A lady who swore she’d never love again. A bitter rogue out to avenge horrors of the past. Two hardened souls are forced together in an adventure to break a curse, sparking to life a sizzling attraction that will not be denied in this newest novel from USA Today Bestseller, K.J. Jackson.
A lady who swore she’d never love again. Eliana Graham, Dowager Countess of Raplan, had once had it all. An earl for a husband with all the respect, power and wealth that came with it—everything she’d worked toward her entire life. And then, within a year, it was gone in an instant. Adrift since the death of her husband, Elle has filled her days reveling in all the freedoms afforded to a young widow. But when the opportunity appears to help her niece solve the mystery—and the curse—of the Box of Draupnir, she jumps on it. Anything to keep her mind occupied, her body in motion…and her heart cold.
A bitter rogue out to avenge horrors of the past. Rune Smith has had one goal since his father was murdered years ago. Complete his father’s life work and in the process, avenge his father’s death. Every step he’s taken since he watched his father die has been filled with that purpose. So when he’s finally within grasp of completing his father’s dream, he’s irritated to learn he’ll have to team up with a silly young chit of the ton to get the answers he needs. Lady Raplan’s a widow, beautiful, entitled, self-absorbed, and the last thing he needs interfering in his life.
Two hardened souls team up to break the curse of the Box of Draupnir. With an ancient curse threatening their every move, this unlikely duo fights a sizzling attraction neither can deny. But love is not for either of them—they make a pact upon that very vow. Until the secrets become too dangerous, and the only thing that can possibly save them both from the curse is a love that will last a lifetime.
Join the adventure today! You’ll love The Soul of a Rogue, the third in the Box of Draupnir series and a can’t-miss riveting regency historical romance by USA Today bestselling author, K.J. Jackson.
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.
I have really enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end! This final installment of the Box of Draupnir trilogy answers the many questions that began the adventure, and it gives us a new H to fall in love with, another feisty and intelligent h to admire, and a heaping helping of steamy goodness along the way! As a note, I recommend reading the books in this trilogy in order as they are strongly linked; please note that this review may contain spoilers if you have not read the other 2 in the series.
When we left off at the end of Blood of the Baron, Wes and Laney had narrowly escaped a group of bandits for hire tasked with retrieving the mysterious box at any cost as they fled for the home of their close friends Des and Julianna (H/h from book 1, The Heart of an Earl). Once they arrived, Julianna's aunt (who is actually younger than she) Eliana Graham, Dowager Countess of Raplan (known to her friends and family as Elle), recognizes a pattern on the box that she could swear she has seen before... in the caves found where she resides on an English isle. Since she was widowed years ago, Elle has spent much of her time working with a local, elderly gentleman who owns the rights to those properties, and she has assisted him in excavations and explorations of the various sites. Never one to back down from an adventure or a challenge, Elle volunteers to take the box to the isle to try to determine its origins and perhaps find a way to return it to where it belongs before it claims any more victims. And when the mysterious man in the corner of the room says he will ensure her safe passage by journeying with her, can she resist the draw she feels towards him as she has sworn off serious relationships with men since her husband's death?
Rune Smith is a friend and fellow shipmate of Des and Wes, and he accompanied Wes and Laney to the home of his former captain to aid in keeping them safe from the bandits in hot pursuit. When this seemingly prim and proper young woman of the ton (a class he has despised since his father was murdered in front of him by a toff many years ago) volunteers to take it to the isle, he agrees to accompany her. Though it seems his motives are pure, Rune has secrets that are directly attached to the box, and there is another agenda he is pursuing unbeknownst even to his closest friends. When he finds himself drawn to the young widow as more of her character and inner beauty is revealed to him, will he stay the course to see his revenge satisfied even if it means placing a woman he has come to care deeply for in jeopardy? When she learns of his ulterior motives, will Elle forgive him for his lies? And when both of their lives hang in the balance, will they even have a chance at an HEA?
What I liked: --- Likeable H/h - I enjoyed peeling the layers of Rune's character (and he was definitely swoon-worthy), and I liked Elle's plucky, independent spirit -- I really wanted them to get their HEA --- Mystery, intrigue, danger, secrets, murders, and links to the past.... delicious! --- We finally learn the origins and more about the legacy of the box! And it is very interesting, falls into place nicely --- just very well done on Ms. Jackson's part! --- STEAMY GOODNESS (early and often!)
What I didn't like as much: --- I felt like the relationship went from 0-60 quickly with Rune, which was a little out of his tough guy/don't need anyone/no entanglements character whereas Elle seemed to need more convincing which felt a little unrealistic --- The ending was a little rushed, but I loved the unraveling of all the secrets and the discovery of the troublesome box's origin/original owner(s)
Overall, a well-planned ending to a trilogy filled with intrigue, likeable characters, steamy romances, and satisfying HEAs not only for the characters, but also for the box itself.
Plot --- 4.5/5 Main Characters --- 4.5/5 Supporting Cast --- 4/5 Steam Level* --- 4/5 Violence --- nothing graphic (some fight sequences) 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 (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is the last book in the Box of Draupnir series. If you haven't read the first two, I'd highly suggest going back and reading those before continuing with this one.
Once again, Jackson really does a great job at hooking the reader. The first in this series I didn't love but the second and this one was so entertaining and swoony.
This book starts off where the second one left off with Wes and Laney at Des and Jules' home. The box is in their posession and must be returned home according to Jules. Elle, Jules' cousin offers to return it as she's seen the box before on her isle. Rune, a close friend of Wes and Des, offers to accompany her.
Rune has a secretive past and Elle has sworn to never love another. Together, with their damaged parts, they journey to return the box to its home. There are twists and turns, revelations and heartbreak, and steamy romance. And we finally get the conclusion to the Box of Draupnir and the secrets and webs surrounding it.
I didn't always like Elle. Sometimes she came off too free in her attentions but she grew on me the more I discovered about her. Rune was a swoony hero but I felt like his guarded nature moved to love and openness really fast. However, their chemistry was explosive. The ending was rushed a little. But overall, I really enjoyed this series!!
I love the writing style of this writer. I had a hard time liking the h though. She is a Widow and is free with her favors because she can. I don't like this in my heroine's. I don't expect them to remain virginal after a spouse dies, but somewhat wholesome.
Our H has many secrets, some the h discovers and most shockingly many discovered at the end. It took me awhile to feel a connection to this couple. Our h is honest with the H in that she has many relationships since her husband past, and he's ok with it.
There are many twists, turns, surprises and the near end is filled with suspense. The h doesn't let him off the hook when she discovers the rest of his secrets and I liked that.
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, great secondary character's, rough journey to reach HEA, many nasty villains, some romance and steam. There is a nice epilogue, I guess at least one year if not more in the future. This is part of a series and you would probably get more enjoyment if you read previous books in the series. You have many cross over character's and I think it would be more fulfilling to have more of a back story.
I received a early copy and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
This tells the conclusion to the Box of Draupruir story. Ellen is a vibrant person but her background has made her so, Rune is very strong hadsome and secretive. Rune and Elle are a pair well matched, they both agree to an affair with no strings attached. However, when feelings become involved, will they be able to stick to this. I enjoyed the Marquis of Kellen’s ( Elle’s neighbour and friend),made up words. There is a good amount of action and danger, including an old lover turning up and causing trouble. Also a mystery to solve and some heartbreaking and passionate moments. It has a very satisfying ending and I found it to be an engaging read.
I have not read the first two and missed out on the relationship aspect of all the characters. The book did have enough history on the Box of Draupnir that I wasn't lost. I enjoyed that part of the book with the excavation and search. Rune and Eliana were likable. Story was steady paced.
This author does an amazing job with historical, romantic suspense. I have read alk if her series so far and she b never disappoints. This series was a little different Gor her with the mysterious box and the curse that affected some people but not everyone. And the way she intertwine s her characters is also something to behold! It can get confusing if there is too much time between reading each book, but I do love her stories!
I wanted to dislike Elle early on because of her morals. It was easy to know Rune had ulterior motives. Finding the one that completes you is the root of the story. Again K.J. brings the right mix of intrigue and romance into the saga. In the end I grudgingly appreciate these characters but I liked the earlier books and main characters better.
This has been one very satisfying historical romance series and I'm sad to see it end. Though KL Jackson's back log looks very promising. I'll be eager to read more.
The Soul of a Rogue is the final instalment of KJ Jackson’s ‘The Box of Draupnir’ series. This can be read as a stand-alone but also provides the answers of the Box’s origins for readers who have read the first two stories. Eliana, Lady Raplan, has been adrift since the death of her husband and has spent her time enjoying all the freedoms a widow can enjoy, flirting against the edges of scandal. She doesn’t really have much purpose in her life so when she is tasked with trying to solve the mystery of the cursed Box of Draupnir to help her niece she grabs the opportunity. Rune Smith’s one motivation in life is to avenge his father’s murder and complete his life’s work. With the opportunity finally within his grasp, he is not happy to learn that it will have to be with the company of the self- absorbed, flighty Lady Raplan. On the journey, both discover there is more to the other than meets the eye and succumb to their mutual attraction. But Rune is harbouring a major secret that could destroy his fledgling happiness with Elle and also his years old friendships with Des and Weston [heroes of the previous books]. I will be honest; this is probably the least favourite of the series for me. I did not really care for Elle although Rune was appealing. This is not a reflection on the writing at all – just not something I normally would pick up –bed-hopping widows are not my favourite trope of heroine really. And Elle’s backstory, although a little sad, did not really affect me or endear me to her or her actions for some reason. I did find myself rushing through these aspects of the story. The tale of the origins of the Box and Rune’s connection to it was interesting and the ultimate fate of it was satisfying. I carried on reading more to find out about the Box and Rune’s motivations really. As ever, with KJ’s books, the writing is excellent and there is plenty of action, emotion, and passion. Old enemies surface and are vanquished, and there are some genuinely surprising moments to be found. I was intrigued with the original perceived villain Hoppler and hope he may have a story of his own. I was generously gifted an ARC of this story, but the views are entirely my own. The 3 [and a half] stars are really more a reflection of the type of romance and character of heroine I enjoy better but I would recommend picking this up for the writing and because it does give a great conclusion to the journey of the ‘Box of Draupnir’.
Stars 4/5 (Grace Callaway, Jennifer Ashley, Sarah MacLean, Jess Michaels)
definitely has a script to her books...great characters, easy flow of writing, mystery storyline and very hot detailed sexual content with ‘dirty’ words thrown in. NOW if you don’t like the above, you’re probably not going to enjoy her books.
This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of a book.
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends and 5. i’ll read the book again
The development and interest in main characters and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more. The H/H were smoking hot...pages sizzled.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action filled.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was weaved rightly in the story telling. 2.5/5 rating hotness and steam with some ‘dirty’ words thrown in 😉.
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 characters from past book series appear in the beginning and little towards the end.
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you really should read the series in order or you’ll miss the true telling of the story around the series.
I have enjoyed reading all three of the books in The Box of Draupnir series by K.J. Jackson. In The Soul of a Rogue, the author has brought a satisfying conclusion to the mystery, myth, murder, secrets, fantasy, and danger that have surrounded the Box throughout the years. As like most of the author’s works I’ve read, she offers readers, two strong protagonists, in the main characters, Elle and Rune. The plot is well developed, with a lot of intense, raw emotion between the main characters. There is plenty of action incorporated in the story with run-ins with some pretty vile characters. It was exciting and kept my interest engaged. Forewarning, there is a moderate amount of intimacy between the H and h but not overly done. I do recommend this work to readers who appreciate an “out of the ordinary” Regency romance but offer a qualification. Readers who have not read either of the first two offerings may find it a little more difficult to get into this one at the beginning as the two main characters are on their quest right away and not much background surrounding the Box is given. It might be best to read either one or both of the two previous works. All three books are very good. The author does a nice job tying everything together in the final chapter which even helped my recall of events. It was also pleasing to have an epilogue. Rating: 4, Heat: 3 ½ - 4.
This series based around the Box of Draupnir, has been filled with mystery, myths, danger & evil. But it also has romance, superb writing, wonderful stories & main characters you will fall in love with from the beginning of each book.
Eliana Graham, Dowager Countess of Raplan, is still young, beautiful & had it all, except the love of her husband. She was an earl's wife with all the perks & then he was killed before she could even have a child. Now she enjoys all her freedom as a widow & vows to never give in to love again.
Rune Smith is handsome and single, but his thoughts are the same as they had been thirteen years ago when his father was murdered in cold blood right before his eyes by one of England's rich titled men - REVENGE & he cannot waiver from his end plan to kill the man who murdered his father.
Elle & Rune are teamed up to break the curse & find the original resting place for the Box of Draupnir. The two lost souls bang heads, fight emotions, experience many dangerous situations but somehow, along the way, they also find a place between the two of them. I highly recommend this book & the entire series - all three were 5 Star reviews for me.
I voluntarily read & reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own.
The Box of Draupnir has its final adventure with Jules' aunt Elle escorted by Rune. They are on their way from Jules and Des to find where the Box had come from and return it to its origins and give them all peace. Elle had seen the Box in the ancient mosaics buried near her home on the isle. Their adventure begins right from the start when they get attacked on the road. As they work toward finding the answer while trying to stay one step ahead of those who want to get to the Box for its powers, they each get to see a different side of each other. Will it be enough? Will they finally solve the mystery of the Box and return it to where it came from?
K.J. Jackson brings us the final story with the Box. It brings us Elle and Rune. It brings us the final conclusion in this series. K.J. Jackson brings us into their story and captures your heart. They draw you in and you don't want to quite let go. I look forward to seeing what new adventure is next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author for this privilege.
Normally I am turned off by either a hero or a heroine who is living a lie and deceiving others. Which is why I'm surprised how much I enjoyed The Soul of a Rogue.
In this engrossing third book of the Box of Draupnir series, K.J. Jackson deftly ties together all of the hints and clues of the first two books.
Hot and spicy Rune (cad that he is) has a hidden agenda, but he underestimates gentle and inquisitive Elle. She slips under his defenses and touches his blackened and bruised soul. I won't say more, you'll just have to read the book to see what she gets from this relationship. But yes, this well written novel indeed has a very happy and satisfying ending and epilogue, but not before some adventure, action, danger, deception and betrayal.
Content 411: This book contains era and region specific swearing and a few sexually intimate scenes that are moderately described.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Rune is a friend of Des and Wes and he was requested to get rid of the box after Des son was born! Elle Dowager Countess is the aunt of Des wife Jules! Elle knows she's seen the markings on the box and offered to take Rune to the site! On the way avoided several gun men after them was hair raising enough but nothing but trouble followed them and that box! Once they finally reach Elle estate trouble and a duel follow them and Elle and Rune start a passionate affair! They both are keeping secrets! Rune has several including his name and his ulterior motive - revenge and side deals! Betrayal and heartache are the result!! Will the box fa!l into corrupt hands or will they end the curse once and for all? But Rune is involved in treachery with Hoppler! Can Elle ever forgive him? Read on...
Loved the book and series. All Rune has ever wanted in vengeance on the peer that killed his father over the box. The father he saw die when he was 14. Thirteen years later he was near to that vengeance until a beautiful widow enter his life. Elle is not only Jules aunt but more like a cousin to her as Elle in a year younger. When the box ends up back with Jules and Des she knows that it needs to find and be returned to its home. When Elle walks in to the room she tells everyone she’s seen the design on the box before on the Isle of Wright where an archeological find was found on the Marquess property. Elle and Rune are tasked with exploring the ruins to try and find the boxes origins and have it returned. Another wonderful story by the author.
This is the 3 rd book in a series And I strongly recommend that you read the first 2. Yes it can be read alone but it doesn’t complete the journey that way. What do you think has destined your life? Is it fate or a chance moment? The events and outcome of your journey through life could very well be predestined. That is the current of this wonderful story. What do you desire most? What do you fear most? At the end of this wonderfully written story many decisions are made, great ones. We must never take for us what belongs home. I think during this covid pandemic most of us have realized what truly matters. Family, home and love. I am honored to say I am an ARC reader for kj Jackson. This will bring you great joy 5 stars
This is the last book in this series and I liked it much better than the first two. In this book, the characters are more neutral in their initial feelings instead of the hate-fest going on in the other books. Although I only gave them three stars, I recommend that you read them to understand what is going on in this story with the box and its effect on people.
Rune has been lying about who he truly is and his reasons for helping return the box to its origins. Elle is fairly clueless and is dealing with her own sad past. Feelings develop but she is reluctant to accept they may have a future. Her feelings appear to be correct when his lies come out.
This had a good ending and nice heat between Rune and Elle.
An absolutely amazing way to wrap up this series. Ms. Jackson is one of a select few HR authors I truly enjoy. Once again she did not disappoint. Elle and Rune went through their share of ups and downs. From the very beginning I was invested in their journey. The story was also full of surprises and twists. So much is revealed about not only the 'box', but also the history of how these characters ended up where they are now. True love, and friendships, can withstand so much. Elle and Rune will find their HEA. But, it is how they get there you will remember most. I will be looking forward to her next book. I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Ms. Jackson has done it again. A truly moving, well rounded story with all the feels. The cursed box either gave one riches beyond belief or live. And all it wanted was to be back in it's home resting spot. Rune and Eliana had an adventure around this box and it inadvertently helped heal the wounds they both carried. Although this can be read as a standalone, it's best to read in order. This finale' is just as deep and riveting as the others in the series. There's no cheating or cliffhanger, there is some steamy intimacy scenes, and a very happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
This book was very good. I have read thousands of books in my lifetime but last year I read almost 380 books last year alone and have read just over 1750 in 5 years. I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but there is only about 15-20 that I truthfully can say are on the top of my list of favorites and have read all their books.
K.J. Jackson is one of those authors. I have read all of her books. I love the depth of her characters and their stories. I love that they have a bit of intrigue and not your usual “ton” books. You would not be disappointed reading any of her books.
This series was a great read as well as this book.
The last story in this entertaining series that wraps everything up to a wonderful conclusion.
Elle had The Box of Draupnir. She needed to "Discover its origins. Break the curse of it." Simple right? Since she had been entrusted with the box and making her journey, accompanied by Rune, the man to keep her safe, it seemed the journey was taking forever.
Of course her road outside the coach, which was perfectly fine. "But from the first moment she saw Rune at Seahorn Castle a day ago, she recognized exactly what the man was. A hundred layers of sin." What she did not know was he was out for vengeance.
A wonderful journey filled with many twist and turns and an undeniable attraction!
The perfect ending for this series! This book is a page turner. Elle is amazing a strong woman with a kind heart always seeing the good in people and willing to help. Rune is a complex character, we know he is a good man yet he has different motives for his actions and we have to wait until the end to find about what they are. You connect with both of them and get on headfirst into the story, just as with the other books. A villain from the previous books comes back but you will be happy with the ending!
We get to know more about the box, and finally give all the characters from the series some peace. This book wraps up the series nicely, no loose ends!
So entertaining. I really enjoyed this one it was a bit of romance, mystery, and paranormal all mixed together by a very talented writer. The cast of characters was splendid I found Elle and Rune so entertaining. The author clearly lets the reader know that these characters have had unexpected events that have created problems for them. They were truly lost and troubled souls. What I liked were how developed the characters were and what a lovely cover. This was such a good piece that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I have utterly enjoyed this series (as I've enjoyed all of her books) and I loved how each book built onto the last. The characters and the connections were flawlessly made. And the angst and steam in their relationships had me at times yelling (in my head of course) at a few of the characters stubborn personalities. So glad I got to enjoy this all in a row. I felt it was best read one after the other. It felt more like watching it then trying to remember if I'd taken a break in between the stories.
The Soul of a Rogue is book 3 in the Box of Draupnir and yes another riveting story by K.J Jackson.
Rune and Elle were wonderful with a undeniable attraction, two damaged souls makes the happily ever after all the more rewarding. They need to work together to break the curse and in between finding an everlasting love neither knew they could ever have.
This story was filled with lots of drama, action and passion.
I have been looking forward to this book, I have read the series and and previous books leading up to this and was not disappointed. This author is a wonderful story teller and includes so many elements within her stories. I won't give away the content, but there is an array of deep emotions throughout the book along with excitement, worry, dread mystery, and of course love.
Great story line, good plot twists, engaging characters. But -- the ship Rune served on with Des and Weston is called the Firehawk in the first two books. All of a sudden in this book, it's call the Firefox. Very jarring and frustrating, diminishing the quality of an otherwise fine wrap-up to the adventure. There's no excuse for such a continuity failure.
This was an enjoyable story in which the problems caused by the Box of Draupnir are resolved. Rune and Elle are a great couple with amazing chemistry. You really need to read the previous 2 books to follow the story and have any idea who the other characters are and their importance to the plot
Another enjoyable tale in this series. Elle and Rune are the most unlikely of partners in this next chapter of the story of the box. I like the plot and especially the part in the chambers where they discover their greatest clues yet. Rune’s part in the overall plot of the story comes as a surprise to the reader.