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Quantum #9

Illustrious: A Quantum Novel

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On the eve of their 50th anniversary celebration they face the first serious threat to their vaunted marriage….



Max Godfrey and Stella Flynn are Hollywood royalty, but their successful careers in film and music mean far less to them than their marriage, their four children and twelve grandchildren. Family is what matters to Max and Stella, and they’re looking forward to a weekend of anniversary celebrations, Christmas in Utah and a get-away with family and friends to Mexico when a blast from Max’s past threatens to undo everything. A tell-all Hollywood memoir jeopardizes all they hold dear in a way neither of them would’ve thought possible.



Their son, superstar actor Flynn Godfrey, and his colleagues at Quantum Productions, all of them family to Max and Stella, go into battle mode to protect a couple beloved around the world, but especially to those closest to them.



Six years after FAMOUS concluded the Quantum Series, ILLUSTRIOUS brings us back to Hollywood to revisit the couples and characters we fell in love with as they face their biggest threat yet. But this found family has never met a challenge they couldn’t rise to, and this time is no different. We’ll also be introduced to a new set of characters who’ll headline a new series starting later in 2025!



Buckle up. Quantum’s back!

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2025

388 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Marie Force

209 books8,439 followers
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.

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5 stars
641 (69%)
4 stars
182 (19%)
3 stars
72 (7%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
2 reviews
May 3, 2025
This book is a filler. It begins with an interesting premise but fades out to be choppy catch up that has too many narrators without much in the way of challenging or interesting narrative. Max and Stella are reduced to a flustered pair of senior citizens which diminishes their story. It's not a quality addition to the Quantum series and feels like a sales tactic lead into the Remington series of books that are ready to be released.

I know the backstory of the cover photo but it does a disservice to the couple in the photo. It depicts the wrong era and misses the mark of a Hollywood dynasty.
Profile Image for Angela Wilson.
243 reviews15 followers
May 2, 2025
Meh

I have several complaints about this book. The first being the cover models.They are a lovely couple, but the picture looks more like an early to mid '50's picture. The couple met and married in the '70's. The second being the lack of the couple's story. There was just too much telling and internal dialogue. My third complaint is every person in the family having too many chapters in this book. Everyone already had their books. And finally, I feel like we should've been transported back to the '70's.





Profile Image for Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket.
2,366 reviews92 followers
April 27, 2025
The Quantum Series by Marie Force is truly my happy place. I love this world. I have been a fan of this series since it first came out and I have eagerly read every book and loved every one of them. This world and this found family truly feel like family to me. I will never get enough of this world. I will never get enough of these characters, their dynamic and loyal family, and the way that they always show up for one another. I will literally give everything for a chance to be back with them all and this new addition to the series was truly the best.

Getting to be back in this world truly felt like a hug. Even getting to see these characters face some hardships and problems all together, I still loved every bit of it. I loved getting a glimpse into the future of all of the couples that I’ve loved over the course of the series. I loved getting more of how Max and Stella became the couple they were together. I loved just every bit of this book and how it brought me back into a world I will never get enough of. This story just was good for my heart and soul. I can’t say that enough. It delivered in every way. It wowed me and it just Reminded me again and again how invested I have been in these characters for years and years.

I loved every bit of this book. I read it in one sitting because I just loved these characters and being back with them. I also have to say that I just loved that this series has spawned so many books and so many relationships and so many deeply felt love stories that I’ll never forget, and that this final book opened up so many doors for what’s to come For some characters I need more of this instant. Marie force has the best way of bringing it all to life in a way that is just memorable, in a way that is consuming, and in a way that you won’t soon forget. I love every chance I get to read a story that she creates and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one she writes!

If you are a fan of this series, then you need to read this book as soon as you can. It is incredible being back in this world after almost 6 years. This author delivers an incredible love story with these two that is full of ups and downs, so much love and connection, and this true magic that connects all of these characters together. They are truly something special and you feel that in your bones while reading this book and every book in the series. I loved every second of being back in this world, and I am already chomping at the bit for the next time I get to meet these characters because they are truly some of my all-time favorites.

This book felt very much like the perfect closure for this world while leaving the doors and windows open for more to come For characters that are connected into this world and I just can’t wait for it all. This series started with a chance encounter between Flynn and Natalie, and respond a series about this found family of characters finding their soulmates. But at the end of the day, it all started with Max and Stella and getting to end with their epic love story, getting to end with a chance of seeing just how far these characters have all come in their relationships, and just getting to be there to celebrate every bit of what they fought so hard for was beautiful and so meaningful.

I highly recommend the series. It is one of my favorites and I feel like not enough. People know about how incredible it is. What this author creates with her characters is truly everything. It is real, it is full of fire, and you will just love it. I promise you that.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,038 reviews36 followers
April 30, 2025
4.5⭐

Illustrious takes readers back to the Quantum Series to celebrate the golden anniversary of Hollywood icons Stella Flynn and Max Godfrey. Whose careers and marriage have stood the test of time, making them true legends in the industry.

However, a memoir from one of Stella's former co-stars is about to shake the foundation of their long-standing relationship. As this memoir reveals a secret that Max has kept from Stella for fifty-two years, and he realises that he can no longer keep it to himself and must share his secret not only with Stella but also with his children, just as the entire family and their closest friends gather to celebrate their anniversary.

But fortunately, for Max and Stella Flynn, his sisters, and the rest of the Quantum crew are determined to help them navigate this challenging situation, ensuring that they can celebrate this milestone with their ever-expanding family.

And with chapters featuring all of the beloved characters and plenty of heartwarming family moments, this book is an easy, enjoyable, and fun read. That reminded me just how wonderful these characters are, and I’m eager to reread all of their stories before Natalie's sister Olivia’s story is released next year.
Profile Image for thespicybooknerd.
694 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2025
The Quantum series is how I first found Marie Force years ago, so visiting the Godfrey's for Max and Stella's 50th Anniversary feels like coming home. Getting caught up with each couple from the original series, but also getting more in-depth with the beloved patriarchs of the Godfrey family and their love story was just what I was hoping for. Illustrious also sets the stage for the forthcoming Remington siblings series, and I can't wait for what's to come for our beloved younger Godfrey's as well as the Remington siblings. Grace Grant and Aiden Snow are absolutely brilliant in their performances of the audiobook edition of Illustrious. To not only bring Max and Stella Godfrey to life, but also the couples from each of the Quantum stories plus additional characters to round out the story that Grace and Aiden made distinguishable and wonderful to listen to as they brought Marie's fabulous story to life is impressive.

Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,221 reviews34 followers
May 8, 2025
After a nearly six year hiatus Marie Force has written a new addition to the Quantum series, Illustrious. The basic story centers on the approaching Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration of Max ans Stella Godfrey. You'll about how they met and fell in love as well as their early Hollywood years. All of the Quantum partners, their spouses and now a host of children are present and accounted for. Max and Stella are the bedrock of this huge family of the heart as well as blood. When the possibility that a fifty plus year secret could rear it's head making trouble, Flynn, et al spring into action doing damage control. The individual familt vignettes will have you smiling and of course, the electricity that arcs between couples is still alive and white hot. Ms. Force teases with new characters and their upcoming stories as well as a promisd spinoff.
9 reviews
April 23, 2025
@Marie Force does it again! She brings us back into the Quantum family with an emotional rollercoaster ride!

In this book, Max and Stella Godfrey take center stage. Their 50th Anniversary is coming up and a 50 year old secret threatens their unbreakable bond. As usual, Marie Force handles it with her trademark realism. What unfolds is a poignant look back at their love story. We learn of how they met and fell in love.

I absolutely loved this book and storyline! As an added bonus, we got to see how our favorite Quantum characters ended up.

I highly recommend this book! If you’re new to the series, start with Virtuous. I promise it won’t disappoint!

Thank you @MarieForce for continuing to write engaging, realistic stories that entertain us!
Profile Image for Susan.
94 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2025
This is the best yet...until the next one is ready to read.

Whether its been six months or six years since the last chapter in a series, Marie Force begins paragraph one as if we were with the Quantum family just yesterday. We, the readers, are kept on edge to see what will happen next. Turmoil for one means turmoil for the entire group, who will work hard to make it right for the troubled members of their family. This story gives us the belief that compassion and empathy still are alive and well amongst us. I cannot wait for Olivia's story and to find a new family to love with The Remingtons. Thank you Marie Force.
1,299 reviews
April 27, 2025
Max and Stella's story
This is the book that I didn't know I needed. Everyone looks to Max and Stella as the golden example of marriage and how to raise children. They haven't had any problems in their 50 year marriage - until now. A secret that Max has kept from Stella threatens to implode their lives and marriage. I really liked how all the children and their friends railed around Max and Stella to give support to them. I enjoyed seeing how everyone from the previous Quantum books are doing now. I'm glad to see there are going to be more books in this series and another series, too. Grace Grant and Aiden Snow were wonderful narrators.
Profile Image for Skye Burch.
81 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2025
Amazing

Diving back into the beloved Quantum series feels like reuniting with old friends, and this latest installment reignited my passion for these characters. My annual ritual of revisiting the series has been beautifully complemented by this new addition, which seamlessly continues the narrative I've grown to love. Moments of unexpected emotion washed over me as I witnessed the characters' continued growth and happiness, a testament to the author's masterful storytelling. The anticipation for the next book and the upcoming spin-off series has me eagerly counting down the days.
812 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
I loved this series originally and always wanted more. I love the way Marie balances steam with our older couple who you couldn't read the original series and not love them. This family is one of my favs and the way they band together to support both Max & Stella just shows this. I love how we get POVs from the whole cast and get an update on where they are now. I am now super excited for the new series as i have tons of questions that i hope get answered and also excited for the next book in this series after this break. I love anything Marie writes but this just made me so happy and can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
341 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2025
A return to the Quantum universe …
Stella and Max Godfrey are Hollywood royalty. Both have a successful career and a lovely family, including the successful actor Flynn and his obnoxious Quantum gang. Close to their 50th wedding anniversary, a dark secret from Max’s past theaters their happiness and leaves Stella wondering if her life was a lie.
I really love this series and am very happy about its return. At the same time, the book was my least favorite - even though it’s still pretty good. I loved catching up with everyone but I would have loved to learn more about Max and Stella. Even though they were supposed to be the main characters it didn’t feel like it to me.
Profile Image for Danielle R.
1 review8 followers
May 3, 2025
I'm thrilled to dive back into the world of the Quantum Series with Illustrious! Marie Force masterfully brought back beloved characters, and it's heartwarming to see the families grow stronger and bonds deepen. These characters had become a part of my life, and their return was long overdue!

This series continues to shine with its portrayal of strong family ties, enduring friendships, loyalty, trust, and compassion. I'm eagerly anticipating Olivia's story next and hoping for many more to come! Marie Force's writing is a testament to the power of human connection. Can't wait for what's next! 💕📚
2,511 reviews16 followers
May 5, 2025
amazing book

Wow I must admit I didn’t expect to be revisiting the quantum family again. It was wonderful to go back to see how their lives had progressed. It’s like missing friends you didn’t realise just how much you missed them until you connected with them again. It was also heartbreaking to start with Seeing Max and Stella. Go through what they did but I love the way it played out. I look forward to future books and seeing favourite characters once again in the new Remington series. The narration as always was excellent and on point. I can’t wait for the next Marie Force book now
Profile Image for Lori  Bizjak.
6 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2025
Quantum story NOT finished!

I was absolutely thrilled when Marie Force announced another book in the Quantum series! She had hinted that we’d get updates on all the couples and their children, and she delivered beautifully. I loved every page of the book — it was pure joy to revisit these characters. Adding Max and Stella’s story was simply marvelous! I'm also beyond excited that we’ll get to dive into Natalie’s sisters' stories, along with a whole new series following the next generation in the Quantum world.
Profile Image for Sue Longoria.
342 reviews
June 24, 2025
True love

What a beautiful story for Max and Stella!

I love the way it showed how much true long is strong to withstand anything.

I love the characters, and they way it got us all caught up on everyone's life.

This brook brought out the heart of the family. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next, and I was not disappointed. Hollywood life is not for everyone.

Can't wait tobread about Olivia and the Remington family.

Bravo Marie Force for another amazing story!
1,382 reviews
April 20, 2025
It was great to be back with the Quantum family and see how their lives have changed since the last book. The book is about Max and Stella Godfrey, Flynn's parents. It is their 50th anniversary and a secret may damage their reputations and relationship. I thought the author did a very good job of showing us what a 50-year marriage looks like. This book could be read stand alone but I think it is best read after the other books in the series. I would recommend it.
4 reviews
April 26, 2025
Love this Quantum Family

Before this book hit, I went back and re- read the whole Quantum Series. It was just as fabulous as I remembered. I loved reading Max and Stella’s book which reflected on how important they were to their family. It also showed what makes the Geoffrey family so special. Looking forward to Olivia’s book and I urge everyone to read this wonderful series…I may re-read it again before #10 comes out !!!
Profile Image for Marla.
176 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
loved it!

This was a wonderful tale of love and an example of why true love lasts. You work it out if it means enough to you. I love how the author gives vulnerability to her male characters. Experiencing it with both Max and Flynn was precious. And to tell you the truth, I was glad the BDSM had a very minor role. Marie Force is so good with family and couple dynamics and focusing on that gave me all the feels.
Profile Image for Susan Hunter.
96 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the story of Max and Stella as well as updates on the characters from prior books. It was fun to see the characters as parents. I enjoy Marie's books especially the Fatal, Gansett and Butler series. I feel like I know the characters. The narrators, who can make or break a good book did a good job. The only small negative is the narrators have very limited number of voices so most of the characters sound like one.
428 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2025
Wonderful!

This book is a great return to the Quantum series after several years since the previous book. So fun to catch up with all the couples (who now have a bunch of kids) and learn a bit more about Max & Stella, Flynn’s amazing parents who have always been there for everyone else. In this story they take center stage, with a secret that rocks their 50-year marriage. How they handle it makes for a very entertaining story.
66 reviews
April 28, 2025
Illustrious is incredible

Marie Force has brought us back into the Quantum world with another hit. Max and Stella have a true love story for the ages and a family of 4 plus. During all of the Quantum books, they have been the rocks that keep the whole family together, including the family friends that are like family. Everyone rallies around them when they hit a rough patch at year 50. What an inspiration they are! Thanks Marie!
Profile Image for Randi Schreiber.
7 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
Fantastic book

I love that you came back to Quantum and that we learned how everyone was doing. My parents were also married in 1958. The story behind Max and Stella's 50 years and learning about the secret and how the turmoil it brought between them kept me on the edge of my seat. They are the glue for every one of the quantum members and spouses. I was very glad to see that we will see Olivia's story going forward and Quantum universe is expanding. As always fantastic story.
Profile Image for Marcy.
2,049 reviews25 followers
May 10, 2025
Amazing story!

I loved being back in the Quantum world. Max and Stella are the heart of this group, and their story was surprisingly emotional. I enjoyed every bit of it. This is such an amazing group of characters, and it was wonderful to get more from them. Their lives have changed so much, as well as grown with so many children. It is always so much fun when they are all together. It is exciting to get more in this series.
336 reviews
May 26, 2025
Family is everything!

This was scary to have Max and Shell's relationship of 50+ years threatened by a past relationship. It was easy to see how so many people, family and friends, lives would be affected by a disruption between these two. Some of their extended family members only knew what family was through the Godfrey family. Read this a see what a great family affair continues. Loved it!
522 reviews11 followers
May 29, 2025
I absolutely love that Marie Force brought us back into the world of Quantum! This is one of my favorite series, and I would be content is it never ends.

The series began with Flynn and Natalie, and now we get his parents’ story, along with a chance to catch up with all our favorite friends.

If you’ve never read the steamy world of Quantum, run, don’t walk, then see the latest goings on with the groups’ parents.
Profile Image for Ann-marie .
939 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2025
We meet again Natalie, Flynn and the whole gang as Stella and Max celebrate their fifty years of marriage. Their special party dinner has been set up when Max opens the paper and finds out the famous actress from his past is writing a tell memoir and his mind goes into tailspin because although he has had a great marriage but there something he has kept hidden from his wife and family. We see the couples all having many children and still as tight as ever.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,103 reviews553 followers
February 25, 2025

COMING SOON -- APRIL 25, 2025 "ILLUSTRIOUS" (#9 QUANTUM SERIES) by Marie Force!

I assure you it's worth the wait -- a catch-up with friends and family from the "Quantum Series" and the introduction of new characters with a new storyline for the Remington family.

FULL REVIEW CLOSER TO RELEASE DATE!
Profile Image for Toi.
4,252 reviews
April 28, 2025
Loved It

Loved it, and was so happy to see some of my favorites brought back and how exciting was the end. I loved to see their parents still together after fifty years and to learn about a secret that could have potential ruined them, but once the reasons come to light it really makes so much sense. . .
Profile Image for Molly.
1,137 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2025
Quantum without spice? Still a great read but it lost a star. It was great to catch up with all the couples who have been procreating like nobody’s business. The OG’s Max and Stella are getting ready to celebrate their 50th anniversary when a shocking secret threatens their marriage. All the children, natural and chosen, rally around to find out the details and protect their loved ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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