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When you can’t resurrect the past…As a teenager, Deputy Ken Zorn made mistakes that cost him his first love, a hard lesson he’s taken his sweet time learning. Now, the woman he thought he’d spend his life with has told him ‘no’ for the last time. So be it. He’s grown, he’s matured, and learned to admit when he’s wrong. Thankfully, his realization came just as a strong, sexy woman entered his life. And the best part? She’s wearing a badge. …you need a fresh start. Trooper Samantha Quinn needed to step out of her father’s shadow—South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent—and make her own way. As a South Dakota State Trooper, she was doing just that. She enjoyed the vast country and the people who lived there. Especially the Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Hollister area. Intelligent, funny, and sexy as hell, the man was a serious off-duty distraction. But a dangerous enterprise promises to end their happy-ever-after… Criminal intent and greed underpin an illicit enterprise growing in their midst. As the only law enforcement in the area, Ken and Samantha must step into the fray. Can they protect the citizens of Hollister and each other from the danger lurking in the quiet countryside before it’s too late?

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

632 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,119 followers
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.

Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.

Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.

When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)

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5 stars
1,130 (68%)
4 stars
390 (23%)
3 stars
109 (6%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,373 reviews6,692 followers
January 9, 2024
The true Sheriff

A great heartwarming story, but also a reminder of how dangerous the lives and jobs of people in law enforcement are.

Ken has been the main deputy or police presence in the Hollister series. He is a staple of the town and is trusted enough to be shown hints of the special relationship (partly by proximity) the town Hollister has with Guardian. Unlucky, beaten down, and burned by previous relationships. He has shut himself off to the idea, but a spark has been ignited in him by the state trooper Sam. Luckily, Sam is a take charge woman who knows exactly what and how she wants.

I really like the way both characters and the town support and build each other up. Ken's decency is shown throughout the book, and I am glad he smashes the negative influence/opinions of him. Another great book in the series.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,401 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
Secrets

Ken and Sam. Both law enforcement but one a deputy and one a state trooper. Sam is a great character who has a strong background in law and law enforcement. She is straightforward and sincere which has made a good friendship with Ken the born and raised deputy in Hollister. Their friendship turns to more as they work to solve several major crimes in the area. The relationship was sweet and straight forward for both of them. Several members from the ranch made up some important moments such as Frank Marshall. The story was fast and I flew through it. The ending was not too surprising in regard to the danger, but still well done with an appropriate HEA. I hope we see more of them in future Hollister books and see how the legal career is unfolding!
913 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2023
I loved this book!

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There is some swearing (fairly mild) and a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
There are no grammatical or editorial errors that I can recall.
The characterisation is outstanding, as you would expect from Ms Michaels.
I have long been intrigued by Ken, but have to admit I think I may be a little bit in love with him now.
Samantha is a truly unique and engaging character and I loved the romance build.
The plotline is a bit challenging due to the subject matter but the only thing that needed further explanation was Stapleton - I felt that needed a better resolution but that's probably because I would have enjoyed seeing him squirm.
I have loved every book in the Guardian series including the crossover into Hollister and look forward to reading the next book.
If you enjoy romance and well written intrigue I have no problem recommending the series.
571 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2023
Unfortunately, I did not like the book. I had to skim to get through it. If one has not read the previous books, then they are at a loss about all of the characters. This was my first book by this author. All of the other characters were just thrown in. The epilogue was terrible. I had no idea who the characters were and what they had done. After this book, I am not buying and reading the next book, even with the cliff hanger.

The shooting and the results of the shooting were unnecessary. This played no part in the book. It was almost as if more pages were needed. If one wanted an epilogue, it could have been about the main characters and whether or not the bar was passed.

The blurb for the book sounded suspenseful. "But a dangerous enterprise promises to end their happy-ever-after…" It was all just another day at the office. There was no suspense.

Don't waste your money on this one.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
March 22, 2024
Another Great Book by Kris Michaels.

Kris has created such an amazing story line and this town called Hollister and the amazing people who live there are the reasons why you will not want to put her books down once you start reading them you'll keep coming back for more!

Deputy Ken Zorn and Sam Quinn are just two of many characters whose stories will have you laughing, tearing up, hopeful that true love & finding yours does exist. And how can you not fall in love with the many familiar & new Hollister residents who pop up in her storylines. And of course Ken & Sam were perfect for each other & who doesn't like seeing a male or female in a police uniform lol. This book had so many twists & turns I didn't want this book to end yet...

Hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did, & you'll will want to get all the rest of Kris's books too. And I would suggest you go to her website & follow her reading order for all of her books because they all intertwine too.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,195 reviews52 followers
November 28, 2023
Not just a spark, a flamethrower!

We finally, finally get Ken's book and it is so worth the wait. He is the heart of Hollister, quietly caring for the community, keeping them safe and upholding the law, he thinks he is flying under the radar but the community see him and know. We just need to convince him of his value, his appeal and his worthyness....enter Sam. She is wise enough to show him how worthy he is, pushy enough to convince him how loved he is and strong enough to stand by his side and uphold the law. The chemistry between them has been obvious to all since their first meeting, fortunately Sam is strong enough to ask for more and show Ken the risk to his heart is more than worth it.
I love this addition to the Hollister series and the Kings of Guardian world, I bought this on release morning as I couldn't wait for it to revert to Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,962 reviews65 followers
November 30, 2023
Ken and Sam❤️

Ken is the fourth book in the Hollister series and what a story❣️

Ken is confident in his deputy duties and working alongside Sam for the last couple months, his attraction towards her has grown. But after all his failed relationships, he’s worried if he moves forward with her that it won’t last😢

Sam has been attracted to Ken for ages, he’s the most down to earth person she knows and a good man. She finally gets the courage to tell him her feelings and the pair are inseparable😍 Unfortunately, there are some events in their future that will make or break them. I loved Ken and Sam and how similar their interests were but also enjoyed getting to know Ken after all his appearances in previous books.

I look forward to finding out more about Barry next and more about Kathy❣️
148 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2023
Ken Hollister Book 4

The story of Ken and Sam is one of strength and insecurity and the willingness of both to go for the chance of a life time! Ken has been harassed derided for years whom he had dated in his teens of a silly teen mistake of kissing another girl. Since then, Allison had never forgiven him and publicly disparaged him every chance she got…and he took it. Sam, a state trooper for three years covering the nearby area had been attracted to Ken for some time and Ken although he would never make the first move. When they finally do, oh boy! The County Sheriff who barely shows his face anywhere is the catalyst for a series of events that nearly end in tragedy. Once I started the book I couldn’t put it down, soooo another until 3 am read! I loved this story Kris as much as I have loved them all.Thank you for another wonderful book!
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
691 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2024
what a gorgeous home town romance. Kris writes so many military suspense books that it's refreshing to have a listen to a budding romance with some favourite characters surfacing.
I thought Ken was portrayed as a rather prominent and forceful person in past books, but here he's a quiet man with underlying strength and rather humble.
Sam is awesome and just what our H needs, she's sassy strong and a go getter..especially for Ken.
there was some fun times with the town ladies and a bit of a police presence with a couple of situations, so I had a some mystery goings on to enjoy as well a nice bit of steam and feelings rolling along. There was a topic Kris presented that some may not be on board with but it was done with the usual finesse that keeps all on an even keel.
Matt Haynes, omg! he's just superb. love his narrating to bits
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2024
Ken and Sam

Poor Ken has no confidence in himself when it comes to women and romance. Sam, a State Trooper, is totally infatuated with Ken and has been coming on to him for a few weeks. When she finally ask what the deal is she sees that he has been beaten down by the women he’s dated and I doesn’t know how handsome, sweet, hunky and handsome. I loved how Sam encouraged him and made him believe in himself. They are perfect together. Hunting together, target shooting or just sitting on the front porch drinking coffee makes them happy. We of course get a visit with the citizens of Hollister and all their craziness. This book is a action packed, suspenseful and super steamy. Ken works to take down the corrupt and depraved sheriff, tries to locate a major car and motorcycle theft ring running through the county.
472 reviews
December 4, 2023
A great read

If you've never read any of Kris Michaels stories before you'll be grateful you've found her! I have loved reading all of her books and series that she has written, especially the Guardians and so many more since. Each story in itself is spectacular but as a series, you never forget her books or the people in her stories. This one is just like that. This series has been another great read because of how each person ties into it that you never forget them. Ken and Sam are just like that. Their story is epic and let me tell you, you will experience every emotion along the way! Hollister becomes so real, it makes you want to personally visit. Thank you Kris Michaels for another exceptionally great story! I can't wait for Barry's story!!

Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
January 3, 2024
I borrowed Ken ~ Holister ~ Book 4, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Ken Zorn is the senior deputy sheriff in the county when he meets Samantha a highway patrol officer for his area. He has insecurity issues from all the bad attempts with realationships and then he met Sam and she was a perfect match for her and vice versa.

Ken wants to help the people in the county, really cares for them and works hard to make it a better place to live. He finds the chief in a compromising position watching pron in his office, bust a large car ring stealing many vehicles and using BKM land to stage them for export. Another crisis with Sam brings her closer to Ken. The ending was full of humor; I loved the slippery ending.
1,267 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2024
Loved Ken and Sam.

Ken was clueless about Sam flirting with him for months. Sam was the now SDHP assigned to the Hollister area. They had become fast friends and they both felt more but neither acted on it. When she gets tired of waiting for him, Sam finally asks him to go to the shooting range to check out her new gun. It just snowballs from there and their relationship is on fire. Ken finds himself as acting sheriff after arresting the current sheriff on a multitude of charges. Sam and Ken end up working together to plan and execute a big car theft ring that the sheriff was paid to leave them alone. But what happens when a few days later when Sam does a traffic stop and gets shot. How serious is she hurt and what lasting effects will she have?
Profile Image for Merle.
2,406 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2023
The small town of Hollister in South Dakota seems to be getting more attention from all types of people. The town's businesses are growing, with a seamstress, a bakery and now a new lawyer. Deputy Ken Zorn made a teenage mistake with his high school girlfriend and she has never let anyone in town forget it. Trooper Samantha thinks Ken is great, but he's very insecure. They work out their triple hangup just in time for an ugly thing to happen in town. Ken, now acting Sheriff, receives information about an ongoing crime in the Hollister area. A success means little when a personal emergency happens. He stands tall, though,an his strength helps everyone in town.
1,861 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2023
Ken: WOW! Excellent story of love, friendship, and hard work. There is never a dull moment in Hollister. Ken has been friends with Samantha for a while but he has stronger feelings for her but doesn't know how to tell because he doesn't want to lose the friendship that they have. He also doesn't know how she feels for him. He doesn't have the best record in relationships but they don't want to deal with his life as a deputy. Samantha being a trooper would be different because they understand the lifestyle. It was an amazing story! it did not have a dull moment at all. I enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2023
I love returning to Hollister. This story is slightly different as Ken and Sam are friends already and their relationship evolves into more. I loved Sam, she’s my kind of woman. Straight talking and direct. Ken is your typical guy who sometimes needs the obvious pointed out to him so he can see what’s in front of him-namely the fact that Sam likes him as much as he likes her. This book has excitement, mystery, drama and the absolutely essential HEA. All in all it’s an excellent addition to the Hollister series.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
868 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2023
When it's right

Trooper Sam Quinn and deputy Ken Zorn were acquainted, law enforcement working the same county, getting to know each other better, Hollister is the best small town to live in, but when things go wrong you have the best people around you to help including Frank, who knows all, corruption and exposing them, friendship to love, putting away the bad guys, life changing decisions, I've loved catching up with old friends in Hollister, Kris Michaels has out done herself with this book, excited for the next book, thank you, Dana Zamora
226 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2024
Another hit for Kris

Getting to know Ken and Samantha wow what a story. Kris really out did herself with this one. We learn a lot about the people in Hollister and who would’ve thought there was a rather nasty guy in the midst of this town. Sam is an amazing woman who manages to not only when over Ken, but the entire Hollister community. Yes we have bad people show up and yes Senior and Frank as well as other Guardians make cameo appearances, Enjoy you’ll be on pins and needles to the final conclusion.
Profile Image for Anna.
111 reviews
February 17, 2024
This was another miss. What is happening with this author's books lately?
Samantha seemed to be tailor-made for Ken, just because the guy was clueless his whole life and we want to save him from any possible development.
In the whole book, she never said or did anything wrong, she was so perfect as if factory programmed just for him. And boring af.
She even went turkey hunting with him, yeey. God forbid, he would have to try and participate in a hobby of hers that is not his as well.
And even made her dad's dream come true. Just for a kick.
1,070 reviews
March 29, 2024
Good book

I enjoyed reading about Ken & Sam. She’s just the girl he needs. Someone who’s also in law enforcement and understands him very well when they talk about past cases. This is a romance book that concentrated most on their relationship. I enjoyed watching it develop. They have friendship, laughter and good conversations.
The plot was also interesting with the sheriff and his misdeeds. It flowed naturally and I really felt like I was there as their neighbor, experiencing it all with them.
801 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2023
wonderful

I loved Ken and Sam’s story and how it showed them growing and maturing from teenagers to adults. They both fit in so well to Hollister and Hollister is growing as a small town whilst still retaining its charm. This appears to start out as a straightforward love story but we should know Kris better than that as she throws in twists and turns and the plot thickens. . This is an excellent book and I loved it. , great characters, good plot and our lovely Edna!
1,144 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2023
Ken!!!! I have waited a LONG time for Ken's HEA!! It does not disappoint

Ken has been a Deputy for 15 years. Whenever anyone needed assistance or protection he was there. He tri7ed to have dates but no one understood him or accepted him. Sam Quinn is a State Trooper. She is smart, funny, and the perfect match for Ken. She stand by him and accepts him wholly as he does her. Hollister is a hotbed of criminal activity again. Sheriff issues, A car theft ring. Loved it!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,130 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2023
Another FANTASTIC story by Kris! This story is about Ken, of course, and Samantha. The two are in law enforcement and start working together to keep the county safe. Ken was given a rotten deal with Allison and he didn't think he was worthy. Once these two get together, they become explosive. The ending will put tears in your eyes. Gotta love the happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Debra.
3,466 reviews13 followers
March 5, 2025
Ken

Another aspect of the Hollister community. Ken is deputy of the county and is a straight up man. He grew up there and is well respected. Sam is a new highway trooper for the state. She is there to get out from her fathers control. Both have back stores. But this storyline was pretty consistent with the drama that is trademark with the author. I enjoyed the story and am following the reading list in order to get more from the Guardian series.
98 reviews
September 23, 2025
a great story with a bad guy and romance

I'm enjoying these Hollister stories. No assassins. Very little bad language. A few of her books were almost pure cussing from every character. Not these. Law enforcement, good people, solving a disgusting child porn case, and a multi-million dollar car theft ring. Someone we love gets shot, survives, but won't be able to have children. So these books have a big dose of "real-life."
Profile Image for Suzanne Clemons.
402 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2023
I Love this Little Town!

Once again, the town of Hollister is as much a character as any of the people in this story. I love how Kris Michaels weaves characters from all of her worlds into the Hollister books. Ken was overdue his heavens it was great to see him find peace with the past. Now I want to.listen on Audible!
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,012 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2023
great story

Ken finally gets his story! Trooper Samantha and Deputy Ken have been meeting up daily but neither one makes the move to be more friends. Ken is afraid of rejection and Sam keeps sending out signals until she decides she has to make her feelings more obvious . Great heartwarming story with drama and action .
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
747 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2023
Wow... yet another thrilling read set in the town of Hollister.
I loved Ken and Sam's story. It was great to see several past characters appearing throughout the book and also some we are still waiting to hear about.
Brilliant storyline, wonderful characters, and absolutely loved the HEA.
I'm looking forward to Barry's story next.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
February 3, 2024
Never good with women senior deputy Ken Zorn had no idea how to take things further with trooper Samantha Quinn. Luckily Sam knew exactly what to do to get what she wanted and she wanted Ken. Meanwhile, Ken’s taken aback when Hollister’s Godfathering Dynamic Duo bring him an offer he wasn’t expecting and is extremely hard to refuse.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Columbo?.
223 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2024


Instead of a second act breakup, Kris likes to do "unexpected" near death experiences after the main conflict is already over. The mfc getting shot and then losing her uterus was a bit much right at the very end. Of course, that was after getting engaged and planning to start a family in the future.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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