Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.® Reece King didn’t walk away from Guardian Security because he was broken. He stepped away because something was missing. He’d always trusted the mission, but this time, he was trusting his gut. Reece took a year off to search for the one thing he couldn’t define. When a split-second decision to protect a stranger returns him to his Guardian family sooner than planned, Reece realizes some destinies can’t be outrun.
Maggie Brooks is a brilliant systems architect for Darkwater Security. She trusts data, logic, and the systems she helped build. When a guardian angel who miraculously saved her vanishes, she goes to work. Maggie discovers that Reece King does not exist in any database, and the phone number he gave her can’t be traced. She knows she has crossed into dangerous territory, and she isn’t sure if Reece is on the side of good or evil.
As Maggie uncovers a deadly conspiracy hidden in international waters, Darkwater becomes a battleground and Maggie a target. Reece returns, not only because she’s now the mission, but because protecting Maggie matters. Together, they must expose the truth before someone kills to keep it buried.
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. Expect high-stakes suspense, offshore intrigue, and a powerful romance forged under fire.
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.)
Kris Michaels layered deep suspense and intrigue throughout Heir of Courage: think "big brother is watching. It's dark, mysterious and edge of the seat reading at times. We first meet Reece King when he was four years old in The Kings of Guardian series book, Jason. Now he's all grown up, a valued and experienced member of Guardian Security and at a crossroads in his life. He's looking for...no needs something else but not sure what. Maggie Brooks is extremely intelligent. She graduated at the top of her MIT class and was immediately recruited for her current position at Darkwater Security. She basically developed their operating systems and now suspects somethings amiss. Meeting Reece was serendipitous and together with Guardian, Jason's specialist and Reece's team they work to take down the evil that's invaded Darkwater. The hardest part? Reece and Maggie must pretend that they don't know each other and even after they do "meet" on the platform they must remain casual acquaintances. Though the exact opposite is true. The suspense and intrigue turn incredibly dangerous during the Guardian's operation; lives are at stake. Of course here is an HEA and we Kris Michaels' readers are gtting a new series to look forwad to.
I'll confess I have not been enjoying the second generation Guardian books as much as I had hoped. Yes, it has been interesting to see how the OG are progressing through life and it's fun to see the adult children interacting with each other and the bonds they've formed. Maybe it's because there isn't the same sense of family because there's no ranch where they come together, no Guardian leadership calls so they see each other, not as deep a sense of the overall family. There IS family in the books but it's more of a passing thing than an intrinsic part of the story. Kris Michaels is a one-click author for me but when the books released I didn't dive into them the same day. But, whatever it was, for me at least, these books haven't had quite the pizzazz as the original series. Until this one.
I absolutely loved this book. I don't know if it was because it introduced an entirely new situation (Hello Deepwater!) to us with promises of more to come, if it was because Jason and his family have been amongst my favorites of the Kings, or if this book had more of the "Michaels Magic" than the others ... less shoot 'em up and a more layered plot? I don't know. But I'm here to tell you that I'm ready for more.
Maggie and Reese spend a month together when she is sent on mandated leave from her job after finding someone has put gates I her programs she wrote that allow they to use the information for bad things. She had is someone spend my her messages at work telling her she is on the right track and to keep digging. They don't know the guy messaging her was Guardian and is helping her. Reese goes to Jason and with all the information they his guy and Maggie have collected make this something that the company leaders need to be brought down. Reese is sent is ahead of Maggie returning, but they have to pretend not to know each other. When someone tries to push her off the maintenance dock, Guardian escalates their timeline to bring it down. Will the be able to get everyone involved before anything can happen to Maggie again? What will Reese do when he is face to face with the one who ordered Maggie killed? What will happen to all the employees of Darkwater now?
Reece King has always felt like something was missing from his life that would complete him. He took time away from Guardian to discover what his need was. During this time he comes across a woman who seems to need some assistance. Reece’s powers of observation turn out to be quite accurate. Reece rescues Maggie and things begin to happen. This is the beginning of his return to Guardian and Reece’s assignment is Maggie. I love the development of the relationship between these two characters. They are both strong willed and want to do the right thing. Kris Michaels does an amazing job using Reece’s past experiences and his family relationships to explain his personality traits and why he is the man he become. He is drawn to Maggie and his inner self just knows this is the person. This story has action, suspense, romance and family. I believe this one is one of Kris Michaels best and certainly should not be missed.
Heir of Courage is another strong installment in the Guardian Security Dynasty series, this time spotlighting Reese King — the son of Jason and Faith, whose legacy casts a long but inspiring shadow. Reese’s assignment to protect Maggie brings an immediate spark, but what makes the story compelling is how that spark grows into something steady and meaningful as danger closes in around them.
The suspense is well‑paced, the emotional beats land beautifully, and Maggie proves herself more than just someone to protect — she’s a partner, an anchor, and exactly the kind of heroine Reese deserves. Their relationship deepens in tandem with the escalating threats, creating a satisfying blend of action, loyalty, and romance.
Good ultimately overcomes evil, and Reese and Maggie’s HEA feels earned, warm, and perfectly placed within the broader Guardian universe. Fans of the series will appreciate this continuation of the King family’s legacy.
Heir of Courage gives us Reece’s story and I just loved him and Maggie🥰
Reece is the son of Jason and Faith King but has recently stepped back from Guardian to “find” something that is missing from his life - even if he has no idea what that is. The minute he sees Maggie and intervenes when two men surround her, he acknowledges that this moment will likely change his future in the best way. As he gets to know Maggie, he’s convinced of that😍
Maggie works as an analyst for Darkwater. Before she’s forced to take “mandatory” leave - she notices something about the systems they use but is unable to fully investigate. When she’s cornered by two men she doesn’t know and Reece steps in to help her, they start spending her down time together and it changes them both☺️
A wonderful story set in an unusual place which made it that much more unique. Loved catching up with the Guardian OG crew and that ending…chef’s kiss 😘 Can’t wait to read Raven’s story❣️
Reece has come so far from that young boy we met in Jason's book in the original King's of Guardian series. He is definitely his father's son, we see so many of Jason's traits in him, as well as Faith's softer influence, but his fierce defense of women in general, and Maggie especially is all him. Maggie is his perfect match in every way, she's driven, determined and not willing to let anything unethical continue under her watch.... it's like she was made for Guardian! And for Reece. Seeing her stand up to the Guardian top management is so cool. I cannot wait to see what magic Maggie and Reece create at Darkwater Security Initiative (DSI) which promises to be another awesome spinoff but still part of the Guardian family. This is a fantastic read and I look forward to all the future books across all the series!
Maggie is very smart, as a coder who's been doing it for a while, and when she spots irregularities in the codes, especially the one's she wrote, she's not sure what to do, until she see's a phantom encouraging her to keep digging, he's keeping her safe, incoming DM dude, LOL, Reese has taken time away to figure out what is missing from his life, his soul, finding each other in Florida after her forced vacation, getting to know each other after he steps up to protect her, easy being together, they just fit, two pieces of a puzzle, epic ending to a great story we've been anticipating for a long time, lots of thrilling twists and turns, and through it all there is a beautiful lasting love, and watching the fall of the bad guys, Kris Michaels you know how to weave a story, hook, line and sinker, definitely worth1000 star's, thank you, Dana Zamora
I like this author's books in general. This series has really been hit and miss. I enjoyed this one.However, it was a bit over detailed and slow in spots and there was at least one editing mistake when they called Darkwater Blackwater. The character development and relationship between the main characters was very developed. A lot of the book seemed to be a set up for her new series. Which is fine but a point to be aware of. I liked that the spice level was toned down from many of her other books.
I would really, really, really like a complete Alexander and King family tree with the younger characters, such as Reece and Talon. There are so many overlapping characters in het books it gets confusing.
Oh wow! What an interesting way for Reece and Maggie meet. It starts out with him coming to Maggie's rescue when two guys were harassing her. This is basically the start of their relationship. As things start to get more dangerous, this couple face that danger with vengeance. I think Reece finally showed his love to Maggie when she was truly in peril danger. As we near the end, we see the Guardian teams in action to take over the company. It was very satisfying to Reece to beat the bad guy and win. Now this couple finally profess their love for each other out loud. Glad they are able to find happiness and their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
Please write a book about Demos we can get to know his Origin Story!! But this one was great
I've been waiting for this book. Well I wait for all of them but I was particularly excited about Reece's book I couldn't wait to see if Jason and Faith too were gathered with her family. Also curious to see if you went into more detail about The Drive and how it affected Reece. I would have thought it would have been a bigger topic of discussion than it was in Talon's book. I was a little disappointed because it was such a big deal for Talon and Reece. I thought when you put them with the women that helped to heal them they would've talked about it from their perspective and how it shaped them.. Otherwise I count down the day until my next Guardian book arives.
What can l say. It’s Kris Michaels, so of course it’s great. Once again Kris gives us a story that pulls you in immediately with an strong intelligent female character, who doesn’t flip flop through 70% of the book, and a protective sexy male character that can melt your heart in one breath and fight to the death to protect you in the next. Kris doesn’t give us flick through the fluff stories she gives us the romantic heat, but with a thought provoking content and a moral compass. The only downside is the wait for the next book ❤️❤️❤️
So love the Dynasty series but this one with Reese and Maggie takes your breath away!
Kris Michaels has created such an amazing story between Reese and Maggie. The adventure and romance will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as needing tissues. What a great way to start another branch of Guardian Security tree! Thank you Kris. It was a wild and wonderful ride. Just loved catching up with a lot of the other Guardian characters. Jason is still my favorite character and it was so nice to see him again. 😸💜🔥💥🎉
I remember when we first met Faith and cute !little Reece. Now he is all grown up and searching for something. He does not know what though. Maggie is a genius programmer and analyst. She bas discovered something alarming at the company she works for. When she is cornered by 2 men during a walk Reece steps in. Then he realizes it was targeted specifically against Maggie. He calls in to his Team and his dad. Together, Maggie and Reece bring down a dangerous and corrupt company. It was great to see some of the Kings and the younger Kings too.
Phew..... oh my! The legacy series just keeps getting better and better. When you don't think she can top that book, she proves you wrong! I am lost of words, I absolutely loved Reece and Maggie's story, my favourite one so far!! Quietly reaching for the tissues at the end, happy tears, mind you!! Superb storyline with Reece, Maggie, and lots of guardians bringing down the bad guys. Thank you, Kris Michaels, for sharing your Guardian world with your readers!
What a story! In today’s world it also seems kind of apt. I loved how this whole complicated setting becomes the beginning of a new branch of Guardian. Nice one Kris! Despite having incredibly complex issues to contend with in cybersecurity the bad guys are satisfyingly evil and Guardian are required to come to the rescue and restore things to their intended purpose. Lots of lovely clues of things to come too! Fabulous story, absolutely loved it.
What a FABULOUS book I fell in love with Reece and Maggie the moment they met. Kris Michaels has done it again, she has given me all the feels. This book has everything you can ask for, adventure, saving your woman, love and even a wedding. I enjoyed all the other characters from the previous books popping in to make an appearance. I really enjoyed this book this is my opinion and my opinion only.
Reece took time away from his daily life because he felt like something was missing. What? He still didn't know. Maggie was a beautiful nerdy, genius who easily could be over looked. Two men boxed her in on the beach. Reece noticed an made it a point to come to her aid. This was the beginning of greater danger for Maggie and Reece finding what he was missing. In spite of mounting danger, Reece and Maggie found their home was with each other.
I don't know how she does it, but Kris Michaels' has written a gem. Reece and Maggie's story has all the feels, suspense, romance, and the added bonus of previous beloved characters appearances. This book is so good I didn't want to finish it, I got to be reacquainted with so many of the best people and favorite books. Thank you Kris Michael for a wonderful read.
I wait every month for a new Kris Michaels story and when I'm bored I go back and reread all the good stories from before. I love Guardian and the way I always know who Kris is talking about from previous stories! This was a great story and just holds your attentions from beginning to end!!
Kris Micheals did it again. This is an action packed love story and a wonderful family that always pulls out the win. Love Reeces story and Maggie is a badass. I am going to love that new series and Ravens story. I just love Kris’s writing and how her mind works. Looking to more great stories.
Intriguing story from the start. Maggie brilliant when it comes to computers she dig through the information and find anything , even when she isn’t supposed to. Reece on a break from Guardian sees Maggie being harassed and steps in. Reece and Maggie make a perfect story from the start. Excellently written and a joy read.
I so love Reece and Maggie, I work in IT so this totally is my jam. Kris, just like all your other books, especially the Guardians series, I've held onto this one since its release. I've read it 3-5 times, but who's counting? Thank you! I can't wait for the next book!
Wow, another fantastic book by the awesome Kris Michaels. This is the start of another adventure for the Guardians. Can't wait for the next books. Thank you Kris for sharing your gift with us.
Loved it, but now I'm sad it's done. Getting to see some of the former MCs was great. I also loved that Max was so involved in this one, he's one of my favorite guardians.
I love this world, and every additional book just makes it better.
Kris Michaels hit this one out of the park. Reece and Maggie's story is strong in characters, with smart strong story. See some old characters come back and be part of the plot was amazing.
WOW, phenomenal storyline, excellent cast of characters… this family, extended family have been through so much and it only gets better. The venue was an amazing location for this story. It’s definitely a must read!!! Enjoy!!!
I absolutely loved Reece & Maggie's story and so will you. The start of DSI and an amazing world rising out of the sea. Saving Maggie's life made his world what he needed. Thanks, Kris for writing an amazing story.
I love all of guardian security Personnel Especially Reese King. He was protecting him women as he should. Greedy people are evil. I'm so happy for Maggie and Reese