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Whatever it takes, as long as it takes.In the icy northern tundra of Siberia, a lethal game of life and death unfolds. Malice, an assassin who works for Guardian Security, stands at the far side of his latest mission. When the operation takes a dangerous turn, he becomes certain of one chilling Guardian has been infiltrated. As the snow-covered wilderness becomes a treacherous chess board, Malice must navigate the blurred lines between allies and enemies. He is determined to uncover the truth behind the mission's unique complication.Danger lurks in every shadow, and an encounter with a mysterious sniper, one of his target's guards, adds a new layer of complexity to his mission. Anya Baranov carries the burden of knowledge. The leader of the Rostova Group—a figure synonymous with evil has started the events that could lead to a global catastrophe and possibly World War Three.Malice and Anya form an unlikely alliance in the face of uncertain odds. As their partnership deepens into an unlikely connection, they must navigate a perilous journey across the unforgiving Siberian wilderness. They'll risk everything to escape Russia, forging a path toward a chance at a future where love might tip the scales in their favor.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

887 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

80 books1,113 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
1,490 (75%)
4 stars
385 (19%)
3 stars
77 (3%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,361 reviews6,691 followers
September 30, 2024
Never less

A great book. A great story of two people finding each other. Both Malice and Anya are a great match. Neither less than the other.

Malice has always been the carer of the group of "shadow" Guardians. He specialises in taking out the monsters who prey on children. However, on the last mission, the monster knows he is coming.

Anya is trapped in a bad situation, treated more like property, and then for her skill as a sniper. She has only a chance to escape.

This is a great story of these two as well as the continued family of the Shadows. This also has implications of things to come for Guardian.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,938 reviews62 followers
January 31, 2024
Malice and Anya😍

Absolutely enjoyed Malice and Anya’s story…they were arguably the most perfect couple together❣️ And once again, Kris has left us with a carrot dangling at the end in preparation for the next shadow and I for one am all in…super excited to see where we are headed next with H❤️
Profile Image for Shana Pare.
910 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2024
Great story, as expected

Ms. Michaels continues the series about the Guardian Security Shadow World with Malice's meeting with a Russian sniper who engages his heart. Great characters and easy dialogue that gives the feel of a Russian accent. I recommend this book as well as the series.
17 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2024
Malice review

Outstanding as normal Kris now I can understand why u said malice was a favorite loved anyna and malice are of the charts and a perfect match loved her character.
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
496 reviews8 followers
February 3, 2024
I've read most of this author's books and this must be the first time I'm writing a review for her. I love the Guardian series, and especially the Shadow World because each and every one of them have characters that have been through hardship and found a new family.

Malice is one of those, he's the one looking out for the other guys of the Guardian family. Lovingly called Mother Mal as he'll always try to make sure things are okay. When sent on a mission to Siberia to kill a head of the Rostova Group, he is saved by Anya. She's a sniper for the group but has had a very hard life. To survive she joined the group but has always been treated badly and when she finds out she's to become the field wife of the boss' son, she's determined to escape. So when Malice turns up, she decides to help him and hope he'll help her.

Their way back to the States however isn't going as easy as they hoped. We're taken on a journey with Malice and Anya running for their lifes, getting hurt on the way, betrayed and having to fight real hard to earn a happy ending.

I read this book nearly in one sitting, the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and you desperately want the MC's to succeed. I loved how both characters were so protective of each other, how both were so oblivious to their feelings, thinking they were just helping each other.

This was again another great addition to the series and I'm already looking forward to Harbinger's book.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,256 reviews122 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Malice is the twelfth instalment in the Guardian Security: Shadow World series by Kris Michaels. I couldn't wait to dive into this series - binging my way through this thrilling blend of high-stakes suspense, military precision, and emotional romance. This series is a spin-off from her Kings of Guardian universe, and dives into the covert, dangerous, and morally complex missions of elite operatives working in the shadows where the stakes are high, loyalty is tested, danger is constant, and love often comes at the highest cost.
Each book focuses on a different operative, giving us a fresh perspective each time, while also weaving in an overarching sense of camaraderie and found family. The characters are layered - hardened by their pasts and yet still vulnerable in ways that make them relatable. I recommend reading the series from the beginning, reading each book in sequential order for you to be able to fully appreciate the interconnected relationships and evolving team dynamics.
Ms. Michaels doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of covert work, but she also infuses hope, resilience, and the healing power of love into her storylines.
So, if you enjoy romantic suspense with military and intelligence intrigue, then you will want to dive into this world and experience all the action, passion, and edge of your seat missions for yourself.
Happy Reading…
912 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2024
4.5 stars

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
I have adored Malice for quite some time and really looked forward to his story.
As ever, the characterisation is spot on, totally flawless. Mal came alive to me and he became another friend who lives in my mind.
For Anya, I couldn't quite believe in her. Maybe something lost in translation but I just couldn't feel very much for her.
Even the interactions between previously established characters was a bit flat.
The plotline, for me, is where the book fell down a little.
As in any novel there is a requirement to suspend belief somewhat in order that the story can progress and I just couldn't suspend belief enough to be okay with Malice, a seasoned Shadow, making so many mistakes.
However, even with that qualifier, I enjoyed the book.
Which is why I gave 4.5 stars.
There is plenty of swearing and some sex scenes.
There are no grammatical or editorial errors that I can recall.
If you are a fan of the genre I have no problem recommending the book but would advise reading the series to obtain the best reading experience.

Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
687 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2024
O m g Kris michaels what A most wonderful imagination you have. I just adore your stories. Malice is brilliant. I thought I was safe when they were but of course, you had to go and sneak in a little bit of angst and suspense. I was holding my breath as I listened.
Just loved Anya she's a strong, sassy character and Malice, hes such a contrastagainsthe occupation. He's perfect and for a time there i thought we had a new team.
This was simply magic. You have such an art using the subtle tool in parts of the story, then you dive into complexities, espionage and a "bejewelled" technical wow. It makes for such a fantastic book.
Especially listening to my favourite characters come back into play. Makes me fist pump especially my heart throb Fury.
You have put humour, suspense, angst, romance and some steam along with the wonderful adage of family.
Not to mention the hint at future generations. And the teaser at the end woot woot!!! And gah!!!!
All of this awesome artistry is rolled into this book and I just can't wait to listen on. So please keep writing..thankyou.
Matt Haynes (sigh) your just awesome too
Profile Image for Marie.
5,119 reviews52 followers
January 30, 2024
"Sometimes people aren't as good as we want them to be...

....and sometimes they're better than you've ever had the courage to hope for"

Mal and Anya slay me in this book, hardened snipers and assassins they take out the enemy saving each other again and again, without hesitation, but love knocks them on their ass. It is such a foreign concept to both of them that they struggle to define it or believe that they are worthy of it. Mal admires and respects Anya, that this surprises her devastated me and I love that whilst Mal cannot fully describe what he is feeling, he embraces it, knowing it is important and unique. I really love this spin off in the Guardian series, these dinted Shadow warriors that have lived difficult and often lonely lives, not only find their one, their person who understands and accepts them as no other does, but they also form a beautiful (if a little scary) family unit. I love it!
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
January 31, 2024
Biggest issue for me? NOT LONG ENOUGH!!!! I really really really wanted more.

I thought Malice was great... and totally loved the way that he talked about Paris... that was the vibe that I had previously got and was glad to have it confirmed.

Anya is a good addition to the ever evolving family... I liked that, with the limitations that had been forced upon her, she was a strong woman. I actually really liked the way she almost challenged Mal... that she pointed out that she felt what she did was really no different to what Guardian did ( to a degree of her understanding and POV ) in relation to the Rostova Group was. Obviously, she didn't know the extent of what Rostova did... but on the surface?

Got a little panicky at the name of 'Dean' being mentioned as one of the fibbies...

And... now the wait for Harbinger's book... and perhaps some more interaction with Smith and Val?
Profile Image for EvaReadsWithDog.
208 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2024
What a story this was! Another Shadow falls, another assassin falls. I loved reading Mal’s and Anya’s story. From page one I dived into their story and didn’t come up for air till the last page. Two assassins. Well, one assassin and one sniper, a freezing cold Siberia, dressing up and feeling like a pierogi to keep the cold out, two strong and determined characters with what looks like one mission after all… getting out of Siberia alive and finding their HEA, together. Once more, Guardian to the rescue!
“Sometimes people aren’t as good as we want them to be”… “And sometimes they’re better than you’ve had the courage to hope for.”
“Malice” is book 12 in the “Guardian Security Shadow World” series. It is best if the books are read in order, in my opinion, because this way you will enjoy even more all the characters from previous and future books that pop up. Thank you Kris for another great book! Can’t wait for Harbinger’s story…
“Whatever it takes, as long as it takes”
1,258 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2024
Malice and Anya are so great together

Malice and Anya are both assassins but she is supposed to kill him. He is sent by Guardian to kill her boss. instead of killing him, she saves his life. She is hoping this will be the opportunity to get away from her boss and his son. Once Malice completes his mission, he tracks down the sniper who saved his but and finds Anya. She convinces him to take her with him so she can escape. Can they get out of Russia before they are caught? With the information Anya gave him and he passed to Guardian, they hope she can get to the US. Can Malice keep her safe from harm her she recovers from her knife wound that was seriously infected? He thought he was going to lose her because of the infection, how will he feel when Karl shows up for Anya when he is not home? Will he get to her before she is hurt by Karl and his minions?
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
March 14, 2024
Another Perfect Match!

One where to begin with this storyline! Malice just surprised me, he is a man with so much knowledge, wisdom & oh boy does he have a protective & romantic side when he shares what's in his heart! This book had some many action packed scenes it was a book that just was so hard to put down!

I have to say Anya just became one of my top 4 female badasses within the Guardian extended Family! You'll have to read this book to find out why! And the plus side was seeing a few familiar characters from previous books.

I can't wait to find out this connection Anya mentioned, and the cliff hanger with Harbinger already! Thanks Kris for all you do to bring these characters into our lives and for continuing to show us what an inspiring, amazing, creative & badass author you are!
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
April 13, 2024
I borrowed Malice ~ Guardian Security Shadow World ~ Book 12, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Umlimited Program.

Malice is in Siberia to carry out a job for Guardian in the middle of winter with hurricane snowstorms and many feet of snow. On the way into the mission he had a gut feeling something was off and when a bullet went by his ear as he entered the compound and he had help from an unknow snipper he knew his gut had been right.

This started the adventure for Malice and Anya, the tiny Russian sniper that brought them together through the danger from the Siberian winter, the persuit of the son of the evil Russian criminal that was eliminated and back to all the wonderful men and women of Guardian that stick together to protect one another and get the job done. Wonder series!!!
1,062 reviews
April 5, 2024
Great book

I really enjoyed reading this book. Anya is such a strong, capable and skilled woman. She grew up poor in Russia and is an incredible sniper. She saves Malice from being killed, and they embark on an adventure through a snowstorm in Russia, while trying to evade the bad guys.
It was great watching their relationship bloom. She doesn’t let him get away with much, and they have fun banter sometimes. Malice is an assassin who likes taking care of people. I like it that although she did need help from him, she held her own and is an equal to him. He is such a stud and is someone she can rely on.
There was enough nonstop action throughout the book to keep me enthralled.
I recommend this book and definitely this series. I can see me reading this again.
145 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2024
MALICE (GUARDIAN SECURITY SHADOW WORLD BOOK 12)

Malice is sent to the Gulag in Russia to end an abusive and dangerous leader of a Paramilitary group paid by the Russian government. Anya is trying to survive in this group trying to get out intact. Both Anya and Malice are assassins and when Anya discovers Guardian has been betrayed she sees a way to save Malice and get out of Russia. How the two assassins realize their connection, what happens as they try to escape kept me up AGAIN until 2 am to finish, and then I had to read it again to pick up and the parts of Malice and Anya’s story I missed! Thank you again Kris for another great read! Love Guardian Shadow World!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,122 reviews8 followers
February 3, 2024
Malice

Wow! Another shadow falls! This is about Malice and Anya! Malice is on a mission but soon learns that someone had helped him with his mission. He finds Anya and the two make their way out of Siberia. Malice falls hard once Anya falls very sick. The bad guys have found Anya and she was able to get her message across. As always, Malice and his team save Anya. It's interesting that we find out these two eloped before Ice's wedding. The epilogue is definitely a teaser for Harbinger's story. Can't wait for his story to come out! FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
863 reviews7 followers
February 5, 2024
Saved by the bullet, Malice didn't know who saved his hide with the bullet but between them they finished what he was there to do, end a war criminals, finding Anya hunkered down in the Siberian snow wasn't hard, saving her and getting them both to safety priority one, their attraction could melt the snow that surrounding them, friend or foe can he trust her, getting to revisit old friends and the hints of new ones, fitting into the American lifestyle, ending the evil once and for all for Anya, Malice a true protector will be able to breathe easier, Kris Michaels this book was absolutely riveting, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,367 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2024
Family

Malice and Anya. Perfect blend of action, danger, humor, and romance. Loved seeing the group and couples in friendship and action as they help each other out in times of need. I wonder if that was a hint about Smith and Val being more present in upcoming books since Anya said he looked like the guy they just stopped from a military action. H is another great guardian so I hope that cliffhanger/epilogue leads to a great HEA for him. As always seeing Fury, Jewell, Con and the others is entertaining and brings a good overarching connection to the series. A quick and fun read!
Profile Image for Merle.
2,397 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2024
The Shadow World continues. The first and second generations are now talking about kids (both their own and the new Shadows) and there are still targets to be found and eliminated. Enemies come and go. When Malice is eliminating a target in Russia, he is almost betrayed. Someone knew he was there. He is saved by another assassin waiting to kill a target. Mal is shocked to find a woman bleeding in a ditch. He finds that she is the sniper, and her spotter has tried to kill her. There are many twists and turns here, and that one is the first. Enemies continue to pop up, revenge on their minds.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,463 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2024
Malice

I love the way I get to read another Guardian book. Each one has me reading from start to finish in one setting. But with this one I had a hard time getting into the situation. Don't get me wrong... I enjoyed this one too. But the beginning didn't catch my attention. I was dragged kicking and screaming to the very end once I read his story.
Malice was in Russia on assignment when he was almost destroyed. But for a feisty sharpshooter who wanted out of her own dire situation he would have been another person to go missing. Together they forge a bond trying to keep ahead of those wanting to kill them. Anya maybe just what he needs to find his own happiness.
Profile Image for Jeanette Jessen.
140 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2024
Anya is Wonder Woman

I loved this story of Malice and his Anya. Her personality shines through out the entire story. She is high spirited with an unbelievable sense of self preservation. She had only herself and then Malice walks in with a swagger that she can't deny is breath taking. He understands her humor and he's witty enough that conversations are fun even in the worse of times. They have an exciting tell for their story of the heart. I look forward te more short stories when she gets pregnant. I would think Mal would lose his ever loving mind. Great job Kris!
48 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2024
Kris has a beautiful way with words

Words. We all use them everyday. Kris Michaels has a fantastic way to use them to tell a story. And believe me her stories are awesome. She spins a tale of suspense that puts you right there in the action. The underlying tale of romance and family is there no matter which world you are reading. Guardians, Defenders, Hollister, Shadows or even the Atlanta airport sagas join us in our world where you will be amazed at the skill Kris uses for every tale she graces us with.
79 reviews
January 30, 2024
great story

Kris has outdone herself this time. Malice and Anya meet in Siberia where he has been sent to kill a vile man, Anya is a sniper who worked for the man and is trying to get out of the clutches of both him and his son. The two race through horrible conditions to get out of Siberia and since Anya saved Mal’s life he is taking her with him. She’s injured by her old spotter and has to kill him to get away she is injured badly .
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
731 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2024
Wow.... another great 5 🌟 story from our favourite author in the Guardian Security - Defenders series.
I absolutely loved Mal and Anya's amazing story.
We're left on a cliffhanger again, as per usual, but it'll leave us guessing and anticipating Harbinger's story next.
Brilliant storyline with fantastic characters and loved the HEA.
It was great to catch up with some of the other defenders and guardians throughout this story!!
23 reviews
February 3, 2024
Another outstanding read

I have a love/hate/love relationship with Kris’s books. Absolutely love the anticipation of each one; hate when the last page is turned; love the hints of more to come. Malice and Anya are another layered addition to the Guardian world. I don’t know how she does it…at the same time making each book at once too short yet completely satisfying in every way. Bravo Zulu Kris!!
168 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2024
Excellent!!!!

Wow I love Kris Michaels books!!! Every book continues the story of Guardian but they are ALL different and never get boring! If you haven't read the Guardian series start at the beginning and become part of the family. Loved Malice and Anya, so perfect for each other. Great story line, action packed, well written an absolute HEA. can't wait for Harbinger! This book was one of my favorites 10 💥💥💥💥💥
Profile Image for Renne Franks.
23 reviews
May 15, 2024
don’t like bait and switch

I have loved all of these books but don’t care for the bait and switch of Paris and Mal. It made it difficult for me to get on board with this story. Did the same thing with Mike before Tatty. As if a young woman not an assassin couldn’t deal with these guys. I guess my bad but I was invested in a story that didn’t happen. I guess “noemal” girls can’t handle anything but vanilla guys.
62 reviews
May 15, 2024
A sniper saves an assassin, then he returns the favor

While Malice is on assignment in Russia, his op is leaked. A sniper employed by his target, decides he is her best chance at escaping from her employer's son. She provides him with cover fire and helps him complete his mission. They escape Russia together and find that they are each drawn to the other. The plot expands from there. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2024
phenomenal book

I absolutely love this series and was so excited to read Mal’s story. The book was everything and more. This story had excitement, intrigue and suspense. It’s also a wonderful romance. Anya is put through the wringer but remains a strong woman. I loved the book and can’t wait to read Harbingers story next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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