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A lady desperate to escape. A hot-tempered earl in the wrong place and wrong time. An escape that sends sparks flying and turns into an attraction that neither can deny.

A lady desperate to escape.
Miss Evalyn Swanson is desperate to escape her stepfather and his nefarious plan to hawk her off to his vicious business partner. With time running out, she spies salvation at a house party in Lincolnshire. Salvation in the form of one hulking, brooding Scotsman that is conveniently traveling north. North, where she can disappear for good.

A hot-tempered earl in the wrong place and wrong time.
With his sister just married to his bitter enemy, Lachlan Ruddington, Earl of Dunhaven is in no mood to entertain the whimsical notions of a chit straight from the ballroom. Even if she’s an enchanting sprite, he has no time for anything other than quick dabbles with the opposite sex. He has an estate to right. A senile grandfather to battle. And a few more enemies he needs to mete out justice to.

An escape not quite according to plan.
Try as he might, Lachlan discovers the draw of Evalyn undeniable—though he’ll deny it for as long as he can. Propriety demands it. His heart that he never thought to lose to an English lass demands it. The danger that lurks around her demands it. But if they can survive, they may just discover the truest love could be the love neither one of them ever anticipated.

Join the adventure today! You’ll love The Iron Earl, the first in the Valor of Vinehill series and a can’t-miss enthralling historical regency era romance by USA Today bestselling author, K.J. Jackson.

Note: The novels in the Valor of Vinehill 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.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2019

5193 people are currently reading
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About the author

K.J. Jackson

52 books460 followers

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5 stars
1,351 (39%)
4 stars
1,130 (33%)
3 stars
676 (19%)
2 stars
186 (5%)
1 star
74 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews169 followers
September 9, 2019
Having survived a childhood of physical abuse, Evalyn now needs to escape the man her stepfather has sold her to – a man who takes great delight in telling her how he will brutalise her and so she begs/blackmails Scotsman Lachlan Ruddington, Earl of Dunhaven a man who loathes her stepfather to take her with him to Scotland. In Evalyn he sees the opportunity for revenge for all he and his people have lost and endured, but Evalyn’s fortitude, beauty and will soon captivate him and ensure his plans quickly change. However, Lachlan’s grandfather is more than a little furious at the U-turn and does all he can to remove Evalyn from Lachlan’s life.

I HATED how Lachlan’s men treated Evalyn as they travelled to his home/land – it was seriously off putting, I’ve read similar books where the heroine is the daughter/relative of the villain the hero and his men despise, and none of the honourable Scotsman did what these men did (and never does she get a heartfelt apology ). I know there is a touching scene with the men after she tells them how she received one fierce scar, but within the framework of everything else that happened it wasn’t enough for me.

Then there is the wedding consummation which just had me shaking my head, Lachlan begins by just thrusting through rather than taking time to get her comfortable and enjoying things – after this debacle he decides to show her the pleasures of the marriage bed – I guess it’s lucky/good that he decided to do so immediately after.

This book ends with nothing really happening to the villains of the story – which was ridiculous because they were serious villains. Yes, Evalyn’s stepfather , but that is no punishment for all he has done.

There are books by this author that I adore, so when I realised, she had a HR book/series I pounced on it, sadly my excitement was unwarranted – this book had potential and there were moments in this were I started to enjoy myself, but overall I’ve finished knowing I’ll not re-read this ever, nor will I continue with the series.

Potential Triggers:
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,710 reviews312 followers
June 16, 2019
Scorching, Romantic and Swoonworthy

Wow, this book was amazing. The sex scenes were romantic and hot and Lachlan and Evalyn were the perfect t couple. This author is quickly becoming one of my very favorites. I have loved every book I have read of hers and now I just go back and find more.

Evalyn was abused all her life and she wanted to be free. She approaches Lachlan at a wedding and asks him to take her back to work on his land and get her away. He agrees because she is the stepdaughter of the man who had his brother killed and he wants revenge. But Lachlan can't help but notice her beauty, her courage, her innocence and he knows he has definitely misjudged her. He is the total package. Scottish, handsome, brave and sex on legs! I swear I melted at the love scenes. I don't normally read them but these were romantic and tasteful and not raunchy. And Evalyn did pull a couple of dumb moves and I got annoyed with her but I still loved her strength. What she put up with as a child was horrid. Her stepfather was truly vile but she survived. There is a scene in the forest where she is telling these men about a scar she has that was heartbreaking. And I loved how these men tried to make her feel better by showing her their scars. It was funny and very touching. I just loved this book. It is going on my Favorites shelf! I can't wait to read about Lachlan's sister too. Great epilogue, no cheating and totally recommend to all my Goodreads friends!! I wish I could read it all over again! 💕
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
February 7, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
I really got into this book.
Evalyn had my upmost respect and sympathy throughout, such a strong character, even though she was beaten ,and cowered down to her stepfather .
Inside she had what it took to run and find her future with Lachlan.
Lachlan on the other hand , at the beginning of the book I wanted to slap him and his band of merry men , I got so angry at them .
As the story progresses you see the changes in him , as his feelings grow ,and Eva tells her story, you see all the men begin to show her respect , it was wonderful to read .
This was s great book that I could not put down, the action and the plot were continuous and forever kept your attention.
I recommend this book and wish I could give more than five stars.
Brilliant!
I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
492 reviews197 followers
August 23, 2022
4 Stars

This was a re-read for me before I got on to the following books in this series.

Highlights
- My first KJ Jackson and I've already bought a couple more books by this author.
- Well written and intense with a gripping storyline.
- It started out very rocky but grew very heartwarming as it progressed.
- I enjoyed Lachlan's blustering magnetism and his contrasting quiet strength.
- Eva, poor thing, your heart just breaks for her.
- The romance was very understated but lovely.
- I did not like the way Eva was treated initially, nor did I enjoy the fact that the villain did not get his comeuppance.

*Well worth a read!
Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
715 reviews136 followers
June 13, 2021
One I will read over again

Truth: I clicked on this book because of a” 1-star made me buy this book” thread on Reddit. Final Score?
Book & Author: Engaging story, well-developed characters, badass heroine
1-star reviewers: You overhyped the graphic content- IMHO

What I loved:
- twist on the “trapped into marriage”
- excellent paced writing
- the clear, immersive storyline
- fantastic character arcs

What to consider:
- you are missing out if you miss reading it

Before you reprimand for shaming readers, I am not. We all deserve to read what we enjoy, whether chaste or XXX kink, and not be shamed. However, there are times I depend on 1 stars to outline in the story what they disliked will fall in my wheelhouse. In this case, ahhh... So swearing: I swear daily like salty sailor. I think I remember one. Graphic sex: there were detailed scenes that were written intimately and beautifully - two with real detail but not for pages. But in no way would I call graphic ( only if your tolerance is zero). I can only imagine these readers were lead astray by a recommendation or assumption which is not deserving to 1-star the book on the author. DNF and move on. So, in that case, I didn't get what I expected - BUT

I discovered a new to me author who I will binge on the backlist. Talented gift for story telling.

Recommendation: Read it
Profile Image for Karen.
814 reviews1,207 followers
February 6, 2023
4.5 STARS


Loved this! Although I felt like it was just getting going when I realized it was almost done. Intriguing storyline. Great characters. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for JP.
684 reviews25 followers
March 24, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
Thought this was good and loved the romance when it finally happened, but I wanted a deeper story. I will definitely read another by this author. And I wish the h hadn’t been so scared all the time. It got on my nerves at times.
2,440 reviews27 followers
February 12, 2019
What strength of character, Evalyn had! When reading of her background it was amazing to realise what she had suffered but still was able to plan an escape. Her journey was not for the faint-hearted either. Lachlan, Earl of Dunhaven was a strong minded character and although he is attracted to Evalyn, he does nothing about it for some time. Their relationship started slowly but there are many obstacles in their way, not the least the threat of Evalyn’s stepfather and Lachlan’s grandfather, the Marquis. This was a captivating read that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It had heart wrenching moments and moments of joy. This is the first in a new series, I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews130 followers
February 25, 2019
Whenever I see a new book by one of my favorite authors K. J. Jackson, I know it will be exactly what I look for in historical romance and because I have loved every story she has written! Plus this is the start of a new series so there will be many books to come!
What I did not expect was on the first page I would have tears filling my eyes as the prologue talked about the horrors the hero Lachlan and his family had endured during the Highland clearances in Scotland. One man stood out he would seek revenge.
Fast forward a few months to England where he is attending a party and he meets Evalyn. Well not exactly meets, she launches herself at him in the garden and begs him to take her to Scotland that very night with him and his men. Eva was such a strong, determined heroine that had endured so much at the hands of her stepfather and he had worse plans for her future. Lachlan was such a brawny, almost immovable force, thus the moniker Iron Earl. On their long journey to Scotland, she faced many trials and even though he was attracted to her, Lachlan held back for as long as he could.
What an adventure and a heart melting story that I literally could not put down once I started. This author has a wonderful way of drawing you in with her characters that seem so real with their emotions that tumble off the page. I felt for both of these two with what they endured but they were meant for each other, I just hoped they could figure it out by the end!
I highly recommend this book and any written by this author. You will thank me in the end!
Profile Image for Karen Thompson.
95 reviews42 followers
February 26, 2019
This was a magnificent start to a new series. The mixture of the English and Scottish characters and backgrounds were enchanting. Evalyn is a strong, honorable, courageous Lady that kept her chin up even when those around her mocked her and treated her unfairly. It was fun watching Lachlan fall for her, and watching their love grow. K.J. Jackson was true to form. It was everything you would expect in one of her books and more!
Profile Image for Christine.
1,889 reviews
May 18, 2020
When reading a book is like shoveling snow.....lots of heavy lifting with no real reward....

Desperate to escape the schemes of her abusive stepfather, Evalyn Swanson convinces a reluctant Lachlan to take her with him when he and his men leave her home to return to Scotland. Lachlan hates her stepfather, and would gladly use Evalyn’s disgrace against him. As the little group journeys North, Lachlan tries to keep Evalyn at arms’ length, but surprises them both by proposing, and Evalyn hesitantly accepts. However, both Evalyn and Lachlan must confront the shadows from their pasts if they’re to find peace and love in a future together...blah, blah, blah.....

You know you're in trouble when, early in the book, the Hero tells the Heroine, "'How you've managed to stay alive this long with that lunacy in your brain is a blessed miracle.'" Indeed...Evalyn is just about TSTL. I get that she's had an awful life, with lots of resulting Issues...but...wow.. I kept expecting her to grow a backbone (or a brain), but sadly, neither becomes all that apparent. She's THAT heroine who expects the Hero to read her mind, with predictable results, when he says to her, after she has one of her many episodes: "'Then tell me what the hell you are thinking, Evalyn." And, "'...Stop running from me. You're making my life increasingly more complicated every time you do.'" There's a lesson here Lachlan...Pay attention.

Also..gotta say...Lachlan's got his own set of problems, and really, really needs to attend Anger Management classes. But at least he's not a cypher, and has...a personality.

Finally...there are lots of sentences ending with prepositions. They are like nails on a blackboard to me. Can't stand it.

Just one star.
6 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
Loved it!

One of my favorite things about K J Jackson's novels is they aren't predictable and this was no exception. Once I started reading it it was hard to put the book down. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Diana Aden.
318 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2019
Evalyn is trying to escape and flee from her stepfather and the forced marriage he plans for her with his reprehensible partner, when she meets Lachlan, Lord Dunhaven, a Scottish earl. She begs Lachlan to let her join him and his group as they leave the area to return to Scotland. Lachlan reluctantly agrees to let her travel with his group. It is a long, arduous journey and Evalyn is greatly challenged. Little by little she manages to gain the respect of Lachlan as well as his men. Lachlan’s feelings for her change over the long journey home when he learns of her stepfather’s cruel treatment and he observes the strength of her character.

I really liked this book. It held my attention throughout. The plot was good, there was plenty of action, and I loved the slow building romance between the two main characters. Once again, K.J. Jackson delivers a gripping, emotional and romantic read. I’m looking forward to the next in this new series. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily submit this review.

Reasons I enjoyed this book: realistic; romantic; wonderful characters; page-turner; action-packed; happily ever after
Profile Image for Martha B..
835 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2019
I loved this engrossing love story.

All that Lachlan, the Iron Earl, can think of is revenge. All that Evalyn can think of is escape. Both opposing goals and imperfect plans. Thankfully, not all ill conceived plans are successful.

Wow. The Iron Earl by K.J. Jackson is a page-turning, heart-pounding novel that moves quickly through a tightly woven tale with a few twists, turns and surprises. The plot and each character is well developed, within a believable Regency era Scotland. I loved the true Lachlan and I cheered for him as he fought his demons. The terror that forced Evelyn to run for her life made me want to cry. Lastly, the chemistry between Lachlan and Evelyn was steaming hot.

Content alert:
The “f” word is used three times.
The other swear words are non-religious and confined to hells and damns.
The marital intimacy is moderately described.
The abuse described could be a trigger for those who have been abused.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review. I also submitted this review to both Amazon (Rural Reader) and BookBub.
433 reviews24 followers
March 7, 2019
Evalyn wanted to corner a man in the secluded alcove ringed with evergreen hedges. Since she was afraid he would leave she cut the front of her gown burying her breasts and told him that she wanted to go with him when he left. She wanted to run away from her stepfather and the man he had decided she would marry. Lord Dunhaven she told him her name was Evalyn--Eva and he told her his name was Lachlan she told him that he was soused but he agreed to let her go with them when he left which she would be leaving about midnight. She told him she needed to disappear and Scotland was the place to disappear into. She was helping Rupe with the cooking and she was serving the man when she tripped into the stew on one man he picked her up and slapped her across the face and she ran away as quick as she could when Lachlan got back no one had seen her for two hours and he went to find her and found her he did and promised her that no one would get her again. To find out what happens to Eva and Lachlan you must read the book. It's a very good book well written...
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,593 reviews22 followers
February 25, 2019
This is an amazing story. It is an exciting, emotional, dramatic, surprising, intriguing read. It has a complex and very attention grabbing plot or story line. I loved this and couldn't put it down. Honestly the best I have read in awhile and one I will be reading over and over. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,547 reviews88 followers
February 28, 2019
A romance filled with danger, suspense and unresolved pain, this standalone novel deals with treachery in its worst form. Knowing she has to make her escape Evalyn targets Lachlan Ruddington as the most likely person to help her, even if she has to use blackmail. Setting out for Scotland is harder than Evalyn envisaged as dressed only in her ballgown and dancing slippers, she treads the wilds in the company of Lachlan ’s band of warriors. Determination forces her to keep going, even when she is in so much pain that she can hardly put one foot in front of the other. Through her bravery and endurance, she wins Lachlan and his men over. However, arrival at their destination only brings the next series of problems to the fore. Lachlan is a strong hero, attempting to put right the wrongs of the past whilst being stymied by his manipulative grandfather. Evalyn, on the other hand, may have been beaten down but she was far from broken. There is an excellent plot, although somewhat brutal at times, but the story does come to a most satisfactory resolution. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,612 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2019
You're going to want this, this poor lady is not treated very well by the men she knows and she has to get herself out a bad situation. I loved the twist and turns in this story.there is a hero in this. But my money will always be on the heroines!
Profile Image for Madoka Kamimura Mason.
328 reviews10 followers
February 28, 2019
K.J. Jackson brought us two slightly broken people who come together because of circumstances. Lachlan has seen destruction and death on those he loved while Evalyn has become an object of punishment and pain. It is up to the two of them to come to peace with their past and heal enough to be able to lean on each other. It is a truly beautiful story.

K.J. Jackson first introduced me to her heart wrenching stories with Stone Devil Duke. She has done it again with Lachlan and Evalyn. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the story from their first meeting to them finding out more about each other on the journey. I love those moments when they discover their feelings and express them with words and actions.

I look forward to reading more from K.J. Jackson. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank K.J. Jackson for this privilege.
Profile Image for Firstpella.
785 reviews
April 12, 2020
3.5
The author reminds me a tiny bit of Hoyt.
Enjoyable, will try another. Pretty standard historical romance but thisclose to too sweet - literally. The happy-ending H/h name their baby after a 🍩
Profile Image for Nina the avid Reader.
4 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this! To an extent I wished there was more depth to the storyline and characters as things moved really fast, but I understand that is this author’s writing style -fast and to the point. This is a book I’ll recommend to anyone!
Profile Image for Christine  Webb .
142 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2021
This was a fun feisty story with just the right amount of conflict without stressing me out. This past year holds enough conflict if it’s own. This was the escape from it all I needed. Can’t wait to read through the rest of Jackson’s series now.
63 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2019

The Iron Earl is the first book I have read by K. J. Jackson, but certainly will not be the last. I felt transformed by this beautiful tale which poignantly captures Evalyn's urgent desire to escape her father and his ill intentions for her at any odds, going off with a group of Scottish men alone, risking her reputation and propriety. Evalyn questions her decision many times as she faces unforseen perils on the long, arduous journey but stands firm and determined, putting one foot literally in front of the other. Lachlan & his men treat Evalyn with scorn and derision but her perseverance slowly begins to wear them over. Lachlan himself doesn't know whether to admire or hate her but oh how the sparks do fly. The depth of these characters was moving as was their pain, growth, camraderie, and love. This story features intense drama, suspense, and lots of heat and is a must read!

-- I received an advance complimentary copy of this book and am delighted to voluntarily offer this review.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,826 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2019
Our heroine in this story is a remarkable woman. A woman, who was physically and mentally abused by her stepfather, finds a way to escape her stepfather and the man her stepfather is marrying her to. The strength and will that Evalyn displays has the man who helped her escape falling in love with her and willing to bear his grandfather's wrath to marry her and protect her. This story the growth and maturity of a woman and man as they learn to face adversity and trust each other. This is a story worth reading and kept me enthralled until the last page.
793 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2019
I could not put this one down. Ms. Jackson has once again made sure dinner was ordered and I stayed up well past bedtime. I have to say, in the beginning, Lachlan was very hard for me to like. I wasn't sure I would ever come around. But what that did, was make me read on with even more interest to see how he would redeem himself. And that he did. I thought the transition from 'Iron Earl' to the lover he became was phenomenal. But it wasn't easy. Eva needed to trust him and feel safe. That takes time. But it really was exciting to follow their journey. Great characters, even the villains were written with true depth. I read very little HR but KJ has become my favorite. I am always excited for a new release. She did not disappoint. I am also a sucker for a Scottish brogue. I will anxiously wait for the next in this series. This is my voluntary opinion of an advanced copy I received.
262 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2019
This book has it all a strong heroine, a dashing hero and a dastardly villian that you can't help but hate. Evalyn is so strong and yet fragile at the same time and her fight is just amazing. Lachlan makes you want to smack him up alongside the head but eventually he comes around! Well rounded and thought out characters, lovely little side stories that work their way in and a love story that makes you angry, laugh and cry.
Profile Image for Pamela.
126 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2019
Reading strength

Eva is a tortured women. Abused horribly by her stepfather, she devises an escape. Lachlan is the Scottish lord she chooses to help her. Their story is not an easy one. It is, however, a joy to see Eva emerge from her shell and become a strong person. Love and trust will do that to you. A thoroughly good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews

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