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A life well-lived.

Frank Marshall’s life before he married and had a family is a closely held secret. The past should remain in the past until it doesn’t.

A love for the ages.

Never in a million years did Frank think he’d find the type of love his parents shared. Until her. Until Amanda King. The light within her warmed him in the hidden places his first wife had unintentionally frozen with indifference toward him and her disdain for life on the ranch.

A story that needs to be told.

The attack against Guardian had focused on him, his past, and his family. Now it is time to speak of distant memories, to fill in the missing pieces for the family that had laid everything on the line. This is the story of Frank Marshall, father, husband, and Guardian.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2022

781 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

82 books1,123 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
1,385 (70%)
4 stars
416 (21%)
3 stars
127 (6%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,383 reviews6,689 followers
September 21, 2024
Another great book in the Guardian-verse. Not only does it recap the great begining of the series, but also the future of Guardian especially in the aftermath of the Seige and the ramifications from there. Frank is the perfect character to base thus book around and it does it's job in both the past and the present. Also a great book about second chances to find live later in life.

Frank has been a constant since the start of the series. The biological father to one of the main characters in the first book, bit a father figure to everyone who came afterwards. Always with a bit of timely advice at the exact moment (mostly delivered as a grunt that everyone seem to understand) it us needed. Whether it is a bit if encouragement or a kick in the butt Frank is always there. Everyone knows there us more to then just a rancher, but in the later books there have been hints to how not only involved but intricate he has been to Guardian.

Amanda is the matriarch of the King family. She raised them since the death of her husband, but has never found love since. This is a great way of reliving the first few book and this relationship going on in the background.

Fans of this series will love the recap, revelations and plans for the future. Also it us great to see the heeling of the characters who have had a rougher time than most as well as establishing the next generation or new characters as well.
Profile Image for Sally.
425 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2022
This book felt like coming home ❤️

If you’re a fan of the series…this is a special book!

It was such a sweet romance told through memories and family story time.
The majority of the Guardian family are together for Christmas, the “family” just being together is enough to make a story in itself (Jade was on top form, popcorn at the ready 😂)

What I loved about this book was how we were taken back to the beginning of both Guardian and also Frank’s relationship with Amanda King, this was smoothly broken up with current antics we’ve come to know and love from the King siblings, and the Guardian family.
We also see a glimpse into what’s to come for Guardian as they start to move forward from The Siege.

Memories from events we’ve already read and experienced was fascinating to see it through the eyes of Frank, Amanda, Gabriel and Anna especially our original day 1’s H/h Jacob & Tori ❤️ it was interesting to read the action from another angle!

Anyways, anyone who knows me well, knows I adore this series, so I highly recommend this author, however, I feel you definitely need to read previous books as there is a lot of characters, storylines discussed in this book.
Start with either Gabriel book 1 of Guardian Defenders, or Jacob book 1 of the Kings of Guardian and enjoy this epic world from the beginning
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,980 reviews64 followers
September 9, 2022
Frank😍

Frank is the fifth book in the Guardian Defenders series and gives us a glimpse into Frank’s past and how he became a part of Guardian, his involvement with Amanda and the person responsible for the Siege😳

I’ve been reading this series for a long time and the timeline along Frank’s story also showed glimpses of past events involving his daughters…which was really great because I’d forgotten some of what had happened previously so it was a refresher in a way❣️

I’m excited to see the new path Guardian is taking and I can’t wait for the next book❤️
Profile Image for Wendy.
151 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2022
Another awsome book by Kris Michaels. Thoroughly recommend. This is part of the Guardian world and I would recommend reading the previous books first. I loved Frank's story so much, couldn't put it down until I finished it.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,336 reviews146 followers
June 23, 2024
Bittersweet history

A lot of back story gets told in this book and despite the content, you won't be able to stop smiling throughout.
2 reviews
September 22, 2022
disappointing don’t waste $

Wow this has to be the worst guardian book! I’m on page 61 and putting it away again, I guess i thought the book would be a story of franks life not going past to future to past again. Kinda hard to follow or stay interested that way. Sigh Mayb someday I’ll finish this but not happening anytime soon.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
February 20, 2024
Frank Marshall is a True BadAss!

This book about Frank Marshall as he goes back in time & shares with his loved ones his history, present time & what's to come on the future was filled with so many surprises I've got to give Kris ALOT of Kudos on this book that truly just shot up to the top of my list of one of my favorites from this whole Guardian World! Frank's employment history before coming home to be a full time rancher was a shocking secret. And I just knew his & Amanda's love story started sometime when they met at the hospital. And lastly the hidden connections that was revealed had me so excited to know what else is in store for Guardian in the Future! And a word of advice, You all must start from the beginning of Kris's reading order for this whole Guardian Series if this is your first time reading her books go to her website she has it listed there. Each book has great storylines, lots of action, adventures, passion & is so worth reading every one of her books!
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
693 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
it's been a long time between guardians for me. I've been waiting for audible but before that Kris Michaels had to have her book come out.
Frank's story answers so many questions and memories that I had as I read through this series.
I started the 1st book (jacob) In May 2020 and as I am discovering, loose ends are tying together and up, its simply marvellous. old memories and characters are rekindled and it was wonderful to remember. And the steamy times in this book, hot, hot, hot 🔥 it was a pleasant surprise.
The way Kris Michaels has put the plotline together kept everything moving along nicely and Matt Haynes..just brilliant.
I've been listening to other authors while waiting for audible and although the other narrator's were good. I just smiled and soaked in matt's dulcet tones. and there were many of them, he had to remember and change his voice/inflections all the way through the book with the abundance of characters.
just brilliant . thank you Kris and Matt.
517 reviews
November 8, 2022
I read the reader version when it came out. Now that the audio version is out listened to that. The story was phenomenal when I read it the first time but even better the second time. The narrator really captured the essence of frank and the voice was exactly what I pictured. Loved it
683 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2022
Is it bad to admit I read the book for two reasons:
1) There was a scene with Jared and Christian, one of my favourite couples and
2) I had hopes that there would be something new in it.

The book is not the best. Sorry Ms Michaels, but it's a filler one to connect some loose ends and doesn't really. offer a lot.

It gives background to Frank, in my opinion it could have been a lot deeper. The marriage to Elizabeth was basically ignored, I think she hoped everyone read all the other books to know what actaully happened. Then there is a lot of repeats to what happened with. Amanda and Frank and the book closed very abrupt as well.

It also felt as if there were differences between how Frank was described in Jacob's book and later in the latter books regarding his involvment with Guardian.

I had my issues with Siege 1 and Siege 2 and this book unfortunately is also not really worth the price. Luckily for Ms Michaels, she still manages to write books which do keep me continuing to read her.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books90 followers
November 26, 2023
I borrowed Frank ~ Guardian Defenders ~ Book 5, by Kris Michaels from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Frank Marshall, the owner of the ranche in South Dakota tells his story at a Christmas gathering at the ranch of all the adult children and family starting with how he met Gabriel, his first wife, Elizabeth and all up until the present. It ties lots of the history and important events in Guardian's history to date together and reveals some truths that none of the children of Frank (and Elizabeth), Amanda (and Chance) and Gabriel and Anna didn't know.

Frank's lifelong connection to Guardian becomes clear along with his friendship with Gabriel and the part he has played in making Guardian the strong company that it was before The Siege by Richard Berkley and how he became a threat to Guardian.

After reading so much of the series about Guardian, this was an interesting story where secrets were shared and a new direction for Guardian is revealed as the company grows and evolves into a stronger froce to do good int he world; it was a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,744 reviews122 followers
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars

Frank is the fifth book in the Guardian Defenders series by Kris Michaels. With this series, Ms. Michaels delivers a compelling mix of romantic suspense, tactical action, and emotional storytelling. It’s another spin-off from the Kings of Guardian series, and definitely doesn’t disappoint, retaining the same high-energy pacing and interconnected worldbuilding I have come to expect from Ms. Michaels, while also introducing us to new operatives with their own unique missions and personal challenges.
Each book can be read as a standalone romance that’s wrapped up in a high-stakes operation - but I would be remiss not to mention that together they form a cohesive web of loyalty, trust, and found family.
Once again, Ms. Michaels delivers authentic action sequences grounded in military and covert operations, distinct character voices that make each operative memorable, interconnected relationships that add an extra dynamic to the overall series, and the perfect balance between suspense and romance.
Happy Reading…
1,083 reviews
September 2, 2023
Great book

I honestly did not think I would enjoy this book that much. But I really liked it. I’m not a fan of rehashing what happened in the past but I noticed that this author does it in such a way that it’s still exciting without drama nor angst.

This book toggled between present time at the ranch during Christmas where all the characters from the Kings of Guardians series are there to Franks’ past. The present day interludes kept it fresh and fun. It was also a great opportunity to remind us of how most of those couples hooked up. Makes me want to reread the books of some of them. We also find out at the end what Gabriel’s plans are for the new and improved Guardian and how he plans to structure them.

An enjoyable read and I recommend it.
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
177 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2022
When a man that is loyal, honorable and puts his family first meets a woman who devoted her life to her children their lives are changed forever. Kris Michaels does a fantastic job writing the love story that is Frank and Amanda.
I love how Frank tells their story to the family. The way Kris Michaels develops this special relationship between two people that sacrificed and deserved happiness has you cheering them on. This is just an outstanding story with the readers of the Guardian series getting answers to many questions and updates on several characters.
It’s a beautiful story of two people that have a chance at love and happiness for a lifetime.
154 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2022
What a great way to share Frank’s story. A family gathering at Christmas at the ranch. Kris Michaels has given us a story that weaves a bit of history of Gabriel, Anna and the Guardians but also how integral to everyone. Frank tells his story over evening’s of shared family gatherings and in doing so shares his love of those surrounding him. Frank and Amanda share a love that encompasses their family and friends. This book has friendship, family, love, commitment, laughter and tears. It answers questions from the past but gives us a hint of their futures and what is to come. Can’t wait to see where Kris takes us next. Each book is better than the last. You don’t want to miss this book.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,426 reviews8 followers
September 24, 2022
Silent and strong

Frank. A strong character and personality from book one. His secrets and role are probably the most complex and each book has shown more and more. This story shared many of his secrets and really amplified his kindness and goodness. Amanda is one heck of a woman! 8 kids and not normal kids, the King siblings. I love her approach to family and life. Seeing their love of each other and family made this story special. Hearing about their meeting and friendship with Gabriel and Anna was a delight, and so was how Guardian has and continues to evolve and grow. Love this series!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,247 reviews54 followers
September 1, 2022
'I'm fluent in grunt'

We go back to the very beginning here, before Frank met Elizabeth, before Amanda lost Chance and before Guardian was completely formed. We get all the dirty details, flash backs to important events, the history of Guardian and most importantly Amanda and Frank's love story!
He may primarily communicate in grunts, conveying a number of thoughts and emotions with few words, but when Frank does speak....he is magical with words! I love that he and Amanda find each other and get a second chance at love.
226 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2022
Another hit for the Guardian Defenders series. In this book you find many answers that those of us who have read any of the Kings of Guardians were always wondering about. We learn how Frank came to be the man he became. His backstory is one you don’t want to miss. His love for family and friends is awesome. Kris has given you a story that you won’t want to put down. So find a warm snuggly place, a cup of tea and gaze into the story of Frank.
306 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2022
Perfect Story!

Frank Marshall has always been one of my favorite Guardian characters. I love that we finally got to hear his story, definitely a life well lived.

I can’t get over how much I loved this story, maybe it’s because Frank and Amanda have been such amazing characters in Guardian Security and Shadow World Series. But this story has already become and instant favorite. Can’t wait for more!!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,135 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2022
Frank

Another FANTASTIC story by Kris! This is the story of Frank and Amanda. I loved reading how these two got together. I loved how Kris mixed the past with the present. It was fun reading the expressions of Amanda's children. Jade is definitely the wild child of the King family. This is definitely a great love story that needed to be told. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,906 reviews27 followers
March 16, 2023
Soft spot for Frank

Maybe because I am older, I have a soft spot for Frank. Though to be honest I appreciate that the physical aspect felt more like love as opposed to an x rated story with plot. The plots are fantastic in the whole series! They evoke all the emotions. I don't need the physical detail so explicit - just me. I never lower my rating based on that, because its a personal preference.
1,275 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2024
Frank and Amanda are my new favorite couple.

I love Frank and Amanda's story. It gives Frank's background that we never knew and how he and Gabriel met and became business partners. It also explains how things got started between Frank and Amanda and when they got married. Yes it goes back and forth between the past and present but it was needed to get the background that we wanted.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
August 30, 2022
Sweet. Really... a lovely look back at the flip side of so many events that we have been privy to over the decades. Mostly we knew what was going on... but it was good to hear how it was perceived by others. And weirdly, I had always been concerned about Aunt Betty... good to hear what occurred there too!

Looking forward to 'Zeke' and to 'Valkyrie' now!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mahle.
48 reviews
August 31, 2022
Sweet Mary, Joseph and the three wise men, I LOVED this book! It was like an old friend, one I didn't want to end. I loved reading Frank and Amanda's story. I loved how it wove in news about the families and Guardian. It gave background information to many of the moments we read over the years. I absolutely recommend this book, especially to those who have read other Guardian books.
Profile Image for Val Woolley.
387 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2022
This was so interesting I will need to read it again to take everything in.Frank and Amanda’s love story is so sincere and they deserve to have each other. Most if the Family and friends of Guardian Defenders have a real family Christmas catch up with each other after their ordeals. Then sort out their new beginnings. Such another great book.
31 reviews
September 21, 2022
Frank - Why he is who you see today!

This book really explains who, why and how Frank is so much a part of the Guardians. Don't miss this great story of the man and see what is going to be the next chapter of the Guardians. If you don't read this great book you're going to be scrambling to put the pieces together.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
October 3, 2022
Finally, Frank Marshall's back story! Told as a story to the gathered King/Marshall family that cuts from present to past, we get more updates from the fallout from the Siege (for me it was mainly Tori and Jason updates) and the story of Frank's past. Fantastic read and I am so glad that the author answered some of our burning questions.
1,095 reviews
October 4, 2022
I was hesitant to read this book because I just wasn’t sure how the author would make this whole story work. I really should have more faith in Ms. Michaels. It was an interesting book that wrapped up a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions from previous books. It was great to catch up with the King/Marshall clan. It also gave more page time to Gabriel’s children other than Charley.
Profile Image for karen.
1,628 reviews
February 9, 2023
I loved this story. I love everything about Frank and Amanda. Frank is the Glue that holds everyone together with Gabriel. .
The Kings and all the other brothers of Guardian are amazing, a family, a brotherhood for life and the best in the world. ,
There was no doubt that Guardian would cone back from the brink of destruction, but stronger, wiser, and the best in the world.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,596 reviews81 followers
June 18, 2023
I honestly can not say enough good things about Kris's writing. I love some seriously alpha men and the women that tame them and Kris writes them so well.

Love these books and the spin off series. They keep on getting better and better.

You don't know what you are missing if you don't read Kris's work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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