All Scot and Bothered (Devil You Know, #2)

by Kerrigan Byrne

[kimbacaffeinate]

So quick note about the series. Each book works as a standalone and offers an HEA. However, the stories center on Alexandra, Cecilia and Francesca. Three female friends who call themselves the Red Rogues. The first audiobook belonged to Alexandra, and this is Cecilia’s story.

I adored Cecilia. She is brilliant and strong even as she shakes with fear. She has the kindest, sweetest heart. Cecilia’s childhood was harsh and yet she embraces life and enjoys the little things with zest. For instance, her passion for chocolate truffles and a fine wine. In fact, she meets our hero, Cassius Gerard Ramsay; Lord Chief Justice of the High Court while indulging in a truffle. I loved their first meet, and the wild thoughts running through Cassius’s mind.

The very day she learns her Aunt has died, and that she has inherited her gambling establishment and school for young girls. At the same time she discovers that Lord Ramsey is determined to bring down London’s most notorious gaming hell and charge its owner for heinous crimes.

And the game is afoot! Oh, my! Ramsey can be downright scary and yet there is something sexy about this noble Scotsman. Admittedly, I would have disliked him had we not heard his thoughts and got a sense of the baggage he needs to unload.

Bryne knows how to weave a tale of suspense while delivering brilliant, flawed and sexy characters. I loved them all from the French butler to the precarious child. Cecilia was positively splendid. Oh, and the Italian needs his own story!

Watching Cecilia and Ramsey was exciting from their wicked banter to heated debates. Their chemistry was off the charts as we learned their stories and they learned each other. We witnessed the building of friendship and trust.

The author allowed us to feel their painful growth and swoon over sensual moments. It was quite the ride. As I listened I wiped away tears, fought the urge to throw a shoe at a stubborn man’s head and laughed with joy.

Derek Perkins did such a splendid job capturing the characters’ complex personalities, mannerism, and growth. His tones, accents and inflections enhanced the character’s emotions, passion and distress. It was stellar narration from beginning to end. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer