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Guardian Security Dynasty #8
Heir of Courage
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.
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.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2026
About the author
Kris Michaels
92 books1,135 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 4, 2026
OMG I love Reese and Maggie's story
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?
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?
May 31, 2026
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.
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.
May 31, 2026
She's his destination, not just a journey!
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!
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!
June 7, 2026
Raging dark sea's
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
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
June 2, 2026
Good
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.
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.
June 7, 2026
Heir of Courage
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!
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!
June 3, 2026
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 ❤️❤️❤️
June 2, 2026
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. 😸💜🔥💥🎉
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. 😸💜🔥💥🎉
June 1, 2026
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.
June 1, 2026
10 stars 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
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!!
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!!
June 2, 2026
wonderful action packed story
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.
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.
June 7, 2026
loved it
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.
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.
May 31, 2026
Awesome
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.
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.
May 31, 2026
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.
I love this world, and every additional book just makes it better.
June 1, 2026
Just Wow.
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.
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.
June 2, 2026
Excellent read
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!!!
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!!!
June 6, 2026
Amazing
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 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.
June 7, 2026
Another great read, Kris
What a beautiful love story for Reece. I love the interaction he has with Jason, reminds me of when he thought Jason was Superman.
I liked Maggie’s complete faith in Reece and never doubting him.
Love those Kings.
What a beautiful love story for Reece. I love the interaction he has with Jason, reminds me of when he thought Jason was Superman.
I liked Maggie’s complete faith in Reece and never doubting him.
Love those Kings.
June 8, 2026
What a wonderful addition
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
Can't wait until the next episode is published
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
Can't wait until the next episode is published
May 31, 2026
Kris Michaels never fails. Reece and Maggie are terrific together. Gripping and 100% unputdownable. Thanks again Kris. You made my Sunday!
June 1, 2026
LOVED REECE AND MAGGIE’S STORY!
Great tale, and a new Guardian offshoot and spinoff has been born as well! Bravo as usual, Kris Michaels! More, more, more!
Great tale, and a new Guardian offshoot and spinoff has been born as well! Bravo as usual, Kris Michaels! More, more, more!
June 1, 2026
Fantastic
Definitely my favourite book in the Dynasty world
One of those books that just grabs you from the first page
I was transported into the platform with Reese and Maggie
Definitely my favourite book in the Dynasty world
One of those books that just grabs you from the first page
I was transported into the platform with Reese and Maggie
June 1, 2026
Amazing book
A brilliant book I loved every moment. I love the blend of new and old characters and that this book can launch so many more stories THANK YOU KRIS
A brilliant book I loved every moment. I love the blend of new and old characters and that this book can launch so many more stories THANK YOU KRIS
June 1, 2026
heir of cuorage
Wow, Kris you did it again!!!! I love Maggie and Reese!!! I keep remembering Reese as a little boy who loved superman. Thank you
Wow, Kris you did it again!!!! I love Maggie and Reese!!! I keep remembering Reese as a little boy who loved superman. Thank you
June 3, 2026
loved
What can I say all the books written by this author have me reading from cover to cover I just can’t put them down
What can I say all the books written by this author have me reading from cover to cover I just can’t put them down
June 3, 2026
Great read
I love Kris Michaels books. And all the Guardian stories are amazing. Looking forward to lots more! Keep them coming.
I love Kris Michaels books. And all the Guardian stories are amazing. Looking forward to lots more! Keep them coming.
June 7, 2026
amazing book
Nice to see off shut but also grateful to old one but missed buttons husband as they were always together for a reason
Nice to see off shut but also grateful to old one but missed buttons husband as they were always together for a reason
June 7, 2026
Great book
As usual.Kris Michaels wrote an outstanding book. The characters were wonderful and the story had as usual twists and turns. Can t wait for her next book
As usual.Kris Michaels wrote an outstanding book. The characters were wonderful and the story had as usual twists and turns. Can t wait for her next book
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews