All Scot and Bothered (Devil You Know, #2) by Kerrigan Byrne Series: Devil You Know #2
Also in this series: The Devil in Her Bed (Devil You Know, #3)
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on September 29, 2020
Pages: 416
Genres: Historical, Romance
Review Copy Provided By: St. Martin's Press
Goodreads
AMZ US Apple Books
This post may contain affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I may receive a small commission from the sale.
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 in the world 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 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?
I was provided a review copy; this did not influence my opinion of the book.
“When you grow, you are going to devastate men.”
Cecelia Teague’s early days broke me. I cried for her – like ugly cried for her. I could feel her fear and loneliness, her anguish and self-doubt. Thank God for the woman who swooped in and saved her, a woman Cecelia never met, but one who’d been friends with her mother. Cecelia was sent to a boarding school, which nurtured her penchant for math and her love of learning. There she met her life-long friends and other members of the Red Rogue. Soon after graduating, Cecelia learned her benefactor had willed her a gambling hall. But it’s not just a gambling hall, there are secrets within its walls that yearn to destroy her, and the women she desires to protect.
“She’d an air of softness he’d never before witnessed, and it boggled the mind how he could be both aroused and comforted by her all at once.”
Ramsey’s character is not easy to love at first sight. He’s arrogant, condescending, and sanctimonious. His honor and image are so important to him that they sometimes cloud the truth. When we learn of his childhood, everything made sense; his trust issues, his need to be viewed as respectable and worthy. When he met Cecelia, his brain scrambled right from wrong. All he could think about was her and being with her. Any time she was in danger, he was there. He was her savior and protector. Even though he felt doing so was against his morals. He fought so hard to maintain his view on the world that he almost lost Cecelia to the truth.
“She haunted him. Nay, she possessed him like a demon that refused to be exorcised.”
The chemistry between these characters was dynamic. Their push and pull created great banter and sexual tension.
I appreciated the growth both of these characters experienced. Ramsay learned to be vulnerable and trust, and Cecelia, while she’d always been caring, learned to trust herself and fight for herself and others. Her ‘take me as I am’ attitude was honorable.
I’ve not read a book by this author that I didn’t love. She writes about strong women and redeemed men. Her stories are always romantic and always hope-filled.
All Scot and Bothered, was passionate, dynamic, and inspiring.
What's on your mind? (Please note, comment may be held for moderation before appearing.)