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Kings of Guardian #1
Jacob
Victoria Marshall didn't cooperate by dying in the Afghani hell-hole like the CIA expected. Defying all probability, a privately-funded black ops group led by a handsome, sexy-as-sin southerner pulled her out of the warlord's prison cell and brought her home. Even half out of her mind with pain Tori knew this man was special. She made a date with the commander to meet one year later at a restaurant of his choice. Keeping that date was the best thing she ever did.
Jacob King found little physically attractive about the woman he saved from the warlord’s camp, though it was hard to see what lay under the filth and suppurating wounds she suffered from countless beatings. He admired her brave humor in the face of her agonizing injuries. This kind of tough-minded woman was someone he'd like to know as a friend. He never expected the leggy, blond bomb-shell in the red dress who showed up for their date.
But then he never expected she would save his life, either. In a world of shadows, smoke, and dangerous covert missions, where people routinely vanish and living one more day was never a given, Tori and Jacob fight to build their happily ever after.
Jacob King found little physically attractive about the woman he saved from the warlord’s camp, though it was hard to see what lay under the filth and suppurating wounds she suffered from countless beatings. He admired her brave humor in the face of her agonizing injuries. This kind of tough-minded woman was someone he'd like to know as a friend. He never expected the leggy, blond bomb-shell in the red dress who showed up for their date.
But then he never expected she would save his life, either. In a world of shadows, smoke, and dangerous covert missions, where people routinely vanish and living one more day was never a given, Tori and Jacob fight to build their happily ever after.
130 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2015
2514 people are currently reading
1682 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
80 books1,113 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 430 reviews
May 5, 2016
Down right perfect!
I am coming back to edit this review because I wasn't sure if I wanted to possibly mess up the book by leaving a less than perfect review but here goes. First, if there were more than 5 stars I would give them on this one.
A woman, Tori, is being held in an Afghani warlord's prison. They are torturing her and have been for what she thinks is 67 days. They have starved her, tried to down her just to puking her back at the brink of death to begin again. She is a photographer and had been captured. She keeps telling then that she doesn't know anything.
During a mission unrelated to her the Guardian guys run across paperwork that shows a prisoner, an American prisoner being held. That is when Jacob decides to save the prisoner. It isn't until a bit later that he realizes the prisoner is a woman. And she may not make it back. The whole crew is shocked at what she has endured. They get her to Germany and leave her for medical care but not before Jacob makes a date with her for a year later, the same day for a steak dinner.
Victoria (Tori) has survived and is doing well considering what she has been through and she is determined to keep that date. When she shows up Jacob cannot believe his eyes.
Okay, really now I have to stop. There is a lot missing in my version so far so you have to read the book and then the fun and games are just beginning. Alpha team has gained a new member but may lose three more.
This is one hell of a story. You guys if you like Merc and ex military romantic suspense you have got to read this book. If I could recommend just one of this type of book for you to read this year, this is the one!
I am coming back to edit this review because I wasn't sure if I wanted to possibly mess up the book by leaving a less than perfect review but here goes. First, if there were more than 5 stars I would give them on this one.
A woman, Tori, is being held in an Afghani warlord's prison. They are torturing her and have been for what she thinks is 67 days. They have starved her, tried to down her just to puking her back at the brink of death to begin again. She is a photographer and had been captured. She keeps telling then that she doesn't know anything.
During a mission unrelated to her the Guardian guys run across paperwork that shows a prisoner, an American prisoner being held. That is when Jacob decides to save the prisoner. It isn't until a bit later that he realizes the prisoner is a woman. And she may not make it back. The whole crew is shocked at what she has endured. They get her to Germany and leave her for medical care but not before Jacob makes a date with her for a year later, the same day for a steak dinner.
Victoria (Tori) has survived and is doing well considering what she has been through and she is determined to keep that date. When she shows up Jacob cannot believe his eyes.
Okay, really now I have to stop. There is a lot missing in my version so far so you have to read the book and then the fun and games are just beginning. Alpha team has gained a new member but may lose three more.
This is one hell of a story. You guys if you like Merc and ex military romantic suspense you have got to read this book. If I could recommend just one of this type of book for you to read this year, this is the one!
July 5, 2020
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! Great setup to the series. Jacob is really swoon worthy. So awesome and sexy. Tori is kickass and I loved her too! Plus as a preview - they remain awesome throughout the series. There is a lot of action and I enjoyed the action and suspense on top of the romance. Loved all the side characters too. Cannot wait to read the series!
I have a few safety gang warnings within the spoilers. Also my reason for only 4.5 stars is also a spoiler.
I really enjoyed this book! Great setup to the series. Jacob is really swoon worthy. So awesome and sexy. Tori is kickass and I loved her too! Plus as a preview - they remain awesome throughout the series. There is a lot of action and I enjoyed the action and suspense on top of the romance. Loved all the side characters too. Cannot wait to read the series!
I have a few safety gang warnings within the spoilers. Also my reason for only 4.5 stars is also a spoiler.
March 10, 2016
4.25 First Date Stars
So it's been a while since I went on a first date. I mean a real first date. I've been married for about 120 years. But i still feel like I go on first dates. Every time I start a new book especially a book by an author I haven't read before, I feel like its a first date. Will we get along? Will we share the same sense of humor? Will this lead to a second date? Yes, readers go on lots of first dates, but never one like the first date in this book.
Tori has a dangerous job. You can tell because it lead to her being held captive in the Middle East and tortured by the bad guys. She is ready to give up. Give up on ever seeing her ranch and her family again.
Jacob is the international security specialist. Also known as a mercenary. But he is a good guy. He and his brothers do the work no one else can or will do. When he finds a woman badly beaten and being held in an enemy camp, he does the only thing he can...he rescues her. What's left of her anyway.
I think the Skipper found a diamond under all that dirt when he found you.
Tori and Jacob make a date for one year after the rescue. Jacob wants to give her hope and maybe check back up on her. Tori needed a reason to heal. A reason to leave her father's ranch and go back to DC.
Your scars are part of you and because they are, they are beautiful.
Tori and Jacob's first date leads to more than drinks and dinner. Much more. Tori's ranch offers a place of rest for Jacob and his team. A team of guys who are almost as damaged as the one's they rescue.
Ms Michaels has given us a great start to what promises to be a MUST READ SERIES. There are so many side stories you want to explore. Jacob and Tori are both damaged souls who find a balm in each other. A balm that allows them the security to continue to be who they are. The security that is born of true love and respect that will last through hard times. And they have seen hard times before and after they meet. Really hard times.
If he died tomorrow, he would know he had loved completely and had been loved completely - nothing held back, no reservations, no regrets.
So make a date to meet Jacob and men of Guardian Security. You will want to go steady with these hotties.
So it's been a while since I went on a first date. I mean a real first date. I've been married for about 120 years. But i still feel like I go on first dates. Every time I start a new book especially a book by an author I haven't read before, I feel like its a first date. Will we get along? Will we share the same sense of humor? Will this lead to a second date? Yes, readers go on lots of first dates, but never one like the first date in this book.
Tori has a dangerous job. You can tell because it lead to her being held captive in the Middle East and tortured by the bad guys. She is ready to give up. Give up on ever seeing her ranch and her family again.
Jacob is the international security specialist. Also known as a mercenary. But he is a good guy. He and his brothers do the work no one else can or will do. When he finds a woman badly beaten and being held in an enemy camp, he does the only thing he can...he rescues her. What's left of her anyway.
I think the Skipper found a diamond under all that dirt when he found you.
Tori and Jacob make a date for one year after the rescue. Jacob wants to give her hope and maybe check back up on her. Tori needed a reason to heal. A reason to leave her father's ranch and go back to DC.
Your scars are part of you and because they are, they are beautiful.
Tori and Jacob's first date leads to more than drinks and dinner. Much more. Tori's ranch offers a place of rest for Jacob and his team. A team of guys who are almost as damaged as the one's they rescue.
Ms Michaels has given us a great start to what promises to be a MUST READ SERIES. There are so many side stories you want to explore. Jacob and Tori are both damaged souls who find a balm in each other. A balm that allows them the security to continue to be who they are. The security that is born of true love and respect that will last through hard times. And they have seen hard times before and after they meet. Really hard times.
If he died tomorrow, he would know he had loved completely and had been loved completely - nothing held back, no reservations, no regrets.
So make a date to meet Jacob and men of Guardian Security. You will want to go steady with these hotties.
February 3, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Very good , and so much more from this series to come , all the guys mentioned are to have their own books .
So sit down and enjoy, a great start to what promises to be something wonderful.
💋💋
Very good , and so much more from this series to come , all the guys mentioned are to have their own books .
So sit down and enjoy, a great start to what promises to be something wonderful.
January 31, 2016
I received a Read 4 Review copy – here is my HONEST review!
Jacob is swoon-worthy with a Capital J and K -- every girl’s hero in fatigues. Right from page 1, Kris Michaels had my attention. This book starts with a very true to life reality check of the war around us and right when things looked very bleak, at the very end of the line, in swoops Jacob King to the rescue. You can thank Kris Michaels for a very strong female lead that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it! For a woman that supports her man in all that he does, who knows what he needs and when he needs it. The playful banter, sexual tension and innuendos between Jacob and Tori is exhilarating and made me smile at every twist and turn. I loved reading about a couple who were absolutely made for each other, desperate for each other, seemed to know each other for ever, and weren't fighting against their instincts to be together. No sense wasting any more time! The suspense surrounding the rescue mission to ISIS territory will have you speed reading and flipping (or tapping) pages. Their story is so heart-warming – did I just say that about a former marine and leader of an elite crew of specialists. Although I’m not usually into reading military, marine laden type books, Kris has me hooked to read the whole Series. I loved every character in the book and want to know more about each one of them. You will fall in love with the King brothers and their crew! It’s a good thing there are many more books in this Series to help your book hangover!
Jacob is swoon-worthy with a Capital J and K -- every girl’s hero in fatigues. Right from page 1, Kris Michaels had my attention. This book starts with a very true to life reality check of the war around us and right when things looked very bleak, at the very end of the line, in swoops Jacob King to the rescue. You can thank Kris Michaels for a very strong female lead that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it! For a woman that supports her man in all that he does, who knows what he needs and when he needs it. The playful banter, sexual tension and innuendos between Jacob and Tori is exhilarating and made me smile at every twist and turn. I loved reading about a couple who were absolutely made for each other, desperate for each other, seemed to know each other for ever, and weren't fighting against their instincts to be together. No sense wasting any more time! The suspense surrounding the rescue mission to ISIS territory will have you speed reading and flipping (or tapping) pages. Their story is so heart-warming – did I just say that about a former marine and leader of an elite crew of specialists. Although I’m not usually into reading military, marine laden type books, Kris has me hooked to read the whole Series. I loved every character in the book and want to know more about each one of them. You will fall in love with the King brothers and their crew! It’s a good thing there are many more books in this Series to help your book hangover!
April 7, 2015
Hot momma!!
This one had me at... "Curled on the crude bench, Tori blinked and fought to keep her focus. She etched one more line into the soft plaster of her cell wall. The added line brought the total to sixty-seven white marks scratched into the dirty plaster. Her mind twisted, muddled by fragmented thoughts. The words that haunted her formed a familiar cadence. When would they come? When would the pain stop? Is it morning or evening? Will I die today?"
Which, yes is the first paragraph!!
I don't have any favorite lines for this one because I COULDN'T STOP READING!
I was like Mephisto's below screaming "Magnificent":
This debut really, really surprised me. Mrs. Michaels writes like a veteran pro when this is only her first published work. After speaking with her a bit I found out that she's been writing for a while and is very prolific. We'll be seeing more of the "Kings" and I'm so excited because at the very end of this Mrs. Michaels hooks me to the point of salivating for the next one! To which she said:
Oh I don't think so!! You better write more books baby or you're fans will riot!! RIOT!!
I'm going to read this one over for future inspiration (if you know what I mean!)
This one had me at... "Curled on the crude bench, Tori blinked and fought to keep her focus. She etched one more line into the soft plaster of her cell wall. The added line brought the total to sixty-seven white marks scratched into the dirty plaster. Her mind twisted, muddled by fragmented thoughts. The words that haunted her formed a familiar cadence. When would they come? When would the pain stop? Is it morning or evening? Will I die today?"
Which, yes is the first paragraph!!
I don't have any favorite lines for this one because I COULDN'T STOP READING!
I was like Mephisto's below screaming "Magnificent":
This debut really, really surprised me. Mrs. Michaels writes like a veteran pro when this is only her first published work. After speaking with her a bit I found out that she's been writing for a while and is very prolific. We'll be seeing more of the "Kings" and I'm so excited because at the very end of this Mrs. Michaels hooks me to the point of salivating for the next one! To which she said:
Oh I don't think so!! You better write more books baby or you're fans will riot!! RIOT!!
I'm going to read this one over for future inspiration (if you know what I mean!)
October 2, 2021
Yeah this is about to be a DNF.
The story started quite well, although the writing wasn't great. A bit disjointed and didn't really get you connected to the characters. Clunky dialogue in places. I though it might improve and persevered.
But OMG is it NOT improving! The H is an absolute ass and SO unappealing! He's already been a dick to a waiter and is perving over the h in a really lechy way as well as discussing her with his brother in horrible bro culture terms. And now he's just smugly told her that of course she won't be capable of driving his car because it's a stick shift. What a misogynistic tool. I'm perfectly capable of driving a standard transmission and do it on the daily, but I'd definitely have been telling him exactly where he could put his stick shift at that point.
The story started quite well, although the writing wasn't great. A bit disjointed and didn't really get you connected to the characters. Clunky dialogue in places. I though it might improve and persevered.
But OMG is it NOT improving! The H is an absolute ass and SO unappealing! He's already been a dick to a waiter and is perving over the h in a really lechy way as well as discussing her with his brother in horrible bro culture terms. And now he's just smugly told her that of course she won't be capable of driving his car because it's a stick shift. What a misogynistic tool. I'm perfectly capable of driving a standard transmission and do it on the daily, but I'd definitely have been telling him exactly where he could put his stick shift at that point.
June 24, 2016
Oh man I've been wanting to read a book with a strong heroine and this is it. Tori (Victoria) was strong, brave and funny. It all started when Jacob a bad-ass guardian who went to rescue an american who turns out to be that plus a women. She was being tortured for about three months and when he rescues her she is badly broken but that doesn't stop Tori from cracking jokes. They make a date for a year none who think either will show, Tori goes to show how strong she she is before he found her which she does show and looking SEXY. This throws Jacob off because he wasn't expecting this beautiful lady, from this time they a wild ride. This was great book I thought I wasn't going to like it but I finally read it and loved it filled with love, family and suspense.
November 20, 2017
3.5 stars
If you are looking for a sexy read with a lotta hot alpha's, then this will tick your reading boxes.
If you are looking for a sexy read with a lotta hot alpha's, then this will tick your reading boxes.
August 27, 2018
Love...Love...Love!! How many times can I repeat it?!
Amazing characters...Amazing scenery...Amazing emotion...Amazing imagery....OH! and H.A.W.T.!!
I will be very honest with you, I haven't been able to commit in a long time. When I see a series with more than 3 books I've been steering the other direction. But THANK GOODNESS I didn't do that this time! I think Jacob may just be the beginning of my new favorite series obsession! You get it all...tragedy, suspense, laughter, sibling rivalry, blood, sweat, cowboys, military heroes, tears, and TRUE love. Like real, tangible, agonizing, wring your heart out love.
"I swear I need you more than I need the air I breathe."
I CAN'T wait to get to know more of this King family!!!
Amazing characters...Amazing scenery...Amazing emotion...Amazing imagery....OH! and H.A.W.T.!!
I will be very honest with you, I haven't been able to commit in a long time. When I see a series with more than 3 books I've been steering the other direction. But THANK GOODNESS I didn't do that this time! I think Jacob may just be the beginning of my new favorite series obsession! You get it all...tragedy, suspense, laughter, sibling rivalry, blood, sweat, cowboys, military heroes, tears, and TRUE love. Like real, tangible, agonizing, wring your heart out love.
"I swear I need you more than I need the air I breathe."
I CAN'T wait to get to know more of this King family!!!
March 1, 2016
The things I liked about this book definitely outweighed the things that I disliked. The relationship between the main characters felt real and they were likable; I liked the way the author portrayed them as two mature adults making adult choices without all the usual dripping angst. (Not that there's anything wrong with angst, it's just usually overdone.) But I felt that the plot wasn't very well connected and there was a lot of mysterious dialogue between the characters that even after I read it twice I wasn't sure what they were referring to. A good editor could have cleared both of those things up. Overall a good book.
August 10, 2025
Jacob is the first book in the Kings of Guardian series by Kris Michaels. CIA Agent Victoria Marshal never thought she would survive her imprisonment in Afghanistan until Jacob King, a black ops commander, broke her out of her jail cell and back to the States. During the rescue, Victoria Marshal and Jacob King realise they have feelings for each other, so they organise to meet twelve months later in New York to see if their feelings are real. It was, and when Jacob and his team went missing, she became involved with Jacob's company to find them. The readers of Jacob will continue to follow Victoria Marshal to discover what happens.
I do enjoy books by Kris Michaels; her writing style always ensures that I engage with her stories, and Jacob did not disappoint. I started to understand the role of analysis in military operations. Reading this book, I learned about how to run a large ranch in the rural area of South Dakota.
I love Kris Michaels's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Jacob is well-written and researched by Kris Michaels. I like Kris Michaels's description of the settings of Jacob, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I do enjoy books by Kris Michaels; her writing style always ensures that I engage with her stories, and Jacob did not disappoint. I started to understand the role of analysis in military operations. Reading this book, I learned about how to run a large ranch in the rural area of South Dakota.
I love Kris Michaels's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Jacob is well-written and researched by Kris Michaels. I like Kris Michaels's description of the settings of Jacob, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
October 10, 2020
*3 NOPE STARS*
I'm only giving this 3 stars because I semi liked the ending. It would have been a 2 star read otherwise.
It's just a big nope the way they instantly fell in love after meeting again a year after he saved het from horrible circumstances.
I'm only giving this 3 stars because I semi liked the ending. It would have been a 2 star read otherwise.
It's just a big nope the way they instantly fell in love after meeting again a year after he saved het from horrible circumstances.
August 25, 2021
2 1/2 stars , some spoilers
I really want to like this book, however I am having difficulty. The beginning was very good and got me hooked immediately, but by chapter 6 I began having a little difficulty. Have you ever read a book where it seems the story is thrown together so the author can have an excuse to write erotic sex scenes; I am beginning to think this book is a prime example.
In chapter one we meet a woman named Tori ,who, while undercover for the CIA, as a photographer, was taken hostage by a group of terrorists; this section of the book was very interesting and had the potential to go somewhere, however, the next thing I knew she was being rescued by a group of men and taken away to safety.
The part I have a problem with, in this, was reasoning; there was no information given for why she was sent there, nor why the "security group" was there in the first place. What was their mission and what was hers? I think the readers would really like to know that. Moving on.
At the end of chapter one, the hero, Jacob and the heroine, Tori, make plans to meet up in a year to have their first date; I loved this idea , but when she arrives a few chapters over, for their first date, shes in a chauffeured car and wearing thousand dollar shoes. No mention of her being rich until a few chapters later we learn she is the daughter of a very wealthy man who owns a ten thousand acre ranch, but I digress.
In the same chapter, right after their reunion, she becomes very dominating and aggressive about what she wants, which is him and apparently, sex; there is no build up, nor talking like a normal couple would, just tension and innuendos. This was when I began having the feeling I was reading an erotic novel in disguise of a romance novel; I am on chapter six and its not getting any better in terms of character depth and growth.
There is a scene where she is talking with her Dad ,or Daddy as she speaks to him as if she was a little girl and not a former CIA officer, which drives me insane. She tells him all about how rich the man she's with is and how he works in private security; something, according to Jacob, was a occupation which was supposed to be secretive.
Now ,as I am attempting to read a little more, she is now in the bathtub with the hero and they are preparing to have unprotected sex: so far the dialogue sounds like a poor quality porn movie. I will update when I decide rather I will continue this book or not.
Update
Okay, so, I can't finish the book; bad went to worse when the ex CIA agent, Tori, arrives home and skips to her Daddy, yes, skips to her Daddy. On top of that the transition from paragraph to paragraph is confusing; one paragraph the hero is sitting and the next he's closing his door, which is it?
Anyways, I am disappointed with this author because I really wanted to read this book and find a new author who could merge, passion and action perfectly, but unfortunately, this is not one of them.
I really want to like this book, however I am having difficulty. The beginning was very good and got me hooked immediately, but by chapter 6 I began having a little difficulty. Have you ever read a book where it seems the story is thrown together so the author can have an excuse to write erotic sex scenes; I am beginning to think this book is a prime example.
In chapter one we meet a woman named Tori ,who, while undercover for the CIA, as a photographer, was taken hostage by a group of terrorists; this section of the book was very interesting and had the potential to go somewhere, however, the next thing I knew she was being rescued by a group of men and taken away to safety.
The part I have a problem with, in this, was reasoning; there was no information given for why she was sent there, nor why the "security group" was there in the first place. What was their mission and what was hers? I think the readers would really like to know that. Moving on.
At the end of chapter one, the hero, Jacob and the heroine, Tori, make plans to meet up in a year to have their first date; I loved this idea , but when she arrives a few chapters over, for their first date, shes in a chauffeured car and wearing thousand dollar shoes. No mention of her being rich until a few chapters later we learn she is the daughter of a very wealthy man who owns a ten thousand acre ranch, but I digress.
In the same chapter, right after their reunion, she becomes very dominating and aggressive about what she wants, which is him and apparently, sex; there is no build up, nor talking like a normal couple would, just tension and innuendos. This was when I began having the feeling I was reading an erotic novel in disguise of a romance novel; I am on chapter six and its not getting any better in terms of character depth and growth.
There is a scene where she is talking with her Dad ,or Daddy as she speaks to him as if she was a little girl and not a former CIA officer, which drives me insane. She tells him all about how rich the man she's with is and how he works in private security; something, according to Jacob, was a occupation which was supposed to be secretive.
Now ,as I am attempting to read a little more, she is now in the bathtub with the hero and they are preparing to have unprotected sex: so far the dialogue sounds like a poor quality porn movie. I will update when I decide rather I will continue this book or not.
Update
Okay, so, I can't finish the book; bad went to worse when the ex CIA agent, Tori, arrives home and skips to her Daddy, yes, skips to her Daddy. On top of that the transition from paragraph to paragraph is confusing; one paragraph the hero is sitting and the next he's closing his door, which is it?
Anyways, I am disappointed with this author because I really wanted to read this book and find a new author who could merge, passion and action perfectly, but unfortunately, this is not one of them.
March 9, 2016
As debut novels go, Jacob impressed me! I was hooked from the first chapter and read it in just a few hours.
Victoria has been held captive in an Afghan prison for months suffering horrifying acts of torture at the hands of her captors but never breaking. When Jacob and his team stumble upon her as part of another mission, he knows he can't leave her behind. Most men would have caved and given up under the circumstances but he is awed that this woman is still struggling to hold a conversation and retain a semblance of humor despite gruesome injuries.
Jacob leads the Alpha team in international operations for Guardian Security, the world's premier private defense company known as the international long arm of the law. Since Tori is an unknown element and not the primary objective of their mission, he has to disappear discreetly but they make plans to meet up one year later in DC. When that day arrives, Jacob is stunned by the confident beauty who appears in such a stark contrast to the person he pulled out of that prison cell but he is more than pleasantly surprised.
Tori still carries physical and mental scars from her time in captivity, but she is determined to keep moving forward- and the handsome man sitting across the table from her is high on her list of good things in life at the moment. Jacob is still suffering some ill effects of his own latest mission, and the night doesn't end as planned but that isn't going to stop them from getting to know each other.
There was definitely a bit of insta-love here, yet the connection between Tori and Jacob was tangible and made it believable. She is intelligent, strong and resilient, all traits that I enjoy in a heroine, and she is probably one of the very few women suited to deal with Jacob's profession due to her time working in the intelligence community. This story had wonderfully well written characters across the board that were easy to become invested in. From Tori's dad and sister to Jacob's team members and large family to his boss Gabriel, they all added to the story in some way and I can't wait to find out more about them in the future books. The storyline itself was a great mix of humor, action and suspense that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, definitely grab yourself a copy of this book- now I am off to go 1-click Joseph because this is one King brother that I need to know more about!
Victoria has been held captive in an Afghan prison for months suffering horrifying acts of torture at the hands of her captors but never breaking. When Jacob and his team stumble upon her as part of another mission, he knows he can't leave her behind. Most men would have caved and given up under the circumstances but he is awed that this woman is still struggling to hold a conversation and retain a semblance of humor despite gruesome injuries.
Jacob leads the Alpha team in international operations for Guardian Security, the world's premier private defense company known as the international long arm of the law. Since Tori is an unknown element and not the primary objective of their mission, he has to disappear discreetly but they make plans to meet up one year later in DC. When that day arrives, Jacob is stunned by the confident beauty who appears in such a stark contrast to the person he pulled out of that prison cell but he is more than pleasantly surprised.
Tori still carries physical and mental scars from her time in captivity, but she is determined to keep moving forward- and the handsome man sitting across the table from her is high on her list of good things in life at the moment. Jacob is still suffering some ill effects of his own latest mission, and the night doesn't end as planned but that isn't going to stop them from getting to know each other.
There was definitely a bit of insta-love here, yet the connection between Tori and Jacob was tangible and made it believable. She is intelligent, strong and resilient, all traits that I enjoy in a heroine, and she is probably one of the very few women suited to deal with Jacob's profession due to her time working in the intelligence community. This story had wonderfully well written characters across the board that were easy to become invested in. From Tori's dad and sister to Jacob's team members and large family to his boss Gabriel, they all added to the story in some way and I can't wait to find out more about them in the future books. The storyline itself was a great mix of humor, action and suspense that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, definitely grab yourself a copy of this book- now I am off to go 1-click Joseph because this is one King brother that I need to know more about!
March 12, 2016
Jacob (Kings of Guardian 1)
Kris Michaels
4.5 stars
Victoria Marshall has been held in hell. The prison she has survived in has brought her suffering, torment and abuse. She knows she wasn’t supposed to live. She knows she wasn’t supposed to fight … but she has. Her captures can torture her but she wont give up. They will have to kill her and she never knows when that day will come but until then she will fight. Tori realizes she is believed to be dead and no one is coming for her. How do you continue when you know your life is in the prison you are being held until your death?
Jacob King leads the team out of Guardian Security. Being the premier private defense company fighting international corruption he knows he will find vile situations. Never did he expect to find the woman he did alive and certainly not looking as she did. However she fought kept her heart beating and the beatings were brutal by the look of her injuries. As the hurricane starts to erupt between the two both are destined for other things. An agreement to meet turns into a path of healing for both Jacob and Tori.
I loved the fact that we did not have an instant lets fall in to bed story here. Tori had been through a traumatic experience with Jakob having issues of his own to sort through. Tori’s character is exactly as it should be; smart, beautiful and sassy. She knows the expectations of Jakob’s profession due to her time in the CIA. There are numerous secondary characters that Im certain we will hear more about within future releases.
This is a must read if you are looking for a great story from a new author. The story line is complex, characters are believable and well written and family ties are strong. Lets also tie in the banter between characters and you have a well rounded piece of goodness on the pages of Jacob. There is no cliffhanger! YAY! Hands down good one with suspense, romance, sexy time and fabulous characters.
Thank you for the ARC Kris! I look forward to more! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Kris Michaels
4.5 stars
Victoria Marshall has been held in hell. The prison she has survived in has brought her suffering, torment and abuse. She knows she wasn’t supposed to live. She knows she wasn’t supposed to fight … but she has. Her captures can torture her but she wont give up. They will have to kill her and she never knows when that day will come but until then she will fight. Tori realizes she is believed to be dead and no one is coming for her. How do you continue when you know your life is in the prison you are being held until your death?
Jacob King leads the team out of Guardian Security. Being the premier private defense company fighting international corruption he knows he will find vile situations. Never did he expect to find the woman he did alive and certainly not looking as she did. However she fought kept her heart beating and the beatings were brutal by the look of her injuries. As the hurricane starts to erupt between the two both are destined for other things. An agreement to meet turns into a path of healing for both Jacob and Tori.
I loved the fact that we did not have an instant lets fall in to bed story here. Tori had been through a traumatic experience with Jakob having issues of his own to sort through. Tori’s character is exactly as it should be; smart, beautiful and sassy. She knows the expectations of Jakob’s profession due to her time in the CIA. There are numerous secondary characters that Im certain we will hear more about within future releases.
This is a must read if you are looking for a great story from a new author. The story line is complex, characters are believable and well written and family ties are strong. Lets also tie in the banter between characters and you have a well rounded piece of goodness on the pages of Jacob. There is no cliffhanger! YAY! Hands down good one with suspense, romance, sexy time and fabulous characters.
Thank you for the ARC Kris! I look forward to more! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
July 31, 2016
Loved it! This is the first book in this steamy romantic suspense series and though it introduced a lot of characters as is typical in first books, it held my attention. Nicely written, lots of action, romance, steam, humor and I got emotional a time or two as I kept turning the pages.
This was Jacob's story. Leader of a team that went into an Afghanistan "prison" and discovered an American female that had been held captive for several months. She was filthy, beaten, burned, broken leg, dislocated arm and more. The team took her with them and things went from there. Jacob thought she wasn't his "type" because she didn't look like the drop dead women he usually "associated" with, but they made a "date" a year from her rescue to meet in D.C. and when he saw Victoria (Tori) he was hooked.
This had similar flashbacks of another favorite author of mine, Lisa Marie Rice, and how she seemed to write from a male perspective at times and the male character's lock on to target (female character) and figure out how to keep her).
Loved how Jacob and Tori hit it off and there was no game playing, no arguing, just them falling in love while going through life together. Only Jacob's life is dangerous and bad things force the couple to make some drastic lifestyle choices.
Can't wait to read book #2, Joseph's story. :-)
4 1/2 stars from This Reader
This was Jacob's story. Leader of a team that went into an Afghanistan "prison" and discovered an American female that had been held captive for several months. She was filthy, beaten, burned, broken leg, dislocated arm and more. The team took her with them and things went from there. Jacob thought she wasn't his "type" because she didn't look like the drop dead women he usually "associated" with, but they made a "date" a year from her rescue to meet in D.C. and when he saw Victoria (Tori) he was hooked.
This had similar flashbacks of another favorite author of mine, Lisa Marie Rice, and how she seemed to write from a male perspective at times and the male character's lock on to target (female character) and figure out how to keep her).
Loved how Jacob and Tori hit it off and there was no game playing, no arguing, just them falling in love while going through life together. Only Jacob's life is dangerous and bad things force the couple to make some drastic lifestyle choices.
Can't wait to read book #2, Joseph's story. :-)
4 1/2 stars from This Reader
December 31, 2018
This is very likely my last book review of 2018. It is the 30/12/18 and I have only just reached 130/100 books in my reading challenge. It is 05:10am.
Their first meeting was great. LOVED that scene as well as their second meeting scene. I LOVED Jacob and Tori's families and how close they grew.
Not going to spoil the plot just going say that this book was an almost great ending to 2018 but felt way longer then it actually was. Maybe it was because I got lost or lost interest in some of the plot but I really think this book went on... and had some very irrelevant twists and turns in the plot that made no sense to me.
Then names of Jacob's brothers really confused me. So many times I had to check whose book I was reading to make sure that Jacob is the brother this book focuses on and not Jared or Joseph. Their names are so damn confusing. I mean, I'm in the middle of reading this and one of the brothers pop up (all of Jacob's siblings names start with "J") I had to tripple check the cover to make sure that I am focusing on Jacob and not get confused as to who "I" refers to in the first person when reading from Jacob's POV.
I think that I might continue reading this series as the later books are on Jacob's siblings and friends and are meant to focus on the family.
Their first meeting was great. LOVED that scene as well as their second meeting scene. I LOVED Jacob and Tori's families and how close they grew.
Not going to spoil the plot just going say that this book was an almost great ending to 2018 but felt way longer then it actually was. Maybe it was because I got lost or lost interest in some of the plot but I really think this book went on... and had some very irrelevant twists and turns in the plot that made no sense to me.
Then names of Jacob's brothers really confused me. So many times I had to check whose book I was reading to make sure that Jacob is the brother this book focuses on and not Jared or Joseph. Their names are so damn confusing. I mean, I'm in the middle of reading this and one of the brothers pop up (all of Jacob's siblings names start with "J") I had to tripple check the cover to make sure that I am focusing on Jacob and not get confused as to who "I" refers to in the first person when reading from Jacob's POV.
I think that I might continue reading this series as the later books are on Jacob's siblings and friends and are meant to focus on the family.
April 24, 2015
I love, love this book!!! I can't believe this is this authors first book!!! The characters and the story are very well written. This author pulls you into the story through the great descriptions of the scenery, the great love scenes between the main characters and all the way through to the action packed adventure that is the lives of the "Guardian" boys and girls :) There are stories within the stories so you get to know the main characters but you also get the idea that she is setting you up to be excited to see what happens next to all of the side characters in the book. I am so excited to see who will be in the next book and I can't wait to continue reading works from this author. It is a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys witty word play, amazing characters, and a thrilling story plot.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
July 13, 2015
I was given a copy from the author, for an honest review.
All I can say is WOW, what a debut for Kris, it started out massively dark, then took a turn for what started out as an action packed story. I felt myself trip into the book, get lost, gradually climb out & get sucked back in again... then it was finished & I felt empty. So in other words... I FLOVED IT! The opening scene, just WOW, then the next few chapters... like I said I was LOST! add to that the action through out, the heat, the suspense, the conclusion... I definitely want more from the "Kings of Guardian" series & eagerly await the next book in the series.
All I can say is WOW, what a debut for Kris, it started out massively dark, then took a turn for what started out as an action packed story. I felt myself trip into the book, get lost, gradually climb out & get sucked back in again... then it was finished & I felt empty. So in other words... I FLOVED IT! The opening scene, just WOW, then the next few chapters... like I said I was LOST! add to that the action through out, the heat, the suspense, the conclusion... I definitely want more from the "Kings of Guardian" series & eagerly await the next book in the series.
July 8, 2017
This is my first book by this author and I liked it so much I've added the others in the series to my TBR list. I like it when there is more to a story than just the angst of two people hooking up...this series about the alpha men and smart, sassy women of Guardian Security is going to be a thrill ride...I just know it. This one is the story of Jacob and Victoria...he rescues her from and Afghani prison and they set a date for one year from the date of her rescue and the story takes off from there. I found this story engaging from the very first paragraph of the prologue. Thank you Kris Michaels, you've earned a new fan today!
September 1, 2019
Hard to rate this one. On one hand, I liked the characters and the melding of the two families, but on the other we have a boatload of typos and grammatical errors throughout. Most of those errors could’ve been caught by running a simple spellcheck and others should’ve been caught by first read through by just about anyone. It was easily dismissed initially then became a serious annoyance.
The rating higher than 2-stars reflects my like for the characters and direction their story is headed, which outweighed the errors, for now. I’ll most likely read one or two more in the series because I want to know what will happen with Doc (mainly) and see if the errors remain or not.
The rating higher than 2-stars reflects my like for the characters and direction their story is headed, which outweighed the errors, for now. I’ll most likely read one or two more in the series because I want to know what will happen with Doc (mainly) and see if the errors remain or not.
October 15, 2016
REALLY liked this one, starts off with a major action packed attention grabber. Sure the resulting insta-love and the marriage/baby came at light speed quickness. The CIA heroine is perfect which normally has me rolling my eyes but I liked her. I love what I call military/special ops alpha romance and this one kept my interest and well.... it just worked for me. Liked the family of badass brothers/sisters who provide the series material. Moving on to bk 2 ($0.99). New author for me and this series looks to be fun inexpensive entertainment.
June 26, 2022
I didn't even finish the first 25% of the book before I went and purchased all the other books that were available in this series. I took me less than 2 days to finish Jacob, Joseph, and Adam. I CANNOT wait for the next book in the series. Fast paced story and well developed characters (both primary and secondary). I've got my fingers crossed hoping that the Wonder Twins get their own books. Each book is a standalone with most if not all characters appearing in all the books.
March 22, 2016
3.25+ RATING- I thought the overall story had potential but some parts of the suspense portion of the story and the Guardian Agency were a bit too over the top for me. Also a healthy dose of cheese in spots. Still, I'd probably read more in the series especially if a future book involves the twins in a MFM menage =)
June 20, 2024
Needed to change my reading genre to some seriously alpha men . I stumbled upon a few authors but none captured my attention as far as their storytelling the way Kris did.
Love these books and the spin off series. They keep on getting better and better.
You don't know what you are missing if you don't read Kris's work.
Love these books and the spin off series. They keep on getting better and better.
You don't know what you are missing if you don't read Kris's work.
December 14, 2019
Sexy alpha meet the tough as nails woman, he'd never realized, of his dreams.
I was biting my nails while fully engulfed in the intrigue and action of Jacob.
Mr. King and Tori are a perfect pair.
I loved reading this ARC...
I was biting my nails while fully engulfed in the intrigue and action of Jacob.
Mr. King and Tori are a perfect pair.
I loved reading this ARC...
June 3, 2018
This was an unfortunately pointless read that I just could not get into. It was as if every romance trope tried to jam themselves into a single story, a la clown-car style. Rather a waste of good reading time, I’m afraid.
Read
April 20, 2019Kris Michaels is a word artist!!
This makes the 20th time I’ve read this book and it never gets old! If you’re looking for a great book and series make sure you get the Kings of Guardian series
This makes the 20th time I’ve read this book and it never gets old! If you’re looking for a great book and series make sure you get the Kings of Guardian series
August 3, 2022
A good friend suggested this series to me, and she was spot on for the type of romance/suspense books I like. Tori (Victoria) is bad-ass and smart as a whip, giving as good as she gets. Jacob is an alpha hero, former military, now with a group of mercenaries (many of whom are his brothers) that have every toy available to them to do their jobs. Jacob saves Tori from (graphically described) torture, and they agree to meet one year later Once they do, sparks fly (lots of steam in this book, folks). Guardian #1 sets the stage for the other books, introducing many characters but not over whelming the main story. Slight beef: all the King children are have "J" names so it was hard to keep Jared, Jason, Justin, Joseph and Jacob all straight.
I enjoyed Michaels writing style and she struck a good balance between the technical and the romantic, and made the suspenseful parts really work. I will definitely keep going with this series.
I enjoyed Michaels writing style and she struck a good balance between the technical and the romantic, and made the suspenseful parts really work. I will definitely keep going with this series.
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