All Scot and Bothered Review

Author: Kerrigan Bryne

Series: Devil You Know #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Release Date: Sept. 29, 2020

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Rating: 3.5 

A special thank you to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.

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...

Review:

All Scot and Bothered is an enemies to lovers historical romance with a lot of sizzle and pop between the hero and heroine.  Cecelia Teague is a smart, creative woman who just learned she's inherited a gambling empire that includes a few ladies of ill repute.  Unfortunately, this places her under the scrutiny of Lord Chief Justice of the High Court Cassius Gerard Ramsey who's determined to shut the place down.  When they first meet at a dinner, Ramsay doesn't have a clue who Cecelia is and sparks fly between them.  Later, when he comes to the gambling establishment on official business, Cecelia's in disguise and he doesn't immediately recognize her.  In the meantime, their attraction and chemistry spike as she works to keep her identity hidden.  The story that unfolds is heated in more ways than one!

Author Kerrigan Bryne brings a lot of heat to historical romance with sexual tension that's explosive.  I enjoyed Cecelia as another strong heroine with a spine of steel and a mind of her own.  It took more time for me to warm up to Ramsay as some of his actions are particularly harsh, but the interaction between these characters set the stage for an intriguing story with surprising depth.  While this isn't my favorite by this talented author, it's perfect for fans of historical romance with a twist . . . and lots of chemistry.

Synopsis:

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? 

If you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...