Jade King lives life at full speed. After over a year undercover for the DEA, she’s back in play and wants what any hot-blooded woman who’s gone a year without sex would want: an alpha bad boy who is convenient, delicious and disposable. A fun one-night stand, multiple orgasms, and absolutely no strings attached. Right? If only.
Nicolas DeMarco has a library stocked with little black books, and his bedpost is nothing but notches. His love ‘em and leave ‘em mentality served him well…until it didn’t. Now, forty years old and in charge of Guardian’s Domestic Security, he’s done with the biological catch and release game that used to thrill him…until Jade King let herself into his office and made him an offer. One he couldn’t refuse…but man, could he screw it up.
When one of the Guardian’s family members is targeted for death, Jade is pulled from her much deserved vacation and into Nicolas DeMarco’s world—a world complete with strings, attachments, feelings, and danger. When the elusive head of the Triad maliciously plans and executes an event that devastates an entire city, it catapults Jade and Nic into a Guardian sanctioned operation. An operation that they may not survive.
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.
Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.
When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)
I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not connection to Kris Michaels.
She got me. Jade has been whispered about a line here and there in each book. When the take not crap matriarch of the King family "chooses her battles with that one", and her uber macho brothers, speak her name in the same kind of awe they reserve for their oldest a (and in my opinion deadliest brother) Joseph (who has admitted to being out drunk by Jade). It pains a picture of danger and a new level of don't mess with this one. Could she live up to her rep? Let just say there is a reason for her rep!!!! However what I was worried about in this book was Nic, as I only knew his from a previous book as the jerkish third wheel. I did not like in fact I did not want to like him, but Kris Michaels through her great writing made me tolerate him, then accept him, then (shudder) actually respect the man.
Make no mistake this Jade's story and she lives is every bit the strong/deadly, take charge, and give/take no bull character I imagined her to be. A quote from former UFC champion Ronda Rousey comes to mind "Next time someone says you fight like a girl, it will be a compliment!" That is Jade.
This book is great in every way it is both heart wrenching and heart warming in different place, great characters (main, supporting or recurring), great character development, procedures that add realism without being boring, great action both the steamy kind as well as good old fashioned fist, feet and weapons. This book can be read as a stand alone though as always I would definitely recommend reading the whole series (in order), and has a teaser to finish off with.
Wow!! I’m a huge Kris Michaels fan and love all her books. But Jade is my favorite of this series so far. And I have to confess that I was a tiny bit on the fence about Jade, her being an Alpha-Female, but Kris proved me wrong. She was Kick*ss and it was awesome. Nic was the perfect man for her. Loved that he understood who she was and that she was her equal in every way. Highly recommend this series. It’s just awesome!! Thank you Kris, for this amazing book.
I really liked this one I don't yet know why. It's edging how I felt about Jared's book. It felt like a come full circle type book - a real slow burner. It was the second saddest story of the lot following Christian's. I want to know more about the sibling feud between Nic and Carmine. I mean what could really drive such as big wedge between such a tiny and seemingly close family? I like that Jade's character grew but not in a drastic and unnatural way.
Cons I needed closure for the the whole Triad thing maybe in the next book (fingers crossed)
Why did Nic's mom have to die she seemed like a strong character who would've continued to make life interesting going forward. There is only one mother figure in this entire series I think she could've used the backup.
What the hell happened to Candi with an 'i' and Clarisse from HR? I wanted to see them get their asses chewed
I love Jade! I wanna be her when I grow up! She is loud, brash, inappropriate but when she loves, she loves hard with her whole heart. Nic may just be crazy, taking on any of the Kings is a death wish...but loving Jade may just kill him! And that's if she doesn't kill him first! They are explosive, slightly broken and the missing piece of each other and I loved every page of this book...even when I hated it....even when it broke my heart. I love that this series is now available on Kindle Unlimited.
I have loved this series some more than others but Jade was annoying in this one. I loved Nics character but just couldn't get into Jades.. I skimmed through most if it unfortunately. I agreed she was good for nic towards the end and what he went through.
I loved this book! Jade is wild, irreverent and unapologetic (hmmm kinda sounds like a Louisiana girl lol). Nic, or as Jade say Nicholas F ing (I’m improvising here but you know) DeMarco, didn’t know what hit him when Jade picked him to end a year of celibacy after coming off a over a year undercover. She had heard of his reputation and he was just what she needed…a no string one nighter. Jad doesn’t know Nic has changed his ways but she convinces him. They are perfect and some kinda connection is made. Neither can forget the other and Jade runs off to New York to get away. Nic ends up there when his typical Italian mother who’s a judge requests a family get together. Mama DeMarco is scheduled to hear a RICO case on a Triad member and Jade is called in to be her PSO. The Triad do some nast things and no one is safe. This book is hilarious, action packed, suspenseful, heartbreaking and steamy. I absolutely loved this one and it is not to be missed.
honestly, this book, as every other i have read by this author was absolutely brilliant reading. loved every word and everything about it. Kris Michaels definitely hits as one my top ten fave authors
Another fanrastic addition to this series. Packed with tons of emotion, twists and turns, Jade did what all of the other Guardian novels have done; make me want to be a part of the Guardian world. Love it!
I thought Jared was my favourite book but this pushed close to knock it off that top slot. The highs were sky high and the lows just had you feeling that emotion with them. Amazing book.
Even though the blurb warned that tragedy strikes in this book, I wasn’t ready at all. This was the story of two people who are not relationship-type people finding love and discovering the meaning and strength of love especially in the face of loss. I enjoyed the overall themes of fear of loss and grief related to love but also discovering that there is power in the risk of loving and supporting someone else. Love this series. Even though beware, there is a tragic element that comes out of nowhere so gird your loins.
Jade is a huge must read. Just like all Kris Michaels books this is an absolute read. From the very first page to the last you are on the edge of your seat and cheering Jade and Nic on. This is a powerful book with two strong and amazing characters that take you on a world wind of emotions. I for one have Jade in my re-read list as all of the other Kings of Guardians by Kris Michaels.
Apart from Jared’s book, I read all the books in this series, but I was hesitant/reluctant to read Jade’s story because of the type of character she was portrayed as in the other books. Similarly, Nic did not exactly endear himself to me in the previous book, so this one has been waiting in my TBR pile for a while now. Well, I’ve now read it, and it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Jade is home after being away on an undercover mission for the last year, and all she wants to do is get her life back to normal. Amongst other things, she’s on the prowl to end her year-long celibacy, and the person she wants to end it with is Nic, the COO at Guardian. Nic, playboy-extraordinaire, is tired of his player lifestyle and is looking to settle down but cannot resist Jade’s allure. They agree on spending a night together, but as these things go, they get more than they bargained for when feelings develop on both sides. When Nic’s mother is threatened by the Triad, Nic and Jade must pull out all stops to keep her safe.
The author managed to redeem Nic and successfully explained away his actions in the previous book; I ended up liking him. He wasn’t the alpha type I prefer, but he didn’t do bad. There were instances when I thought he should have done more to win Jade over, but his character was more likeable than Jade’s. Jade, on the other hand, was not likeable at the start—too horny, abrasive, and forward. No matter what they were busy with or the worry that Nic had to deal with, her mind was incessantly on sex. Nic’s mom is threatened? Jade’s pushing him for sex. Nic’s at a restaurant with another woman (after declining to meet Jade that night)? Jade’s still thinking about getting “another go” at him and pushing for sex. It just got too much after a while. Fortunately, once Jade realized how she felt about Nic, she became much more bearable. Also, she wasn’t as testosterone-filled as I thought she would be, so there’s that.
Although the suspense was great, a couple of things that happened were off-putting and too depressing for a romance, but it fortunately didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story. Bar a few inconsistencies and proofing issues (e.g., poor sentence construction, overly long paragraphs), this book was an okay read.
Jade’s book had a lot more emotion than some of the previous books in this series. Jade was loud and crass and stubborn to the core. After being undercover for over a year, she was looking for a hookup, but was dead set against any kind of relationship.
Nic had a reputation of being with a long list of ladies, none of which were more than hookups. In the previous book, we learned that Nic was ready to settle down when he took a chance and asked Jewell out, only to be shot down. He was attracted to Jade but never thought he would have a chance with her. Nic and Jade have their night and it was explosive for both of them. She ran away scared and he realized he would never get a chance with her. That is until she acknowledged he was worth the risk.
There was a lot more action in this book, as well as some kinda sad moments. I say kinda because those moments were quickly glazed over leaving me wondering why the author didn’t give us a little bit more. Nic had reason to mourn and this would have been a great opportunity to showcase a more tender side of Jade. Also, what was the deal between Nic and his asshole brother Carmine? Their hate for one another was touched on a number of different times, however we were never given any explanation or reason. Why add something like that to the story, if the readers aren’t going to get at least a short paragraph of explanation? Other than those issues, the story was good and I will continue with the series.
I absolutely loved Jade, by far my favorite Guardian book. Jade is who I secretly wish I could be like: strong, beautiful, butt kicking, speak her mind, mouth like a sailor kind of woman. When you add in the infamous Nic DeMarco (who really needed to redeem himself after Jewell) and you get lots of chemistry and fireworks. I loved the two of them together and you just have to root for them when you begin to realize how much Nic had changed. Jade picks up where Jewell left off--Guardian going in and "rescuing" Jade from her undercover mission. From the start we see Jade can handle herself and we really get to see her personality. I just loved the conversations Jade had with Dixon, Drake, and Malachi! Once the dust settles, Jade is able to head back home and the story really takes off from there. Obviously Nic and Jade hook up, but the getting there is funny and you will truly enjoy their chemistry. The heart of the story will center around a situation with Nic's family, but I won't give it away, and you will laugh, cry and cheer them along the way. Jade and Nic are two strong personalities but when they let their guard down, all I can say is WOW! Jade was an amazing read and Kris Michaels has once again left me wanting more Guardians! I received an author's copy for an honest review.
There are no words strong enough to describe Jade, she is like getting sucked into an F-5 tornado from which there is no escape - just strap in and enjoy the ride (so, I suggest that you start reading early in the day because you will not want to put this book down).
After Jewell's story, I really didn't care for Nic and didn't want to see him get another chance at a King lady. BUT Kris Michaels really knows how to write. With a few interactions with family members, an overachieving work ethic, and his epiphany, that he no longer desires the wham-bam-thank you ma'am lifestyle, Nicholas F***ing DeMarco (Jade's words not mine) went from A$$hat to Almost Awesome (there were a few moments in the book where he deserved to be smacked upside the head - thankfully, Jade doesn't put up with that sh*t and sets him straight) and a fitting counterpart for Jade.
The first half of the book does a fantastic job of developing these two characters and lines them up for the MAJOR event that causes the last half of the book to kick into a "what the hell else can happen" conclusion. The story tugs on the heartstrings (not quite as heart wrenching as when Ember thought Joseph was gong to die) and nicely sets up the next book - yay Anubis!
I wholeheartedly, unreservedly, thoroughly (not enough adverbs but I will desist) recommend all of Kris Michaels' books (I am not a fan of M/M but A Heart's Desire is freaking awesome).
I know I say this after every book in this series, but man, this series just gets better and better with each Guardian and King sibling's story.
This is Jade's...she's tough, sexy, sassy, irreverent, independent and can hold her own when it comes to her protective, domineering brothers. And Nic. The one and only man who's ever been able to disintegrate her full body armor.
I loved all the feels, love and loyalty and loss. Jade made me laugh out loud, and Nic ticked me off. I admired Jade for her decisiveness and strength, and felt content when Nic redeemed himself as he revealed his respect and love for his Mom. And a heart so full when Jade and Nic finally let down their guard and decide to take a chance. I could go on, but this story deserves to be experienced and IMO it's a true testament to the author's talent when they illicit so much emotion. Kris Michaels is talented.
In the two nights it took me to read Jade and Nic's story, I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and was completely shocked as the events of this mission unfolded. Some of the best hours I spend with a book in my hand are the hours I spend immersed in the Kings of Guardian series, I highly recommend you come along for the journey.
The Guardian Security saga continues with Jade King and Nicholas F**king DeMarco (as Jade likes to call him). Jade and Nic are both players, she love the men and he love the women. They also are both similar in looks. Nic is more the “pretty” type and Jade constantly reminds him of that fact. Jade is more the “model” type which causes the men in her line of work to underestimate her. They both can seriously kick some “ass”.
When Nic meets Jade, he is at the place in his life whereby he is ready to settle down with one woman. However, Jade is not at that place of settling down with one man. However, being around Nic changes her mind and she decides to try an exclusive relationship. (It’s funny when Nic questions Jade to make sure she understands what an exclusive relationship entails.) There are also extenuating circumstances that forces her to admit her feelings for Nic.
Jade is like the “wild child” when compared to her twin Jasmine and her sister Jewell. Being a Guardian bodyguard allows Jade to feed that adrenaline charge which drives her. One thing I did learn from this story is that each King child was affected differently by the death of their father.
It would not be a Guardian story without intrigue and adventure which centers around an event concerning Nic’s family. As usual, and I can’t say it too many times… enjoy Jade and Nic story !
I borrowed Jade ~ Kings of Guardian Series ~ Book 9, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Jade has been undercover for a year with the DEA and comes out of her mission with the intel to take down the drug ring that was targeted. Wild child Jade is ready to party and finds Nickj DeMarco just the hot guy with a reputation of love them and leave them that she is looking for.
Nick's mom is threatened and Jade becomes her PSO Personal Security Officer for Nick's mom and they find each other irresistable when the courthouse is bombed where Nick's mom is a judge and Jade comes to Nick's side to stand by him when his mom is hurt and passes away.
Guardian goes after the Triad that planned and executed the bomb with the entire top executives coming together the help Nick. Nick is hurt and Jade suprises herself how much she cares as she stays by his side through his recovery.
I liked Jade's character and how she was a stand by herself operator and let down her shields to let Nick in and how he understood how difficult that was for her. Her strength physically was impressive, but her emotional strength was revealed as she fell in love with Nick and almost lost him. This series gets better and better with each book.
Five stars is not enough for Jade! Kris Michaels out did herself with Jade and Nic. From the first page til the last it grabs and sucks you in. Jade King is a bad@ss and one hell of a woman, I want to be her when I grow up. So after a year of undercover work Jade King is free and back at Guardian Headquarters. Catching up with all the new news that she has missed during her year she cuts lose gets a little drunk and gets personally involved with Nicholas DeMarco. After a mind blowing few hours with Nic, Made freaks out a bit and heads to NYC to visit her older brother Justin. Nicholas DeMarco, Head of Guardians Domestic terrorism side and partner of Jared King can't figure out what went wrong with Jade but before he can figure it out he gets a call from his mom and takes an impromptu vacation and heads to see his mom in NYC. When his mom The Honorable Judge Bettina DeMarco gets a death threat everything changes and chaos ensues. I loved the dynamic between Jade and Nic, that smoldering chemistry between them. I wanted to shoot Nic's older brother Carmine, what a bastard! Hope that Mario will get his story and HEA.
Another home run for Kris Michaels, this time bringing Jade home from her year-long undercover assignment. When she comes home and explodes onto the domestic scene, all bets are off and Jade is Jade again. She has been deprived of the ability to satisfy various needs while she has been away and she sets about to take care of that.
She meets up with a little domestic intrigue in the headquarters office and dispatches that with flair. She meets up with Nic DiMarco too and, well.....
They spar and fight (literally) and drive each other crazy, in and out of bed until they realize that they are better together. Nic's mom, a high-profile judge, has been handed a case involving the Triad, Chinese organized crime and she is in danger. So much more happens, including the family reaction to Jade and Nic's relationship, that the action is scattered at times. However, it is all riveting and the ending balances the scales somewhat for all the family blood that has been shed. So, who's next, Ms. Michaels?
I want to give it more than 5 stars.... just beautiful😍
Jade is the next amazing, kick-ass book in the Kings of Guardians series. Due to her being undercover, there were only brief mentions about her previously which really hyped up the mystery surrounding this fiesty, sassy and stubborn woman. Jade is rescued when her undercover assignment starts going downhill. Once she gets back she decides to take some time out for herself and also let off some steam. She picks Nic because he is fast and loose with the ladies and that’s how she likes them. But when Nic’s mom is in danger, Nic pulls out all the stops to protect her and this includes Jade, as her personal security officer.
Suffice to say, that Kris has written this story beautifully and I’m so happy to have gotten to know Jade and Nic better. Definitely looking forward to what’s next! I’m assuming Anubis is up next....? And maybe Justin with the lady at the restaurant where he was having dinner with Jade, perhaps? Will just have to wait and see!
No plot spoilers (it's complex and twisty and more than a little bloodthirsty) No potential triggers There are no errors that I can recall The characterisation is absolutely spot on. Jade has been a side character so far, with Nic showing up in more detail in other books. This book showcases a woman who lives life to the full with a heart of gold. Nic reveals more of himself and seeing that gooey centre without the colour of sarcasm is absolutely lovely. More importantly he believes in zombies . . . The plotline is exceedingly well crafted, with twisty turns and enemies rolling up out of nowhere. There are copious amounts of sex, their relationship is fast and furious, and also plenty of swearing. I have no problem recommending the book but would advise reading from the beginning of the series to enable you to obtain the best reading experience. If you are a fan of romance, suspense and warm hearted people and have not yet read the series, what are you waiting for?
This was a really enjoyable and at times gripping read. That drew me in from the start and held my attention throughout.
With pockets of action and suspense. As well as great characters. Including Jade, who I loved. Mainly because she was such a sassy, fun, foul mouthed, and kick ass heroine. Who made me laugh, didn't take any crap and most importantly never apologised for being who she was. Which was refreshing and great to read. As for Nick, the hero of this story. I definitely thought he redeemed himself and I liked him more as the story went on. Although I didn't necessarily see him and Jade together. But it definitely worked and as the story progressed I was really rooting for them. Especially with all the family issues Nick faces.
However I do wish there had been more story after the second incident involving Nick and Jade, as the aftermath did feel a little rushed. Yet saying that I did really enjoy it and anyone who is a fan of this series will I'm sure love Jade too.
Jade is a deadly woman with no filter and an exuberance for life. She is genuinely happy for those she considers family. However she doesn't believe in happy ever after for herself. She believes in happy for a night because she doesn't let anyone get close enough to her, even her family. Nic was a manwhore but realized he was missing something when he thought he found the right woman only to have her fall for someone else. In the midst of these thoughts and reflections his family's life is being threatened. He and Jade must team up and stop the threat while also trying to understand their explosive feelings of lust that at some time looks to turn into more.
I love this series and although it looks to lead into the Shadow world series. I do hope the twins, Double D, get a book. I love their endless banter and "$10 words". I also hope Malaki Blue gets a book I really want to know his backstory.
This is book nine in the series Kings of Guardians. This book picks up after Jewell and Zane’s love story. At this point everyone is worried about Jade since she is undercover and she has not checked in with her contact. Nick, as we know, is realizing that all his close friends are in relationships and he wants to settle down as well. Nick’s mom is the bomb. She has the best banter and come back lines. I liked that she and all three of her sons are lawyers. I enjoyed this storyline until the last several chapters and then I was shocked when the author started to write in some irreversible events and losses for our two main characters Jade and mostly Nick. This just threw me off this storyline because I have been reading this King series and the spin-off series and the main characters have not suffered such great loss physical damage like in this book. The author did not have to have those things happen, the finality.
Jade is the ninth instalment in the Kings of Guardian series by Kris Michaels. It is a perfect mix of action, romance, and family drama that was so easy to get hooked on. Each book spotlights a different member of the King ‘family’ - the elite operatives working for Guardian Security - so you get a fresh story every time, but with plenty of familiar faces popping in along the way. The plots are fast-moving, with everything from high-risk rescues to international missions, but what really makes the series stand out is the loyalty, teasing banter, and the intense, heartfelt romances which gives all the action so much more depth. If you like romantic suspense, military romance, or strong law enforcement vibes, intriguing characters, and a sense of found family, then this series is definitely worth diving into. It’s exciting, emotional, and just the right amount of addictive. Happy Reading…
Intense. I do not know how Kris makes every book a different story. More intense. Danger, unexpected death and now a life changing injury. Still water runs deep in Jade. She was a real mystery, a facade. She was hurting was hurting in the loss if her father. It warped her sense of guilt, the way she carried herself, her wild ways. Nic was a workaholic, by the book, intense, Shaped by his father’s death And his mother’s career, ge gad his demons and relationships issues with one night stands. Jade and Nic were thrown to work to get her when his Judge mom was threatened. He is one of the leaders fir Guardian as Jade us a king and also works for Guardian. The court house blows up and all hell breaks loose. There is so much in this story you have to just read it. Too much to out in a synopsis
After a year on loan to DEA, working undercover in a cult, the family hears Jade King’s cover has been leaked. Her brothers arrive in time to help in the final takedown. That generates hours of paperwork that Nicholas DeMarco unintentionally involves himself in, leaving the door open for Jade to come in and help Nic out of a situation he didn’t realize he was in.
A recharging dinner, drinks and a plan to act as each other’s ‘wingman’ leads to a shared unforgettable night that confuses them both and a burning desire for more. After deciding on a ‘weekender’, the Triad flexes their presence on a case Nic’s mom, a judge, has been assigned. Nic and Jade are in a prime position to provide security during non-working hours. As Jade and Nic try to figure out how a romantic relationship works, especially for them, a bomb goes off at the courthouse. Rating: 4.5stars