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Fortress Security #2
Midnight Reckoning
Her sister was a world-class jewel thief. But she crossed the wrong person and now Sophie's baby may pay the price. Sophie Valero has spent her life living down her last name. In a family of murderers, thieves, and con artists, she's the black sheep. As the owner of a legitimate business, the toughest challenge she faces is helping customers find the right herbal supplements to enhance their health. But when she's attacked in her home, Sophie is given 72 hours to find what her sister stole. The price of failure? Her son's life. Since the retired cat burglar can't go to the local police, she turns to the one man who might help her. If he can forget she's a Valero. Secret Service Agent Micah Winter stopped for a cup of coffee and left with a bullet in his leg. The gangbanger who shot him left in a body bag. Now Micah is home on medical leave with a contract on his head. The last thing he wants is to protect a beautiful jewel thief. Yet within minutes of seeing Sophie again, he has no choice but to offer his protection. Micah and Sophie team up to locate the items her sister stole while staying one step ahead of the gang determined to kill Micah and the local law committed to pinning jewel thefts on Sophie. Micah vows to neutralize the threats to Sophie because the federal agent has fallen hard for his cat burglar. But the deadline is hours away and a killer is closer than he thinks.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2015
200 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 22, 2020
My good friend Kathy Jo recommended this author to me and I'm glad she did. It's nice to add a new author to my Romantic Suspense go-to list.
This one sucked me in pretty quickly, sadly I had a LOT of interruptions while reading this one. It was just one of days where I couldn't really sit and read for very long. So I think that may have taken away a bit of my enjoyment. I also thought the timing of things just felt rushed (and yet, at other times it seemed to drag a tad). The whole story takes place in maybe 3-4 days tops, I see no reason why things had to happen that fast. It would have been more believable if it actually took place over a few weeks. Which also would have made the romance a tad more believable as well. Speaking of romance, I have to admit Sophie and Micah face challenges I have yet to read in a book before, definitely unusual circumstances bringing them together!
Sophie is a likable heroine, I am super impressed with how she got around with being eight months pregnant! I was basically immobile that far into my pregnancies! haha Micah is also recovering from an injury but is still able to take good care of Sophie and the baby. The suspense was okay, lots of things going on in those few days and enough questions to keep you wondering who the "bad guy" is.
Overall, a fun clean romantic suspense. I read this out of order, but though it stood well on it's own. I know there are two series with overlapping characters, so I look forward to eventually reading their stories.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None (that I remember)
Violence: Mild, some moments of peril
Religious: None
Series: Book Two, stood well on its own
Source: Kindle Unlimited
This one sucked me in pretty quickly, sadly I had a LOT of interruptions while reading this one. It was just one of days where I couldn't really sit and read for very long. So I think that may have taken away a bit of my enjoyment. I also thought the timing of things just felt rushed (and yet, at other times it seemed to drag a tad). The whole story takes place in maybe 3-4 days tops, I see no reason why things had to happen that fast. It would have been more believable if it actually took place over a few weeks. Which also would have made the romance a tad more believable as well. Speaking of romance, I have to admit Sophie and Micah face challenges I have yet to read in a book before, definitely unusual circumstances bringing them together!
Sophie is a likable heroine, I am super impressed with how she got around with being eight months pregnant! I was basically immobile that far into my pregnancies! haha Micah is also recovering from an injury but is still able to take good care of Sophie and the baby. The suspense was okay, lots of things going on in those few days and enough questions to keep you wondering who the "bad guy" is.
Overall, a fun clean romantic suspense. I read this out of order, but though it stood well on it's own. I know there are two series with overlapping characters, so I look forward to eventually reading their stories.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None (that I remember)
Violence: Mild, some moments of peril
Religious: None
Series: Book Two, stood well on its own
Source: Kindle Unlimited
April 19, 2025
Sophie Valero comes from a long line of con artists and thieves. She has spent years trying to distance herself from her family name. She refuses to follow in their footsteps. But when her twin sister steals priceless jewelry, Sophie has no other option but to return it back to it's owner.
When her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car accident and the people her sister has stolen from comes after Sophie, she will do whatever it takes to keep herself and her unborn child safe.. even if that means turning to Micah Winters, her brother-in-law's brother who can't stand the Valeros.
The last thing Micah needs while he's healing from a gunshot wound to the leg is getting mixed up with Sophie. If it wasn't for the Valero women, his brother might still be alive. So to say he's shocked to see her standing on his doorstep with a letter from his brother stating that if anything happened to him and his wife she is to find Micah and have him protect her, is an understatement.
After discovering Sophie is pregnant and learning more of what's been happening, Micah is determined to protect her and her child. Somewhere along the way he realizes that Sophie is nothing like her family. She is strong, independent, and beautiful.. and Micah finds himself falling in love with her.
But when more than one enemy is after both Sophie and Micah, the only option they have is to team up with Fortress Security to find out who is behind all the threats and to stop them before it's too late. Sophie and Micah have too much to live for to let the bad guys win. They are determined to live happily ever after.
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! Sophie and Micah are definitely a new favorite! I was hooked from the very beginning and I had a hard time putting this book down! I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could, staying up past my bedtime and waking up earlier than usual to finish it! Sleep is overrated when you find a good book!
I discovered on the author's website that, while all the books in both of her series are standalones, a lot of the characters overlap and there's a certain order that they can be read in. Hence the reason I started the Fortress Security series. I will read the rest of the books in the order she has suggested. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by Ms. Deel!
As for my casting... I absolutely ADORE these two! What do you think?!
Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!
When her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car accident and the people her sister has stolen from comes after Sophie, she will do whatever it takes to keep herself and her unborn child safe.. even if that means turning to Micah Winters, her brother-in-law's brother who can't stand the Valeros.
The last thing Micah needs while he's healing from a gunshot wound to the leg is getting mixed up with Sophie. If it wasn't for the Valero women, his brother might still be alive. So to say he's shocked to see her standing on his doorstep with a letter from his brother stating that if anything happened to him and his wife she is to find Micah and have him protect her, is an understatement.
After discovering Sophie is pregnant and learning more of what's been happening, Micah is determined to protect her and her child. Somewhere along the way he realizes that Sophie is nothing like her family. She is strong, independent, and beautiful.. and Micah finds himself falling in love with her.
But when more than one enemy is after both Sophie and Micah, the only option they have is to team up with Fortress Security to find out who is behind all the threats and to stop them before it's too late. Sophie and Micah have too much to live for to let the bad guys win. They are determined to live happily ever after.
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! Sophie and Micah are definitely a new favorite! I was hooked from the very beginning and I had a hard time putting this book down! I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could, staying up past my bedtime and waking up earlier than usual to finish it! Sleep is overrated when you find a good book!
I discovered on the author's website that, while all the books in both of her series are standalones, a lot of the characters overlap and there's a certain order that they can be read in. Hence the reason I started the Fortress Security series. I will read the rest of the books in the order she has suggested. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by Ms. Deel!
As for my casting... I absolutely ADORE these two! What do you think?!
Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!
November 24, 2022
Wow! I picked up this book from a recommendation by a blogger on Facebook and I’m so glad I did! I will definitely be reading more by this author. This was a first for me from this writer but it definitely won’t be my last. Fast-paced, well-written, suspenseful, action-packed, clean... A great read! Highly recommended.
November 13, 2023
Such a great book!
I went into this book blind, without reading any summary or knowing what it was about. I loved it!!! Sophie was such a great protagonist, and Micah was a perfect swoon-worthy hero. The action and suspense complimented the romance well, and I loved seeing old and new characters from previous books. The way the story unfolds was quite unique (especially with Sophie's pregnancy) and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect. One of my favorites of this author, and can't wait to read more!
I went into this book blind, without reading any summary or knowing what it was about. I loved it!!! Sophie was such a great protagonist, and Micah was a perfect swoon-worthy hero. The action and suspense complimented the romance well, and I loved seeing old and new characters from previous books. The way the story unfolds was quite unique (especially with Sophie's pregnancy) and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect. One of my favorites of this author, and can't wait to read more!
June 23, 2019
Another Good One
There is a reason I keep coming back to this author and her books. Whenever I want some light suspense with a healthy dose of romance- this is where I head. I love a strong male lead. This book had it all. My only complaint is that the ending felt so anticlimactic. I was waiting for the last big thing that I thought was coming but it never did. It just ended. I guess I just wanted it to keep going and going. The pregnancy/baby was a fun addition to this story. I'm looking forward to the next book!
There is a reason I keep coming back to this author and her books. Whenever I want some light suspense with a healthy dose of romance- this is where I head. I love a strong male lead. This book had it all. My only complaint is that the ending felt so anticlimactic. I was waiting for the last big thing that I thought was coming but it never did. It just ended. I guess I just wanted it to keep going and going. The pregnancy/baby was a fun addition to this story. I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 12, 2019
3.25 stars. Story was good. I like the author's work.
I would have rated it higher but there were some issues that a proofer/editor should have caught (explained below).
Sophie's store employee is named Adam. Then in chapter 10 Adam is the hacker that Micah uses so I am like 2 Adams? Okay.... Then store employee becomes Todd when they go back to the store.
REPETITIVE. I get that pregnant women use the bathroom A LOT. I did not need the mentions of it on almost every other page. Also the word tea appeared 60 times and then coffee, hot chocolate and water were mentioned as well. I was afraid I would need the restroom every time they mentioned another beverage.
I was really disappointed that what could have been awesome "scenes" were brushed over. I would have rather had a wedding scene, a scene when they tell Micah's parents the news etc. than read so many scenes dealing with bathrooms breaks and other minor details. I also wondered why they kept sleeping on couches when she wanted him to hold her/warm her up. At 8 months pregnant, I think the bed with lots of pillows would be a better choice. He could have laid on top of the covers and her under them to protect her modesty.
Also note that you better be okay with Insta love, Insta everything... if you read this cause they go from him hating her and her family to all in a week.
Just my humble opinion. Give it a read if it appeals to you cause there are some lovely moments. See my highlights for examples of that.
I would have rated it higher but there were some issues that a proofer/editor should have caught (explained below).
Sophie's store employee is named Adam. Then in chapter 10 Adam is the hacker that Micah uses so I am like 2 Adams? Okay.... Then store employee becomes Todd when they go back to the store.
REPETITIVE. I get that pregnant women use the bathroom A LOT. I did not need the mentions of it on almost every other page. Also the word tea appeared 60 times and then coffee, hot chocolate and water were mentioned as well. I was afraid I would need the restroom every time they mentioned another beverage.
I was really disappointed that what could have been awesome "scenes" were brushed over. I would have rather had a wedding scene, a scene when they tell Micah's parents the news etc. than read so many scenes dealing with bathrooms breaks and other minor details. I also wondered why they kept sleeping on couches when she wanted him to hold her/warm her up. At 8 months pregnant, I think the bed with lots of pillows would be a better choice. He could have laid on top of the covers and her under them to protect her modesty.
Also note that you better be okay with Insta love, Insta everything... if you read this cause they go from him hating her and her family to all in a week.
Just my humble opinion. Give it a read if it appeals to you cause there are some lovely moments. See my highlights for examples of that.
October 10, 2015
Midnight Reckoning is a action pack romantic suspense that will keep the readers on their toe from page one to page 267 and waiting for more. Sophie Valero has spent her life dealing with the effects of her families life choices as con artist, thieve and murderers. Sophie is the black sheep owning her own businesses. When someone attacks her she goes to the only person she hopes will help her. Secret Service Agent Micah Winters who brother was no only married to Sophie sister but was killed in the same car accident. Sophie begs for Micah's help which turns into one awesome adventure.
Rebecca Deel is a christian author who keeps the languages and sex out of her books but still keeps a reader hooked. The characters are solid and you can almost predict how each will act in certain scenes. The plot is solid as well as complex but not enough to lost the reader.
If you want a solid romantic suspense read with no sex but enough chemistry to keep the book sizzling this for you.
Rebecca Deel is a christian author who keeps the languages and sex out of her books but still keeps a reader hooked. The characters are solid and you can almost predict how each will act in certain scenes. The plot is solid as well as complex but not enough to lost the reader.
If you want a solid romantic suspense read with no sex but enough chemistry to keep the book sizzling this for you.
May 24, 2021
Not the same formula
I’ve read all of Ms. Deel’s books, and like other reviewers I have noticed a pattern develop within the pages. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized I’d somehow skipped this title, and even happier to read a tale that’s outside the usual formula. Micah and Sophie are an adorable couple and don’t quite fit into the mold Ms. Deel seems to prefer. And I only noticed one occasion of chamomile mint tea lol! I hope in future books that she’ll return to the cleverness and individuality of these earlier titles because I really enjoyed this one.
I’ve read all of Ms. Deel’s books, and like other reviewers I have noticed a pattern develop within the pages. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized I’d somehow skipped this title, and even happier to read a tale that’s outside the usual formula. Micah and Sophie are an adorable couple and don’t quite fit into the mold Ms. Deel seems to prefer. And I only noticed one occasion of chamomile mint tea lol! I hope in future books that she’ll return to the cleverness and individuality of these earlier titles because I really enjoyed this one.
April 2, 2022
Great Suspense but Some Story Issues
I have listened to other books by this author and I have always appreciated that they're a mostly clean read, well written and the plots are pretty believable. The characters are likable and have great development, the overall plot and story is fantastic but the romance is such a fast forward experience that I struggled with it, I think she could have stretched the time frame out a bit more. It has the feel of other suspense movies like Borne Identity or Taken which is a lot of fun and makes it a hard book to put down.
Parents- PG13- more young adult
Language: none
Violence: normal to mystery genre, nothing graphic
Sexual Content- There's a few snuggling in bed scenes, discussions of desires, kissing, no intimate bedroom scenes
The narrator does a great job and was easy to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have listened to other books by this author and I have always appreciated that they're a mostly clean read, well written and the plots are pretty believable. The characters are likable and have great development, the overall plot and story is fantastic but the romance is such a fast forward experience that I struggled with it, I think she could have stretched the time frame out a bit more. It has the feel of other suspense movies like Borne Identity or Taken which is a lot of fun and makes it a hard book to put down.
Parents- PG13- more young adult
Language: none
Violence: normal to mystery genre, nothing graphic
Sexual Content- There's a few snuggling in bed scenes, discussions of desires, kissing, no intimate bedroom scenes
The narrator does a great job and was easy to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 22, 2022
💎🤰Ignoring the elephant in the room. Without asking what changed Sophie's just assuming. I mean Micah's behavior took a 180 and she's not even asking why.
💎🤰Umm ... How does she deserve him? She's a bitch now cause her husband openly admits that he's in love with someone else but we didn't know her before that. So are we judging Dani by her behavior with her cheating husband and family of the women who he was after and her bank balance? Nice main characters we have here.
💎🤰“If Sierra had changed her mind about us, I wouldn’t have had to worry about what Dani thought or her reaction.” this man is brutal and we're still not sympathizing with the wife, why?
💎"What's your name?"
"My name is ______"
"Damn, she can say her name well, I'm impressed."
💎🤰Micah hurt is worse thn your baby hurt?
💎🤰You can't just "the baby's moving, feel" in middle of a chaos. Like WTF.
💎🤰🚩🚩🚩
💎🤰It felt like an exercise to read this book😒
💎🤰Umm ... How does she deserve him? She's a bitch now cause her husband openly admits that he's in love with someone else but we didn't know her before that. So are we judging Dani by her behavior with her cheating husband and family of the women who he was after and her bank balance? Nice main characters we have here.
💎🤰“If Sierra had changed her mind about us, I wouldn’t have had to worry about what Dani thought or her reaction.” this man is brutal and we're still not sympathizing with the wife, why?
💎"What's your name?"
"My name is ______"
"Damn, she can say her name well, I'm impressed."
💎🤰Micah hurt is worse thn your baby hurt?
💎🤰You can't just "the baby's moving, feel" in middle of a chaos. Like WTF.
💎🤰🚩🚩🚩
💎🤰It felt like an exercise to read this book😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2017
Need a story to grab your attention & hold o to the last page this is it. Suspense & romance.
Micah is a Secret Service Agent that gets injuries being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It noe threatens his home. He is off work due to that injury. His brother David married Sierra Valero and Valero was the not "squeakie clean". His new sister in law was Sierra twin Sonja an absolutely stunning and for some reason really pulled him. He had to steer clear from her, like out of the Country. Thank god duty called. That all changed when he landed at home recoup n the beauty knocks on his for for help......the action heats up. Violence 1, S0 clean romance and a new addition that steal everyone's heart. Well written book!
Micah is a Secret Service Agent that gets injuries being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It noe threatens his home. He is off work due to that injury. His brother David married Sierra Valero and Valero was the not "squeakie clean". His new sister in law was Sierra twin Sonja an absolutely stunning and for some reason really pulled him. He had to steer clear from her, like out of the Country. Thank god duty called. That all changed when he landed at home recoup n the beauty knocks on his for for help......the action heats up. Violence 1, S0 clean romance and a new addition that steal everyone's heart. Well written book!
June 12, 2019
Cop meets thief
While the connection between Sophie and Micah seems a bit of a stretch, the story and the chemistry between the two of them makes it believable. Sophie comes from a long line of criminals and Micah is Secret Service. Along the way, more members of Fortress Security are introduced. I will say 2 books in I thought it risky to not make Fortress more central to the story lines, I'm enjoying the roll out. Like the first book in the series, the MC is an outsider with Tues to but not working for Fortress. I'll definitely read the rest of the series.
While the connection between Sophie and Micah seems a bit of a stretch, the story and the chemistry between the two of them makes it believable. Sophie comes from a long line of criminals and Micah is Secret Service. Along the way, more members of Fortress Security are introduced. I will say 2 books in I thought it risky to not make Fortress more central to the story lines, I'm enjoying the roll out. Like the first book in the series, the MC is an outsider with Tues to but not working for Fortress. I'll definitely read the rest of the series.
May 15, 2025
Loved the first and last part
I really enjoyed the first 10% and last 20% approx. The in-between 70% is full of nothing - frustrating and relatively boring, i was about to quit even. Just flipped pages after pages, and around 80%, things suddenly started happening. Overall, good novel.
I really enjoyed the first 10% and last 20% approx. The in-between 70% is full of nothing - frustrating and relatively boring, i was about to quit even. Just flipped pages after pages, and around 80%, things suddenly started happening. Overall, good novel.
May 14, 2018
Zero sexy times. Wish I would’ve known that before I started this. Mystery with a teeny bit of romance. Original premise. Will not pursue other books by this author. Too clean and vanilla for my liking.
May 28, 2019
Good story
I liked the story, the characters and that it's a series. I will be reading more. Micah and Sophie are a good combination. Already waiting to read a book about Brent, Lilly and Jackson.
I liked the story, the characters and that it's a series. I will be reading more. Micah and Sophie are a good combination. Already waiting to read a book about Brent, Lilly and Jackson.
January 13, 2018
Up all night
I could not put this book down. The plot is fascinating. I just found this author and will read every one of her books.
I could not put this book down. The plot is fascinating. I just found this author and will read every one of her books.
December 2, 2018
I enjoyed it more than book 1 this story kept me engaged and gripped to my iPad.
January 27, 2020
Great series.
April 9, 2020
loved it
June 25, 2020
Great book with lots of action and unique story line about surrogacy.
July 18, 2020
Yeah... think I'm done with this series. Such a good base line... and then... nada... nothing... zero... zilch. Seemed to be all about loo breaks & drinks. It is a shame... cos the idea was there.
September 21, 2020
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was just as intriguing, loving, mysterious, and sexy as book 1. I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was just as intriguing, loving, mysterious, and sexy as book 1. I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
April 6, 2023
Awesome book!
Another great Fortress Security series book! It helps to read these in order. Really enjoy these booms! Great plot and characters
Another great Fortress Security series book! It helps to read these in order. Really enjoy these booms! Great plot and characters
August 20, 2023
Awesome read. Love the characters - the whole Fortress team the author came up with - and Micah and Sophie. They were great characters that were easy to like.
March 17, 2024
enjoyed Micah and Sophie story
February 26, 2017
Midnight Reckoning
Great book. Could not put it down till I finished it .I love a good mystery series. Anyone that loves a good mystery will love this series. This is the second series of Rebecca Deel's that I have read.
Wonder Author.
Great book. Could not put it down till I finished it .I love a good mystery series. Anyone that loves a good mystery will love this series. This is the second series of Rebecca Deel's that I have read.
Wonder Author.
February 19, 2017
Ms. Deel may be my favorite author. She does wonders with dialogue. She also writes a very "clean" book. I've been spoiled by her other novels. While this one was good, it didn' reach the same heights as others I've read. This effort was interesting and had a positive storyline, but I just feel the same pull as I have in the past. Still, worth the time.
November 17, 2015
I've been reading this whole see series for awhile now...
I've been reading this whole series for awhile now and its great! The stories are well researched and you can't help but get involved with each of the characters, cheering on the good guys and wanting the bad guys to meet their untimely end. However, this is the best book of the series, hands down! I found it hard not to get emotionally involved with Sophie and her pregnancy. And oh my!! Did Micah ever make my heart pitter patter! His devotion to Sophie and the baby were amazingly written and ask but leapt off the pages. Towards the end of the book when Fortress really ramps up and gets involved, I even teared up at their fierce devotion to protecting the small family and their immediate acceptance into the tight nit group. I highly recommend this series and especially this book to anyone who loves this genre!!
I've been reading this whole series for awhile now and its great! The stories are well researched and you can't help but get involved with each of the characters, cheering on the good guys and wanting the bad guys to meet their untimely end. However, this is the best book of the series, hands down! I found it hard not to get emotionally involved with Sophie and her pregnancy. And oh my!! Did Micah ever make my heart pitter patter! His devotion to Sophie and the baby were amazingly written and ask but leapt off the pages. Towards the end of the book when Fortress really ramps up and gets involved, I even teared up at their fierce devotion to protecting the small family and their immediate acceptance into the tight nit group. I highly recommend this series and especially this book to anyone who loves this genre!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews