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Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.Alone.Harbinger extinguished any thought of a serious relationship due to the dangers of his profession. Yet he’d fallen hard for Ysabel Archambeau, and she rejected him without reason. He tried to escape the haunting memories of Ysabel by returning to the States, but the romantic connections surrounding him isolated Harbinger from his team.Running out of time. A desperate plea from Ysabel’s family pulls him back into her world and his memories. The woman who had shattered his heart and cut off all contact has become the central pawn in a high-stakes game of old money, greed, and blackmail.Her Guardian is the only hope.Sometimes, trust is the deadliest of weapons. Navigating the maze of deceit, love, and vengeance, from the opulent penthouses of Paris to the dark underbelly of the European elite, Harbinger must confront his past, face one of his deadliest adversaries, and unearth secrets that could either reunite him with Ysabel or shatter any chance of a future with the woman he loves.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

623 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,121 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
1,418 (74%)
4 stars
386 (20%)
3 stars
83 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,967 reviews65 followers
May 1, 2024
Harbinger😍

Harbinger is the next book in the Guardian Shadows series by Kris and packs a powerful punch❣️Slightly different to our other books in the series, H is struggling after separating from his fiancée. When her father comes knocking, asking for help to get her back, H is not sure whether what he’s said is true or not, other than, Ysabel is missing😳

A great story and I’m loving how connections from previous books are slowly coming together….super excited for the next book in this series❤️
Profile Image for Sharon Roush.
293 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2025
So good

Another work of art. I absolutely loved Harbinger , this book was intense it had all the thrills you've come to expect from Kris Michael's. I highly recommend it and all of het Guardian Security series.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,598 reviews121 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Harbinger is the thirteenth 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…
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,379 reviews6,689 followers
May 3, 2024
Family ties

A great book. A but shorter than the others but nonstop. It is very difficult to put this book down and not try to finish it in a single session.

Harbinger, H, though he found the love of his life, but when Ysabel broke off their engagement with little explanation, his world fell apart. It probably did not help that a number of his colleagues/family had settled down themselves. Now, back on assignment, he gets a request from the last person he wants to see or help. However, with Ysabel's life on the line, he has little choice. How far will he and Guardian go to protect one of their own?

As usual, it is not just a great story of the main characters but is wonderful to see returning characters and set up the next characters as well as moving the ongoing story forward.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,209 reviews52 followers
April 30, 2024
"I only existed without you. I didn't live."

H may be a deadly assassin, but he is still a man, a man that can be brought to his knees by his woman. I love the Shadows, but they live such a stifled life, they don't exist on paper, they have no family contact and they kill on demand....each kill taking another piece of their soul, even when those they kill deserve a torturous death, it is still a stain they have to live with.
To find love and the promise of a future, for it to then be ripped from you is devastating for anyone, but for the Shadows, for whom trust so much more dangerous, seems to make the heartbreak worse. Thankfully H locates his woman and they reclaim their love, their lives and their future....but the threats are never totally eliminated......
915 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2024
4.5 stars.

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers although there is a kidnap lightly written.
The characterisation is absolutely spot on, with individual personalities and motivators that allows the reader to form a connection with the characters.
The plotline is a bit too bitty, and not like the authors usual tight manner of writing, which is why I gave stars and a half stars.
I found the start of the book confusing, and it took a little time for me to figure it out and then it hit the excellence I expect from Kris Michaels.
There is some swearing and a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
If you are a fan of the genre (romance and intrigue) I have no problem recommending the book but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,407 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2024
The struggle continues between Guardian and their shadowy enemies in the East. Russian oligarchs and their backers have interfered with many of the West's operations and have impacted Guardian, too. Harbinger (aka H) has fallen in love with a beautiful and exceptionally talented violinist, and she rejects him with cruelty. When her father arrives at H's Paris apartment, the Shadow is ready to kick him out. When the man begs for H to find her, H knows that something is amiss. Finding a true house of cards, the Shadows, management, and the CCS team band together to find the girl and end the threat. While there is a happy ending for H, the main monster has escaped and lives to fight another day. So does Guardian.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
869 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2024
Reunited

Harbinger and Ysabel are reunited after she leaves him thinking she's saving his life, unknowingly his history and abilities, learning new team players and hearing from old friends has been absolutely amazing, the chemistry between the two of them is beautiful and once in a lifetime love, when the scum of the earth try to rule everything Guardian will stop at nothing to prevent them from accomplishment of their goals, page turner from beginning to the end, you Kris Michaels are a genius with words and you're ability to tell a story is AMAZING, thank you, I'm so excited to see what Con and Centurion are up to, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,131 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2024
Harbinger

Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Kris! This story is about Heath (Harbinger) and Ysabel. The story begins with Harbinger saving a kitten and named him Spike. We get to see a lot of Con in this story and got to meet Jinx and his crew. Giovanni was another very interesting character. As we all know, Smith is a very stubborn man. Got to see the Guardian leaders at work again. Ysabel learns she has a sister and a half brother. That was a very interesting twist to the story. So glad this couple got a second chance at love. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book! I read it in one day! Can't wait for Con's story!
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,410 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2024
Love doesn’t end

Heath/Harbinger and Ysabel. European location, mafia from two countries, a broken engagement, multiple assassins in a support role, and some cute animals. The story was a quick and fun read. The love part was evident and not part of the drama once a significant decision was resolved. The danger though to Ysabel was multi faceted and detailed as it involved an odd family dichotomy, multiple players and some significant unknowns. Jinx was entertaining and I loved his attitude towards everyone and especially animals. Con is interesting and I am ready for his book, especially if there is more with Fury!!
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
July 27, 2024
I borrowed Harbringer ~ Guardian Security Shadow World ~ Book 13 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

The shadow agent of Guardian, Harbringer finds his soul mate in Paris, France at the opera when he sees Ysabel Archambeau, the head violist. After asking her to marry him everything falls apart when she breaks up with him. Months later her father shows up with a tall tale about her being kidnapped. Guardian backs him up with investagations, a plan is developed, Ysabel is rescued and the true evil is exposed. The action is constant, new relationships are revealed and true Kris Michaels is the happy ending for Harbringer and Ysabel. I loved this one!
149 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
Harbinger (Guardian Security Shadow World Book 13) Kris Michaels

Loved it. Each new book in the series it part of a bigger picture with many intricate mysteries in play. Harbinger (Heath) was devastated when Ysabel returned his ring…many months later he is contact by her father she is missing. It turns out her father Pierre is up to his neck in mafia from Sicily to Russia and Ysabel is a pawn. Kept me reading steadily till book was finished…darn, what else can Inread until next book!
344 reviews
May 4, 2024
Dangerous journey with a sweet end

I am hooked on all the Shadows. Harbingers journey from a solo life to a committed one was full of ditches. Some were work related but others were deliberately human created. Ysabel, Harbinger's ex-fiancee was one of several who created one of the biggest stumble for "H". But Kris Michaels wove a strong and engaging story that helped us see holes filled, arms entangled and hearts melded together even while the bad folks bite the dust. Loved it!
Profile Image for karen blush.
61 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2024
Riveting!

It is now 2:39am! I have to get up for work in a couple hours! I could not put this book down. From start to finish, another terrific read from Kris Michaels! This whole series is bar none, one of my favorites. I have read and reread this whole series more times then I can say! If you are looking for a book to sink your teeth into, start with Jacob and work your way through! You will not regret it! They are all worth the money and your time. Enjoy the laughs, the bikinis and the connections!
1,270 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2024
Great second chance

Ysabel has been used all her life but she never knew it. She never got the warm and tissues from her dad lime most peoples left get. Pierre has manipulated her all her life. Harbinger makes her want more but she breaks his heart because of her Pierre. Now she's missing and Pierre goes to Harbinger for help. Will he believe what Pierre is telling him about why and who kidnapped her? Can they find her before anything happens to her? Is she strong enough to try to escape on her own? What will happen to her dad?
41 reviews
August 13, 2024
What do an assassin and a classical musician have in common? Love!

Kris Michaels' book doesn't disappoint. Harbinger needs the help of other Guardians to eliminate two criminals who plan to steal millions of crypto using a supercomputer. Harbinger was in love with and engaged to the musician Ysabel whose father is one of the thieves. When she is kidnapped, her father begs Harbinger to find her. One of these criminals escapes during the crypto heist and will probably cause the Kings more trouble in the near future. I really enjoyed the story of Harbinger and Ysabel's love.
500 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2025
Harbinger of things to come

H is a Shadow assassin for Guardian. He's suave, master of disguise and madly in love with Ysabel, the woman who broke his heart. When her father appears at H's doorstep with news of Ysabel's abduction. H immediately jumps into action, calling on his Guardian resources. The story involves criminal deception, corruption, violence versus Guardian's honor and integrity. The adventure is located in Paris. The intense and complicated storyline is balanced by Harbinger and Ysabel's love story.
803 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2024
gripping

Kris Michaels’ Guardian Security books get better and better, I love the way each department interlinks and thus we meet old friends each time. Harbinger/ Heath and Ysabel’s story is a true romance but with a lot of angst and drama . I enjoyed the romp around Paris and look forward to returning with Centurion. Great new characters introduced, Jinx needs a story with plenty of his rescued strays. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,365 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
Harbinger

Harbinger, also known as Heath is heart broken. His ex fiance's father approached him just after his return to Paris that she, Ysabel has been kidnapped. Guardians make a plan because of her and her father's criminal activity. She is rescued, her father was her adoptive father, Pierre, is murdered by her real father who escapes but love out ways everything and she and H are back together.
Profile Image for Kevin.
62 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
Kris never lets you down! This story is hot as well as intriguing.

As with all of Kris Michaels books the HEA is there as well as the adventure and feels. It is no wonder why so many of us wait with baited breath for the next book to come out. Thank you Kris for another wonderful story! Loved it to pieces. 🔥💜😺🎉
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,016 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2024
exciting, dangerous

Harbinger and Ysabel were engaged and in love, until they weren’t. Harbinger doesn’t understand why she broke it off but is trying to move forward until he finds out everything he was told was a lie and her life is in jeopardy. Love this story and all the twist and turns in it .
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
748 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2024
Wow... yet another fantastic thrilling story from our favourite author.
I loved Harbinger and Ysabel's heartwarming story.
Great to see the Guardians and their teams pulling together to bring down the bad guys!!
Brilliant storyline with wonderful characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
I am so looking forward to the next one!!
Profile Image for Debra.
3,467 reviews13 followers
June 8, 2024
Harbinger

Once more another great read under the Guardian banner. H is back trying to figure out why his fiance left him. When her father comes to him for help he will do everything to not only find her but bring down all those out to get her killed. Even if it is someone from her family. More mysteries keep opening up and Guardians are on the case.
660 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2024
Watching her play the violin won his heart.

He knew he had to meet her but didn't know how. He just stayed in the back waiting for his chance. He saw her in a restaurant trying to get away from a rude man. He got rid of him asked if she wanted to stay for a drink and later dinner.
A great start for another Kris Michael story. It is always hard to put her books down.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,253 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2025
Great read

Harbinger and Ysabel journey is a well written journey that pull a you in. The evil behind the hurt is what pulls at your emotions . To be raised without love is especially hard when you love a parent who doesn't love you. But when s awesome man walks into your life nothing else matters. Can't wait to read more if Kris Michaels books .
139 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2024
Another 5 star read

Another great chapter of the Shadow World. Fast paced action packed and romance, this one clicked all the boxes. Loved the byplay between characters during the comms calls- very entertaining.
516 reviews
May 1, 2024
amazing

Kris Michaels never ceases to amaze me. Her stories are intricate and full of action and suspense. The characters are strong willed. Love her use of sarcasm and humor. Just amazing
121 reviews
May 1, 2024
Harbinger another brilliant story.

Kris Michaels does it again. Harbinger is packed, funny by lines between Con and Fury. New baby class coming into the light.

Ysabel and Heath are beautifully special.

Smith and Val are still the same, awesome!
807 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Strange

Harbinger and Ysabel together again. Adopted father dead. Mother..unsure if dead or alive? Half sister psycho on all levels. Ysabel being made aware of a possible half brother. AND daddy dearest escaped to the wind. Like I said strange. On to Con's revelation...
Profile Image for Cenaida.
119 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
Great read

Loved it. Another great book on the Shadow World. Always looking forward to having many of the other Guardians in each story. Can't wait for Centurion's book. Con story showed be fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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