throughout the story as to who was behind what and I can't wait to see where this amazing author takes our characters next.

The Red Rogue’s lives continue in All Scot and Bothered with Cecelia’s romance. What appears to be a romance of opposites attracting, really is not. Lord Chief Justice Cassius Ramsey may have a huge place in British court, but he is more like Cecelia than either of them knows. He is so determined to bring down her recently inherited gambling/brothel/school for ladies, that he cannot see what is in front of him. Once he realizes Cecelia is his ‘arch enemy,’ their romance takes quite a turn. I loved how these two went through a relationship of discovery, love and trust, with some sharp edges along the way.

Cecelia has such a positive attitude considering her background and her abuse at the hands of the man she thought was her father. She worked hard to make sure the darkness did not take control of her life. Quite an accomplishment and one to be proud of. Although she still has lingering doubts about being alone in the dark, eats a lot of truffles and has secrets, she is still a kind and caring person. Ramsey, on the other hand, goes through some serious reflection and changes into a likeable hero. It takes him a good portion of the book, but he gets there and does a great job of redeeming himself.

Ms. Byrne shares the other rogues with us to continue to show the unbreakable and supportive bond these three ladies share. The secondary characters are a bit of a surprise, Phoebe as Cecelia’s ward, the Count as he becomes his true self. Good as a stand-alone, even better read in sequence.