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Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.


An obligation.

Conner Solomon, one of Guardian Security’s top computer specialists, attends a party in Monaco as a form of family penance, only to find the woman who has been on his mind since their short mission together. As beautiful as she is deadly, she’s a sexy omen of danger.

A simple task.

Jackie Harriger, an up-and-coming fashion designer with a lethal alter-ego, once again crosses paths with a man she can’t forget. Attending a haute couture event, she rubs shoulders with privileged billionaires and power brokers, but she never expected to see Con. When their paths cross in the opulent corridors of Monaco’s beautiful masquerades, where the elite gather in golden masks, a deadly dance is set into motion.

A ricochet from the past.

As they're plunged into a whirlwind of intrigue, they must navigate through the streets of Paris, the bustling avenues of New York City, and London's alleyways to unmask an elusive enemy whose only trail is an echo of a digital program. A trail that leads back to Washington, D.C. Dive into a glamourous world where love and duty intertwine, and trust is the only currency that matters.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

502 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

81 books1,115 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
1,523 (79%)
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312 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,949 reviews63 followers
August 12, 2024
Centurion😮

Oh my gosh so many secret reveals with this one and I absolutely devoured it❣️Con has been asked to attend an event on his family’s behalf and has Jackie drop into his literal lap. She is the woman who got away after their mission to an island, the year before, that he’s been trying to find and couldn’t.

When an easy surveillance operation goes awry, Con and Jackie are thrown together fast to try and navigate the events unfolding in real time. They need to uncover why what happened did and they need to do it yesterday😳

Loved this story and that ending….I'm ready for Maximus🙃
16 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
Every time I read a book from Kris Michaels I say she gets better and better. It is true with Centurion, it was a phenomenal read. Con and Ronnie were a terrific couple, you could just feel the joy in their story. Their story was an edge of your seat suspense, with appearance from many of Kris's previous characters. I enjoyed this story so much, if you get a chance read it you will not regret it
46 reviews
July 30, 2024
Wonderful

Another awesome read. Kris Michaels has done it again. It's great to see all the guardians together again. Can't wait for Maximus. Thank you Kris for sharing your gift with us. You just get better and better.
Profile Image for Jo Pilsworth.
Author 15 books194 followers
July 31, 2024
Excellent!

Given Centurion’s real name, I did wonder if she would be allowed to show her skills. But did she ever!

Seeing Con mature was also worthwhile. The next generation of Guardian is taking up their roles, and it is so worth the wait.
Profile Image for Sally.
417 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2024
Wow 🤩

I have many favourite re-reads from this author, comfort reads as I call them, and one of my all time favs which I only finished last week was Gabriel….

Why am I telling you this….well, Centurion is in that book !! The beginning of Gabriel and Anna’s love story all those years ago, leads perfectly into Ronnie & Con’s epic Guardian story, the WHOLE gang is in this book, I loved it.

The above will probably be confusing unless you know David Xavier/Gabriel/The Saint
153 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2025
4.1
The plot here is more interesting than other books that I read from the author, but I think the book is too short.
How could Anna not know that Solomon has 4 children? While the bitch hostess in the beginning of the book knew and how could the hostess didn't recognize that Jackie was Anna child if they are look alike?
Although I believe that the H has more deep feelings for the heroine than the other books, the sex scenes are short and not romantic. I don't need explicit scenes, but here there are no building up, foreplay that showed that he care her, it just a quick fuck here. I know he was interested in her for a year but he needed to know her more until the end to truly love her.
The point that I'm complaining it's that the Heroes alwyas needed to know the heroines and see if they are worth for give love to them while they easily gave their love to the OW without without and attachments, they can be a nasty gold-digger bitch and they still loved the OWs always at first sight while the heroines needs to show that she is worth. They are two standards, one for the OWs and other for the heroines, and the winner are always the Ows in the books while the heroines are a major losers. Why botter to write a romance between two main characters where the most of the heroines love the heroes since the very beginning without a thought. Just write an action pack adventure without the entaglements or give the heroine a man that truly loved them. The heroines always get nothing deep from the Heroes and OMS. Their love are only reserved for the OWs.
In this book I bought that the heroine truly loved her mother, but I can see that took decades and 4 children for Gabriel/David to love Anna because in their own book I did not bought his love for the heroine even until the end of the book I did not think his feelings for her were deep, he cared more about the victim and the villain than Anna in the book while Anna loved him deeply without a second thought.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,510 reviews121 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Centurion is the fourteenth 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 Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
July 31, 2024
Happy happy reader.

I adore... nay, love... the world that Kris Michaels has built. I feel so comfortable in it, like I know the people who inhabit it. All of their foibles. Love love love.

OK... so this time we have Jackie and Con, we met both properly in Ice's tale ( although, Con has been part of the extended fam via Jewel ). Jackie... I had thought was a new addition... but more was revealed in this story. Needless to say, pleasantly surprised.

This was a bit of a different read for me. It didn't feel nearly as action packed as previous reads... more like a set up for the new wave of baby Shadows. Many were mentioned in this. But, I did enjoy it.

Two things tho... firstly, please... if you are going to include UK natives, please get a Brit-picker for the language. Silly little thing... but it matter. Secondly... they must've moved at a rapid pace around London to get to each location so quickly...

Spoiler ahead... which has not too much to do with the actual plot!!
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,221 reviews34 followers
August 3, 2024
Wow just Wow! Kris Michaels loaded up Centurion with twists, turns, international intrigue, a nefarious plot with global implications, corrupt government officials and of course a new romantic relationship. All the Guardian big guns are present from Saint and Archangel on down: the Shadows, operation's field teams and the the multi-talented tech team members work in concert to mitigate and eliminate the threat. The intrigue and suspense are consuming. Conner Solomon has been looking for Jackie/Ronnie/Centurion since they kissed on the island during an op. After finding her again he resolves to never letting her go. Not only is she an assassin who carries a minimum of six different weapons on her all the time, she's a woman with a deep secret and a woman who's weighed down by the burdens of a dangerous world in which she operates. With Con she finds she can let go a bit, have fun, laugh and let her feelings show. The work together on the op becoming closer with each passing hour. As feelings grow they both struggle to keep their heads in the game as the operation plays out. You'll love the outcome. I promise!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,125 reviews8 followers
August 26, 2024
Centurion

Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Kris. This one is about Conner and Gabby. What a way to start the story by having her fall into Conner's lap at a gala he was forced to attend by his mother. It's interesting that we have two filthy rich families and one of them owns Guardian Security. There were definitely tense moments throughout this story and then there were a few funny moments as well. Gotta love the feud still going on between Conner and Joseph. Will they ever grow up? Anyway, the last mission was seriously intense but glad all came out of it relatively unscathed. Glad Conner found his happy ending with Gabby! FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for Maximus' story!
1,065 reviews
March 1, 2025
Loved this book!!

This book and the series is SO amazing. Usually, by this far into a series, I either lose interest or get irritated with the overarching plot. Not this series though. Each book seems to get better and better. I highly recommend!!
Centurion is such a badass assassin and Con, with his computer genius level quirkiness fits her perfectly. There are several sweet moments that brings out the feels. I love their interactions and dialogue and watching their relationship grow.
This is an action packed book with very interesting revelations. I also loved the interactions with her parents and them. The plot was interesting and story was well written.
A must read. I’m also inspired and might restart the entire series. I can definitely see me reading this again.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,378 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2024
Never what you think

Con and Centurion. They met back on the island during another rescue and now Con finally has found her again, but accidentally. Their chance meeting leads to an actual mission and Con quickly learns why Centurion has so many secrets. Centurion is a strong female character and her POV is detailed and well developed. It was great seeing the King siblings again, especially Fury as Cons heckler and as uncle Joey to Centurion. The ending shows the buildup for the next book and we see Saint (Gabriel) in his strength and status as well. Con and Centurion have a sweet ending and I can’t wait to see more of them in future books!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,146 reviews52 followers
August 1, 2024
"You see me.....

....you really see me"

Con has been searching for the woman who stole his heart for over a year, with no joy. Frustrated at how she leaves no trail he is stunned and thrilled when she literally drops in his lap!
She may be a Shadow, but her world is shrouded in more secrets than any other, seeing Gabby struggle with trust as she falls for Con, makes you realise just how dangerous her identity is! But also just how clearly Con sees her.
A fantastic addition to the series, we get a large number of puzzle pieces here, but not all of them and not the biggest. But Guardian will never give up....as long as it takes.
145 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2024
centurion (Guardian SecurityShadow World

Totally loved the story of Con and Gabriella. I love Con for his goofy at times personality a good match for Ronnie’s personality. They compliment each other so well it’s wonderful they get their HEA. Having Gabriel and Anna featured and Con’s goffiness with him cracked me up. The ongoing feud between Joseph and Con is hilarious. The discovery of Molchalin Abrasha’s plans and Con’s role in taking him down was super cool. Another great book in this series which I have loved since I read the first book. The series just gets more exciting with each new book. Thank you Kris for another great book in this ongoing exciting series!
1,263 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2024
He's a computer geek and she is an assassin but also the top boss's daughter. Can they make it work?

Con and Gabby are complete opposites. He is a computer geek for Guardian and she is an assassin but also Gabriel and Anna's daughter. When they meet again after he has tried to find for her the last year they decide to explore their attraction and see where it goes. What will Gabriel do when he finds out about them? Does she ever overcome the tram from her past that has kept her from a relationship? How will con react when she is hurt and has to fall but for her life twice? Is she truly happy being an assassin?
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
687 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2024
I just loved that I got hear of the all the shadows again.
the story continues with tidbits of past books all tieing in.
I so didn't want to finish this as I was enjoying centurion meeting someone that could handle the real her.
I love this novel even more because all my favourite characters pop in. just love it.
kris writes intricate plots of espionage and political agendas that, although it's a bit of time between audible, I still remember and enjoy the next instalment, so to speak.
matt haynes, brilliant as ever.
next book...maximum...ooh can't wait
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
865 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2024
Win for the nerd

Con aka Connor and and Centurion aka Ronnie aka Gabby, instant gratification and chemistry back when they first met, and again when she fell on his lap, can they learn from each other, their differences, their families, both come from money, but total opposite, spontaneous combustion is what they have together, and together they can make the world a better, safer place, what ever it takes, as long as it takes, Kris Michaels this book was nuclear powered excitement, LOL, beyond 5 star's, totally recommend, thank you very much, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Merle.
2,400 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
Many surprises here, as the Council and Guardian pursue the Russian oligarch who has left his mark on the teams in many ways. Centurion, a Shadow, has discovered a wrinkle in her assignment to find and discern what Molchalin is doing. Conner Solomon, Guardian tech, is one son of the richest couple in the world. That the two meet at a gala is beyond coincidence and a b8g opportunity for Con. He met the beautiful woman on an earlier assignment and was intrigued. The oligarch is not through, and the depth of his plot becomes clear here. There is more.
Profile Image for Anna.
214 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2024
5+ stars

Centurion is so ....couldn't put down (except fell asleep) and finished in a day in a half Kris has absolutely taken us further into the King's, Gabriel \Anna and the Shadows working together and giving us updates of the characters we all love❤❤❤
Centurion and Con ❤😍❤ so loved them Kris is the most wonderful author in her writing that her characters are so loved and their stories are their own that each ebook you fall in love deeper and deeper and can't get enough. So looking forward to Maximus😍
468 reviews
August 23, 2024
Beyond exciting!

This is another great one with Con finally getting his story and what a story it is! I've been waiting for this to see how he makes out against Fury for one part but he's also coming into his own as he helps to direct and dismantle one truly evil opponent. His computer skills are right up there within Jewell's range of genius when it comes to finding everything they need to shut this monster down. The Guardians are always fascinating to read and you can not put it down until the end as this Author keeps the excitement going until the end.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
September 6, 2024
I just love Con & Gabby's story!

I have been waiting to find out if these two would ever find one another again & also get their story told. I enjoyed all the secret identities revealed, action packed & steamy storyline scenes which Kris Michaels never fails to include in each of her books. It was also great to reconnect with other previous characters & how they are doing too. But most of all seeing The Xaviers & Kings making their appearances throughout this book was a bonus! I can't wait to read Maximus already & see what happens next too!
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2024
OMG this book was sooooooo gooood! I love returning to the Guardian world. This book centres around Conn and Centurion. We find out so much more about their backgrounds. This book is full of twists and turns, the story builds throughout the book with the big crescendo at the end. We also catch up with the Kings and find out what’s happening with them. And then there’s Jewell….squeeeee.. I knew it! Not telling you what, just read the book!
801 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2024
phenomenal

Oh wow! What a convoluted brain Kris Michaels has to come up with a plot line like this! It is absolutely non stop action from beginning to end and flits from one side of the world to the other involving all areas of Guardian and she still manages to throw in a beautiful and highly satisfying love story! I love the over reaching plot lines too to keep us guessing where we’re headed next.
Another amazing book from Kris Michaels,highly recommended.
69 reviews
August 9, 2024
Jackie, Gabby and Ronnie

I liked this story very much although a little predictable. It shows the group as a whole working together to protect and bring to justice a very evil man. I love Con. He is the male version of Jewell. He’s great. Gabby / Centurion is who she is. You find out how and why she is a shadow and what it means to her and her family. I love the news that Jewell has and the joking between the shadows. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait for Maximus.
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,370 reviews6,690 followers
August 17, 2024
Lost and found

A great book. As usual, all the characters are great. The book has many twists and turns and a healthy dose of action.

Gabriel had everything till her world was changed forever. Since then, she has had a need to protect all those around her by taking out the monster before there can strike at the world. To do this, she needed to wall herself off. Con has tried every trick he knows to find out about the beautiful shadow he met briefly on a mission. How is good enough to block a computer genius of his level, and what secrets need that kind of protection? What happens when they are forced to work together again on one of the biggest mission Guardian has run in a long time?

A great story of these two coming together, as well as old favourites returning in their current roles. There is so much going on. This is a can't miss book from this series.
1,081 reviews
August 17, 2024
Another fine addition to the Shadow series. I enjoyed reading Con and Jackie/Centurion/Ronnie/Gabby’s story. (Seriously, could she have more names??). Con is an adorable mess and Centurion is looking for her place within Guardian and life. She finds both with Con. This book continues the arc of the Russian Abrasha Molchalin, so make sure you read these in order. I enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to seeing the next Shadow, Maximus “off the leash”.
Profile Image for Jason Rice.
105 reviews
August 26, 2024
series gets even better

Kris M does an excellent job of creating a new story line while incorporating past characters readers love from this series. This new couple is fun, exciting, and nostalgic in the sense that the FMC has connections from the beginning. All the guardian series are the perfect romantic suspense novels that keep you anxiously awaiting for the next book to be released.
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
577 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
Fantastic book!

I just finished reading this book and I am in awe!! This is the best book that I have read in forever!! It's full of mystery, suspense and action that is so fast paced it's amazing!! I got to the end of the book and didn't realize that I was that close to wend, I was just that engrossed!! It also has a beautiful love story written in that is cute, heartfelt and some sexy action at times! I definitely, totally recommend reading this book!!! 5++++
443 reviews
December 28, 2024
Names, names and more names!

I decided to read this book about Connor after reading Elliot’s book, which is part of a sister series. That may have been a bad decision because Centurion is book #14 in the Shadow series. Everyone in this book has at least two names and there are probably about 10 characters in the book. I liked the plot of the book, and the action, but the need to keep names straight was daunting. If you read this, I suggest to start earlier in the series.
79 reviews
July 7, 2024
This book was fantastic. I love Con and Ronnie’s story. The banter between the two from start to finish had me smiling and laughing out loud . There is suspense and danger involved . She’s an assassin and he’s a an Uber computer nerd that somehow mesh. I highly recommend this book especially for tidbits in it that I won’t mention as I don’t want to spoil it.
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