A lady willing to do anything to escape death. A long-lost earl determined to stay adrift. Fates meet and a cursed journey to bring her home begins, sparking to life a surprising passion that will consume both of them. All she wanted was to get home.Ripped from her family years ago, all Lady Julianna lives for is to get home. Though at the moment, her life is hanging from a thin thread of lies. … hanging from a thin thread of lies. She needs to escape and just when her hope is nearly lost, she spies a way out. A way out in the form of one tall, fierce man 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.
Des saves Lady Julianna and inherits the duty to safely bring her home. As the journey to deliver her home 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.
Join the adventure today! You’ll love The Heart of an Earl, the first in the Box of Draupnir series and a can’t-miss enthralling regency 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.
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Wonderful story! Both of them survive so much separately and together. Wonderful very strong heroine I was enthralled with her. What happened to him so heartbreaking you just wanted things to go better for them! Highly recommend this book!
A story full of everything wonderful this author pens!
Action, adventure on the high seas, suspense, mystery and of course a love found in the most unexpected of places..
Great start to a new series!
One of my favorites series
This was a gripping story and I really enjoyed the read. Jules and Des have both been through unimaginable ordeals and are true survivors.
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.
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.
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.
This story is quite an emotional roller coaster. You can’t help but feel sad for Des who just keeps having horrible things happen. Then we add a young woman in the wrong place who loses her self. You think it’s going to come together and then they get separated for years!! I loved this story and hated to put it down to sleep at night! I don’t give a lot of 5 stars, but this book certainly deserved it.
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.
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.
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
A unique beginning in this novel. What an adventure for Julianna and Desmond! It’s a good thing I had a Kleenex nearby. I’ve read it three times and I know I’ll be reading it many more times. This is my honest and unbiased review of the ARC
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.
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)
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 well written, 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.
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.
After reading The Steel Rouge, Valor of Vinehill book 3 (highly recommend the series), I was excited Des had his own book and knew I had to read it immediately. It was a great book that was just….. wow! I liked Drs from The Steel Rogue and this book made me like him even more and get a better understanding of who he was. Jules was quite interesting and his perfect match. Now I really need to read book two. I know Wes will also have a good book.
Lost, Then Found
Desmond Phillips’ real life ended with his shattered heart, only to be found again years later.
Lady Julianna’s real life ended with her shattered heart, only to be found again years later.
These two accursed people seem destined to never be happy in love, but fate was determined to give them all that they had been denied. Happiness.
K.J. Jackson is a very good writer, as highlighted in The Heart of an Earl, the second book in The Box of Draupnir Series. I liked both of the characters, and the first half of the story, but (for me) the second half was just okay. That said, overall I still liked this story, and the ending was sweet, even if it was a bit short.
Content 411: There is quite a bit of swearing, including one “f” vulgarity. There is also a lot of on screen sex and some descriptive violence.
This is a soul searching revealing story. Des and Jules overcome many obstacles aboard ship and on land. There are multi situations that are life changing for them and others. Memorable characters, details of the period are well depicted, the atmosphere engrossing. Get swept away read and feel it.