State of Denial

First Family #5

by Marie Force

Denial: refusing to admit the truth or reality of something unpleasant…

His mother has been arrested, his government is under new threat, the relentless media is driving him mad, and denial becomes the word of the day for President Nick Cappuano.

Meanwhile, his wife, DC Metro Police Lt. Sam Holland Cappuano has caught a big new case with suspects everywhere she looks. Watch for her partner, Detective Freddie Cruz, to take center stage in this investigation when a variety of personal situations keep Sam off the job.

With the countdown on to their second anniversary, the first couple is keeping their heads down and their eyes on the prize of a week away from the capital city. But with threats circling all around them, will they be able to make it happen?

The fifth First Family book picks up right where State of Shock left off, with Sam and her family continuing to absorb the loss of a beloved family member as she and her team work to clean up the mess former Lt. Stahl has left behind.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

ebook

First published August 25, 2023

About the author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Reviews

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Nick Cappuano and First Lady aka Lieutenant Sam Holland are back with a bang! In another fantastic first family story.

As Nicks estranged mother Nicoletta is arrested live on TV and charged with solicitation and money laundering and if that wasn't bad enough Nick's about to learn his joint chiefs are plotting to over throw his presidency. 

And Sam has a difficult case to contend with when a family of six are murdered in their own home. 

But was it murder-suicide or something far more disturbing?

That's what Sam tasks detective Freddie Cruz and the team to find out. As she takes a step, back from work after the recent and sudden death of her brother-in-law Spencer leaves her feeling numb.

And with the spectre of Stahl hanging over the department. As the team discover more shocking miscarriages of justice. This is a story full of twists, shocks, drama and suspense. Not to mention humour and romance. As Sam and Nick try to carve out some much needed time together away from the craziness of the Presidency.

And l'd one hundred percent recommend State of Denial and the Fatal/First Family Series to all. And if you've not yet picked up the series, what are you waiting for? ?

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I can't say much more than this! This book was amazing, as usual, I was on the edge of my seat. I was crying during this book. My heart broke for the case that Sam and her team had to follow. My heart broke for Sam and Nick and all that they have had to go through. I also laughed with the family!! It feels like coming home to read this series! I look forward to every book Marie will write about Sam and Nick!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

Each Sam and Nick that comes out is better each time. The connection and Chemistry between the Cappuano's gets hotter and hotter. Seeing them grow as a couple but coming into their own as parents is heartwarming. Marie is so talented the reader feels like we are on this journey with them.

The supporting characters are pretty amazing as well and the way it is all set out smoothly for us to catch up with them.

I have never read a book by Marie that I have not LOVED!

HER BOOKS ARE ALWAYS A FUN AND SUCK YOU RIGHT IN. She is amazingly talented. They are always filled with romance, drama, comedy, steam and in this series mystery and intrigue.

I can't wait for the next book!!

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one my favs! I bought it off of Marie’s site so I could get the audiobook a week early. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next. I don’t want to say much so that I don’t spoil anything♥️

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick's family is becoming more and more troublesome, and there is even a coup. In the meantime, Sam is busy part time with an investigation whose culprit is unclear until the very end. A good book, I expect Christmas for the novella then.

La famiglia di Nick sta diventando sempre piú fonte di problemi e c'é addirittura un colpo di stato. Nel frattempo Sam é impegnata part time con un'indagine di cui fino all'ultimo non si capisce chi sia il colpevole. Un bel libro, si aspetta natale per la novella quindi.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the First Family Series! Gotta love Sam and Nick!

Lots of guessing as to "who dunnit" throughout. Young Freddie Cruz is appointed lead in the major murder scene which includes 2 adults and 4 young children - jealousy and racism are the cause!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE SERIES CHALLENGE 2024.KU. TROPE Politics/Law Enforcement.
MC's h Lt. Samantha Holland- Cappuano & H POTUS Nicholas Cappuano.
Story%: Police 50%, White House 25%, Cappuano's and Family/ Friends 25%
Main Focus
Nick Mother arrested and put in Jail for Prostitution and Money Laundering
Three Joint Chiefs of Staff planned a Coup de tate. We charged but ended up fired with possibly losing their pensions.
Family was murdered by a couple because they were angry their daughter wasn't winning gymnastic competitions.
Nick and Sam holiday to Bora Bora was canceled.
State of Bliss Quote. Sam to President:
You have no control over what other people do. You only control how you react to it. You have to go out there and project strength and resolve and fortitude. That’s what people need from you right now.”
Review I liked:

[Ann-marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Force first family is back. In this story Sam is called upon a family of four along with their parent's have been shot to death and its become a somber moment in the squad because children and death is involved. So begins this storyline. As with this series we get a crime but along the way other things are happening. Nick has a major situation happening with his presidency that could make or break him. Sam sister Angela is still adjusting to her husband Spencer's death and there is still more fall out of Stahl past cases that has come to life. As always I enjoy the characters of Sam and Nick along with their little brood of Aubrey Alden Scotty and of course her coworkers Gonzo Freddie and the rest of the gang.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Marie Force does not disappoint. I have read all the "Fatal" series and now finished the 5th First Family book. Throughout the "FATAL" series you read about the whole dynamic relationship between Sam and Nick which then leads into the 'FIRST FAMILY" series where Nick is now President of the United States and Sam is not only his wife but also mother to their young children, a cop and the First Lady. We see all the obstacles they endure not only professionaly but also personally.

I highly recommend everyone to read all the books right from the beginning. They are totally addictive and never disappoint. I will be reading the novella State of Bliss this coming weekend and can't wait for the next full book to come out in the next few months.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

June 2024 - first listen. As usual, so many things happened in this book. This time, it's Nick in the firing line.

_______________
Sept 2023

I'm glad to see Sam letting Freddy take the lead. The motive for the murders was inconceivable but these days, I can see people doing such extreme things. Nick is definitely not having an easy time as the new POTUS either. I am wondering what will happen to his mother next?

Overall, another solid addition to the series.

[Sheri Morell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Marie Force did not disappoint. Once I started I didn't want to stop. Always love catching up with Sam, Nick and the rest of the crew. Thank you Marie for this incredible series. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.

[Kristen Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! Sam and Nick are one of my guiltiest pleasures…with a side of crime, I can’t ask for a better escape.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I’ve read all 20 previous Marie Force books in her Fatal and now First Family series featuring the Samantha Holland and Nick Cappuano characters. Even though I haven’t loved everything about these stories, I’ve enjoyed them more than enough to keep reading. I’ve been looking forward to State of Denial since I finished State of Shock months ago. And just as I have with every other book I had some reservations with the Samantha Holland character. But when I was finished reading it, I was sad it was over and am already looking forward to the next book due out in early 2024. I’m aware there are readers (mostly women) who won’t agree with some of my issues with the Samantha Holland-Cappuano character. They might consider me a Neanderthal or even a misogynist but I don’t believe as a husband and father to five adult daughters I am and am confident they wouldn't either. But other readers are entitled to their opinions as I am to mine. This is my review and I’ll own my feelings and take my lumps from those who don’t agree.
My only criticism of the Sam Holland-Cappuano character has ever been her all consuming devotion to her career as the head of the Washington D.C. M.P. homicide division. I’d honestly feel the same way if she were a man. There's giving 100% to your job and there's sacrificing everything else in your life for you job. IMHO Sam often falls on the later side.
In this book Sam does an interview for an article about her written by a friendly newspaper reporter. In the interview she lists her priorities as her family first, her police career second and her job as First Lady third. The reporter even presses her on whether she wants to list her job as a police officer ahead of that as First Lady and she confirms she does. And I get that. Putting away murderers, finding justice for their victims and making the world a safer place is IMHO definitely more important than playing hostess for state dinners. My problem is it’s my perception that in reality Sam’s job as head of the homicide division is really her top priority. How often does Sam not make it home for dinner with her family barely getting home in time to kiss her kids good night because she’s tied up at work? How often does she leave her bed in the middle of the night to go to a crime scene rather than let her officers on duty deal with it? Somehow she seems to have even less time for family than her husband who is the POTUS. In this story Sam after visiting the scene of a horrific murder involving parents and four young children and feeling somewhat numb and disconnected from the crime, talks to the police force psychiatrist and friend Doctor Trullo about it. He tells Sam she’s experienced a lot of emotionally traumatic events and turmoil over the past year and perhaps needs to take some time off to reset herself. Her boss tells her he agrees and informs her she has about six months of unused vacation time which just indicates how consumed she is with her job over spending time with her family. So Sam agrees to take an unspecified amount of time off to get her head on straight. On her first day off she spends some time with her husband, kids and with her White House staff that does most if not all the work to support her role as the nation’s First Lady. She expresses some feeling of guilt for not spending more time with them all. She even suggests to Nick that maybe she should be around more to support him. But after one day off she decides everyone is doing just fine without her. Her children have her mother-in-law and their nanny and seem happy. Her White House staff is doing just fine running that office without her. Nick assures her that everyone understands how important her job is to her and don’t resent the time she devotes to it. And in just 24 hours any guilt Sam may have been feeling about neglecting other areas of her life are forgotten, her grief over her losses is dealt with and she’s got her head back in the game of solving homicides. The kicker here for me is all the praise she gets from people about what an inspiration she is to working moms for being a working mother who didn’t give up her career to serve as First Lady. I wonder how many of them realize how much help taking care of her children Sam has at her disposal that most working moms don’t? or how little time she actually spends being a wife and mom? In fairness to the Samantha character, the author does soften her image some in this book. She takes time off from work to care for Scotty and the Littles when they're sent home sick from school. She comments to Nick a few times that life in the White House with a friendly staff ready to take care of their every need doesn't suck. The biggest change IMHO is in the earlier books she chafes at the idea of having a small 2 agent Secret Service detail following her around while she chases down murderers, she now considers them friends and happily allows them to chauffer her around to crime scenes. and interview suspects. Okay, now that I have that out of the way, on with the rest of my review.
One of the things I love about this author is her efforts in all of her series to always include characters that were important in previous books in a series into future books. And she does it here again. Sam’s homicide squad, and her family and friends are all back in this story to some extent. While Force does a decent job of giving us a little history on all the characters and their relationships to Sam so the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I’m wonder if I hadn’t read all the previous stories and this was the first book in this series I’ve read, their inclusion would have made me enjoy this story more or left my head spinning? It certainly serves as incentive for new readers of the series to go back and read the earlier books. When Force has Sam make her partner Detective Freddie Cruz take the lead in investigating the gruesome family murder case while Sam takes a step back forcing Freddie to test his wings, it allows more focus on Freddie and other members of her team and less than usual on the Sam character. Despite taking a semi-subordinate role in solving the team’s latest murder case, the Sam character is still very present serving as Freddie’s mentor and dealing with other aspects in her life like supporting her recently widowed sister Angela and her friend, nanny and social secretary Tinkerbell. Her husband Nick has a couple of serious issues of his own to deal with. His estranged mother Nicolette is arrested for prostitution and money laundering. The media of course has a field day with the President’s mother being arrested. Nick is forced to deal with his feelings towards his mother and the political repercussions of whether he should or shouldn’t try to help her. When this part of the story appeared I wondered what Nicolette would do to seek her revenge against Sam whom she blamed for her current situation. But by the end of this story the whole Nicolette side story seemed like more of a distraction from the main story if anything. The only question seemed to be whether her new handsome silver fox attorney was going to force her to confront her own failings, take responsibility for her own actions and actually finds her humanity, cleans up her act and maybe falls in love with him? But I doubt it. Once a narcissist always a narcissist. Or once she gets out on a plea deal the more likely scenario would be she begin her revenge plot against Sam? But she’s still sitting in a jail cell waiting for her attorney to work out a plea deal when the story closes which just left that story line hanging. So other than Nick’s emotional and public relations struggles over his mother’s situation it really added nothing to this story. Right on the heels of Nick’s mother’s legal problems its revealed his Joints Chiefs of Staff were plotting a coup to overthrow Nick’s government and hold a special election to replace him. Nick and his advisors struggle with how to deal with the renegade generals while their concerns of how Nick became President are shared by some who consider the generals patriots and their actions condemned as treasonous by others. Sort of like how the country is currently divided over the actions of a certain former president and current presidential candidate. Just a coincidence, I’m sure. While all of this is going on as secondary stories the main story of Sam’s team following up leads and pulling threads to determine who killed the family take center place. Was it a murder-suicide as it first appeared or was it staged to look that way? Family secrets of a family that from the outside seemed perfect are revealed, as the team interviews a wide range of people who knew the family and who could be possible suspects. Force does a good job of throwing out red herring possible suspects to keep us guessing right to the end of the story. Freddie struggles with self-doubt in his first time being the guy in charge of an investigation instead of just being Sam’s sidekick. This story begs the question that in future books (and Force implies there are many more to come) with Sam being relatively young for her position and having no desire to move up the ladder having already turned down the assistant chief’s job in a previous book, will Gonzo and Freddie have to leave the squad if they eventually want to advance in their careers? Or will Sam like Nick eventually be put in a position she can’t refuse to accept a promotion? Her beloved immediate captain and chief aren’t getting any younger and her success on the job and position as the First Lady have already given her a higher public profile than anyone else in the department. As in the previous books Nick and Sam still find relief and release coming together in each other’s arms. While its my perception this book didn’t have as many or as explicit sex scenes as some of the earlier books, it certainly has enough between Sam and Nick and other couples to keep the heat on high. Another fine addition to Force’s First Family series. If you enjoy this book and haven’t already read the earlier books in this series and her Fatal series which this series sprang from, I would encourage you to do so. Also, Force continues to subtlety pimp her Wild Widows Club series another spinoff from her Fatal series in this story which I consider another must read by the author. But then in the interest of full disclosure, I consider any of the one hundred books written by this author I’ve read, must reads. So maybe take my recommendation with a grain of salt. Fortunately most of her older series are available for free on Kindle Unlimited so you can spend weeks or months binge reading without blowing your book budget.

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not get enough of this series, and State of Denial, as with the rest of the books in this series, had me on the edge of my seat. From Nick and his administration, the case Sam and the homicide department are working on, and everything going on at home, I did not want to put State of Denial down for a second.

[Sean McCabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family killed was it murder suicide or something else, throw in a little political drama in the White House. I'm hooked on this series

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Nick and Sam book is a thrill ride of suspense, emotions and romance and this one maintains the incredibly high bar of this series.

Yet another amazing experience in the world of Nick and Sam, and their family and friends.

[Karen A. Haunert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nobody in the family or squad dies this time...

But who knows what will happen next time. I love these books usually. The mysteries tend to be smart and interesting, if a bit bloody. The banter is terrific. I've gotten to know all the characters. This one had an especially horrible crime: a family of 6 shot and killed in their home. Sam's team's job is to figure out if it was a murder/suicide or a mass murder, and who is responsible. Meanwhile Nick is going through hell because of his terrible, mostly absent mother and something I won't spoil. While the banter remains strong, the detecting is subpar on this one. Several key pieces of information are discovered almost accidentally, when most homicide detectives (or medical examiners) would have discovered them much more quickly, or at least looked for them. And I'm truly frightened by Sam and Nick's discussions about how Sam would handle life if Nick died. Marie Force likes killing characters for dramatic effect. We all know the VP is going to be a villain. Let's hope Force doesn't have the VP kill Nick. If she does, I'm done.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing romantic suspense with surprising plot twists. Interesting characters. Great series.

[Michele D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay!

Sam is starting to realize different doesn't mean bad. She steps back in this one (for a teeny tiny moment) and let's Freddy be lead on a case and it's a doozy. Love seeing Freddie and Gonzo go out there while Sam juggles all the many balls she has in the air. I think it would be great to watch her dig deeper into other parts of her life. Working on the periphery let her jump in and out as needed and I still really enjoyed the book! I think this is a much more realistic and balanced life for her!

[Susan Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series from the Fatal series now to the First Family. I love Nick and Sam as well as their unusual family.

[MountainKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, as expected - even if the murder storyline was far from delightful. But I love seeing the family and the extended family moving through life. Well narrated by Eva Kaminsky.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of the last book, Sam and Nick find out Nick's mother has been indicted. As this book opens, we see that arrest and how Nicoletta Bernadino tries to use the fact her son is the president to get out of being arrested. That doesn't work very well for her.

Nick knows he can't do anything and doesn't try, his team issues yet another statement of how he has no relationship with her and has no comment on her arrest. For Sam and Nick, the plan is their Anniversary trip to Bora Bora, and possibly Sam accompanying him on a European trip.

In the meantime, Sam and her team are going over every single case Stahl investigated looking for what is fact and what is fiction. Captain Malone is now looking into the IT department for the time frame since the senior officers have been cleared.

Vernon and Jimmy drive her to HQ and she doesn't even get to her office. Freddie meets her in the corridor with the news they have bodies, plural. A family of six found when the father didn't show for work. Sam grabs everyone on day shift to help with this one. The grandmother had shown up and Freddie and Sam take back to HQ while the investigation continues at her son's home.

With the intensity of this new case Chief Farnsworth tells Sam if she needs some time off, she should take it.

Sam is going through the usual motions from speaking with the grandmother, to friends and coworkers when she realizes something is off. Dr Trulo had set up a mandatory meeting with her team at the end of shift and it's then she realizes that maybe she really does need some time off. Captain Malone approves of the time off and Freddie is put in charge of the investigation under Gonzo's supervision.

Nick and Sam have dinner with their kids and Shelby and Noah since Avery is out of town. Avery texts Shelby he may be staying overnight in Ohio, and she assures him she's fine and to do what he has to do. He's in Ohio to question Nick's mother on the federal charges and waiting for her and her attorney to join him in the interrogation room. It's not long after the text he gets a call from Shelby saying she thinks there's someone in the house. Then sounds of a struggle and Noah's cry. Avery calls his deputy who gets right on it as Avery runs from the police station to get to the airport.

The FBI and MPD Special Response teams were on it and Avery also had dispatch call Sam. She tells Nick what's going on and heads out, Freddie would meet her there. The situation was tense, but they got it under control. She forgot her BlackBerry so she had to call the switchboard who wouldn't put her through. Frustrated she gave her the message to give to Nick and to have him call her regular number.

Nick was relieved and was about to call her when Brant tells him Commander Rodriguez wished to speak with him urgently. Juan Rodriguez was in street clothes which surprised Nick and when he asks what's going on, Juan requests they speak in the Situation room.

After ordering Vice President Henderson, Secretary of State Sanford, Attorney General Cox, Defense Secretary Jennings, Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Kavanaugh to join him in the situation room, Nick places the call to Sam. Much relieved that Shelby and Noah are okay, and that Sam would be staying with her until Avery arrives. Now all he has to do is prevent a possible military coup against his administration. It would be a long night.

Sam arrives home just in time to see the FBI vehicles leaving and no seemed to know why they were there. Nick joined her briefly to let her know what happened before addressing the press. Sam immediately decides to be at his side as he addresses the nation, showing her support in light of this huge betrayal.

We see more of Freddie and Elin as they deal with her miscarriage and more of Cam and Gigi as they come to terms with her shooting his ex.

Of course, Nicoletta is still griping over being in prison and how it's all her daughter-in-law's fault.

Freddie has many threads to pull on what at first glance looked like a murder/suicide but as he speaks with those who knew the family it doesn't feel right. If it isn't then what is the motive for this heinous crime.

So much happens in this book and Sam's leave of absence is the shortest one ever. I love the way all these characters are growing within this series. Sam and Nick's love overcomes all the challenges facing them every time. Of course, we also have an WTH ending that has me already reading the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,9
RANDOM THOUGHTS
-Okay, so this story kicks off with a super heavy case: a family of four, plus their parents, gets shot to death. It’s one of those crimes that just hits the squad hard, especially because kids are involved. Sam’s called in to lead the investigation, and you can feel the weight of it all right from the start. But, as usual, there’s a lot more going on than just the case.

Nick, Sam’s husband (and the President, no less), is dealing with some major drama in his administration. Like, make-or-break-his-presidency kind of drama. And Sam’s sister, Angela? She’s still trying to figure out how to move on after her husband Spencer died. Oh, and let’s not forget the whole mess from Stahl’s old cases that keeps coming back to haunt everyone. It’s a lot, but that’s what makes this series so addictive.

Freddie really shines in this one—I feel like he’s the MVP of the book. He’s front and center, and I’m here for it. The rest of the gang—Gonzo, Scotty, Aubrey, Alden—they’re all doing their thing too, bringing that mix of humor and heart that keeps the story from getting too dark. But let’s be real, it is dark. The case is brutal: a family of six, shot dead in their home. Sam’s team has to figure out if it was a murder-suicide or a straight-up mass murder. The banter between the characters is still top-notch, but the detective work feels a little… meh this time. Like, some of the big clues just fall into their laps, which kinda takes away from the usual “aha!” moments.

And can we talk about Sam and Nick’s conversations? They’re getting real about what would happen if one of them died. It’s heavy stuff, and honestly, it’s making me nervous. Marie Force has a habit of killing off characters for drama, and with the VP giving off major villain vibes, I’m low-key terrified Nick’s on the chopping block. If that happens, I might have to peace out from this series. Just saying.

On the bright side, this book feels more focused on the actual police work and the central case, which I liked. The mystery itself is pretty gripping, with a lot of twists and turns that keep you guessing. But the ending? Eh. It’s one of those “we solved it, but it doesn’t feel like a win” situations. Sam even says something like, “Sometimes you solve the case and still hate the outcome,” and that’s exactly how I felt. There were way more interesting ways it could’ve gone.

Nick’s side of things—his mom drama and the political mess—gets resolved way too fast. Like, both issues are pretty much wrapped up by the halfway point, which feels like a missed opportunity. These are big, emotional, high-stakes problems, and they deserved more time to breathe. Honestly, I’d love to see a storyline where Sam’s team has to work with the Secret Service or something. Mix it up a little, you know? The procedural stuff is starting to feel a bit repetitive.

But even with all that, I still love these characters. Sam, Nick, Gonzo, Freddie—they’re like old friends at this point. The banter, the relationships, the way they all come together… it’s what keeps me coming back. That said, the stories are starting to feel a little tired. The whole Nick’s-mom thing? It needs to be a main plot, not just a side note. And the cases could use a fresh twist to keep things exciting.

So yeah, this one had its ups and downs. The crime was horrifying, the characters were great as always, but the detective work and some of the plotlines fell a little flat. Still, I’m invested enough to keep reading—just please, Marie Force, don’t kill Nick. 🙏

[Persnickety · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed in book 4 and wondered if the series had run out of steam. I thought I’d try this and decide if I would continue reading the series. Boy, am I glad I did. This book is definitely my favourite of the spin off series. Ms Force is back hitting it out of the park with this one. The crime was horrific and the tale had me hooked from the start. I loved that Freddie got to lead an investigation and I enjoyed the more ensemble story with more of the side characters taking a larger role. I also enjoyed the threads of Stahl’s crimes continuing to come to light as well as the White House shenanigans. There was a lot going on but it didn’t feel rushed. I liked that Sam seems to be getting more balance in her personal and professional lives and of course I loved visiting with her adorable children. My only quibble would be that the Brooke scene was not needed and felt almost like a commercial break from the action. A phone call or text exchange with an update would have been sufficient. However, that is really nit picking because the rest of the book was outstanding. I kept guessing and re-guessing and still didn’t really have a good grasp on what I thought happened. This one kept me riveted right up until the end. I feel like this book has really reignited the series and I can’t wait until December when book 6 comes out. With all of the ongoing real drama of American politics this series gives an non-American some insight into the way the power dynamics work in Washington so that is also an added dimension. While the mystery can be read as a stand alone, the whole series should be read in order to fully appreciate the entire story (or at least read the first 4 books in this spin off series). I can’t wait to see what’s next for Nick and Sam and their friends and family.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars/5. This was probably my favorite of the First Family series so far. It stayed more focused on policing and the central case than the other four books. It also just had a more compelling case for Sam (or in this case, Freddie) to solve. I appreciated a more human side of Sam in this book, as well as the different avenues the case could have taken. Even so, I found the conclusion kind of lacking. At one point in the book, Sam says something like, “This may be one of those times where we solve the case but don’t like the outcome,” and that’s exactly how I felt. Sam was talking about a different outcome than the actual solution to the case, but it summed up the ending for me. There were more interesting and satisfying endings that could have been used.

I also felt like Nick’s two conflicts in this book were wrapped up too quickly and easily. Both should be earth-shattering for him and his administration and, even though we will probably see more of one of them in future books, they are mostly wrapped up by 40-50% through the book. For as many threads as there are carrying through this series, I think it would be more interesting and realistic for Nick to have some trouble in his administration that isn’t neatly cleaned up as a B plot. Or maybe even to have a case where Sam and the MPD end up working the case alongside the Secret Service. It would add some dimension to the books that is lacking since almost every throughline in the series is connected to Sam and people who dislike her and/or who victimized her or her family (case in point: Jaycee’s family suing the department in the next book).

I will keep reading these because I really do love Sam and Nick. I just hope there are some fresher ideas drawn into the secondary plots of the books.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

State of Denial is the fifth book of the First Family series by Marie Force. The series is about President Nick Cappuano and his First Lady who is also DC Metro Lt. Samantha Holland Cappuano. She has kept on working and sometimes her cases overlap political problems in DC. At the same time, they are raising three young children in the White House. With problems caused at the police department by a rogue officer who is now in prison, Samantha is kept busy going over his old cases finding many problems of misconduct by the officer. Bad publicity plagues the department making things rough. Sam's sister's husband had been killed by fentanyl laced medication and Sam led the search for his killer rather than grieving for him. She is beginning to feel burned out at the job she loves. When a case comes up where a man and his wife and four children were murdered or were the victims of a murder-suicide, she finds herself having no reaction to the scene, even when the children's deaths were looked found. With the advice of the police psychologist, she decides to take some time off to regroup. Unfortunately, this coincides with President Cappuano finding out his estranged mother was arrested for prostitution and money laundering, the press is hounding him, and the Joint Chiefs are planning a coup against his presidency. They are looking forward to their anniversary trip to Bora Bora and a political trip overseas are both in jeopardy of being cancelled. How will the Cappuano's cope?

As usual, her book is very good and keeps you entertained throughout. It just ends too soon.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

State of Denial is Book 5 in the First Family series, which is a continuation of the much longer Fatal series by Marie Force. Sam and Nick continue to take hits from all directions, from Nick’s estranged mother being arrested to political threats the drama is high. To make matters worse, a particularly heinous new case forces Sam to realize she needs a breather to deal with some personal issues. With multiple storms brewing at once, will Sam and Nick be able to weather everything unscathed?

I’m always ready to revisit the Cappuanos and all their friends, and this book was definitely an exciting ride!! I was sucked in right from the start, knowing that the drama, angst, and emotion was going to be at an all-time high! My heart broke for Nick as it always does when his worthless egg-donor reappears from the ether. She’s one of those characters you love to hate, because there’s no redeeming her! It was also nice to see a softer side of Sam, even if it was hard watching her process her emotions. The case in this book was a tough one, and I did tear up a couple times reading this one as the hits came for different characters in various twists. The suspense and intrigue in this series is always phenomenal, and the world building cannot be beat! The found family vibe that permeates through both Sam and Nick’s group of colleagues adds to the authenticity and brings the banter, the support, and more compelling storylines for readers to fall in love with. But at the heart of it all is Sam and Nick, and even if their whole world is on fire, they will find a way to go through it together. That indelible love, with all the steam, is something fans can count on. I can’t wait to jump on the next ride with them!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING - ENTIRE PLOT SUMMARY AHEAD (used by me to keep track of series events)
REALLY - DON'T READ THIS; IT SUMMARIZES BOOK.

Sam needed mental health break, told to take leave. She has like 100 days of leave. She took one day.

Homicide - Husband, wife and 4 kids. Hub, Dr, had masturbated on 4 patients who were suing him. Looked like murder-suicide. But wait, he's left-handed; gunpowder residue on right hand. Eldest daughter was gymnast. Turns out to be parents of another gymnast who were jealous of her success. There was also an older teen who the parents had voided the adoption of due to violence. He videoed (how?) the murders. Turns out the dad had a brain tumor, explaining unusual behavior.

Joint Chiefs of Staff plan a military coup because Nick isn't an elected president. They get caught, but might not get charged.

I think the VP is going to be involved in this, since Sam never liked her.

Nick's mom jailed for running an escort service and money laundering. She keeps on name-dropping without success. He has nothing to do with mom, but still considers paying for a lawyer for her, then decides against it.

Some names and situations dropped with no reminders of who or what they were. Annoying.

End - Jaycee Patrick's family (she kidnapped and abused cops Gigi, and did something to Cam, her ex) are suing them and the dept over wrongful deaths of Jaycee and her mother.

[Suzie Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts with Sam and Freddie called to a home that “looks” like a murder suicide. Husband, wife and four children all found dead. Sam starts to feel some pressure not being home more. Nick’s mom has just been arrested for prostitution and money laundry. She can’t stop saying: Do you know who my son is?? As this case starts Sam turns the reigns over to Freddy. Freddy gets some help from Gonzo and a slightly backed away Sam as he handles this case.

This story dragged at times but this case also had lots of surprises, gun shot residue, possible affair, lawsuit for inappropriate behavior, health issues, parental jealousy over their kids, partners seeing their dreams implode, grief for the family and these officers working the case.

Sam takes some time needed at home with her family. She discovers she and Nick, along with lots of help from family and White House staff, have a very fine oiled machine with work and family. Nick gets a slap in the face from his joint chiefs. Every turn there is a new hurdle for Nick to prove himself. While out in the field Sam receives lots of praises as she continues to work and for Nick and the good job he is doing as the president. Honeymoon plans get scrapped. Avery and Tinkerbell hit a snag. Pretty soon there won’t be enough rooms in the family wing of the White House for all who stay with Nick and Sam.

This is an awesome series and another great story.

[Mary Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Marie Force gem I had to binge read! She incorporates so many of the major characters, such as Freddie and Tinkerbell, from the series in main storylines, but the lesser characters have their highlights as well: Brooke and Nate, Cam and Gigi, Malone, Sam's sisters, yada yada. This book isn't only about Nick and Sam; it's also about those people who are so essential to Nick and Sam BEING Nick and Sam.
If I hadn't read the prior books in the series (or in the Fatal series), I still would have known what was happening because Marie refreshes your memory with the underlying "facts" that are needed to know to make the book seem like a standalone (Nick's and Sam's history, Gonzo's drug problem, Stahl's antics, Ramsey's evil, Derek's wife's murder, etc.).
And the steam...well, the wait was worth it!
Highlights: will Nick's mom (finally?) get her comeuppance, Christine's monologue in the press conference, and Nick's ethical dilemma that shows just what a good man the President truly is. Sam's gut still churns about the VP!