All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne

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?

Review

I very much did not enjoy this book.

The heroine Cecelia is delightful - strong willed, intelligent, and sweet, despite a childhood of abuse. When she inherits a school for women and associated gambling hall, she finds herself in the sights of Lord Ramsey, a misogynistic, self-righteous blockhead who believes the worst of her because she's a woman and women are evil.

In addition to hating women generally, he also hates her because he desires her (Hellfire anyone?), and sets out to destroy her life because he thinks she's into child trafficking. Once it's been proven she's being framed, the ONE apology he ever gives is met with "no it's fine" 😍 because she's always wanted a protector and he somehow fills that role.

There's so much more that annoys me but I simply can't be bothered anymore.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own