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Heir of Shadows
Whatever it takes. As long as it takes. ®
Blake King is a shadow no one sees coming.
Code name Havoc, he’s a second-generation Guardian Security assassin, sanctioned to eliminate the world’s worst criminals. His next target, a European billionaire whose empire is built on corruption, trafficking, and blood.
Elise Serra isn’t part of Blake’s mission. She’s an investigative journalist determined to uncover the truth behind her mentor’s suspicious death. Retracing his final stories, she stumbles dangerously close to his target’s world and straight into Havoc’s path.
Blake isn’t a babysitter, but Guardian’s orders are clear. He is to keep Elise out of the way and alive until his mission is complete. Easier said than done. Her fire, stubbornness, ill-informed courage, and refusal to back down completely anger, mystify, and intrigue him.
When Blake’s target sets his sights on Elise, this Guardian will do whatever it takes to finish his mission—and protect the woman who has become more than an assignment.
Blake King is a shadow no one sees coming.
Code name Havoc, he’s a second-generation Guardian Security assassin, sanctioned to eliminate the world’s worst criminals. His next target, a European billionaire whose empire is built on corruption, trafficking, and blood.
Elise Serra isn’t part of Blake’s mission. She’s an investigative journalist determined to uncover the truth behind her mentor’s suspicious death. Retracing his final stories, she stumbles dangerously close to his target’s world and straight into Havoc’s path.
Blake isn’t a babysitter, but Guardian’s orders are clear. He is to keep Elise out of the way and alive until his mission is complete. Easier said than done. Her fire, stubbornness, ill-informed courage, and refusal to back down completely anger, mystify, and intrigue him.
When Blake’s target sets his sights on Elise, this Guardian will do whatever it takes to finish his mission—and protect the woman who has become more than an assignment.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
198 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
85 books1,126 followersUSA 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.)
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 4, 2026
Back to business, the previous book in the series did not live up to my Kris Michael’s expectations, but in Heir of Shadows she is back to her best! I LOVED Blake (son of Joseph & Ember) and Elise, it wasn’t the grittiest but we got to see Blake do what he does best with support from our favs Jewell & Con. Elise was a strong character, and a perfect match for Blake
February 4, 2026
What another great book could not put it down. Love this series.
February 1, 2026
"I'm not here to control you. I'm here to keep you breathing"
Blake is definitely his father's son, thankfully he is not 100% Joseph and he does have a touch of Ember's influence, which makes him almost human, just very, very stubborn. He went on one mission, but was pulled into a protection job too, which he resents every second of...until Elise stands up to him. At that point he loses his heart to the feisty and determined journalist who should be everything he avoids. But overnight becomes everything he needs, even as he points out she is reckless, stubborn and impossible to reason with (pot meet kettle), she is breaking through his walls and showing him...he is worthy of love and a future.
I love Elise, she is a master at connecting dots and has a mind that impresses all at Guardian, but as Blake knows, connecting dots can be dangerous and Elise has put a target on her back. However, she wants the truth to be known, which means she has to trust Blake to keep them both safe whilst she uncovers the truth and builds her story. It is awesome to see him drop his walls and let Elise in, he fights this far less than Joseph fought his chemistry with Ember, maybe he did learn something from his dad! He goes into the mission thinking he is necessary to keep Elise safe, but quickly realises....it is Elise that is necessary for his future. An awesome addition to the Guardian World, I love this Dynasty series and look forward to seeing all the cousins find their HEA.
Blake is definitely his father's son, thankfully he is not 100% Joseph and he does have a touch of Ember's influence, which makes him almost human, just very, very stubborn. He went on one mission, but was pulled into a protection job too, which he resents every second of...until Elise stands up to him. At that point he loses his heart to the feisty and determined journalist who should be everything he avoids. But overnight becomes everything he needs, even as he points out she is reckless, stubborn and impossible to reason with (pot meet kettle), she is breaking through his walls and showing him...he is worthy of love and a future.
I love Elise, she is a master at connecting dots and has a mind that impresses all at Guardian, but as Blake knows, connecting dots can be dangerous and Elise has put a target on her back. However, she wants the truth to be known, which means she has to trust Blake to keep them both safe whilst she uncovers the truth and builds her story. It is awesome to see him drop his walls and let Elise in, he fights this far less than Joseph fought his chemistry with Ember, maybe he did learn something from his dad! He goes into the mission thinking he is necessary to keep Elise safe, but quickly realises....it is Elise that is necessary for his future. An awesome addition to the Guardian World, I love this Dynasty series and look forward to seeing all the cousins find their HEA.
February 1, 2026
Kris Michaels knows how to set the stage starting at page one. She puts you smack dab in the middle of a perilous and suspenseful action and then continues to weave an riveting tale throughout until the last word. Blake and Elise's story ticks all the boxes. They're both deeply passionate and intense about what they do but together that passion turns into an explosion. Blake is definitely his father's son. He's meticulous in the planning of his his assignments, leaving no room for error. Elise inherited her mother's love of reading and storytelling but it was her mentor who taught her to find the facts and the small details. Now she's chasing the story that puts a bullseye on her back so Blake's mission becomes two-fold. Take out the "code" and keep her safe. Falling in love along the way wasn't in the plan but even he accepts the inevitable. You'll be happy to note that many of your favorites are present Heir of Shadows along with their usual playful bickering and gossiping. However, their intensity and attention to detail shines through when lives are on the line.
February 9, 2026
Home
Elise found a monster who eliminated her friend and mentor, following his footsteps to discover the truth, Blake is sent to eliminate that monster from the world, ever vigilant watching her back especially when she gets the feeling someone is watching her, Blake not wanting to be babysitter when tasked to keep her safe, reveal time and they have sparks that could light up the night sky, keeping secrets to of exactly what he's doing, danger comes in all form, can he really keep her safe when her article and more bodies are heating up the pressure to find her, page turning thrill ride, breath holding, white knuckles excitement, ohhhhh Kris Michaels this series just keeps getting better and better, and the see young love blossom between them, they are safe, home, loved, happy, content, but ever the watchful eye of a Shadow, absolutely riveting story, I thank you so very much, Dana banana Zamora
Elise found a monster who eliminated her friend and mentor, following his footsteps to discover the truth, Blake is sent to eliminate that monster from the world, ever vigilant watching her back especially when she gets the feeling someone is watching her, Blake not wanting to be babysitter when tasked to keep her safe, reveal time and they have sparks that could light up the night sky, keeping secrets to of exactly what he's doing, danger comes in all form, can he really keep her safe when her article and more bodies are heating up the pressure to find her, page turning thrill ride, breath holding, white knuckles excitement, ohhhhh Kris Michaels this series just keeps getting better and better, and the see young love blossom between them, they are safe, home, loved, happy, content, but ever the watchful eye of a Shadow, absolutely riveting story, I thank you so very much, Dana banana Zamora
February 2, 2026
His Son
Havoc was cut from the same cloth as his father. That meant that he double and triple checked everything. She was a hazard that he could do without. Instead, fate brought them together under the guise of trust and safety. She had to learn to trust him and he had to keep them both safe. His parents visited and it was so good to know that they are still together and happy together. Thank you for the O.G. Updates throughout the book. Have been with Guardian since the beginning and especially with book four, Jason & Faith & Reece. Thank you for the second generation and their stories of family, faith and friendship.
Havoc was cut from the same cloth as his father. That meant that he double and triple checked everything. She was a hazard that he could do without. Instead, fate brought them together under the guise of trust and safety. She had to learn to trust him and he had to keep them both safe. His parents visited and it was so good to know that they are still together and happy together. Thank you for the O.G. Updates throughout the book. Have been with Guardian since the beginning and especially with book four, Jason & Faith & Reece. Thank you for the second generation and their stories of family, faith and friendship.
February 4, 2026
Heir of zShsdows ( Gusrdian Security Dynadty Book 6)
Loved this book! Elise and Blake are both fighters…Elise uses words as her weapon and Blake by personally he worst specimens of humanity as voted by the council of Guardians. In his action both physically and mentally he is well trained by Joseph the number 1 and most feared assassin in the world, his father, now retired or so everyone hopes. Blake is sent to eliminate a powerful drug lord and winds up assigned to protect Elise from the drug lord as well because her research on him as a journalist after her friend is murdered when he was doing the same. Thank you Kris for another great story!
Loved this book! Elise and Blake are both fighters…Elise uses words as her weapon and Blake by personally he worst specimens of humanity as voted by the council of Guardians. In his action both physically and mentally he is well trained by Joseph the number 1 and most feared assassin in the world, his father, now retired or so everyone hopes. Blake is sent to eliminate a powerful drug lord and winds up assigned to protect Elise from the drug lord as well because her research on him as a journalist after her friend is murdered when he was doing the same. Thank you Kris for another great story!
February 1, 2026
Absolutely loved Blake and Elise's story!
This was a book I have waited for for a long time, and Kris Michaels made it worth the wait. Blake (Havoc) and Elise are perfect together.
As with all of the books in this series, it CAN be read as a standalone...however I recommend reading the series in order. (And if you want an even better, more immersion reading experience, try reading ALL of her books by publication order)
However you choose to experience hr books, Kris Michaels does not disappoint. Enjoy!
This was a book I have waited for for a long time, and Kris Michaels made it worth the wait. Blake (Havoc) and Elise are perfect together.
As with all of the books in this series, it CAN be read as a standalone...however I recommend reading the series in order. (And if you want an even better, more immersion reading experience, try reading ALL of her books by publication order)
However you choose to experience hr books, Kris Michaels does not disappoint. Enjoy!
February 4, 2026
Love Blake and Elise and how she trust him so completely so quickly
Elise is an investigative reporter and is continuing the story her mentor was working on when he was murdered. But if she finds all the information we needs for her article, it will probably get her killed and she doesn't know it. Blake had is there to do a job, but now he must protect Elise too. Neither was looking for forever but will they find it? Can Blake keep her safe and do his job at the same time? Will she be able to complete her story and publish it or will Guardian stop her?
Elise is an investigative reporter and is continuing the story her mentor was working on when he was murdered. But if she finds all the information we needs for her article, it will probably get her killed and she doesn't know it. Blake had is there to do a job, but now he must protect Elise too. Neither was looking for forever but will they find it? Can Blake keep her safe and do his job at the same time? Will she be able to complete her story and publish it or will Guardian stop her?
February 5, 2026
Amazingly Sexy Sweet Dangerous and Beautiful
The journey of this beautiful couple kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of action and bang bang stuff! I enjoyed the banter with other "Shadows" that Havoc came across to include his own dad. I definitely had a beautiful time reading the love story portion. It was so well done with steamy scenes. You just wanted to cheer them both on and Elise was a strong character for someone like Havoc. Great read. Kris as one veteran to another you knocked it out the park!
The journey of this beautiful couple kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of action and bang bang stuff! I enjoyed the banter with other "Shadows" that Havoc came across to include his own dad. I definitely had a beautiful time reading the love story portion. It was so well done with steamy scenes. You just wanted to cheer them both on and Elise was a strong character for someone like Havoc. Great read. Kris as one veteran to another you knocked it out the park!
February 6, 2026
Heir of Shadows
Ok then! We got to witness another King heir find love - even he didn't want to. This story is about Blake and Elise. Elise is definitely a strong capable woman who got caught up in the wrong side of life. Blake comes to the rescue. He is able to handle the two jobs. It would be interesting to find out how Room got injured but alas the life of an assassin. Glad Blake was able to take care of Elise and get his assignment done. It was nice this couple got to know each other while hiding. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
Ok then! We got to witness another King heir find love - even he didn't want to. This story is about Blake and Elise. Elise is definitely a strong capable woman who got caught up in the wrong side of life. Blake comes to the rescue. He is able to handle the two jobs. It would be interesting to find out how Room got injured but alas the life of an assassin. Glad Blake was able to take care of Elise and get his assignment done. It was nice this couple got to know each other while hiding. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
February 10, 2026
Another Home Run for Kris
Loved this book. Wonderful story line and excellent movement and flow The way Kris created Blake as the son of Joseph/Fury and Emma was beautiful and continued making the connections that her series’s are famous for.
The relationship between Elise and Blake was beautiful to watch grow, as another Guardian found his forever partner.
Any fan of Kris’s needs to read this book!
Loved this book. Wonderful story line and excellent movement and flow The way Kris created Blake as the son of Joseph/Fury and Emma was beautiful and continued making the connections that her series’s are famous for.
The relationship between Elise and Blake was beautiful to watch grow, as another Guardian found his forever partner.
Any fan of Kris’s needs to read this book!
January 31, 2026
Another great read from Kris Michaels. From the beginning I was gripped. Having 'known' his father I was really looking forward to meeting Blake. He's fabulous! Else is strong, but not obnoxiously so and they make a perfect couple. Deep fakes are a very real thing. We can only hope that there are people on the real world who can be our Guardians.
February 2, 2026
Kris did it again! Would love to.give more than 5 stars!
Kris did not disappoint her devoted fans with this 6th book of Guardian. security Dynasty! Loved all the cast of characters from Blake to Joseph to Rook. Shadows ate my favorite of the Guardians! Her mix of romance and adventure are just so amazing. Thank you Kris. 😺💜🔥📚⭐💥🎉
Kris did not disappoint her devoted fans with this 6th book of Guardian. security Dynasty! Loved all the cast of characters from Blake to Joseph to Rook. Shadows ate my favorite of the Guardians! Her mix of romance and adventure are just so amazing. Thank you Kris. 😺💜🔥📚⭐💥🎉
February 10, 2026
superb
Blake and Elise’s story is both simple and incredibly complicated. The background is extremely well researched and detailed even down to popular Hungarian dishes and descriptions of Budapest. I love how Kris’ “ targets” are very evil and there is no doubt they are receiving their just desserts.
As always it is great to see old friends from Guardian. Good old Joseph!
Blake and Elise’s story is both simple and incredibly complicated. The background is extremely well researched and detailed even down to popular Hungarian dishes and descriptions of Budapest. I love how Kris’ “ targets” are very evil and there is no doubt they are receiving their just desserts.
As always it is great to see old friends from Guardian. Good old Joseph!
January 31, 2026
A must!
I truly love the Guardian Series! Kris Michaels is an excellent storyteller! Mixing the suspense with the romance, the evil with the good, the well written stories are a must read for anyone who loves it when Justice is done!
I truly love the Guardian Series! Kris Michaels is an excellent storyteller! Mixing the suspense with the romance, the evil with the good, the well written stories are a must read for anyone who loves it when Justice is done!
February 2, 2026
Another winner from Kris Michael’s Gardian series , more strong independent women and broody protective men. A great suspenseful, well written story line with hot romance woven through it. Have already ordered the next book in the series. Can not wait
February 2, 2026
wonderful
Ah, Blake and Elise are wonderful . In true Kris fashion the story unfolds slowly and with great purpose.
As usual it’s about love, trust and reality.
Plenty of action and drama but also about family, by blood and by choice.
Love the Guardians.
Thank you Kris.
Ah, Blake and Elise are wonderful . In true Kris fashion the story unfolds slowly and with great purpose.
As usual it’s about love, trust and reality.
Plenty of action and drama but also about family, by blood and by choice.
Love the Guardians.
Thank you Kris.
February 3, 2026
what a wonderful story
Blake and Elisa is a great story.Loved their meeting and cried at the end of the love story. Kris’s mind is a wonderful and amazing thing. You will love the suspense and how strong this women is standing up to Blake and still doing her job.
Blake and Elisa is a great story.Loved their meeting and cried at the end of the love story. Kris’s mind is a wonderful and amazing thing. You will love the suspense and how strong this women is standing up to Blake and still doing her job.
February 5, 2026
Excellent
This story had it all. Action, excitement and love Blake and Guardian kept the intrigue high. The planning for the mission was intense. Blake and Elyse made a great couple. I look forward to the next book.
This story had it all. Action, excitement and love Blake and Guardian kept the intrigue high. The planning for the mission was intense. Blake and Elyse made a great couple. I look forward to the next book.
February 13, 2026
Winner! Winner!.
Guardian is in good hands. The younger generation is handling things. I really love this book and the whole series, so I won't be spilling any beans so you just go read and enjoy like I did.
Guardian is in good hands. The younger generation is handling things. I really love this book and the whole series, so I won't be spilling any beans so you just go read and enjoy like I did.
February 14, 2026
enjoyed
Another good story in the series. Blake a very serious committed Guardian . Everything changes with his new assignment. Good story and loved how similar Blake is to his dad.
Another good story in the series. Blake a very serious committed Guardian . Everything changes with his new assignment. Good story and loved how similar Blake is to his dad.
January 31, 2026
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
February 1, 2026
Heir of Shadows
OMG another amazing book from Kris Michaels. I love Blake and Elise’s story and the inclusion of some original characters
OMG another amazing book from Kris Michaels. I love Blake and Elise’s story and the inclusion of some original characters
February 1, 2026
5stars
Arnt enough
Truly in love with this book but that's all guardian books
Kris Michaels don't ever stop writing your fantastic journey of the Guardian's
Arnt enough
Truly in love with this book but that's all guardian books
Kris Michaels don't ever stop writing your fantastic journey of the Guardian's
February 2, 2026
I felt this story had very different pacing. It seemed to affect my concentration in reading. Still a good story. Please keep them coming!
February 3, 2026
great
The only trouble with finally getting to the end of each chapter of the Guardian family is the wait for the next book to be released
The only trouble with finally getting to the end of each chapter of the Guardian family is the wait for the next book to be released
February 4, 2026
I loved it!
From page one this story is action packed! The plot, the attention to details. Blake and Elise are everything!
Looking forwart to the next book and Levi's story...
From page one this story is action packed! The plot, the attention to details. Blake and Elise are everything!
Looking forwart to the next book and Levi's story...
February 5, 2026
Love this series!
Ms Michaels has done it again. I love this series. Can’t seem to put them down. Always keeps you guessing.
Ms Michaels has done it again. I love this series. Can’t seem to put them down. Always keeps you guessing.
February 5, 2026
Kris Michaels hit this one out of the park! The entire Guardian World series is brilliant. I can’t wait for the next book about Levi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews