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Seven years ago, Marcus Lang made a choice that cost him everything, but he rebuilt his life and became a vital part of Otter Creek. Although his past isn't dead, Marcus will be if he is unable to stop one man's quest for revenge. If he fails, his life won't be the only one forfeit. He will lose the woman he longs to make his. Pursued by a threat he can't escape, Marcus refuses to let history repeat itself no matter the cost.

Paige Jensen excels at refereeing teenagers and raising funds for the community center. But someone sees her as a problem that must be eliminated. As the danger escalates, she realizes the enemy won't stop until she's dead. When the man she loves won't allow Paige to face the threat alone, he becomes a target.

Desperate to end the violence before more innocents are hurt, she and Marcus appeal to Fortress Security for aid in defeating a foe with a long reach and deep pockets. But their nemesis doesn't work alone and is ready to spring his trap.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2017

266 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Deel

46 books215 followers

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5 stars
486 (65%)
4 stars
185 (24%)
3 stars
57 (7%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
774 reviews142 followers
December 26, 2025
June 2023: Lowered rating due to inconsistencies and grammatical errors.

Marcus Lang has a past. A past that very few people know about. He moved to Otter Creek six years ago for a fresh start. As pastor for Cornerstone Church, he has grown to love not only the small town, but everyone one in it. Sure there are people who don't make life easy, but it's nothing compared to what he's running from. As long as he can keep his secret from falling into the wrong hands, he can see staying in Otter Creek permanently.

Paige Jensen runs the Community Center in Otter Creek and she loves everything about her job. She knows that the work she's doing is extremely important. The only drawback is she's the only full time employee. For several months she has been trying to prove to the City Council that she needs another full time employee but they refuse to even entertain the idea. They claim there's no money in the budget and unless she gets her grandma to sell their B & B, there won't be any money anytime soon.

While working late in the Community Center, Paige is attacked and almost killed. Had it not been for Marcus checking up on her, she wouldn't be walking away with just bruises and a concussion. But when a body of one of her teens is discovered in the Community Center and another attempt is made on her life, Marcus has to wonder if his past is finally catching up to him or is there another player in the game that they don't know about.

With the help of Fortress Security and Durango, Marcus and Paige are put into protective custody until they can figure out who is after them and why. One thing is for sure, neither one of them will be going down without a fight. It took them years to admit their feelings for each other and with their new found love, they are determined to get their HEA.

I have been extremely curious about Marcus's story for awhile now. It's hinted at in previous books that he has some kind of secret and I thought I knew what it would be, but I really didn't see this one coming. It was fun to learn more about Marcus and the woman who finally captured his heart. Paige is just what he needed. They balance each other out perfectly. Their story is a friends to lovers and it's really sweet. I loved that they got each other and knew what the other needed just by looking at them. This is definitely one of my favorites in this series!

I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I'm finished reading these series. I see a serious book hangover in my future! Hopefully Ms. Deel will be releasing more soon! There are still so many people I want to know about! :)

description

Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!
Profile Image for Christina.
799 reviews33 followers
May 30, 2018
A fast-paced romantic suspense

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting the residents of Otter Creek. Through the past ten books in this series I feel like I've really gotten to know them, and I love the relationships and connections they have across books.

Each book can be read as a standalone, but in sequence of the series it adds much more depth and enjoyment to see past hero's and heroines. I really liked that aspect about Paige and Marcus' story! Their romance was sweet and the action was intense, and I loved seeing certain characters have certain just rewards dealt to them (don't want to spoil the plot!).

This was a great action/adventure with a sweet romance, and I'm excited for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
September 18, 2018
Great story! Disclaimer: This is the first book I have read in this series. It could be read as a standalone but there were a few times I felt lost by all the names being tossed around - Durango, Fortress, and another one that I can't even remember... And a lot of characters seemed to work for the police and for Fortress (or maybe Durango?).

If I had read the entire series I would love all these characters making their appearance in this story and it would probably be a lot easier to keep them all straight if I had already read their backstories.

Even with the confusion, it was a great story and I definitely want to read more in the series!

Source: Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,425 reviews45 followers
October 10, 2017
Marcus

Marcus Lang local preacher and Paige the perfect couple - yes. But Marcus is keeping secrets and someone is after Paige but the gang is there to help
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
472 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2017
Good plot

I like the Otter Creek books. There's always a good storyline with characters from previous books making appearances and ensuring continuity.
This book is about Marcus and Paige and the threat they face. The private security firm of Fortress Security are involved so you have Delta soldiers and SEALS involved. Throw in corruption and the Irish mob and you have the story.
It's well written, although sometimes the typesetting occasionally gets me confused as to who is speaking and I have to re-read it.
There's always a strong moral theme in the books and although the characters fall in love there's never any sex before marriage which will appeal to readers who prefer this type of story, although it will seem a little old fashioned to others.
Suitable for any readers who like romance/suspense novels.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2017
Wow a series of 10 unique stories all whirlwind action and the awww moments of romance. You cant stop at one - addicting!

Pastor Marcus Lange has a gift and secrets his town has the most amazing people. His life been "on hold" for seven years. The amazing Fortress Security and PSI characters you have fallen in love with are throughout the book. Paige works for the nonprofit community center to help teens and the community. Their fates put both in danger and force them to admit feelings. Awesome series, impossible to stop at one.

More opinion and review sharing please check out my blog all out great books - my2centsbookreviews.com Thanks
2,833 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2017
I love this series and have always been intrigued by Pastor Lang. He has secrets, and it was great to finally learn about his past. He and Paige were a great fit-- I liked their dynamic and it was nice to see them explore a relationship. The suspense in this book was on point, and the pacing kept things interesting. I loved getting to see more of Nick, Ethan, and Durango.

I'd rate this book at 4.5 stars. I didn't have any real complaints about the story, but I didn't feel that it had quite the same magic of some of her other stories/couples, such as Alex and Ivy.
Profile Image for Aim'ee Henderson.
3 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2020
Worst book of the series that I have read. I like the Fortress and Otter Creek sets but get tired of the preteen like romance when the characters are supposed to be seasoned adults. I was really looking forward to Marcus’ story but throughout the book the my life may be ruined because I’m dating theme got old and annoying. All of the books have a great plot but the romance lacks realism for me. This book however took the lack of realism to a whole new extreme. That is why I have to give it two stars compared to others in the series that I would give 3.5.
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,361 reviews31 followers
December 1, 2021
I enjoy her stories but the problem is that she repeats many of the same situations and script from one book to another, which is disappointing. Also, the romance between the main characters happens much too quickly. Within hours of meeting the couples are kissing and declaring their love. I wish she would write less formulaic because she’s very talented and she could do so much better if she would break out of the same mould that seems to repeat itself in every book (same injuries, same treatment, same amount of time before falling in love…)
Profile Image for Brenda Golden.
128 reviews
October 2, 2017
Another Great one!

I have read all of the Otter Creek and Fortress books and loved them all. This one is exceptional as it is the story of the Pastor at Otter Creek, Marcus Lang. The back story of how Marcus was shot before was finally revealed and it's a great one! I never would have guessed it. It's another one for my re-read list. 5 stars
Profile Image for Jessica Wilde.
77 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2017
Vendetta

So happy to finally read the story about Marcus Lang. I loved this book just like all the others. Paige is perfect for Marcus and I am glad he got his happily ever after.
143 reviews
October 2, 2017
Fabulous

Another great book from Rebecca Deel. Marcus story well worth the wait! I highly recommend this book! If you live a great story, action, you will love this book and the rest of her books!
4 reviews
October 23, 2017
Good story but annoying

I loved the story line and reconnection to previous characters. I HATE that the guys all call every woman SUGAR - so sexist! I also don't like the goody goody side of these books.
3 reviews
November 11, 2017
I loved all the other creek books and if they were made into films I would definitely buy them great stories in all the books and hope there will be more to followlw

I would love to know if mason and Nicole get married and other mission's the teams go on great author
54 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2018
Average

Nice book but was hard to get into and took me weeks to read. The beginning started out really good, then dragged on. It was very casual and very predictable. Even the ending was calm. Nothing unpredictable about this book.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,957 reviews6 followers
October 3, 2017
Great

I really enjoyed reading this book. Its full of suspense and action ,
Romance, great characters, wonderful storyline.
I highly recommend this story and the whole series.
2 reviews
October 19, 2017
Ok

The plot to this book was not as action packed or as interesting as previous books. Nor were the characters. Very forgettable, I will not be reading it again.
11 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2018
Great suspense filled romance

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of action and funky men. It also proves romances don't need to be sleazy to be good.
23 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2020
Good read

I have been reading the books of Rebecca Deel of the Otter Creek series. They are very good and you will keep reading each one. Very good, clean reading.
585 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2023
Great book

I am really enjoying this series! It helpsbto read them in order! Looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,456 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2020
Enjoyable addition to series

I love this series. The characters in this book are wonderful, strong, loyal, and caring, as always in this series. There is mystery, suspense, and romance. It is very enjoyable to read and I love the writing and also the fact that it is clean romance.
Profile Image for Davia.
832 reviews13 followers
March 12, 2019
So Happy for Marcus!

Marcus finally gets a life! We have been watching Marcus take care of everyone for years! Finally he finds a way to take care of himself and gets a HEA for himself! Yes!
2,205 reviews
November 24, 2019
What a great story filled with twisted threads weaving a dastardly plot to hurt good people for no good reason. I think Marcus's story a wonderful one.
Profile Image for crashqueen73.
1,263 reviews12 followers
Read
December 30, 2017
Got to 46% and I am giving up. Just too boring for me and the relationship was a little pathetic.

Done.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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