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First Family #8
State of Alert
The first couple is on full alert, deflecting new threats from near and far…
Lieutenant Sam Holland has seen just about everything as a D.C. homicide detective, but she’s never been asked to lie to her closest colleagues and her husband—until now. With national security on the line, Sam makes a deal with the devil that quickly comes back to haunt her as she assists in a baffling case that leads right back to the Oval Office, where her husband is mourning the loss of his trusted aide, Navy Lieutenant Juan Rodriguez.
For President Nick Cappuano, the betrayal cuts deep. The military advisers he inherited from the Nelson administration plotted to remove him from office, and now, the young man who warned him of their deceit is dead. But nothing is as it appears, and with the NCIS building a case against the disgraced Joint Chiefs, Nick is forced to carry on with the duties of his office while wondering who’s coming for him next.
Sam no sooner gets one situation under control when another murder victim requires her full attention. A woman tied to an earlier cold case is found dead in her home in a case that’ll have Sam and her team digging deep into the past to find a ruthless killer while wondering if they should be looking much closer to home for the person who wanted her dead.
As if they didn’t have enough to worry about, a new threat to their happy family has them considering drastic measures to protect the ones they love the most. While storms rage all around them, Sam and Nick take refuge in each other and find the strength they need to carry on.
Lieutenant Sam Holland has seen just about everything as a D.C. homicide detective, but she’s never been asked to lie to her closest colleagues and her husband—until now. With national security on the line, Sam makes a deal with the devil that quickly comes back to haunt her as she assists in a baffling case that leads right back to the Oval Office, where her husband is mourning the loss of his trusted aide, Navy Lieutenant Juan Rodriguez.
For President Nick Cappuano, the betrayal cuts deep. The military advisers he inherited from the Nelson administration plotted to remove him from office, and now, the young man who warned him of their deceit is dead. But nothing is as it appears, and with the NCIS building a case against the disgraced Joint Chiefs, Nick is forced to carry on with the duties of his office while wondering who’s coming for him next.
Sam no sooner gets one situation under control when another murder victim requires her full attention. A woman tied to an earlier cold case is found dead in her home in a case that’ll have Sam and her team digging deep into the past to find a ruthless killer while wondering if they should be looking much closer to home for the person who wanted her dead.
As if they didn’t have enough to worry about, a new threat to their happy family has them considering drastic measures to protect the ones they love the most. While storms rage all around them, Sam and Nick take refuge in each other and find the strength they need to carry on.
414 pages, Paperback
First published December 25, 2024
1195 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
210 books8,453 followersMarie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
March 2, 2025
State of Alert by Marie Force
First Family series #8. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Spin off from the Fatal series.
When Navy Lieutenant Juan Rodriguez is announced dead, DC Homicide Detective Sam Holland is advised he’s not really dead but undercover, and she’s told to keep it quiet. She’s not even supposed to tell her husband, the President. Which goes against everything she and her husband believe in. At the same time President Nick Cappuano is told that there is a plot to remove him from office and someone he trusts is apparently part of the plot against him. Because of their relationship, he knows something is bothering Sam and he pressures her with their relationship and then his commanding officer status.
As they deal with those issues, a killer is being sought on a cold case and their own family is being threatened.
All in the duty of commanding the nation and a police Lieutenant. Their relationship is tested but strong and resilient. Now they just have to fit all the pieces together to take down their adversaries.
Action packed and intense. While I was able to follow the story without reading the prior books, I’m liking there two heroes and want to know more about them. Apparently I’m going backwards for many books. Romantic suspense is a favorite and this has all the vibes.
First Family series #8. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Spin off from the Fatal series.
When Navy Lieutenant Juan Rodriguez is announced dead, DC Homicide Detective Sam Holland is advised he’s not really dead but undercover, and she’s told to keep it quiet. She’s not even supposed to tell her husband, the President. Which goes against everything she and her husband believe in. At the same time President Nick Cappuano is told that there is a plot to remove him from office and someone he trusts is apparently part of the plot against him. Because of their relationship, he knows something is bothering Sam and he pressures her with their relationship and then his commanding officer status.
As they deal with those issues, a killer is being sought on a cold case and their own family is being threatened.
All in the duty of commanding the nation and a police Lieutenant. Their relationship is tested but strong and resilient. Now they just have to fit all the pieces together to take down their adversaries.
Action packed and intense. While I was able to follow the story without reading the prior books, I’m liking there two heroes and want to know more about them. Apparently I’m going backwards for many books. Romantic suspense is a favorite and this has all the vibes.
October 2, 2024
Marie Force never fails to amaze. Once again, she delivers a wild and terrific ride with Sam, Nick and the gang. This one keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat while testing the boundaries of love, trust and alliances. There's a lot to digest and I was spellbound from start to finish.
From the first page with a dynamic, powerful and well-written plot, STATE OF ALERT grabs a reader's attention, keeps the pages flipping and hooked until the very last word.
Book No. 8 in the "First Family Series" is great -- and certainly won't disappoint!
HO! HO! HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS
RELEASE DAY: DECEMBER 25, 2024
December 23, 2024
Marie continues to deep dive us into the life of Washington PD as well as the White House.
It’s the stories she tells, the character development and story lines that continue to keep us coming back for me.
Sam and Nick continue to be a source of inspiration and couples goals as they navigate the unthinkable, deal with the unimaginable and create a family filled with love, acceptance and gratitude.
She doesn’t hold back on discussing the hard stuff, while writing tender moments that make us fall in love with the Cappuano family even more.
Following the journey of not only Sam and Nick, but all facets of their friends and families makes these books 📚 outstanding.
This book doesn’t disappoint (other than the ending lol). But that’s the sign of an amazing writer, she draws you in and captivates you from the first page to the last!!
It’s the stories she tells, the character development and story lines that continue to keep us coming back for me.
Sam and Nick continue to be a source of inspiration and couples goals as they navigate the unthinkable, deal with the unimaginable and create a family filled with love, acceptance and gratitude.
She doesn’t hold back on discussing the hard stuff, while writing tender moments that make us fall in love with the Cappuano family even more.
Following the journey of not only Sam and Nick, but all facets of their friends and families makes these books 📚 outstanding.
This book doesn’t disappoint (other than the ending lol). But that’s the sign of an amazing writer, she draws you in and captivates you from the first page to the last!!
May 11, 2025
ugh...another cliff hanger!?
At least the next book. omes out in a couple months!
At least the next book. omes out in a couple months!
December 15, 2024
Wow...just wow!
I had a WTF moment in chapter 4, that I didn't see coming! I love the way Marie keeps you guessing throughout the whole series! Can't wait for the next book!
I had a WTF moment in chapter 4, that I didn't see coming! I love the way Marie keeps you guessing throughout the whole series! Can't wait for the next book!
December 29, 2024
I really don't see any need to end every book on a cliffhanger, it's pretty mean to loyal readers like me. At this point it would be more useful to wait for the end of an ARC (because I really don't see any intention on the part of the author to end the series) than to always remaining hang like this....
Io davvero non vedo nessun bisogno di finire ogni libro in un cliffhanger, é piuttosto cattivo nei confronti dei fedeli lettori come me. A questo punto sarebbe piú utile attendere la fine di una ARC (perché di finire la serie non mi sembra che ci sia nessuna intenzione da parte dell'autrice) che rimanere sempre cosí appesi....
Io davvero non vedo nessun bisogno di finire ogni libro in un cliffhanger, é piuttosto cattivo nei confronti dei fedeli lettori come me. A questo punto sarebbe piú utile attendere la fine di una ARC (perché di finire la serie non mi sembra che ci sia nessuna intenzione da parte dell'autrice) che rimanere sempre cosí appesi....
May 17, 2025
5 Star Review State of Alert (First Family #8) by Marie Force
AUDIO REVIEW:
I couldn’t wait to listen to Alert and it was another edge of your seat listen and a fabulous addition to the series.
I was so invested in this audiobook and the story that Ms. Force wove, that I listened to it in almost one sitting. Eva Kaminsky did a good job bringing the story to life for me and her voice is easy to listen to as she narrates. I do think that these stories would benefit from a male narrator performing the male characters.
There were numerous twists and turns, and I cannot wait to see what happens next with the First Family, their family and friends.
AUDIO REVIEW:
I couldn’t wait to listen to Alert and it was another edge of your seat listen and a fabulous addition to the series.
I was so invested in this audiobook and the story that Ms. Force wove, that I listened to it in almost one sitting. Eva Kaminsky did a good job bringing the story to life for me and her voice is easy to listen to as she narrates. I do think that these stories would benefit from a male narrator performing the male characters.
There were numerous twists and turns, and I cannot wait to see what happens next with the First Family, their family and friends.
May 8, 2025
I started this series last year for my Contemporary Romance Series Challenge 2024. Marie F., writes a good cop-POTUS drama with Romance between to to MC's h. Lt. Sam Holland, DC homicide detective, and H. Nick Capuano, POTUS, along with problems running the USA and homicides in the District along with their own family drama and their close knit group of friends. Between the two of them, they have enough enemies to keep the material fresh for each story in the ongoing saga. If only in real life we had someone like Nick. This is the stuff fairytales are made of.
Nick & Sam's Work Problems: Nick's friend and ally was reported dead "not really" NCIS asked Sam to keep a secret for National Security reasons. She told her chief, Farnsworth who was best friends with her father Holland and he advised her to tell Nick. She did. Next day the ME informed her that the body of Juan Rodriguez was not actually him according to Juan's mother. Sam had to confess to Lindsey and her team the truth.
Family Problems: The twins that Nick and Sam have as legal guardians are wanted by their grandparents. The twins older brother Eli has legal guardianship under the President and Sam and he believes the grandparents must be having money problems to ask for legal custody of the twins. The have their lawyer Andy working the case.
Sam's Homicide case: Mother, 46 bludgeoned to death in her bathroom.
Family Fun: For Easter Sam and Nick have invited family to Camp David. Nick's dad, wife Sally? and twin brothers.
Nick & Sam's Work Problems: Nick's friend and ally was reported dead "not really" NCIS asked Sam to keep a secret for National Security reasons. She told her chief, Farnsworth who was best friends with her father Holland and he advised her to tell Nick. She did. Next day the ME informed her that the body of Juan Rodriguez was not actually him according to Juan's mother. Sam had to confess to Lindsey and her team the truth.
Family Problems: The twins that Nick and Sam have as legal guardians are wanted by their grandparents. The twins older brother Eli has legal guardianship under the President and Sam and he believes the grandparents must be having money problems to ask for legal custody of the twins. The have their lawyer Andy working the case.
Sam's Homicide case: Mother, 46 bludgeoned to death in her bathroom.
Family Fun: For Easter Sam and Nick have invited family to Camp David. Nick's dad, wife Sally? and twin brothers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
It pains me to give any book in the Fatal/First Family series less than 5 stars because this series is my absolute favorite and I eagerly wait for the next one to come out as soon as I finish with the current book. Having said that, a few things really disappointed me in State of Alert.
First, I absolutely hated Freddie and Lindsey's response to Sam's confession. Being law enforcement officers themselves, how can you even think that your friendship ranks above matters of national security? Are you really naive enough to think that just because you're friends with the leader of the country, they tell you every single thing?
Second, for some reason, it really bothered me in this book that Sam prioritized her job, her friends and her commitments above her children. Being a flag bearer of feminism myself, I absolutely believe that women should continue to have a career after marriage and kids but Sam has two very demanding jobs. While I understand having to work late because of the kind of job she has, Sam pushes herself to do it despite being told otherwise by everyone around her. In this book, it distinctly came across how much less time she spent with her kids, often seeing them only in mornings and evenings even on the weekends. It made me sad for her and her children.
Well, despite a couple of these annoying issues, this book still is a solid read. Nick and Sam together are magic as usual. I love their everyday mundane live. Nick is as dreamy as ever. His "my wife" moments never fail to make me swoon. I also loved, loved, loved every scene with Scotty and the twins.
I was also impressed (Not surprising since Marie Force is a brilliant author and an absolute goddess) that even after years on the force and all the accolades Sam has as a detective, her gut (the buzz, as she called it) could also steer her wrong. In the case she was working, she let her bias color her judgement and it almost led to a horrible tragedy but she corrected herself when presented with evidence. More than that, she apologized profusely for it rather than letting it injure her pride. THAT makes her a dedicated police officer and a true leader.
First, I absolutely hated Freddie and Lindsey's response to Sam's confession. Being law enforcement officers themselves, how can you even think that your friendship ranks above matters of national security? Are you really naive enough to think that just because you're friends with the leader of the country, they tell you every single thing?
Second, for some reason, it really bothered me in this book that Sam prioritized her job, her friends and her commitments above her children. Being a flag bearer of feminism myself, I absolutely believe that women should continue to have a career after marriage and kids but Sam has two very demanding jobs. While I understand having to work late because of the kind of job she has, Sam pushes herself to do it despite being told otherwise by everyone around her. In this book, it distinctly came across how much less time she spent with her kids, often seeing them only in mornings and evenings even on the weekends. It made me sad for her and her children.
Well, despite a couple of these annoying issues, this book still is a solid read. Nick and Sam together are magic as usual. I love their everyday mundane live. Nick is as dreamy as ever. His "my wife" moments never fail to make me swoon. I also loved, loved, loved every scene with Scotty and the twins.
I was also impressed (Not surprising since Marie Force is a brilliant author and an absolute goddess) that even after years on the force and all the accolades Sam has as a detective, her gut (the buzz, as she called it) could also steer her wrong. In the case she was working, she let her bias color her judgement and it almost led to a horrible tragedy but she corrected herself when presented with evidence. More than that, she apologized profusely for it rather than letting it injure her pride. THAT makes her a dedicated police officer and a true leader.
December 31, 2024
Loved this story!
I always look forward to more stories with Sam and Nick. They are one of my top favorite literary couples. State of Alert is another amazing story with these two. I love the added pressure and drama that Nick's presidency brings to their lives, and I especially love how they are figuring it all out as they go. Sam is much an incredible homicide detective, and I really enjoy the cases she investigates and how her intuition helps her out. This case was very interesting and really tested Sam's abilities. It was definitely one that made you wonder who dunnit. The storyline with Nick and the death of a military officer he worked closely with was crazy. I foresee that situation causing more issues in future books. As always, I can't wait for more.
I always look forward to more stories with Sam and Nick. They are one of my top favorite literary couples. State of Alert is another amazing story with these two. I love the added pressure and drama that Nick's presidency brings to their lives, and I especially love how they are figuring it all out as they go. Sam is much an incredible homicide detective, and I really enjoy the cases she investigates and how her intuition helps her out. This case was very interesting and really tested Sam's abilities. It was definitely one that made you wonder who dunnit. The storyline with Nick and the death of a military officer he worked closely with was crazy. I foresee that situation causing more issues in future books. As always, I can't wait for more.
December 30, 2024
Sam and Nick take on…
I love this series. Sam and Nick are stronger than ever in their relationship and family, but take some hits on the work front in this book. The national security concern and secret was shocking and I loved the mouth dropping moments. The fallout was expected and expressed by almost all characters, but also done so well. The family element was big and brought some tearful moments, especially with the kitties and Eli! The cold case connection was surprising, but exciting and the combination of so many elements of their lives was great entertainment. I love this series and can’t wait for more of this world anyway, but that cliffhanger has me on my toes!
I love this series. Sam and Nick are stronger than ever in their relationship and family, but take some hits on the work front in this book. The national security concern and secret was shocking and I loved the mouth dropping moments. The fallout was expected and expressed by almost all characters, but also done so well. The family element was big and brought some tearful moments, especially with the kitties and Eli! The cold case connection was surprising, but exciting and the combination of so many elements of their lives was great entertainment. I love this series and can’t wait for more of this world anyway, but that cliffhanger has me on my toes!
November 15, 2025
3.5 stars.
Nov 2025 - listened.
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April 2025
A solid addition to the series. It's hard reading this book and not wish that Nick can be the real POTUS, it's like when I was watching "The West Wing" and "Air Force One" and wish that Martin Sheen and Harrison Ford were the real thing :)
As for Sam, she's treading a very tough path, playing so many roles. We got a glimpse of what things would be like if she loses the strong support she has around her. It'll be good to see how her character will develop in the future books.
Nov 2025 - listened.
_________________
April 2025
A solid addition to the series. It's hard reading this book and not wish that Nick can be the real POTUS, it's like when I was watching "The West Wing" and "Air Force One" and wish that Martin Sheen and Harrison Ford were the real thing :)
As for Sam, she's treading a very tough path, playing so many roles. We got a glimpse of what things would be like if she loses the strong support she has around her. It'll be good to see how her character will develop in the future books.
April 4, 2025
3.5 stars.
A solid addition to the series. It's hard reading this book and not wish that Nick can be the real POTUS, it's like when I was watching "The West Wing" and "Air Force One" and wish that Martin Sheen and Harrison Ford were the real thing :)
As for Sam, she's treading a very tough path, playing so many roles. We got a glimpse of what things would be like if she loses the strong support she has around her. It'll be good to see how her character will develop in the future books.
A solid addition to the series. It's hard reading this book and not wish that Nick can be the real POTUS, it's like when I was watching "The West Wing" and "Air Force One" and wish that Martin Sheen and Harrison Ford were the real thing :)
As for Sam, she's treading a very tough path, playing so many roles. We got a glimpse of what things would be like if she loses the strong support she has around her. It'll be good to see how her character will develop in the future books.
December 25, 2024
love It
Thank once again for great story. Could not put the book down.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Thank once again for great story. Could not put the book down.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
February 1, 2025
Another Grand Slam
Sam and Nick and the rest of the gang are old friends. I can't wait for the next adventure. I am happy that there will be many more adventures.
Sam and Nick and the rest of the gang are old friends. I can't wait for the next adventure. I am happy that there will be many more adventures.
February 2, 2025
I feel sorry for every person who likes this. I promise you there’s better stuff out there.
This is embarrassing.
This is embarrassing.
January 30, 2025
Rarely write a review but I've read virtually all MF's books and had a particular fondness for this series. This one was very disappointing. It seemed to be 'back patting' and over compensating for people's feelings. It just dud not gel and if I didn't know better would think someone else wrote it☹️I usually can't put her books down until finished. This one I dipped in and out of for nearly a week! The last 3/4 chapters went back to what I would expect hence the 3 stars. It won't put me off reading the next one with the hope it goes back to ehatvit used to be.
December 31, 2024
4.5⭐
Marie Force returns readers to the capital and the lives of my favourite fictional president Nick Cappuano and his wife first lady and homicide detective Lieutenant Sam Holland.
Who has two puzzling cases on her hands.
As one of the guys who carry the nuclear football and who told Nick of the plot to overthrow his presidency has been killed and Nick is heartbroken and feeling extremely guilty. But there is much more to his death than anyone understands and Sam soon learns shocking details that leave her stuck in the middle and having to face the possibility of lying to her friends, colleagues and the man she loves.
Yet, Sam doesn't keep secrets from Nick and isn't about to start now.
Is she?
Meanwhile, a mother has been murdered in her own home, and Sam finds the case tougher than she ever imagined. Especially when she learns the victims sister was also murdered and the case remains unsolved.
And things aren't much better for Nick who is still facing daily questions over his lack of experience. But he's determined to get on with things including a visit to his twin half brothers school. Which was adorable to read.
And with the usual banter, great character interactions and lots of developing side stories. This was an enjoyable read. But I'll be honest it didn't click for me like these stories normally do, but it won't stop me reading more or going back and reading the earlier ones which I really adore.
Marie Force returns readers to the capital and the lives of my favourite fictional president Nick Cappuano and his wife first lady and homicide detective Lieutenant Sam Holland.
Who has two puzzling cases on her hands.
As one of the guys who carry the nuclear football and who told Nick of the plot to overthrow his presidency has been killed and Nick is heartbroken and feeling extremely guilty. But there is much more to his death than anyone understands and Sam soon learns shocking details that leave her stuck in the middle and having to face the possibility of lying to her friends, colleagues and the man she loves.
Yet, Sam doesn't keep secrets from Nick and isn't about to start now.
Is she?
Meanwhile, a mother has been murdered in her own home, and Sam finds the case tougher than she ever imagined. Especially when she learns the victims sister was also murdered and the case remains unsolved.
And things aren't much better for Nick who is still facing daily questions over his lack of experience. But he's determined to get on with things including a visit to his twin half brothers school. Which was adorable to read.
And with the usual banter, great character interactions and lots of developing side stories. This was an enjoyable read. But I'll be honest it didn't click for me like these stories normally do, but it won't stop me reading more or going back and reading the earlier ones which I really adore.
February 3, 2025
I love this series and the "Fatal" series that introduced the main characters. It's best to start at the beginning. The stories build on each other and we meet so many characters who hang around that it is best to explore them in order. If you like romantic suspense books, these are very good ones.
October 8, 2024
Treat yourself this Christmas to the newest story in the First Family series. Somehow these books always seem like a brand new ride while also giving us the continuance of those aspects we look forward to- the love between Nick and Sam, the banter between Sam and those she works with, the hustle of a First Lady who also solves murders and catches the bad guys.
Another winner by Marie Force!
Another winner by Marie Force!
January 7, 2025
It would seem Ms. Force has another winner to her credit with this the 8th book (hard for me to believe) in her First Family series which is a spinoff of her Fatal series where Sam and Nick first meet. I had trouble putting it down and too many nights stayed up long past my bedtime reading it. There are a very select group of authors among my regular reads that the minute one of their books is published it immediately goes to the top of my TBR list. Ms. Force is one of those authors. In this one I think the author attempted to humanize Lt. Samantha Holland-Capuanno by making her a bit more fallible. As the blurb tells us, she makes a decision (that is very un-Sam-like) that puts her in an uncomfortable position with her subordinate co-workers who are basically most of her closest friends. If you’re familiar with this series you’re already aware that there isn’t a whole lot of professional distance kept between Sam and her MPD Homicide Squad. While there’s no question she’s the leader of the squad, mostly all of her crew enjoys a very relaxed almost familial relationship. Then Sam’s famous “Gut” fails her and she nearly arrests the wrong person for a murder. Sam continues to struggle to find work/life balance. It’s hard to fathom how her husband POTUS was most times able to find time in his day to be home for dinner with the family, make sure their homework was done and put them to bed while in this story Sam rarely makes it home in time soon enough to do anything but tuck them in to bed and kiss them goodnight, if that. Are we supposed to believe Sam’s job is even more demanding than that of the leader of the Free World? But at least at this point in the series Sam is beginning to have regrets about the irreplaceable lost time with her family and even beginning to question how her commitment to her job as the head of the homicide division interferes with not only her family life but also that as FLOTUS. Thank goodness she and Nick find time for naked fun!
Clearly, I had some minor issues with this story’s plot which is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars. But it is still a great page tuner of a book.
Clearly, I had some minor issues with this story’s plot which is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars. But it is still a great page tuner of a book.
February 7, 2025
RANDOM THOUGHTS
-3,9
-Okay, so Marie Force is killing it with this series. She’s got this way of pulling you into the crazy worlds of the Washington PD and the White House, mixing high-stakes drama with everyday life stuff that just works. It’s the characters, the stories, and all the little details that keep me hooked. Like, I can’t stop coming back for more.
Sam and Nick? Total couple goals. They’re out here dealing with the wildest situations, juggling insane jobs, and still managing to raise this amazing, loving family. Like, how do they even do it? They’re the definition of power couple vibes, and I’m here for it.
So, there’s this moment where Sam’s famous gut instinct—her “tingles”—totally lets her down for the first time. It was kinda shocking, honestly, because she’s always so on point. But you know what? She owned it. She messed up, apologized, and fixed it. That’s what makes her such a great detective and leader. No ego, just doing the job right.
Eva Kaminsky’s narration? Solid. Her voice is smooth and easy to listen to, though I kept thinking how cool it would be to have a guy voicing the male characters too. Still, she nailed it and kept me hooked.
The story itself was packed with twists, like always. I’m already dying to know what’s next for the First Family and their crew. But, okay, there were a couple of things that bugged me. Freddie and Lindsey’s reaction to Sam’s confession? Weird. Like, you’re both cops—how do you not get that national security comes before friendship? It felt off.
Also, Sam’s work-life balance was kinda… yikes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for women having careers, but she was barely around for her kids, even on weekends. It made me sad for her and her family, especially since Nick seems way more present.
But hey, the book is still a great read. Nick and Sam together? Magic. Their chemistry, their banter, even the boring everyday stuff—it all just works. And the way they parent as a team? Love it.
Oh, and every scene with Scotty and the twins? Pure gold. Those moments added so much warmth and humor to the story.
The case in this one was super interesting, too. It kept me guessing, and it really tested Sam’s skills. Plus, Nick’s storyline with the military officer’s death? Intense.
This book also made me curious about the Fatal series. I kinda want to go back and see how Nick and Sam first got together—like, how did he flirt with her? How did they even start? I feel like it’d be so fun to see where it all began.
All in all, this series is still delivering. It’s got suspense, heart, and characters you can’t help but root for. Yeah, there are a few things that bug me, but it’s a world I’m always excited to dive back into.
-3,9
-Okay, so Marie Force is killing it with this series. She’s got this way of pulling you into the crazy worlds of the Washington PD and the White House, mixing high-stakes drama with everyday life stuff that just works. It’s the characters, the stories, and all the little details that keep me hooked. Like, I can’t stop coming back for more.
Sam and Nick? Total couple goals. They’re out here dealing with the wildest situations, juggling insane jobs, and still managing to raise this amazing, loving family. Like, how do they even do it? They’re the definition of power couple vibes, and I’m here for it.
So, there’s this moment where Sam’s famous gut instinct—her “tingles”—totally lets her down for the first time. It was kinda shocking, honestly, because she’s always so on point. But you know what? She owned it. She messed up, apologized, and fixed it. That’s what makes her such a great detective and leader. No ego, just doing the job right.
Eva Kaminsky’s narration? Solid. Her voice is smooth and easy to listen to, though I kept thinking how cool it would be to have a guy voicing the male characters too. Still, she nailed it and kept me hooked.
The story itself was packed with twists, like always. I’m already dying to know what’s next for the First Family and their crew. But, okay, there were a couple of things that bugged me. Freddie and Lindsey’s reaction to Sam’s confession? Weird. Like, you’re both cops—how do you not get that national security comes before friendship? It felt off.
Also, Sam’s work-life balance was kinda… yikes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for women having careers, but she was barely around for her kids, even on weekends. It made me sad for her and her family, especially since Nick seems way more present.
But hey, the book is still a great read. Nick and Sam together? Magic. Their chemistry, their banter, even the boring everyday stuff—it all just works. And the way they parent as a team? Love it.
Oh, and every scene with Scotty and the twins? Pure gold. Those moments added so much warmth and humor to the story.
The case in this one was super interesting, too. It kept me guessing, and it really tested Sam’s skills. Plus, Nick’s storyline with the military officer’s death? Intense.
This book also made me curious about the Fatal series. I kinda want to go back and see how Nick and Sam first got together—like, how did he flirt with her? How did they even start? I feel like it’d be so fun to see where it all began.
All in all, this series is still delivering. It’s got suspense, heart, and characters you can’t help but root for. Yeah, there are a few things that bug me, but it’s a world I’m always excited to dive back into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
It pains me to give any book in the Fatal/First Family series less than 5 stars because this series is my absolute favorite and I eagerly wait for the next one to come out as soon as I finish with the current book. Having said that, a few things really disappointed me in State of Alert.
First, I absolutely hated Freddie and Lindsey's response to Sam's confession. Being law enforcement officers themselves, how can you even think that your friendship ranks above matters of national security? Are you really naive enough to think that just because you're friends with the leader of the country, they tell you every single thing?
Second, for some reason, it really bothered me in this book that Sam prioritized her job, her friends and her commitments above her children. Being a flag bearer of feminism myself, I absolutely believe that women should continue to have a career after marriage and kids but Sam has two very demanding jobs. While I understand having to work late because of the kind of job she has, Sam pushes herself to do it despite being told otherwise by everyone around her. In this book, it distinctly came across how much less time she spent with her kids, often seeing them only in mornings and evenings even on the weekends. It made me sad for her and her children.
Well, despite a couple of these annoying issues, this book still is a solid read. Nick and Sam together are magic as usual. I love their everyday mundane live. Nick is as dreamy as ever. His "my wife" moments never fail to make me swoon. I also loved, loved, loved every scene with Scotty and the twins.
I was also impressed (Not surprising since Marie Force is a brilliant author and an absolute goddess) that even after years on the force and all the accolades Sam has as a detective, her gut (the buzz, as she called it) could also steer her wrong. In the case she was working, she let her bias color her judgement and it almost led to a horrible tragedy but she corrected herself when presented with evidence. More than that, she apologized profusely for it rather than letting it injure her pride. THAT makes her a dedicated police officer and a true leader.
First, I absolutely hated Freddie and Lindsey's response to Sam's confession. Being law enforcement officers themselves, how can you even think that your friendship ranks above matters of national security? Are you really naive enough to think that just because you're friends with the leader of the country, they tell you every single thing?
Second, for some reason, it really bothered me in this book that Sam prioritized her job, her friends and her commitments above her children. Being a flag bearer of feminism myself, I absolutely believe that women should continue to have a career after marriage and kids but Sam has two very demanding jobs. While I understand having to work late because of the kind of job she has, Sam pushes herself to do it despite being told otherwise by everyone around her. In this book, it distinctly came across how much less time she spent with her kids, often seeing them only in mornings and evenings even on the weekends. It made me sad for her and her children.
Well, despite a couple of these annoying issues, this book still is a solid read. Nick and Sam together are magic as usual. I love their everyday mundane live. Nick is as dreamy as ever. His "my wife" moments never fail to make me swoon. I also loved, loved, loved every scene with Scotty and the twins.
I was also impressed (Not surprising since Marie Force is a brilliant author and an absolute goddess) that even after years on the force and all the accolades Sam has as a detective, her gut (the buzz, as she called it) could also steer her wrong. In the case she was working, she let her bias color her judgement and it almost led to a horrible tragedy but she corrected herself when presented with evidence. More than that, she apologized profusely for it rather than letting it injure her pride. THAT makes her a dedicated police officer and a true leader.
February 11, 2025
Sam is under attack by several corners in this story.
At the end of each First Family book is a cliff hanger for the next book. The cliff hanger to start this book, the body of Juan Rodriguez has been found in a dumpster. Juan is the one who tipped Nick off to the Joint Chiefs attempt at overthrowing Nick’s presidency. As Sam is just starting to investigate she receives a visit and then a ride to NCIS. I did not like the NCIS handling here. I would have preferred Agent Leeroy Jethro Gibbs instead. They left Sam on an island with a lot of sharks circling her. Several of those sharks were her good friends.
Sam and Freddy catch a homicide. Woman is hit with a blunt instrument killing her instantly. Her teenage daughters were not at home nor was her husband. This was a family you both disliked and pitied at the same time. Like Sam, I didn’t care for the daughters or the husbands attitude either.
Usually these books have so much action but we moved between the NCIS saga and finding Mrs. Myerson’s murderer. I felt for Sam in this story and got mad at a lot of her friends. The only one who understood was her chief. This will probably be the top for my least favorite of the series. Yet, still glad I read it. I am sure this NCIS thing isn’t completely over. Thank goodness Vernon is with Sam. He truly is Skip in human form. Nick needs a couple of big wins. Sam’s heebie-jeebies about the VP need to be straightened out quickly. It bugs me every time she is in a scene. I don’t trust her either.
At the end of each First Family book is a cliff hanger for the next book. The cliff hanger to start this book, the body of Juan Rodriguez has been found in a dumpster. Juan is the one who tipped Nick off to the Joint Chiefs attempt at overthrowing Nick’s presidency. As Sam is just starting to investigate she receives a visit and then a ride to NCIS. I did not like the NCIS handling here. I would have preferred Agent Leeroy Jethro Gibbs instead. They left Sam on an island with a lot of sharks circling her. Several of those sharks were her good friends.
Sam and Freddy catch a homicide. Woman is hit with a blunt instrument killing her instantly. Her teenage daughters were not at home nor was her husband. This was a family you both disliked and pitied at the same time. Like Sam, I didn’t care for the daughters or the husbands attitude either.
Usually these books have so much action but we moved between the NCIS saga and finding Mrs. Myerson’s murderer. I felt for Sam in this story and got mad at a lot of her friends. The only one who understood was her chief. This will probably be the top for my least favorite of the series. Yet, still glad I read it. I am sure this NCIS thing isn’t completely over. Thank goodness Vernon is with Sam. He truly is Skip in human form. Nick needs a couple of big wins. Sam’s heebie-jeebies about the VP need to be straightened out quickly. It bugs me every time she is in a scene. I don’t trust her either.
April 8, 2025
This eighth book of the story of Nick and Sam as they work their way through the problems of one being the President of the United States and the other the Head of the Homicide department in Washington DC. They are also the parents of Scott and foster parents to Audrey and Alden. Luckily, Sam's Mother lives with them and takes care of the children when both Nick and Sam are busy.
As usual, Sam and Nick have a multitude of jobs that appear all at once, keeping them both busy and apart. Sam is involved with the murder of Juan Rodriquez, the Secret Service agent who is constantly with Nick carrying the "nuclear football", the murder of an unassuming mother who is overprotective of her children due to the murder of her sister many years before, the severe beating of a co-worker's friend, as well as all the duties of the First Lady, and being a bridesmaid for another dear friend, combined with News coverage looking for scandals. Meanwhile, Nick has to deal with Juan's death, the attempted overthrow of his Presidency by the heads of the Armed Forces, news misinformation, and having to leave for two days to attend an event in California, and the twins' grandparents trying again to get custody of the twins and their money.
As usual, Sam and Nick have a multitude of jobs that appear all at once, keeping them both busy and apart. Sam is involved with the murder of Juan Rodriquez, the Secret Service agent who is constantly with Nick carrying the "nuclear football", the murder of an unassuming mother who is overprotective of her children due to the murder of her sister many years before, the severe beating of a co-worker's friend, as well as all the duties of the First Lady, and being a bridesmaid for another dear friend, combined with News coverage looking for scandals. Meanwhile, Nick has to deal with Juan's death, the attempted overthrow of his Presidency by the heads of the Armed Forces, news misinformation, and having to leave for two days to attend an event in California, and the twins' grandparents trying again to get custody of the twins and their money.
December 19, 2024
State of Alert is a return to the wonderful, often stressful but addictive lives of the Cappuano family. While Nick, or Mr. President, has a world of problems and grief to overcome, his beloved wife gets dragged into national security issues that leave her conflicted. Always wanting to be upfront with and supportive of, the people who mean the most to her, she finds herself needing to hide the whole truth. As always, her relationship with Nick is her priority. With all that is happening at work, family issues also resurface to add to the pressure. I loved this book, and Marie Force had me hooked from the beginning to the nail biting end. You could read this as a stand-alone, but I would absolutely recommend starting from the first book of the fatal series (State of Affairs or the prequel novela, 'One night with you') then moving into the first family series. You will not be disappointed. The characters and their stories run throughout, and following them in order will help add to the overall reading experience.
January 25, 2025
Continuing saga with the first family, new Pres Nick Cappuano & homicide Det Sam Holland & their blended family. The portrayal of Scottie & twins is hilarious, her interaction with her secret service detail good and the investigation portion of these books with all the detectives under her command also good.
What's not (and I get this series is in the "romance" genre) but who says it has to be so explicit? That's entirely different from romance- something left to the imagination is more interesting.
The book, jumps right into a murder for Sam to investigate and then more info about Lt Juan Rodriguez's death and the NCIS investigation into the treason of the Joint Chiefs. Along the way disgraced former Det Ramsey makes the usual crazy appearance and we are updated on the Stahl murders (why these two threads still continue and are dragged on is tiresome). Plus the reappearance of Nick's awful mother and the grandparents of the twins looking for custody keeps reappearing as filler that has run it's course.
About a 3.25 for me just because I like police procedurals.
What's not (and I get this series is in the "romance" genre) but who says it has to be so explicit? That's entirely different from romance- something left to the imagination is more interesting.
The book, jumps right into a murder for Sam to investigate and then more info about Lt Juan Rodriguez's death and the NCIS investigation into the treason of the Joint Chiefs. Along the way disgraced former Det Ramsey makes the usual crazy appearance and we are updated on the Stahl murders (why these two threads still continue and are dragged on is tiresome). Plus the reappearance of Nick's awful mother and the grandparents of the twins looking for custody keeps reappearing as filler that has run it's course.
About a 3.25 for me just because I like police procedurals.
December 20, 2025
Another in the First Family series, in which Sam is confronted by a pair of angry teens who look to have killed their mother, in spite of their staunch denials that they had nothing to do with it. What about their father? The older teen's boyfriend? It's all part of a cold case that seems no likelier to be solved than this one is, especially after the teens disappear.
Then there's the death (or not) of a special aide to President Nick Cappuano. The young man had shared details with Nick about a coup planned by the Joint Chiefs. Ye gods and little fishes! Is this true? And what's Sam going to do when she's sworn to secrecy by the NCIS agent in order for them to uncover who killed (or didn't) that aide.
More complications in both cases that keep Sam running and Nick worried about his family, too, when the grandparents of the Littles threaten to seek custody. What's next with this group of wonderful characters?
Then there's the death (or not) of a special aide to President Nick Cappuano. The young man had shared details with Nick about a coup planned by the Joint Chiefs. Ye gods and little fishes! Is this true? And what's Sam going to do when she's sworn to secrecy by the NCIS agent in order for them to uncover who killed (or didn't) that aide.
More complications in both cases that keep Sam running and Nick worried about his family, too, when the grandparents of the Littles threaten to seek custody. What's next with this group of wonderful characters?
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