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Fortress Security #5
Deadly Game
Following a desperate call for help, Rowan Scott finds her sister bleeding out and her niece missing. As the owner of a coffee shop, Rowan doesn't have the skills to navigate a world of shadows where nothing is as it seems and one mistake will cost her everything. With few clues and her niece's life on the line, Rowan turns to a friend experienced in combat and subterfuge. He's her only hope to bring her niece home before a murderer strikes again.
Tasked with a special assignment in a terrorist hotbed, Fortress CEO Brent Maddox doesn't have time to take on another project. But when the woman who captured his heart asks for help, Brent can't refuse. The Navy SEAL is no stranger to tough missions, but none threatens to melt his iron control until Rowan and her niece end up in the hands of his enemy. Brent vows to rescue the family he has claimed as his own from the hands of a ruthless killer, no matter the cost.
Tasked with a special assignment in a terrorist hotbed, Fortress CEO Brent Maddox doesn't have time to take on another project. But when the woman who captured his heart asks for help, Brent can't refuse. The Navy SEAL is no stranger to tough missions, but none threatens to melt his iron control until Rowan and her niece end up in the hands of his enemy. Brent vows to rescue the family he has claimed as his own from the hands of a ruthless killer, no matter the cost.
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
223 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 26, 2025
January 2021: Lowered the rating to 4 Stars. There are several inconsistencies throughout the book. The same details were given to Rowan on three different occasions and it was always a shock to her. The beta readers and/or editors should be catching these inconsistencies.
Rowan Scott is the owner of Coffee House and has had her eye on Fortress Security's CEO, Brent Maddox, for about a year. She couldn't be happier when she discovers that he's had his eye on her as well. But the night of their first date, Rowan's world changes forever.
Her sleazy brother-in-law is in business with some shady people who had no qualms killing him and his wife and kidnapping their daughter, Alexa. Rowan is all the little girl has left and she'll stop at nothing to bring her niece home safely. And in order to do that, she's going to need to place all her trust in Brent.
Brent has several different critical missions going on at the same time. The last thing he needs is to add another one into the mix. But when Rowan and Alexa are the mission, he will do everything in his power to keep them safe and bring the little girl home where she belongs.
But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Several outside forces are at play and pulling the Fortress Security operatives in all different directions. But when Brent claims Rowan and Alexa as his own, Brent's team will go above and beyond to make sure he gets his family and a HEA.
Wow! This book is awesome! I had the hardest time putting it down! I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could. I was curious about the woman who would capture Brent's heart and Rowan did not disappoint! She's an extremely strong individual that will do anything for those that she loves. She'll be their rock in times of need. Her and Brent really balanced each other out. And I loved Alexa's interaction with Brent! Talk about melting my heart! It was the cutest thing ever!
I am still really enjoying Ms. Deel's books. They just keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read the rest of both series!
As for my casting... I love these two! What do you think?
Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean... just swoony kisses!
Rowan Scott is the owner of Coffee House and has had her eye on Fortress Security's CEO, Brent Maddox, for about a year. She couldn't be happier when she discovers that he's had his eye on her as well. But the night of their first date, Rowan's world changes forever.
Her sleazy brother-in-law is in business with some shady people who had no qualms killing him and his wife and kidnapping their daughter, Alexa. Rowan is all the little girl has left and she'll stop at nothing to bring her niece home safely. And in order to do that, she's going to need to place all her trust in Brent.
Brent has several different critical missions going on at the same time. The last thing he needs is to add another one into the mix. But when Rowan and Alexa are the mission, he will do everything in his power to keep them safe and bring the little girl home where she belongs.
But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Several outside forces are at play and pulling the Fortress Security operatives in all different directions. But when Brent claims Rowan and Alexa as his own, Brent's team will go above and beyond to make sure he gets his family and a HEA.
Wow! This book is awesome! I had the hardest time putting it down! I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could. I was curious about the woman who would capture Brent's heart and Rowan did not disappoint! She's an extremely strong individual that will do anything for those that she loves. She'll be their rock in times of need. Her and Brent really balanced each other out. And I loved Alexa's interaction with Brent! Talk about melting my heart! It was the cutest thing ever!
I am still really enjoying Ms. Deel's books. They just keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read the rest of both series!
As for my casting... I love these two! What do you think?
Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean... just swoony kisses!
June 16, 2018
Fantastic story!
Loved this one. The action and suspense get intense, the romance is sweet yet clean, and the story grabs you from the beginning.
After reading the other Fortress Security books so far I was very interested to read Brent’s story. I liked the uniqueness of his story- there was more than just a romance at the end...a whole family.
Rowan was a very relatable character. She rose to every occasion with guts, yet still fell apart after the terror fled. I loved how fiercely she protected her niece. Alexis was a wonderful part of this book!
As always, the minute I finish one book I am itching to read the next!
Loved this one. The action and suspense get intense, the romance is sweet yet clean, and the story grabs you from the beginning.
After reading the other Fortress Security books so far I was very interested to read Brent’s story. I liked the uniqueness of his story- there was more than just a romance at the end...a whole family.
Rowan was a very relatable character. She rose to every occasion with guts, yet still fell apart after the terror fled. I loved how fiercely she protected her niece. Alexis was a wonderful part of this book!
As always, the minute I finish one book I am itching to read the next!
May 12, 2022
3.5 Stars RTC
June 28, 2023
Really enjoyed it. A few mistakes that a man like Brent wouldn’t do though.
I really really enjoyed this book. It’s so much better than the others. There are quite a few plot mistakes and Brent makes mistakes that he just wouldn’t. I still have no clue how old either of them are, and what they both look like. Alexa (Rowan’s neice.) is six but talks like a teenager, and yes I know that she’s supposedly really advanced but it still felt weird.
Brent has liked Rowen for ages, but for a really confident man he’s terrified that she won’t like him. Rowan runs a coffee shop, (No idea what she did before.) and again she’s liked Brent for ages but is terrified he doesn’t like her. When Rowan’s sister and brother in law are murdered and her neice is kidnapped, Brent and Fortress step up to help her.
It never really explained why her sister of her brother in law was murdered, or why they target Rowan. I think we’re supposed to guess? As Brent and Rowan are running around different safe houses and numerous baddies are after them, it did get a wee bit silly.
When they are running around avoiding the baddies, they fall in love. That sets off the whole, ‘Does Brent feel the same way or am I not good enough for him?’ And, ‘Does Rowan feel the same way?’ Oh good grief!!! Apart from the fact that they have far more important things to worry about, just grow up and talk to each other!!!! You know like adults do?
One massive issue for me is Rowan. Rowan shows virtually no grief at all for the loss of her beloved sister. She wakes up in the morning and just gets on with her day. There’s none of the heart wrenching pain when she wakes up and remembers. Yes I know people grieve differently, but there’s nothing! Absolutely nothing!! She’s like a robot!
Having said all of that, I did still enjoy it……. Mostly.
I really really enjoyed this book. It’s so much better than the others. There are quite a few plot mistakes and Brent makes mistakes that he just wouldn’t. I still have no clue how old either of them are, and what they both look like. Alexa (Rowan’s neice.) is six but talks like a teenager, and yes I know that she’s supposedly really advanced but it still felt weird.
Brent has liked Rowen for ages, but for a really confident man he’s terrified that she won’t like him. Rowan runs a coffee shop, (No idea what she did before.) and again she’s liked Brent for ages but is terrified he doesn’t like her. When Rowan’s sister and brother in law are murdered and her neice is kidnapped, Brent and Fortress step up to help her.
It never really explained why her sister of her brother in law was murdered, or why they target Rowan. I think we’re supposed to guess? As Brent and Rowan are running around different safe houses and numerous baddies are after them, it did get a wee bit silly.
When they are running around avoiding the baddies, they fall in love. That sets off the whole, ‘Does Brent feel the same way or am I not good enough for him?’ And, ‘Does Rowan feel the same way?’ Oh good grief!!! Apart from the fact that they have far more important things to worry about, just grow up and talk to each other!!!! You know like adults do?
One massive issue for me is Rowan. Rowan shows virtually no grief at all for the loss of her beloved sister. She wakes up in the morning and just gets on with her day. There’s none of the heart wrenching pain when she wakes up and remembers. Yes I know people grieve differently, but there’s nothing! Absolutely nothing!! She’s like a robot!
Having said all of that, I did still enjoy it……. Mostly.
August 8, 2024
4.1 stars
I definitely have not read the whole series or read the books in order, but this is a best of any of her books that I have read. Not too much unnecessary information about logistics and ops and other fodder. I have noticed though, coffee,tea and soft drinks or mentioned quite a lot in each book; it's a bit distracting.
Small Spoilers Below
The bad things and or attacks that happen in this book, seem to constantly occur around a specific everyday event in Rowan's (Ro's) life. Also it was odd how she didn't display typical signs of trauma or grief to the extent of what she went through, and kept going through, neither did Alexa. It was because of this lack of realism that I couldn't rate it higher; that and the fact of Brent's home being seemingly so easy to invade. I mean, he man is head of a top security firm, how in the world can anyone EVER invade HIS house?
I definitely have not read the whole series or read the books in order, but this is a best of any of her books that I have read. Not too much unnecessary information about logistics and ops and other fodder. I have noticed though, coffee,tea and soft drinks or mentioned quite a lot in each book; it's a bit distracting.
Small Spoilers Below
The bad things and or attacks that happen in this book, seem to constantly occur around a specific everyday event in Rowan's (Ro's) life. Also it was odd how she didn't display typical signs of trauma or grief to the extent of what she went through, and kept going through, neither did Alexa. It was because of this lack of realism that I couldn't rate it higher; that and the fact of Brent's home being seemingly so easy to invade. I mean, he man is head of a top security firm, how in the world can anyone EVER invade HIS house?
October 29, 2017
You can read any n all this is the top one so far : intense action, special ops, murder, kidnap and romance & family!
Rowan a owner of the popular coffee house has a busy life. It absolutely amazing she is independent , self sufficient and the main focus of the CEO of Fortress Security Brent Maddox attention. The coffee house, her sister and her niece is her life. One night after a year of waiting she finally has Brent show interest like he going to ask her out....that night her world changes in every direction and Brent is with her. Action packed suspense a page turner. Romance. Violence2, S0 clean romance.
More feedbacks for book reviews please check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com - I look forward to sharing book opinions with you. Thanks!
Rowan a owner of the popular coffee house has a busy life. It absolutely amazing she is independent , self sufficient and the main focus of the CEO of Fortress Security Brent Maddox attention. The coffee house, her sister and her niece is her life. One night after a year of waiting she finally has Brent show interest like he going to ask her out....that night her world changes in every direction and Brent is with her. Action packed suspense a page turner. Romance. Violence2, S0 clean romance.
More feedbacks for book reviews please check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com - I look forward to sharing book opinions with you. Thanks!
January 15, 2018
I really like it!!
The story was okay and I loved the characters. I really really like a hero with his life together. She was great, intelligent, a good person with just enough humor to know she isn't a Debby Downer in a bad situation. The dialogue and chemistry was right on point. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is simply because it wasn't my favorite book. Favorite of the series for sure but not one I could read repeatly. I read ALOT so not all can be my favorite. Good read- don't miss it.
The story was okay and I loved the characters. I really really like a hero with his life together. She was great, intelligent, a good person with just enough humor to know she isn't a Debby Downer in a bad situation. The dialogue and chemistry was right on point. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is simply because it wasn't my favorite book. Favorite of the series for sure but not one I could read repeatly. I read ALOT so not all can be my favorite. Good read- don't miss it.
June 15, 2019
Maddox's book
Brent Maddox is the founder of Fortress and while watching his peoples' backs hadn't acted on his attraction to his favorite coffee shop owner Rowan. When tragedy comes to her life Brent is by her side and with the help of Fortress and PSI, fights tooth and nail to keep her and her niece Alexa safe. They get their HEA but not before several of Fortress and Maddox's enemies are dispatched for good.
Brent Maddox is the founder of Fortress and while watching his peoples' backs hadn't acted on his attraction to his favorite coffee shop owner Rowan. When tragedy comes to her life Brent is by her side and with the help of Fortress and PSI, fights tooth and nail to keep her and her niece Alexa safe. They get their HEA but not before several of Fortress and Maddox's enemies are dispatched for good.
September 8, 2020
Full of suspense, tears, happiness
Yet another great book from Deel. While it follows the basic formula of Fortress Security and Otter Creek it still gets your heart pumping due to the danger the characters face. Truly loved seeing all the Fortress operatives in action and their softer sides as well.
Yet another great book from Deel. While it follows the basic formula of Fortress Security and Otter Creek it still gets your heart pumping due to the danger the characters face. Truly loved seeing all the Fortress operatives in action and their softer sides as well.
February 2, 2017
Enjoyable read!
Really enjoyed Rowan and Brent's story! It was a little over the top, but completely engaging! I couldn't stop reading as I was dying to find out who took Alexa and how they got her back!
Really enjoyed Rowan and Brent's story! It was a little over the top, but completely engaging! I couldn't stop reading as I was dying to find out who took Alexa and how they got her back!
June 28, 2017
Read on one night
I just love the books every time a new one comes out I can't wait to read it. It's like watching your friends and family to through life find love and be happy. Oh ya with some major drama and suspense in there.
I just love the books every time a new one comes out I can't wait to read it. It's like watching your friends and family to through life find love and be happy. Oh ya with some major drama and suspense in there.
June 18, 2019
Go Brent and Rowan
So happy Brent has his ladies now. Their story moved right along with multiple bad guys. Only Brent and his team's could handle it all. Rowen is going to stand and be what Brent needs. Home grown terrorist, the cartel and disgruntled employees. Whew!
So happy Brent has his ladies now. Their story moved right along with multiple bad guys. Only Brent and his team's could handle it all. Rowen is going to stand and be what Brent needs. Home grown terrorist, the cartel and disgruntled employees. Whew!
June 29, 2022
I love Brent's character. The only thing that I didn't like about this storyline is that Fortress seemed to have failures in its security system thus Brenna was in constant danger. This just doesn't jive for me with the characterization of Fortress as the best of the best.
May 21, 2024
G rated
If you want a lot of graphic sexual content and hot sex this book is not for you. If you want a fantastic romance with fast action and a little mystery grab this story you will not be disappointed. I definitely recommend it!
If you want a lot of graphic sexual content and hot sex this book is not for you. If you want a fantastic romance with fast action and a little mystery grab this story you will not be disappointed. I definitely recommend it!
May 22, 2017
Great Suspense
This book kept me up nights as it drew me deeper and deeper to a web of mystery. Loved every minute of it!
This book kept me up nights as it drew me deeper and deeper to a web of mystery. Loved every minute of it!
January 30, 2018
Deadly Game
This is a very good series lots of action. I recommend this series . It is a very thrilling series.
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This is a very good series lots of action. I recommend this series . It is a very thrilling series.
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December 28, 2019
❤️❤️❤️
September 25, 2020
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and action packed! I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and action packed! I would definitely recommend this book to read!👏🏾👏🏾😁😁
November 14, 2020
Excellent fast paced mystery!
August 13, 2023
exciting
This was a great story. Which action packed and full of spicy romance. I enjoyed the story and how everything plays out.
This was a great story. Which action packed and full of spicy romance. I enjoyed the story and how everything plays out.
August 21, 2023
Loving this series. It is not Christian, but very clean.
February 17, 2024
Love this series!
I have been reading this series for awhile. I absolutely love it. Once I start a book it is hard to put down!!! Looking forward to the next one!
I have been reading this series for awhile. I absolutely love it. Once I start a book it is hard to put down!!! Looking forward to the next one!
February 20, 2024
Good story if this is the first time you’ve read this author’s work. If you’ve read her books before this is pretty repetitive, not a lot of change in plot. Predictable.
December 15, 2025
The way the men in every book call every female sugar is annoying
March 19, 2017
Best book ever
I loved this book. It was clean well written and full of suspense. I loved that we had more than one thing going at a time but in such a way that it was not confusing. Awesome
I loved this book. It was clean well written and full of suspense. I loved that we had more than one thing going at a time but in such a way that it was not confusing. Awesome
March 4, 2017
Great series
I have loved reading about the individual Fortress team members, as they play a staring roll in a different adventure with the support of the team I already met. I look forward for more.
I have loved reading about the individual Fortress team members, as they play a staring roll in a different adventure with the support of the team I already met. I look forward for more.
February 21, 2017
Pure romance with some kidnapping, bad guys and violence.
This is just escapist fun with a touch of intrigue, violence, adventure and of course, romance. A combination that allows you to delve out of real life and into Rebecca Deel's world of Fortress security.
I liked it, its well-written, edited properly which, of course, is an added bonus. On the negative side, the main characters fall in love too quickly and I got slightly irritated by Carstairs but overall a good read.
This is just escapist fun with a touch of intrigue, violence, adventure and of course, romance. A combination that allows you to delve out of real life and into Rebecca Deel's world of Fortress security.
I liked it, its well-written, edited properly which, of course, is an added bonus. On the negative side, the main characters fall in love too quickly and I got slightly irritated by Carstairs but overall a good read.
February 15, 2017
Fortress Security Rocks!
These men and women are some of my very favorite characters! I am thrilled with the story of Brent Maddox finally finding his perfect awesome kickass woman. Rowan is a fantastic addition to the team and Alexa is wonderful. I wish there were more stories. I really hope Rebecca keeps writing this series. I want updates and I do love how old characters return in each book to support the current characters. I just find myself waiting for the next release.
These men and women are some of my very favorite characters! I am thrilled with the story of Brent Maddox finally finding his perfect awesome kickass woman. Rowan is a fantastic addition to the team and Alexa is wonderful. I wish there were more stories. I really hope Rebecca keeps writing this series. I want updates and I do love how old characters return in each book to support the current characters. I just find myself waiting for the next release.
February 12, 2017
Coffee
Rowen is the local coffee shop owner but she has problems - Brent and the Fortress agency is taking care of the problem. Great
Rowen is the local coffee shop owner but she has problems - Brent and the Fortress agency is taking care of the problem. Great
February 11, 2017
I love Rebecca Deel's works, and her newest book is another winner! I have been fascinated by Brent Maddox since he was first introduced and have been eagerly awaiting his story! He certainly meets his match with local coffee shop owner, Rowan. I thought it was adorable how Brent was nervous to ask her out. Their first date doesn't go quite as planned, and the action starts right from the beginning. I loved watching their relationship play out. I loved the epilogue but wasn't ready for the story to end! Hopefully we see more of them together in future books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews