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Not all scars are visible.

Andrew Hollister knew the wounds that make a person the most vulnerable couldn’t be seen. That last mission punched his ticket home. He’d survived when most of his team hadn’t.
The physical damage had mended. The mental injuries hadn’t healed as easily. Hell, they hadn’t healed at all.

Once burned, twice shy.

Genevieve Wheeler’s past was littered with betrayal by those closest to her and she’d sworn she’d never let anyone hurt her again. Her life was full of family, friends, and her flourishing business. The last thing she was looking for was a relationship with a broken, sexy, ranch hand.

Without the past, there is no future.

Just as life handed him a beautiful, vivacious reason to move forward, death came knocking once again. Facing his past was no longer something Andrew could avoid, and with Genevieve at his side, confronting the ghosts that haunted him was a battle he needed to win.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

850 people are currently reading
214 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,118 followers
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.)

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5 stars
1,615 (70%)
4 stars
530 (23%)
3 stars
122 (5%)
2 stars
17 (<1%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,373 reviews6,692 followers
May 8, 2022
Healing

An excellent book. Continuing from Jeremiah's story set just after the events of the Seige, comes a book about conquering demons both physical and mental. No easy answers, or solutions just a day at a time.

Gen came to Hollister for a new start, Andrew came back to lose himself in the family business after the nightmare of war. Both of them have been hurt by past relationships. Separately they are just surviving. Together they can find reason to live and get better.

Like the declaimer says there are some very dark themes in this book and difficult subjects. PTSD and suicide among them.

The book is a great setup for the little town of Hollister. There seem yo be interesting times ahead, a number of great characters znd matches to be made. Two in particular I am hoping for. One seems to be set for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
January 26, 2024
I am completely immersed into the world that Kris Michaels has created. I loved the way that Hollister has been part of the Kings of Guardian world for so long... in this we really did properly get involved. I think I may have to re-read Jeremiah tho...

Loved loved loved Gen. Loved Andrew too. Gen was sunshine and joy whilst Andrew was battling demons... or, at the very least, giving himself a very hard time for surviving.

I would've liked a little more understanding with what was going on with Avery... and with Gen's mum too... that all felt very unexplained.

Totally a very good read that I didn't pause once I had started!

Really really really looking forward to Phoenix's tale... and, of course, next Hollister tale too!
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
May 15, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Adore this authors writing, after reading The Siege, I wasn’t sure how she was going to follow that brilliant series, but this one is just as good.
Chemistry in buckets, emotion off the page, characters that are just as brilliant.
Bravo Ms Michaels
Profile Image for Sally.
420 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2022
So, anyone who follows my insta stories will know this book made me ugly cry at the end of chapter 16!! It was sad yet beautiful (yeah, this review probably doesn’t make sense but I’m trying not to give away any spoilers) The story from start to finish is so good and I’m awestruck by anyone who can put pen to paper and make people laugh, make people feel so much that like me, you sob your heart out…..Kris Michaels has this ability in spades⁣

There is a little cameo from one of our favourite guardians at the coffee shop which was a nice connection, we also have The Siege incident being talked about in the background to this story, so although there is a connection to the guardians stories, this is very much a stand-alone book, of course if you are like Edna in this book then you may feel the need to check out the guardian series to find out what was happening 😉 maybe it was aliens?! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣⁣

Anyways, about Andrew, this is small town romance full of quirky characters, there’s a little bit of suspense but it’s mainly centred on our H & h, Andrew (Drew) and Genevieve (Gen) ⁣
Drew is home from the marines and is struggling with PTSD, his life is the family ranch, he very rarely ventures into town. ⁣
Gen has moved away from her controlling parents or should I say parent & ex to open a small coffee shop in Hollister. ⁣
The heat builds when these two meet, but the story is so much more, it is about healing and finding peace with a few “obstacles” to overcome. The book does have trigger warnings, cancer is a subject that is discussed and suicide occurs off the page. Some of the love scenes are beautifully written, one scene in particular when Drew receives bad news is quite powerful…and of course we have chapter 16 (get your tissues ready 🥺😭)⁣

Great start to the new Hollister Series, really likeable characters, can’t wait to read more!!
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2022
Kris Michaels always crafts a phenomenal story and this book is no different. Andrew is home from the war but he’s a different man now. He’s hiding himself away and fighting his demons and has survivors guilt. He meets Gen and she gradually gets him to open up and return to the world. What I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that they had each other’s back, there was trust, no “miss understanding” that made them fall out and get back together. They worked the relationship, dealt with any drama’s (there were a few) and saw it through. I cried reading this book and I also laughed. Phenomenal book and can’t wait to visit Hollister again.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,328 reviews146 followers
June 10, 2024
A page turner

This was a fantastic start to a new series with characters that we know and love.
I absolutely adored this couple both together and apart.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,889 reviews27 followers
March 15, 2023
Intertwined

Love how Guardian and Hollister are intertwined. My heart broke for Andrew, Gunny, Barry. Gen was awesome, not just perky sunshine, she had depth. Another good read.
913 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2022
Loved this book

No plot spoilers
There is a potential trigger relating to suicide but it's lightly written.
The characterisation is absolutely flawless, I've wanted Andrew's story ever since meeting him several books back when Remi moved to Hollister. The book does not disappoint!
Kris Michaels has perfected the art of making a character come to life, and each new character brings their own motivators that fuel a vibrant personality. No one could ever accuse the author of writing one dimensional characters, no matter how many books she writes.
Andrew is physically and emotionally scarred, with a bitter home life that leaves him unable to move forward. Until he meets Remi's sister, Genevive.
Gen has been in several books and her character has been a source of perpetual light, just what Andrew needs.
I found myself in the pleasant position of liking both characters immensely.
The plotline is engaging, following life events, including and little danger, and the growing love between them.
There is a little swearing and some sex scenes.
I can't recommend the author highly enough, but to obtain a full understanding of the book and all of the supporting characters it's best to read the Guardian series first, although this particular book could be read as a standalone.
Looking forward to more stories from the little town of Hollister.
However, could I beg the author for Sage's story please? I've missed him since he vanished back into the darkness he came from!
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,958 reviews64 followers
April 26, 2022
This new series is FANTASTIC😍

Andrew is the first book in a new spin off series from Guardian, where we meet Andrew for the first time in the Siege 2. Genevieve Wheeler is the sister of Jeremiah, and is living in Hollister to enjoy life after one too many betrayals had her leaving home😢

Andrew has returned to Hollister a changed man after his experiences overseas as a Marine. Not thinking he will ever move forward, he’s surprised when a trip to town turns his life around and leads to him striking up a friendship with the gregarious Gen😉

I absolutely loved this story, I experienced a whole spectrum of emotions from laughing out loud, to crying ugly tears to suspenseful moments and more❤️‍🩹 I really enjoyed discovering more about Drew and Gen as a couple but also their intricate backstories. I can already think of a few characters I’d like to know more about in the future and I hope Michaels has some of these characters on her list for this series but I’ll just have to wait patiently to find out😁

I can’t wait to read Zeke’s story next and I look forward to more books in this series❣️
Profile Image for Debra.
3,466 reviews13 followers
January 15, 2023
Andrew

This book s the first book in this series. Andrew has returned to his hometown after his last mission in the Marine Corps went belly up. Back home to either hide out or heal. Gen moved to the town after her own life went sideways. She found out that her fiance was cheating with her best friend. Now her small business has taken off. She run a small diner. But when her ex finds her Drew steps in to protect her. Then when his past comes to light will she be there for him?
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,128 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2022
Andrew

This story has many different emotions involved. You will laugh, get angry and definitely will cry. Andrew goes through a lot and Gen comes into his life and helps him as they both fall for each other. This story is one that will make you want to keep reading until you're done. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Karen.
78 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2024
Emotional depths that match Events

Andrew is one of the few books in this series where the emotional feelings and actions match the very sometimes traumatic events in people's lives. And as such, it was deeply moving. In many of Michael's books. I've actually been skipping the sex scenes because they felt formulaic. Here. There was enough emotion that was appropriate enough for the sex to be meaningful.

Be aware that this review may contain spoilers. Andrew Hollister is the 6th. Andrew Hollister called Jr. His father is senior. He's been back from active service in the Marines where he was a captain and saw some very difficult combat where his men were killed and he received a congressional minimum of honor. That doesn't mean much to him because he's suffering from PTSD and nightmares and much much guilt. He's been back in Hollister managing the ranch with his father with whom he has a very problematical relationship. It was one that I found very familiar. His father never loved him and criticized him his entire life. And for that is why he left to go to the Marines. And that made him an individual who could stand up to his father. But the relationship is still a problem.

Jen Wheeler is the sister of Remy Wheeler who has his own book which you should read a couple of books before you get to this one. Kris Michaels does have a book order on her site but I found it to be not in order. Either in this review or in another I'll try to put it in the order that I found to be more chronological.

James, mother back in Alabama is basically a manipulative, sick which who is scheming for her estranged husband to take high office. And in order to do that, she is trying to get Jen to reconcile with the XP and say who cheated on her with her before they married. I would say her mother is delusional but she's very controlling. To get away from her and this whole situation. Jen went on a road trip a couple years ago and landed in Hollister, bought the diner that she now runs and has been very happy. And very busy. Busy. She's a hard worker.

She knows the Hollister is but she hasn't met Andrew, and when he comes to the diner with a couple of his hands she thinks she's just another hand. He doesn't show up in Hollister very often because he's hurting and damaged and stays isolated. He has a lot of guilt for what he thinks is his fault and his men's death and injury even though he has a congressional medal of for his actions. And there's a physical emotional reason why he hasn't been with a woman since then. And of course he is had enough of VA shrinks and so he won't see another shrink.

But then he meets Shannon and slowly something changes. Janice definitely attracted to him and and she makes the moves but he's very reticent and she thinks he doesn't like her. But then one day she asks him one more time and he actually refuses. But then she shows up is asked if she still wants him to come over for dinner. That's the turning point. This is a relationship that starts as friendship. Barely caring friendship and then acts on the attraction that both of them have for each other. And it's a really lovely progression.

Jen's mother has given Avery her former fiance. Her dress because she wants Jen too. Forgive Avery and get back to him. Her mother's in La La Land. Anyway. Every shows up and that begins another type of drama.

Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
February 5, 2024
Come Fall In Love In A Small Town Called Hollister!

I just love that Kris has started a new series of books on the residents from the small town of Hollister that has been mentioned in previous Guardian books. And if you've been reading Kris's books in order (you can find the reading order list on Kris's website) you've learned more about the town & residents too in Jeremiah Wheeler's story. I fell in love with this small town & the way yet everyone protected not only each other but their town. The town is named after The Hollister Family & thru this book you'll learn about some of its history. This story also has a trigger warning & brings awareness about suicide.

Andrew "Drew" Hollister was a Marine Hero who had been through a lot in the military & after returning home he mentally struggles with the aftermath of his last mission. Andrew's story is just one of many that unfortunately happens in our real world within our military & bringing awareness is so important too. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up to keep the tissues nearby!

Genevieve "Gen" Wheeler is such a smart business woman, funny, very outgoing & a passionate woman that loves to cook. She came into Hollister & fell in love with the small town & decided to stay & opened a restaurant. And this is where Andrew & Gen first laid eyes on each other & you'll just have to read their story to see if they both can help one another overcome their past & have a future.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2022
Ms. Michaels has done it again. No surprise there. We have read about the town of Hollister in the Kings of Guardian books and now we get to meet the townsfolk. Ms. Micheals has created a small town like I would imagine any small town in a rural area to be. There are town gossips, who love to sit in the Gen's diner to discuss all the goings-on. There is the mechanic who owns the gas station and leases Gen land so she can plant her garden. There is her best friend, the daughter of the grocery store owner. The is a doctor, a vet, and of course her brother Jeremiah or Remmi. Her brother and the town doctor, Zeke work for Guardian. The town recluse and a war hero and the son of the man who the town is named after.

This story is about Andrew, the recluse, and how Gen brings love and light to his life again. She saves him in many ways. He also in turn protects her from a man from her past who wants her back.

This story was full of fun, laughter, and some tears as the serious topic of suicide is brought up. Ms. Michaels did a wonderful job with this story. I definitely want to read more about the wonderfully quirky townsfolk of Hollister South Dakota. Who knows maybe even "Senior" will get his HEA.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
December 31, 2023
Ranch heir Andrew Hollister returned to Hollister a broken, guilt-ridden loner, existing with his lingering war demons and getting lost in the family business. But when Drew made a rare visit to town and saw restauranteur Genevieve Wheeler parts of him presumed dead immediately came alive. Seeing Gen stranded on the side of the road, Drew stopped to help and took her flirty invitation to heart and was intrigue enough to start coming to the diner for breakfast.

Gen moved to Hollister to start over, her tiny one-woman venture is succeeding, away from her snobbish, cheating ex, Avery and her meddling mother, who insists Gen reconcile with Avery to help Gen’s father’s political success. Gen and Drew are flirting with entering lover territory when Avery arrives insulting the town, Gen and demanding they reconcile and return to Alabama. Drew tosses him out, Avery refuses to go quietly and attacks them later. Drew wins again but Avery’s not done.

Because of Gen, Drew wants to conquer his demons, overcome the guilt he’s drowning in, protect Gen from the escalating aggressiveness from Avery and become a better, more worthy man.
Rating: 4.25stars
1,265 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2023
Gen and Drew have both Benn through a lot in their past. But sometimes the past never stays there.

Gen had moved on from her ex years ago and is not set up her own restaurant in Hollister, SD to get away from her ex and her mother. Drew has been away in the Marines but is now medically discharged, so he comes back to the family farm. He has a difficult relationship with his dad and because of his last mission is suffering severe PTSD and doesn't sleep much. When they meet it is in instant attraction but Drew doesn't know if he could make her happy so he tries to stay away but he can't. They start seeing each other and then things get go from bad to worse. Ben's ex shows up demanding she forgive him and goes back home with him. When she tells him no he goes crazy and tries to attack them one night. And then his gunney commits suicide. Will they be able to get through all the obstacles that are thrown at them? Loved this story of how a small town sticks together when outsiders come to town causing trouble.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
867 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2022
Cheers to a new series

OMG off the charts amazeballs, Kris Michaels has done it again, Andrew and Gen met at her diner with instant chemistry, is he the shy type not looking or talking to her, she's persistent and gets a few words and secret looks from him when she's not looking, breaking the silence he talks to her some, dinner invitation is declined and eventually he's at the diner talking and being fed amazing food, HOT and spicy food, conversations, chemistry, passion, history in their pasts comes trying to bite her in the butt except Andrew takes out the trash, literally tossing her ex in the street, his military trauma and nightmares calmed down some with Gen around, very well done, the entire story, past and present with hope for the future, this has been a emotionally charged rollercoaster ride and I'm so happy to be along for the ride, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
176 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2022
When a story gives you a strong emotional reaction the author has exceeded all expectations. Kris Michaels delivers a story that deeply touched my soul. I was amazed by Andrew’s anger and grief when he suffers such a horrible loss. It reminded me how death of my loved ones made me feel.
Andrew also got the chance to repair his relationship with his father which is another thing I totally related to. Genevieve was such a great support through Andrew’s difficulties and I loved how Kris Michaels brought these two people together.
This is a wonderful start to a new series that reached out and grabbed my attention! Loved the unity of the people of Hollister and how they are like family.
Well done!
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2022
Outstanding opening for a new series!

Wow! What an outstanding opening book Kris Michaels wrote for her new series Hollister! Admittedly, I was thought it to be great, but it totally exceeded expectations! Gen Wheeler (Jeremiah’s sister) lives in Hollister above the restaurant where she serves breakfast and lunch, and does a pretty good business. She moved there after being hurt by those closest to her. Andrew returned to his family ranch after being injured in battle and being medically discharge from the Marine Corps. His physical injuries are healed, emotionally he is still suffering. Somehow they come together, but some of her ghosts come knocking as does death and his past that he has to face. Kris Michaels is brilliant! I already want to read this again!!
Profile Image for Mary Turner.
174 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
Couldn't put it down!

A great beginning to a new series! I was glad to see not only how Andrew's PTSD and his journey to healing those wounds was handled, but how the perceptions of others were addressed as well.
I took a couple of days after I finished reading this book before I completed my review. I did this for a few reasons, but mostly because I needed to allow my own emotions to settle a bit. This book took me on an emotional ride that I both was (because Kris Michaels has a way of writing characters you can connect with) and wasn't (because evidently I still have some of my own PTSD issues that still can surprise me from time to time) expecting.
Now I am eagerly waiting to read Zeke's story!
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
498 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2022
This is a very promising start to a new series situated in Hollister. It of course has a roundabout connection to the Guardian series.

We met Andrew in the last two books of the Guardian Kings, The Siege. He's ex-military, honorably discharged after being gravely wounded. He's got a lot of guilt of being one of the three survivors of his team and avoids people in general.

One day when being in town, he meets Genevieve. She owns the diner in town and they have an immediate attraction. When Gen is being harassed by her crazy ex, Andrew steps in.
What I loved about this book is that there is no relationship drama, they work out their issues and support each other through though times.

I'm already looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Mechelle Ross.
247 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2022
Andrew is the first book in the Hollister series, a spinoff to the Guardians series. Andrew is a decorated Marine struggling with PTSD issues. We first met Andrew in the Siege books (lives on the neighboring ranch to the Guardian complex). Andrew meets Genvieve, Jeremiah's sister, and owner of the local dinner struggling with her own trust issues. The two develop a slow friendship turned romance.

I love any book connected to the Guardian world. I love meeting new characters and seeing old faces. The book made me laugh and cry, but I highly recommend it. I'll read anything by Kris Michaels!!
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
May 10, 2022
Kris Michaels can really write amazing books.

Though this book deals with some preety harsh topics (PTSD and suicide), Kris Michaels handles them beautifully. I love that she may give her heroes some issues (physical or mental) but she always gives them help in one form or another. In this case, Andrew gets Gen and her brother. It's a fantastic story, but I will admit that I only read it hoping for Guardian cameos though as I read I quickly forgot about the cameos I was hoping for. Andrew's journey is not an easy one but Hollister is behind him and love always eases the way.

Grab any Kris Michaels' book and be prepared - once you read one, you'll be hooked.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,403 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2022
The small town of Hollister, South Dakota has been a character in the Kings of Guardian series and its descendants. Now we are meeting some of the town's residents and their families. Jeremiah Wheeler has a sister who has turned her back on her wealthy and snobbish family to open a small diner in Hollister. Andrew Hollister, or " the sixth" as Gen calls him, is a decorated Marine veteran who has come back home with scars and ghosts. Gen is willing to meet him on his own terms, and they both get what they need from their growing relationship. Unfortunately, both have baggage and Gen's becomes very dangerous. They work together to vanquish the problem.
Profile Image for Penni.
82 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2022
What a book

Kris Michaels has given life to many heroes in the Guardian world, but Andrew Hollister?
Oh my. This is one great hero, and one great story.
Delicate subjects are dealt with in a straight forward and an insightful manner.
This is a story of a journey into and out of the darkest hell no one should ever see.
Heart wrenching, but leaves you with the firm belief that love can heal the worst wounds.
Without a doubt, this book should be on every ones must read list.

20 reviews
April 26, 2022
I LOVED IT

Kris Michaels has done it again. And I loved every word on every page. A new series about a place she’s been teasing us with for a while now, and the anticipation was fully realized. I love everything Kris Michaels does, and one lick each new book as soon as the links go live, but Hollister has a new feel and I was pulled in immediately and hopefully get to reside here until there simply aren’t anymore people to write about in this amazing new/old world. Thank you, Kris, for Hollister. To me, it feels like home.
787 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2022
Andrew and Genevieve

This is a fantastic start to a new series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Always hate to read how our service members suffer greatly when they are discharged, whether mental or health issues. Gunny was a hero regardless of what he did, but I for one can understand his mindset. Genevieve is not only an amazing business woman, but loving and caring of her customers, even Edna. Her ex boyfriend is one for the record books and thinks pretty highly of himself, but actually turns out to be a complete moron. Happy reading.
226 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
what can I say this book is incredible

Kris has provided us with another winner. Andrew has returned to Hollister after a devastating ending of his military career. Gen is Jeremiah’s sister and runs the local diner. As their relationship begins we get insights into both of their lives and others who have made them who they are now. You will meet old friends from Hollister and will meet new ones. You will be touched by both Gen and Drew’s stories. This is a wonderful, moving story to start the new Hollister series.
801 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2022
fantastic start to a new series

It’s great to be back in Hollister, really feels like coming home. Gen owns and runs the diner she opened after leaving her cheating ex-fiancé, Drew Hollister has returned home following a medical discharge from the Marines, unfortunately he still lives with the dreams of the incident that caused hi# discharge. They meet and are mutually attracted but have to cope with his PTSD and her idiotic ex! A great set up for the rest of the series, what I want to know is who is brave enough to take on Allison?
110 reviews
May 21, 2022
Nice to read about the folks ofHollister

Although not Guardian based,same good story telling by one of my favorite authors.
Starting a new series about the folks of Hollister,many of whom were introduced in Jeremiah.
Andrew is a reluctant war hero with nightmares who gets and falls in love with Ben Wheelee,, Jeremiah s sister.
Descriptive sex,minor violence.
I don't normally cry with Kris stories but the sad suicide and following funeral is a tear jerker for those who cry when Lassie comes home That's me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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