Series: Devil You Know #2
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on September 29, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Victorian, Scottish
Pages: 260
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne!
They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: 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.
IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY
Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips...Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?
"With the Devil You Know series, Byrne once again delivers the beautifully nuanced characters and seductive storytelling her readers have come to expect."—Booklist
It’s no surprise, given the rating, that I was all hot and bothered by Kerrigan Byrne’s latest addition to the Devil You Know. Unlike the first book, All Scot and Bothered leans toward the lighter side of the angst spectrum while still giving both characters complex personalities and heart-wrenching backstories. I was so pleased with both our hero and heroine. I looked forward to both POVs equally, each voice giving all the feels, smiles, and more than a bit of squirming in my seat at times.
Cecelia was a delightful character; voluptuous, warm-hearted, intelligent, and a fiercely loyal friend. Exactly the sort of character I could identify with, root for, and wish she was among my friends. Even when inheriting a gambling establishment proves to be an interesting complication for Cecelia, she steps up to the plate without a second thought.
Cassius was the perfect blend of grumpy, protective, and utterly smitten with Cecelia’s soft-heart and luscious curves. The sexual tension was red hot! Heart pounding, thigh squeezing, blush inducing thoughts from Cassius in the beginning set an enthralling stage for their romance. I had no issues imagining not only the physical attraction between Cassius and Cecelia, but their growing respect and love for one another.
A perfect blend of mystery and romance, Kerrigan delivers another couple that I adore. I can hardly wait to get my greedy paws on book three! While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book one (How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) so you have more background for Cecelia and her beloved friends.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Kerrigan Byrne
Kerrigan has done many things to pay the bills, from law enforcement to belly dance instructor. Now she’s finally able to have the career she’d decided upon at thirteen when she announced to her very skeptical family that she was going to “grow up to be a romance novelist.” Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, Kerrigan uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in almost every story.
She lives in a little Victorian coast town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State with her wonderful husband. When she’s not writing you can find her sailing, beach combing, kayaking, visiting wineries, breweries, and restaurants with friends, and hiking…okay…wandering aimlessly clenching bear spray in the mountains.
