Welcome to the Lost and Found Investigative Service
Step into the heart-pounding world of the Lost and Found series by J.M. Madden, where wounded veterans find love, purpose, and redemption amid thrilling suspense and tender romance. This military romance saga captures the raw struggles and soaring triumphs of 'combat modified' heroes, blending action, emotion, and steamy chemistry that keeps readers hooked from page one.
With its authentic portrayal of veterans navigating PTSD, physical disabilities, and the search for belonging, Lost and Found isn't just a romance series—it's a tribute to resilience and the healing power of connection. J.M. Madden, a former Deputy Sheriff turned full-time author, launched the series in 2013 with a mission to honor veterans. Inspired by real-life stories of service members facing post-combat challenges, Madden crafted a world where wounded warriors rebuild their lives through camaraderie and romance. Her own experiences and deep respect for military sacrifices shine through, making the series both heartfelt and grounded.
The central hub of these stories is the Lost and Found Investigative Service, a protection and private investigation agency based in Denver, Colorado. Founded by three injured Marines, the agency offers a safe haven and employment for veterans transitioning back to civilian life while providing high-stakes security, protection, and investigative services to clients in danger.
The Recommended Chronological Reading Order
To fully experience the character arcs, recurring office dynamics, and evolving relationships, reading the series in chronological order is highly recommended by fans. Because J.M. Madden frequently publishes novellas, holiday specials, and short story compilations that fit between the major novels, the author utilizes a decimal numbering system to guide readers through the timeline. Here is the recommended chronological reading order for the main stories:
- The Embattled Road (Book 0.5): A prequel novella that focuses on the friendship between three severely wounded Marines—Duncan Wilde, Chad Lowell, and John Palmer—during their rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It sets up their brotherhood and their decision to establish the Lost and Found agency.
- Embattled Hearts (Book 1): The official start of the romance series. It centers on John Palmer, a paraplegic veteran who feels less than whole, and office manager Shannon Murphy, who sparks his heart while facing a dangerous threat to her life.
- Embattled Minds (Book 2): Follows Zeke Foster, a scarred ex-Marine battling deep emotional and physical wounds, as he falls for a waitress named Ember and tries to protect her from danger.
- SEAL's Lost Dream (Book 2.5): Navy SEAL Joe Flynn and veterinarian Willow James are brought together by their shared love for animals, dealing with trust issues and emotional healing. (Originally released in The Lost and Found Trio compilation).
- Embattled Home (Book 3): Centered on Chad Lowell, who must protect a single mother named Lora from a dangerous stalker while fighting his own physical insecurities and scars.
- Her Forever Hero (Book 3.5): Follows the story of Grafton and Kendall, exploring the challenges of second chances and protective instincts. (Originally released in The Lost and Found Trio compilation).
- Unbreakable SEAL (Book 3.6): Focuses on Navy SEAL Max Tate and Lacey, blending intense romantic chemistry with suspenseful action. (Originally released in The Lost and Found Trio compilation).
- Embattled Christmas (Book 3.7): A festive holiday novella that brings together the agency crew for a Christmas-themed romance.
- Embattled SEAL (Book 4): A full-length novel focusing on a Navy SEAL hero facing extreme external danger and internal emotional conflict.
- Loving Lilly (Book 4.2): A shorter, emotional contemporary romance focused on Lilly and her journey toward healing and love.
- Her Secret Wish (Book 4.3): Another emotional, character-driven installment centering on hidden desires, healing, and romantic suspense.
- Reclaiming the SEAL (Book 4.5): Features a Navy SEAL working to rebuild his life and claim a second chance at happiness with the woman he loves.
- SEAL's Christmas Dream (Book 4.7): A holiday-themed romance that brings warmth, military brotherhood, and healing during the festive season.
- Embattled Ever After (Book 5): A pivotal novel that check-ins on the core couples and pushes the overarching agency plot forward.
- Mistletoe Mischief (Book 5.5): A lighthearted yet passionate holiday novella filled with relationship milestones and festive cheer.
- Embattled Return (Book 6): A return to the main operational suspense, focusing on new threats and deep-seated romantic bonds.
The Publication Order
If you prefer to read the books in the exact order J.M. Madden wrote and released them, follow the publication order. Note that some books were released out of their chronological sequence (for example, the novellas in The Lost and Found Trio were published together in 2014, and the Pieces compilations contain non-linear vignettes). Here is the publication list:
- The Embattled Road (2012)
- Embattled Hearts (2013)
- Embattled Minds (2013)
- Embattled Home (2014)
- Her Forever Hero (2014)
- Unbreakable SEAL (2014)
- Embattled Christmas (2014)
- The Lost and Found Trio (2014) (Compilation containing Books 2.5, 3.5, and 3.6)
- Embattled SEAL (2015)
- Loving Lilly (2015)
- Her Secret Wish (2016)
- Embattled Ever After (2016)
- Mistletoe Mischief (2017)
- SEAL's Christmas Dream (2017)
- Lost and Found Pieces (2017)
- Reclaiming the SEAL (2018)
- Lost and Found Pieces 2 (2020)
- Embattled Return (2020)
- Lost and Found Pieces 3 (2023)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, readers should be prepared for heavy, realistic themes. J.M. Madden does not shy away from the gritty realities of post-combat life. The books frequently address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical amputations, traumatic brain injuries, survivor's guilt, and the intense struggle to transition to civilian life. However, these heavier topics are always balanced with genuine hope, strong military brotherhood, witty banter, steamy romance, and suspenseful action sequences involving stalkers, protection details, and investigative mysteries.
Another element to keep in mind is the Lost & Found Pieces series. Rather than traditional novels, these volumes are compilations of bonus scenes, deleted chapters, character check-ins, holiday vignettes, and extended epilogues. They are wonderful additions for dedicated fans who want to see how their favorite couples are doing later in the series timeline, but they are not required to follow the primary romantic suspense arcs.
Exploring the Spin-off Series
J.M. Madden's universe extends far beyond the Denver-based Lost and Found office. If you finish the main series and want more, you can transition into three distinct spin-offs:
The Dogs of War
A paranormal military romance spin-off. It follows a group of military men—specifically focusing on the character Aiden—who were subjected to illegal, top-secret experimentation. Escaping their captors, they must navigate their altered states, fight for justice, and find love. Key entries in this series include the prequel Genesis, followed by Chaos, Destruction, and Retribution.
The Lowells of Honeywell, Texas
For readers who enjoy a mix of military romance and western cowboy themes, this spin-off centers on the Lowell family (introduced in Embattled Home) on their Blue Star Ranch in Honeywell, Texas. It starts with the prequel novella Forget Me Not, followed by contemporary western romances like Untying His Not, Naughty by Nature, and Trying the Knot.
Lost and Found Columbus
This contemporary romantic suspense spin-off shifts the setting to a sister branch of the private investigation agency located in Columbus, Ohio. Like the original team, the investigators here are disabled veterans who tackle localized mysteries and find love along the way. Main novels in this sub-series include Flat Line, Burning Truth, and The Hero Next Door.