Being CEO of flourishing JK Holdings isn't a sufficient challenge for millionaire restaurateur Justin King. He craves the rush gained by facing danger and triumphing—be it heli-skiing, rappelling, suit jumping from the peaks of Mt. Everest or racing performance cars. But nothing does it for him like breaking into impenetrable fortresses and rifling their vaults for Guardian Security. It's the best-kept secret of his very public life.
Danielle Grant has built a life separate from the power and influence of her father, the owner of Phoenix Armament. As Acquisitions Manager of JK Holdings, she’s made herself indispensable to Justin King on a professional level, his steady constant as she watches the gorgeous women in his private life come and go. Never once did she allow herself to dream the romantic attentions of her boss would turn her way—until fate perched them side-by-side at the precipice of a deadly drop.
Just as Justin and Dani realize what they could be to each other, a malevolent force rips them apart, and Dani vanishes without a trace. Finding her and getting her back will require Justin do the one thing he has avoided all his life—ask for the help of his family.
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.)
10 book later 50 stars later I am still intrigued. 10 book 10 out of 10 every time. Another great book for a great series. Like all of her other books Kris Michaels builds on what has come before. However this can also be enjoyed as a stand alone story if anyone one wants to read it that way.
Even though this is Justin and Dani's story it is always great to see the return of other members of the family, who are used perfectly as either side characters or as cameos. Justin has always been the odd one out, mainly by his own choice. This he share the same genetic make up as his siblings his focus is slightly different. The way his character develops, but also shows his differences is great. The bond of family is done especially well.
Not only is this story awesome, in the epilogue even bigger things are hinted at, and I can't wait for. This book is awesome but to get the full effect it is best to read the other books to get to know the other characters as well. I can promise nobody will be disappointed.
Every time I read the next book in the Kings of Guardian series I fall even harder for this family. Justin is the story that I have been waiting for, I knew there was more to this man than meets the eye. His and Dani's story is full of sexual tension, angst, chaos and lets not forget all that King family ribbing and joking. Justin's story will take us on an emotional journey to show us how his father's murder affected him differently to the rest of his siblings. It will show us that this man has kept his true self hidden from all those important to him and when the one constant in his life, sees the real him and loves him even harder, he might have just found the missing piece of his soul he has been searching for. The 10th book in this series is the most soul-stirring of them all. Their story is action packed, heart-warming and will keep you captivated and hooked to the very last page. Justin's story will show us that you can never push this family away and they will always have your six.
There really aren't enough good things to say about this book, this series and mostly this family. The family that works together, stays together. Justin is the last King brother to get his story and the author delivered above and beyond expectations.
The storyline...just enough action and adventure to make it a page turner. The characters...flawed, interesting and believable. Emotional and just the right amount of 'sexy time'. Nothing about the story felt forced and I especially loved how the MCs behaved like real adults, no over the top angst necessary!
I can't recommend this series strongly enough, each and every installment delivers exactly what the reader is hoping for when their passion is romantic suspense. This family isn't just about blood, but bond and I love getting to revisit with all the characters in each release. I hope Kris Michaels never stops writing about the Kings of Guardian.
Hmm...This story for Justin did not really grab my attention. I skipped over a lot of it and got to the main parts; however, there were just other juicier stories with his siblings.
You do find out more about his past, what he is doing now and that he does indeed work for Guardian just like his other sibs.
BUT...there was just something that was missing and I just couldn't wait for this book to be over so I could move on.
He is so lost and so stubborn but he stole my heart when he said 'I'm rushing towards you Danielle. I have been my entire life, I just didn't know it' Gahhh......no....words....just.....tears! The Kings are amazing. Every. Single. One. Of. Them, but Justin and his addiction to adrenaline, to danger is heart wrenching. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Despite this series being one of my top 3 favorites EVER, I’ve never written a review for one of the books, but I finally will now. Let me start off by saying these books are AMAZING. The King Family is the coolest and Guardian is badass. This book doesn’t fail. I love that we finally get to learn the truth about Justin, which Kris Michael’s has been hinting at since Tori meets him for the first time in Jacob’s book. And I love Dani, I love how focused and committed to her job she is and her exuberance. She and Justin are perfect for each other. Their story is perfect and they complement each other completely. I love how with each book, Kris Michaels’ keeps you guessing and on your toes as to what will happen.
That being said, the one MAJOR thing that I don’t like about this series is the purposeful misdirects in terms of who is going to end up with who and what’s going to be the next book. I don’t know if it’s part of the plot twists or not, but it’s getting a little off putting. What I mean is how Chief was in love with Desiree for 3 books but then suddenly dumped her and went off and linked up with Taty; or alluding to the fact that Dixon & Drake have a history with Jade, them running off to rescue her, having “a woman who can handle both of them”, and then Jade suddenly falling in love with Nic, who had previously been in love with Jewel. And now Drake & Dixon are separated, Drake has his own woman, and Dixon is off who knows where. Or how for 2/3’s of Justin’s book you’re led to believe that Dani was the other thief in the opening scene (which honestly, I totally wish she had been). Or how Jade is supposed to be a batshit-crazy badass and then she turns out to be actually quite mushy and reserved (and somewhat boring). I’ve definitely learned not to get my hopes up in this series and not believe anything until I see the next book come out for sure.
Also, some of the minor typos in the story take away from the credibility. Gabriel’s twins names changing from Deacon & David to Deacon & Ronan, and them going to Annapolis (Naval Academy) but then being Air Force Officers? Or Joseph (and Ember) being 34 in their book, but Joseph is the oldest of the 8, so Jacob (the youngest) is at maximum 26-27 in his book and has already served in the Marines, was the leader of Alpha Team for 5+ years, and is already the International CEO for guardian... I’m not sure if these are just mistakes that haven’t been caught, but they’re definitely adding up in the series.
It took me ages to get into this book because I just didn't like the main characters. The storyline wasn't very good either, it felt as if the author had to manage something so that all of the characters could be thrown together. Not one of the good books.
Solid book, but something was missing. Maybe it was so much focus on their activities and not their relationship? Maybe it was a bit boring at parts? Maybe it was feeling like their wasn’t closure with things like Max/Dani or the other cat burglar? Not sure. I did enjoy it though.
Justin, Book 10 in Kris Michaels’s The Kings of Guardian series, felt somewhat bland compared to its predecessors.
Justin and Danielle have worked together for the past four years—he as her boss, and she as his acquisitions manager. A recent trip to Australia opens their eyes to the possibility of something more between them. Once Justin discovers that Danielle shares his love for adrenaline-fueled hobbies, he falls hard, and they begin a relationship. But Danielle’s side job for her father introduces danger into her life, and it’s not long before she’s kidnapped by unknown perpetrators. Justin calls on his family—the Guardians—to help rescue her.
The story wasn’t bad per se, but the pages-long paragraphs and exhaustive descriptions of every action the characters undertook detracted from the reading experience. The pacing slowed considerably, and many scenes felt unnecessarily drawn out. Truth be told, I ended up skimming large portions just to get back to the actual story.
The romance between Justin and Danielle felt superficial, largely due to the lack of emotional build-up. It was difficult to believe that two people could work together for four years, feel mutual attraction, and never act on it—especially when there was no real obstacle keeping them apart. Justin, meanwhile, played the man-wh0re, parading woman after woman in front of Danielle while she quietly longed for his attention. Then, after one trip (out of what must have been hundreds), they suddenly can’t stop thinking about each other. The cherry on top? Justin watches Danielle rappel and instantly falls in love. Which begs the question: would he have fallen for her if she didn’t share his hobby?
Once they start dating, Danielle practically moves in with him from day one. Just like that, it’s a done deal.
By the end of the book, I didn’t feel like I truly knew Danielle. She came across as one-dimensional—too sweet, too accommodating, and lacking any real edge. Justin fared slightly better, having been introduced in earlier books, but even then, we didn’t learn much about him. The lengthy descriptions of their rappelling adventures and Justin’s side “hustle” didn’t help deepen their characterization. There was far more telling than showing, and the writing felt choppy in places. And then came the latest “fad”: Danielle proposes to Justin. As if the lack of emotional depth wasn’t already enough.
Ultimately, the weight this book carried—for me—was based solely on the strength of earlier installments. While the story was passable, the execution didn’t live up to the standard set by previous books in the series.
What an exciting, interesting and engrossing story this was! From the first page to the last it held my attention and I couldn't put it down! It is 3 AM in the morning and I should have been asleep hours ago but I couldn't put the book down because I had to see what wE going to happen next! Justin has always been the intriguing brother to me so I had been looking forward to his story which didn't disappoint believe me!!!😁 Justin and Dani were the perfect couple.... They had it all. I really enjoyed reading about their romance. It was so nice... They were friends first, then lovers with a heartwarming way of treating each other that I appreciated how nicely their relationship was portrayed. Kris Michaels writes the most beautiful love scenes. They are super sexy yes but there is also something very moving in her characters' inner thoughts and words while describing their feelings and love for each other. I also loved that the Guardian team and family was featured a lot in this book.... It was so nice to read about all of them again! I highly recommend this book and the entire series. They are all 10's!!!
I loved both Justin and Danielle and thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Justin worked for Guardian, but not all of the Kings were aware of this secret. He had a special skill set that was only used a few times a year. Beyond that, Justin was a successful businessman and owner of a number of extremely successful and topnotch restaurants. He was never serious about women, although he had always felt a connection with Danielle, his Acquisitions Manager.
Danielle was a bright and strong woman. She worked closely with Justin and struggled to fight her attraction to him on a daily basis. She never believed he felt the same towards her and was surprised when they discovered the feelings they shared.
I loved how comfortable Justin and Dani were together. They had so much in common and were perfect for each other. They didn’t play any games and were committed to giving the relationship a shot. I enjoyed the action that happened in this book, and as always, I was glad that so many of the family made appearances.
Drake’s book is next and I’m nervous to see how well he and his twin Dixon will do working separately.
What a fantastic book. All along I thought Justin was a normal restauranteur but as we read in the book he is a little more than that as well as an adrenaline junkie. Justin is on a job but someone needs is there who is after the same thing as he is. Leaving he calls the relevant people and goes about his day job with danni, his assistant. Danni has worked for Justin for 4 years and has liked his for about the same. It seemed to me that they both had a chemistry there, despite Max, but chose to keep it under wraps until they couldn't contain it any longer. Danni gets kidnapped and taken to Libya by someone who wants her father's newest weapon. With the family now knowing what Justin is and his reluctance to stand on the sidelines, will he be able to with the help of family be able to rescue Danni before it's to late? A fantastic read from start to finish and with the epilogue, wow I can't wait for the wonder twins books. Well done Kris on another great book form the series.
Fantastic story with the main characters of Justin King and Danielle.
Supposedly Justin is the only King sibling who does not work for Guardian, but his secret concerning Guardian is revealed and we find out that he is not only in the restaurant business. A few facts about Justin are revealed such as that he has an impressive business portfolio, he is an adrenaline junkie, and how the death of his father has impacted his life.
Danielle has been working with Justin for a few years. She has a sharp mind and a keen business intuition, and she is his “right hand” in his various businesses. Danielle also has a family trauma which took place in her life.
They both have harbored a secret attraction for each other which they never acted upon but finally they decide to pursue the attraction they feel for each other. Danielle also has some interests which she pursues in her private life that are equivalent to Justin’s extreme adrenaline interests.
Due to Danielle’s father’s profession, something happens to Danielle which requires Guardian expertise in her life – thus enter the Kings and many others who work at Guardian but are also part of the Kings extended family.
The Kings of Guardian series have held my attention from beginning to end. Justin King is the last sibling to be romantically matched. Now, each King have met their soul mate. (Next are the twins – Dixon and Drake.) Great book and books!
Justin- Kris Michaels 2-Jun - 4.25stars For four years JK-CEO/Restauranteur Justin King and his acquisitions manager Danielle Grant have worked together well. They also secretly work the occasional family related side job (him for Guardian, her arms manufacturer dad). A woman beat Justin to info on his last side job; Dani’s on a corporate espionage issue and is certain a mysterious man is following her
A recent business trip showed Dani and Justin how much they have in common outside office hours, particularly challenging hobbies with adrenaline rushes, leading both to declare the other perfect for them but something could be crossing Justin’s mind. Meanwhile, the King daughters meet Dani while the sons are anxious to get Justin back in the fold after Rating: 4.25stars
I borrowed Justin ~ Kings of Guardian ~ Book 10, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Justin is the only brother that doesn't work for Guardian Security and has his own chain of high-end resturants all over the world and is also a real estate investor holding properties world wide too. Unknown to his brothers and family he has a side job that gives him the thrills that he seeks and it is as a information retrieval specialist (cat burgular) to get information Guardian needs for their operations.
Dani works at JK Industires as an accuation specialist and has for the last four years. She has been secretly interested in her boss, Justin but as his friend and close business associate she is reluctant to let Justin know how she feels about him. At the same time he has been attracted to her and for the same reasons has kept her in the employee-friend part of his life.
When he find Dani at the same repeling site with 140 meter drop that all changes their relationship to hot romance. While Justin is away on a business trip Dani is kidnapped and he opens up to his family at Guardian for help and joins the rescue. Loved the chemistry, indepoendent personalities and how they made it all work between them for a great plot full of excitement.
Kris Michaels you did it again. Justin and Dani go together like a smooth glass of wine. They start off slow and sweet and end up taking the biggest bungi jump of their lives. When Dan I is kidnapped what does Justin do but turn to his brother Jason who rallies the family. This book is over the top fantastic with all the twists and turns it keeps you on the edge of your seat so you can't put it down. For anyone who's hesitant to read this book I say just do it. You will not regret it. I won't go into to much detail because I'm not into spoilers but, I for one have bought every single book of this series and of Shadow world. You can read them in any order but your gonna get the most satisfaction by reading them in order. I promise you will not regret it. Best series ever and it's my go to when I need a good laugh, cry and omg what the hell. So get your copy now and start reading.....
Justin is a successful businessman who is super private about his personal life but he’s also a thrill seeker looking for the ultimate thrill and works for Guardian, but is only known to three people what it is that he does! He has known Dani for four years and has wanted her for almost as long. But he has always worried that their friendship if it turned to more, that it would ruin what they have if the relationship fails. Dani has secretly crushed on her boss Justin, for longer than she can remember. Unfortunately her connection to her father, though not widely known, puts her in danger when she is kidnapped, in the hopes that her father will negotiate by releasing a new technology type weapon. Justin and his family come together to rescue her and bring her back alive!
Loved all characters coming together and all their bantering and bickering, which makes it funny! Looking forward to see what Kris pulls out for the double D’s next:)
Justin is the tenth 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…
Justin has always been the sibling outside Guardian or so everyone thinks. He is an excellent businessman who owns several Michelin starred restaurants and Dani works for him. Unbeknownst to almost everyone Justin is actually an expert information gatherer aka cat burglar, he only does this for Guardian and because he’s a thrill seeker. Dani is the daughter of an armament developer and also a thrill seeker. Whilst on their travels for Justin’s work they realise they are mutually attracted to each other and also that they have similar interests outside work. Unfortunately Dani’s father’s work brings her to the attention of some terrorists and in trying to rescue her Justin has to enlist the help of Guardian and his family. This is another excellent book that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
Wow. This series just keeps getting better. I knew there was more behind Justin. Still water runs deep. Dani is a hard working employee of Justin’s. Still water runs deep there too. Dani and Justin have been boss/employee and friends forever. They both had feelings for each other but were afraid to act on them and destroy there relationship. Death or tragedy of a patent has a lasting effect on a young child. Justin’s father’s murder is no different. He gas been hurt since then. A mysterious person took him under his wing and gave him a skillset and helped him start his businesses. His adrenal junkie experiences drive him to achieve.
Dani is kidnapped and all the Kings come to help. It also brings out the truth about Justin. There are so many twists and turns, family loyalty, love, excitement and so much more to write here read on.
Justin is number 10 in the Kings of Guardian series. Again Kris Michaels has delivered us an incredible book. From the beginning to the end I was wrapped up in the suspense and romance of Justin and Danielle. Justin is not the typical King man we have come to love, he is so much more complex and even more yummy if that is even possible!!!! Danielle is a strong capable woman that just fits perfect into this exciting family. At the end of every book I think to myself this book is my favorite and here I am again thinking the same thing. I am not sure how each book gets better but they do and I just can’t wait for the next to be released. If you are new to this series, you can read this book first BUT I highly recommend starting from the beginning. It is worth it!!!!!
I thought jade was a great book but shut the front door while I do a happy dance. wow!! double angst, overseas op and alfpha team to boot. THIS WAS THEEEEEE BEST EVAAAA!!!! the romance side was par for course but I get such a smile when old characters arrive on the scene. a few things to say, and I really believe they aren't spoilers... first 7 chapters were based in Australia. I'm from the city described and I must say the point of interests are in the right place..it made me burst out laughing at the irony of me reading about my home town. only drawback is Matt's accent...whoa he needs to work on that! not the best but narrative came in short bursts so acceptable for a listen. just loved this book. so love Kris Michaels. brilliant series.
This is a friends to lovers who accidentally discover they both enjoy rappeling down the side of mountains for the adrenaline rush. They have both had feelings for the other but have kept them hidden because they didn't want to ruin the close friendship they have. When Justin leaves for a week of wine buying and a job for Guardian, he has to leave Danielle home. When she doesn't answer his calls for many hours on the day he is to fly home,he calls Jason to figure out what has happened. When he lands he finds that she had been kidnapped. Guardian and Justin will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home. Can they do that before something happens to her? Who kidnapped her and why?
When a man and a woman work together and have a bond of friendship it doesn’t take long before they realize there is so much more. Justin never allowed himself to really become close to anyone but his family. Danielle has her own demons to conquer. Both are very private but work well together and trust each other. They discover their mutual love of extreme sports. Both start to give into their desires and open themselves up to love. When something happens to Danielle, Justin must ask his family for help. Kris Michaels develops this story at a quick pace. She saved the best King for last. This is a great action packed story and should be on everyone’s must read!
Another King brother, another life altering experience and another butt kicking female to keep them in line. Justin is a surprisingly complex character, in the previous books her was described as an restaurateur, an outgoing businessman but in this book we see a whole other side to him. A daredevil, adrenaline junkie and a "cat burglar". Dani is fun, adrenaline seeking and a perfect match for him if only he'd seen it sooner.
This book was fast paced, action filled and suspenseful. I love the family dysfunctionality of the Kings but no matter what happens they would die and kill to protect each other. Great read
There were a couple of questions that came from this book about Dani and Justin. But I will keep them to myself as I read more of this series. The secret life of Justin’s was a little bit of a shock. I thought from previous implied comments in previous books that Justin was a spy that used his restaurants as his venue to do that spying. Boy was I wrong. I liked that Dani had been in Justin’s life for several years before they went from colleagues to friends, to lovers.
This has been a great series by Kris Michaels. And I like that she stretches my vocabulary.
Justin and Danielle work amazing together, seamlessly, Justin because of his history and the way his father died was against guns, Dani didn't have issues because her father was a major manufacturer especially for the government, by accident they found out both are adrenaline junkies, loving the rush, what a rush they get when Dani ends up in trouble and needing to be rescued, guardian steps in and the King brothers find out things they never knew about Justin, needing to go against his beliefs he uses a gun to help save the entire rescue mission, this saga continues amazing, thank you, Dana Zamora
WOW! Now this story was definitely a shocker! I thought Justin didn't want to work with his family but come to find out he does jobs for Gabriel. So the beginning was definitely intriguing and we don't find out who beat Justin at the one job he didn't complete. Danielle is in love with Justin and had been for a while. It takes four years before these two take a chance on each other. Being an adrenaline junkie keeps Justin away from his family. It takes Danielle being kidnapped to realize he needs his family. I am happy that Justin and Danielle get the chance to work on their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book!
Justin has been the man of mystery to some extent since book one. Now we see his journey to love and his big secret with Guardian! Danielle is a great character and addition to this family. She has a unique background and fit in perfectly with her humor and sass. I hope we get more of her and Jade or her and Jason because her sass has em chuckling. The story focused on the importance of seeing the person and it was fascinating to read about it from a romantic and friend angle. Loved the blend of action and family and romance! The epilogue introduced the next story but has me nervous about what the twins are facing!
I enjoyed this book. Justin and Danielle make a good couple. The beginning was exciting when they both had a crush on each other and didn’t know that the other person returned their feeling. Once they hooked up (about 1/3 into the book), I felt less connected to them as a couple. Not sure why. Perhaps I like the chase aspect of a couple too much.
The plot is interesting with the things both Danielle and Justin do outside of their regular work at the office. I couldn’t visualize some of the climbing and tight rope excursions but it was still suspenseful nonetheless.