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Revelry's Tempest #3

Of Risk & Redemption

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A past she needs to right. A bargain he has to make. An attraction neither can deny.

A wary widow.

No stranger to love, Lady Desmond is well-versed in the heartache that can accompany it. Burned by her traitorous heart again and again, Cass has determined her life will include only what she can control—and has made her work as the proud proprietress of the Revelry's Tempest gaming hall her sole mission.

A reluctant viscount.
Inheriting an English title was not something American Rorrick Trowlson wanted in life, nor was the mess that came with the estate. His brother's mess. A mess he now has to clean up. But to do so, he needs a tract of land his brother flippantly lost in a stupid bet at the Revelry's Tempest.

A past that needs to be righted.
After mistaking her for a madam of a brothel, Cass wants nothing to do with the brash American—until she realizes he may be just the key to righting her deepest regret. She strikes a bargain with Rorrick—take her to America, and she will sign the land back to him.

As the spark between them quickly turns into a flame, Cass resists, as she had sworn long ago to never be careless with her heart again. Once, twice, she had been a fool—but three times would be the death of her. But can a brazen American with a new title batter down the stalwart defenses of widowed countess?

Note: The books in the Revelry's Tempest series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.

267 pages, ebook

First published March 12, 2018

2139 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

K.J. Jackson

52 books460 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy DeNeal.
380 reviews19 followers
March 16, 2018
Cass and Rorrick

Lady Desmond gets her HEA. The last of the intrepid widows of Revelry's Tempest and the quiet one to boot.

I enjoyed reading this story as I do all of Jackson's tales. The storytelling is top notch and leaves the reader turning the pages as fast as possible.

In this story as in others the twists and turns lead and mislead. Things are never as they seem on the surface and I for one am always delighted by the surprises that are in store for me.

This story took me to the one place I hate to read about - America. I like my characters to remain in England. But surprisingly, I was happy with the trip to America. It felt right for these characters to go across the seas in their love story.

Now where is Logan's HEA? I've been impatiently waiting.
Profile Image for Shannon.
718 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2018
While the descriptions of the characters and scenes were well done, and chemistry between the main characters was obvious, I just wasn’t that entertained by this book.

This books is full of misunderstandings, outright lies, subtle deceptions, and constant about-faces. I don’t know how I didn’t get whiplash reading it.

When Cass and Rorrick meet for the first time, Rorrick thought she was a madame of a brothel, while Cass harbored a darker secret. That secret isn’t revealed till much later, but it is always in the back of Cass’ mind. On the ship to America, she claims “His bed was not for her.” But within weeks they are having sex. After the inevitable misunderstanding, fight, and reunion, Rorrick tells her the past is in the past and no more secrets ... but she still hasn’t revealed what kept her at bay originally. When the truth outs, there is another row that almost spells disaster. But since this has HEA, we know it will work out. But that working out felt so rushed ... and not at all like the sweet release of a love that finally has its home.

In other topics - this book does highlight how ingrained it is for the female of a sexual assault to accept the blame and guilt for such an assault. While this theme was in that rushed ending, it seemed incredibly poignant with the current culture.

All in all the book is not bad, and I did read it out of order (but I don’t think that caused any issues with the characters)... I just don’t think it was the love story for me.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews129 followers
March 11, 2018
I just turned the last page, yet I do not want to let go of this story. Spanning two continents, this is a journey of life's hardships and disappointments that slowly turn into hope and love. Cass, Lady Desmond, allows herself only to focus on her work as the proprietress of a gaming hall, the Revelry's Tempest. Having lived through heartache a couple of times, she relies upon the only constant in her life, work. Rorrick Trowlson, an american comes to England to settle his dead brother's estate, but also wants to find answers. He confronts Cass and wants the land back his brother lost at the Tempest, that was part of the estate. Having deep regret not long past, Cass needs to go to America to right a wrong that has been on her conscious for several years. Seeing Rorrick as a means to that end, she strikes a bargain with him to take her there in exchange for the land. What follows is a wonderful story of finding the truth, dealing with past heartache and righting some wrongs. But also dealing with the mistrust that had built up with Cass and finding a way to trust her heart as sparks fly between her and Rorrick on their journey. This book is part of a series, although it can be read alone and I think this is my favorite. I love everything this author writes but I truly felt my heart engaged in this story. Do yourself a favor and don't miss it!
Profile Image for Caroline.
Author 3 books50 followers
February 11, 2019
It's boring.

I want to care about the characters, but I don't. I don't understand them. Why does this chick feel bad about not helping her husband's lover? Why the hell should she? That woman knew he was married, no one owes her anything, but this chick is going all the way to America to take care of her? It's not believable or relatable.

Also, Cassie is so dumb that it's painful. She gives her fortune away to a con artist. I don't feel sorry for her at all. I kind of wish she'd been the one to die in America when she ran into the woods during a blizzard because she got some bad news. I wish she had frozen, the hero buried her and then he found a smarter girl who whines less.
162 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2018
i liked dis book, as it is i like d way K.J.Jackson writes & scripts her books, have read many of her regency romances.

This is about Lady Desmond, Cass, who runs Revelry’s Tempest a gaming hall &
American Rorrick Trowlson, bcoz of circumstances become a Viscount. He wants the land and she needs an American to help her right her wrong. With sparks flying and secrets both of dem encompass on a journey of d continent. It is a wonderful story of finding the truth, dealing with past heartache and righting some wrongs. A fast paced story that is full of passion and emotions that grip at your heartstring But also dealing with the mistrust that had built up...

This story has passion , honesty, believable characters, realities of life woven beautifully by d author in d story..K.J.Jackson keeps d reader engrossed in d book so well developed he stories are... not one boring moment.

I ve read many of her books set in d historical & Regency era , she presents d settings, aura , beauty , drawbacks of those times beautifully ...the beat i like about her books r d strong, bold , smart women characters in her stories ...

I received a copy of this book as a gift via Hidden gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
March 11, 2018
In this adventure romance, the initial meeting between Cass and Rorrick is less than stellar. He puts his foot in it and only stops talking long enough to change feet! It takes the intervention of Cass’s best friend for Rorrick to once more have an opportunity of putting his request to her. Cass is not at all interested in Rorrick wanting to negotiate a deal for a tract of land, but she is willing to trade the land if he undertakes to take her to America and to act as her guide on her quest to right past wrongs. Having sailed from South Africa to Britain back in the days when sea voyages were still quite common, I emphathised completely with Cass’s sea sickness and felt for Rorrick having to take care of her. On their in arrival in Charleston things take a dramatic turn and the closer they get to Cass getting her answers, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Through it all, Cass finds that she can trust Rorrick until she discovers that she can’t. She is heartbroken but once again her friends intervene and she allows Rorrick to speak. The problem is Cass is holding her own secrets and when Rorrick finds out, they almost lose one another again. I found this book to be well written with very likeable main characters. They weren’t perfect and both made mistakes. The glimpse into mining towns is appalling and one can only be grateful that young children are no longer sent into tunnels. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Lise.
169 reviews
March 12, 2018
Cassandra and Rorrick’s story is complex to say the least. Rory mistakes Revelry’s Tempest for a brothel and
Cass’s name of Lady Desmond to be for effect as it’s Madam. She thinks he is a pretentious, judgmental prig.

In spite of their first two combative meetings they manage to negotiate a truce between them to each further their own needs. He needs land his brother lost at Revelry’s Tempest and she needs a guide in America to help her search for two souls that she wronged so she can make amends; they barter a deal and their adventures begin.

Each of them has a dark past which clouds their current actions but both manage to find common ground. Through their exploits they learn that they can trust each other when it really counts, when their lives are at risk each one finds the courage to pull the other one through.

This is a sweeping story that spans two countries, it rights the wrongs done in careless anger and thoughtless disregard. There are near death calamities and happy triumphs. There are misunderstandings and forgiveness. Mostly this is a story about all that you can gain if you allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to hope.

This is a story you will truly enjoy! Rory is one of my favorite characters written by K.J. Jackson.

I was given an ARC in return for my honest opinion.


Lise P.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
March 20, 2018
Taking a Gamble 🎲 on 💘Love
British Historical Romance, Circa,1822.

Rory🐺🍆🌋 is an American man, who has come to England to claim his inherited title of Viscount Lord Vandestile, and the estate, such as it is. His brother, Johnny, killed in a duel, had gambled most of the property away at a gambling establishment called Revelry's Tempest.

Cass, the Countess Lady Desmond💋💃, is the titled owner of the gambling establishment. The fact that she is a beautiful single, widow woman, is not lost on the devastatingly handsome Rory🐺🍆🌋. But his assumptions about her are incorrect. She is not a madam, or a Harlot, and her gambling establishment is strictly for gambling and entertainment, there are no prostitutes.

Cass💋💃 has hired a detective to go to America to track a woman with a child, but being an Englishman, no one will help him. He lost track of them outside the Charleston area.

Cass💋💃 books passage on a ship to America for her and Rory🍆🌋, with the promise he'll get his estate back if he will help her find the woman and child. Oh Boy!

I didn't read any previous 📚books, so I don't know who she is looking for. You'll just have to read the 📚books for yourself.

Other than feeling like I was dropped in the middle of a story that had been going on for a while, I liked the book📕.

ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
783 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2018
I loved this book. K.J Jackson creates a wonderful historical setting and her characters are believable, thoughtful, and authentic. The heroine, Cassandra Lady Desmond is a woman bent on righting past wrongs. Beginning in England her plight takes her to the mining towns of America, secrets are revealed and Cass’s heart is in jeopardy of forever being lost to the brash American Rorrick Trowlson.
After mistaking the beautiful Lady Desmond as a madam running the gaming hell the Ravelry’s Tempest, Rorrick will do anything she demands to undo the mess his late brother had created. A fast paced story that is full of passion and emotions that grip at your heartstrings. K. J Jackson spins a tale of one woman’s need for redemption and a man bent on healing her heart! K. J Jackson is accomplished at getting deep into a character's heart and bringing them to life.
As always this was an amazing read that’s full of intrigue, mystery and brimming with passion. Can’t wait for the next K.J Jackson story. I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy Woods.
1,058 reviews20 followers
October 22, 2018
Okay

This historical romance story of an English lady and American gentleman is a mix of great character description and development and rather boring plot.

The story begins in England at a gaming hall that is fun by the lady. Her introduction to the American gentleman goes very badly due to his misconception of her ro!e at Temple 's Revelry.

Needless to say, much back and forth mixed interest, hostility and misunderstanding as the two make an agreement he as let her to America to locate missing persons in exchange for her returning a property lost by his brother at her establishment.

Although the characters personalities and dialogue are well done, the plot got bogged down in the angst and misunderstanding while one minute he's not to be trusted and the next she's withholding secrets. This pretty much ruined the story for me.

Not my taste, but others seeking historical romance novels set in the early 19th century might like it.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2020
K.J. Jackson

4 (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt)

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple. I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me).

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.

romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making). I’d rate it 3/5 hotness and steam.

would absolutely recommend the book and the series. I still enjoyed the book for a one time read and the series.
Profile Image for Colorado.
815 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2022
This book has a promising beginning. When Cass and Rorrick meet, sparks fly. He insults her and she shows him the door. Eventually, they work out an exchange- he will guide her on her quest to find someone in America and she will give him the deed to the property his brother lost in her casino. Jackson continues to build interest on the ship voyage and trip to Charleston as the main characters get to know each other, help each other, respect each other. Of course, the attraction builds, too. Unfortunately, the second half (and especially the last quarter) of the book is tremendously melodramatic. Without giving away the plot, I will just say SO many betrayals! Too many misguided omissions of truth- even when the characters think they are doing the ethical thing. The plot roller coaster distracted from Cass and Rorrick's building of a relationship and learning to trust each other.
811 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2018
This story held onto me throughout. It is tightly written without extraneous information or unending "thoughts". Nothing seemed forced or contrived. It is well paced with good dialog (a must for me), has interesting main characters and a storyline I - as an avid reader - have not yet come across. There are also some unexpected turns. Nothing boring here. Only once did Cass react in a roll-your-eyes worthy manner, however given her history, it was understandable and I'd say not out of character.
Much of Cass's history is revealed to the reader through her conversations with Rorrick on the ship, not at all contrived or forced. The sexual attraction between our h and H was not abrupt. The development seems quite natural to me.
I read an ARC of this third installment in the Revelry's Tempest series.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,283 reviews46 followers
March 13, 2018
No shortage of drama or emotions in this historical romance that takes us on a journey from England to Charleston, SC. Lady Desmond, a widower has lost her heart twice and has no interest in a third time. She only wants to concentrate on running her gaming hall. When she meets the arrogant American, Rorrick, he mistakes her for a madam. Needless to say, she is not pleased. He is trying to clean up the mess his brother made with their estate. In order to do that he needs to reclaim a tract that his brother lost gambling at her business. She agrees to deed it back if he will accompany her to America. Well written with likeable characters and a fast paced storyline with lots of secrets and twists. A good read that I read as a reader copy via Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to write a review.
182 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2018
A Little Something For Everyone.

This is the first book I have read from K.J. Jackson and I didn’t realize what I was missing. This book has a little something for everyone, adventure on the high seas, betrayal, redemption, misunderstandings, regrets, snow storms, sickness, bullets, lust and love, forgiveness and secrets, secrets, secrets.
When I have feelings about a book I know the writer has done a great job in depicting the characters as in an instant dislike of Rorrick upon his entrance at Revelry Tempest until he redeemed himself showing the man he was on the ship with Cass. My heart went out to Cass for the suffering she had to endure in her life and the pain she carried in one regrettable mistake.
You will want to read this one for a truly emotional and heartbreaking adventure.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Emily Finch.
404 reviews
March 20, 2019
This was such a good read. The storytelling as usual is fantastic by K.J. Jackson, I am never disappointed in her storytelling skills. She just has such a way. There are a few twists and turns and actually had me guessing. I love when there’s more layers to the story than initially expecting.

Now, when I read they were venturing to America I got a bit unsure. I personally do not like it when historical romances venture into America, or historical romances based in America. I prefer mine to be in England or Scotland. Depending on the regency of course. However, I quite liked the adventure across the sea, it makes sense that both characters get to see their love interest in the comfort of their natural surroundings. The different backgrounds they both come from, despite being in the same position in London, they are both at different ends of the spectrum.

I always find myself heavily engaged when reading Jackson’s stories, her way of writing just brings me in and generally keeps me captivated all the way through. I’ve yet to have a disappointing read. But this one in particular I have a soft spot for. It’s not my favourite, however, their love and relationship with each other was so pure, exciting and fascinating to watch unfold.
2,440 reviews29 followers
March 9, 2018
Loved this book! It caught my interest from the first page. This is Cassandra and Rorrick’s story. Cassandra hasn’t had an easy life, neither has Rorrick and this affects their outlook and actions. The action takes place in England and and America. I did find the description of the mining town very interesting and quite graphic. There are a number of secrets in this story that are gradually revealed. Some with devastating consequences. The characters from previous books make an appearance and even though this can be read as a standalone, you will miss out on a reading treat if you don’t read the others in the series. This is a fast paced story that will keep you entertained. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



Profile Image for Diana Aden.
318 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2018
This is the third book in the series I have read and it is just as good as the previous two. It is hard for me to describe why I enjoy reading this author's books so much. K.J. has a way of painting pictures with her words. Good dialogue takes place between two believable, strong main characters, both who have had their share of problems to surmount. Each one has secrets to hide. What is different about this regency is that part of it takes place in America which adds an interesting twist to the storyline. While it is not necessary to read the previous two books before Of Risk & Redemption, there are characters in this one who were featured in the previous works. While not overdone, there is a moderate amount of steam between the H & h. Rate this as a well crafted 4 1/2 Stars!
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,698 reviews22 followers
October 19, 2018
I have really enjoyed the first three books in this series! Cass & Rorrick are the couple in this book & both have secrets & a past that has never really been dealt with - can they help one another face reality & live in the present? I love the knack & K.J. Jackson has in her writing that draws you in to the characters lives - I could see the green at the top of the mountain as if I were sitting on the rock! Cass, a member of the Ton plus the proprietor of a gaming hall & Rorrick, an American who has inherited a Viscount title & estate are both strong, honorable, independent people & the adventures, journeys & romance they share is wonderful. I highly recommend this series to all historical romance readers.
26 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2018
This is it!!! This is the best of the best. Kj has pulled this story from her soul." The wonder of it is only eclipsed by the magnitude of it. That the possibility of anything one can imagine surrounds you" a direct quote fro the story. Kj has created more than a story, far more than a romance novel. She has created magic in the written word! This novel will stay with you for a very long time. 5 stars. Lisa
83 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2018
Heartrending Romance

This well-written story is full of surprising twists and turns, beautiful moments of intimacy, secrets and difficult truths, and many risks and redemptions. I felt the hurts and pleasures deeply as I read, hoping for the happiness of the principle characters. The book never dragged for me, and I enjoyed how the author kept coming back to particular themes throughout.
Profile Image for Rachel Crosby.
Author 2 books1 follower
December 26, 2019
A novel well constructed and brilliantly written

Wow! My second novel by Ms Jackson and I'm a happy addict. Her characters, Cass and Rorrick, are so original I forgot this was a Regency romance. Similarly, the writing is at a level more often found in "literature."
This is an author who knows how to make love to her reader. And the making love scenes reflect that, especially when Cass seduces an injured Rorrick in a wingback chair. Guaranteed to get your heart thumping and your skin tingling!
364 reviews
January 11, 2020
The overall story was a good one, a bit much to feel guilty over your husband's mistress, but, I'll bite. Rorrick was a strong likeable character, Cass, not so much. Cass was supposed to be a strong proprietress of a gaming hall, but when bad things happened she became a puddle on the floor. It would have worked better for me if there hadn't been so many about faces in the story; too much mistrust, lies, making up, then more lies and mistrust etc.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,135 reviews109 followers
September 25, 2021
I was thoroughly enjoying this book and the carefully crafted relationship that started in England, built up on the high seas, and came to fruition in America. The sexual attraction built along with the emotional attraction, which is a nice change from most historical romances I’ve read lately. Then I suppose the author thought she needed to throw a roadblock between the couple and the book ended a mangled mess of contrived drama and breast-beating theatrics that caused me to think the hero and heroine should be far, far away from each other…and me. How can anyone write so perfectly for 80% of a book and then end it so poorly?
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,203 reviews17 followers
March 15, 2018

*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one elses*

This book was written beautifully and flowed smoothly.

Cass and Rorrick were likeable and realistic. The characters were complex but their emotions were captured perfectly throughout.

I enjoyed this one and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
636 reviews
March 21, 2018
I was provided an ARC for an honest review. How do you trust a man that turned you offer of a date down a year ago? Both are in a friends wedding and still friends. He says he thought it was an outing with other friends and misunderstood. That doesn't heal you heart. Much action in this friends to lovers story.
Profile Image for Dee Jay Blaylock.
241 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2018
Bicontinental....

Spanning England and America, this book gives history for both with a story of love lost, love found and all variations on love enduring.
Class has secrets and so does Rorrick but do they have to give them up for true love to endure? That is the premise of this and the journey is well worth the read.
Profile Image for Bdrake.
34 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2018
I don't write many reviews but thought it worth mentioning that K.J. Jackson's Revelry's Tempest books are excellent. I've read them all and was thoroughly entertained. Jackson's voice is different from others I enjoy in this genre and a welcome addition. The characters are great and there's a depth to these and also to her other books. Hope you enjoy. BD
Profile Image for Diane Pope.
688 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2018
Hope

This book was almost too much. The drama and excitement never ended. Cass continued to hold on to hope no matter how many times she could have lost it. Rorrick was such a dashing, handsome, strong man. He was the perfect match for Cass. The sadness was tempered with love. Never give up hope.
Profile Image for Charlsie.
38 reviews
April 29, 2019
I usually don't read books written about the period of time but I really did enjoy this book. I liked the characters and the storyline. Just as in real life first impressions, misunderstandings and half truths can change our future. I just bought the Revelry's Tempest #1 book and cannot wait to read it.
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