canadianbookaddict's review
4.0
I have read a few books by Kerrigan Byrne and I have enjoyed her books so ofcourse I was excited about this one.
All Scot and Bothered is another book by this author that I have enjoyed very much. So entertaining.
All Scot and Bothered is another book by this author that I have enjoyed very much. So entertaining.
geo_ix's review
4.0
I love Kerrigan’s writing, I am a little worried because I’m not hooked on the next couple at all yet, but I guess we shall see. Only thing I didn’t really like in this was that the hero was basically a woman hater until the end. Also that she’s seen as ‘fat’ and indulges a lot, but there’s literally one or two scenes where she eats a couple of truffles & it never really comes up again lmao. Overall I really enjoyed the story, it had a surprising amount of action for a story about a chick who has to decode a book, and I really liked Phoebe.
erinarkin20's review
4.0
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!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
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!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
smuttymcbookface's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The love story between Cecilia and Ramsey was an enthralling read, with fun twists and enjoyable developments. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series, the references to the previous plot made it easy to follow.
The MMC, Ramsey, Lord Chief of Justice and the "Vicar of Vice", is a middle-aged man who's denied himself any of the 'vices' (women, gambling, addiction) due to an upbringing where he saw men die from them, and due to a similar instance in his past where he fell prey to one of them. He's cold, standoffish, and detests that he can't stop sexualising the FMC in everything she does.
Cecilia, the FMC, is an educated mathematician from an awful background where her father figure, Vicar Teague, punished her for being too large, too smart, too anything, as well as punishing her for his own faults and the faults of others. Saved from this upbringing by a mysterious benefactor, later disclosed to be her aunt, she went to schools and honed her impressive mind. Sweet and selfless, to a fault, it's easy to see why the hard Ramsey would fall for her.
I enjoyed the light craziness of the plot, from the scene where Cecilia pretended to be the Scarlet Woman, to the unfolding of the larger over-arching villain. I also enjoyed the time in the cabin, where Cecilia and Raymond grew closer together.
However, I did not enjoy that the only "flaws" of Cecelia were that she was larger, smart, and too nice. I liked reading about a curvy FMC, and a MMC (amongst others) that enjoyed her appearance, but her depiction was flawlessly inhuman.
In addition, Ramsey's inability to think of her in anyway but sexual, and the derogatory narrative that him being Scottish meant he was "closer to wild animals than most men" were quite hard to read without the balance of something else. Cecilia was not viewed as a woman but as a desirable body; something the narrative of her being clever and independent was supposed to protect her from. It was almost disappointing that his appreciation of this amazing woman never moved past her sweetness and her body.
The MMC, Ramsey, Lord Chief of Justice and the "Vicar of Vice", is a middle-aged man who's denied himself any of the 'vices' (women, gambling, addiction) due to an upbringing where he saw men die from them, and due to a similar instance in his past where he fell prey to one of them. He's cold, standoffish, and detests that he can't stop sexualising the FMC in everything she does.
Cecilia, the FMC, is an educated mathematician from an awful background where her father figure, Vicar Teague, punished her for being too large, too smart, too anything, as well as punishing her for his own faults and the faults of others. Saved from this upbringing by a mysterious benefactor, later disclosed to be her aunt, she went to schools and honed her impressive mind. Sweet and selfless, to a fault, it's easy to see why the hard Ramsey would fall for her.
I enjoyed the light craziness of the plot, from the scene where Cecilia pretended to be the Scarlet Woman, to the unfolding of the larger over-arching villain. I also enjoyed the time in the cabin, where Cecilia and Raymond grew closer together.
However, I did not enjoy that the only "flaws" of Cecelia were that she was larger, smart, and too nice. I liked reading about a curvy FMC, and a MMC (amongst others) that enjoyed her appearance, but her depiction was flawlessly inhuman.
In addition, Ramsey's inability to think of her in anyway but sexual, and the derogatory narrative that him being Scottish meant he was "closer to wild animals than most men" were quite hard to read without the balance of something else. Cecilia was not viewed as a woman but as a desirable body; something the narrative of her being clever and independent was supposed to protect her from. It was almost disappointing that his appreciation of this amazing woman never moved past her sweetness and her body.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Suicide
bookwife's review
5.0
I loved this book! Cecilia is one of my favorite HR heroines I've read in awhile. She is curvy, something we don't see often in HR, brilliant and I love her positive attitude. She didn't have the best childhood and she has people around her telling her she isn't proper enough or skinny enough but Cecilia likes herself.. which makes me love her. She is very comfortable with who she is. Ramsey is Cecilia's best friends brother in law. He is very rigid and proper but like in a good way. He uses is rigidness for good!
I am completely obsessed with this story. I loved the plot line... but I loved the characters more. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you netgalley for my early copy!
I am completely obsessed with this story. I loved the plot line... but I loved the characters more. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you netgalley for my early copy!
gwensadventure's review
3.0
I picked this one up because it was on a 'fat girls in fiction must read list'.
Emotionally did I like it? Yes. Technically was it good? No. Honestly they pretty much meant from enemies to lovers almost immediately. Like there was very little growth or development there. This is probably not a 'must read' but I enjoyed it enough.
There was one incredible line, "What are women? A collection of pretty orifices for your pleasure?". Our feminist icon. Also, she is a mathematician, which was new. Although I HATE math, I do find the female protagonist being a mathematician super interesting!! There were also some fun twists and turns!
**The audiobook narration really left something to be desired, so maybe pick up the physical copy if you want to read this one.
Emotionally did I like it? Yes. Technically was it good? No. Honestly they pretty much meant from enemies to lovers almost immediately. Like there was very little growth or development there. This is probably not a 'must read' but I enjoyed it enough.
There was one incredible line, "What are women? A collection of pretty orifices for your pleasure?". Our feminist icon. Also, she is a mathematician, which was new. Although I HATE math, I do find the female protagonist being a mathematician super interesting!! There were also some fun twists and turns!
**The audiobook narration really left something to be desired, so maybe pick up the physical copy if you want to read this one.
kayla_llbr's review
4.0
Kerrigan Byrne does it again and again and again. She is the queen of dark historical romance and she does it so well.
I have speed through this series and have been so excited for Francesca's book, and I was not disappointed in her story arc, or that of the Devil of Dorset.
Francesca has been the most elusive of the heroines of this series. She's a bit more prickly, and I wasn't exactly sure what her backstory really was to get a good feel on her. While her story was dark, it didn't feel as triggering as Alexandra's (in the first book) or as tenderhearted as Cecilia's (second book). This one was pretty dark though, especially as we learn more of the Crimson council as well as the Devil of Dorset's crazy backstory that is also intertwined with Francessa/Pippa's.
There is plenty of heat between these two, but a lot of heart.
4 stars
I have speed through this series and have been so excited for Francesca's book, and I was not disappointed in her story arc, or that of the Devil of Dorset.
Francesca has been the most elusive of the heroines of this series. She's a bit more prickly, and I wasn't exactly sure what her backstory really was to get a good feel on her. While her story was dark, it didn't feel as triggering as Alexandra's (in the first book) or as tenderhearted as Cecilia's (second book). This one was pretty dark though, especially as we learn more of the Crimson council as well as the Devil of Dorset's crazy backstory that is also intertwined with Francessa/Pippa's.
There is plenty of heat between these two, but a lot of heart.
4 stars
intensej's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I have not read the first book in the Devil You Know series, so some of the secondary characters were a bit unfamiliar to me. Cecelia Teague is an intelligent woman who inherits a gaming den from her aunt. Her aunt leaves her a letter revealing that she was murdered, and gives Cecelia a book with all of the secrets she has collected over the years. The information in the book is written in a secret code, and she must try to crack the code before the people trying to kill her accomplish their goal. Cassius Gerard Ramsay is Lord Chief Justice of the High Court and is convinced that Cecelia's gambling den is a front for human trafficking. He is trying to find out who is responsible for the disappearance of young girls, but he cannot think clearly because he is falling for Cecelia. I loved the characters, but I felt like some sentences and word choices felt clunky and forced. I thought Cecelia's mathematical skills would be more central to the plot, but it is barely mentioned once she translates her aunt's book of secrets. Also, I wished the gambling den was more central to the plot. For fans of historical romances with smart heroines and silent, broody Scottish men.
I have not read the first book in the Devil You Know series, so some of the secondary characters were a bit unfamiliar to me. Cecelia Teague is an intelligent woman who inherits a gaming den from her aunt. Her aunt leaves her a letter revealing that she was murdered, and gives Cecelia a book with all of the secrets she has collected over the years. The information in the book is written in a secret code, and she must try to crack the code before the people trying to kill her accomplish their goal. Cassius Gerard Ramsay is Lord Chief Justice of the High Court and is convinced that Cecelia's gambling den is a front for human trafficking. He is trying to find out who is responsible for the disappearance of young girls, but he cannot think clearly because he is falling for Cecelia. I loved the characters, but I felt like some sentences and word choices felt clunky and forced. I thought Cecelia's mathematical skills would be more central to the plot, but it is barely mentioned once she translates her aunt's book of secrets. Also, I wished the gambling den was more central to the plot. For fans of historical romances with smart heroines and silent, broody Scottish men.
brittanyt's review
3.0
Cecilia was raised by a vicar who punished her for being a woman. When she is rescued from his home, she learns it is okay to live a life of indulgence. Ramsay is the Chief Justice and has accomplished all he has by not indulging in any pleasures. The one woman who tempts him? Cecilia. Ramsay is working a case, trying to discover what is happening to young girls who are being kidnapped. The trail leads directly to the door of the gaming hell Cecilia just inherited from her aunt.
Cecilia is such a great character. She is empowered, brilliant, and refuses to conform to societal expectations. My favorite scene in the book has to be when Ramsay conducts a search of the gaming hell and property. She is in disguise and he has no idea she is the Scarlet Lady, now in charge of everything. She magnificently puts him in his place!
Ramsay is a broken hero, who doesn’t realize he is broken. While I enjoyed this book, I wish Ramsay could have overcome his perspectives earlier. He has very similar views to the vicar who raised Cecilia in believing women use their sex against men and I was incredibly frustrated that Cecilia was continuously judged for the “sins” of others. Granted, we learn a lot about his life experience that makes you understand his jaded view of the world. He does come around to realize he is wrong, I just wish it would have happened earlier. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I feel like it is classic Kerrigan Byrne, full of emotions, dark history, and mystery.
Cecilia is such a great character. She is empowered, brilliant, and refuses to conform to societal expectations. My favorite scene in the book has to be when Ramsay conducts a search of the gaming hell and property. She is in disguise and he has no idea she is the Scarlet Lady, now in charge of everything. She magnificently puts him in his place!
Ramsay is a broken hero, who doesn’t realize he is broken. While I enjoyed this book, I wish Ramsay could have overcome his perspectives earlier. He has very similar views to the vicar who raised Cecilia in believing women use their sex against men and I was incredibly frustrated that Cecilia was continuously judged for the “sins” of others. Granted, we learn a lot about his life experience that makes you understand his jaded view of the world. He does come around to realize he is wrong, I just wish it would have happened earlier. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I feel like it is classic Kerrigan Byrne, full of emotions, dark history, and mystery.