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series Reading Order

Fortress Security Books in Order

19 Books
2015 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Path

For readers diving into Rebecca Deel's romantic suspense universe, the recommended way to experience the stories is by following the publication order of the main series. While each novel features a standalone romance with a self-contained plot, the background stories, team dynamics, and character relationships evolve sequentially. Starting from the beginning ensures you catch the subtle references and understand the history of the private security firm.

Main Series Recommended Order

  1. Midnight Escape (2015) — Features Remy Doucet and Lily Stanton.
  2. Midnight Reckoning (2015) — Features Micah Winter and Sophie Valero.
  3. Midnight Rendezvous (2015) — Features Remy and Lily's wedding alongside another suspenseful case.
  4. Wheels of Justice (2016) — Features Luke Carson and Charlotte Vance.
  5. Deadly Game (2017) — Features Brent Maddox and Rowan Scott.
  6. Resurgence (2017) — Features Eli Wolfe and Kate Mason.
  7. Obsession (2017) — Features Jon Smith and Lauren Vance.
  8. Shadow Guardian (2018) — Features Sam Coleman and Nicole Taylor.
  9. Shadow Rescue (2018) — Features Joe Graystone and Laura Miller.
  10. Shadow Undercover (2019) — Features Marc Durand and Cassie Sterling.
  11. Shadow Redemption (2019) — Features Jaxson Taylor and Natalie Ryan.
  12. SEAL's Promise (2020) — Features Caleb Vance and Amanda Sinclair.
  13. SEAL's Resolve (2020) — Features Brody McAlister and Paige Carson.
  14. Final Cut (2021) — Features Vance Sterling and Mia Campbell.
  15. Collateral Damage (2022) — Features Justin Kincaid and Sarah Vance.
  16. Fallout (2023) — Features Kyle Mercer and Evelyn Sterling.
  17. Leverage (2023) — Features Sean O'Connor and Julia Vance.
  18. Death Wish (2024) — Features Trace Callahan and Abigail Mercer.
  19. Last Chance (2024) — Features Liam Callahan and Hannah Kelly.

The Shared Universe: Crossovers and Spin-offs

Rebecca Deel has crafted a vast, interconnected universe where characters from different series frequently cross paths. Operatives from the Nashville-based Fortress Security team regularly travel to the small town of Otter Creek, Tennessee, or Maple Valley, Iowa, to assist local law enforcement, and old friends appear in the background of new missions. To capture every character cameo and continuity detail, you can read the books in a combined chronological flow.

The Crossover Universe Order

If you want to experience the complete timeline of the shared universe, the author recommends alternating between the series. The early reading order is structured as follows:

  • Otter Creek (Books 1 to 5) starting with Witness.
  • Fortress Security (Books 1 to 3) starting with Midnight Escape.
  • Otter Creek (Books 6 and 7).
  • Fortress Security (Book 4: Wheels of Justice) and onwards, alternating with subsequent Otter Creek releases.

Major Subseries and Collections

Beyond the core series, Deel's universe has expanded with dedicated spin-offs targeting different teams and locations:

  • Otter Creek Series: Set in a rural mountain town, focusing on the Cahill triplets and local mysteries. This series began in 2015 alongside Fortress Security and features over 15 books.
  • Maple Valley Series: Centered around the Rocking M Ranch in Iowa, following the Montgomery family, local law enforcement, and security specialists. Key titles include Security Breach (2020) and Marine's Mission (2020).
  • Fortress Security: Artemis: A spin-off series focusing on the female operatives and allies of the Fortress Security branch. Important installments include Covert Mission (2024), Montana Manhunt (2025), and Fatal Intent (2025).

Chronological Caveats and Reader Advice

While the crossover list provides the ultimate immersive experience, it is not strictly necessary to read all series simultaneously to enjoy Fortress Security. If you choose to stick to the main series first, you will not feel lost. The primary caveat is that certain recurring characters may refer to events or relationships established in Otter Creek. For the smoothest standalone experience, starting with Midnight Escape or the subseries starter Covert Mission (for Artemis) is highly recommended.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, readers should know that the Fortress Security series is known for its blend of high-octane suspense and clean, sweet romance. Deel, who has a black belt in karate, brings realistic personal safety details and hand-to-hand combat to the action sequences. The tone is clean and wholesome, featuring swoon-worthy romance and faith-friendly themes of redemption, chosen family, and standing up to protect the innocent, all set against a detailed Nashville backdrop.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Fortress Security series?

The best starting point is Midnight Escape (2015), the first book in the main series, which introduces the core team and establishes the Nashville setting.

QCan the books in the series be read as standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained mystery and a complete romance story. However, reading them in order is recommended to fully appreciate the recurring characters and evolving relationships.

QHow does Fortress Security connect to the Otter Creek series?

Both series share the same universe. Operatives from Fortress Security frequently visit Otter Creek to assist local law enforcement, resulting in significant character crossovers.

QWhat is the Fortress Security: Artemis spin-off about?

Fortress Security: Artemis is a spin-off series that centers on female operatives and specialized missions, beginning with the book Covert Mission (2024).

QIs there any faith-friendly or clean romance in this series?

Yes, Rebecca Deel writes romantic suspense that features high-stakes danger and action combined with clean, sweet romance and themes of loyalty and redemption.