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Fortress Security #16
Fallout
Waking up with amnesia next to a dead body means big trouble for Willow Knox. Worse, the police believe she's a cold-blooded killer. On the verge of being arrested, Willow asks a black ops warrior for help. But someone wants Willow dead at any cost. If they're not careful, Willow and Max will lose everything, including their lives.
Fortress Security operative Max Norton returns from a mission and walks into a nightmare. Instead of beginning his campaign to win a certain genealogist's heart, he takes on the role of her bodyguard. Good thing danger doesn't scare Max because a killer is circling ever closer, waiting to strike when they least expect. To keep Willow safe, Max will cross any lines.
Fortress Security operative Max Norton returns from a mission and walks into a nightmare. Instead of beginning his campaign to win a certain genealogist's heart, he takes on the role of her bodyguard. Good thing danger doesn't scare Max because a killer is circling ever closer, waiting to strike when they least expect. To keep Willow safe, Max will cross any lines.
- GenresContemporary Romance
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2023
120 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 7, 2025
Y'all. This review is going to be really hard for me to write. I am a huge fan of Ms. Deel's, and will continue to read her books, but the last few books have just missed the mark for me.
The main issue for me has been the repetitive inconsistencies and grammatical errors. I've read enough books over the years to know that not all of these are going to be caught. But the ones that I've found in the last few books really should have been caught by an editor and/or proofreader. Sadly, they kept me from enjoying the book as much as I was hoping I would.
Another thing that really bothered me is the interaction that always seems to happen with the Fortress operatives and any kind of law enforcement. It seems like in every single book, law enforcement instantly attacks the operatives, accusing them without any proof, berating them, and calling them names. I know this is fiction but I'm sorry, that just doesn't happen. It's frustrating to always see them portrayed in the worst way possible.
With all that being said, I really did like the book. Max and Willow quickly stole my heart. They were absolutely perfect for each other. Max loved her fiercely and was very protective of her, all while giving her the confidence and encouragement she needed to push through some major PTSD. They had some of the sweetest scenes that had me letting out all the dreamy sighs. I loved watching these two get the HEA they both deserved.
Jesse was another favorite of mine in this book, and has been from the first moment he was introduced into the Fortress series. I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on his book! I was a bit irritated with the rest of the Texas team, as well as Sage and Poppy though. They definitely were not true to the characters we have seen in the past.
Like I said before, I am a huge fan of Ms. Deel's, and I've read all of her books several times. I'm looking forward to her next release. I have been dying to get my hands on Caleb's book! There's just something about those Montgomery brothers! *dreamy sigh*
The main issue for me has been the repetitive inconsistencies and grammatical errors. I've read enough books over the years to know that not all of these are going to be caught. But the ones that I've found in the last few books really should have been caught by an editor and/or proofreader. Sadly, they kept me from enjoying the book as much as I was hoping I would.
Another thing that really bothered me is the interaction that always seems to happen with the Fortress operatives and any kind of law enforcement. It seems like in every single book, law enforcement instantly attacks the operatives, accusing them without any proof, berating them, and calling them names. I know this is fiction but I'm sorry, that just doesn't happen. It's frustrating to always see them portrayed in the worst way possible.
With all that being said, I really did like the book. Max and Willow quickly stole my heart. They were absolutely perfect for each other. Max loved her fiercely and was very protective of her, all while giving her the confidence and encouragement she needed to push through some major PTSD. They had some of the sweetest scenes that had me letting out all the dreamy sighs. I loved watching these two get the HEA they both deserved.
Jesse was another favorite of mine in this book, and has been from the first moment he was introduced into the Fortress series. I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on his book! I was a bit irritated with the rest of the Texas team, as well as Sage and Poppy though. They definitely were not true to the characters we have seen in the past.
Like I said before, I am a huge fan of Ms. Deel's, and I've read all of her books several times. I'm looking forward to her next release. I have been dying to get my hands on Caleb's book! There's just something about those Montgomery brothers! *dreamy sigh*
January 30, 2023
'I want to be your hero, Willow'
Willow has suffered through more torture than any person ever should, so waking to find herself in a pitch black room with a dead body is not just a nightmare, it sends her straight back to Hell. Fortunately she is stronger than she thinks and fights her way from the blackness to be coherent enough to ask for Max.
Max loves Willow, he knows it, but he also knows she isn't ready to hear it. He thought finding her in Mexico was hard, but getting the phonecall to say she is in hospital whilst he is stranded on a plane is worse than being a prisoner of war. He is not sure he will survive the delay in getting to her, he needs to see her, touch her, breath her in to know she really is ok.
I really like both Max and Willow, they show such strength of character as they are tested time and again. Max is Willow's safe place, but he doesn't make her weak, he supports her, stands next to her as she fights her battles and only steps in front of her when the danger is too high. I love that he respects her boundaries and her need to make her own decisions but still shows her just how loved, supported and valued she is no matter what.
Texas Team are a firm favorite with the Fortress Family. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Willow has suffered through more torture than any person ever should, so waking to find herself in a pitch black room with a dead body is not just a nightmare, it sends her straight back to Hell. Fortunately she is stronger than she thinks and fights her way from the blackness to be coherent enough to ask for Max.
Max loves Willow, he knows it, but he also knows she isn't ready to hear it. He thought finding her in Mexico was hard, but getting the phonecall to say she is in hospital whilst he is stranded on a plane is worse than being a prisoner of war. He is not sure he will survive the delay in getting to her, he needs to see her, touch her, breath her in to know she really is ok.
I really like both Max and Willow, they show such strength of character as they are tested time and again. Max is Willow's safe place, but he doesn't make her weak, he supports her, stands next to her as she fights her battles and only steps in front of her when the danger is too high. I love that he respects her boundaries and her need to make her own decisions but still shows her just how loved, supported and valued she is no matter what.
Texas Team are a firm favorite with the Fortress Family. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
January 11, 2023
Great story, definitely in need of more editing
I always enjoy a book by Rebecca Deel, her romantic suspense stories are some of my all time favorite! I have been anxious to read Max and Willow’s story since the last book in this series, and was excited to see it released.
Willow is wonderful- still recovering from her traumatic ordeal (from the previous book) she suffers from PTSD and has panic attacks, but is slowly returning to the strong and spunky woman she once was. The book begins with Willow waking up to a dead body in her hotel room, and the mystery and suspense continue throughout. Max is so perfect for her, and the romance and witty bantering between him and Willow was so good.
That being said, I was super disappointed by the amount of errors and mistakes in this book. The whole book is in serious need of a good edit. So many grammatical errors and misspellings really took away from the story. Too many copy and pasted phrases and sayings from the last four books in the series also made it repetitive and frustrating. I was also frustrated with inconsistencies between the characters on Max’s team, and the fact that she crammed almost the entire story into two days.
I will continue to read Rebecca Deel books because I love romantic suspense and hers are usually great, but sadly the errors in this one really detracted from the enjoyment of the story.
I always enjoy a book by Rebecca Deel, her romantic suspense stories are some of my all time favorite! I have been anxious to read Max and Willow’s story since the last book in this series, and was excited to see it released.
Willow is wonderful- still recovering from her traumatic ordeal (from the previous book) she suffers from PTSD and has panic attacks, but is slowly returning to the strong and spunky woman she once was. The book begins with Willow waking up to a dead body in her hotel room, and the mystery and suspense continue throughout. Max is so perfect for her, and the romance and witty bantering between him and Willow was so good.
That being said, I was super disappointed by the amount of errors and mistakes in this book. The whole book is in serious need of a good edit. So many grammatical errors and misspellings really took away from the story. Too many copy and pasted phrases and sayings from the last four books in the series also made it repetitive and frustrating. I was also frustrated with inconsistencies between the characters on Max’s team, and the fact that she crammed almost the entire story into two days.
I will continue to read Rebecca Deel books because I love romantic suspense and hers are usually great, but sadly the errors in this one really detracted from the enjoyment of the story.
June 18, 2023
💲⚠️Err.....😓 Do I need to read previous book?
💲⚠️6 months is not enough to recover from whatever happened to her and start dating. His impatientness is not appreciated.
💲⚠️Pretty sure that's not how the cops are supposed to do their work. Don't defend those actions.
💲⚠️Did he just say he's not holding his breath for her?
💲⚠️Errr...it turned really awkward with their friends.
💲⚠️The mystery is going as any other book but idk why I'm still bored.
💲⚠️5 family at once? And they never suspected anything? Sure whatever floats the author's boat.
💲⚠️How on earth were we supposed to understand Logan and Poppy not dating? They sure don't act like it. The author could have made them friendly if she's not ready to write their book.
💲⚠️This group is full of cringe except Jesse.
💲⚠️Permission to date their daughter/sister thn days after that permission to marry her talks in middle of all those dangerous situation? Yeah very normal and sensible.
💲⚠️I'm getting confused between their mistresses.
💲⚠️If I'm in this much danger and my employee called me after midnight for a sudden meeting alone? Idc whoever it is, I'm not going even if I lose my job. I'll yell I quit on the phone and observe his reaction for traps because it definitely is.
💲⚠️Who the heck calls someone in their house to kill? Hello come to my house after midnight alone I need to get rid of you. That's just stupid. And his reason to kill Willow? Stupider. Oliver himself hired her to dig on his family tree. Now he's mad that she uncovered too much? Ummm.... Sir that's why You hired her.
💲⚠️ This book felt so long.
💲⚠️6 months is not enough to recover from whatever happened to her and start dating. His impatientness is not appreciated.
💲⚠️Pretty sure that's not how the cops are supposed to do their work. Don't defend those actions.
💲⚠️Did he just say he's not holding his breath for her?
💲⚠️Errr...it turned really awkward with their friends.
💲⚠️The mystery is going as any other book but idk why I'm still bored.
💲⚠️5 family at once? And they never suspected anything? Sure whatever floats the author's boat.
💲⚠️How on earth were we supposed to understand Logan and Poppy not dating? They sure don't act like it. The author could have made them friendly if she's not ready to write their book.
💲⚠️This group is full of cringe except Jesse.
💲⚠️Permission to date their daughter/sister thn days after that permission to marry her talks in middle of all those dangerous situation? Yeah very normal and sensible.
💲⚠️I'm getting confused between their mistresses.
💲⚠️If I'm in this much danger and my employee called me after midnight for a sudden meeting alone? Idc whoever it is, I'm not going even if I lose my job. I'll yell I quit on the phone and observe his reaction for traps because it definitely is.
💲⚠️Who the heck calls someone in their house to kill? Hello come to my house after midnight alone I need to get rid of you. That's just stupid. And his reason to kill Willow? Stupider. Oliver himself hired her to dig on his family tree. Now he's mad that she uncovered too much? Ummm.... Sir that's why You hired her.
💲⚠️ This book felt so long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
Kind of disappointed in this one. As others have said, many glaring grammatical errors and repetitiveness throughout the story. I’m not a feminist but the machismo attitude from the team and Willow’s family was really over the top. “My woman” made me cringe. I felt a lot of the story just didn’t add up and felt a bit choppy. It didn’t seem to flow this time. Once again, I also felt it was too similar in plot to her other stories. Someone always gets shot. Someone always needs stitches. Someone usually get kidnapped and/or held for ransom. Somebody always dies. I wish she would change things up and not always repeat the same catch phrases. I feel like if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. I want to read something new and different, not the same responses every time. It gets boring after a while and I’m not sure I want to read any more of her books since they’re all basically the same. It’s time for the author to create something completely different instead of what feels like cut and paste. I want something original and not predictable.
January 28, 2023
Love the Fortress!
Thank you Ms. Deel! I was having withdrawals!
This was another exemplary novel, with amazing characters, twisted events, oh and of course, great suspense, and terrific love story!
Willow is family tree expert. A geneticist. She works from a large company and enjoys her solitary work.
Max, well Fortress says it all. Black Ops. He also was on the team that saved Willow months ago. He's become her trusted confidant, and eventually, she learns to trust him as a man.
However, an assignment for an egotistical man turns out to be deadly.
Now read the book people, Ms Deel does not disappoint!
This novel was exceptional, with twists, turns, and unexpected thrills. Honestly, a thriller romance!
No matter how many books in which series Ms Deel writes, I have never been disappointed. Ms. Deel has the ability to bring fresh to each novel!
Loved it!
Sooooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
Thank you Ms. Deel! I was having withdrawals!
This was another exemplary novel, with amazing characters, twisted events, oh and of course, great suspense, and terrific love story!
Willow is family tree expert. A geneticist. She works from a large company and enjoys her solitary work.
Max, well Fortress says it all. Black Ops. He also was on the team that saved Willow months ago. He's become her trusted confidant, and eventually, she learns to trust him as a man.
However, an assignment for an egotistical man turns out to be deadly.
Now read the book people, Ms Deel does not disappoint!
This novel was exceptional, with twists, turns, and unexpected thrills. Honestly, a thriller romance!
No matter how many books in which series Ms Deel writes, I have never been disappointed. Ms. Deel has the ability to bring fresh to each novel!
Loved it!
Sooooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
January 12, 2023
Twists and Turns
I loved this book and Max and Willow. Willow is a true survivor and Max is a survivor in his own right. They both get each other. I’m glad Ms. Deel didn’t have the “h” get overly involved this time with police matters as in other books. Willow’s involvement was inside of her skill set which was appropriate. There were so many twists and turns I was left guessing until the end. Great story,
I loved this book and Max and Willow. Willow is a true survivor and Max is a survivor in his own right. They both get each other. I’m glad Ms. Deel didn’t have the “h” get overly involved this time with police matters as in other books. Willow’s involvement was inside of her skill set which was appropriate. There were so many twists and turns I was left guessing until the end. Great story,
January 9, 2023
You don't want to miss the latest Fortress installment!
Rebecca Deal is an amazing author! Every book is a favorite. Willow has been recovering for 6 months from her last ordeal and Max has patiently spent time by her side supporting her, his feelings on hold until Willow is ready!
Rebecca Deal is an amazing author! Every book is a favorite. Willow has been recovering for 6 months from her last ordeal and Max has patiently spent time by her side supporting her, his feelings on hold until Willow is ready!
January 12, 2023
Excellent
Once again MS deel has done it. The book is exciting and thought provoking. It is a continuation of the story that started with Brody and sage although a stand alone on its own it is best understood if you have read the previous books. Looking forward to read the stories of the rest of the gang.
Once again MS deel has done it. The book is exciting and thought provoking. It is a continuation of the story that started with Brody and sage although a stand alone on its own it is best understood if you have read the previous books. Looking forward to read the stories of the rest of the gang.
January 7, 2023
Great characters, suspense, action, clean romance
This is another enjoyable book in this series! I love the characters, the suspense, and the way the book immediately pulls you into the action and the story. I enjoy the clean romance. This is so entertaining!!
This is another enjoyable book in this series! I love the characters, the suspense, and the way the book immediately pulls you into the action and the story. I enjoy the clean romance. This is so entertaining!!
January 9, 2023
Max and Willow are great!
Willow and Max help each other heal and become whole. Rebecca did it again with a wonderful, intriguing story with a balance of love and action. It was like visiting old friends again from Fortress Security!
Willow and Max help each other heal and become whole. Rebecca did it again with a wonderful, intriguing story with a balance of love and action. It was like visiting old friends again from Fortress Security!
January 16, 2023
Always love Rebecca’s books…
…and this one is no different. The story line has so many twists and turns and keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Highly recommend this and all of Rebecca’s books.
…and this one is no different. The story line has so many twists and turns and keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Highly recommend this and all of Rebecca’s books.
January 26, 2023
Another good one!!
I've been reading Rebecca Deel books from the beginning, and this one is just as good as the first one. Great action, mysterious storyline, and wonderful romance. Can't wait for the other operatives' stories.
I've been reading Rebecca Deel books from the beginning, and this one is just as good as the first one. Great action, mysterious storyline, and wonderful romance. Can't wait for the other operatives' stories.
March 18, 2023
Fortress security
I have enjoyed all books in the series . and I can't wait for the next book to come out . You have done awesome job with the series please keep the books coming. Thank you An avid reader!
I have enjoyed all books in the series . and I can't wait for the next book to come out . You have done awesome job with the series please keep the books coming. Thank you An avid reader!
January 6, 2023
Another excellent book by Ms. Deel. I’ve read all of her books and love her characters, she makes each one unique and ensures their characteristics remain constant as the appear in each book.
January 7, 2023
Wonderful and amazing
Loved the story. Heartwarming but also action packed. Can't wait for Jesse's story. Please please keep them coming. Fast as possible lol. Thank you so much.
Loved the story. Heartwarming but also action packed. Can't wait for Jesse's story. Please please keep them coming. Fast as possible lol. Thank you so much.
January 8, 2023
Fallout
Loved Max and Willow's story. Rebecca Deel never let's you down with her action, suspense and romance books. Looking forward to her next book in the series.
Loved Max and Willow's story. Rebecca Deel never let's you down with her action, suspense and romance books. Looking forward to her next book in the series.
January 9, 2023
Fallkut
This amazing author has written another fantastic book! No matter the characters, she breathes life into them and it is always a joy to read.
This amazing author has written another fantastic book! No matter the characters, she breathes life into them and it is always a joy to read.
January 13, 2023
As great as always
I always enjoy Deels books and follow every series! I have not found a book of hers yet that I didn't enjoy. Looking for the next one.
I always enjoy Deels books and follow every series! I have not found a book of hers yet that I didn't enjoy. Looking for the next one.
January 14, 2023
Excellent
Loved every page. Grand you from page 1 and never lets go. Can't wait for the next one. Waiting for Jessie's story.
Loved every page. Grand you from page 1 and never lets go. Can't wait for the next one. Waiting for Jessie's story.
January 15, 2023
Excellent as always with Rebecca Deels books,riviting from the first page,likeable caracters and always plenty of action. Write on Rebecca please.
February 2, 2023
Loved
Always a joy and great story by Miss Rebecca Deel. This book didn't disappoint me in he story line and depth of the characters. Looking forward to more.
Always a joy and great story by Miss Rebecca Deel. This book didn't disappoint me in he story line and depth of the characters. Looking forward to more.
February 6, 2023
Loved it can't wait for the next one.
March 2, 2023
Her job sounded boring and safe....
March 16, 2023
Always great
Rebecca Deel's books are always great to read. I have read every one of her books, and I have loved them all. They are all good enough to read a second time.
Rebecca Deel's books are always great to read. I have read every one of her books, and I have loved them all. They are all good enough to read a second time.
May 11, 2023
I pre-order every Rebecca Deel book. Another 5 stars! Can't wait for the next one!
May 31, 2023
Brilliant
Excellent story as always loved seeing willow and maxs relationship develop. I can’t wait for the next rebecca deel creation !
Excellent story as always loved seeing willow and maxs relationship develop. I can’t wait for the next rebecca deel creation !
July 12, 2023
exciting
A great story. Liked how this one was different from the others in many ways. Great for action and romance.
A great story. Liked how this one was different from the others in many ways. Great for action and romance.
September 15, 2023
Awesome ending to this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews