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

Talon King carries the weight of his father’s legacy and his family’s expectations. As the oldest son of one of Guardian Security’s founding team members and now a team leader stepping into the shoes of Ronan Alexander, Talon proves himself in a world of violence and danger where there are no easy days. Yet, he’s a man who gets the job done—but always on his terms.
Riley Shoemaker is rich and privileged, and she knows it, but her life is thrown into chaos when pirates kidnap her in a remote part of the world. Rescued by Talon and his elite team, she assumes her father sent him to bring her home. But Riley soon discovers that her father may not be the man she thought he was—and Talon’s mission is far more complicated than saving her.
As Talon and Riley make their way through deceit, betrayal, and hidden truths, they are forced to rely on each other in ways neither expected. In the midst of danger, their connection grows stronger, and passion flares. But with secrets unraveling, can they trust what’s in front of them?
From the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Kings of Guardian®, Guardian Defenders®, and Guardian Security Shadow World® comes the next chapter in the epic Guardian Security Dynasty saga. Prepare for action, suspense, and a love that will change everything.

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

289 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,124 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
775 (73%)
4 stars
215 (20%)
3 stars
55 (5%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Sally.
425 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2025
DNF.
I’ve got halfway through this book and can’t continue as I feel no connection towards the characters or storyline.

This has frustrated and upset me, I adore this author and have every book, kindle and paperback, and special edition hardbacks, but this feels like it is written by someone else, the Guardian series has always been gritty & action packed, and this book started off well, but then it just died and all I’ve read is text messages between the two MCs for 50% of the book, and now the MCs have met for only the second time and have said ILY to each other :(

I’m so sad right now
Also, I adore the author too much to rate it 1 star ⭐
Profile Image for Silke.
42 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2025
That was the first time it took me a long time to finish a book in the Guardians universe. I found it quite boring, the plot/suspense didn't interest me at all. Riley's and Talon's love story didn't speak to me, I wasn't feeling it.
I liked the banter between the team members and all the cameos.
After the epilogue I'm looking forward to Blake's story
Profile Image for Marie.
5,254 reviews54 followers
December 29, 2025
She makes him crave...

... vengeance!

Talon is used to being an island, it makes him a damn good operator and an effective team leader, but it also means he expects to have a lonely life. Riley makes him question everything because for the first time ever he doesn't just want to get her to safety, as he has with every other rescuee, he wants vengeance on those who hurt her, those who targeted her and those who allowed her to suffer for a week....and even then failed to flag up her disappearance.
It's a slow process as they get to know each other over encrypted texts, but it allows her time to heal and him time to come to terms with no longer being an emotionless island, but someone who wants a relationship and a future.
I love the slow burn and the time they take to build a solid foundation, to earn trust and to prove themselves to each other.
I love every visit to Guardian and these Dynasty books are slightly different to the original Guardian series but I still find myself hooked by them, totally invested and I have read each book so far in a single sitting. I look forward to book 6 which is due out soon.
Profile Image for Sarah JS.
34 reviews
November 27, 2025
1st Child Grown up of 2nd Generation

This was a different read style I felt from previous books by Kris Michaels. Although it felt different when reading it, it still had her style of family , justice of doing what is right, good over bad. What was different, the locations were different from previous books, the build of the relationship and interaction between characters was not the same either. Although the connection was instant, due to nature of certain horrific events, the trust, feelings and longing for each other were built over a year before anything happened so to speak. The interaction with other characters of both family and friends is slightly different from the 1st Generation. These kids grew up watching their parents, uncles and aunts go through trauma, so how they treated each other, how family took care of each. You can see the evidence of that foundation in this book and amongst this 2nd generation.
Makes me want to start over again back at the first book!
1,276 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2025
Love Talon and Riley. Great slow moving story.

I loved the fact that they start as him being a texting support that she needs after he rescues her. Then it turns to friendship and a year later she is finally back to work at her father's company and still finding the same issues she had before she was kidnapped by pirates while inspecting a ship. Over the year of her recovery and them texting as often as possible, the both have developed feeling for the other but neither has said anything. Now they are both working in the same area of the same country and are able to see each other. When she notices that she is being followed and her dad knows what she is doing, she talks to Talon about some discrepancies she is finding in the shipping manifests. With Talon and his team, backed by Guardian, they find all the evidence, will they be able to stop the illegal shipments? Will we still have her job when it is all said and done? What will happen with her dad as CEO and the one behind all of it?
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
873 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2025
Corporate greed

Riley works as a environmental specialist for her dad's company mining uranium, needing to keep the employees, environment and world safe, Talon and his team tasked with the safety and training of the locals working the mine, Talon's discovery of a woman locked in a shipping container that was hijacked at sea, keeping in touch after her rescue via text, words of encouragement when he's able to communicate, trust rebuilding one text at a time, whatever it takes, as long as it takes are words Riley comes to believe in from Talon and he's there to catch her when her world comes crumbling down, truth wins always, there's is a slow friendship and love that will last a lifetime, built one text at a time, pulling you into their love story waiting for the next text, phone call, and eventually working close,, tears of sadness for what she should have had in a parent and tears and laughter in the love they are starting together, , thank you Kris Michaels for a beautiful brilliant story, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books91 followers
January 16, 2026
I borrowed Heir of Honor ~ Guardian Security Dynasty ~ Book 5, by Kris Michaels, author from the Kindle Unlimited Program on Amazon.

Set in Burundu, Africa this goes from a rescue to over of a year of texts and then reuniting in Burundu for Talon and Riley. She works for the mining operation in an oversight position and Talon is the leader of a Guardian Dynasty Team training Burundi soldiers to protect the operation near the site of the mine that is mining yellow cake, raw uranium.

The romance goes from long distance to hot. The danger is constant at the mine with the corupt executives. As Riley discovers the problems, danger lurks and Talon puts together a take down that she leads.

As with all of Kriss Michael's books it is full of danger, a hot love interest, a host of good guys changing the world for "Whatever it takes, as long as it takes."
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,239 reviews34 followers
December 6, 2025
As they say "the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree" and Talon King is definitely his father, Jacob King's son. Yet,as much as they're alike they are unique indiduals who abide by the same guiding principles from their own individual perspectives. Rescuing Riley Shomaker was not only a surprise that set Talon a bit on his back foot when he sees the evidence of the ungodly way in which she was treated. Thus begins a slow evolving relationship that begins as one concerned human being for another and turns into friendship, best buddies and ultimately love. I love the slow pace as these two really do get to know one another inside and out. Riley stumbles into troubling issues at her father's company. Eventually Talon, his team and Guardian become involve which only amps up the volume of the suspense, intrigue, drama and danger. And that my friends is some spectacular reading. Enjoy!g
152 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2025
HEIR OF HONOR (GUARDIAN SECURITY DYNASTY BOOK 5)

Loved it! Talon reminded me of Jason, similar but his own man. The story of Talon and Riley after Talon found her nearly dead and got her to medical help is not just about physical response but falling in love in a different way. That initial spark was carefully fanned into a warming fire. Thank you Kris this was another great story of the Kings …in the Guardian Security Dynasty started by Gabriel Alexander and the senior Kings!
300 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2025
I love Kris Michaels' books but I have to confess, this one didn't quite do it for me. I think because the plot was a bit looser than most of her books, or perhaps less intricate is a better description. I also think she wanted to differentiate this story from Jacob, which starts somewhat similarly. And I was left wondering if one relevation - why was she tortured at the beginning - was left out.

Will I read more of her books? Of course I will! She is an automatic purchase, one click author for me.
349 reviews
December 1, 2025
Surprising love

Damon's found love came as a slow building love. His love interest is Riley Shoemaker, A corporate person. However, they met when she was a captive. She survived because she fought to live and she was found because Talon is thorough in his role to sereach and rescue. Their friendship develops slowly. We learn a lot of terminology associated with military training and mining of rare earth minerals. But we are still captivated by the deep love Talon and Riley find.

803 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2025
slow burning

This is another superb piece of writing from Kris Michaels. The suspense is from an unusual and probably highly relevant angle. I loved that Talon and Riley initially got to know each other via long distance texts, somehow very appropriate for a Guardian. The fact that they didn’t see each other face to face allowed them to ask anything and everything which meant their relationship seemed to deepen more quickly without hormones getting involved too early.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Suzanne Clemons.
402 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2025
The second generation of Kings are as amazing as the OG

The OG Kings were all molded by the murder of their father. The siege is the defining event for the second generation. Talon grew up fast when he and Reece became responsible for the survival for their brothers. This event shaped their personality and outlook on life. Talon is a both protector and he needed at strong woman to.protect. Riley is perfect for him. I loved how their relationship formed and grew only by text messages. This will go on my read again list and on my Audible wish list.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,136 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2026
Heir of Honor

Wow! Kris has done it again. This story is about Talon and Riley. Their first meeting was definitely a sad situation when Talon found Riley near death. I loved how their love grew via texting. It took a year before they finally meet again in person. It's so sad about Riley's upbringing. Once these two meet in person, their love only grew from there. It's unfortunate about Riley's dad. Anyway, I am glad this couple are working on their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book!
13 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2025
Completely disappointed. Finished it, knew if I didn’t it would take too long for me to finish. I find the characters lacked intensity, passion, I could not buy into them. I can reread other Guardian series books and get absorbed into the stories and characters but the Legacy series this just doesn’t happen, which is disappointing. I keep hoping with each new release it will get better but I’m still waiting.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,418 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
A story of corruption in an unfamiliar place, the reward is money. When a ship is hijacked by pirates, the survivor is the woman Wraith, aka Talon King, rescues her. While helping her head, he falls in love. The ugliness of the corruption is not over. When his love finds the courage to speak about what she knows, her father is shocked and attempts to discredit her. 5he couple survives to fight another day, together.
474 reviews
Read
December 21, 2025
Another fantastic Story

You know when you start on a new story in this series and it draws you in, it's going to hard to put down until the end. This story is no different for the Guardian's but Talon takes it to heart! Many are surprised but they also what's happening with him. This starts out horrific and so appalling with Riley. It keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next time something happens.
23 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2025
Fabulous!

Unique storyline since after their initial meeting, Talon and Riley spend months getting to know each other through texts. Somehow Kris makes that very interesting! I just reread the first six books in the Kings of Guardians series. They were great but Heir of Honor shows how Kris has grown as an author. I loved it!!
Profile Image for Kevin.
63 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
Kris always brings her best! So fun watching how the next generation matured and worked for Guardian

Loved how Talon built his future both in Guardian and with Reilly! Loved watching the relationship blossom through text messages. Kris is a wonderful writer and has a great imagination. Love the Guardian world! 😺💜🔥📚
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,980 reviews64 followers
November 30, 2025
Heir of Honour🥰

Heir of Honour is the next book in our Guardian Security Dynasty series and follows the story of our esteemed team leader Talon and Riley. Suffice to say I loved this story and its development, I felt a bit of déjà vu thinking back to Jacob and Victoria and how they met.

Fantastic series so far and I’m excited to read Blake’s story next🙌
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
755 reviews7 followers
December 6, 2025
Oh my... what a story worth waiting for!
I absolutely loved Talon and Riley's wonderful story.
Loved the texting back and forth for the first year of their friendship, brilliant idea.
Great storyline throughout the book, and the characters in Panther team are amazing.
Can't wait to read Blake's book next!
1,152 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
Oh man. That was very good!!!!

I love how they communicated. It just let them get to k ow one another without the usual pressure. You learn to communicate first. She had a long road and rough recovery. She did it. She is a strong woman. Talon had her back. That little desert mission started off a huge mission. !over the sweet story. And Jug and the team.
11 reviews
January 8, 2026
Kris Michaels has done it again!

I’m pleasantly surprised that I am enjoying second generation characters though I think I’ll have to go back and re-read the parent stories. Talan and Riley took us on a journey of adventure (lots of modern day situations) and romance, where the characters took the time to learn each other, forming a solid friendship for as long as it takes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessie (thatchickwithabook).
993 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2026
4.5 stars.

Kris Michaels always manages to surprise me with how unbelievably knowledgable she is with what she writes. It’s so immersive and the characters are always so fantastic. I’m really looking forward to Blake’s book. His dad’s book was incredible and it seems like he has the same darkness in him!
Profile Image for Mary Turner.
175 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2025
Couldn't put it down!

Yet again Kris Michaels has given us a book that is worthy of the book hangover I will be suffering as I go in to work on little sleep because I couldn't put the story down. I regret nothing!
2 reviews
November 28, 2025
Quick and very linear plot but a good enjoyable read, it would have been nice if it had been a bit longer and we could have had a few more of the past main characters involved, as it felt a little isolated.
121 reviews
November 28, 2025
Another amazing King

Kris Micheals does it again.

Some old favourites come to visit, some with smart mouth but all over great story.
Talon and Riley storyline was a nod towards Jacob and Tori ❤️. But fitting in the way it was told.

Can't wait for Reece and Blake's stories.
Profile Image for Judith Smith.
54 reviews
November 28, 2025
loved this Story

What a fascinating story Kris has told. Talon and Riley are extremely talented and smart people. Loved their courtship and the suspense was very entertaining,exciting. Kris weaves a great mystery.I think it’s a winner.
7 reviews
November 28, 2025
5 stars

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 kris, Great story line. Always look forward to reading what the next generation of guardians are doing and catching up with the old timers. lol Thanks for writing!
Brenda
Profile Image for Jo Pilsworth.
Author 19 books194 followers
November 29, 2025
Setting the scene for the Legacy generation

Excellent as always. Talon, like all the Legacy generation, has much to prove, bith to his father, he thinks, and to his former team leader, Ronan. Riley’s father is definitely not a nice person. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.