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Life couldn’t get any better.

Declan Howard had it made. He owned the town’s only bar, and there was a vast ocean of women to choose from. All right, so perhaps vast was an overstatement. Hollister wasn’t New York City, but he was content. Footloose and fancy-free, he lived in the fast lane and loved it… until recently.

Life was incredibly difficult.

Melody Erikson fell for the town’s sexiest bachelor, Declan Howard. She’d been one of the few he took home more than once. One time too many, it seemed, and a surprise was on the way. The problem was Declan didn’t know the baby was his. Melody refused to trap him into a relationship by lying to him. She told him the truth, the entire truth. Life had become suddenly and irrevocably…challenging.

Their lives would change forever.

Declan wasn’t expecting to be a dad, but he wouldn’t run from the responsibility. He would stand by Melody and be a dad to his child. Only having a baby wasn’t the only concern he had. The men who wanted to buy his land had upped the pressure, and the danger became something local law enforcement couldn’t handle. It was time for the town to call in a favor. It was time to call in Guardian.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2023

658 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

80 books1,113 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
1,375 (72%)
4 stars
410 (21%)
3 stars
83 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,321 reviews146 followers
July 9, 2024
A page turner

The pace and suspense is picking up again and I'm here for it.
Both main characters surprised me.
Still have a few questions but I'm sure the answers will come.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,121 reviews52 followers
May 30, 2023
A ride that will last a lifetime!

Declan finally knows who and what he wants but thinks he has missed his chance, until everything he wanted and more is dropped in his lap! Before he and Melody can get too comfortable trouble finds them and they suddenly have too many problems and not enough rope to wrangle them!
Threats, blackmail, sabotage and violence escalate to dangerous levels but throughout it all they will always have each other, the town of Hollister and the support of Guardian.
I love seeing this softer side of Declan, we obviously got to see his growly, protective side in Stephanie's book, but here we get to see the Declan that has been buried deep, the family man who has been desperate to emerge.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,938 reviews62 followers
June 3, 2023
Declan and Melody😍

The small town of Hollister would be a town I would love to live in❣️The old fashioned values of helping people when they most need it, with no expectation of anything in return makes this small town an enchanting place to be.

Melody comes back to town when she discovers she’s pregnant. She approaches Declan and his life changes in a moment. Threats however, from an unknown entity, keep encroaching on Declan and another local…but they both are determined to not give in. Eventually, they will need to call in the big boys to help them when it’s clear their message is not being received well😳

A great story and I absolutely loved Declan and Melody and this entire town of Hollister - so looking forward to Ken’s story next❤️
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
175 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2023
This town of Hollister created by Kris Michaels has a great philosophy of helping people in need and having each other’s back when necessary.
Let me say that Declan is a complex character in this story that is wanting to change his life. He is known for being the party boy that won’t settle down. When Declan realizes that there is so much more to life and sees what his sister has , he wants that kind of life with someone he can trust and love.
Melody is one of the women that Declan has been with and has fallen under his charms. She decides the fastest way is to just have fun and not let him know how she feels. It is interesting because Declan considers her to be someone he could have a future with.
Melody discovers she is pregnant and has to figure out what to do since her life has become challenging. She decides to tell Declan about the baby and the whole truth. Declan hears her truth and decides to stand by Melody.
During this time there are people very interested in buying his property as well as one of his friends property as well. The person behind this is trying to force the sale of the land and Declan is not interested. When things escalate and Melody gets attacked the citizens of Hollister reach out to Guardian for help.
I loved to see how Declan decides he wants that loving relationship and how people don’t take him seriously. The developing relationship between Declan and Melody is very well written and this story is a fantastic look into the town of Hollister which as a reader I look forward to more adventures in the future.
583 reviews
October 6, 2023
I’m kind of surprised at the high ratings and almost feel bad with giving only two stars, but I really did not enjoy this book. From the start, where Declan just proclaimed they were in a relationship because she was pregnant. To the silly plot line that was just far fetched and didn’t fit with this series. None of it flowed.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
May 30, 2023
I liked this more than I thought I would...

After reading 'Zeke' I had sort of guessed what the premise for this story would be... not too hard as it pretty much indicated at the end of 'Zeke'.

I have a problem with MMC who are self-proclaimed man-whores. Not so much how they choose to live their lives... more from the complete surprise that they seem to have when their actions have/can have/might have repercussions. Declan was hurt by the fact that Hollister deemed his a 'playboy' who wasn't 'reliable'... well... if the shoe fits. I think he got off pretty lightly considering the way that he conducted his sex life with all and sundry in Hollister - cos he didn't seem to travel too far.

This was an OK read with some action/drama. There was no OW/OM issues in present time at all.

Weirdly, the interaction with the 'Guardian' OG's didn't feel as fluid as it had in previous reads...

Sighs.

Ah well. Onto 'Ken' and I am guessing, not particularly cleverly, Alison. Just read the blurb for 'Ken'... LOL.
912 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2023
I adored this book!

No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers.
There is a little swearing and a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
There are no errors.
The characterisation is absolutely perfect. I have loved Declan since the start of the Hollister series and the more he shows up the more I've liked him.
The character is well written and rounded and just the sort of person you would want as a friend.
Melody is truly a beautiful character, and the way she interacts with other town characters such as Edna is engaging.
There is intrigue and danger and cameos from old favourites.
There is romance too, and a guaranteed HEA.
It can be read as a standalone although it would be best reading the Hollister series from the beginning to obtain the best view of the town, but I really would advise reading the Guardian series first because that's where Hollister was born.
Besides, Guardian is one of the best series I've ever read.
Would I recommend the book?
Yes, without reservation.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
January 24, 2024
Disregarding the earlier repeat visit from men trying to buy his bar, Declan Howard’s thoughts turn to his sister, Stephanie, settling into her HEA and thinks it’s time he found his own. The only woman he’d want filling that slot is repeat one-nighter, Melody Erickson, and she’d been scarce for weeks. Finding Melody on his doorstep at home after closing the bar that night wasn’t the biggest surprise of the night. She’s pregnant and chances are extremely in favor of the baby being Declan’s.

Melody’s stunned that Declan seems accepting and immediately tries to take care of her. She insists on honesty and tells Declan her former employer sent her to spy; but their chemistry was too strong, hence, the repeats. When her entitled boss wanted Melody to do and get more for him, she quit the job then found out she was pregnant. Meanwhile, unhappy buyout offers have been rejected multiple time, thugs escalate to ensure the message is received. Declan asks his Guardian neighbors to assist.
Rating: 4stars
218 reviews
June 12, 2023
What a thriller!

What a suspenseful book! Declan and Melody are wonderful together.
Declan has been known around Hollister as a ladies' man. Melody is pregnant and down on her luck. She's not sure if Declan is the father. Declan is a stand-up guy and takes Melody in. He wants to help and care for her and will deal with the issue if he's not the father later.
However, strange things are happening around Hollister, and Declan is getting threats. The question is, why and who?

Woven between the threats is the way Declan grows into a great man, caring for mom to be Melody. In addition, Melody, who has been on her own for most of her life, is learning to lean and trust not only Declan but the people of Hollister. It's not just Declan and Melody, but how the whole town is coming together, with the Hollisters, Marshalls, the Kings and Gaurdian. What an amazing read. I can't wait for Ken's book!
1,258 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2024
A player is brought to his knees when a hookup shows up pregnant

Declan and Melody are so down to earth and the fact that they actually liked each other and wanted more but were afraid to say anything because the other was always adamant that this was just a hookup several times. Then she shows up pregnant with the possibility of it being Declan's or some other guy she was only with once and both guys used condemns so she isn't sure. Declan steps up and takes care of her by giving her a place to live and a job with insurance. But someone doesn't want them together and someone want to buy Declan's bar and is very insistent about it. Melody is attacked and both Declan's bar and house he built are set on fire. Who is behind all of this and why? Frank calls Guardian to do some background checks on a couple people and before you know it Guardian takes over the investigation.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
March 7, 2024
Declan & Melody's Story

Declan a bar owner for the only bar in Hollister & known for his one night stands, encouraging Edna's crazy imagination, and a protective brother to Stephanie finally gets to have his own story told. And when he met melody & and she dropped a bomb news on him a few months later after a few hookups he has decided to be her protector & stepped up big time. This storyline had me at the edge of my seat at times, excited waiting to see what else happens to Declan & Melody & who from Guardian or which residents in Hollister will make an appearance. And Kris didn't disappoint me yet & I truly enjoyed seeing the residents of Hollister come together for one of their own. And I must admit Edna & her group of ladies truly shined & continues to show what it means to take care of one another in such a small town. If only every where in the real world be like the town of Hollister...Congrats Kris on another great storyline I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,368 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2024
Coming together

Declan and Mel. When just for fun turns more. The town rallies around them and their future in fun ways and serious as they prepare for babies and their lives are endangered. Edna is my favorite from the town for this book, though Frank Marshall is always a class act and I love how he immediately stepped up to help protect the towns citizens.

Also, aside from their relationship and the drama that was coming from a previous fling and some bad characters, any time we get Jared King you know the story is going to be good and that there will be some big decisions/consequences!
62 reviews
May 14, 2024
We take care of our own.

Hollister, SD is a small town of about 400 residents. Declan Howard is the owner of the Bit and Spur, the bar on the edge of town. When Melody Erickson turns up at his bar he is happy to see her, even when she tells him she is pregnant with his baby. Soon, the whole town finds out that they are expecting not one but twin boys. That is when the town lives up to its motto and bands together to clean up and repair the old Howard homestead to make room for the babies. This also saves Mel from a deadly fire at the bachelor home Declan had built for himself.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
863 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2023
Thrilling from beginning to the end, Declan and Mel from casual sex to him wanting more with her, returning to Hollister after being gone for a few months she's got news for him, quite the bombshell she delivered, but he doesn't run, standing up to be the father of her child, doing the right thing, disaster strikes Declan and another one of the town's residents by the scum of the earth wanting what isn't theirs, trying whatever means necessary to get it, thanks to Guardian they will pay, thank you Kris Michaels, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Merle.
2,397 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2023
Declan is the owner of the only bar in Hollister, and he has a pretty good life, or so he thought. Lately, his one night conquests have left him uneasy and unsatisfied. He's had a few nights with a new girl, named Melody, and he thinks he wants more from her. She's not interested, though. Then a big thing changes and Melody comes around. She also needs to let Declan know a secret she has kept from him that affects his livelihood. There are more Hollister people involved too, and then Guardian becomes involved.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,463 reviews13 followers
June 8, 2023
Declan

Though the Guardians were only in this thread for help this was all about the town Hollister. Declan is the brother of Stephanie in the book before. This was his and Melody is time in the spot light. His bar was center part of the story. And the fact that unknown people were trying to buy his bar and land through foul means was the plot. Of course when Melody came back to town he was more in trying to keep her from leaving again. Again a great story without the suspense that the Guardians tend to have. But there was suspense non the less.
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,361 reviews6,690 followers
July 8, 2023
Bad reputation

A additional to the Guardian/Hollister books. A good quick read.

Declan has a reputation as the Hollister playboy. However, he gets some news that might make him change his ways.

Mel did not expect anything from Declan, but what she receives might be more than she ever dreamed of.

I am not sure if there is anything of the main Gardian story, but is does show what the Guardians will do to protect or seek justice for those they consider family under their protection.
1,062 reviews
September 5, 2023
Good book

This book was good. I really like Declan and Melody. He’s such a strong and capable sweetheart. She is also strong and willing to work to make it work for her and her unborn baby. They have several sweet moments and the mystery of who’s trying to buy his bar was intriguing and had me guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. It was nice to have cameos from some of the previous characters from the Kings of Guardians series make an appearance. It also showcased what a tight knit community Hollister has and how everyone come together to each other out.
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
687 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2023
I love everything Kris writes. I'm so enthralled with the king guardians and the shadows. the Hollister series is action and romance. although the action is a tad lower in key compared to her other books.
this is enjoyable to just sit back and let the good feelings roll over you . although with the suspense, one does have to sit up and cross the fingers.
the storyline just goes to show that anyone can change.
I'm not into baby tropes, so this one is a bit sugary for me, but I didn't mind as Kris is Kris with an awesome craft
Matt Haynes, just awesome as usual
Profile Image for Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Columbo?.
223 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2024


3.5 Star Rating

You don't need a prescription for prenatal vitamins. I can't believe the author didn't know that or at least fact checked it. They are literally right next to the women's multivitamins and can be bought anywhere.

The drama was out of left field (China & DeeDee) and made the story drag toward the end. The author really loves to have random normies suddenly turn into psychotic murderers.

I did enjoy Hollister a lot in this book. The town was really there for the main characters in their times of need.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
496 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2025
Man about Town Becomes Mr. Homebody

Declan in known through his hometown of Hollister for his non-stop women. As the owner of the only bar he has plenty of opportunities for the ladies. But when Melanie hits town, he starts to feel different. When she surprises him with a life changing event he knows he's up to the challenge. In addition, Declan is faced with mysterious and violent actions against himself, Mel and his properties. The town of Hollister rallies behind them and with help from the infamous Guardian Security justice is meted out.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2023
What a great book. I love Hollister and when you mix in some Guardian it’s a recipe for a phenomenal book. Declan and Mel are unexpectedly to become parents. They decide to make their relationship work, despite it starting as a one night affair. There’s intrigue, mystery and excitement surrounding who wants to buy Declan’s bar and what lengths they’ll go to to make it happen. My heart was pounding as I read the last few chapters. I can’t wait to read Ken’s book.
801 reviews4 followers
May 31, 2023
fabulous

Another excellent story about the very appealing Hollister. This small town has everything one could want, great medical care, honest cops, a great diner , a popular bar and a garage. Declan is the bar owner who has been having an ongoing fling with Mel when she is in town. However she returns only to tell Declan she is pregnant! As she returns with this bombshell it coincides with some pretty shifty goings on …..
Profile Image for Suzi.
1,005 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
enjoyable

Great story, Declan is considered the town playboy but he is tired of all the messing around and wants a steady girl in his life, unfortunately the girl he wants told him in the very beginning she wasn’t looking for attachments. Mel has always been completely into Declan but she has been afraid to tell him with his history of love them and leave them. But everything changes when your pregnant and alone.
1,136 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2023
Great!!! Really like Mel and Declan

Mel is very honest and up front about the situation. Declan was very accepting and came up with a plan. Mel had an odd and stressful background. Stephanie was rude on a couple occasions but she did apologize. love Edna and her friends. Mel had very understanding and patient with them. What is Ken's story???? Can't wait for that. Anytime Frank Marshall shows up is great!!!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,122 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2023
Declan

Wow! The beginning of the story was definitely a shocker but in a good way. Melody broke good news to Declan. As we read along, A series of bad things happen to the couple but the worst thing that happened was losing his livelihood. The citizens of Hollister are really one big family and welcomed Melody in to their fold. The ending was truly exciting. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for A.
789 reviews
June 18, 2023
Kris Michaels always writes fantastic romantic suspense stories. The Hollister series adds in a great small town full of interesting people. Declan and Mel have a sweet love story, but their beginning is unusual. I love visiting all of the other residents. Declan has the intense urge to protect Mel when danger comes to their door. They figure out who is causing trouble with some help from Frank and Guardian. I really enjoyed reading this book, and in can’t wait for Ken’s story.
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,361 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2025
Declan

Declan feels he's missing something and has slowed down his man whore ways. A woman he liked enough to take beyond a one night stand shows up at his bar homeless and pregnant. At the same time someone is trying to strong arm him into selling his bar and land which ends up being arson and attempted murder aided by a jealous woman. Declan and Melody marry and have their twins on the same day.
139 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
Small town means Extra large family

Declan and Mel’s story was amazing. Not only did we get to watch the bachelor barkeep fall in love, we also saw the whole town come together to support them. Being from a small town not only means everyone knows each other, they also take care of one another.
352 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2023
Loved this!!!

Declan and Melody are such a great couple! I love their story and how they came together. The town of Hollister is such a great place, and all the stories are amazing. I loved seeing Jared, Frank and some of the other Guardian folks. So looking forward to Ken's story!! Thanks Kris for another great read!!
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