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Kings of Guardian #2
Joseph
Ember Harris has sworn to save lives. Joseph King is an assassin. Death is their common ground, only they stand on opposing sides. Thrown together they find that in life, like death, everyone needs a Guardian.
A dead man’s plea pushes Dr. Ember Harris headfirst into a swirling mire of drugs, death and political corruption. The Cartel boss who murdered Ember’s friend will stop at nothing to get the information entrusted to her. After all, finding and killing a mere woman in order to claim the evidence should be easy. A matter of a contract, time and money. Terrified, alone and on the run, Ember reaches out to the only person she knows she can trust.
Joseph King is an assassin. He’d just unpacked his bag from an assignment he probably shouldn’t have survived. A life such as his comes with an expiration date. Sooner or later your competition or your target will get lucky. Out of spare lives, Joseph knows it is time to hang it up and walk away while he still can. Best laid plans, right? One phone call from the only woman he’d ever cared about successfully sidelines his disappearing act. Protecting Em will be his last mission. This time he’ll risk anything, including his life, to keep her safe. For her, he’d stroll through the sin-stoked fires of hell and gut the devil himself.
A dead man’s plea pushes Dr. Ember Harris headfirst into a swirling mire of drugs, death and political corruption. The Cartel boss who murdered Ember’s friend will stop at nothing to get the information entrusted to her. After all, finding and killing a mere woman in order to claim the evidence should be easy. A matter of a contract, time and money. Terrified, alone and on the run, Ember reaches out to the only person she knows she can trust.
Joseph King is an assassin. He’d just unpacked his bag from an assignment he probably shouldn’t have survived. A life such as his comes with an expiration date. Sooner or later your competition or your target will get lucky. Out of spare lives, Joseph knows it is time to hang it up and walk away while he still can. Best laid plans, right? One phone call from the only woman he’d ever cared about successfully sidelines his disappearing act. Protecting Em will be his last mission. This time he’ll risk anything, including his life, to keep her safe. For her, he’d stroll through the sin-stoked fires of hell and gut the devil himself.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
1674 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
81 books1,115 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 251 reviews
October 18, 2016
Get ready y’all, rant ahead!!!
Not feeling the love for this one, the story or the characters. But that’s okay, Joseph was sort of the mysterious Guardian Brother in the last bk and didn’t warrant any real interest but what the heck at $.099 I wanted to give it go especially since I liked the last bk so much. Will I be moving on to bk 3 after this bk chapped me off? Absolutely, the Heroes can’t all be freaky. And on that note….
Joseph is the oldest brother and the elusive, mysterious, lone killer of this black op Guardian Group. His lifestyle has evidently created some dark sexual needs. He gets off on giving pain to his partners. You know, make it so they can’t breathe and start to black out, make them hurt to get his thrills. Ember is a ER Trauma doc. Reading along I’m thinking she’s intelligent. When things heat up between Ember and “Joey”, he gives her heads up on his proclivities. Ember is naturally frightened. Of course, they eventually do the dark deed. Is Ember still frightened? Hell yes! Does she try to push away? Hell yes! Does she cry? Hell yes! Does he stop or let her go? HELL NO! So one would think after that first experience, the intelligence would kick in and she wouldn’t give it another go. But (brace yourself for the bullshit) he calls her a “good girl” for putting up with his freaky shit, therefore, she’s proud of herself and needs his “approval/love” so she’s okay with it. They continue on this path to the eventual HEA. And I call bullshit on that!
And here we go…….What chaps my ass to infinity and beyond is when a seemingly intelligent female character suddenly goes brain dead and endures something she obviously didn’t want to do for the sake of the male’s approval/like/love/ring on the finger. Didn’t venture down this road before but if the Hero wants it she’s suddenly all in. W-T-F?!? And what’s wrong with these female authors that promote this shit?!?! C’mon, how about a female character that says “fuck that shit, hit the road Jack”. Why are the female characters the ones that have to endure whatever for the male’s approval? It’s NEVER the other way around. C’mon authors give your fictional females a freaking brain AND a backbone!!!
Not feeling the love for this one, the story or the characters. But that’s okay, Joseph was sort of the mysterious Guardian Brother in the last bk and didn’t warrant any real interest but what the heck at $.099 I wanted to give it go especially since I liked the last bk so much. Will I be moving on to bk 3 after this bk chapped me off? Absolutely, the Heroes can’t all be freaky. And on that note….
Joseph is the oldest brother and the elusive, mysterious, lone killer of this black op Guardian Group. His lifestyle has evidently created some dark sexual needs. He gets off on giving pain to his partners. You know, make it so they can’t breathe and start to black out, make them hurt to get his thrills. Ember is a ER Trauma doc. Reading along I’m thinking she’s intelligent. When things heat up between Ember and “Joey”, he gives her heads up on his proclivities. Ember is naturally frightened. Of course, they eventually do the dark deed. Is Ember still frightened? Hell yes! Does she try to push away? Hell yes! Does she cry? Hell yes! Does he stop or let her go? HELL NO! So one would think after that first experience, the intelligence would kick in and she wouldn’t give it another go. But (brace yourself for the bullshit) he calls her a “good girl” for putting up with his freaky shit, therefore, she’s proud of herself and needs his “approval/love” so she’s okay with it. They continue on this path to the eventual HEA. And I call bullshit on that!
And here we go…….What chaps my ass to infinity and beyond is when a seemingly intelligent female character suddenly goes brain dead and endures something she obviously didn’t want to do for the sake of the male’s approval/like/love/ring on the finger. Didn’t venture down this road before but if the Hero wants it she’s suddenly all in. W-T-F?!? And what’s wrong with these female authors that promote this shit?!?! C’mon, how about a female character that says “fuck that shit, hit the road Jack”. Why are the female characters the ones that have to endure whatever for the male’s approval? It’s NEVER the other way around. C’mon authors give your fictional females a freaking brain AND a backbone!!!
July 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Not as good as the first but still a good story. Seeing Joseph fall was worth it! He and Ember dated in high school. But never had sex and moved on. I do not have a problem with this when they both move on and no one is pining.
Ember rocks. Only she could have handled Joseph.
When he left her, I cried. It was so heartbreaking.
My problem with the story... The sex. No shit! For me that is shocking.
Safety gang
Not as good as the first but still a good story. Seeing Joseph fall was worth it! He and Ember dated in high school. But never had sex and moved on. I do not have a problem with this when they both move on and no one is pining.
Ember rocks. Only she could have handled Joseph.
When he left her, I cried. It was so heartbreaking.
My problem with the story... The sex. No shit! For me that is shocking.
Safety gang
August 3, 2016
Ugh! I did not like this book BECAUSE of the main characters, Joseph (Joey) and Ember. Joseph's character was that of an assassin. He was a loner, but had brothers in the Guardians. His choices lead him down the path(s) that he went down. Ember's character was a grown--adult--woman. She was an Emergency Room doctor, but did not have the personality or the dialogue to support that character type. She had no backbone and allowed herself to be bullied by Joseph throughout the entire story. He told her--repeatedly--she was a "one and done." I was so sick of him calling her "baby girl!" He was EXTREMELY condescending to Ember and she just laid there and took it.
He liked sex with pain. He liked to inflict pain. He got off on pain, both mental and physical abuse. This was not a romance. This was a classic case of someone needing help.
I was furious with Ember for allowing herself to be treated the way that he treated her.
The ending was also very corny and I did not think this book was well polished at all.
He liked sex with pain. He liked to inflict pain. He got off on pain, both mental and physical abuse. This was not a romance. This was a classic case of someone needing help.
I was furious with Ember for allowing herself to be treated the way that he treated her.
The ending was also very corny and I did not think this book was well polished at all.
May 5, 2016
This is book two in a series of brothers (blood and brothers, as in teammates) that work for Guardian Security. There are other members as well and I plan to read the entire series. Book one was Jacob and Tori. This is book two and is Joseph and Em's story.
He is the elite of assassins and she is an elite trauma doctor. She fights for life while he ends it in the name of saving others. They grew up together. She does not know what he does. All she knows was he left to go into the military 16 years ago but she has and always will love him. She didn't think she'd ever see him again though. That is until her current friend ends up dead after handing her a thumb drive and an ominous warning that if anything happens to him get it to someone out of state. That drive contains information that has sealed her fate.
She calls Joseph's mom and asks her to have Joey call her. She is already on the run when he calls her back but the wheels are now in true motion as he gives her instructions to get off the bus and leave everything but the bag she has on the bus with her.
Joseph knows one thing, he has to live long enough to get Em safe. He has to ignore the pain from being flayed on his back from a whip and get to her. And he does, at least one of those, the other, he has to have a little help with.
I love this series! I was expecting a little more from this book because of several things in the first book and the way this one started, but is was still a solid 4 stars! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
He is the elite of assassins and she is an elite trauma doctor. She fights for life while he ends it in the name of saving others. They grew up together. She does not know what he does. All she knows was he left to go into the military 16 years ago but she has and always will love him. She didn't think she'd ever see him again though. That is until her current friend ends up dead after handing her a thumb drive and an ominous warning that if anything happens to him get it to someone out of state. That drive contains information that has sealed her fate.
She calls Joseph's mom and asks her to have Joey call her. She is already on the run when he calls her back but the wheels are now in true motion as he gives her instructions to get off the bus and leave everything but the bag she has on the bus with her.
Joseph knows one thing, he has to live long enough to get Em safe. He has to ignore the pain from being flayed on his back from a whip and get to her. And he does, at least one of those, the other, he has to have a little help with.
I love this series! I was expecting a little more from this book because of several things in the first book and the way this one started, but is was still a solid 4 stars! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
June 24, 2016
Joseph the brother who takes the crazy missions and an assassin. Ember strong nerdy doctor. I was waiting for Josephs story he was the dark brother who no one would hear from but one call his ex Ember calling him that she is in trouble he dropped everything and went to her. Embers friend gave her a flash drive with information unfortunately this puts her in danger. Ember and Joseph are cute together she is innocent and he is dark and demanding bur that doesn't stop her from putting him in his spot. 3 quarters of the way when he leaves to finish business that killed me the goodbye was horrible I was crying but he does redeemed himself. Suspenseful with action great book.
February 6, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
What happens when your in desperate need for help and the only man you ever loved is the only one you can call.
Will he help you?
What if that man is now the worlds best assassin.
Can you handle the truth?
What if at the end , you can never be together.
Will you still fall in love with him again?
Excellent book and wonderful reading!
💋💋💋
What happens when your in desperate need for help and the only man you ever loved is the only one you can call.
Will he help you?
What if that man is now the worlds best assassin.
Can you handle the truth?
What if at the end , you can never be together.
Will you still fall in love with him again?
Excellent book and wonderful reading!
March 3, 2019
While I loved the 1st book, Jacob, I really didn't care for Joseph, at all.
His character kinda sucked. He wasn't Alpha, he was a d*ck. Ember was, supposedly, intelligent yet she allowed him to treat her pretty shabbily. I can appreciate a good BDSM story, but this wasn't sexy to me. He liked to give pain during sex and called her "baby girl", common occurences in a BDSM story, and she seemed to enjoy it too, along with his controlling nature in the bedroom. He squicked me out when he nearly suffocates her when she does oral on him. It just felt slimy. I think a warning should be included in the book description.
Ember was a weak-willed mess, still in love with her high school sweetheart, who doesn't exist anymore. Joseph is NOT the boy she loved. She agrees to have a short term love affair with him. He's very upfront that it will end when he leaves to go after the bad guys. Then she BEGS him to come back to her. Girl, where is your backbone? You need to toss this one back into the sea!
He leaves her at the ranch, for 5 months, while he's dealing with the bad guys. No one tells her what's going on with him and she never asks. Then he calls her to tell her "goodbye". Here is when she realizes he's probably going to die.
In the meanwhile, everything goes according to plan... Still no one shares any information with her allows her to believe he's dead, Spoiler - he's not! Big surprise, right? This is a HEA, of course he's not dead. When she discovers he's still alive she punches him. You go, girl! This is the only time she gives him "what for". Then he drops to a knee and proposes. She accepts, stupid woman that she is. If that had been me I'd have kneed him in the balls and left him writhing on the floor.
Don't even get me started on Keelee. She wasn't even invited to the wedding. As usual EVERYONE overlooks her, including her own sister Tori. I'm almost afraid to read her story next in "Adam". She needs to tell him, and the rest of these Guardian guys to go to hell.
Anyway, I'm SO glad the 1st 3 books are on KU. If I'd paid for Joseph I'd be pretty damned mad. As it stands I've lost the time it took me to read it. I kept, fruitlessly, hoping Ember would step up, and that Joseph would get his ass handed to him.
His character kinda sucked. He wasn't Alpha, he was a d*ck. Ember was, supposedly, intelligent yet she allowed him to treat her pretty shabbily. I can appreciate a good BDSM story, but this wasn't sexy to me. He liked to give pain during sex and called her "baby girl", common occurences in a BDSM story, and she seemed to enjoy it too, along with his controlling nature in the bedroom. He squicked me out when he nearly suffocates her when she does oral on him. It just felt slimy. I think a warning should be included in the book description.
Ember was a weak-willed mess, still in love with her high school sweetheart, who doesn't exist anymore. Joseph is NOT the boy she loved. She agrees to have a short term love affair with him. He's very upfront that it will end when he leaves to go after the bad guys. Then she BEGS him to come back to her. Girl, where is your backbone? You need to toss this one back into the sea!
He leaves her at the ranch, for 5 months, while he's dealing with the bad guys. No one tells her what's going on with him and she never asks. Then he calls her to tell her "goodbye". Here is when she realizes he's probably going to die.
In the meanwhile, everything goes according to plan... Still no one shares any information with her allows her to believe he's dead, Spoiler - he's not! Big surprise, right? This is a HEA, of course he's not dead. When she discovers he's still alive she punches him. You go, girl! This is the only time she gives him "what for". Then he drops to a knee and proposes. She accepts, stupid woman that she is. If that had been me I'd have kneed him in the balls and left him writhing on the floor.
Don't even get me started on Keelee. She wasn't even invited to the wedding. As usual EVERYONE overlooks her, including her own sister Tori. I'm almost afraid to read her story next in "Adam". She needs to tell him, and the rest of these Guardian guys to go to hell.
Anyway, I'm SO glad the 1st 3 books are on KU. If I'd paid for Joseph I'd be pretty damned mad. As it stands I've lost the time it took me to read it. I kept, fruitlessly, hoping Ember would step up, and that Joseph would get his ass handed to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2018
I was disappointed with the second story in this series because I didn't connect with the relationship between Joseph and Ember, like I did with Jacob and Tori in the first book. While both brothers (Jacob and Joseph) claimed love for their partners, I didn't feel any respect in Joseph and Ember's relationship. I may have been more comfortable with the nature of Joseph and Ember's relationship if it felt consensual and respectful, but it didn't. I'm okay with people getting as kinky as they want to get as long as that kink is consensual, and that means all of it. I mean isn't there suppose to be a safe word when you're pushing limits. I didn't make sense that an obviously intelligent. confident, professional woman would hear her partner say he likes to inflict pain during sex and not ask for specifics and set some parameters. Ember is an ER doctor so she surely would know what constitutes rape. And, definitely, after she was understandably frightened by Joseph's refusal to stop when she wanted to, Ember would have been confronting him.
I like the fantasy of the alpha male, but not when it feels exploitative and demeaning. It felt creepy how Joseph continually called Ember "little girl", like he was priming her for this submissive role he was relegating her to, whether she consented to it or not.
And, I didn't understand why he couldn't share with Ember the plans he was concocting when he went to Mexico. It seemed needlessly cruel to inflict so much emotional pain upon someone you supposedly love. Did he not trust her to keep the secret? Apparently his need to inflict pain stretched beyond the bedroom.
So, I think this story would have been much better with a kick-ass female, who called Joseph on his crap instead of enabling it.
I will continue on with this book series, though, since I liked the first book so much.
I like the fantasy of the alpha male, but not when it feels exploitative and demeaning. It felt creepy how Joseph continually called Ember "little girl", like he was priming her for this submissive role he was relegating her to, whether she consented to it or not.
And, I didn't understand why he couldn't share with Ember the plans he was concocting when he went to Mexico. It seemed needlessly cruel to inflict so much emotional pain upon someone you supposedly love. Did he not trust her to keep the secret? Apparently his need to inflict pain stretched beyond the bedroom.
So, I think this story would have been much better with a kick-ass female, who called Joseph on his crap instead of enabling it.
I will continue on with this book series, though, since I liked the first book so much.
November 21, 2015
The assassin and the doctor are a sexy, combustible pair...
Emotional, full of action, drama and tension, this story was everything I’d hoped it would be.
Ember Harris is embarking on a new life adventure but not the one she planned for. Walking away from her high-stress job as an emergency room doctor, she planned to take a step back and smell the roses before figuring out what’s next. What she didn’t expect was to reconnect with the one man in her entire life who gave her a sense of safety and belonging. Or to do it as she feared for her life…
Joseph King knew what he did was violent and abhorrent but necessary in this chaotic world. He also couldn’t help but remember Ember – he never forgot his high school sweetheart. He knew he couldn’t have a wife – a family – with his profession. He didn’t feel he deserved one. When she called though he moved heaven and earth to be there for her…
This is the second in the series but the first for me. All I can say is, hold onto your hats as the ride is fast and very bumpy. And emotional. And a beautiful romance despite the chaos surrounding them both. Joseph is protective and alpha all the way. He didn’t think he could save the world and take something, someone, for himself. He was going to be proved wrong.
“The one time in her life she felt safe, wanted and loved was when she dated Joseph.”
Ember has a core of steel that allows her to save lives and do what needs to done, despite the circumstances. Underneath those matter of fact exteriors, however, are hearts that simply recognize their soulmates.
“You better love her while you can. My mom once told me life isn’t about the millions of breaths you take. It’s about the individual moments that take your breath away.”
I loved this story and the people in it. Joseph was… well… I just want to wrap him up and take him home. Joseph is one brother in a family of protectors and I can’t wait to learn more about each of them!
July 18, 2017
Wow what a gripping edge of your seat action packed read full of suspense, romance, and witty laugh out loud banter plus a deadly assassin named Fury!
The second book in The Kings of Guardians Series, this time focusing on Joseph King the eldest of the King brothers and number one assassin.
Ember Harris a Doctor used to saving lives not ending them decides to leave her job in the ER and take a year off figuring out what she wants in life.
"Death is their common ground, only they stand on opposing sides"
However, after agreeing to meet her ex her life is sent spiralling headfirst into a spinning mire of drugs, death, political corruption and a Cartel boss that will stop at nothing to get back the information entrusted to her.
Ember decides the only thing she can do is go on the run, alone and frightened she reaches out to the one person she knows she can trust.
Joseph King finally decides that maybe just maybe after surviving a mission that probably should have ended his life it might be time to walk away from the Guardians. One phone call from the only woman he’s ever loved quickly puts a stop to those plans and he’ll make it his last mission protecting Em, this time risking anything and everything including his life to keep her safe.
As they embark on their journey to safety, old feelings reappear and both must come to terms with that maybe this is a mission that won’t be survivable and must make the heart-breaking decision to say goodbye to each while they still can…
"I’m not the type of man to wrap the stars in moonbeams and offer to give you the universe, but I’ll carry this time we’ve shared, with me forever…in here.” He placed his hand over his heart.
This is the first book I have read in this series however; it can be reads as a standalone. It was a well thought out plotline that flowed. The main and secondary characters had depth. It’s a series I will continue to read as well as reading the first book. Definitely recommend it.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review via Words Turn Me On Book Blog **
The second book in The Kings of Guardians Series, this time focusing on Joseph King the eldest of the King brothers and number one assassin.
Ember Harris a Doctor used to saving lives not ending them decides to leave her job in the ER and take a year off figuring out what she wants in life.
"Death is their common ground, only they stand on opposing sides"
However, after agreeing to meet her ex her life is sent spiralling headfirst into a spinning mire of drugs, death, political corruption and a Cartel boss that will stop at nothing to get back the information entrusted to her.
Ember decides the only thing she can do is go on the run, alone and frightened she reaches out to the one person she knows she can trust.
Joseph King finally decides that maybe just maybe after surviving a mission that probably should have ended his life it might be time to walk away from the Guardians. One phone call from the only woman he’s ever loved quickly puts a stop to those plans and he’ll make it his last mission protecting Em, this time risking anything and everything including his life to keep her safe.
As they embark on their journey to safety, old feelings reappear and both must come to terms with that maybe this is a mission that won’t be survivable and must make the heart-breaking decision to say goodbye to each while they still can…
"I’m not the type of man to wrap the stars in moonbeams and offer to give you the universe, but I’ll carry this time we’ve shared, with me forever…in here.” He placed his hand over his heart.
This is the first book I have read in this series however; it can be reads as a standalone. It was a well thought out plotline that flowed. The main and secondary characters had depth. It’s a series I will continue to read as well as reading the first book. Definitely recommend it.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review via Words Turn Me On Book Blog **
October 1, 2015
I was gifted an ARC of Joseph ( The Kings of Guardian book #2) by Kris Michaels in return for an honest review.
Reviewing on behalg of Triple B's Book Blog
After reading the first book I couldn't wait to get stuck into Joseph and Ember's story.
Man I was so not disappointed!
I think I might have liked it more than book #1, if that's possible.
This, like the first one starts off in quite a dark place. Joseph has been captured and is being tortured at the hands of his captors but they have underestimated him. He proves why he is the best of the best.
Dr Ember Harris has quit her job, she wants to see what else there is out there. Unfortunately a meeting with her ex ends with her life being thrown into turmoil, resulting in her finding herself in a world of drug cartels, death and corruption. Alone, scared and on the run she calls the only person who she feels she can trust 100%.
Joseph is an assassin working for Guardian. He's a loner, he keeps himself separated from those closest to him. He knows that a life such as the one he leads has an expiration date. He decides that it is time to leave it behind but rarely do things work out as planned. A phone call from the only woman who he has ever truly cared for changes everything.
He'll protect Ember with his life if necessary.
Will it come down to his life to save hers??
"Death is their common ground, only they stand on opposing sides"
Once again the depth that Kris Michaels has achieved is brilliant.
I was drawn into Joseph and Ember's world, felt every emotion with them.
Joseph can come across as a bit of a dominating ass at times but I found myself liking him despite that!
I liked the fact you learn more about the other characters too.
I so look forward to Doc (Adam) and Keelee's story which will be coming out next.
Reviewing on behalg of Triple B's Book Blog
After reading the first book I couldn't wait to get stuck into Joseph and Ember's story.
Man I was so not disappointed!
I think I might have liked it more than book #1, if that's possible.
This, like the first one starts off in quite a dark place. Joseph has been captured and is being tortured at the hands of his captors but they have underestimated him. He proves why he is the best of the best.
Dr Ember Harris has quit her job, she wants to see what else there is out there. Unfortunately a meeting with her ex ends with her life being thrown into turmoil, resulting in her finding herself in a world of drug cartels, death and corruption. Alone, scared and on the run she calls the only person who she feels she can trust 100%.
Joseph is an assassin working for Guardian. He's a loner, he keeps himself separated from those closest to him. He knows that a life such as the one he leads has an expiration date. He decides that it is time to leave it behind but rarely do things work out as planned. A phone call from the only woman who he has ever truly cared for changes everything.
He'll protect Ember with his life if necessary.
Will it come down to his life to save hers??
"Death is their common ground, only they stand on opposing sides"
Once again the depth that Kris Michaels has achieved is brilliant.
I was drawn into Joseph and Ember's world, felt every emotion with them.
Joseph can come across as a bit of a dominating ass at times but I found myself liking him despite that!
I liked the fact you learn more about the other characters too.
I so look forward to Doc (Adam) and Keelee's story which will be coming out next.
August 26, 2016
I'm a little shocked at how I can go from loving one book to absolutely loathing the next one. It's as if this was written by an entirely different person.
I get the whole fifty shades thing is an apparent thing at the moment, but this story did not do it at all well.
No sorry I'm now very hesitant about reading the next one, which I also now kind of regret buying.
I get the whole fifty shades thing is an apparent thing at the moment, but this story did not do it at all well.
No sorry I'm now very hesitant about reading the next one, which I also now kind of regret buying.
October 1, 2015
Joseph has an alter ego called Fury and Fury is known as one of the best assassins in the world. Ember is a medical professional dealing directly with trauma institutions like the emergency room at the hospital. In one fell swoop after 16 years of absence Joseph and Ember find themselves back in the same vicinity, except it isn't to reminisce, it's to protect Ember from the bad guys that are after her. "If you have someone, stop wasting what precious time you have on this earth by protecting her from your lifestyle. Tomorrow isn't going to come for everyone. What happens if she walks out the door one day and never comes home because an accident takes her away from you? Would she know how you felt about her before she died?" Read on to see what happens when Joseph goes after the bad guys. Enjoy! I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2016
An enjoyable story, I was intrigued by Jason when reading Jacob's story and was glad to see his story was next and it really didn't disappoint. As an assassin and loner I did wonder how he would meet and fall for someone and I liked the idea that his eventual lover would be an old friend of his. Dr Ember Harris was a great character strong and fiesty and the way Jason rescued her was great, I do wish though that some of the action had been included rather than passed over but I did really enjoy the action during the last few chapters when Jason went to Mexico to take on the Cartel and the ending was great too especially when Adam started to remember his time with Keelee and I'm really looking forward to reading his book next.
Overall though a great read, and one I would definitely recommend to others.
Overall though a great read, and one I would definitely recommend to others.
October 21, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 of a fantab new series. Right away you are sucked into the action packed, suspense-filled storyline. So well written, it felt as if I were right there in the thick of things. This book does not disappoint and is a must-read. With strong, fully developed characters and a riveting storyline, you will hate having to step away from the book even for the shortest of time. Kris Michaels has done an amazing job with this newest edition to her series...way to go and thank you for taking us on this fantastic ride.
This is book 2 of a fantab new series. Right away you are sucked into the action packed, suspense-filled storyline. So well written, it felt as if I were right there in the thick of things. This book does not disappoint and is a must-read. With strong, fully developed characters and a riveting storyline, you will hate having to step away from the book even for the shortest of time. Kris Michaels has done an amazing job with this newest edition to her series...way to go and thank you for taking us on this fantastic ride.
October 7, 2015
What a riveting book!!! I literally couldn't put this book down! Joseph and Em was a love but packed with action it was unreal! I enjoyed the touches of stories from their youth and love story from that time and that their love continued, even actions their life went on! I loved the first book, have been waiting for the second book......now can't wait for the next book! Wonderful series with HEAs! What wonderful author and a wonderful story!
February 15, 2016
Love the series, love Joseph & Em
January 25, 2022
Yep - another roller-coaster of a read. Love love love Joseph... and Ember too! Don't really get the whole 'good girl' thing... but didn't detract from the read for me! Bumped it up a star too...
November 23, 2020
Joseph is the second Kings of Guardians book. It is loaded with action, danger, suspense and plus plenty of steamy romance.
“...he was the epitome of everything she wanted desperately to avoid. Drama, stress, anxiety, and fear. Yet, he was everything she needed. Strength, loyalty, kindness, and compassion.”
I think I can safely say that after reading only two books in this series so far, I’m completely addicted! Can’t wait to start book three.
“...life isn’t about the millions of breaths you take. It’s about the individual moments that take your breath away.”
-5 stars-
“...he was the epitome of everything she wanted desperately to avoid. Drama, stress, anxiety, and fear. Yet, he was everything she needed. Strength, loyalty, kindness, and compassion.”
I think I can safely say that after reading only two books in this series so far, I’m completely addicted! Can’t wait to start book three.
“...life isn’t about the millions of breaths you take. It’s about the individual moments that take your breath away.”
-5 stars-
December 3, 2022
Can she give him a reason to live
She was always his one, but life stole their future and Joseph is convinced he doesn't deserve a future or love...Em has other ideas and will show him time and again just how good he is. But their story is a long and heartbreaking one, I sobbed numerous times reading this, but couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. This is one of the most emotional books in the series and may leave you exhausted, but will also leave you eager for more Guardian and more of the King family.
She was always his one, but life stole their future and Joseph is convinced he doesn't deserve a future or love...Em has other ideas and will show him time and again just how good he is. But their story is a long and heartbreaking one, I sobbed numerous times reading this, but couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. This is one of the most emotional books in the series and may leave you exhausted, but will also leave you eager for more Guardian and more of the King family.
November 10, 2019
Highly enjoyable.
Kris Michaels is a new to me author and after reading the second book in the Kings of Guardian series, she could very well become a favourite. Joseph and Em's story is hot and beguiling. They are both strong characters and this is needed in their story. I highly recommend this book.
Kris Michaels is a new to me author and after reading the second book in the Kings of Guardian series, she could very well become a favourite. Joseph and Em's story is hot and beguiling. They are both strong characters and this is needed in their story. I highly recommend this book.
March 4, 2023
Joseph's Story
A good read. Suspense, pushed some emotional buttons. A darker erotica than Jacob so lot's of pages to skim. I actually expected Joseph to be more gut wrenching.
A good read. Suspense, pushed some emotional buttons. A darker erotica than Jacob so lot's of pages to skim. I actually expected Joseph to be more gut wrenching.
November 20, 2015
Life isn't about the millions of breaths you take.
It's about the individual moments
that take your breath away.
This is my first book by Author Kris Michaels, and I'm sooo happy to have found her!!!
Joseph, (Kings of Guardian Book 2), is a great second chance romance, one that is packed full with action, angst, dangerous moments and swoon-worthy lines, intriguing characters and yes, panty-melting sex scenes. There's hardly a dull moment where your heart rate can slow down a little, and those scarce quiet lulls are filled with all the feels you can get from the rekindling of love and passion between Joseph King and Doctor Ember Harris.
The book starts with a gut-wrenching scene that sets the mood up. The surroundings Joseph finds himself in are a blur of dark rooms and long, narrow passageways, but the emotions brought to the table are all too clear, and all of them leave you breathless
The setting then changes completely, and you find yourself in a much more reassuring environment, a trauma hospital warden in New Orleans. The sense of unease follows you, though, with Ember struggling with the harder aspects of her line of job; bringing parents bad news and managing her collegues' envy is wearing her down more than her workaholic streak might ever be. She then decides to go on a vacation that should help her get some peace of mind back. Peace of mind???? Ha!! Just when her vacation-mode is starting to kick in, a friend of hers drags her into a dangerous situation, something much, much bigger than she can possibly manage by herself. Her job has taught Ember to be proactive, to act on her best judgement, to fight fear through action. Not this time, though. This time she needs help and she needs to drop off the radar of a really bad guy. Who can she turn to for help? Who can she tell what is going on in her life without putting anyone else's life at risk? Her old friend and ex boyfriend, Joseph King.
Joseph is a lone wolf; he works at Guardian Security, a subsidiary of Guardian International, one of those private agencies dealing with the resolution of those domestic and worlwide 'issues' that diplomacy has failed. Joseph is an equalizer, and a damn good one at that. He's solid, strong and has been giving off DOM vibes galore since he was in high school. That's the man a teenage Ember hopelessly fell for, that's the man she thinks she's turning to for help. But is he still? Or has his job turned him into a ruthless killing machine? More importantly, will he be able to free her from the existing contract hit on her head?
The dire situation Joseph and Ember find themselves in brings them closer and they realize that, ten years after their high school romance, there is still something going on between them. Unfortunately, Life is all too ready to burst their happy bubble and they have to go through a lot in terms of dangerous situations, heartbreaking decisions and pretty difficult moments of adjustement to new situations before they get their HEA, which is short of epic.
I truly enjoyed Joseph and Ember's story. I loved how their Dom/Sub relationship evolved and also loved the fact that all the King family worked at Guardian International and they all had each other's back. Perhaps I should say something about Joseph's job....... The only thing that I know for sure is that we are living in a world where the bad guys get away with their criminal actions more often than not, and dreaming about someone strong enough to get us rid of them is not wrong. Not at all.
Perhaps it is high time someone woke up.
#11/13/15prayforparis
***ARC received for an honest review***
October 28, 2019
A must read
Ho wow this made me smile laugh out loud and cry absoluty stunning writen i cant get enough off this hole series alpha men and the ladys aint no push over you will not be disappointed ho and steamy enough to melt your kindle
Ho wow this made me smile laugh out loud and cry absoluty stunning writen i cant get enough off this hole series alpha men and the ladys aint no push over you will not be disappointed ho and steamy enough to melt your kindle
February 22, 2017
Good story though not for those with delicate tastes
This second entry in the Guardians series is an intriguing character study into an assassin's life. I very much enjoyed the story of the relationship between Joseph and Ember. However, the sex in this book is much rougher and darker than in the first and is not for everyone. It was in fact a bit much for me and I did quite a bit of skimming over the paragraphs with those scenes.
The story was interesting and the info on characters from other books, further developing their stories, was attention grabbing.
This second entry in the Guardians series is an intriguing character study into an assassin's life. I very much enjoyed the story of the relationship between Joseph and Ember. However, the sex in this book is much rougher and darker than in the first and is not for everyone. It was in fact a bit much for me and I did quite a bit of skimming over the paragraphs with those scenes.
The story was interesting and the info on characters from other books, further developing their stories, was attention grabbing.
October 5, 2015
This is the second book in Kris Michaels' Kings of Guardians series, The eldest of the King brothers, Joseph is an assassin who works for a mercenary group. His high school girlfriend, Ember Harris, is an ER doc who has decided to take a year off and figure out her life. After another ex hands her evidence that will take down corrupt politicians and a drug cartel for safe keeping, she contacts Joseph and asks for his help.
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Joseph has never gotten over his love for Ember, and despite, what we are told, a string of disastrous relationships, it seems Ember has never gotten over Joseph. She hasn't seen Joseph in sixteen years but it doesn't keep her from trusting him, with her life, heart, and the evidence given to her for safekeeping.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The relationship between Ember and Joseph works, and the world Ms. Michaels has created for the two also works. The secondary characters are more than mere props and it is evident who among them will end up as heroes/heroines in their own books. While Ms. Michaels starts Ember's adventure in New Orleans, it is evident to those that live in that city, that she does not have a true grasp on the city's geography or the way in which those who make that city their home go about their day to day lives.
And yet, that is a nit picky bit to harp upon, that gets lost in what I consider my biggest issue with the book, which are the sex scenes - not because Joseph likes rough sex but rather because there are hints that Ember drops into subspace after one particular session. There is no aftercare, nor any real kink negotiation between the two. If Ms. Michaels wants the two to enjoy rough sex, let them enjoy rough sex. By the by, I rather liked that Joseph wasn't into soft and sweet sex, because it would seem to go against his character.
Joseph's hesitation in becoming permanently involved in Ember's life make sense and while I wish she had a bit more say in their relationship, it was, overall, one that I could get behind. This is a good read and I'm looking forward to further adventures in this series.
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Joseph has never gotten over his love for Ember, and despite, what we are told, a string of disastrous relationships, it seems Ember has never gotten over Joseph. She hasn't seen Joseph in sixteen years but it doesn't keep her from trusting him, with her life, heart, and the evidence given to her for safekeeping.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The relationship between Ember and Joseph works, and the world Ms. Michaels has created for the two also works. The secondary characters are more than mere props and it is evident who among them will end up as heroes/heroines in their own books. While Ms. Michaels starts Ember's adventure in New Orleans, it is evident to those that live in that city, that she does not have a true grasp on the city's geography or the way in which those who make that city their home go about their day to day lives.
And yet, that is a nit picky bit to harp upon, that gets lost in what I consider my biggest issue with the book, which are the sex scenes - not because Joseph likes rough sex but rather because there are hints that Ember drops into subspace after one particular session. There is no aftercare, nor any real kink negotiation between the two. If Ms. Michaels wants the two to enjoy rough sex, let them enjoy rough sex. By the by, I rather liked that Joseph wasn't into soft and sweet sex, because it would seem to go against his character.
Joseph's hesitation in becoming permanently involved in Ember's life make sense and while I wish she had a bit more say in their relationship, it was, overall, one that I could get behind. This is a good read and I'm looking forward to further adventures in this series.
October 9, 2019
Review of Joseph
I absolutely loved this book and I will eventually get the whole series. Kris is a wonderful author and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves military romance.
I absolutely loved this book and I will eventually get the whole series. Kris is a wonderful author and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves military romance.
September 13, 2022
Disappointed
Not sure what happened between first and second books. Loved the first. Joseph’s story should have been amazing. Great story — his teenage crush calls him when she’s in trouble. He is a couple of days past a brutal torturing where he has almost no skin left on his back. But he jumps in and races to help Ember. Then he is able to hide how much pain he’s in and acts superhuman.
Joseph is incredibly obstinate and obnoxious. He has been in love with Ember forever but tells her they have no future because he’s an assassin. So Ember, an accomplished ER doctor, turns into a childish mush. He’s into causing pain during sex and even though this scares Ember she’s willing to endure anything because of her feelings for him. He calls her little girl and she gushes — UGH.
She just accepts that she has to endure the pain he needs to inflict — if a man cannot enjoy sex without causing pain, there is something wrong with him! The final straw was when she allowed him to enter the “back door”— I really want to hear a woman say NO to that if she’s not into it.
The resolution to this story was really great, except for Joseph’s attitude and aggressive behavior. Still glad they got their HEA!
Not sure what happened between first and second books. Loved the first. Joseph’s story should have been amazing. Great story — his teenage crush calls him when she’s in trouble. He is a couple of days past a brutal torturing where he has almost no skin left on his back. But he jumps in and races to help Ember. Then he is able to hide how much pain he’s in and acts superhuman.
Joseph is incredibly obstinate and obnoxious. He has been in love with Ember forever but tells her they have no future because he’s an assassin. So Ember, an accomplished ER doctor, turns into a childish mush. He’s into causing pain during sex and even though this scares Ember she’s willing to endure anything because of her feelings for him. He calls her little girl and she gushes — UGH.
She just accepts that she has to endure the pain he needs to inflict — if a man cannot enjoy sex without causing pain, there is something wrong with him! The final straw was when she allowed him to enter the “back door”— I really want to hear a woman say NO to that if she’s not into it.
The resolution to this story was really great, except for Joseph’s attitude and aggressive behavior. Still glad they got their HEA!
September 10, 2019
Finding Freedom for Love
Ember is an emergency room doctor in New Orleans. She is planning to take a break from the stress, grind and gore with a solo trip across country. But she's waylaid, getting dragged into corruption, drug cartels and death. In her own defense she reaches out to her high school boyfriend, Joseph. Joseph joined the Marines just out of high school. Now Joseph is an assassin for the Guardian Security service. He's the Best at what he does, and fights to maintain his humanity. When Ember contacts him, he rushes to her aide, despite horrendous injuries he suffered on his most recent mission. But he finds Ember is still worth whatever effort is required to protect her. This has got to be the ultimate opposites attract story:. Ember, a doctor who has taken an oath to save lives and Joseph whose career is to end lives, albeit of very bad people. But the love they've carried for each other other all these years still burns, and their sexual proclivities are well matched. Touching and suspenseful this book is riveting in it's plot line and character development. I couldn't put it down.
Ember is an emergency room doctor in New Orleans. She is planning to take a break from the stress, grind and gore with a solo trip across country. But she's waylaid, getting dragged into corruption, drug cartels and death. In her own defense she reaches out to her high school boyfriend, Joseph. Joseph joined the Marines just out of high school. Now Joseph is an assassin for the Guardian Security service. He's the Best at what he does, and fights to maintain his humanity. When Ember contacts him, he rushes to her aide, despite horrendous injuries he suffered on his most recent mission. But he finds Ember is still worth whatever effort is required to protect her. This has got to be the ultimate opposites attract story:. Ember, a doctor who has taken an oath to save lives and Joseph whose career is to end lives, albeit of very bad people. But the love they've carried for each other other all these years still burns, and their sexual proclivities are well matched. Touching and suspenseful this book is riveting in it's plot line and character development. I couldn't put it down.
August 4, 2016
This is book 2 in Kris Michaels Kings of Guardian series, it's Joseph ( Joey, AKA Fury) king'size and Ember's story. Ember is a doctor whose friend gives her a thumb drive with information on it people are willing to kill for, and by morning he is dead. Ember does the only thing she can think of, she calls her boyfriend from teenhood Joey King, and he comes in hard and fast to save her before the contract killers can, the only problem is Joey is a contract killer for the US Government and when he gets done making sure she's safe, he might not make it out alive. Their is so much heat and passion you need a fire extinguisher by your bedside and extra batteries for your B.O.B ( Battery Operated Boyfriend) for those who didn't know what it meant. They finally admit they live each other just as Joey goes off to make sure Ember is safe for ever, you'll have to read the book to see if they get their Happily Ever After or not. It's a solid 5
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