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A final chance.

In the peaceful town of Hollister, secrets from days gone never stay hidden. For Barry Marks, memories of a disastrous military mission haunt every waking moment. He came to Hollister as a last hope. His final chance to change the spiraling trajectory of his future.

A chance meeting.

When Barry Marks literally sweeps Kathy Prentiss off her feet, she’s mesmerized. The bad boy with anger issues needs help, but he’s a flame she can’t resist. The chemistry between them is hotter than the long summer days of South Dakota. Their growing connection, built on mutual trust, seems to promise a new beginning for both of them.

A ghost from the past.

But peace is fleeting in Hollister. A series of unnerving events disrupt the town's tranquility. Even more troubling for Barry, the symbols left behind mirror haunting recon signals from his days as a Marine. When Kathy suddenly vanishes, replaced only by a bone-chilling message pointing to his past, Barry's worst fears are realized.

With every passing hour, Kathy's life hangs in the balance, and the weight of Barry's memories threatens to crush him. Yet, an unexpected ally emerges—the community he's kept at arm's length. As Barry races to save Kathy while grappling with his clouded past, he finds himself in a desperate battle not only to rescue the woman he loves but also to confront the shadows of his past.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

269 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

81 books1,116 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
1,132 (73%)
4 stars
326 (21%)
3 stars
68 (4%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,373 reviews6,691 followers
September 26, 2024
Getting better

A good book about facing your past to build a future. Once again, great character development links to the main Guardian series but can be read as a stand-alone book.

Barry has always had a hard life, discharged after a horrific injury early in him military career, but that is not what haunts him the most. The memory of his dead former teammate is what he really can not get past. However, since first laying eyes on Kathy, he has a reason to make himself better. He is going to therapy appointments, doing the work, earning the respect and acceptance of people of Hollister.

A great story of working through ones demons. Like most things, having a reason for wanting the change is the catalyst.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,953 reviews63 followers
September 14, 2024
Hollister❤️‍🩹

The magical town of Hollister and its healing power strikes again❣️Kathy is an accident at the end of the last book and she falls into Barry’s arms…quite literally. This is the start of a beautiful friendship and more importantly a new romance for Barry and Kathy.

However, it appears Barry’s past has come back to haunt him but the people of Hollister are standing strong and have his back. Absolutely love this small town of Hollister and would move there in a hot minute if I could🥰 Can’t wait to see where Kris goes with the introduction of Seth, Chester’s son who makes his way back home🏠
Profile Image for Sally.
417 reviews4 followers
Read
September 14, 2024
DNF 😩☹️😭😭

First ever book from this author that I haven’t finished, I am determined to go back and read it at some point in the future, I’m hoping it’s just my mood.

This author will always be an auto buy for me, just unfortunately this one didn’t hold my attention.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,127 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2024
Barry

Ok - I remember Barry saving Kathy in the last book we saw Barry. The story picks up here where we find Barry is in a pickle when bad things start to happen. Kathy is there to help him through the worse of his anger management along with Doc Wheeler. Gotta love Honey and Mitzi. They are adorable! It is sad when we find out it was a brother of one of Barry's teammates that was killed that has been causing all the troubles in the town. Always love seeing Edna. Glad the town's people rallied around Barry. Once the troubles were taken care of, we find that Barry and Kathy find their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book! Can't wait for Seth's book.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,156 reviews52 followers
August 28, 2024
Every day is a battle....

....but some battles are bigger than others!

Barry is already haunted by his past and the service to his country, he is battling his demons every single day just to function like a "normal" person. It is hard when he is targeted and framed, but then Kathy is targeted too and it takes every one of Doc Wheeler's techniques to keep him in the present and not heading into a red rage outburst.
Barry has certainly dealt with more than most, but he is making amazing progress and it makes my heart happy to see him and Kathy together, she is perfect for him, she doesn't pressure, she listens without judgement, she lets him set the pace - in short she sees the man beneath the pain, anger and frustration. But as happy as my heart is seeing them together, it is also sad that Barry doesn't see himself as a good man, or a man that is worthy of love and happiness....which he definitely is.
This is a great crossover with a lot of Hollister, a pinch of Guardian and a dusting of Bigfoot (obviously) to add that special touch! A fantastic read.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
September 2, 2024
Yay! Barry finally got his story. We met him in Andrew's story... and I have to say, I have kind of been waiting to see how his HEA would transpire since then!

I love Hollister and the people within it. From Frank Marshall and his ranch ( obvs including Guardian peeps ) to Senior's ranch... and the town of Hollister itself. I love the interweave-y feel of it all. Familiarity can sometimes be a very good thing. I have already been on a bit of a KM re-read, but feel that I am due some more!

Barry and Kathy are fab. I liked the slow build-up, the fact that they hadn't yet had sex was mightily refreshing. It made sense, especially taking into account that Barry was taking responsibility for his mental health.

Love their dogs too.

( I just have weirdness re some of the names that KM has given her MMCs. Barry. Ken. Just so... odd for the generation that they were born into. I think I just have issues thinking about crying out 'Barry... Barry... Baz...' whilst in the throws of passion. But mebbe that is just me 😉 )

Mmm, so... Seth?
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
September 24, 2024
Barry's Story

Kris Michaels is a gifted author who has created an amazing imaginary world that will suck you in from the very first book in any of her series. This Hollister series has definitely been an exciting read with the many characters from Hollister who always come together for their community when someone is in need. And I just love Mrs Edna who is one of my favorite residents. She is such a sweetheart who does so much for everyone & more than they all know too.

Barry had been through so much in the military & had a lot of healing to do & what better place to do that then in Hollister! I'm so happy he found his HEA in Kathy & answers for so many unsolved mysteries was revealed. I and looking forward to reading the next book in this series & I hope it's Seth's story so we can find out the truth behind his father's craziness!
226 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2024
another amazing visit to Hollister

Barry’s story is truly amazing. Barry had come to Hollister after the death of Gunny with Corrie who he considers his mom. He has met Kathy and started a relationship. However Barry is still suffering from PTSD and is working hard to try and heal the demons. Of course things keep happening that are driving him to question whether another soldier from his last mission is still alive. Keep reading as some information comes out that may have dire consequences. Of course we not only have the people of Hollister helping but the gang from The Ranch with Frank in the lead make appearances. And Blessing even gets in on the action with her advice. Enjoy this trip to Hollister.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
865 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2024
Extraordinary

Barry saved Kathy after her car accident, getting to know one another slowly, day by day, he's working on his anger issues with Doc Wheeler but the nightmares still haunt him, patience, love, faith, family and trust, he's earned in spades, and when things start hitting the proverbial fan it's his friends and family that have his back and believe him, what a thrill ride this has been, and I love the little toss up of some favorite authors in here, Blessing keeping in touch with Kate and the advice to Kathy, Kris Michaels you have out done yourself with this book, 5 thousand star's, thank you, Dana Zamora
1,263 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2024
What a great story. Couldn't put it down

Barry is suffering from injuries he received while serving in the military and also PTSD. Kathy and Barry start a friendship and they both want more but Barry has a lot to work out before he can take the relationship further. But someone is framing him for this vs that are happening in town and he thinks it is a teammate that everyone thought died but he doesn't believe it. When Kathy gets kidnapped, is it Fish that did it or someone else? What is the reason she was taken and will they find her in time?
Loved they way Kris Michaels wrote about Barry and his struggle with anger and how he overcomes it to a point.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,400 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2024
Barry Marks has threaded his way through the last Hollister stories and now readers understand what drives him and why he is sure his last mission is still out there. Barry has been fighting himself since he came home and the assistance of his adopted mom has helped. Kathy Prentiss has also helped a lot and they love each other. However, the final mission haunts him, even after military intelligence notifies Andrew and Barry that the soldier he saw was indeed dead. When things start to happen to those around Barry, he is sure that someone is trying to get to him. Guardian, Frank Marshall, and Andrew prove to be the hands he needs to help himself and Kathy.
146 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2024
BARRY (HOLLISTER BOOK 5)

Totally loved this story by Kris Michaels. The warmth of familiar friends, the feeling of being in a special town (darn tootin’ with Guardians tight nearby)! The fact that Barry was slowly finding himself and had found a possible person who could see through Barry’s anger and confusion to the real Barry. Things start happening around Barry making him appear guilty and it sets him off but Kathy has faith someone is trying to implicate him. As things escalate, Kathy’s faith in Barry keeps them both grounded, little do they know how much that faith will be needed. Once again Kris has given us a great read!❤️
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
688 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2024
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic story in Hollister. I Absolutely, loved it. It was really good to see that a Relationship had already started and we didn't have the chemistry push-pull that we normally get in a romance. It was definitely a different take for a Kris Michael's story.
I loved the military side especially when past favourite characters pop up for some conversation and help.
I'm excited about the next book situated in Hollister, which is possibly Seth. k9's, yes please Kris.
As usual this has it all. some action some laughs..especially Edna. some romance some old faves and new ones.
matt haynes, brilliant as always 👏
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
October 11, 2024
I borrowed Barry ~ Hollister ~ Book 5, by Kris Michaels, author, from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Barry Marks, an ex-Marine special ops retiree has PTSD and anger issues finds peace when he meets Kathy Prentiss, a local school teacher after her car accident. She changes his life as he falls in love with her.

His past is about to catch up with him when he is shot at, rattlesnakes are put in his bunk and Kathy is taken by the madman after him. With the help of Guardian Security, Kathy is rescued because, 'what ever it takes as long as it takes', they protect their own in Hollister, South Dakota.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,222 reviews34 followers
August 31, 2024
You gotta love the small town of Hollister, it's quirky characters and close knit community. It's he perfect place for Barry Mark's to heal from the trauma of war. He's definitely a work in progress but having Kathy Prentiss in his life is definitely a big plus. When a haunting memory seems to come to life nd ultimately put Kathy in danger forces come together to ensure her safe return. The local sheriff along with Guardian members and the locals enact a plan to save her while neutralizing the threat. Another riveting book by Kris Michaels.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,381 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2024
Patience goes with love

Barry and Kathy. The citizens of Hollister are back and we have a new couple and a new danger. The danger is someone fixating on Barry and Andrew. Through Barry’s therapy and talks with Kathy and Andrew the background of the danger is known, but not solved until the end. Ken was a great presence for this story and Edna was a MVP. The Guardians also had a presence and I loved seeing them! The ending was sweet and the intro for Seth’s story has me ready for more!
Profile Image for Debra.
3,465 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2025
Barry

This book was about forgiveness. Barry was injured and has TBI to the extent that he had anger issues. Sometimes it was uncontrollable. Coming to Hollister was his last chance. His Captain gave him a job to get help and keep an eye on him. Not knowing that someone else would see him as a guy who was redeemable. Kathy is a local school teacher who sees Barry as a person who is someone to love. His past has come looking for him. But when trouble calls it seems that everyone has come to give aid to the both of them.
500 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2025
Recovery and redemption

Barry has great physical and emotional trauma to overcome from his military experience. But when Kathy falls into his arms winning her over is his only mission. Overcoming his anger issues and PTSD episodes are clear cut compared to the menace from his past. The strange attacks and haunting actions become more dangerous with each episode. Can Barry overcome his past? Will Kathy help him become the man he wants to be, needs to be? The plot is suspenseful and the characters are heartwarming.
300 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2024
Kris Michaels blends suspense, small-town charm, and post-military heroes in her fifth ode to Hollister, South Dakota. Favorite characters from her Guardian, Hollister, and Long Road Home series are revisited and remain as enthralling as ever. A tortured veteran finally gets answers to a long-held mystery while being shown how loved he is by his community and by school teacher Kathy. This book has all the elements of another great Kris Michaels book
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
September 22, 2024
Just as vet Barry Marks was accepting and being accepted in Hollister, the stockyard is trashed, a drifter is killed, his dog is poisoned and news of his anger issues spreads, his new neighbors look at him with suspiciously. Only a new romance with teacher Kathy Prentiss keeps him upright. Making matters worse, Barry’s convinced a KIA fellow soldier is in town committing the crimes.
Rating: 4stars
469 reviews
September 22, 2024
Anticipation

Every story this Author has written is packed full of anticipating what's coming next. This story is no exception with Barry fighting his demons as he falls in love with Kathy. The evil and danger that continues to threaten what they have, explodes into nightmares. As always, I've come to enjoy Kris Michaels stories and I recommend them for anyone to read, they are that good!
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,363 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2025
Barry

Barry was one of three survivors of an explosive attack while in the Marines. His TBI left him incapable of speech for a year and terrible rates afterward. He's better, in therapy with Remi and has fallen in over with Kathy Prentiss. Brother to one of their lost has gone mental and is trying to avenge his brother's death by punishing Barry and then Andrew. Kathy is saved and there's no longer an issue. Great story.
98 reviews
September 22, 2025
A soldier healing, a sweet romance and a mystery

Loved this one. No assassins. Of course, the other series were about assassins.

Barry has anger issues from a brain injury and PTSD. Small town life works its magic. Kathy, his love interest, is delightful. When Kathy is taken by a former soldier bent on revenge, Barry and the whole town works to rescue her. And it ends with HEA.
Profile Image for Monique Westwood.
502 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2024
The town of Hollister is full of amazing people and stories. I have been looking forward to learning more about Barry and I was not disappointed! Kathy was perfect for him. I love the way the characters all interact and look out for each other. I am already looking forward to the next book.
660 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2024
Finding his way back to "normal"

I do so love a Kris Michaels book. Her romance and adventure stories are hard to beat. Watching Barry return to his pre-war self due to the love of a kind and loving woman. When trouble strikes love helps them through it.
On another note Blessing popping in always makes the story shine a little brighter! Even if it's just a peek.
Profile Image for TeeAnn Kemmitz.
291 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2024
Barry

Kris Michaels has done it again. Barry, book 5 in her Hollister series, is a huge win for readers. Since I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read it yet, (which why haven’t you?) I will simply say this, “This is another of Kris Michaels books that I will read over and over and over again and never get tired of”.
337 reviews
September 7, 2024
Love changes things

Barry and Kathy's story is a salute to the power of love. Not only did Kathy's love give Barry a reason to work on his issues but Carrie's love as well. Added to that was the friendship of the Hollister town's people. Trouble came at Barry out of nowhere but, with the help of friend, he and Kathy overcame the trouble. Their future looks fantastic.
34 reviews
September 16, 2024
Love all of Kris Michaels books and this is no exception Barry trying to get himself back from PTSD feeling lots of guilt as he came home and feel he left Fish behind,Barry falls in love with Kathy who is his rock and he is hers,it was a good read lots of exciting moments love Edna and her Bigfoot dream
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,010 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2024
great story

Another great Hollister story. Barry struggling with anger issues from injury he received in battle and Kathy the one person who her gives up on him. Barry needs help finding the person who,is trying to,set him up for crimes he didn’t commit and needs to figure it out quick before the people he loves are hurt .
Profile Image for Linda Svoboda.
151 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2024
great book

I have read every book in this series, sometimes two time. Absolutely amazing and this one was no different. Kris Michael’s has away with the characters that seem to come alive. Barry had PTSD really, really badly. But the live of a good psychiatrist and the live of a good woman helped him heal. Read the book and find out for yourself how.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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