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A Beauty, but eventually the allure fades.

The assassin known as Valkyrie uses her many charms to ensnare the unsuspecting monsters she kills. She lives among the rich, privileged, beautiful people of the world. Or so they’d have the world believe. She’s witnessed the ugliness, brutality, contempt, and greed that formed the miscreants she hunted.

A Beast, at least in most people’s eyes.

Smithson Young has been judged and used his entire life. He hides his superior intelligence under a hulking persona he’s crafted to shield himself. Life had brought him to his knees several times. Now with Guardian in disarray and his assignment over, he waits for the next blow to land, because it always came.

A Beauty and a Beast, bound together.

When her mission requires a cover, the Beauty calls upon the Beast she knows and trusts. The enemy this time isn’t just one person, it’s a global organization and it’s stronger than anyone anticipated. Can Beauty save the Beast, or will the Beast rip through the shackles of his past and take his rightful place? Only time will tell.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2022

909 people are currently reading
150 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,122 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
1,843 (75%)
4 stars
473 (19%)
3 stars
107 (4%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,382 reviews6,689 followers
September 22, 2024
Redemption and retribution

Another great story in the Guardian universe. If I had one complaint about this book, it is that it was finished. I would like to see much more of both these characters.

Val knows who and what she wants. She is used yo manipulating her targets into comprising positions when she strikes. Smithson has been manipulated by everyone he has ever met. He has vowed never to let it happen again. However, is he any match for yhe will of a Valkyrie?

I really like the evaluation and redemption of Smithson's character from the first role he had in Dixen's book, to a couple of cameos in other books to his role in the Seige that made him family.

I think because a lot of Val was introduced in an earlier book, there is not as much of character wise. There is enough, but I feel this is more Smithson's story, which I ok, and I would really want to see these two return and run another mission.
Profile Image for Sally.
422 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2022
Is this one of my favourite authors of all time - Yes
Favourite series - Yes

So, why did I struggle with this book? The story felt short compared to previous ones within the series, I didn’t feel the connection to Smith & Val, the storyline felt too quick, ahhhhh I’m so sad this wasn’t my favourite.
803 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2022
a perfect couple

Smith has had an horrendous youth, sent to basically live at boarding school by his parents, thrown out at 18 and forced into violence in order to survive by his own size and strength. Guardian and especially Valkyrie have seen beyond his facade to the incredibly intelligent man beneath whilst he was acting on their behalf. Valkyrie has become an assassin for Guardian after she took revenge on the people who killed her husband. She has been educated and polished to become a beautifully lethal weapon. She is very attracted to Smith and decides to take him on a European tour. Unfortunately circumstances overtake them and they find themselves embroiled in a complex operation thus pulling Smith into the light and joining Guardian properly.
This is an amazing story and I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
November 29, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Action all the way as usual with Kris’s books and the Guardian series.

Smithson and Valkyrie are dynamite together.
This is a very sweet relationship between the two that just grows hotter and they are made to be together by the finish.

Don’t miss this book it’s brilliantly written, full of details and a wonderful read.
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
828 reviews41 followers
May 23, 2023
2.5⭐

There's a time when I dig these strategic talks of protocols and agencies. But it's not now when I'm on my period. Also I didn't feel Smith's love for Val. No effort from him. It felt like a one way street. I do feel for him. As a character I really liked him but in the aspect of romance his contribution is null. Except the epilogue we never really saw him in love with Val.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,974 reviews64 followers
November 16, 2022
Smithson and Valkyrie😍

Oh my gosh, this couple together is PERFECT❣️Val meets Smith when he’s caring for Mrs Henshaw. After she passes away Val starts to spend more time with him to get to know him, and the more she does….the more she likes him😁 She decides to surprise him and spend more time with him when they are caught up in something only these two can handle, along with a couple other favourite Shadows….and a new team? New stories…hint hint Kris😉 I also liked getting to know these characters and their backgrounds and definitely would not have even guessed that it was what it was…colour me surprised😳

I love everything about this Guardian world that Kris has created and I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us❤️ I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning with Jacob’s story as it gives more depth to the story overall….just my opinion🙃
5 reviews
November 16, 2022
There are no words...

I was looking forward to this release and Ms. Michaels surpassed all my expectations. This has it all. The right balance of action and the sweet journey of two people finding their well deserved HEA. If you haven't followed the series, you may not get the undercurrents of the supporting players. But for those of us who have faithfully followed this series since the first, it is rewarding to catch up with the family. Make no mistake, they may not all be blood related, but Guardian is all about commitment to those who live in their "world". The only thing - I wish there would have a prologue delving into Valkyrie's past and her indoctrination into the shadow world. But no matter, this will be one book I know I will revisit time and again. I can't wait to read future installments of this iconic series!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,223 reviews54 followers
November 18, 2022
I am so glad Smith gets his book!

He was such a hero during The Siege, a giant teddy bear with the biggest heart. Life dealt him a rough hand from an early age and as such he feels he doesn't deserve love or redemption....he is so wrong! Val sees the man beneath the shadows and knows he is perfect for her, her one chance at happiness again and she is determined to show him just how good they could be together.
I am so glad Smith finally faces his past and comes out victorious, I also like that the leaders of Guardian Security finally see him for the asset he is, even if he finds it hard to believe.
A great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,231 reviews34 followers
April 16, 2025
Once I start reading a Kris Michaels' book I find that I don't want to put it down until I've read every last word. The drama, the suspense, the intrigue, the action, the danger and of course the romance are rarely surpassed. I've been looking forward to Valkyrie for some and it lived up to my every expectation. It just doesn't get much better.

Plucked from the abyss after wreaking vengeance on those responsible for her husband's death, Valkyrie becomes a highly successful assassin for Guardian. But it's been 10 years and she knows now she needs more in her life. That more is Smithson Young. She sees the man beneath the facade. The man whose self esteem was molded by being the child that nobody wanted. The man who committed unspeakable acts while being blackmailed. Now is their time. Time to explore feelings. Time to explore what they could become. Time to put aside their loneliness. Well it sounded like a good plan anyway. They get caught up in an attempted hijacking which leads to a manhunt for one of the most wanted men on the planet. Val and Smith are a formidable team and being backed up by Guardian makes them barely unstoppable.
1,271 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2024
He doesn't think anyone would ever want to be with him but she is out to prove differently

Val is assassin. Smith is a former enforcer for scum of the earth like Dixon and Drake's dad but now is employed by Guardian as the caregiver for Mrs. Henshaw until she died. Val "kidnaps" him and takes him on a vacation to Europe, but they discover a hijacking attempt and secure the criminals before it happens. Because of this they get involved in a mission to take down someone who kidnaps kids and turns them into soldiers or for sex trafficking. They have a big misunderstanding and a fight ensues before she can explain her motive for the vacation. How do his parents who kicked home out at eighteen with no money, play into their mission? Will they be able to complete the mission without innocent people getting hurt? Will he walk away from Val when the mission is done?
Profile Image for Merle.
2,409 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2022
The Shadow known as Valkyrie has a past she tries to forget. When she meets Smithson Young on a visit to the old woman living in an apartment building they use periodically, she is surprised at who he is and who he seems to be. He also has a dark past and doesn't believe he can be redeemed. When the Guardian offices are attacked, all the employees must shift and regroup, and the Shadows stand down. However, there is a job that does need to be done and it happens to be while Val is taking Smithson on a surprise vacation. She has realized that he has gotten under all her defenses. As it happens, they work pretty well as a Shadow team too.
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
March 5, 2023
I don’t know How I felt about thus story. Val was exceptional but I felt there could be so much more to her back story and her. Smith gad so much of a horrible background but I was disappointed in the meeting of his parents. It could have been so much more.
Smith and Valkyrie definitely belong together but the build up to Valkyrie’s story suggested a huge story. I was disappointed.
Profile Image for Tammy Swindall.
23 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2023
Enjoyed the characters in the book in the series. However, I was unable to click with the Characters as in the other books.
The plot seemed to be weak compared to the Previous books also. It read more like outline than an actual novel.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,693 reviews121 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Valkyrie is the ninth 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…
226 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2022
Kris has done it again What a couple Valkyrie and Smithson

You’d think things couldn’t get any better but Kris has done it again. She has exceeded the expectations of all with Val and Smithson’s book. Smith feels at a loss since he no longer has a job of taking care of Mrs. Henshaw, he’s wondering what is Guardian going to do with him. Val however knows what she wants and it’s Smithson. So with Guardian still revamping after The Siege she decides to take matters into her own hands by planning a European vacation for them. But it seems some rather bad folks decide to make this trip a little more interesting and it’s all starts on the plane that Val and Smith are on. Then even more mayhem happens at The Hague where a very evil man escapes. So what happens next has several things happening a trip thru Russia and a hopeful escape in Mongolia, a meetup with Smith’s parents where you learn more about him. We’ve learned a lot about the background on both of these two and you won’t be let down about finding out their backstory. I’m not sure how Kris does this but her details are exceptional in telling the story. This couple will be good for Guardian. They will continue to do it for as long as it takes.
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
692 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2023
I've been waiting for a guardian shadow to come to life and here she is.
what an amazing change of pace. Kris Michaels sweeps us into action and suspense from the get-go but here, the tone shifts to almost cruisy. I found the plotline a surprise as we don't often have an h actively going in for the romantic side. we've seen it before in Kris's world but the H normally has an input. not so much with Smithson and this is cleverly created by giving him intelligence but not a lot of self-worth (which is revealed why in a previous book) but he doesn't come across as weak, instead finds his direction through our shadow h.
This was a lovely warm invitation to this next book in the series and then our interest is piqued within the first quarter and....away we go.
the intricate context of the storyline was perfect, as per Kris's craft.
my emotions made me want to slap a couple of characters and it as it goes...kill others.
just love how it all unfolded. it was so smooth and clever. but I knew we were going to get some angst and there It was and just when I thought ....but what about...???? Kris doesn't disappoint. wonderful just wonderful
Matt Haynes is brilliant as always...just love his accents, tones and inflections ....he makes me want to listen all over again.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
March 22, 2025
Smithson Young’s life was rude and disrespectful to him, he was handsome and smart but people saw him as big and threatening. Elite Guardian Valkyrie saw him when Smith was Mrs. Henshaw’s caretaker. Her death meant Valkyrie had to find another way to spend time and show her interest! Smith couldn’t have been more stunned when Valkyrie swept into his low rent apartment, ordering him to shower and change and promised they’d visit places he’d dreamt of. He was Guardian, sexy and wanted. That was enough!

Living without kindness or affection since he was six years old, Smith was leery but willing to spend time with ‘his angel.’ Just their luck terrorist planned to use their plane in a plot to re-enact 9/11 at the Hague. Smith brings smart and deadly as he thwarts the terrorist plot but enough damage is done to release a notorious child and drug trafficker back into the world. Proximity and skill sits Valkyrie in the catbird seat to eliminate the threat, a job she’d happily accept but only with Smith as her partner. He’s willing but is Guardian?
Rating: 4.75stars
916 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2022
Loved this book

No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is an attempted rape lightly written.
There are no errors that I can recall, although the author needs to obtain better intel because the UK did away with pound notes in favour of pound coins a long time ago.
Also, chippy chips (fish and chips) are fat and juicy and nothing like American 'fries'
The characterisation is absolutely perfect, I've loved Val since meeting her and Smith has been an intriguing 'lone alpha, wounded soul' I've so wanted to learn more about.
The plotline felt a bit contrived at times and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but it's a HEA so all's well there.
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain a deeper understanding of the backstory.
I still need Sage's story, please, Ms Michaels?
154 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2022
What an amazing story! Valkyrie and Smith were perfect for each other. A strong female assassin and a tough alpha who is her match but needs her love and support to believe he deserves her and their life together. I was hooked from page one and didn’t want to get to the end!! I enjoyed getting to know both their characters and to understand them from both perspectives. Kris writes her stories brilliantly. There is romance, intrigue, suspense and in this book we travel from the states to England, then on to Russia and back again with intense action and a few unexpected twists. Val and Smith will add so much to the Guardian team. I look forward to seeing them in future books. Kris Michaels you never cease to amaze me with your writing skills. You have created a series that is spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend this book. 5+ stars.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
April 21, 2023
Val and Smith

This one is so good. We’ve got glimpses of Val and Smith in other books but noe we get their stories. Neither of them have had it easy. Val really likes Smith but is scared to tell him and she’s scared to let her feelings be known. She surprises him and they end up on a flight with hijackers and a bomb lol. A really great surprise for both of them. Things get dicier when a really bad guy escapes from custody and the two go after him. Smith is a sad depressed character not feeling worthy and Val has a big job getting him to realize he is worthy. Smith and Val work together to get the job done no matter what is thrown at them…and a really big twist is thrown in. This book is action packed, suspenseful and steamy.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
March 3, 2024
Another Great Book!

I'm so happy Valkyrie got her own story told. She has shown up in previous books & as always shows why she is such a badass female assassin. I enjoyed getting to know her more in this book.

From the beginning of this book there was a lot of surprises including her friendship turned romance with Smith. And the action packed adventure they both ended up on revealed a lot on how smart Smith really is & I can't wait to see how his future with Guardian & their relationship goes too.

If you're new to Kris's books I'd suggest heading to her website & following her reading order list for her Guardian Series & believe me you won't want to miss out on anything.
3 reviews
November 15, 2022
It's was worth the wait!

From start to finish it's amazing!! Every time I say she can't top the one I just finished Kris Michaels proves me wrong! I can't wait for the next installment of Guardian s, Shadows or to read more about the folks in Hollister.

I knew when I read Jacob it lifted my spirit in ways not much else could, during 4 rounds of Chemo and 16 weeks of daily Radiation treatments the Guardian world helped me keep my sanity and helped me to stay positive about survival! After all, if Tori could survive what she did, I couldn't see not surviving to read the remaining King family stories!! Little did I know........
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,415 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2022
Loved this

I hoped for a great story for Smith and wanted the same for Val as we got to know her. This story delivered! Smith is a fascinating character who evolved and showed the depth of his ability, emotions and intelligence with each story. His family was horrible and I loved how Val kept getting mad and calling them out. Val is a rockstar and her quest for helping others and stopping evil is evident throughout this series. Their chemistry is hot and their conversations and compatibility entertaining. A great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next story!!!
1,148 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2022
Loved it. Love Smithson!!!

So Val has been spending time with Smithson.. Since Mrs. Henderson passed he felt lost and abandoned. Val spent v time with him when she could. She was falling for him. She shows up and drags him out of his comfort zone. She explains that she likes him and wants to get to know him. He like Val so he agrees. On their vacation they run into trouble and a mission. Together they work through their feelings and mission. Smithson needs love. He needs someone to love. Such a great story. Hope to see them in future installments!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
Amazing!!

Yet another amazing entry into the Guardian Security Shadow World by Kris Michaels. Valkyrie, an assassin for Guardian, “kidnaps” Smithson Young, whose assignment for Guardian has ended, for a vacation in Europe, except they foil a hijacking attempt while on the flight to Heathrow. This somehow launches her into a new assignment with Smith as her partner. She’s beautiful and deadly; he’s been beaten down by life, but is big, strong and extraordinarily intelligent. Is this a new super duo for Guardian? I couldn’t put it down!!
10 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2023
Chemistry off the hook

I really enjoyed this book. I am a fan of Kris Michaels and follower of the Guardian books. But I almost didn't read this because the Phoenix book was a hit or miss for me until the last 4th of the book. But had I done that I would have missed a good book with off the chart chemistry and an intriguing plot. I love when a man will do anything for his woman but still be a man. I loved how both Val and Young both had each other's back. I love how their relationship was acquaintance first, then friends to love.
1,075 reviews
September 4, 2023
Great book

I really liked this book. Non-stop action from beginning to end. I really like Smith for Valkyrie. He’s intelligent and strong enough for her. He’s also kind hearted and reliable even though he thinks he’s a bad guy and not redeemable. She slowly shows him he’s much more than that. They have several sweet moments and many honest heartfelt conversations.

The plots of stopping a high jack, finding and killing bad guys were very interesting. Smith’s history is cool also. All in all, a very good book and I can see me reading this again. I recommend.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books90 followers
December 16, 2023
I borrowed Valkyrie ~ Guardian Security Shadow World ~ Book 9, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Valkyrie is a woman assissan for Guardian and highly trained and feels so alone until she notices Smithson Young while he cared for Mrs. Henshaw.

A aborted high jacking on a plane, an excaped mass murder, a trip to Russia and facing his parents on a mission keeps Valkyrie and Smith's story full of action, humor, fun and two lost people finding happiness when opposites attract and so alike in all the ways that matter.

Love this story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
475 reviews12 followers
November 15, 2022
Another great book

This is an excellent read, as always, immersed in the Guardian Shadow World. The story follows Valkyrie (Val) a beautiful assassin and Smith, a Guardian carer. Val likes Smith who has made mistakes in the past and feels worthless.
Their story is brilliant, following twists and turns, seeing them both change and putting them in settings around the world.
I really liked it and didn’t feel I could say more without spoiling the story.
5 stars
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
870 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2022
Merry Christmas

Holy moly intense and suspense is putting it lightly with Valkyrie and Smithson, he's been cast aside by his family at a young age, she's been dealt a life altering blow when her husband is murdered, together they conquered evil personified, beauty and the beast to those that don't know them, pure unadulterated love, friendship, and commitment, what a wonderful ending to this AMAZING story, thank you, Dana Zamora
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews

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