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Box of Draupnir #1
The Heart of an Earl
A lady willing to do anything to escape death.
Ripped from her family years ago by a pirate captain, Lady Julianna knows a thing or two about surviving. But she’s grasping at the last threads of staying alive after the captain dies and leaves her at the mercy of the pirate crew. She hides his death—as the second the crew of the Red Dragon discovers the captain is dead, survival will be the least of her worries.
But the ruse can only work for so long. Just when her hope is nearly lost, their ship is attacked and she spies a way out. A way out in the form of one tall, strong sailor that just may be her salvation—or her biggest mistake.
A long lost earl determined to stay adrift.
Desmond Phillips gave up any hope of living a normal life years ago when his wife and unborn baby died. Losing himself among the crew of a privateering ship, all in England gave him up for dead—just as he and his shattered heart preferred it.
Two lost souls meet.
In the midst of a battle at sea, a sprite of a woman drops onto Des, begging for his help. He saves her and inherits the duty to bring her home safely.
As the journey to deliver Lady Julianna home to England unfolds, these two lost souls find unlikely kindred spirits in each other, and the cold, broken shards of Des’s heart begin to heal. But the curse of an ancient box haunts their every move—their very lives. If they manage to break the curse of the Box of Draupnir, they may just be rewarded with an undying love.
Note: The novels in the Box of Draupnir 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.
Ripped from her family years ago by a pirate captain, Lady Julianna knows a thing or two about surviving. But she’s grasping at the last threads of staying alive after the captain dies and leaves her at the mercy of the pirate crew. She hides his death—as the second the crew of the Red Dragon discovers the captain is dead, survival will be the least of her worries.
But the ruse can only work for so long. Just when her hope is nearly lost, their ship is attacked and she spies a way out. A way out in the form of one tall, strong sailor that just may be her salvation—or her biggest mistake.
A long lost earl determined to stay adrift.
Desmond Phillips gave up any hope of living a normal life years ago when his wife and unborn baby died. Losing himself among the crew of a privateering ship, all in England gave him up for dead—just as he and his shattered heart preferred it.
Two lost souls meet.
In the midst of a battle at sea, a sprite of a woman drops onto Des, begging for his help. He saves her and inherits the duty to bring her home safely.
As the journey to deliver Lady Julianna home to England unfolds, these two lost souls find unlikely kindred spirits in each other, and the cold, broken shards of Des’s heart begin to heal. But the curse of an ancient box haunts their every move—their very lives. If they manage to break the curse of the Box of Draupnir, they may just be rewarded with an undying love.
Note: The novels in the Box of Draupnir 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.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2020
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April 20, 2020
4.5 Stars!
Wow! The first book in KJ Jackson's latest series, and I am hooked!
Desmond ("Des") has been adrift (literally and figuratively) since he learned of his wife's death as he was en route back to be with her after being pressed into service and then besieged by pirates. At the very moment he received the news that his world had ended, the ship he had boarded to bring him home was swarmed by pirates, and the captain snatched the letter from him before he could even finish reading it. After mocking his pain, the blackguard tossed it away. Feeling as though he had nothing left to live for, Des stepped in when a beautiful, auburn-haired girl of 17 or 18 was being torn from her parents to try to save her from a fate at the hands of such ruthless men. Despite his efforts, he was knocked unconscious; when he came to, he was still on the ship (minus the cargo taken by the pirates), the spirited young woman lost with the rest of the booty.
Six years later, Des still makes his home aboard ships; this time, he's serving as a privateer attacking a pirate ship - which turns out to be the same ship that attacked him those many years ago. When what he believes to be a crazed woman falls on him as he makes his move toward the captain's cabin, he is stunned as she pulls a knife on him and tells him to protect and save her. Des agrees, but when the dust settles and they look at each other, they realize they have already met.
Lady Julianna lived a charmed existence until her father's obsession with collecting artifacts led to her sailing the pirate infested seas resulting in her kidnapping many years before. Now that she has escaped, she recognizes her savior as the same man who tried to step in to help her when she was taken. Though Jules is wary of men, and rightfully so, something about Des calls to her, and she finds herself unable to resist him. Des feels the same pull, but since he lost his wife, he believes he is unable to ever give his heart to another. What will happen when the ship docks? Will they be able to put their pasts behind them and move forward with each other? Or will the curse of a box that has led to the downfall of many a man destroy them?
What I liked:
--- The story was action-packed and pretty nonstop - I flew through the pages to find out what happens next!
--- Excellent character development - I definitely wanted them to get their HEA!
--- The book connected back to the last series (The Valor of Vinehill) as Des appeared in the final book of that trilogy as the H's mysterious and haunted first mate - I was excited to get to read his story... and his tale intersects in other surprising ways as well which connected more dots and made this an even more fun read as a result
--- STEAMY GOODNESS! (Early & often, please & thank you!)
What I didn't like as much:
--- While I was all in with Des right away, it took me a little longer to get there with Jules - she came across a little rough in the beginning, but I warmed up to her
--- I love the "us against the world" romances best (minimal inter-couple angst), and this delivered on that for the most part (there was some separation of the couple later in the book that bummed me out, but it wasn't too long, and the miscommunication that occurred upon their reunion was quickly sorted out, thankfully)
Overall, another very delightful read from one of my favorite authors that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys an interesting story filled with a boatload of pirates, a handful of earls, a heaping helping of steam, and (of course!) a satisfying HEA!
(As a note, while it is not necessary to have read any of the books in the Valor of Vinehill trilogy as this is a standalone start to a new series, I would recommend reading those - specifically books 2 & 3 - to gain maximum enjoyment and understanding of Des's backstory.)
Please note that I was provided with an advance copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- some battle scenes; nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Wow! The first book in KJ Jackson's latest series, and I am hooked!
Desmond ("Des") has been adrift (literally and figuratively) since he learned of his wife's death as he was en route back to be with her after being pressed into service and then besieged by pirates. At the very moment he received the news that his world had ended, the ship he had boarded to bring him home was swarmed by pirates, and the captain snatched the letter from him before he could even finish reading it. After mocking his pain, the blackguard tossed it away. Feeling as though he had nothing left to live for, Des stepped in when a beautiful, auburn-haired girl of 17 or 18 was being torn from her parents to try to save her from a fate at the hands of such ruthless men. Despite his efforts, he was knocked unconscious; when he came to, he was still on the ship (minus the cargo taken by the pirates), the spirited young woman lost with the rest of the booty.
Six years later, Des still makes his home aboard ships; this time, he's serving as a privateer attacking a pirate ship - which turns out to be the same ship that attacked him those many years ago. When what he believes to be a crazed woman falls on him as he makes his move toward the captain's cabin, he is stunned as she pulls a knife on him and tells him to protect and save her. Des agrees, but when the dust settles and they look at each other, they realize they have already met.
Lady Julianna lived a charmed existence until her father's obsession with collecting artifacts led to her sailing the pirate infested seas resulting in her kidnapping many years before. Now that she has escaped, she recognizes her savior as the same man who tried to step in to help her when she was taken. Though Jules is wary of men, and rightfully so, something about Des calls to her, and she finds herself unable to resist him. Des feels the same pull, but since he lost his wife, he believes he is unable to ever give his heart to another. What will happen when the ship docks? Will they be able to put their pasts behind them and move forward with each other? Or will the curse of a box that has led to the downfall of many a man destroy them?
What I liked:
--- The story was action-packed and pretty nonstop - I flew through the pages to find out what happens next!
--- Excellent character development - I definitely wanted them to get their HEA!
--- The book connected back to the last series (The Valor of Vinehill) as Des appeared in the final book of that trilogy as the H's mysterious and haunted first mate - I was excited to get to read his story... and his tale intersects in other surprising ways as well which connected more dots and made this an even more fun read as a result
--- STEAMY GOODNESS! (Early & often, please & thank you!)
What I didn't like as much:
--- While I was all in with Des right away, it took me a little longer to get there with Jules - she came across a little rough in the beginning, but I warmed up to her
--- I love the "us against the world" romances best (minimal inter-couple angst), and this delivered on that for the most part (there was some separation of the couple later in the book that bummed me out, but it wasn't too long, and the miscommunication that occurred upon their reunion was quickly sorted out, thankfully)
Overall, another very delightful read from one of my favorite authors that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys an interesting story filled with a boatload of pirates, a handful of earls, a heaping helping of steam, and (of course!) a satisfying HEA!
(As a note, while it is not necessary to have read any of the books in the Valor of Vinehill trilogy as this is a standalone start to a new series, I would recommend reading those - specifically books 2 & 3 - to gain maximum enjoyment and understanding of Des's backstory.)
Please note that I was provided with an advance copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- some battle scenes; nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
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October 16, 2025DNF at 6%
Writing level was middle school, interest level was zero. Pirates attacked and boarded a ship and subdued the passengers and crew in two minutes, for pity’s sake. Was the entire ship taking a nap?
Nope. Can’t do it.
Writing level was middle school, interest level was zero. Pirates attacked and boarded a ship and subdued the passengers and crew in two minutes, for pity’s sake. Was the entire ship taking a nap?
Nope. Can’t do it.
April 28, 2020
This might be just me not jiving with author’s writing style but I thought the book was written in a very flat way and lacked in emotional depth completely.
However the plot was interesting: a lot of things happened, many years passed by and our main characters experienced a lot unfortunate moments.
This book felt like a first draft of a plot and not a fully fleshed out story. It is my first book by this author though so I can’t tell if this is her writing style or only a book that didn’t come out as detailed.
Yet still two stars for a quite original story that moved quickly and kept me reading.
However the plot was interesting: a lot of things happened, many years passed by and our main characters experienced a lot unfortunate moments.
This book felt like a first draft of a plot and not a fully fleshed out story. It is my first book by this author though so I can’t tell if this is her writing style or only a book that didn’t come out as detailed.
Yet still two stars for a quite original story that moved quickly and kept me reading.
April 17, 2020
This was a good paced story that had action and romance. Des and Jules had both endured some very hard times but in each other they had found their soul mate. They were both strong, brave and resilient and they needed to be. The action takes place at sea and on the land. There were a number of lies told that led to misunderstandings. I really found myself hoping all would turn out well for them. A good part of the action centres around the possession of a box and how it affects the person who is the keeper of the box. This had a good amount of tension, heartbreaking moments, passion and a few surprises . It was good to meet up with other characters from previous books. The story of the box continues in the next book and I look forward to reading it.
August 17, 2020
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story but I struggled with Jules. I found her too rough to start and while she eventually grew on me, my initial reaction to her made it hard to love her. Des was swoon worthy and I genuinely loved him. I do wish he had been a little more alpha.
I was a little annoyed at the separation of the two main characters. It felt like unnecessary angst to me. I really struggle with books that have a dead past love. It takes away the "you're the only one for me" vibe I like. This story waffled a bit too far on that for me but I got a satisfying HEA so I'm willing to look past it.
Beyond these few personal preferences, I thought it was an action packed, steamy, and fun read and definitely want to read more from Jackson.
I really enjoyed this story but I struggled with Jules. I found her too rough to start and while she eventually grew on me, my initial reaction to her made it hard to love her. Des was swoon worthy and I genuinely loved him. I do wish he had been a little more alpha.
I was a little annoyed at the separation of the two main characters. It felt like unnecessary angst to me. I really struggle with books that have a dead past love. It takes away the "you're the only one for me" vibe I like. This story waffled a bit too far on that for me but I got a satisfying HEA so I'm willing to look past it.
Beyond these few personal preferences, I thought it was an action packed, steamy, and fun read and definitely want to read more from Jackson.
September 13, 2021
amazing
As always this author is my favourite for a reason!! Romance, tragedy, sorrow, adventure and mystery. This original story has it all, read it in on sitting.. absolutely loved it, highly recommend.
As always this author is my favourite for a reason!! Romance, tragedy, sorrow, adventure and mystery. This original story has it all, read it in on sitting.. absolutely loved it, highly recommend.
April 21, 2020
This was a gripping story and I really enjoyed the read. Jules and Des have both been through unimaginable ordeals and are true survivors.
May 25, 2020
While I love love love this author’s books, the use of repetition sometimes is tiring to see. It’s too frequent.
April 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book as it took us out of the ballrooms for the majority of the story and took us out to sea. I was hooked on the book in the first chapter, as I knew I had to find out how the H/h would overcome their horrible past events in their lives.
Desmond "Des" Phillips lost himself on a privateering ship as a crew member, after his young pregnant wife died. All of his friends and family presumed he was dead after he had been gone for years and that was exactly what he want them to believe - he needed to be away from everyone to deal with his broken heart.
Lady Juliana "Jules" ship was attacked and she taken captive by the pirate ship's captain. She endured six years with the captain, he died and had been keeping it a secret from the crew as she knew her fate if they found out. Today their ship was attacked by a privateer ship and she plotted her escape by attacking a sailor who had come to find the captain - luckily he was kind when she told him her past and the 3 week dead captain and he helped her escape.
Des & Jules adventures to happiness was full of danger, trust issues, fear, lies, friendship, honor, romance, lust and surprises. Just as I would think they were going to get their HEA, all hell broke loose and this happened more than once. I highly recommend this book and the characters are ones you root for from the beginning. Another winner from K.J. Jackson!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Desmond "Des" Phillips lost himself on a privateering ship as a crew member, after his young pregnant wife died. All of his friends and family presumed he was dead after he had been gone for years and that was exactly what he want them to believe - he needed to be away from everyone to deal with his broken heart.
Lady Juliana "Jules" ship was attacked and she taken captive by the pirate ship's captain. She endured six years with the captain, he died and had been keeping it a secret from the crew as she knew her fate if they found out. Today their ship was attacked by a privateer ship and she plotted her escape by attacking a sailor who had come to find the captain - luckily he was kind when she told him her past and the 3 week dead captain and he helped her escape.
Des & Jules adventures to happiness was full of danger, trust issues, fear, lies, friendship, honor, romance, lust and surprises. Just as I would think they were going to get their HEA, all hell broke loose and this happened more than once. I highly recommend this book and the characters are ones you root for from the beginning. Another winner from K.J. Jackson!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
April 13, 2020
What a unique story! The beginning will cause you to feel many emotions as we meet the H/h for the first time. Each heart wrenching for them both.
The H has endured so much since he sent his pregnant wife home. His path isn't one he choose and for 7 years he can finally see the end of the tunnel only to have it collapse. The h does a very unselfish act and her choice has ruined her for many years.
This story has so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down. Just when I thought I knew the HEA I wanted for them was about to happen, the rug is pulled out from under them so many times (and me too). I felt I ran a marathon because my emotions were spent wanting the best for them.
Romance builds slowly, we are treated to some steam outside of marriage- heat level 4.5 out of 5. I didn't find it vulgar, because as a couple they worked and I felt a connection to them and their passion for each other.
Many villains, suspense, intrigue and twists galore! There is a unique story about an object that will play into the rest of the series, quite entertaining.
No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA - very bumpy road and steam.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and voluntarily given. (ljb)
The H has endured so much since he sent his pregnant wife home. His path isn't one he choose and for 7 years he can finally see the end of the tunnel only to have it collapse. The h does a very unselfish act and her choice has ruined her for many years.
This story has so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down. Just when I thought I knew the HEA I wanted for them was about to happen, the rug is pulled out from under them so many times (and me too). I felt I ran a marathon because my emotions were spent wanting the best for them.
Romance builds slowly, we are treated to some steam outside of marriage- heat level 4.5 out of 5. I didn't find it vulgar, because as a couple they worked and I felt a connection to them and their passion for each other.
Many villains, suspense, intrigue and twists galore! There is a unique story about an object that will play into the rest of the series, quite entertaining.
No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA - very bumpy road and steam.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and voluntarily given. (ljb)
April 12, 2020
Not sure how to rate this. It's well written, but the story did not thrill me and yet is better than "OK". So that makes it a 3* (I liked it) rating.
As I'm not a fan of pirate stories and I've read enough of sea travels, I hesitated to accept the offer to read an advanced copy. It is easy to read and follow the storyline. The piracy/sea travel portion is kept to a minimum and our h and H eventually make it to shore to face further trials. There were some surprises along the way. Juliana is an strong character who, in spite of her experiences, is still hopeful of the good in others. As the series title hints, a certain small box with supposed magical powers plays a role in their future.
I was a bit perturbed when Des criticizes Juliana for having married the pirate captain. What was she to do? She was basically a prisoner and had to make the best of a dire situation. It also seemed out of character and a bit hypocritical of him. He was witness to her being dragged away by the pirate and he had no trouble bedding her.
I read a free advanced copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
As I'm not a fan of pirate stories and I've read enough of sea travels, I hesitated to accept the offer to read an advanced copy. It is easy to read and follow the storyline. The piracy/sea travel portion is kept to a minimum and our h and H eventually make it to shore to face further trials. There were some surprises along the way. Juliana is an strong character who, in spite of her experiences, is still hopeful of the good in others. As the series title hints, a certain small box with supposed magical powers plays a role in their future.
I was a bit perturbed when Des criticizes Juliana for having married the pirate captain. What was she to do? She was basically a prisoner and had to make the best of a dire situation. It also seemed out of character and a bit hypocritical of him. He was witness to her being dragged away by the pirate and he had no trouble bedding her.
I read a free advanced copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
April 13, 2020
The Heart of an Earl is the first in K J Jackson’s exciting new ‘Box of Draupnir’ series.
Lady Julianna had been abducted from her family years ago by a pirate captain. She has spent six long years doing everything she must to survive. When the captain dies leaving her at the mercy of the pirate crew, she hides his death as long as she can. But she is fast running out of options when the ship is attacked. Julianna grasps her chance to escape when she sees one tall, strong sailor that her heart tells her will be her salvation…
Desmond Phillips has tried to lose himself among the crew of a privateering ship after the death of his wife and child. His family has given him up for dead and he prefers to keep it that way. When Julianna literally drops in his lap, begging for help, he feels his heart start to heal again. He vows to keep her safe and take her back to England.
But Julianna has in her keeping the mysterious Box of Draupnir – a treasure that has had men kill for it and be obsessed by it. They must try to be rid of the box whilst avoiding the curse that befalls anyone that has owned it.
We first met Des in The Steel Rogue and knew there was a story to be had with him. This story actually begins years before the events in The Steel Rogue and concludes after.
I had mixed feelings about this book. The adventure on the high seas and pirate trope is not really a favourite nor stories that span years before the H&h get their happy ever after. K J Jackson is a favourite author of mine though so I decided to give it a chance.
There is plenty of action, emotion and passion in this story. Both Julianna and Des have been through and go through so much in this – it really puts you through the wringer. They actually discover their love and need for each other early on so it’s not the emotional misunderstandings that create problems and separations. It is the cruel machinations of Julianna’s father that do so and we truly learn to hate him.
I much preferred the last third of the story when they rediscover each other and other surprises are delivered [I don’t want to be too spoilerish here] but I loved that aspect of it.
Although it’s not generally the sort of story I would pick up, K J’s writing is so strong that it kept me glued to the page until I had read it through in one go. I liked Des very much and Julianna even though I hated the choices she had to make [but I absolutely understand why she had to do so] and the surprises at the end. I would definitely say that this deserves a read and am looking forward to the adventures that will follow the Box of Daupnir. Definitely intrigued as to who its final owner will be.
I was generously gifted an ARC but the views are my own.
Lady Julianna had been abducted from her family years ago by a pirate captain. She has spent six long years doing everything she must to survive. When the captain dies leaving her at the mercy of the pirate crew, she hides his death as long as she can. But she is fast running out of options when the ship is attacked. Julianna grasps her chance to escape when she sees one tall, strong sailor that her heart tells her will be her salvation…
Desmond Phillips has tried to lose himself among the crew of a privateering ship after the death of his wife and child. His family has given him up for dead and he prefers to keep it that way. When Julianna literally drops in his lap, begging for help, he feels his heart start to heal again. He vows to keep her safe and take her back to England.
But Julianna has in her keeping the mysterious Box of Draupnir – a treasure that has had men kill for it and be obsessed by it. They must try to be rid of the box whilst avoiding the curse that befalls anyone that has owned it.
We first met Des in The Steel Rogue and knew there was a story to be had with him. This story actually begins years before the events in The Steel Rogue and concludes after.
I had mixed feelings about this book. The adventure on the high seas and pirate trope is not really a favourite nor stories that span years before the H&h get their happy ever after. K J Jackson is a favourite author of mine though so I decided to give it a chance.
There is plenty of action, emotion and passion in this story. Both Julianna and Des have been through and go through so much in this – it really puts you through the wringer. They actually discover their love and need for each other early on so it’s not the emotional misunderstandings that create problems and separations. It is the cruel machinations of Julianna’s father that do so and we truly learn to hate him.
I much preferred the last third of the story when they rediscover each other and other surprises are delivered [I don’t want to be too spoilerish here] but I loved that aspect of it.
Although it’s not generally the sort of story I would pick up, K J’s writing is so strong that it kept me glued to the page until I had read it through in one go. I liked Des very much and Julianna even though I hated the choices she had to make [but I absolutely understand why she had to do so] and the surprises at the end. I would definitely say that this deserves a read and am looking forward to the adventures that will follow the Box of Daupnir. Definitely intrigued as to who its final owner will be.
I was generously gifted an ARC but the views are my own.
April 21, 2020
Desmond Philips, Lord Troubant, was on the way home to England and his wife when he was taken prisoner and pressed into servitude on an American warship. Surviving horrific circumstances, he regained his freedom after seven years. On his way back home the ship was overtaken by pirates. One of the passengers, a young woman, Lady Juliana, was forced to leave on the pirate ship. Des had no reason to stay in England when he returned as his wife had died in childbirth. He made the decision to go back to sea. He serves for six years with a privateer working for the Crown to take down the Red Dragon when they come across the pirate ship and crew. A fight ensues and though things looked grim, a woman pirate aided Des and asked for his help. The privateer ship took over possession of the Red Dragon and Des discovered the woman pirate, Jules, was none other than the former Lady Juliana.
K.J. Jackson has done once again what she has frequently done in many of the previous works I’ve read. She has a talent in weaving emotional tales of two souls that you may or may not like at the beginning. But then she lays out their story, perhaps through their mutual or individual pasts. One becomes invested in the story and them, and the need to know how these characters survived what they faced in the past and how they will deal with the present. The Heart of an Earl, the first book in a new series by K.J. Jackson, is an intriguing, adventurous story with an ancient curse involved. The two main characters survived what circumstances happened to them individually as well as mutually. There are good supporting characters as well as some very duplicitous ones. There is sorrow and also some unexpected surprises, including some characters from previous works by the author. The story of Des and Jules kept me enthralled until the very end. It was a very good read. I received an ARC from the author but it has in no way affected my voluntary and unbiased review of the book. Book Rating: 4 ½ stars, steam level 4.
K.J. Jackson has done once again what she has frequently done in many of the previous works I’ve read. She has a talent in weaving emotional tales of two souls that you may or may not like at the beginning. But then she lays out their story, perhaps through their mutual or individual pasts. One becomes invested in the story and them, and the need to know how these characters survived what they faced in the past and how they will deal with the present. The Heart of an Earl, the first book in a new series by K.J. Jackson, is an intriguing, adventurous story with an ancient curse involved. The two main characters survived what circumstances happened to them individually as well as mutually. There are good supporting characters as well as some very duplicitous ones. There is sorrow and also some unexpected surprises, including some characters from previous works by the author. The story of Des and Jules kept me enthralled until the very end. It was a very good read. I received an ARC from the author but it has in no way affected my voluntary and unbiased review of the book. Book Rating: 4 ½ stars, steam level 4.
May 3, 2020
The Heart of an Earl
This was an interesting story. Des was on his way home to England. Redfern, a pirate leader, captured their ship, and stole a beautiful red haired girl from the ship. Six years later, Des and his captain captured Redfern’s ship and Jules off the ship. From mayhem,to riding the high sea, Jules fell in love with Des. This is a must read, much more to discover.
This was an interesting story. Des was on his way home to England. Redfern, a pirate leader, captured their ship, and stole a beautiful red haired girl from the ship. Six years later, Des and his captain captured Redfern’s ship and Jules off the ship. From mayhem,to riding the high sea, Jules fell in love with Des. This is a must read, much more to discover.
May 5, 2020
Such a good read. If there were 6 stars the book definitely deserves all of them, it's that good!
April 23, 2020
K. J. Jackson has brought us the story of Des and Jules in this new series. Two souls lost out at sea searching to something to hold on to. I have always enjoyed her novels from my very first story with Aggie and Devin to this latest. I love how these two characters who have been out at sea for years find their lives intersect at important junctures and how they left a lasting impression on each other. This impacts their next chance meeting and changes the course their lives would take because of it. We see these characters face obstacles as they grapple with personal demons. Will they overcome all that they face? Will they admit that they are capable of love after all they have gone through? It is a beautiful story filled with pirates, treasure, reunions, and the power of love and trust.
I look forward to the next adventure with K. J. Jackson and all the characters she brings to life in her books and how their actions and words make the day just a bit brighter. 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.
I look forward to the next adventure with K. J. Jackson and all the characters she brings to life in her books and how their actions and words make the day just a bit brighter. 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.
April 28, 2020
A love that will stand the test of time
Des and Jules story will keep you engaged to the very end. What U liked the most was that they didn't deny their love for one another with the even though I love you we can't be together. They fight for one another through past and present obstacles all because of a cursed box.
Des and Jules story will keep you engaged to the very end. What U liked the most was that they didn't deny their love for one another with the even though I love you we can't be together. They fight for one another through past and present obstacles all because of a cursed box.
April 28, 2020
The Heart of an Earl
This was a very exciting romantic adventure. It covers a decade in the lifes of two courageous souls.Who will be the next unlucky person to have the box in book 2?
This was a very exciting romantic adventure. It covers a decade in the lifes of two courageous souls.Who will be the next unlucky person to have the box in book 2?
April 29, 2020
K.J. Jackson never disappoints. She takes you through an emotional whirlwind and had you rooting for the main characters from almost the beginning.
April 28, 2020
Would recommend
Great story, heartbreaking but also good ending. Good character building. Good story. Steamy and sexy. Love a good plot twist.
Great story, heartbreaking but also good ending. Good character building. Good story. Steamy and sexy. Love a good plot twist.
April 20, 2020
The start of this new series was an intense read. The story revolves around a mysterious box. While it is explained, I'm not sure we know all of its' mysteries or what trouble it will cause. Both the H/h have suffered deeply in the past and the future seems to bring more of it. Of course, Ms. Jackson still manages to help them find their HEA. However long it might take. The story takes place over many years. With that brings many misunderstandings. This particular couple will have many difficulties to overcome. Action, betrayal, along with many surprises, make this a romance you will remember long after you finish it. I'm sure this is just the beginning of a great many hours of enjoyable reading.
April 21, 2020
Adventure and danger on the high seas. I enjoyed the h/H's characters. They were so real and relatable. Their emotions and feelings were raw, painful and tender. One cannot help but understand where they were coming from. Each of their personalities were messed up for different reasons. That was the result of living on a ship for years and having to deal with all kinds of men from all walks of life. But the h was hiding a big secret that caused the madness of men. Eventually the h told the H what it was and why it was coveted and feared. An excellent read. Lots of Action. You will not be bored or disappointed. I highly recommend this.
April 21, 2020
A curse, an ancient box, and soul mates.
K.J. Jackson writes tales with great twists, wonderful villains, and high emotions and I think that is why I love getting the chance to read one of her books. This was such a unique plot Juliana and Des have a complicated relationship they are both strong-willed, brave people and so much has happened to them. This high sea journey was an engaging read this is a book I will visit again and again. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
K.J. Jackson writes tales with great twists, wonderful villains, and high emotions and I think that is why I love getting the chance to read one of her books. This was such a unique plot Juliana and Des have a complicated relationship they are both strong-willed, brave people and so much has happened to them. This high sea journey was an engaging read this is a book I will visit again and again. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 24, 2020
No good comes from greed
A box and greed equal one giant mess for Desmond and Juliana. These two weren't the greedy ones rather the ones who suffered because of others greed. They've worked through the trials to gain a love we would be so lucky to have. A wonderful story with all the feels. No cheating, cliffhanger, some tame intimacy scenes and you get a happy ending.
A box and greed equal one giant mess for Desmond and Juliana. These two weren't the greedy ones rather the ones who suffered because of others greed. They've worked through the trials to gain a love we would be so lucky to have. A wonderful story with all the feels. No cheating, cliffhanger, some tame intimacy scenes and you get a happy ending.
April 26, 2020
Jules and Des
Each book I read of yours I think they can't get any better, but each one does,thank you for letting Jules and Des. Have their happy ever after.
Each book I read of yours I think they can't get any better, but each one does,thank you for letting Jules and Des. Have their happy ever after.
April 24, 2020
Excellent
My first read from this author but certainly not my last.. I look forward to the second book in the series.
My first read from this author but certainly not my last.. I look forward to the second book in the series.
April 21, 2020
Steamier than I normally read but I was unable to quit reading. The characters and plot keep you reading one more page, one more chapter and you can't stop in the middle of this twist. The ups and downs of Jules/Lady Julianne and Des/Earl of Troubant will almost make you a believer in the curse of the Box of Draupnir. It will be interesting to see what K. J. Jackson has in store for the box in the future.
April 20, 2020
A Rollercoaster Ride
I very much enjoyed this story and the characters, they go thru so much for their love ...so many obstacles. I don't like spoilers in reviews, but you will absolutely regret not reading this wonderful story. Not to discourage...there will and is an HEA. I wouldn't miss it, recommending it to all my reader friends. An absolutely amazing book.
I very much enjoyed this story and the characters, they go thru so much for their love ...so many obstacles. I don't like spoilers in reviews, but you will absolutely regret not reading this wonderful story. Not to discourage...there will and is an HEA. I wouldn't miss it, recommending it to all my reader friends. An absolutely amazing book.
April 20, 2020
Awesome story! I fell in love with this couple they survived so much separately . And you were unmatched together. I would highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2020
In this fast-paced novel encompassing the high seas, pirates, a curse and betrayal by the one Lady Julianna should have been able to trust, the reader is kept on tenterhooks throughout the plot as it moves through various stages of survival of the fittest. Lady Julianna has been kidnapped by marauding pirates and it is only the fact that the captain has claimed her as his own that she knows a modicum of safety. However, when he dies Julianna has to think fast if she is to save herself. Des Phillips has lost everything that was important to him, and turning his back on his past life helps him keep the nightmares at bay. When Julianna presents her ploy to get off the pirate ship safely, Des finds in her a woman that sparks his interest for the first time in a long while. This novel is not for the faint of heart although it is well written with an exciting plot. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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