I loved this despite its many frustrations. Ramsay tries so hard to fight his attraction to Cecelia that he’s downright cruel at times. I’m surprised she didn’t slap him and tell him to go away and never come back. But their chemistry wouldn’t be denied, I guess. Somehow, when a woman is in danger, it brings out the caveman.
4 stars.

While I enjoyed the setting and some of the characters of “All Scot and Bothered”, the overblown prose really bothered me and had me eye-rolling through significant sections of the book.

I was curious about this second in series, following the Red Rogues (favorite author color???), a trio of boarding school friends with dark histories. This book stars Cecelia, raised by a sanctimonious vicar, saved by a colorful gambling den owner, then attracted to another sanctimonious man, Lord Chief Justice Ramsay.

I never really warmed up to Ramsay. His arc from priggishness to lover was uneven. Cecelia and her friends were the best of the characters, and I look forward to reading Francesca’s story in the upcoming “Devil in her Bed.”

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW – fat-shaming, abuse at the hand of a religious figure, violence, death on-page, child abuse, death of child discussed

All Scot and Bothered is the latest installment in Kerrigan Byrne’s Devil You Know series. This book is about Cecelia Teague, a woman who’s lead a tough life as an orphan with a mother that had a scandalous past. She gets the shock of a lifetime when she inherits a gambling hell from a previously unknown relative. This new inheritance puts her in the crosshairs of Cassius Ramsey, the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, and a man that takes his job very seriously. His job puts him in direct opposition to Cecelia who’s desperately trying to keep the gaming hell running, all while acting the proper lady. When passion sparks how will these two make it work?

Kerrigan Bryne proves once again with this book why she is quickly becoming a popular name in the historical romance genre. She never shies away from writing stories with flawed characters or difficult subject matter. Her world feels real and gritty based in a reality I can understand, not overly polished until any real humanity is gone. This book probably deals with some of her most difficult subject matter to date and is why I felt the need to add content warnings to the start of this review. Don’t let the hard topics scare you away though, this book is so much more than a scary look at the underbelly of Victorian life.

Cecelia is the kind of heroine I want to read in my romance novels, she is real and flawed and still able to find joy in life. She doesn’t need to change in order to attract the attention of a man, in fact, it’s her size and shape that attracts Ramsey to her initially. Her intelligence, wit, and determination are what have the hero and me as the reader falling for Cecelia almost immediately. Cecelia is an educated woman, and more than capable of standing up to the world on her own. She doesn’t need or particularly want a hand out from anyone.

Ramsey was a bit harder to get a handle on. He’s tough as nails and taciturn. He believes in justice and is nearly feral in his need to solve a case involving missing children. In his pursuit of the crime, he meets Cecelia and initially believes her to be a part of the plot. Though he’s suspicious of Cecelia he cannot deny the passion and attraction that makes his blood boil. He’s a man used to being in control but Cecelia makes him come undone, and it’s in these moments of his need for the heroine that Kerrigan shines the most. Kerrigan’s ability to take a flawed man, break him down with passion and love, and build him back up is some of the best writing you will ever read. Not just in romance but best writing, period.

This book is a lot more action-packed than some of her previous offerings and I liked it’s faster pace. There is more violence and gore in this novel which may not be to some reader’s taste, but I think it was appropriate for the subject matter. The relationship building Kerrigan does between Ramsey and Cecelia is wonderfully filled with tension and passion that kept me reading late into the night. I highly recommend this book to any fans of historical romances that aren’t all about the dukes and pretty ladies, for anyone that’s looking for a heroine that reflects real and relatable women, and for anyone that loves a heaping dose of sexy times.

~ Lindsey

Triggers: violence, reference to child abuse, rape, extreme killing

All Scot and Bothered is an excellent book. The romance between Ramsey and Cecilia is both sweet and scorching hot. The arc of Ramsey going from cold, unbending, and very moralistic to loving, sweet, sexy, and more carefree is extremely compelling. Cecilia is arc is a little more sutle. She goes from very insecure to confident. Being cared for and loved by Ramsey allows her to really become herself fully. The secondary characters from the Red Rogues to Phoebe are so fun to read. My only criticism is the villan. Often people from that group are made the villains in order to make a statement about their life choices. I don't for a minute think that's what Kerrigen was saying but I hate to see it in print because haters tend to run with it. Other than that this is an incredible book I highly recommend.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

1. Kerrigan Bryne’s clever and beautiful writing.
Ms. Bryne expertly brings her characters to life, I felt every raw emotion: longing, passion, anger, and vulnerability along with Cecelia and Ramsey. Her writing is beautiful without being overly flowery and distracting.

2. The romance!
Lovely, delicious buildup, and oh, the wicked thoughts Mr. Ramsey does have running through his creative mind! He’s tried to control his indulgences and desires, but every time he’s around Cecilia he turns into a somewhat primal beast, and I loved it! Cecilia is not experienced, but she’s an adventurous woman with goals, determination, and a positive self-possessed spirit I admired. Their varied qualities spiced and enhanced the romance!

3. Never a dull moment!
There was danger, mystery, and passion and the mix kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so captivated, I read the story in a twenty-four-hour period.

4. The female friendship and camaraderie!
Alexandra, Fracesca and Cecelia are not blood, but they are sisters of the heart, there for each other through thick and thin. These ladies are the kind that don’t ask questions, just help bury the body! My kind of girlfriends for sure!

5. The ending will make you happy!
Who doesn’t want a happy ending, especially now?! This is a romance so this is hardly a spoil, but All Scot and Bothered will leave you with a dreamy smile on your face!

All Scot and Bothered is the second book in The Devil You Know series, but it isn't necessary to read the prior book. You will miss Alexandra's story, though, and that would be a tragedy!

A copy was kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

Cassius is quite the job in this time that this story is set in. What he has to investigate in this particular story also has the one whom runs it, Cecelia does know how to turn a eye. She is also found to be interesting with Cassius not being immune from it either. She did inherit the place but that has her torn in two and being like two. She has the secret but things will start to escalate that have them being thrown together at times but danger also is at her door. This one will keep your attention because you want to know the answers and how will this get resolved. Can not forget the passion either which you will want to see how high it climbs.

All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne! The characters are well-written and help to make the storyline magical. A steamy historical romance that captures your attention from the beginning and leaves you wanting more. If you’re looking for an angsty historical with action and adventure, characters with a charisma all wrapped up with a romantic bow, this is the one for you!

All Scot and Bothered is book #2 in the Devil You Know series. You can read it without knowledge of the previous book, although many characters from the previous book show up along the story.
Cecelia Teague, after a horrible childhood living with a strict priest she believed was his father, is rescued by a secret benefactor and sent to a school in Switzerland. Years later, she inherits a gambling house and then her problems start, since the man she's been attracted to, Cassius Ramsay, proves to be her worst enemy.
Ramsay, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, is on a crusade to dismantle all gaming hells in London. The one which seems to bother him most is run by a mysterious, attractive woman. Ramsay finds this attraction absurd, not only because he considers this preposterous, but because he's also interested in Miss Cecelia Teague.
The two main characters are great together and I loved the way the many misunderstandings didn't last 100 pages to be explained. The minor characters are quite interesting too, providing laughs on many occasions.
I'm looking foward to reading #3 in the series, about Cecelia's best friend, Francesca Cavendish.

Every time I read a book by Kerrigan Byrne I just think "this! THIS is why she is one of if not my favourite author". Captivating characters, enthralling storyline and an unparalleled ability to create flawless literary worlds. Honestly, no one writes historical romances like Kerrigan Byrne.

Cecelia Teague's life has not been easy, bullied at school for her weight and intelligence, enduring a terrible childhood at the hands of an abusive father who took his anger out on her, she's endured much. But in spite all of that, she's warm, gracious and filled with an abundance of love and kindness.
When her mysterious benefactor passes away, Cecelia finds herself the owner of a gaming hell/secret school for girls, a guardian to a little girl and the subject of investigation by Lord Chief Justice Ramsay aka the Vicar of Vice.

Cassius Ramsay is a man who does not indulge... in anything. After making the mistake of giving into temptation once before, Cassius has spent the past 7 years abstaining from any and all excesses and pleasures, only focusing on his work. When young girls start disappearing in London and evidence of a trafficking arises, Cassius suspects that the school is being used as a front and is hellbent on finding the missing girls and catching the culprit. Little does he know that the new owner of the establishment is Cecelia, the beguiling woman who has awakened his long dormant desires; his brother's wife's best friend.

I loved the connection between Cassius and Cecelia and how their romance develops. Even the hate part of their enemies to lovers story was so enjoyable, the witty repartee and the tension. They were really perfect for each other; she was the sunshine to his dark, the soft to his ruthless. But I liked that she wasn't a push over, she was strong and passionate and stood up for herself. I adorreeeddd Jean Yves and Phoebe, their relationships with both characters enriched the story even more and gave it another dimension.

A whirlwind of angst, danger and explosive romance, this story was a masterpiece. Hands down top 5 of my favourite reads of 2020.

Francesca is up next in our Red Rogues trio and her book is out in March *fist pump*, cannot wait to see what our firecracker gets up to.

Cecelia was brought up as the reverends daughter for 13 years, during this time she'd be locked up and not given food or water. Her father would fat shame her and tells her she'll become a jezebel just like her mother because she was conceived in darkness that is what she truly is. Genny rescues her and from there Cecelia goes to boarding school, she makes friends and soaks up all the knowledge she can.

Years later her aunt who has been paying for her schooling and life dies, leaving her a school that really hides a gambling/entertaining establishment. Now she has to keep this new business to herself and keep Ramsay from investigating them further.

Ramsay is a Scottish man who has been tasked with looking into finding the missing girls and suspects that the school has something to do with it. An enemy is made on this meeting.
Can they work together to find the missing girls or will they forever be at odds? Find out for yourself, it's an interesting ride.

I think for me the story was just a bit confusing/ had too many things happening. I didn't fully get into it until chapter 8 because I had so much to keep track off plot wise and the turns kept on turning.
Solid 3.5 stars

This was the first book I read by Kerrigan Byrne and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Although All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know series, I did not feel lost having not read the first book. Alex and Piers even show up in this story.

This book has everything you want in a great story – well-crafted characters (created lovingly with their flaws), intrigue, mathematical codes, a gaming hell, angst, a swoon-worthy hero, a heroine who doesn’t fit society’s definition of stylish, steamy romance, humor, adventure, and a lot of passion.

The three main characters of the Devil You Know series, known as the Red Rogues, formed a strong friendship while at university. They are bound by their secrets, their strength, and unwavering loyalty. After reading this book, I can’t wait to go back and read the first book. And the third book can’t come out soon enough!!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for an advanced copy. I gladly leave my unbiased opinion.

Kerrigan Byrne delivers a thrilling blend of romance, intrigue and suspense.
I really couldn't put this book down!
The age gap romance worked well. I loved how the gruff Ramsey behaved differently around Cecelia. She has an interesting and mysterious background and her double life really had me hooked!
There were some humorous scenes along the way that had me laughing.
Overall a fun, entertaining and thrilling read.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

It is a rare Historical-Romance that can blend romance, humor and suspense. I just don't know of many and that makes Kerrigan Byrne so unique among the legions of Historical-Romance writers. Her books are truly a departure from the norm and I really, really like that. But, I have to also say that the prose can be over the top and the angst level is higher than I care for. This one just doesn't live up to the high bar of previous Kerrigan Byrne books.

The Red Rogues. Three women with red hair who were social outcasts at school, bound by their secrets, and the best of friends. They were intellectual superiors to almost anyone else and that alone put a target on them, but also drew them closer to each other.

Cecelia Teague lost her mother at a young age and her father, a pious and cruel SOB was intent on making her pay for her mother's sins. She is rescued from all that, sent to school and lived a life of her own choosing. When she inherits a notorious gaming hell from her mysterious benefactor, she also inherits some powerful emeries, one of which she would rather have as a lover.

The brother-in-law of one of her best friends is a man of the law driven to right wrongs and right now he is intent on destroying the "Scarlet Lady". Cassius Gerard Ramsay is the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court and he is intent on finding who is taking young girls and making them disappear. His focus is on a gaming hell and so called school for young ladies. When he raids the establishment, he is is confronted by the mysterious "Scarlet Lady" who defies him and intrigues him at the same time. The only other woman who has captured his attention is the sweet friend of his sister-in-law, Cecilia. Won't he be surprised when he finds out they are the same woman?

I loved this book! Cecilia is one of my favorite HR heroines I've read in awhile. She is curvy, something we don't see often in HR, brilliant and I love her positive attitude. She didn't have the best childhood and she has people around her telling her she isn't proper enough or skinny enough but Cecilia likes herself.. which makes me love her. She is very comfortable with who she is. Ramsey is Cecilia's best friends brother in law. He is very rigid and proper but like in a good way. He uses is rigidness for good!

I am completely obsessed with this story. I loved the plot line... but I loved the characters more. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.

Thank you netgalley for my early copy!

Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Witty and romantic! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

In ‘All Scot and Bothered’ we meet ‘Lord Chief Justice of the High Court’ Cassius Gerard Ramsay. Ramsay has dedicated his life to investigate London's most notorious gaming hell. And he is very good in his job. But when the owner of the gaming establishment is Cecelia Teague, things get complicated. Cecelia sparks his interest right from the start. But Ramsay doesn’t trust woman, and especially not someone like Cecelia.

Cecelia has seen some terrible things in her life. And although she lives in a time where woman are supposed to do what men tells them to do, Cecelia has been able to do her own things. And when Cecelia inherits an gambling establishment she is determined to make it great, and do all she can to make sure the woman in her care are safe.

‘All Scot and Bothered’ had a very slow start. We read a little about Cecelia’s childhood, and then we start with a view moments when Ramsay and Cecelia meet. Although it was nice to read about those moments, I thought they didn’t really add a lot and I just thought it didn’t quiet work that well. But thankfully after those first view chapters I began to like this story more and more.

There was way more to Ramsay’s character then I first expected. And I loved how intense he felt for Cecelia. He fought it right from the beginning, but it was clear early on that he really liked Cecelia. But overall he just was kind of an jerk for the most part. He just kept thinking the worst of Cecelia without any prove. It didn’t bother me to much though. Because Cecelia’s character made up for it. She was definitely unlike any other female character I read about in a Historical Romance novel. She was tough, but really kind and I liked how independent she was for her time.

The romance between Ramsay and Cecelia took a long time to develop. I enjoyed their romance, but I just wish there was a little more of it. It seemed to be way more about Cecelia and her struggles with her inheritance. And although it was fun to read.. I simple like a little more romance.

I tried to read this book but could not get passed it's problematic parts. I especially had issues with it's problematic descriptions of diverse characters. Did not finish.

Fun, steamy, full of danger and intrigue, the female main character hiding her identity, and the male main character trying to figure things out...and has a smexy Scottish brogue... Wowzers! This book has it all and more. I truly enjoyed it and 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.

This one is a read-all-night-and-fall-asleep-at-work story — just wonderful. I could not put it down, and am waiting anxiously for the third installment of this series, the tale of three young ladies who met at school and became bound ever after by friendship but also secrets. This isn't just a romance — although that is sizzling — it's also a mystery and adventure, and Kerrigan Byrne manages to do justice to all the many parts of the tale. This chapter of the story has some amazing twists and turns (along with explosions), and despite having an idea of where she was going, the twist at the ending was superb. This book is well-plotted AND has amazing characters.
The tale is basic — Lord Chief Justice of the High Court Cassius Gerard Ramsay is determined to stamp out crime and vice. Orphan Cecelia Teague is dealing with an unexpected inheritance, a gaming house that is not quite the thing for a proper lady, and one that puts her in direct conflict with Cassius. The conflict is delicious, as is the mystery of Cecelia's origins and the deeper mystery that binds the Red Rogues — the name the girls gave themselves at school. It all gets wound up in Francesca's story. I can't wait. (NetGalley provided an ARC; opinions mine.)

This story tells from the time Cecelia Teague lived a tortured life at the hands of her father, a vicar who punished her for everyone’s misdeeds by locking her in the dark damp cellar nearly starving her. That is until she is rescued. She didn’t know by whom until she received word that her aunt left everything to her in her will. As she arrives at the house, which is a gaming hell, she is immediately investigated by Lord Ramsay, Chief Justice of the High Court. As he threatens her, she shows him she can stand her ground. You will learn in this story Ramsay’s background, as well as, who Phoebe is, what is going on with her inheritance that has put her in danger, a code book that needs decoded, as well as who is the enemy. I loved how her friends stood by her. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley/St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review.