by: Kathy Lyons
Series: The Heart of a Guardian
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy/Shifter Romance
Release Date: June 2, 2026
She wants answers. He controls monsters.
Mark Robertson's fortress of locks and isolation isn't keeping the world out—it's keeping a killer caged. Too much bear, not enough man, and a death sentence ticking inside him. He can't trust the beast, especially not around Julie, whose fearless eyes see through every wall he's built.
Julie just wants her father's research back. She doesn't expect a break-in, a cover-up, or a man whose every breath is a battle for control—and a fierce protector hidden beneath his damage.
When digging into her father's work reveals mad scientists experimenting on shifters, Mark's nightmare becomes real. His time is running out. The enemy wants them both dead. And Mark's control shatters the moment Julie is in danger.
He needs to believe he's not a monster. She needs someone strong enough to stand with her in the darkness.
Together, they'll tear down the conspiracy—if Mark's beast doesn't destroy them first.
Originally published as License to Shift
Marked by the Guardian is the story of Mark Robertson. Mark is the best friend of Carl Carmen (clan leader and hero from Bound by the Guardian). For years, Mark has known that he’s dying. His DNA is made up of more bear than human. He isn’t sure when his next shift will be his last. For years, he’s been planning for his demise. He’s given up on finding true love and his mate because there isn’t anything he can offer her. A knock on his front door will change his life forever.
Julie Simon hates being in Gladwin, Michigan. She has since she was sixteen, when the other kids excluded her from fun summer activities, and her crush ran away from her. Now, she’s back at the request of her father to pick up some of his shifter tale research. Her first problem is that the only person who can help her is the man who crushed her teenage heart, Mark. Her second problem is that someone has stolen the research. She’s about to discover that what she thought was just fairy tales her father has been researching is very much real.
Going into reading Marked by the Guardian, I thought this was going to be a really sweet, endearing, second-chance love story, but it's so much more! Just when you're happy and comfortable, the suspense kicks in, and you’re taken on an incredible journey. As with the first book, this story grabs you and leaves you not wanting to put it down or have it end. There are definitely some surprises and unanswered questions. But the story is complete, with an “Oh my freaking God” moment at the end.
*Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Rating: 5
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The Heart of a Guardian Series:
Claimed by the Guardian (Book 5) releases July 7, 2026
Awakened by the Guardian (Book 6) releases July 28, 2026
Crowned by the Guardian (Book 7) releases August 18, 2026
Winner of several industry awards including the Prism—Best of the Best, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, and Fresh Fiction’s Steamiest Read, Kathy and her other pennames have published over 80 romance novels and sold over a million copies.
Her hobbies include racquetball, rollerblading, and tv/movie watching with her husband. She’s a big fan of the Big Bang Theory (even though it’s over) and her favorite movie is The Avengers because she loves everything created by Joss Whedon. And she’d love to share all things geek with you in person at any of her many appearances. She’s usually found at the loudest table in the coffee shop or next to the dessert bar.
Places to find Kathy Lyons:
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