The Vicar of Vice.

Cassius Ramsey is the Lord Chief Justice, the Vicar of Vice (there's irony here) and the moral police of London.
He abhors vice and hasn't partaken of well, ladies in seven years.
He is intrigued by Cecelia Teague, a voluptuous mathematician, highly educated and at the other end of his displeasure. Ramsey is also incredibly hypocritical. Of Cecelia (who he wants) and who he thinks she is (the Scarlett Lady).

Ramsey is such a hypocrite. All Scot and Bothered is vastly superior to How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. That book is beyond problematic. Thankfully, All Scot is much better, but still has some problematic issues.

Overall, though, the prose is strong and Cecelia is a dream.
The supporting cast of characters are just right. Phoebe, her ward and Jean-Yves, her father figure.
Ramsay grows on you as his character develops from a singular dimension as the Vicar of Vice. Trust me, there's irony here.

On a side note, the Rogues/Devil You Know trilogy are not as compelling a series as her Victorian Rebels series. Then men in The Devil You Know series are so much less than and leave a lot to be desired. Where's my Carlton Morley or Christopher Argent? I'm totally down with a good man doing bad things or a bad man doing good things, but the men in The Devil You Know series have an unnatural hypocritical view about virginity. As in they are certainly no virgins, but the sure do expect in their women.




Recommend.
4.5 stars

Book two in the Devil you Know series did not disappoint - I love the Red Rogues!

This book is Cecelia's story and while I didn't actually recall if he was in book 1, Redmayne's brother Ramsey takes the lead as Lord Chief Justice of the High Court who happens to be drawn to Cecelia but also at odds with his feelings because of who he is and what he has found out she has inherited. In the same day that she inherits a gaming hall, Cecelia is confronted by the Lord Chief Justice regarding missing girls and he vows to take her down...without knowing that the Scarlet Lady is actually now Cecelia in disguise. When he eventually finds out, Ramsey is definitely not happy.

Ramsey is most definitely a brooding hero and comes across as intimidating but for some reason, Cecelia isn't afraid of him. They are a case of opposites attract as well - she enjoys life's pleasures and he does everything he can to avoid them. She is soft and he is hard...I could go on here but you get the idea.

Byrne does a fantastic job of building out the backstories of Cecelia and Ramsey and it's great to see how both have overcome the challenges they have had. Both are familiar with loneliness though and maybe they recognize something in one another...whatever it is, it made a great addition to their story. As Cecelia finds her purpose (with the impact the gaming hall had on the women/staff), she also challenges Ramsey to figure out what is important to him.

As always, Alexandra and Francesca are involved in the story but I liked that they both took a backseat to Cecelia this time and with that said, I can't wait to see how Francesca's story goes. I have an idea we will get to see more of a certain character introduced in this book and I can't wait!

Since I handn't read anything of Kerrigan Byrne (and even got my request denied for How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) I was very surprised to receive an arc for All Scot and Bothered.
Fortunately, it didn't matter that I hadn't read the firt part of the Devil You Know series. Kerrigan just sucks you right into the story. After a small flashback to a young Cecelia Teague, we fall directly into the scene where Cecelia encounters a very hot and bothered Scot: Lord Ramsey. Being disguised, as being the fresh new owner of a gaming hell can be a bit dangerous, Cecelia can't help but be attracted to the menacing force who threatens to bring down her freshly inherited establishment. The gaming hell, however, is the source of income for the attached school for homeless girls and therefore Cecelia will do everything in her power to prevent Lord Ramsay to shut her business down. Since there are girls going missing, Lord Ramsay is sure the gaming hell of the Scarlet Lady is the source of a trafficking ring in his city. But why does the infuriating miss Teague pop up every time he wants to investigate the establishment?
Sparks are flying as Cecelia and Cassius try to defend their opinions and outlook into the matter. But when there are not only sparks, but also explosions and murders taking place, both realize that something dark and sinister is a threat to both the Scarlet Lady and her girls.
Can Lord Ramsay overcome his hatred for Lady Carlet and sve the day? The story will leave you bothered, but in the best way! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Having read the first book in this series, I naturally wanted to continue with book two to discover what more adventures the Red Rogues could get into.

Cecilia Teague was an orphan until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past dropped into her life, releasing her from the cruelty of her psycho vicar father who made her life a living hell. From there Cecilia was sent to a prestigious school, then university where she and her best two friends Alexandra and Francesca all with red hair created a bond so great that they were known as the Red Rogues.

Now Cecilia has inherited a gambling establishment and an infamous Lord Chief Justice who wants nothing more than to close her down and put her away in jail for all the atrocities he assumes she and her establishment have created in HIS city. The raid came in after she had just assumed a seat at her benefactor's desk and both she and the Chief Justice traded jabs and insults to one another.

The honorable Lord Chief Justice of the High Court was Cassius Gerard Ramsey and his mission was to investigate the goings-on at London’s most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met. Only to find out later that Cecilia and his sister-in-law, the Duchess of Redmayne were bosom buddies.

This was a romantic adventure like nobodies business. The Lord Chief didn’t suffer fools gladly and once he discovered that Cecilia, the young woman he’d noticed at a ball was actually the disguised owner of the gambling establishment he felt like he had been made a fool of. But as both the romance and the mystery progressed a lot of secrets came out that were pivotal to what makes a splendid romantic and exciting mystery read.
Kerrigan Byrne has created a wonderful series and I am anxiously awaiting the third and final book to this series!

Marilyn Rondeau

Love Those Scots!!
Cecelia has had a horrible childhood until she was rescued. She’s sweet and super intelligent. She is all that is good despite what she went through.

“A tactical war against chocolate and wine?” That half smile again, the one that put the Mona Lisa to shame. Both shy and impish without a hint of coyness or guile.

Cassius is surly, grouchy and stubborn. He just needs some love Cecelia style.


“How scandalous of me. How will you ever abide?” She swiped the proffered wine from him and inhaled deeply at the vintage.

There is nothing I like better than a sexy Scottish Historical and Kerrigan Byrne writes some of the best. Lots of angst and a crazy twist.


“Will ye just be mine, Cecelia? Will ye share yer life with me, in any capacity ye deem fit? Will ye love me? Can ye love me, after all that’s happened?”

Tantalizing and full of adventure determination. Cecelia is a delightful character, with her love of maths and sheer determination. Ramsey is surly and stubborn and hardheaded. Together they are combustible and unstoppable! A really fun read!

I could not get into this book. While I agree that no child should be treated that way, after hearing the lady who rescued her speak I was not interested in the rest of her life. I actually felt sorry for the gentlemen that were interested in her.

I was really looking forward to this next book in the Devil You Know series. I absolutely loved the first book, but then wasn't as impressed by some of Byrne's backlist books I went and read in the meantime. Cassius and Cecelia had a really fiery back and forth and you could quickly feel their connection. I was excited to see a female lead that was described as plus size, however I didn't feel it was executed as well as it could be. There were some kind of cringey comments used to describe Cecelia's body, and in the end it didn't feel as body-positive as I'd have liked. Additionally, the cover doesn't match the body description of Cecelia, which was disappointing (though not the fault of the author).

There were some really enjoyable parts to this story but overall it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. I think many historical romance fans, and fans of Byrne's other books will enjoy this one, even though it missed me mark a bit for me.

3.5/5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love Kerrigan Byrne. I love how her books and characters are not afraid to touch on darker subjects. Her characters are multi dimensional and seem like real people who you would meet on the streets. I normally devour her books in a day.
That being said, I had a hard time getting into this book. I don't know if I wasn't in the right mood or if it was just lackluster. I liked Cecilia and Ramsey in the previous book, but for some reason I didn't like them in their own book. I felt like there was just too much going on plot wise. I wish there was more time spent with the girls since I absolutely love their dynamic. Even though I struggled to get through this one, I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.

#netgalley

I recived a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. While this is the 2nd in the series this can be read as a stand alone although I highly recommend reading book 1 for no other reason then it is just as amazing as this one.
Cecelia is not like most women but fits perfectly with the other Red Rogues. Women who forged the closest of bonds through hardship in school. Cecelia was born a bastard and does not know who her father is but when she is left a gambling hell, a school, a ward, and a bevy of women who need her help she steps up. She has never felt like she belonged being plump (love having a larger woman get her man who can't get enough of her curves) and intelligent woman (university educated mathematician).
Ramsay's brother maybe a duke but he has carved out a solitary life for himself as a justice sworn to protect the innocent. He is captivated by Cecelia when he sees her from afar at a wedding.
I really enjoyed the this book. The romance between two broken and lonely people who find acceptance within one another. A precocious little girl and a kind hearted father figure round out a perfect small family. I quest for justice and a little detective work. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

After suffering the first 13 years of her life with a strong and ruthless father who punishes her every moment he can, our heroine is rescued by an American lady who says she knows her mother and will look after her .

Years later she inherits a gaming hell from her aunt and mother twin, but there is an underlying problem with the business, not least disappearing children , whores and a storming great Scot who’s the Justice and determined to close the premises and imprison her.

Wonderful characters with excellent personalities and chemistry.
Loved every page but I felt it was dragging in places , not enough to ruin the book as it soon picked up again .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

I really wanted to like this book, but several issues prevented me from giving it 5 stars.
First, the title was too cutesy for what turned out to be a dark story.
Second, the author employs way too many phrases as sentences in an attempt to convey some deep emotion. Whereas many badly written stories contain run-on sentences that leave you gasping for breath, this one uses periods where there should be commas or semi-colons. Enough. Already.
Third, the sex scenes were pretty graphic, which didn't really add to the story.

The plot drew me in, though. Cecelia Teague, a frumpy (in her mind) spinster, inherits a gaming parlor from a long lost aunt. Before she can even begin to run the place, it is leveled by an explosion. Enter the hero, a big, brawny Scotsman (as we are reminded several times throughout the book) to investigate. He is apparently beyond reproach, and disapproves of the vice den in general. That doesn't stop him from being attracted to Cecelia and going out of his way to help and protect her.

The peripheral characters in the book have back-stories that figure into the plot and make it rather difficult to follow if you never read the first book of the series. If you don't mind all of the above issues AND have read Book One, then you probably will enjoy this latest Victorian romance/mystery from Kerrigan Byrne.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book totally surprised me because it was frequently hilarious. I'm not used to that in historical romance but can honestly say the characters thoughts particularly Ramsey had me smiling for much of this book. Yes he's a bit insufferable at times and I'm sure not all would warm to him but the quandary he finds himself in with Cecilia certainly made me chuckle.
Cecilia is a breath of fresh air and so ready to love any and all. Being mistaken for a Madam when in reality she's an innocent, deeply sensitive woman with self confidence issues meant I found it easy to like her. Fear not though because she is confident of her own worth and not some down trodden product of her time .
This was for me a fun read and I loved the beginning although as it progressed it became more about the couple and their complicated relationship. There is a mystery to solve with young girls going missing and attacks on Cecilia but I found the ending to be a surprise and there's a lovely sweetness too which was a wonderful way to end this story. Plus Ramsey finally got the dressing down he deserved but my lips are sealed.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I was provided an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All Scot and Bothered is the second installment in the Devil You Know series. It features Cecelia Teague, a member of the Red Rouges trio, who has now inherited an infamous gambling establishment along with a book of secrets that must be decoded. Cassius Gerard Ramsay is the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, a position he holds with piousness and sanctimony. On the face of it this is a novel of opposites attracts but what the author does well is give us two characters both grappling with the wounds of childhood and longing to be loved. There is such yearning between these two and you can feel it through the pages. The yearning is not just for each other but for the life they want but think they are not allowed to have. The code breaking subplot intertwines with the love story in a way that is easy to follow. I appreciate that although the book is part of a series, you are not constantly inundated with references to the prior book, making it easier to read as a stand-alone ( I read the first book). Overall this was an engaging and enjoyable read. I am already looking forward to book #3 in the series. I would recommend if you are a reader of historical romance suspense.

I didn’t realize this was a book with law enforcement or espionage in it. I don’t enjoy those kinds of books. I’m sorry but I’m not going to read this.

So good! It started off a bit slow but then pulled you in and didn’t let go until the very end. Must read in series order.

Although this book is getting over 4 star reviews it wasn't for me. Cecelia is bright, college educated and just inherited a gaming hell from an aunt she never met. Ramsay is Lord Chief Justice of the High Court and nearing forty. He is sure that the gaming hell is responsible human trafficking, missing children and is dead set on investigating himself.

I had issues with Ramsay being in lust and yet relentlessly not believing anything Cecelia tells him. Even when his brother vouches for her Ramsay can't believe that she didn't know all the details of a business that she had barely inherited. After a bombing instead of taking her to his brother the Duke for protection, he drags her and an aged servant with broken ribs on a train and cart ride to Scotland. He still doesn't trust her. How is he supposed to investigate from there? Because of the age difference and lack of any development of feelings (to me) I found their first coming together coarse. The story has too many plot holes, with leaps in judgement and then tries to end quickly with a HEA.

If I had gotten the book from a library I would have returned it without finishing. But getting a copy from NetGalley I felt I needed to finish the novel and give a review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

For a full disclosure, I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan for sending me an ARC of "All Scot and Bothered" to read and provide feedback on.

That being said, this book is probably best being read as part of the "Devil You Know" series versus a standalone, as it does disclose just enough of Byrne's previous book "How to Love a Duke in Ten Days" to spoil some of its larger plot points. So if you are a reader that gets upset by that, pause, read book 1, love it, and come back and then enjoy the adventures of Cecelia Teague and our deliciously grumpy Scot, Cassius Ramsay.

"All Scot and Bothered" lives up to its title, with a very hot and bothered Scotsman, putting up his best fight against the instant lust that Cecelia has very inconveniently sparked in him. Add in a little mystery, murder and intrigue, and this romance will keep you on your toes until the very end.

All in all, it is a solid 4 star read, that will leave you counting down to the release of "The Devil in Her Bed" in the spring of 2021.

I just recently discovered this author and I really enjoy that she writes in the Victorian Era. I read the first book in this series, and overall liked it, but after reading this one, I can say that it was much better. The heroine is fantastic! How great to be able to make choices about one's life and not be constrained by society's idea of women at the time! I highly recommend if. you like strong female characters.

4.25/5⭐️

My first historical romance from this author, and I really enjoyed it!

Cecelia and Ramsay both suffered childhood abuse, but while Cecelia took that darkness and turned it into light and strength, Ramsay became a hard, distrustful man until he met her.

I really liked watching the progression of trust and feeling as it developed between the two. I enjoyed Byrne’s writing style, and her characters really came alive for me. Will definitely read more from her.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.