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It wasn’t until people started shooting at her that Eve Salutem had an inkling she was anything other than an elementary school teacher suffering from a rare form of cancer. Discovering she was a walking source of the vaccine for lethal bioweapons and that her previous twenty-seven years were based on lies, lies, and more lies, shattered her fragile world and threatened her sanity. She wanted to lock the doors, close the shades and hide in the closet, but he wouldn’t let her. According to him––a guy she’d first encountered next to the fresh fish case in the grocery store for Pete's sake––he was there to save her from some unknown bad guys and her own government.
He didn’t do personal protection––he assassinated people. He didn’t work domestic ops––he was strictly foreign. This babysitting gig in Rochester, Minnesota surveilling a woman who may or may not be an innocent victim was absolutely not in his job description. Dragging her ass across half of America on a forced road trip infuriated him even further. He didn’t need or want to spend days locked in a car with a sexy young woman whose bucket list included drinking champagne, getting a puppy and being kissed. How had this become his life? Her purity and goodness bordered on irresistible, but if he touched her, he’d leave a black smudge on her soul.
In Eve, he saw the goodness of humanity, and Thanatos would storm the gates of Hell to protect her; but a creature of purity and light could never belong to the assassin who was named after a God of Death.
He didn’t do personal protection––he assassinated people. He didn’t work domestic ops––he was strictly foreign. This babysitting gig in Rochester, Minnesota surveilling a woman who may or may not be an innocent victim was absolutely not in his job description. Dragging her ass across half of America on a forced road trip infuriated him even further. He didn’t need or want to spend days locked in a car with a sexy young woman whose bucket list included drinking champagne, getting a puppy and being kissed. How had this become his life? Her purity and goodness bordered on irresistible, but if he touched her, he’d leave a black smudge on her soul.
In Eve, he saw the goodness of humanity, and Thanatos would storm the gates of Hell to protect her; but a creature of purity and light could never belong to the assassin who was named after a God of Death.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2020
1270 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
82 books1,118 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 149 reviews
February 9, 2020
Conflicted
I liked it up until the end, when the main female character continued to demonstrate that she would always be out of touch with the reality of how the world actually works and spouted her sanctimonious BS all over everyone. I fell for Thanatos and wish he had found someone who could and would understand and accept all of him. That person was not, and probably never will be, her.
*SPOILER ALERT* If saving her life by shooting the guy who was about to stab her to death (and the others trying to shoot them) made her mad because they didn’t get a warning first, there is no hope for her. Sure, give the criminals torturing someone else and actively trying to kill you a heads up so they can succeed in killing you all. Great idea. Moron. She’s “working on herself?” Work on gaining some dang common sense and survival instinct while you’re at it, lady. He deserved way better than that.
I liked it up until the end, when the main female character continued to demonstrate that she would always be out of touch with the reality of how the world actually works and spouted her sanctimonious BS all over everyone. I fell for Thanatos and wish he had found someone who could and would understand and accept all of him. That person was not, and probably never will be, her.
*SPOILER ALERT* If saving her life by shooting the guy who was about to stab her to death (and the others trying to shoot them) made her mad because they didn’t get a warning first, there is no hope for her. Sure, give the criminals torturing someone else and actively trying to kill you a heads up so they can succeed in killing you all. Great idea. Moron. She’s “working on herself?” Work on gaining some dang common sense and survival instinct while you’re at it, lady. He deserved way better than that.
February 12, 2020
The live and die in the shadows
Another great book in Guardian's Shadow World series. I honestly do not know if I like this series better or the main series. Kris Michaels just seem to write next book better than the last so my opinion keeps changing.
A great story as usual great characters and character development. I like the was main characters from other books return as side or supporting characters in the current book.
Out of all the characters from the previous books I thought these two were the least compatible, part of the reason Thanatos had been in the shadows much longer than the other, with an even darker origin, and motive making Eve was the complete polar opposite to him.
It was also great to see Thanatos on action on an op not just living off his rep in the book. So many threads and characters still to go. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Another great book in Guardian's Shadow World series. I honestly do not know if I like this series better or the main series. Kris Michaels just seem to write next book better than the last so my opinion keeps changing.
A great story as usual great characters and character development. I like the was main characters from other books return as side or supporting characters in the current book.
Out of all the characters from the previous books I thought these two were the least compatible, part of the reason Thanatos had been in the shadows much longer than the other, with an even darker origin, and motive making Eve was the complete polar opposite to him.
It was also great to see Thanatos on action on an op not just living off his rep in the book. So many threads and characters still to go. I can't wait to see what happens next.
September 10, 2020
Kris Michaels - Thanatos (Guardian Security Shadow World- Book 4)
Stars: 2
Heat: Hot
Recommend: No
Three weeks ago, I found Kris Michaels's books, and I love them. I am an avid reader and read mostly military romance. I have loved the authors writing style, suspense, and romance. I am so happy that I have found a new author.
In less than three (3) weeks, I read all the Guardian Security books, including the spin-offs, which includes Thanatos. I like the character Thanatos. Eve, however, was the worst female heroin that I may have ever read. Eve spent most of her life in the hospital, so she had minimal experience in life, social skills, or anything. Eve is also twenty-seven (27), which limits her experiences, while Thanatos is Forty-Five (45). Eve was whiny, childish, and demanding that Thanatos change.
If you love someone, you don't require them to change something about themselves, especially such a big part of Thanantos's past. She is not stable, strong, or brave, like the other female characters in all the previous books they were strong women that could stand beside the strong alpha male and not lose themselves or let the H get away with their sometimes high handed traits.
All the other women in the series understand that the H is on the 'good side' of humanity and that the monster must be taken down so the world will be a little better place to live. But, not Eve. She believes that it's wrong, and if he wants to be with her, he has to give up his past and never allow Guardian to send him on a mission again. What this means is that Eve has judged Thanatos past life, and he came up short.
Since Eve and Thanatos will live in the complex with other operatives, she will never be able to be friends with the other males and females because they all believe that they are on the right side of the equation. What this means is Eve and Thanatos will be isolated from the group all because Eve refuses to look at the bigger picture. Perhaps the author can fix this in future books. Gosh, I hope so.
Stars: 2
Heat: Hot
Recommend: No
Three weeks ago, I found Kris Michaels's books, and I love them. I am an avid reader and read mostly military romance. I have loved the authors writing style, suspense, and romance. I am so happy that I have found a new author.
In less than three (3) weeks, I read all the Guardian Security books, including the spin-offs, which includes Thanatos. I like the character Thanatos. Eve, however, was the worst female heroin that I may have ever read. Eve spent most of her life in the hospital, so she had minimal experience in life, social skills, or anything. Eve is also twenty-seven (27), which limits her experiences, while Thanatos is Forty-Five (45). Eve was whiny, childish, and demanding that Thanatos change.
If you love someone, you don't require them to change something about themselves, especially such a big part of Thanantos's past. She is not stable, strong, or brave, like the other female characters in all the previous books they were strong women that could stand beside the strong alpha male and not lose themselves or let the H get away with their sometimes high handed traits.
All the other women in the series understand that the H is on the 'good side' of humanity and that the monster must be taken down so the world will be a little better place to live. But, not Eve. She believes that it's wrong, and if he wants to be with her, he has to give up his past and never allow Guardian to send him on a mission again. What this means is that Eve has judged Thanatos past life, and he came up short.
Since Eve and Thanatos will live in the complex with other operatives, she will never be able to be friends with the other males and females because they all believe that they are on the right side of the equation. What this means is Eve and Thanatos will be isolated from the group all because Eve refuses to look at the bigger picture. Perhaps the author can fix this in future books. Gosh, I hope so.
February 3, 2020
Page-turner!
I’m a huge fan of the Guardian series anyway and have read all the books so of course I enjoyed this one. The premise is that Guardian Shadow assassin, Thanatos (Dolan) is assigned to rescue/protect Eve, a woman who was genetically engineered from birth to be a biological weapon from Stratus and the dark forces trying to kidnap her for their personal use.
I think this is probably the most realistic “ordinary” heroine I’ve ever seen and because of that, probably the most annoying. Towards the end of this, Eve is whiny and living in a dream world but at least she’s honest and living in her truth and open in sharing what she can and cannot handle. I feel like these books have a fair amount of gratuitous violence in them so if that’s something that will bother you, beware. I can’t wait for Tempest’s book in this series.
I’m a huge fan of the Guardian series anyway and have read all the books so of course I enjoyed this one. The premise is that Guardian Shadow assassin, Thanatos (Dolan) is assigned to rescue/protect Eve, a woman who was genetically engineered from birth to be a biological weapon from Stratus and the dark forces trying to kidnap her for their personal use.
I think this is probably the most realistic “ordinary” heroine I’ve ever seen and because of that, probably the most annoying. Towards the end of this, Eve is whiny and living in a dream world but at least she’s honest and living in her truth and open in sharing what she can and cannot handle. I feel like these books have a fair amount of gratuitous violence in them so if that’s something that will bother you, beware. I can’t wait for Tempest’s book in this series.
September 3, 2020
I loved the book... Until... The ending. Love should not have conditions placed on it. Thanatos deserved better than that. Makes me love Joseph and his wife Ember even more. Ember loves him without conditions or judgement. He's Joseph AND he's Fury. She loves him no matter which. Thanatos deserved that kind of love. I couldn't even read their reunion love scene. Maaan I hate being disappointed like that. Total turn off. For me anyways.
Would have been 5*'s if not for the ending
Would have been 5*'s if not for the ending
August 3, 2020
Loved it but then I didnt
I have loved pretty much all Kris Michaels books favourite Jared worst Brody (grrrr yuk), Dolan and Eve was a gorgeous story read every page. It was terrible what happened to Eve and poor Dolan background story was sooooo sad. They really brought so much love to the pages.
Then they saved Tempest (poor guy) and Eve became this high and mighty biarch. Oh Dolan killed people to save her and his friend life, oh so bad (sarcasm). I get it was a shock to her but she never thank him or gave a crap about Tempest, even Moriah (who I hate) was nicer than Eve. Then the ending where she demands he doesn't kill again or she will leave him because she will not accept it and he goes along with it. Well Dolan has to except her why cant she accept him, she doesn't have to like it, but understand he doesn't kill good people. So wish the ending was different because it was a great read.
I have loved pretty much all Kris Michaels books favourite Jared worst Brody (grrrr yuk), Dolan and Eve was a gorgeous story read every page. It was terrible what happened to Eve and poor Dolan background story was sooooo sad. They really brought so much love to the pages.
Then they saved Tempest (poor guy) and Eve became this high and mighty biarch. Oh Dolan killed people to save her and his friend life, oh so bad (sarcasm). I get it was a shock to her but she never thank him or gave a crap about Tempest, even Moriah (who I hate) was nicer than Eve. Then the ending where she demands he doesn't kill again or she will leave him because she will not accept it and he goes along with it. Well Dolan has to except her why cant she accept him, she doesn't have to like it, but understand he doesn't kill good people. So wish the ending was different because it was a great read.
February 2, 2020
Another 5 Star Hit🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanatos is the next story in the Shadow series and spin off from the Guardians series that Kris is well known for❣️Thanatos receives information from an unlikely source and when he informs Guardian, they send him on a mission to protect a woman by the name of Eve.
Eve is an elementary school teacher and is now on holiday. However, when Mr GQ model moves in next door she finds she attracted to him and they eventually become friends. When a doctors appointment goes wrong, she calls him and he bails her out.....however, the dominoes are falling and they need to get out of dodge for a while, but will it be as friends or as something more😍
Can’t wait for the next Shadow story❤️
Thanatos is the next story in the Shadow series and spin off from the Guardians series that Kris is well known for❣️Thanatos receives information from an unlikely source and when he informs Guardian, they send him on a mission to protect a woman by the name of Eve.
Eve is an elementary school teacher and is now on holiday. However, when Mr GQ model moves in next door she finds she attracted to him and they eventually become friends. When a doctors appointment goes wrong, she calls him and he bails her out.....however, the dominoes are falling and they need to get out of dodge for a while, but will it be as friends or as something more😍
Can’t wait for the next Shadow story❤️
October 1, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and surprisingly likable. The lesson learned here is about letting go of the past and heading towards the future. I think that is something all of the Guardians have to learn. However, I was a little disappointed with Dolan not achieving closure with what happened with him and his family. In that aspect, the story is a little anticlimactic. Was the man they found the killer or was he not? Will the answer come up in a future book? The reader is left with a huge question mark. And what’s next for Eve? Won’t the other factions still be looking for her? Won’t she still be in danger?
In a way, the ending with all of its questions follows the theme. In life we don’t always get full closure, nor do we get all of the answers we are seeking, but we still need to move forward, find love, and find a way towards happiness. Good read. Although, I really would like a second visit with Eve and Thanatos to find those answers.
In a way, the ending with all of its questions follows the theme. In life we don’t always get full closure, nor do we get all of the answers we are seeking, but we still need to move forward, find love, and find a way towards happiness. Good read. Although, I really would like a second visit with Eve and Thanatos to find those answers.
January 30, 2020
Death meets innocence
I eagerly await each of Ms Michaels stories and consume them like a starving person at a buffet. Thanatos delivers another Shadow from darkness to light. The storyline was interesting and while rooted on damsel on distress syndrome does deliver a unique version.
Things that were not my favorite with this particular book...
The repetitive scenes - its nice to see both POVs in some scenes but when the actual dialog is repeated verbatim, it is confusing ro me and I wonder if the author made an error or if I missed something. Luckily it didn't happen but a couple of times but between Chps 18 & 19 I questioned if there was a error in editing. It is just not something I like an noted.
I had a hard time liking Eve. I get that she led a sheltered atypical life, but her my way about life/death is the only acceptable outcome just turned me off.
The quick way things wrapped up and they got their HEA just seemed out of place with all the detail before - especially since it didn't really seem that Eve truly accepted Thanatos as he was. Again, the way I processed the story.
Stratus seems to have taken a back burner since Dixon - which is fine, but with so much time passing that storyline is getting less plausible and makes me wonder what was the point.
So 4 stars because on its own is a well told story. It just seems to be a bit superficial in areas compared to other books in the Guardian World Ms. Michaels has created.
I eagerly await each of Ms Michaels stories and consume them like a starving person at a buffet. Thanatos delivers another Shadow from darkness to light. The storyline was interesting and while rooted on damsel on distress syndrome does deliver a unique version.
Things that were not my favorite with this particular book...
The repetitive scenes - its nice to see both POVs in some scenes but when the actual dialog is repeated verbatim, it is confusing ro me and I wonder if the author made an error or if I missed something. Luckily it didn't happen but a couple of times but between Chps 18 & 19 I questioned if there was a error in editing. It is just not something I like an noted.
I had a hard time liking Eve. I get that she led a sheltered atypical life, but her my way about life/death is the only acceptable outcome just turned me off.
The quick way things wrapped up and they got their HEA just seemed out of place with all the detail before - especially since it didn't really seem that Eve truly accepted Thanatos as he was. Again, the way I processed the story.
Stratus seems to have taken a back burner since Dixon - which is fine, but with so much time passing that storyline is getting less plausible and makes me wonder what was the point.
So 4 stars because on its own is a well told story. It just seems to be a bit superficial in areas compared to other books in the Guardian World Ms. Michaels has created.
February 29, 2020
This was my least favorite so far. I read the reviews after I read the book while I understand why people didn't like the heroine I tried to understand where she was coming from. She was raised in a research facility and then constantly watched so I can see where her feelings were coming from. Thanatos has intrigued me from the beginning of the Shadow series but I wasn't crazy about the plot of this story. It was a bit confusing for me and at times I had to reread parts of it to make sure I understood what Ms. Michaels was saying.
The book does follow the others in that the Shadows come out into the light. In this case, both the hero and the heroine have had something taken from them, perhaps in Eve's case several somethings. Her whole life was controlled and even when she thought she was free she wasn't, not really. Thanatos' life is very similar to hers in that way.
Eve did act like a selfish bitch but she has a strong moral compass and she was torn. She was lead to believe that she was going to die but then her world imploded and all that she knew was taken from her. In a way, it was like being born again and having to learn things all over again.
We were introduced to Tempest whom everyone thought was dead. His story I hope will be a good one because well there are so many questions that need to be answered and can he recover from the torture and whatever else he has been through.
The book does follow the others in that the Shadows come out into the light. In this case, both the hero and the heroine have had something taken from them, perhaps in Eve's case several somethings. Her whole life was controlled and even when she thought she was free she wasn't, not really. Thanatos' life is very similar to hers in that way.
Eve did act like a selfish bitch but she has a strong moral compass and she was torn. She was lead to believe that she was going to die but then her world imploded and all that she knew was taken from her. In a way, it was like being born again and having to learn things all over again.
We were introduced to Tempest whom everyone thought was dead. His story I hope will be a good one because well there are so many questions that need to be answered and can he recover from the torture and whatever else he has been through.
January 31, 2020
Unexpected 🥰
Thanatos is the fourth book in Kris Michaels Guardian Security Shadow World Series.... And what a book it is.
Thanatos has a lot of action in it, there’s something happening in every chapter. Which makes this story flow so well, you never get bored and Ms. Michaels always keeps you guessing. Nothing is predictable about this book!
Thanatos is a Shadow employed by Guardian Security, his missions are to eliminate treats. So when he gets an assignment to watch over a person of interest he’s completely at a lost at what to do.
Eve believes she has a rare form of cancer but when she meets her new neighbor she suddenly finds herself questioning everything she once knew.
I absolutely LOVED THIS STORY!!! The emotion and angst combined with all the action packed scenes, made me unable to put this book down. I’m so happy with the ending and look forward to more from Guardian Security Shadow World 😍🥰😍🥰
Thanatos is the fourth book in Kris Michaels Guardian Security Shadow World Series.... And what a book it is.
Thanatos has a lot of action in it, there’s something happening in every chapter. Which makes this story flow so well, you never get bored and Ms. Michaels always keeps you guessing. Nothing is predictable about this book!
Thanatos is a Shadow employed by Guardian Security, his missions are to eliminate treats. So when he gets an assignment to watch over a person of interest he’s completely at a lost at what to do.
Eve believes she has a rare form of cancer but when she meets her new neighbor she suddenly finds herself questioning everything she once knew.
I absolutely LOVED THIS STORY!!! The emotion and angst combined with all the action packed scenes, made me unable to put this book down. I’m so happy with the ending and look forward to more from Guardian Security Shadow World 😍🥰😍🥰
February 5, 2020
So good - as always. Another flawed Hero to match up with a sweet heroine in need of some help. The premise that the h is the vaccine to so many diseases was an interesting one, to be sure. Both the H and the h were well written characters and it was fun getting to know more about them as the book when on.
It was great to read the scenes where the Shadows interact with one another and the Guardian members. While there wasn't much catching up as far as personal lives go, it was still nice to catch glimpses of the other characters.
The climax of the book was not what I thought it was going to be. I also thought it was really late in the book to introduce so many new characters to keep track of and it seemed tame in comparison to some of the past book's confrontations points. But I still liked the book and will look forward to the next on!
It was great to read the scenes where the Shadows interact with one another and the Guardian members. While there wasn't much catching up as far as personal lives go, it was still nice to catch glimpses of the other characters.
The climax of the book was not what I thought it was going to be. I also thought it was really late in the book to introduce so many new characters to keep track of and it seemed tame in comparison to some of the past book's confrontations points. But I still liked the book and will look forward to the next on!
February 20, 2020
Older meets innocence.
Thanatos believes he is 'dirty' from all the killings he has done. Eve is soft, malleable and innocent. She has been used and lied to from when she was born. Thanatos explains everything to Eve after he rescues her from a clinic where they want to keep her against her will.
He realises she has done nothing in her life and tells her to make a list of what she would like to do now she knows she will live.
People are chasing them. So called 'friends' say Eve has been kidnapped instead of being in protective custody.
Thanatos and Eve get very close until they rescue Tempest. It is then predictable. Loved the story though.
Thanatos believes he is 'dirty' from all the killings he has done. Eve is soft, malleable and innocent. She has been used and lied to from when she was born. Thanatos explains everything to Eve after he rescues her from a clinic where they want to keep her against her will.
He realises she has done nothing in her life and tells her to make a list of what she would like to do now she knows she will live.
People are chasing them. So called 'friends' say Eve has been kidnapped instead of being in protective custody.
Thanatos and Eve get very close until they rescue Tempest. It is then predictable. Loved the story though.
January 28, 2020
More stars if possible
This journey into the world of Guardian shines more light on the shadow world that has danced around the edges of the series. Intriguing updates on old friends and introductions to some we've known only by mentions in other books.
Kris once again leaves us in awe of her mind-boggling talent, as well as giving us a serious hunger for more.
Thank you for another wonderful tour of the world in your imagination.
This journey into the world of Guardian shines more light on the shadow world that has danced around the edges of the series. Intriguing updates on old friends and introductions to some we've known only by mentions in other books.
Kris once again leaves us in awe of her mind-boggling talent, as well as giving us a serious hunger for more.
Thank you for another wonderful tour of the world in your imagination.
May 18, 2021
While I enjoyed Thanatos’ book because I really liked Dolan, I struggled with my feelings toward his leading lady Eve.
Dolan never got close to anyone. When he was ten years old, Dolan witnessed his parents being assaulted then murdered, before he was assaulted himself and left for dead. He’d spent his entire adult life searching for the man responsible while performing his job duties as an assassin named after the god of death for Guardian. Dolan watched Eve as he was instructed, but he didn’t believe her innocence or naiveness. By the time he realized she really didn’t know anything, Eve was in danger and he was fighting the feelings he had developed for her.
At first I genuinely liked Eve. She had been dealt a horrible hand and was used and tested by the doctors that had lied to her for her entire life. She believed what she’d been told about having a rare cancer because she knew nothing else and had no reason to discount what the doctors had told her. When Eve learned how much danger she was truly in, and Dolan told her who he really was, I liked how she knew she could trust Dolan and how they became so close.
What I did not like was how Eve was adamant that killing was wrong and judged Dolan for protecting her and saving her life. The people he killed were trying to kill them, yet she acted all high and mighty and arrogant. At one point, there’s a man with a knife at her throat and Dolan has to quickly react to save her life. He was shot and stabbed in the process and nearly died, while several others who were helping them did lose their lives. Yet Eve’s response was to scream and back away from Dolan as if terrified of him because he didn’t allow the bad guys an opportunity to surrender. This was his job and so many lives were saved because of the people he eliminated. Eve was told the unbelievable things these men had done, yet she took months making Dolan feel bad about himself before coming back to him, but still giving him an ultimatum about never doing it again. Yeah, she was too weak for a man as strong as him.
Dolan never got close to anyone. When he was ten years old, Dolan witnessed his parents being assaulted then murdered, before he was assaulted himself and left for dead. He’d spent his entire adult life searching for the man responsible while performing his job duties as an assassin named after the god of death for Guardian. Dolan watched Eve as he was instructed, but he didn’t believe her innocence or naiveness. By the time he realized she really didn’t know anything, Eve was in danger and he was fighting the feelings he had developed for her.
At first I genuinely liked Eve. She had been dealt a horrible hand and was used and tested by the doctors that had lied to her for her entire life. She believed what she’d been told about having a rare cancer because she knew nothing else and had no reason to discount what the doctors had told her. When Eve learned how much danger she was truly in, and Dolan told her who he really was, I liked how she knew she could trust Dolan and how they became so close.
What I did not like was how Eve was adamant that killing was wrong and judged Dolan for protecting her and saving her life. The people he killed were trying to kill them, yet she acted all high and mighty and arrogant. At one point, there’s a man with a knife at her throat and Dolan has to quickly react to save her life. He was shot and stabbed in the process and nearly died, while several others who were helping them did lose their lives. Yet Eve’s response was to scream and back away from Dolan as if terrified of him because he didn’t allow the bad guys an opportunity to surrender. This was his job and so many lives were saved because of the people he eliminated. Eve was told the unbelievable things these men had done, yet she took months making Dolan feel bad about himself before coming back to him, but still giving him an ultimatum about never doing it again. Yeah, she was too weak for a man as strong as him.
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars
Thanatos is the fourth instalment in the Guardian Security: Shadow World series by Kris Michaels. I couldn't wait to dive into this series - binging my way through this thrilling blend of high-stakes suspense, military precision, and emotional romance. This series is a spin-off from her Kings of Guardian universe, and dives into the covert, dangerous, and morally complex missions of elite operatives working in the shadows where the stakes are high, loyalty is tested, danger is constant, and love often comes at the highest cost.
Each book focuses on a different operative, giving us a fresh perspective each time, while also weaving in an overarching sense of camaraderie and found family. The characters are layered - hardened by their pasts and yet still vulnerable in ways that make them relatable. I recommend reading the series from the beginning, reading each book in sequential order for you to be able to fully appreciate the interconnected relationships and evolving team dynamics.
Ms. Michaels doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of covert work, but she also infuses hope, resilience, and the healing power of love into her storylines.
So, if you enjoy romantic suspense with military and intelligence intrigue, then you will want to dive into this world and experience all the action, passion, and edge of your seat missions for yourself.
Happy Reading…
Thanatos is the fourth instalment in the Guardian Security: Shadow World series by Kris Michaels. I couldn't wait to dive into this series - binging my way through this thrilling blend of high-stakes suspense, military precision, and emotional romance. This series is a spin-off from her Kings of Guardian universe, and dives into the covert, dangerous, and morally complex missions of elite operatives working in the shadows where the stakes are high, loyalty is tested, danger is constant, and love often comes at the highest cost.
Each book focuses on a different operative, giving us a fresh perspective each time, while also weaving in an overarching sense of camaraderie and found family. The characters are layered - hardened by their pasts and yet still vulnerable in ways that make them relatable. I recommend reading the series from the beginning, reading each book in sequential order for you to be able to fully appreciate the interconnected relationships and evolving team dynamics.
Ms. Michaels doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of covert work, but she also infuses hope, resilience, and the healing power of love into her storylines.
So, if you enjoy romantic suspense with military and intelligence intrigue, then you will want to dive into this world and experience all the action, passion, and edge of your seat missions for yourself.
Happy Reading…
December 6, 2023
I borrowed Thanatos ~ Guardian Security Shadow World ~ Book 4, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Eve Salutem is named by Wellington, a mastermind behind making chemicals to kill people and selling them just before he died. She has been his experiment for twenty-seven years and survied all his trials and he uses her to make antidotes to his experiments and markets them too. She has no idea as she thinks she has a rare form of cancer and lives in Minnesota as an elementary school teachers.
It becomes Thanatos's assignment to get close to her and protect her, although this is not his usual type of assignment. He rescues her from her clinic appointment when the doctors try to force her to stay at the clinic for another trial; Thanatoes rescues and they go on the run and with the help of Guardian he takes her to his safe house.
Sweet romance, National TV coverage naming Eve as a kidnap victium, another excape and rescue and a gun battle with the help of Guardian they get to safety. Lots of action in this on, a sweet hero from an unexpected guy and I loved it.
Eve Salutem is named by Wellington, a mastermind behind making chemicals to kill people and selling them just before he died. She has been his experiment for twenty-seven years and survied all his trials and he uses her to make antidotes to his experiments and markets them too. She has no idea as she thinks she has a rare form of cancer and lives in Minnesota as an elementary school teachers.
It becomes Thanatos's assignment to get close to her and protect her, although this is not his usual type of assignment. He rescues her from her clinic appointment when the doctors try to force her to stay at the clinic for another trial; Thanatoes rescues and they go on the run and with the help of Guardian he takes her to his safe house.
Sweet romance, National TV coverage naming Eve as a kidnap victium, another excape and rescue and a gun battle with the help of Guardian they get to safety. Lots of action in this on, a sweet hero from an unexpected guy and I loved it.
February 19, 2020
EXCELLENT STORY!!!!
What a story! What an interesting and unique plot! This book was riveting from the first word to the last. I love the Guardian characters and Thanatos was someone who really got to my heart because of what he had endured as a child. A terrible tragedy that colored his whole life. Then there was Eve, a kind hearted loving woman, who had been there huge traumas. Together their love story was touching, sexy and heartwarming with some suspense. The twists and turns and action packed pages kept me reading until I finished the book late into the wee hours!!! I should have learnt by now just how captivating Kris Michaels' books are and started reading it earlier! 😁 I highly recommend this book....just like all the others in the series it is a fascinating look at the people of Guardian and their ongoing affection, loyalty and support for each other!!
What a story! What an interesting and unique plot! This book was riveting from the first word to the last. I love the Guardian characters and Thanatos was someone who really got to my heart because of what he had endured as a child. A terrible tragedy that colored his whole life. Then there was Eve, a kind hearted loving woman, who had been there huge traumas. Together their love story was touching, sexy and heartwarming with some suspense. The twists and turns and action packed pages kept me reading until I finished the book late into the wee hours!!! I should have learnt by now just how captivating Kris Michaels' books are and started reading it earlier! 😁 I highly recommend this book....just like all the others in the series it is a fascinating look at the people of Guardian and their ongoing affection, loyalty and support for each other!!
October 15, 2023
Another awesome book by Kris Michaels
Forced proximity and one the run. Dolan and Eve end up at one his safe homes. They need to stay there for at least three weeks before he can take her to the AZ facility. Eve spends time with the caretakers of Dolan's place and is learning all kinds of things most people would know how to do. She has basically lived in a research facility or was controlled by them her entire life and was always looking to die at any time because of what they told her. Now that she knows the truth, she wants to really live. But then Dolan finds a friend who has been missing and presumed dead by some and needs to go rescue him. When their hiding place is compromised, he must take Eve with him instead of leaving her there with another Guardian on the way to protect her. After she sees things she never should have, will she be able to get past it and stay with Nolan? Will Nolan walk away from her because he feels he doesn't deserve her?
Forced proximity and one the run. Dolan and Eve end up at one his safe homes. They need to stay there for at least three weeks before he can take her to the AZ facility. Eve spends time with the caretakers of Dolan's place and is learning all kinds of things most people would know how to do. She has basically lived in a research facility or was controlled by them her entire life and was always looking to die at any time because of what they told her. Now that she knows the truth, she wants to really live. But then Dolan finds a friend who has been missing and presumed dead by some and needs to go rescue him. When their hiding place is compromised, he must take Eve with him instead of leaving her there with another Guardian on the way to protect her. After she sees things she never should have, will she be able to get past it and stay with Nolan? Will Nolan walk away from her because he feels he doesn't deserve her?
January 29, 2020
Why won't anyone let me give these books more than 5 stars. The characters are amazing. The stories are absorbing. And even though each story is a standalone, they build upon the previous books and just give the Guardian universe much more richness and depth.
For once it was great to see a heroine that had massive trouble dealing with the events of the book and that her outlook actually made a huge impact on Thanatos' life. Too many Guardian cameos to name had me loving the book even more. The absorbing plot (with relatively few smexy scenes that are easy to skim over) kept me glued to my Kindle and was sadly over too quickly.
I've been following this author for over 4 years and 27 books/novellas later, her stories are just as fantastic as the first one I picked up (Jacob). Do yourself a favor, grab these books!
For once it was great to see a heroine that had massive trouble dealing with the events of the book and that her outlook actually made a huge impact on Thanatos' life. Too many Guardian cameos to name had me loving the book even more. The absorbing plot (with relatively few smexy scenes that are easy to skim over) kept me glued to my Kindle and was sadly over too quickly.
I've been following this author for over 4 years and 27 books/novellas later, her stories are just as fantastic as the first one I picked up (Jacob). Do yourself a favor, grab these books!
June 4, 2021
In Search of Answers
Kris Michael has created a suspense filled, gritty world filled with good guys who see the worst of humanity and find themselves falling into dark holes. Dolan McDade (code name Thanatos) is a bringer of death. He's an assassin under the oversight of Guardian International. He works alone and overseas. Now his superiors have put him on a Guardian Security protection detail involving one Eve Salutem, a very valuable commodity to many people on both sides of the law. Dolan does not play well with others but he takes his job seriously. Fortunately he is there when Eve's stifled and sheltered life explodes, and so does his. Questions abound about both our protagonists histories, their current lives and what of their futures? The answers are not easy, but they bring everything, including our hero and his woman, together in the end.
Kris Michael has created a suspense filled, gritty world filled with good guys who see the worst of humanity and find themselves falling into dark holes. Dolan McDade (code name Thanatos) is a bringer of death. He's an assassin under the oversight of Guardian International. He works alone and overseas. Now his superiors have put him on a Guardian Security protection detail involving one Eve Salutem, a very valuable commodity to many people on both sides of the law. Dolan does not play well with others but he takes his job seriously. Fortunately he is there when Eve's stifled and sheltered life explodes, and so does his. Questions abound about both our protagonists histories, their current lives and what of their futures? The answers are not easy, but they bring everything, including our hero and his woman, together in the end.
January 18, 2024
Story of Innocence, Danger, Death, & finding love.
This book had everything from death, innocence, dangers of the unknown & though it all finding love. Thanatos aka Dolan has lived such a hard life after all he been through growing up and though he claimed he wasn't a romantic man, he sure showed what a true romantic he was. And also how caring, honest & faithful he was to those he did care for. From the beginning when he met innocent Eve he was a goner by her pure innocence with all she endured growing up herself. Though parts of the story her beliefs & reactions really irritated me & made me want to shake her myself lol. This book was so hard to put down especially when Tempest entered their storyline. I can't wait to hear his story next. Overall Kris Michael's has another great book worth reading.
This book had everything from death, innocence, dangers of the unknown & though it all finding love. Thanatos aka Dolan has lived such a hard life after all he been through growing up and though he claimed he wasn't a romantic man, he sure showed what a true romantic he was. And also how caring, honest & faithful he was to those he did care for. From the beginning when he met innocent Eve he was a goner by her pure innocence with all she endured growing up herself. Though parts of the story her beliefs & reactions really irritated me & made me want to shake her myself lol. This book was so hard to put down especially when Tempest entered their storyline. I can't wait to hear his story next. Overall Kris Michael's has another great book worth reading.
November 3, 2024
Super Disappointed
I really wanted to like this book As I really enjoy the series And the related series. I really like the premise of this book but am super super disappointed in the FMC. At the beginning I didn't really mind her too much and a few things that were annoying but that's a me thing. MMC was a bit of a dick I gradually warmed up to him. Unfortunately The FMC Got worse. I'm not entirely sure Why the author Felt the need to make this female character like this, As all the characters in all the other books are good written characters. Even the other female characters That didn't originally have a backbone grew a backbone A nice shiny 1.
This is actually my second time reading This particular book because I'm rereading the entire guardian series And I honestly forgot how much I didn't like this book Which is probably why I skimmed the last 3⁄4 of it.
I really wanted to like this book As I really enjoy the series And the related series. I really like the premise of this book but am super super disappointed in the FMC. At the beginning I didn't really mind her too much and a few things that were annoying but that's a me thing. MMC was a bit of a dick I gradually warmed up to him. Unfortunately The FMC Got worse. I'm not entirely sure Why the author Felt the need to make this female character like this, As all the characters in all the other books are good written characters. Even the other female characters That didn't originally have a backbone grew a backbone A nice shiny 1.
This is actually my second time reading This particular book because I'm rereading the entire guardian series And I honestly forgot how much I didn't like this book Which is probably why I skimmed the last 3⁄4 of it.
November 24, 2024
Dolan ‘Thanatos’ McDade’s latest target, a creator of bio-weapons, had plenty to say to his executioner, including he’d protected Eve Saluten. It struck Thanatos as odd but included it in his report. Almost immediately, Thanatos was ordered to get close to and guard Eve, an assignment he tries to refuse. When he does apply himself to his assignment, it’s not a moment too soon. He maneuvers things to take Eve to her a testing appointment, she calls when they don’t let her leave.
Getting Eve to safety is problematic, she’s stunned when Thanatos has to defend her with his fists, car theft and he has a gun! While on the run, Thanatos has to change his mind when he realizes since one of the things on her bucket list is hold hands with a man, she wasn’t his target’s accomplice, she was unbelievably sheltered and ‘babe in the woods’ innocent!
Rating: 4stars
Getting Eve to safety is problematic, she’s stunned when Thanatos has to defend her with his fists, car theft and he has a gun! While on the run, Thanatos has to change his mind when he realizes since one of the things on her bucket list is hold hands with a man, she wasn’t his target’s accomplice, she was unbelievably sheltered and ‘babe in the woods’ innocent!
Rating: 4stars
January 29, 2020
Wow!
An assassin, that is driven by his past horrific events and strong desire to get revenge for the deaths of his family, comes to another job of keeping Eve safe. He makes a strong connection to her. She is an innocent that has blood capable of curing bio weapons. Eve has been used her whole life and now she must trust Thanatos to keep her alive.
Kris Michaels takes us on their journey. I enjoyed this story of the total opposite people that must overcome the odds, to embrace their attraction as they fall in love. This well written story is filled with many different emotions and as a reader you just don’t want to see the end. It’s a wonderful addition and I look forward to more in the brilliant world created by Kris Michaels!
An assassin, that is driven by his past horrific events and strong desire to get revenge for the deaths of his family, comes to another job of keeping Eve safe. He makes a strong connection to her. She is an innocent that has blood capable of curing bio weapons. Eve has been used her whole life and now she must trust Thanatos to keep her alive.
Kris Michaels takes us on their journey. I enjoyed this story of the total opposite people that must overcome the odds, to embrace their attraction as they fall in love. This well written story is filled with many different emotions and as a reader you just don’t want to see the end. It’s a wonderful addition and I look forward to more in the brilliant world created by Kris Michaels!
November 19, 2020
Out of this world amazing.
Dolan (Thanatos) is a shadow. He has spent his life with one goal in mind, find the man who killed his family.
Eve has spent her life being a petri dish. Never knowing when her last day would be. She has been told she has a rare cancer.
Thanatos has been given a job through Guardian to protect Eve. When bullets start flying, time to hit the road. Eve tells him about everything she wants to do since she has never been allowed to do anything before. He vows to help her with some of them.
Thanatos never expected to fall for a woman but he has. Eve is against death. When he is forced to take out the man who has a knife on her, it is still too much for her. She leaves.
Will Eve come back to him? Can he let the past go?
Dolan (Thanatos) is a shadow. He has spent his life with one goal in mind, find the man who killed his family.
Eve has spent her life being a petri dish. Never knowing when her last day would be. She has been told she has a rare cancer.
Thanatos has been given a job through Guardian to protect Eve. When bullets start flying, time to hit the road. Eve tells him about everything she wants to do since she has never been allowed to do anything before. He vows to help her with some of them.
Thanatos never expected to fall for a woman but he has. Eve is against death. When he is forced to take out the man who has a knife on her, it is still too much for her. She leaves.
Will Eve come back to him? Can he let the past go?
June 1, 2021
Another Winner!
Thanatos and Eve, what a story.
This book, though, had a different feel to it. You still had the action & suspense, the romance between Thanatos and Eve and the occasional humor, but this book felt “heavy”. The morality issue of killing vs murder was evident throughout the story. Eve’s extremely sheltered existence, paired up against Thanatos’ shadow profession made this story powerful. Such extremes.
As Eve got stronger she became more resilient and her moral compass was unyielding. Thanatos remained equally adamant that he was what he was and would continue to kill if needed. I like how the author reconciled this couple and brought them to a conclusion.
Nice job!
Thanatos and Eve, what a story.
This book, though, had a different feel to it. You still had the action & suspense, the romance between Thanatos and Eve and the occasional humor, but this book felt “heavy”. The morality issue of killing vs murder was evident throughout the story. Eve’s extremely sheltered existence, paired up against Thanatos’ shadow profession made this story powerful. Such extremes.
As Eve got stronger she became more resilient and her moral compass was unyielding. Thanatos remained equally adamant that he was what he was and would continue to kill if needed. I like how the author reconciled this couple and brought them to a conclusion.
Nice job!
February 24, 2023
Wow. Eve gad to have one of the worst backgrounds and life of everyone so far. Thanatos also had to have one of the worst childhoods watching his parents brutally murdered and then him being brutalized. The why and who never came to light. Eve andbThanatos were thrown together to protect her even tough this is nit what he usually did.
Did not see Chase doing what he did which set off a nightmare. Eve has come a long way but has trouble seeing the two sides of Thanatos even though he does not lie and only usually follows protocol.
Except onde to save Tempest. That causes all hell to break loose and the story continues. Is there hope for Eve? Will Thanatos be forced to leave Guardian?
Read on.
Did not see Chase doing what he did which set off a nightmare. Eve has come a long way but has trouble seeing the two sides of Thanatos even though he does not lie and only usually follows protocol.
Except onde to save Tempest. That causes all hell to break loose and the story continues. Is there hope for Eve? Will Thanatos be forced to leave Guardian?
Read on.
February 20, 2020
Thanatos
WOW! What a story! This is about two lost souls - Dolan and Eve. Dolan is tasked to watch and protect Eve after he learns that the man he eliminated told him about Eve. Eve was a human petri dish - the man who Dolan eliminated used her to text his biological weapons in her so he could create antidotes for those weapons. Once Dolan frees Eve from the research facility, he finds that he is falling in love with her, despite the age difference. Once the majority of the bad guys are eliminated, Guardian makes Eve disappear. Once this couple finds each other again, they work on their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book.
WOW! What a story! This is about two lost souls - Dolan and Eve. Dolan is tasked to watch and protect Eve after he learns that the man he eliminated told him about Eve. Eve was a human petri dish - the man who Dolan eliminated used her to text his biological weapons in her so he could create antidotes for those weapons. Once Dolan frees Eve from the research facility, he finds that he is falling in love with her, despite the age difference. Once the majority of the bad guys are eliminated, Guardian makes Eve disappear. Once this couple finds each other again, they work on their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book.
August 24, 2023
Good book
I enjoyed this book. There were some interesting and action packed scenes. Lots of time focused on Dolan (Thanatos) and Eve. The concept of Eve being a person that’s immune to all poisonous warfare weapon is intriguing. I liked how he was there to protect her and then they fell,in love after spending so much time together and getting to know each other. There was more self reflection from both MC’s than I prefer but those I easily skimmed though. This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it but isn’t one of my favorites in this series. I still recommend this series though.
I enjoyed this book. There were some interesting and action packed scenes. Lots of time focused on Dolan (Thanatos) and Eve. The concept of Eve being a person that’s immune to all poisonous warfare weapon is intriguing. I liked how he was there to protect her and then they fell,in love after spending so much time together and getting to know each other. There was more self reflection from both MC’s than I prefer but those I easily skimmed though. This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it but isn’t one of my favorites in this series. I still recommend this series though.
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