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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
286 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
90 books1,134 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 52 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 19, 2026
And Kris Michaels does it again!
Having read all of the Guardian books and happy to admit that I'm obsessed and addicted to them, I was so looking forward to reading Blake and Elise's story. And it didn't disappoint.
This book may not have been as fast paced as some of the earlier Guardian books but Blake and Elise's journey together was of course filled with danger and angst. Let's not forget the chemistry between them! Blake doesn't need a shrinking wallflower, he needs the sass, intelligence and strength that Elise offers him. Perfect combination.
Loved it!
Having read all of the Guardian books and happy to admit that I'm obsessed and addicted to them, I was so looking forward to reading Blake and Elise's story. And it didn't disappoint.
This book may not have been as fast paced as some of the earlier Guardian books but Blake and Elise's journey together was of course filled with danger and angst. Let's not forget the chemistry between them! Blake doesn't need a shrinking wallflower, he needs the sass, intelligence and strength that Elise offers him. Perfect combination.
Loved it!
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!
April 8, 2026
Very good book
I really liked this book. Blake, son of Joseph King (Fury), did not disappoint. He’s methodical, confident and highly skilled. He’s on a mission to eliminate a bad guy and had babysitting duties added on. Elise is smart, tenacious and witty. They have fun banter, which is surprising since he’s more of a grump at times. It was nice watching their relationship, admiration and trust for each other grow.
Th plot was also interesting. I really enjoyed getting the full detail of how he plans an assassination and the action of it. This was well written and well paced.
I recommend.
I really liked this book. Blake, son of Joseph King (Fury), did not disappoint. He’s methodical, confident and highly skilled. He’s on a mission to eliminate a bad guy and had babysitting duties added on. Elise is smart, tenacious and witty. They have fun banter, which is surprising since he’s more of a grump at times. It was nice watching their relationship, admiration and trust for each other grow.
Th plot was also interesting. I really enjoyed getting the full detail of how he plans an assassination and the action of it. This was well written and well paced.
I recommend.
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 15, 2026
Really good, but again I wish there was a family tree of some sort to show how everyone is related (or work related) to each other, or even a blurb of which book/books the existing characters in the current book relate too. This is a very long series and I’ve been reading it for years but my memory is not the best and it takes me awhile to figure out (if I even figure it out) who connects to who. I’m still trying to figure out Rook and Berserker and even Marcus 🤦🏻♀️ that’s the only frustrating part, it would give me more connection and value to the characters I think?
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!
March 5, 2026
Love found in print
Another FANTASTIC book by Kris Michaels, Blake and Elise story I loved reading, I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish, this book was definitely a page turner. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. The relationship between Blake And Elise is a beautiful one, I could feel their love and connection from the start. I highly recommend this book another great addition to the series.
Another FANTASTIC book by Kris Michaels, Blake and Elise story I loved reading, I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish, this book was definitely a page turner. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. The relationship between Blake And Elise is a beautiful one, I could feel their love and connection from the start. I highly recommend this book another great addition to the series.
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!
February 19, 2026
Loved this one
Blake King. Son of Joseph and Ember. Shadow. Elise. Reporter. Irish. Blake is on a mission. He is tasked an additional side gig. Babysitting a reporter. She is smart. She digs hard for the truth. She mourns the death of her mentor. They get to know each other slowly. They claim each other quietly. Rook. What happened? Can't wait for the next one.
Blake King. Son of Joseph and Ember. Shadow. Elise. Reporter. Irish. Blake is on a mission. He is tasked an additional side gig. Babysitting a reporter. She is smart. She digs hard for the truth. She mourns the death of her mentor. They get to know each other slowly. They claim each other quietly. Rook. What happened? Can't wait for the next one.
February 24, 2026
Oh my..... what a thrilling story!
I thoroughly enjoyed Blake and Elise's book.
Blake has his hands full with two missions at the same time, one to eliminate the bad guy and the other to protect the woman digging a story on the same guy!!
Brilliant storyline with superb characters and a wonderful HEA.
I am looking forward to the next book in the legacy series.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blake and Elise's book.
Blake has his hands full with two missions at the same time, one to eliminate the bad guy and the other to protect the woman digging a story on the same guy!!
Brilliant storyline with superb characters and a wonderful HEA.
I am looking forward to the next book in the legacy series.
March 21, 2026
Smoth, sharp and steady
Havoc was proficient in his job. This mission came with a double duty. He had to rid the world of a monster while keeping an innocent alive. What he didn't know was Elise was a woman who would challenge him in ways he was not expecting and also see him, all of him as no one else had. Follow these two as they evade danger and discover a world of their own.
Havoc was proficient in his job. This mission came with a double duty. He had to rid the world of a monster while keeping an innocent alive. What he didn't know was Elise was a woman who would challenge him in ways he was not expecting and also see him, all of him as no one else had. Follow these two as they evade danger and discover a world of their own.
April 26, 2026
Assassination and Quiet
Elise is a strong stubborn determined woman who is not aware of all the danger around her and how dangerous it is for her.
Blake is sent to wipe out the man who is a dangerous bite on humanity. He finds that his job suddenly involves keeping Elise alive after she appears on the radar of Zajac.
Elise is a strong stubborn determined woman who is not aware of all the danger around her and how dangerous it is for her.
Blake is sent to wipe out the man who is a dangerous bite on humanity. He finds that his job suddenly involves keeping Elise alive after she appears on the radar of Zajac.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews