Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.

In the shimmering, elite world of Sochi, Russia, where art mingles with power and secrets lie hidden beneath layers of paint, Guardian’s assassin, Maximus embarks on a dangerous mission to dismantle the criminal empire of the ruthless oligarch, Abrasha Molchalin. But when Maximus meets Elena Ivanova, Molchalin’s art curator, the lines between duty and desire blur.

Elena, with her keen eye for beauty, finds in Maximus an unexpected confidant and an enigma. As they navigate a shifting landscape of trust and betrayal, their romance blossoms, showing them the colorful possibilities that wait beyond the shadows facing them.

Set against the backdrop of Russia's picturesque but perilous Riviera, Maximus, and Elena are pulled deeper into a game of deception and death. Together, they risk everything to bring down Molchalin and escape with their love intact.

Enter the elite world where every brushstroke tells a deadly story, every gaze masks a secret, and every heart has a price.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

626 people are currently reading
98 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.)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,276 (80%)
4 stars
251 (15%)
3 stars
50 (3%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,372 reviews6,691 followers
December 30, 2024
Best of the best?

Another great book and a fitting ending to this stage of Guardian. A message and a warning of what is yet to come?

Max can do anything and be anyone. Not unusual for a Guardian Shadow, but even among his peers, he is unique. Though he us fiercely loyal to them and his organisation, he marches to the beat of his own drum and is separate from the others. What starts out as a mission to eliminate a thorn in Guardians' side and warn others of the consequences becomes extremely personal for him for both revenge and reward.

Many loose ends are tied up in this book, but a promise of much more to come. The time of the ancients has come to a pass, what could be next a dynasty or a legecy?
723 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2024
WHAT A FANTASTIC STORY!!!!!!!!

I loved this story. It was perfection...it was Kris Michaels at her very best. I own and have read every one of Kris' books and I had thought lately with the Hollister books she was getting a bit flat and bored writing that storyline compared to the excitement of her other books, however, this book was excellent and she was right back with her trademark ZING. Maximus was an extraordinary character... He was so confidence and his self confidence and knowledge made for such a really interesting and entertaining story. I loved that Elena and Maximus fell right away...no angst...no wishy washiness.... Just an understanding... an attraction that was sweet and steamy at the same time. I fell for him too...the romance was really refreshing to read about. Wow! A man that wasn't afraid to speak his feelings!! The suspense and the step by step plans to complete the mission was clever, very precisely executed, and wholly satisfying. I Loved this book from the first moment to the end!!! It didn't depend on the third quarter drama of a breakup... or the usual misunderstandings but was the work of a very skilled and excellent author who knows how to entertain and hold our rapt attention without the old worn out gimmicks. Thank you Kris...you gave us an amazing Thanksgiving gift, a truly fantastic story!!! I highly recommend this book it is a real treat for any reader!!😇
Profile Image for Marie.
5,154 reviews52 followers
November 26, 2024
"Love is the beacon that brings us home"

The end of an era, the last Shadow book, but what an amazing book to finish this part of the Guardian series on. Not only does it tie together multiple plot points from numerous books, but we get to catch up with Val, Smith, Reaper, Malice and Merlin in a rare team op. And we get the gift of Max, such a unique and complex character, but so likable too, he thnks he is socially awkward but he is like a chameleon. So many varied and unmatched skills, a hunger for knowledge like no other and the ability to compartmentalise that should be terrifying but will leave you in awe. I loved this book, loved him messing with Con even more (Con really deserves every bit of it) and cannot wait for the next part of the Guardian collection - the Legacy spin off.
Whilst all these books are stand alone to a certain extent, they are far more enjoyable if you read the collection from the beginning so all references, continuing plot lines and jokes make sense, as do the actions they take and the facilities they have. The collection starts with the Kings of Guardian and all earlier books/spin offs are available on Kindle Unlimited - this book isn't yet....but I assume it will be by the time you have read through the back catalogue, it is definitely worth it!
Profile Image for Kevin.
62 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2024
Oh boy, what a great book!!! 5,000 🌟

Kris your story telling is wonderful! Max and Elena are great together and the story line is incredible. Thank you for the familiar characters and the sneak peek at the ones who will lead Guardian into the future. You amaze me with how you plot out the stories and keep them fresh and different. Wish I could give you more than 5 🌟. 💜😺🎉🔥📚👏
Profile Image for Deb Compton.
272 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2024
Loved it…

Always great to connect with this group. Loved the storyline and the characters. The camaraderie is 2nd to none. Dynasty is the perfect way to describe this group. Well done!!!
5 reviews
November 27, 2024
Magnificent way to close the circle of the Shadows.
Another wonderful Guardian story to lead us into the level. Well done, Mrs. Kris, well done.
10 reviews
November 29, 2024
Max takes ‘smart’ to a new level!

What a whirlwind thru Russia! And a small insight into the art world as well. Elena and Max have a lot to accomplish, but Guardian always has the perfect resources to help.
Couldn’t put it down, even sneaking away from guests to finish.

Thanks Kris Michaels
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,127 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2024
Maximus

Wow! What a great story by Kris! It was good to see Demos in the beginning and see who Maximus is. It's nice that Demos took Max in. I loved Maximus' brain and how he processes things. Elena is a surprise to Max and him trying to process is very interesting indeed. So happy this team that Max was on managed to get rid if two horrendous guys in the world. I forgot that Smith was the son of one of those horrible men. Maximus' brain was truly amazing to read about. Glad Max and Elena were able to find their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next series to start!
Profile Image for Sally.
417 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2024
This will be a rubbish review, because how can my words do this book AND series AND the author justice!

I can’t believe we’ve come to the end of the brilliant Guardian Security Shadow World, oh and let’s start off by me embarrassing myself by saying I’ve only just realised who Demos was….Agent Olsen from book 1, no, not book 1 of Shadow World but BOOK 1….Gabriel, how did I just notice this? Is it even correct? I’ve probably just made Agent Olsen up in my mind but I’m sure he was there with Gabriel from the beginning…

Anyhoo, this book “could” be read as a stand-alone, the author covers a lot of the backstory but personally I would read in order, we see an epic finale which has been building throughout the last few books.

Max, or as I call him my boy Max was a great character, I dare someone to not to fall in love with him, he was fascinating to read, his thought process, emotions, what he felt and his mannerisms basically made him feel real (damn you author for writing fictional boyfriends!) but seriously you can clearly see the author has done her research, engrossing read from start to finish.

Right, I’m off to start a petition to get every book this author has published made into TV series or film, I miss the world and characters already, whilst I’m over here sobbing about fictional characters, I must remember we have the Guardian Security Dynasty coming soon, the next generation 😍😍😍 they have big boots to fill because our original Guardians have my heart always
Profile Image for Angela.
8,536 reviews122 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Maximus is the fifteenth 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 Marybelle.
464 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2024
I totally love the story. It’s a fitting end of one legacy before starting the next. However, I do have one complaint.

The ending, which happens 10 years later, doesn’t answer some key questions. What happens to Reaper, Val, and Smithsonian? Why are’t any of the Kings mentioned? We know that Guardian lives on, but what happened to those who created and nurtured it? Who became Max’s protege? I have my suspicions, but there’s no confirmation? What about everyone at the South Dakota annex? What about the Hollister spin off? Will there be any more books here?

Again, if the reader hasn’t read the earlier works, they would be totally lost. So if you haven’t been following the all of the different books and know all of the varied and well developed characters, don’t read it. If you are intrigued, then go back to the beginning and read the whole series in order. Just remember, there are four different series that make up the Guardian Legacy:
- Kings of Guardian Series
- Guardian Security Shadow World Series
- Kings of Guardian
- Hollister Books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janet.
13 reviews
December 7, 2024
I think this is one of the best books of the series, and there are many excellent ones. It is a fitting story for the end of an era, because really that is where we are. The next story arc in the Guardian series is the Legacy, the next generation. I can’t wait (but must!) to read them starting in January 2025.
The main characters in this book are refreshingly different and engaging to read. The plot to remove 2 of the nastiest characters in the world works well. With the added benefit of other Shadows joining the set up. For readers who have followed the series through, there are satisfying completions of loose ends from past books. If you haven’t read any of the Guardian books by Kris Michaels, I throughly recommend all of them. You can read them as standalone, but you will get more from them if you start at the beginning and follow through as the people and company develop and expand.
Profile Image for Stephanie Harkness.
186 reviews
December 10, 2024
Maximus falls

Maximus is a literal genius. Like, Hawking smart. So when the Council sanctions finally going after Abrasha, the villain of this story arc, Max finds his way in thru Abrasha’s art collection.

That When Max meets Elena, the art curator, he makes a connection that he rarely makes with people. His way of viewing the world and his interactions with other people is written in such a way that is totally endearing. His response to his feelings for Elena was so sweet to read. Every time he is described as cocking his head to evaluate new info ration made me think of a shepherd or Malinois: wicked smart, fiercely loyal, extremely protective of their people, and deadly when needed. And with that “WTH” head tilt!

Kris brings this series to masterful end. When Abrasha FINALLY gets his due, my brain was spinning. An ending like no other I have read. READ THIS BOOK! 20/10 recommend.
1,263 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2024
Another hit for Kris Michaels. Loved this book.

Maximus and Elana are great together. She is an art curator for a man who has been coded and Guardian has sent in Maximus. It starts out he is using her to get close to her boss to kill him but when he meets her there is an instant connection. As they get closer, he starts giving her partial truths as to who he is and why he is really there. When she demands proof of her boss's crimes and then sees that proof, she agrees to yelp any way she can. Will he be able to complete his mission while he keeping her safe? Will he take care of the head of security so he can never hurt her again? What will spans do after it is all said and done?
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
December 27, 2024
I borrowed Maximus ~ Guardian Security Shadows World ~ Book15, by Kris Michaels, author from the Kindle Unlimited Program on Amazon.

Max is Guardians super geek and a Shadow. He takes an assignment to take out a Russian terrorist and to make a statement. Abrasha Michelin has an art collection in Sochi, Russia on the Black Sea and this is his weakest link in security. Max posses as an art curator, meets Elena, Abraham's gallery and collection curator.

Max is joined by four backup Shadows, plans a way to capture his target and his security chief. They get Elena out and keep her safe in this action packed operation as Max finds the love of his life. Wonderful story line with a happy ending.
153 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2024
Kris Michaels never fails to deliver a great story. They are always filled with action and adventure, excitement, intrigue and mystery and of course, love. They also usually have humor and a very deep sense of family, and I love that part so much. As large and diverse and spread out as Guardian is and even when there are secrets kept one part from another, at its heart, it is a family, and the well-being of its members is always at the center. Guardian needed Maximus on this mission, but in the end, Max found what he needed to make him an even better asset. A great set up for the next gen as well!!
469 reviews
December 24, 2024
Wow!

She does it again! I'm not surprised to read all the suspense that comes with all of her stories. I know when I started to read about Max, I thought this ought to be an epic story with his talents. When he meets Elena who actually is his way in to his mark, it throws him for a loop! I liked his thought process and when he connects with her its fantastic that he reacts the way he has. The action is so different this time around but it holds you to the edge and flipping those pages faster. What's worse is you know you're near the end and you most definitely do not want to be done and waiting for the next one.
1,065 reviews
March 4, 2025
Loved this book!

What a great book. It caught my attention right from the beginning. I was intrigued by Maximus’ backstory. The way he planned his meeting with Elena was cool. This was very well written, with action throughout the book. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and there were some sweet moments between them. He is such a confident intelligent man and I felt reassured he’s got everything under control. What a great ending to an era. I look forward to reading the next series with Guardian Dynasty.
I highly recommend this book and series and can see me reading this again. A must read!
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,381 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2025
More than meets the eye

Max and Elena. Max is a mystery and his speciality is fascinating. What a brain! Elena is a great character and addition to the series. Val, Smith, Malice, and Reaper are part of the story which added to the dialogue and action. As Val and Malice are two of my favorites this was a great bonus. The bad guy more than had it coming and it was a nice piece of vengeance/Justin that Smith got to help. The ending was sweet and the last scene a good look into the future for their HEA. I do wish we got more about Elena and the art, Demos, and who the new person Mac wanted to train was.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,952 reviews63 followers
November 30, 2024
Maximus🙌

Another brilliant story by Kris Michaels❣️ Maximus is called up next and finds himself in Russia, posing as an art dealer. There he meets a woman by the name of Elena, who will help him achieve his true purpose while in Russia. With all his careful calculations, he never accounted for the connection he’d feel to Elena.

His mission has now become two fold…keep Elena safe and still fulfil his original mission. Nice to see some favourite Shadows in this one with Max and I’m looking forward to the Legacy books which get a brief introduction in the epilogue😍
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,222 reviews34 followers
December 1, 2024
Kris Michaels puts the perfect fine point on the Guardian Shadow World series with Maximus. It answers some long time burning questions that we Kris Michaels fans have long had and poses a few new ones. I immediately fell in love with Max and his brilliantly pragmatic take on the world. Meeting Elena was something he prepped for but like nothing he could have anticipated. The focus of the mission shifts but the team is nothing if not adaptable. Perfect execution with the planned for outcome and a marvelous new love make Maximus just exceptional reading.
1,081 reviews
December 8, 2024
Great book. The setting in Sochi was one I loved. Maximus and Elena were great characters that I liked reading. I am still a little confused as to what exactly Maximus's role at Guardian truly is, but I'm pretty sure that's by design. His role is never spelled out, but rather it is eluded to several times. I would have preferred it spelled out, but hey what can you do? I enjoyed to book and the plot was great. There were not as many of the Guardian crew in this one as there have been in the past, but it was still a great book.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,400 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
A generation of the very secretive Shadows is winding down. A presence that few know and fewer can identify, will take the assignment of a lifetime. The malignant Abrascha has been coded for elimination and Maximus will accept the assignment, indeed asked for it. We see his connection to the original Shadows and the woman whom he will use to get to the oligarch. That he falls in love with her is a twist that even Max, with his off-the-charts intelligence, could not foresee. The completed job leaves the field for the newest class of Shadows and other operatives.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2025
Max and Elena

I’m now in love with Max! I swear Kris Michaels makes me fall for every main male character. Elena is perfect for him too. We find out a lot of secrets in this book and I love that Con is constantly being outsmarted computer wise. Poor guy is getting a complex. Give yourself a day or weekend to read this one because you will not want to put it down. I thought I’d get a few chapters in around 2:45am I just finished at 9am. Maximus is fast paste, action packed, suspenseful, oh so romantic and steamy. It has all the feels.
160 reviews
November 27, 2024
required Reading

What a great end to one Dynasty and obviously the entree into the next generation.
Max is a complicated man but when he meets Elena it throws his world into another realm, one of love.
Finally the world is rid of the evil Molchalin and co.
This is a must read by Kris as usual she uses her wonderful mind and storytelling to enchant the reader and her characters are so life like.
145 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
Maximus (Guardian Security Shadow World Book 15)

Wow! Could not put this book down! Kris Michaels outdid herself with Maximus’ story. A genius Shadow as deadly as they come was tasked with ridding the world of Abrasha Mochalin with the help his fellow Shadows he did not expect to meet and fall deeply for the Russian mobsters art specialist. The story is fast paced and incredibly well written. I think this goes to the top of the list in the Shadows stories!
Profile Image for Debra.
3,465 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2024
Maximus

Max is a man of many talents. Working for Guardian is just what he needs to keep his mind active. This mission has him stretching his mind in a new way. The love of art has been Elena and her knowledge has led to to work for someone who has been targeted by the council. He must figure out if she is innocent or part of the threat. As they get close the danger gets more threatening. Will he be able to keep her safe?
Profile Image for Deb Harford.
35 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2024
Amazing! Best yet!

This story warmed my heart! The increasing family theme and focus of the stories in the Guardian series is amazing, growing all the time. One of my favorite authors and series. Max and Elena are just another chapter of the Guardian story. Can't wait for the next installment! Preordered and waiting. As a must read series, start at the beginning and let these amazing families become dear to you!
Profile Image for Diana.
254 reviews70 followers
December 8, 2024
Brilliant series! Absolutely brilliant!
Kris Michaels delivers a perfect page burner read once again. Solid storyline and characters. I loved how many of the past characters drops in the story. Plenty of serious, drama, humor, and yes, love. So good! If you are a Guardian fan be sure to snatch this one up as it is the final. Now I’m looking forward to the Guardian Legacy series starting up in early 2025!
34 reviews
December 25, 2024
As usual Kris Micheals has produced a brilliant read an exciting story introducing new and old characters from her previous books,just the right amount of s.x not too much too over power a good story,as in some books I have read where the story is a side character,
Nice to see at long last the anti hero getting his just deserts and then some loved Max although acomplex character so intelligent loved him can’t wait for the follow on books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.