I adore this author’s books and writing. I struggled a bit with this one. I am not sure if it was the pacing of the story or the hero. Cecilia made the story for me. I adored her. I was impressed that I never guessed the true villain of the story. The redemption of the hero was a but quick for me and I felt the book needed an epilogue.

I don't know what it is, but, there is little I love more than watching a big, strong, scary, I'm-always-right kinda man fall. And Ramsey falls hard.

Ramsey has been burned by love and women and life, so he's tough and strict and generally shuts himself off from anything that might bring him any enjoyment. Until he meets Cecelia Teague. This is a classic sunshine and grump story and I'm a huge sucker for those. Cecelia has also been burned by life, but she's has this ultimate positive personality. The second they meet, they are both drawn to the other. Him with mistrust, her with intrigue.

There's a lot of mystery and danger surrounding their love story, which leads to an eye opening, and at times sexy, getaway to hide out. They also take Jean-Yves, whom I love, with them, and he's definitely able to provide both with reason when they need it. Also, Phoebe, I just love Phoebe so freaking much. She's so cute and has such a strong personality, I just adore her.

I love how hard Ramsey falls and how he lets down all his walls, to allow room in his life for love and happiness.

I love the ladies in this book so much and I cannot wait to read Francesca's story!!

All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know series. It can be read as a stand alone.

I loved 98% of the book. I liked the pairing of Cecelia and Ramsey. He was the perfect balance for her. Cecelia was a strong heroine, yet in many ways directionless and Ramsey helped keep her in direction.

Without rehashing the plot, there were two points that I felt that didn't flow and were rather awkward. Overall, the book is amazing. The writing is intense and has the feeling of a historical romantic suspense. Again, Kerrigan Byrne hit it out of the ballpark. She is one author that I will one-click on any of her books.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

I'm afraid this book was just ok for me. I liked the characters ok and the storyline was ok, but I found it difficult to keep reading. For whatever reason this book just didn't click with me.

I did finish the book but I didn't find it a page turner like I have found from Kerrigan Bryne in the past.

I will happily read the next Kerrigan Bryne book, but this one left me kind of bored.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.

Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun and action packed adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists, exciting turns and undeniable passion. An edge of your seat, highly entertaining journey from beginning to end.

3.5 stars

I've loved most of Kerrigan Byrne's stuff but I don't know what it is about this one that took me a while to read than the rest. Maybe a mood thing. So much was happening, I'm glad the whole secret stuff didn't last too long. Ramsay was a righteous kind of hero, he believes in doing right and fair always. He had a huge ego with his no fault attitude. He gave a headache a first. When he meets Cecilia it's the first time he felt weakness of lust and hormones abd out of control. Which was interesting and it made him think.

Cecilia was very different and I liked that. She a terrible upbringing but she's smart and strong. She came into an unexpected fortune but she's very generous and caring about it all. Her sunny disposition made her unlike the other Red Rogues. She found new friends who had her back. I like that she was comfortable with herself in being curvy not the typical size in that time. Her confidence makes her more of an attraction to Ramsey.

With everything going, misunderstandings and all of the mysterious stuff, one it was not an easy start for Ramsey and Cecilia. But if you take away the external stuff they work well together. It took me a while to get into the groove of the book to be honest. As well as the hero, when it comes down to it his protective side came out. Time together is Scotland brought them closer yet so much to navigate with pasts like theirs.

The additional characters added some more flavor to this and the way they were added maybe we'll see more of them. It took me a while to warm up to Ramsey and Cecilia. But with their strong characteristics they are unique, like Ramsey I took a while to realize changing someone that wouldn't help but ruin a good thing. I like the twists and reveals a long the way which helped. Like the other series of the author it's well done and well written. Not bad for an enemies to lovers in that setting.

At the outset of All Scot and Bothered readers learn that in 1876 Cecelia Teague's childhood is filled with terror. Suddenly she is whisked away to a life of luxury. The narrative moves to 1891 and Cecilia is now an adult. She is kind, smart and loved by those close to her. She has caught the eye of Cassius Gerard Ramsay who is a Scotsman. He, too, survived a horrible childhood and has accomplished much in life. However, all his success does not change the fact that he has not been with a woman for seven years and he is drawn to Cecelia. Even though there is a mutual attraction, there are complications and any path forward is filled with danger, intrigue and mystery.
Cecelia and Cassius are well drawn characters. They are so different it is difficult to imagine there could be any type of relationship, other than a physical one. But this is a story about change and personal growth. Both of which are presented beautifully.
Eloquently told, filled with passion and love this story is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This story was awesome! I absolutely loved Cassius and Cecilia. The story is really good II love a good Scottish romance. The story was sexy and so much fun! There is intrigue and lot of interesting moments, not to mention the wonderful chemistry between them. I highly recommend this book!

Cecelia Teague is shocked to find that she’s inherited a gaming establishment – and a dogged enemy determined to shut the gaming hell down, and take her down as well. The fact that she’s met Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, Cassius Gerard Ramsay before, and that her feelings for him are far from adversarial, only complicates matters. That’s before Ramsay’s very strong, and very inconvenient attraction to Cecelia muddles things all the more. With so much keeping them apart, can they ever find their way into what might be the love they’ve both been craving?

I adored this romance novel! All Scot and Bothered features great characters, a strong conflict that is resolved well, and some intriguing, out-of-the-box elements to keep the reader on their toes. Byrne puts two people who are very different on the surface, but through their own life experiences can understand the other perhaps better than anyone else, if they’re both willing to open up – and to listen. Just as enjoyable as the story, however, is Byrne’s writing – the descriptions, how the reader gets to see inside the characters’ heads, it’s all so good. I truly savored reading about Cecelia and Ramsay’s relationship. This is a book that’s a true pleasure to read. Byrne is definitely on my list of author’s to keep an eye on!

Sorry couldn't read this one. but the beginning turned me off because all I could see was that scene in Ever After where she says " I'm only here for the food," I tried several times to skip over and read more but the herione was so problematic to me that I couldn't finish it.

Wow! What a Magnificent story, it takes you to the heights of a passionate love swirling down into a vortex of intrigue, mystery and mayham!
All Scot and Bothered will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Caaius and Cecelia until the very end! Kerrigan Byrne is not afraid to write a story that is heartrending, heart-stopping with characters that are well thought out and each one comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale. A dark and sinster traitor is spinning a silent intricate web of murder, espionage and chaos until slowly all the pieces start falling together that solve who the real villain is. As the conspiracy unfolds beautifully with drama, sizzling passion, grief, trials and tribulations, turmoil and the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that will keep you guessing until the end in this outstanding story!

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This book had everything I like in a historical romance. And the thing I liked the most was the main character. Cecelia Teague is such a refreshing lead. She is brilliant at mathematics, nearsighted, chubby, and revels in good food and her good friend (the other two members of the Red Rogues). She's had a tough path to adulthood, but instead of making her bitter, it has made her understanding and compassionate. When Cecelia inherits her aunt's school, which comes with a gambling hell, she crosses paths with Cassius Ramsay, who is Mr. Law and Order. And even worse, she crosses paths with the evil and powerful Crimson Society.

This was such an enjoyable read - the pacing was excellent and I was interested all the way through. I loved the main characters and the primary side characters, and the story didn't have any of the tropes that bug me (love triangles, silly heroines running into danger so that they need rescue, etc.) I also have to commend the author for the non-traditional heroine - there was no fat shaming - in fact, from day 1, Ramsey is extremely attracted to Cecelia just as she is, and he revels in her body. There was also no math shaming (I have to love that as a math teacher).

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. I'm especially excited that it allowed me to find a new author and series that I can read more of!

3.5 STARS

After HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS I was very curious about the next book in Kerrigan Byrne's Devil You Know series. It took me a little longer than I'd expected to finish this book and I'm still trying to figure out if it just dragged a little or if I'm in a bit of a slump. Or maybe it's both? This book felt definitely a little longer than the last one. That being said, I still found a lot to enjoy!

First there was the heroine. I LOVE that the author gave Cecilia curves and an unabashed appetite to maintain those and a hero who appreciated that. Cecilia was unbelievably sweet, with so much kindness and forgiveness in her heart, yet so much backbone. She was one of a kind. I adored that she was a scholar and fought for what she believed in without giving an inch.

“Ye’re soft where I am hard,” Ramsay continued with a vehemence that belonged to the same fury simmering in her own blood. “Ye’re kind when I am cruel. Ye remind me that there’s mercy along with justice and that the world is not just black and white but shades of gray.

Ramsay wasn't easy to love up until the 50% mark and when I get annoyed with a main character for that long it's a little hard to believe in the romance. He had a stick right up his rear, was uptight and wouldn't listen. Behind his grumpy attitude lay a wounded soul not unlike Cecilia's. But while Cecilia met the world with an open mind and sweetness, Ramsay was deeply distrustful of everyone and especially women and this heroine was on the receiving end of his ire. But oh when he opened up and let Cecilia's sweetness seep into his heart, that was stunning and that's when I started to like and eventually love this complicated character.

"You’re critical, grumpy, terrifying, and all sorts of wrong for me, but damned if I don’t think you’re the most beautiful human to walk the face of this earth—”

ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED has a complex plot that includes suspense and a whodunnit that wasn't too hard to solve. There are some action and twists along the way that took me by surprise.
While this may not be my favorite by this author I'm still glad I got to read Cecilia's story. Plus, if there is one thing Kerrigan Byrne excels at it's writing angst and beautiful words. I marked a lot of quotes that just settled in my heart. Now I'm looking forward to Francesca's book - from the blurb I can't tell whether we have met the hero yet so I'm intrigued!

Her eyes affixed on his lips, finding a hint of the divine where malice had once been. A glimpse of the eternal. An echo of forever.

With the second installment of the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne delivers a passionate love story between an imposing Scot and a spirited mathematician… and it’s utterly wonderful.

In this latest, we get to know Cassius Gerard Ramsay—Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. Ramsay is brother to the Duke of Redmayne (HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS) and a man without indulgences, abiding by an unshakable moral code.

No one challenges his restraint, however, like the red-haired Cecilia Teague—a intelligent, sharp-witted woman who lives life to the fullest. She makes him want to break all his rules, but his deep mistrust of women halts his desire to pursue her.

But when Cecilia inherits a gambling hall and collides with Ramsay under the guise of The Scarlet Lady, his temper flares against the woman who runs an institution of deplorable morality, and one he fears is responsible for the disappearances of young girls.

Before too long though, both Cecilia and Ramsay uncover there is something far more sinister at play and she is squarely caught in the crosshairs. Together, they grapple with the truth of their past, their intensifying feelings and the danger that lurks in the shadows.

I devoured every page of this story. Byrne’s storytelling prowess is all-consuming with characters who are flawed, vulnerable and strong all at once. The narrative boldly explores feminist power and independence, and how it connects with one’s identity and choices—a wonderful underpinning to how the love story evolves. A thread of suspense ratchets tension towards a wholly satisfying finale in this daring and delightful story that is sure to sweep you away.

I enjoyed this story in the Devil You Know series but not nearly as much as the first. The hero of this story didn't quite grab me. His actions and words never truly redeemed him for me because his change of heart came abruptly with not much story left. The heroine was perfect. Kerrigan Byrne's affinity and gift for writing sassy, strong heroines always catches and holds my attention from beginning to end. In this book, the superfluous details became cumbersome for me, as well. What really held my interest, again, was the heroine and the circumstances she finds herself embroiled in at the very beginning. It was a unique to tell this story especially pitted against the kind of hero she was. I do look forward to reading the next installment.

This book was nothing like I thought it would be and I am glad that it is the way it is. This book kept me guessing on many levels and took me by surprise a few times. It started off with this young girl being abused by the vicar whom she thought was her father and getting rescued by a beautiful lady who knew Cecelia's mother. Cecelia is whisked a way to a boarding school where she eventually forms an unbreakable friendship with two other girls and the form the Red Rogues. Cecelia eventually inherits a girl's school/gaming hall when her aunt Henrietta dies and on her first day in charge it is invaded by the police led by the Vicar of Vice who turns out to be the brother-in-law of Alexandra, one of the Red Rogues. Cecelia confronts Cassius while keeping her identity disguised and so the battle of wills begins. Cecelia is trying to learn just what her aunt's business was while trying to unravel the secret her aunt left and Cassius is trying to solve the difference of several young girls while trying to take down Cecelia's inherited enterprise. After having her life threatened twice with Cassius rescuing her both times, Cecelia, her butler and her ward go in to hiding in Scotland at Cassius' childhood home. Cassius is bound and determined to resist Cecelia because of who her perceives her to be, but he may soon discover that appearances can be misleading and that the heart wants who it wants. I enjoyed the ins and outs of this story.

I am thankful to NetGalley, Kerrigan Byrne and St. Martin's for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. The above is my freely given review of this title.

In Book 2 of the Devil You Know, we get to know the mysterious Ramsey and mathematician Cecilia - both secondary characters from the first book in the series.

Much like the first book, these two each have baggage hiding behind the facades they put on for every day life. I was fun to get to know these characters and see them challenge each other in the best of ways.

Full of intrigue, emotional evolution, and romantic tension this is a well written stand alone addition to a fun series. Ms. Byrne does and excellent job of building the series up while also creating a book fun of interesting characters that can stand on its own for new readers as well. I am very curious as to what may be in story for the third member of the Red Rouges.

𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 is truly fantastic! It will have you on the edge of your seat with excitement and will have you swooning for our grumpy and ruthless hero! The heroine is a woman who has gone through a lot during her life, yet still is a sweetheart and she’s full of love and compassion to give. Because she’s a woman, she’s been treated differently her entire life, which makes her so strong and devoted to fight for women’s rights! 💪🏽

A woman is not a weakness, but a strength.

Then we have our ruthless hero, with a softy heart. 🥺 At first, I truly didn't know what to think of him. I was glad that, from the beginning, he had felt attraction and something more towards Cecelia. From that, he noticed how some of his views had been wrong. I loved how protective he was with Cecelia and Phoebe. It was so endearing!

"A bruise on yer skin is like an open wound on my soul. It hurts me to look."

This was such an intriguing, thrilling, adventure-filled romance! I cannot wait for Frank's story!

Byrne never ever disappoints! I was so excited to dive into Ramsey's story. We met him in book 1 but can be read as a stand alone (however book 1 is also great so read that too).

Ramsey is jaded, cynical, almost abusive to himself in what he allows and doesn't allow. He is so focused on what he wants to achieve that he almost forget to live, until he meets Ceclia. Cecelia has seen her share of evil so she is determined to live her life on her terms, until she is provided an inheritance that lands her in the arms of Ramsey. Their story starts with them as enemies, Ramsey a man of the law, and Cecelia inheriting a gaming hell. As their tale continues we are exposed to secrets, coded messages, murder, intrigue, a male's stubborn resistance to love, and amazingly kind heroine.

Loving the Red Rogues!

Have I ever mentioned how much I loved Kerrigan Byrne’s writing? She is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical authors.

In this book, we’re following the story of Cecelia, who is a gambling parlor owner, and Cassius, who wants to arrest the very same owner since the very beginning not knowing it’s Cecelia behind the mask.

But someone out there threatens Cece’s new secret and the only one who can help is the man who wants nothing to do with gambling…

I love how caring Cassius was even though Cecelia is a temptation to his beliefs. He still took her under her wing and did the same with the child she’s taking care of after the previous owner (her relative) died.

The tension between them is escalating quickly and when it reaches the tipping point… oh my, I won’t spoil that one! 🙂

My only problem with this book and the reason why I’m giving 4 and not 5 stars is that I feel like the heroine had secrets even after the hero shared all of his. It just didn’t feel right, it felt like she was leading him on.

Also, at the end of the book is not exactly known how the hero knew where she was. I wish the author would reveal how he found her.