This is the first book I've read by Kerrigan Byrne. I found myself unable to put it down. I enjoyed reading how the main characters were able to reconcile their differences and prejudices.

Lady Cecelia’s story is book two in the Red Rogue series about a trio of red-headed school friends. After growing up suffering under the extremely strict ways of her overly “pious” Vicar of a father, paying for her nonexistent sins , Cecelia know a lot about being lonely. Fast forward several years and she meets Lord Chief Justice Cassius Ramsey, who is also lonely in his self inflicted isolation from life. Ramsey’s Scottish nature adores the curves and delectable nature of Cecelia but his own hard background has forced a tough and strict regimen to his views of life. Their spark of attraction simmers at first but then goes up in flames. Lady Cecelia has inherited a unique business enterprise from her dead aunt and benefactor, an enterprise that enrages Ramsey. When they meet again incognito you see the strong personality of both leads. After lots of drama Ramsey uncovers the truth about Cecelia, or what he perceives the truth to be and the cutting bite of his words are almost enough to break Cecelia, however she goes on the only way she can. But what happens when the hero she always dreams about develops into a real life hero in Ramsey? This book, like others by this author is a historical romance with a twist containing lots of heat, rough language, intrigue and excitement. The chemistry and turmoil between Cecelia and Ramsey is a constant back and forth with lots of challenges making them seem quite real. You also see lots of familiar faces and some cute new additions. While you don’t have to read book one in the series you will get a better understanding if you have. 5 stars must read. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

There is something about the stories that Kerrigan Byrne shares with you that grabs your attention and pulls at your emotions. Her stories do not shy away from describing the dark corners that our hero and heroine have suffered, making you remember each emotion and struggle months after you have finished her book. So is the story of Ms. Cecilia Teague.

As a child she suffered so much at the hand of her father, which we find out that it truly wasn’t. But just to read about what she went through at his hand is heart wrenching, and yet years after her rescue we find a lady that is all honesty and sweetness. Faithfully devoted to her friends.

Cassius Gerard Ramsay, Lord Chief of Justice of the High Court, also has a sad past. We learn of his abandonment and how it has shaped him. The betrayal of a women that he hoped to marry only to find out was only there to investigate information to use against him. This adding to his bitterness. I enjoyed how little by little Cecilia was able to soothe his battered soul. Even when he tried to hate her and bring her down for being the heir to his enemy, Cecilias aunt.

I loved that Cecilia was a different kind of heroine, not your typical trim figure but a full figured heroine , beautiful inside and out. Intelligent and giving. That our hero very much worshipped her, even while he fought the attraction. The conflict that he struggled with, and ultimately loses out on. Yet asking her to surrender her freedom and independence- not truly understanding why she can never be able to do that.

Their story is lovely and will certainly remain with you after you turn the last page.

Safety issues attached at end.

This is book 2 of the Devil You Know series. I think this one is okay to read as a standalone (although the first book is amazing too, so I encourage you to try that as well!) It has a few brief appearances from hero and heroine from book 1, and there is a small spoiler for book 1 if you read this one first (but this spoiler is something that is read in the beginning of book 1, so it wouldn't ruin the whole book or anything).

Ramsey. Vicar of Vice. Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. Our hero focuses on ignoring his feelings of cold emptiness and instead his life is consumed with bringing criminals to justice. Large, imposing, ruthless, powerful...he has brought himself up from nothing to spite his peers and betters that said he would never amount to anything. And now he's focused on a case that has brought him to confront the Scarlet Lady.

Cecelia is a character I was so excited to read about since I met her in book 1. A REAL full figured heroine. Not slightly chubby. Not skinny but thinks she's fat. She loves her wine. She loves her chocolates. She's unapologetic about her size, moving through the world with a subtle confidence, hiding any feelings of insecurity with a happy smile. And more truffles, of course.

Cecelia is removed from the hell she was living by someone who knew her mother. She went to boarding school and university afterwards. Her love was for mathematics. She also loves her Red Rogues, her two very best friends Alexandria (book 1) and Francesca (book 3 I would assume). When her secret supporter dies, she finds herself whisked into a new world when she inherits a gambling den. She is quickly pursued by the Lord Chief Justice, who is accusing her of crimes that turn Cecelia's stomach. She hides her identity to protect herself from Ramsey.

If you've read Kerrigan Byrne, you have an idea of what you are getting. It's not a comforting pot of tea. It's an explosion of brandy. It's raw pain. Hot sex. It's inappropriate language and violence without remorse. And I LOVE it. I love that she doesn't shy away from breaking your heart and putting it back together. I love that her heroes are an animal of ruthless violence under their skin. Towards anyone that jeopardizes their lover's safety. She makes other heroes look weak. I adore her heroes.

I think I liked this story line a lot more than book 1. I was so caught up in the danger of the story, which usually isn't my thing at all. But I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen, I was utterly enthralled by the danger. I love the gore and violence. I must be blood thirsty, but I just can't stand it when there's a horrible villain and the heroine puts her hand on the hero's chest and says something like, “No, this isn't you. He doesn't deserve it.” Ummm, YES HE DOES!

I delighted in the beginning scene where Ramsey and Cecelia talk for the first time. Cecelia's love for truffles is adorable and was made so sexy. I loved being in Ramsey's mind in that moment. Creating this tension, this longing. Also, amazing first intimate scene. It can be so rare in HR to have scenes like this, very pleased by that.

My only complaints were I felt like I didn't get as much time in Ramsey's head that I wanted. Especially during the intimate scenes. I love when they are from the man's perspective and I thought Ramsey's would be explosive with the choices he made over the past 7 years.

Safety warning (possible spoilers)
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. Violence, death of adults (on page), death of child (off page/discussed after the fact), murder, child-bearing death, child abuse, fire/explosion

This is the second book in this Romance series by Kerrigan Byrne. Cecelia Teague is a member of the Red Rogues, a sisterhood of three ladies from boarding school. Her hero Cassius Ramsay, Judge of the High Court, is investigating gamming halls in London.
I was lucky to read the first one and this one dove tailed nicely with the first one. The writing was particularly good and the story cute.
I liked that Cecelia was not stick thin and Cassius thought she was attractive and wonderful. I enjoyed seeing the first couple too.
I recommend this book and looking forward to the next story about the third Red Rogue.

This is a great second book in the series. The story was fresh and original, while the characters were very interesting. I liked that the heroine was plus sized and our hero thought she was attractive and sexy. He is a complex man and I enjoyed reading about him. I highly recommend this book.

4 stars

I was a bit confused at the beginning. We come to this story about Cecilia and there's some information about her friends, Alex (Book 1) and I would assume Frank will become Book 3. I certainly didn't like Ramsay, the hero. He had some traits which were positive. He was older than the normal hero's but I didn't like the way he bossed around the heroine.. Cecilia was not one of the willowy heroines but plump and voluptuous and I liked that she loved chocolate truffles. The author gave us traumatic back stories which I wasn't so keen on and quite a few of the themes might have deserved a warning. Eventually Ramsay becomes less of an idiot and the mystery about the missing girls, the explosion and the baddies are apprehended. I hope the Count gets his own story. It might have helped if I'd read the first of the series but I can't really go back now as a information about Alexandra's story is repeated here. The Author is new to me so I will definitely add her onto my tbr list.

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

Drawn in by the introductory paragraph this is a slightly unusual historical drama. A continuation of the story of the Red Rogues it tells the story of Cecilia who meets her damaged hero.

Cassius Ramsay is the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. He is also the older half-brother of the current Duke of Redmayne. Ramsay investigates the disappearance of several young girls. His investigation leads him straight to the Scarlet Lady and her gaming establishments. Ramsay grudgingly protects Cecelia from her unknown enemies. However, the woman tempts him to abandon his ambitions. Can Ramsay learn to trust Cecelia? Or will yet another woman burn him?
Miss Cecelia Teague is a member of the Red Rogues, a sisterhood she and two others formed in boarding school. She discovers she not only inherits a notorious gaming hell but her aunt’s enemies too. Cecelia adopts her aunt’s moniker in order to protect her new business and its employees. When her life is threatened, she turns to the only man strong enough to help her. Can Cecelia decipher her aunt’s mysterious codex? What dark secrets will the codex reveal?
There is just something about grumpy heroes that makes them delicious. Ramsay is a man shaped by his past. I understand his deep-seeded distrust for women. His mother’s deplorable behavior fostered opinion, only for another to reinforce it. Fortunately, Ramsay finds a woman who changes his outlook on the fairer sex. What I admire the most about Ramsay is the inner strength and determination it took for him to rise up from nothing. He kept a goal in mind and worked stubbornly to achieve it. Ramsay did not allow naysayers to dissuade him from his chosen course.
Cecelia shares my niece’s name. I adore the fact that she is not the usual thin and dainty heroine typically found in romance books. Instead, she is a tall, glasses-wearing, full-figured woman with a brilliant brain for mathematics. I admire Cecelia’s fortitude to pursue her interests and ambitions. She refused to yield her place, even against male oppression. What I love the most about Cecelia is how she readily accepts everything about Ramsay, including his broody grumpiness. She has no inclinations to fix nor change him.
ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED is book two in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, DEVIL YOU KNOW. The story can easily standalone. It is necessary to read the prior book to understand some of the hero’s backstory and the heroine’s strong bonds with her Red Rogue mates. Plus, I love that Piers and Alex, the couple from the first book, make frequent appearances in the story.
ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED is an enthralling tale of two lonely kindred souls finding each other during a chaotic time. I simply could not put this book down! I cannot wait to see who the author plans to pair up with the last Red Rogue.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars rounded to 5)
Plot/Storyline: 📖 📖 📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️ ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍆🍆 🍆 🍆

SAFETY: See end of review for safety warnings.

To start, I’ll say that I liked this book a whole lot more than How to Love a Duke in 10 Days. I found the beginning so much more compelling. I didn’t dislike the intrigue plot line which is something I struggle with but usually find worth it with Kerrigan Byrne.

I loved the main characters. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Cecelia after the first book. She was a little annoying to me in it. But I adored her here. It was so lovely to have a truly larger heroine. Not just curvier, but actually big. I loved that she was both self-conscious but confident. That may sound weird, but I sometimes get really annoyed with reviews that disparage heroines who deal with esteem issues. Yes, it’s wonderful to encourage women to love themselves for who they are, but as a woman who has been overweight for literally my entire life, I can say with incredible certainty that it is next to impossible ignore decades of recrimination from all angles. Even in my 40s, when I have come to terms with my size and mostly don’t give a rat’s ass what people think, the doubts still creep in from time to time.

Cecelia dealt with this too and I felt like Kerrigan Byrne made her so relatable. She was bright and happy, despite bouts of self-consciousness. But comments from her childhood, and even adulthood, the fact that no one considered her marriageable due to her size, she questioned whether Ramsey would find her attractive. But what made her so great was that she trusted him when he told her and showed her that he liked her bigger body.

And her bigger body was perfect for Ramsey, who was a giant Scot. I understood Cecelia’s attraction to him on an extremely personal level. I’m 5’9 and large and part of what I loved about my husband when we first met was that he was 6’4 and built like a football player. He made me feel small where no one else ever had. That’s how Ramsey made Cecelia feel and I relished in that for her. It’s a wonderful thing if you’ve never experienced it.

I think Ramsey is one of my favorite heroes ever. He’s just so big and sexy. A mountain of rock and stone on the outside. A valley of soft, warm earth on the inside. But he has spent so much of his life cultivating his exterior that his heart is barren. He’s so cold and aloof. He is a man of judgement and icy superiority. He looks down on anyone who isn’t perfection. Who doesn’t live a morally superior life. And as Lord Chief Justice, he rules without mercy and without forgiveness.

Most of this is because he is so, so lonely. He’s a void of emptiness and sees no value in pleasure or even much in life. It seems as if his mission in life is to get through it without an ounce of feeling, so he can just die one day and have it all be over. He denies himself all indulgences, unwilling to enjoy anything or to even see the point in it. All because one time in his life he allowed himself that and it turned out to be a mistake. Ever since that point he’d denied himself even the pleasure of sex. If there were ever a hero after my own heart, it’s big Scotsman who hasn’t had sex in seven years and doesn’t have the strength to keep away from the heroine. Swoon.

Then he meets Cecelia and she is everything he is not. Kind and generous and forgiving. She even forgives his slights against her. She’d sunshine where she is shadows. And as he gets to know her, she begins to challenge everything he ever believed, everything he made himself to believe. She begins to teach him that there is more to life than being perfect, but more than that, that perfection isn’t always what it seems.

I love how much of this book is devoted to the romance. There was a dangerous element to this book. Intrigue done the way Kerrigan Byrne does it best. Based some the worlds darker and more sinister issues. It wasn’t a silly villain. It didn’t feel ridiculous. It was a dramatic backdrop that thrust these two together and forced their romance to grow. That’s the way I like my villainous romances to go. If you’re going to write a romance, the focus should be on the romance.

And I adored the tenderness that grew between Ramsey and Cecelia. His heart just melted for her and he had the most darling, mushy thoughts about her. He wanted her so bad. So, so bad. My favorite thing… the wanting.

With wanting as spectacular as this book had, I was pleased by the first (incomplete) love scene. There’s an oral scene with a blow job that is simply fire. Hotter than fire. It was a damn supernova. I want more blow jobs in historical romance. They’re so rare and this was hands down the best I’ve ever read. The way he’s described when Cecelia looks up at him. I think I burst into flames.

The first full sex scene was great compared to other authors but I honestly felt a little disappointed coming from Kerrigan Byrne. It was underwhelming. Her sex scenes are usually long and detailed and full of emotions. This just didn’t get there for me. Especially since Ramsey had been abstinent for seven years. I thought we would get more from his perspective on this or at least more of a reaction from him. But it was really short and not very satisfying and in fact the whole sex scene didn’t really give me a whole lot of how he was feeling or reacting during it. What’s the point of an abstinent hero if not to have his mind blown during sex? And that is really the only sex we get. There is one extremely short scene towards the end.

So, I did love this book, but I also leave it kind of underwhelmed. I am giving it 4.5 stars, rounded 5, but everything after the first sex scene was kind of downhill for me. Last but definitely not least, I didn’t think there was enough of Ramesy’s POV in the book. It didn’t feel even.

I think most others wouldn’t come away from this feeling the same as me. I think most people will come away on a high 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this arc.

SAFETY: Rape (mentioned, not on page), child sex trafficing

This book was absolutely amazing. Kerrigan Byrne creates magic with every story, and this one is absolutely no exception.

I absolutely love Cecelia. She is everything: a genius, a kind and lovely woman, a stalwart companion, and a champion of the downtrodden. She is a complex and deeply interesting character. If you are already a devotee of Kerrigan Byrne, this will come as no surprise. Ramsay is also a complex character full of paradoxical stoicism. I did not love him half so much as I loved Cecelia. It KILLS me to say that because I am usually so much in favor of his sort of hero. He was arrogant and judgy until Cecelia (sweetly) kicks his a$$. This is a Sunshine heroine and storm cloud hero. The best combination.

This story is flawless. The shocking plot twist is at least a bit shocking. I saw it coming, but it will absolutely steal your breath! The plot was darling. The world is amazing. Vivid and alive. When KB creates a world, you LIVE in that world. Total immersion. The characters are complicated. Even the side characters. That’s another thing I adore about Kerrigan Byrne books, even the side characters have these fascinating back stories and personalities. There are no flat people. Not even children. Many times authors use children as props. Kerrigan’s children are children. There is no other way to say it.

Wholeheartedly recommend this book.

This would not be a review from me of a book by this publisher if I did not at least mention the ridiculous name. Kerrigan writes these dark twisty stories of tragic backstories that will jerk the tears out of any wilting lady, and thrill the souls of all kinds of people, and they get slapped with absolutely pathetic titles. Every. Single. Time. If I did not already know how amazing any book by KB was bound to be, I would NEVER pick up these books. Come on, St. Martins, GET IT TOGETHER! You’re type casting these amazing dark and twisty books as stupid little fluff pieces and it ticks off your readers. You aren’t going to see that because we are intensely loyal to our authors, but come on. Do something. You have to realize it’s a problem when almost every Romance published by St. Martins has “IGNORE THE TITLE!!!!!!” in dang near every review on GoodReads. It’s a problem. Fix it. */End Rant

*TRIGGER WARNING* If you have triggers and need warnings, I very much doubt you will enjoy Kerrigan’s books. They contain dark broody things. Almost all of them contain murder, several contain at least the suggestion of rape, and often graphic abuse. These are real books that take place in a real world. The real world is not all sunshine and small town bakeries. Those stories have their place, to be sure. That place is not this place. Let’s see if I can remember everything sensitive types might have a problem reading about. Child abduction, child abuse (-physical, sexual, emotional, abandonment, rape, trafficking… literally every kind), the heroine is shamed for her weight, the hero makes derogatory remarks towards all sorts of purveyors and partakers of vice (i.e. slut shaming, etc). THIS IS A DARK AND TWISTED BOOK LIKE ALL KB DARK AND TWISTED BOOKS. I love this kind of book, and wish there were more, but it is NOT for everyone, and that’s fine.

“Give over to it, Cecelia mine…donna fight this, there is more to be had…I’ll pleasure ye until ye beg me to stop.”

All Scot and Bothered is a swoon worthy romance between a beautifully shy and kind-hearted heroine, Cecelia, and a grumpy bear of a Scot, Cassius Gerard Ramsay. Both bearing secrets that have left them scarred in different ways, yet when they are together, sparks fly…and old wounds begin to heal by the power of being loved unconditionally.

Kerrigan Byrne has written a timeless tale of how a kind heart can be the balm to sooth even the churlish of beasts. I’ll not spoil the twists and turns of Cecelia and Ramsay’s love affair, and their verra hawt trip to Scotland! *Fans Self*

Loved and wish I could have given more than 5 Stars!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I received an ARC of All Scot and Bothered written by Kerrigan Byrne from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the second book in Kerrigan's Devil You Know series. While it can be read as a standalone, the first book introduces the group of ladies very well and is just as great as this book.
I loved this book from the very first. All Scot follows Cecelia's course to her HEA with Cassius Ramsay- a hard and unyielding man. It opens with Cecelia as a girl being raised by her father, the victor and just breaks my heart. Being rescued and given an "easy life", she fills it with be a happy person! I loved her optimism and her simple joy in life and it was wonderful to read about a person that can overcome a dark and lonely life to find good in everything and everyone around her.
To the opposite extreme is Cassius. Also raised and abandoned, he hardened himself to become Lord Chief Justice. Never yielding and ignoring the human factor, he rules with fear and he knows it and embraces it. However, upon meeting Cecelia, he is drawn to her light. The question is can he accept her light?
Kerrigan acknowledges the double standard of yesterday and today with this book very well. I loved this book until the very end. I did feel the ending was rushed to a degree and the growth arc of Cassius slightly stunted at the end. But a wonderful delight to read in these times!!! #AllScotandBothered #NetGalley #KerriganByrne

I love Kerrigan Byrne stories. They encompass real life experiences with love makes this such a small and loyalty. This one is no different and I loved every word written.

After reading the first book in this series (How to Love a Duke in 10 Days), I had a feeling this one was going to be just as emotional and difficult at times and I was not wrong. We learn a little bit about each of the “Red Rogues” and in All Scot and Bothered, we have Cecelia Teague’s story. After being taken out of a torturous childhood, Cecelia has emerged with a wonderful education and amazing friends. But now she inherits a gambling establishment and a whole lot of trouble. One of those troubles comes in the form of Cassius Gerard Ramsay, the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. Ramsay is another who has gone through a troubling past which has made trusting people very difficult, especially women. He sees the world in only black and white and his current mission is to bring down the very gaming establishment that Cecilia had just inherited. Even though the attraction between the two is intense, many factors keep them apart. Things start to change when Cecelia’s life is in danger and Ramsay’s determination to take her down morphs into keeping her safe at all costs.

There are many twists and turns, secrets, misunderstandings and prejudice throughout their story but in the end when all is revealed and love discovered it was all worth it.

I do have to be honest and say I did have a hard time really warming up to Ramsay, especially in the beginning. I understand his past has made him really hard and distrusting but the things he said to Cecelia was pretty brutal. But when he learns the truth and revelations of things that had happened in both their pasts, his actions and reactions made me forgive him.

Overall, Cecelia and Ramsay’s was another wonderful read and I do recommend it. Now I am looking forward to Francesca’s story!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I realize I am in the minority here, but this book just did not do it for me in any way. The storyline was so jumbled that my head started to hurt just trying to follow it. The H and the h were both overdone. And other than lust, I could not sense a connection. The "Red Rogues" was something I would expect in a teen novel. I made myself finish because I agreed to do this review but I have to admit that with the overblown dialogue from Cassius, the silliness of the Red rogues and the jumbled storyline, it was a chore.

I liked the overall story and both main characters, but I did think they were a bit too stuck in their heads, which makes for slower reading. I also thought some questions which were being set up were left unanswered. And I was left wanting an epilogue, but I know many authors choose not to write them, so I won't hold it against Ms. Byrne. Kerrigan Byrne is a new-to-me author and I will continue to read her novels.

3.5 stars

Terrific second story on the Red Rogues, a group of three red haired brilliant independent women who have been loyal friends since boarding school. This story centers on Cecilia, daughter of a vicious, wrathful vicar. . Despite an awful childhood, she has grown into an intelligent and compassionate woman supported and loved by her two friends and a gentle man, more father figure than employee. She meets and matches wits with Ramsay, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, known and feared as the Vicar of Vice. Polar opposites, the only thing they appear to have in common is their lonely, loveless childhoods. Yet their chemistry is undeniable! Great read! I hope we will soon enjoy the story of Frank, the third Red Rogue.

What is one to do when one is raised by a woman-hating Neanderthal of a misogynistic vicar? Why naturally to fall in love with another almost like him [nicknamed the Vicar of Vice] but with enough sense to give it up when he sees how wonderful and innocent you are, not at all the slag and child-selling sinner he accuses you of being. It is an odd pairing to be sure, but under Byrne’s skillful pen, it is an engaging story that captures your attention from the first chapter to the last page. A steamy book with mystery and menace galore, perfect for a diverting read.

Oh how I love Kerrigan Byrne and this book. A story of how enemies can become lovers with one caveat...the gap in ages. I loved the banter between the main characters and could not stop reading this story once I got started. Truly a hard to put down book.

When I first started reading Ms. Byrne's novels, they were light-hearted romances but now this one goes a bit dark bringing out child and emotional abuse, degrading name calling and shaming full figured women. However, although the story brings out some of these facets, it was still a wonderful historical romance with laughs, danger and twists. One big plus for me was Cecilia having a curvy and voluptuous woman bringing the worst but good out of Ramsey. Oh how I just adored that and the attraction between the two that made their being together work.

One question Netgalley asks of its readers is whether we like the cover of the book. I did like the cover, however it did no justice for the heroine as it really did not reflect her physical appearance as written in the book. This story was well-written, lovable and just plain enjoyable for this reader.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.