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First Family #10
State of Preservation
A missing child. A nation watching. A family pushed to the brink.
When Lieutenant Sam Holland’s phone rings with the words every parent dreads—“Ethan is missing”—her world stops cold. Her eleven-year-old nephew has vanished without a trace from the streets of Washington, D.C., and the First Family is thrown into chaos. As both aunt and investigator, Sam must balance heart-wrenching fear with her duty to uncover the truth.
While the D.C. Metropolitan Police, the FBI and U.S. Marshals race to find Ethan, dark threads begin to unravel—messages hidden in phones, an online subculture preying on boys and whispers of radicalization that strike terrifyingly close to home. With her husband, President Nick Cappuano, facing questions about Ethan and her family breaking under the weight of uncertainty, Sam’s instinct tells her this case is about more than one missing child… it’s about preserving everything she loves most.
From the corridors of the White House to the shadowy corners of the internet, State of Preservation delivers high-stakes suspense, emotional depth and the unbreakable bond of a family fighting for one of their own.
When Lieutenant Sam Holland’s phone rings with the words every parent dreads—“Ethan is missing”—her world stops cold. Her eleven-year-old nephew has vanished without a trace from the streets of Washington, D.C., and the First Family is thrown into chaos. As both aunt and investigator, Sam must balance heart-wrenching fear with her duty to uncover the truth.
While the D.C. Metropolitan Police, the FBI and U.S. Marshals race to find Ethan, dark threads begin to unravel—messages hidden in phones, an online subculture preying on boys and whispers of radicalization that strike terrifyingly close to home. With her husband, President Nick Cappuano, facing questions about Ethan and her family breaking under the weight of uncertainty, Sam’s instinct tells her this case is about more than one missing child… it’s about preserving everything she loves most.
From the corridors of the White House to the shadowy corners of the internet, State of Preservation delivers high-stakes suspense, emotional depth and the unbreakable bond of a family fighting for one of their own.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2025
961 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
213 books8,461 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 158 reviews
December 26, 2025
I don't like it when some of the main characters I'm invested in break up. It leaves me unsettled. The story is full of suspense but is pretty dark. I love the characters. I just didn't like this quite as well as the other books.
December 27, 2025
Not a fan of the Tracy and Mike storyline in this book plus what happened to Angela in a previous book. Can we go back to Sam and team solving cases that are not related to her family members or other members of her team? I love this series because of Sam and Nick and their kids but this one wasn’t a hit for me. Will continue to read the series though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
As a Christmas holiday book, it was a little too grim, but then again, I'm fond of Sam and Nick and can't do without my annual fix. I would like there to be less repetition and better editing, though. We're now on the tenth book in the second series with the same characters, so there's no need for constant explanations, let alone all these platitudes.
Come libro delle vacanze di natale é stato un po' troppo truce, ma d'altronde sono affezionata a Sam e Nick e non posso fare a meno della mia dose annuale. Vorrei che comunque ci fossero meno ripetizioni ed un migliore editing, siamo al decimo libro della seconda serie con gli stessi personaggi, non c'é un bisogno costante dello spiegone e tantomeno di tutte questi luoghi comuni.
Come libro delle vacanze di natale é stato un po' troppo truce, ma d'altronde sono affezionata a Sam e Nick e non posso fare a meno della mia dose annuale. Vorrei che comunque ci fossero meno ripetizioni ed un migliore editing, siamo al decimo libro della seconda serie con gli stessi personaggi, non c'é un bisogno costante dello spiegone e tantomeno di tutte questi luoghi comuni.
January 2, 2026
3.5 Stars
This is tough for me, because this is one of my favorite series from an absolute favorite author, but this installment felt different. It seemed like more ideology was being injected into the storylines. How many times do you need to add toxic masculinity to the manuscript? Then, with the way the character Mike was altered to disagree with his wife in such a consequential way that feels totally out of character after all these books, it just feels wrong. I love these characters and the interesting cases, but do we have to decimate Sam’s entire family and make good men like Mike villains to do it? It just leaves me feeling a little bummed.🤷🏼♀️ Eva Kaminsky did an amazing job with the narration on the audio version, as she does with every book in the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
This is tough for me, because this is one of my favorite series from an absolute favorite author, but this installment felt different. It seemed like more ideology was being injected into the storylines. How many times do you need to add toxic masculinity to the manuscript? Then, with the way the character Mike was altered to disagree with his wife in such a consequential way that feels totally out of character after all these books, it just feels wrong. I love these characters and the interesting cases, but do we have to decimate Sam’s entire family and make good men like Mike villains to do it? It just leaves me feeling a little bummed.🤷🏼♀️ Eva Kaminsky did an amazing job with the narration on the audio version, as she does with every book in the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
January 20, 2026
I used to love the Fatal series. The early books balanced romance and police procedural perfectly, and the characters were a joy to follow.
Ever since Nick became president, the series feels restricted. His character, once central, now feels almost like a side character, and the story rarely moves in engaging directions.
State of Preservation highlights the issues I’ve been noticing for a while: repetition and overexplaining weigh down the story, making it feel sluggish and drawn-out. Non-stop drama involving Sam’s family, friends, and inner circle has become exhausting rather than compelling. Every storyline is shoehorned into Sam’s personal orbit, limiting its impact and leaving the world around her largely unexplored. Broadening the scope beyond her orbit would strengthen the narrative rather than weaken it.
Side characters’ romance subplots often feel like filler, and predictability no longer feels comforting; instead, it has crossed into repetition without purpose. Much of the drama feels recycled, revisiting crises the characters have already faced.
Rather than feeling intentional, the series increasingly feels as though it is coasting on a devoted fan base. The books read less like carefully crafted stories and more like series installments churned out without the same care as the earlier ones. The refusal to meaningfully advance the timeline only reinforces that impression, turning what once felt immersive into something stagnant.
I’m sad to say it, because I really did love the Fatal series, but it’s reached the point where I no longer look forward to new installments. For me, this series has run its course. Its time has come—and gone.
Ever since Nick became president, the series feels restricted. His character, once central, now feels almost like a side character, and the story rarely moves in engaging directions.
State of Preservation highlights the issues I’ve been noticing for a while: repetition and overexplaining weigh down the story, making it feel sluggish and drawn-out. Non-stop drama involving Sam’s family, friends, and inner circle has become exhausting rather than compelling. Every storyline is shoehorned into Sam’s personal orbit, limiting its impact and leaving the world around her largely unexplored. Broadening the scope beyond her orbit would strengthen the narrative rather than weaken it.
Side characters’ romance subplots often feel like filler, and predictability no longer feels comforting; instead, it has crossed into repetition without purpose. Much of the drama feels recycled, revisiting crises the characters have already faced.
Rather than feeling intentional, the series increasingly feels as though it is coasting on a devoted fan base. The books read less like carefully crafted stories and more like series installments churned out without the same care as the earlier ones. The refusal to meaningfully advance the timeline only reinforces that impression, turning what once felt immersive into something stagnant.
I’m sad to say it, because I really did love the Fatal series, but it’s reached the point where I no longer look forward to new installments. For me, this series has run its course. Its time has come—and gone.
January 25, 2026
not my favorite - SPOILER ALERT
This is one of my favorite series . I was really looking forward to reading this book and saved it until I had time to reas it after the holidays. It’s a very good book, but 4 stars instead of the 5 I was expecting.
SPOILER: Instead of being a sympathetic character, Tracy came across as overly unhinged, angry, and vindictive (especially in comparison to Luna’s parents) and it became offputting for me. She obviously needed therapy to deal with the trauma of what happened to Brooke and it doesn’t sound like that ever happened. I didn’t like the message that throwing Mike out gives their kids because it’s not going to help Ethan at all. Given the mild cliffhanger, Tracy’s hellish ride is far from over and I hope they work it out in the next book. To be clear - I understand why she was angry with Mike. I really didn’t enjoy reading her ongoing rant about how angry she was. The situation wasn’t 100% Mike’s fault even as a very useful plot device. I found myself getting irritated with Tracy which was distracting and why it’s 4 stars instead of 5 stars.
Neveah was a highlight for me, even if I kept expecting her to get shot while in Spokane…and somehow assume that Jeremy won’t turn out to be amazing (hope I’m wrong)
Excellent plot on the online incel culture and some new vocabulary. Pretty sure that most anyone reading this book got a disturbing education.
This is one of my favorite series . I was really looking forward to reading this book and saved it until I had time to reas it after the holidays. It’s a very good book, but 4 stars instead of the 5 I was expecting.
SPOILER: Instead of being a sympathetic character, Tracy came across as overly unhinged, angry, and vindictive (especially in comparison to Luna’s parents) and it became offputting for me. She obviously needed therapy to deal with the trauma of what happened to Brooke and it doesn’t sound like that ever happened. I didn’t like the message that throwing Mike out gives their kids because it’s not going to help Ethan at all. Given the mild cliffhanger, Tracy’s hellish ride is far from over and I hope they work it out in the next book. To be clear - I understand why she was angry with Mike. I really didn’t enjoy reading her ongoing rant about how angry she was. The situation wasn’t 100% Mike’s fault even as a very useful plot device. I found myself getting irritated with Tracy which was distracting and why it’s 4 stars instead of 5 stars.
Neveah was a highlight for me, even if I kept expecting her to get shot while in Spokane…and somehow assume that Jeremy won’t turn out to be amazing (hope I’m wrong)
Excellent plot on the online incel culture and some new vocabulary. Pretty sure that most anyone reading this book got a disturbing education.
December 29, 2025
An intense and emotional read!
Wow, this was an intense and emotional read - even more than a typical First Family book.
Wow, this was an intense and emotional read - even more than a typical First Family book.
January 10, 2026
3.5/5
I have really mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I appreciate that both major cases in this book were (slightly) removed from Sam and Nick personally. That was my major critique of the previous book in this series, and I do think it was more enjoyable simply because there wasn’t a coup against Nick and/or a homicidal cop with a vendetta against Sam at the center of everything. I actually thought that the homicide in the hotel had the potential to be a really compelling case and probably would have made a better book if it was split out from the kidnapping. As it was, it felt like a very dark, overly-simplistic resolution with characters that were one dimensional. We swing from the apparent drug overdose being a chance for Gonzo to grapple with his own sobriety early on in the book to Navaeh having a moment that felt more appropriate for Cameron Green or the night shift (even though I was happy for her). It just felt like the author wasn’t quite sure what to do with that case in light of the more central kidnapping case, and so she didn’t do it justice.
The kidnapping was difficult to swallow for a variety of reasons. Not only did it feel incredibly unlikely for Mike to allow Ethan to go out alone at 11 after what happened to Brooke, but, as much as I felt for Angela, the depth of her anger felt misplaced. At the very least, it felt like there wasn’t enough evidence of trouble in previous books to really root for her making the decision she made at the end. I have my fingers crossed that there will be some kind of happy ending for them, but I’m not sure.
There was also a LOT of repetition in this book. We learned the same pieces of information about a specific subculture 2-3 times (and almost verbatim). I felt that certain passages could have been summarized or alluded to rather than spelled out with equal effect. As it was, it felt kind of preachy. Obviously, the average person reading this book is going to agree that this subculture is horrifying. We don’t need to be told that it is horrifying by every single character in the book.
I saw someone say that maybe a time hop of some kind might help future books, and I tend to agree. Dredging up old cases through their trials doesn’t make me excited for the future. Some loose ends can just be tied up and left alone.
I know Sam and Nick are popular, but I almost wish there was a new entry point to the series at this point. Best and Memphis are interesting, but they can’t get enough page time with the size of the cast. Maybe spin the Marshalls off? I would love to learn more about what they do and their cases are different and less common for the average reader. Or even the secret service agents (which would still allow for a lot of cameos for Sam, Nick, and Scotty). Just less focus on poor Sam and Nick’s families being victims in future books!
I have really mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I appreciate that both major cases in this book were (slightly) removed from Sam and Nick personally. That was my major critique of the previous book in this series, and I do think it was more enjoyable simply because there wasn’t a coup against Nick and/or a homicidal cop with a vendetta against Sam at the center of everything. I actually thought that the homicide in the hotel had the potential to be a really compelling case and probably would have made a better book if it was split out from the kidnapping. As it was, it felt like a very dark, overly-simplistic resolution with characters that were one dimensional. We swing from the apparent drug overdose being a chance for Gonzo to grapple with his own sobriety early on in the book to Navaeh having a moment that felt more appropriate for Cameron Green or the night shift (even though I was happy for her). It just felt like the author wasn’t quite sure what to do with that case in light of the more central kidnapping case, and so she didn’t do it justice.
The kidnapping was difficult to swallow for a variety of reasons. Not only did it feel incredibly unlikely for Mike to allow Ethan to go out alone at 11 after what happened to Brooke, but, as much as I felt for Angela, the depth of her anger felt misplaced. At the very least, it felt like there wasn’t enough evidence of trouble in previous books to really root for her making the decision she made at the end. I have my fingers crossed that there will be some kind of happy ending for them, but I’m not sure.
There was also a LOT of repetition in this book. We learned the same pieces of information about a specific subculture 2-3 times (and almost verbatim). I felt that certain passages could have been summarized or alluded to rather than spelled out with equal effect. As it was, it felt kind of preachy. Obviously, the average person reading this book is going to agree that this subculture is horrifying. We don’t need to be told that it is horrifying by every single character in the book.
I saw someone say that maybe a time hop of some kind might help future books, and I tend to agree. Dredging up old cases through their trials doesn’t make me excited for the future. Some loose ends can just be tied up and left alone.
I know Sam and Nick are popular, but I almost wish there was a new entry point to the series at this point. Best and Memphis are interesting, but they can’t get enough page time with the size of the cast. Maybe spin the Marshalls off? I would love to learn more about what they do and their cases are different and less common for the average reader. Or even the secret service agents (which would still allow for a lot of cameos for Sam, Nick, and Scotty). Just less focus on poor Sam and Nick’s families being victims in future books!
December 29, 2025
There’s nothing better than another visit with Sam and Nick and they are extended family, both found and genetic. This time around someone is missing, but of course that’s not the only thing going on in their chaotic life.
Each story, while building upon the rest can be read alone. I do have to say though, I look at each book as a visit with old friends and family. I actually want to visit.
The way things happen in the story really opened my eyes. Have I heard about some of the issues in this book? Yes I have but I feel like this open my eyes in a way we kind of all need them opened. I also like the fact that they are unrelated issues going on in the story, but it doesn’t feel like it should be two separate books it feels like this is real life multiple things go on at work at home in a family and we have to figure out a way to deal. Not necessarily at this level, but we still have to figure it out.
Now I just have to wait for the next book.
Each story, while building upon the rest can be read alone. I do have to say though, I look at each book as a visit with old friends and family. I actually want to visit.
The way things happen in the story really opened my eyes. Have I heard about some of the issues in this book? Yes I have but I feel like this open my eyes in a way we kind of all need them opened. I also like the fact that they are unrelated issues going on in the story, but it doesn’t feel like it should be two separate books it feels like this is real life multiple things go on at work at home in a family and we have to figure out a way to deal. Not necessarily at this level, but we still have to figure it out.
Now I just have to wait for the next book.
December 30, 2025
Where is Ethan?
Wow, this book is non-stop from the very beginning. Heartbreaking while everyone is looking for Ethan and Tomas, and devastated by the vile things done to Luna, all because a 13-yr old said no, as was her right. The internet has become such a scary, hateful place. I hope Tracy gets therapy for her trauma, even if she can't forgive Mike.
What is the fallout for the probation officers who lost track of the perpetrators?
And finally, the adoption of Elijah and the Littles is finalized. Eli's statement to the press in response to the hateful relatives was perfect.
Excellent book. Love that Sam finally took a mental health day to spend with her kids. She needs to do that regularly.
Wow, this book is non-stop from the very beginning. Heartbreaking while everyone is looking for Ethan and Tomas, and devastated by the vile things done to Luna, all because a 13-yr old said no, as was her right. The internet has become such a scary, hateful place. I hope Tracy gets therapy for her trauma, even if she can't forgive Mike.
What is the fallout for the probation officers who lost track of the perpetrators?
And finally, the adoption of Elijah and the Littles is finalized. Eli's statement to the press in response to the hateful relatives was perfect.
Excellent book. Love that Sam finally took a mental health day to spend with her kids. She needs to do that regularly.
January 18, 2026
Book 10: Kind of boring…
I love these books and look forward to each one because Sam investigating crimes and interviewing people is so interesting. That’s why it pains me to say this book was boring. It touches on the toxic masculinity activity on-line which was new to me and interesting but the rest of the book was slow and kind of a word fest. Also, the word fest part of the book was overly sugary with everyone drowning each other in positive affirmations. I will probably continue to read the next books but truly hope Ms. Force moves off the family and relationship stuff and gets back to investigating murders with her team.
I love these books and look forward to each one because Sam investigating crimes and interviewing people is so interesting. That’s why it pains me to say this book was boring. It touches on the toxic masculinity activity on-line which was new to me and interesting but the rest of the book was slow and kind of a word fest. Also, the word fest part of the book was overly sugary with everyone drowning each other in positive affirmations. I will probably continue to read the next books but truly hope Ms. Force moves off the family and relationship stuff and gets back to investigating murders with her team.
January 14, 2026
I don’t know how she does it but she always comes up with fresh new idea’s fit every new story that keeps me enthralled until the cliffhanger ending she seems to be so found of. I’ve been reading about Sam and Nick for many years now and look forward to every new installment. I’ll never get tied of that his whole crazy family and their unique circumstance. Just don’t ever stop writing this series because I for one Will never get enough.
December 27, 2025
Has heartbreak and more
This book opens up all new horrors about society and has a heartbreaking outcome from Ethan's ordeal. Thank goodness it has some loving and loyal scenes from two newer couples. I really enjoyed Jesse and Memphis and Archie and Harlow. Tracy does something shocking which leaves the ending with another cliffhanger.
This book opens up all new horrors about society and has a heartbreaking outcome from Ethan's ordeal. Thank goodness it has some loving and loyal scenes from two newer couples. I really enjoyed Jesse and Memphis and Archie and Harlow. Tracy does something shocking which leaves the ending with another cliffhanger.
February 4, 2026
I enjoyed this book as I have all the others in this series but maybe I'm slightly disappointed as this book was more of everyone else and less of Sam and Nick. Tough subject to read about and Force as always does a fantastic job. It will be interesting to see how long she continues this series
January 2, 2026
Good book
This was a good sequel to the series but probably less so than others. I love the idea of including the friends and family of Sam and Nick in their stories however, this book seemed a little over the top. Not enough Sam and Nick.
This was a good sequel to the series but probably less so than others. I love the idea of including the friends and family of Sam and Nick in their stories however, this book seemed a little over the top. Not enough Sam and Nick.
January 4, 2026
This book was amazing! I want the nex one, now, now. now!
December 23, 2025
Let me preface this review writing I love Marie’s Forces’s books. She’s an automatic buy for me and I’m giving this book 5 stars even though I was irritated by Sam in the beginning.
I know she’s an “alpha female” 🙄 but she needs to rein it in once in a while. Also, I’m getting tired of everything happening to her family and the people in her immediate circle. Are there really no other storylines that could be explored? And that cliffhanger? Come on!
I know she’s an “alpha female” 🙄 but she needs to rein it in once in a while. Also, I’m getting tired of everything happening to her family and the people in her immediate circle. Are there really no other storylines that could be explored? And that cliffhanger? Come on!
January 9, 2026
Very dark
Marie is one of my favorite authors. I have loved and reread many of her books. I loved this series for a time, until the last few books. This subject matter in this book was very hard to read about I had no idea of this type of subculture. I give her credit for learning all she could to write a storyline that was informative, as well as heartbreaking. There seems to be a lot of heartbreak lately in her books when it involves Sam s family. she turned Spenser into a drug addict for a storyline that broke my heart. But, now she can go to wild widows series too. Now we have the demise of Mike. After everything he went through with Brooke, he is getting thrown under the bus for this book and the next. This is the first time I have appreciated a baby cliffhanger. I now know I won't be reading the next book. It is sad this maybe my last first family book. For me, it is ok to have the dark in a book, but it needs to have light to balance it out. For me this one didn't
Marie is one of my favorite authors. I have loved and reread many of her books. I loved this series for a time, until the last few books. This subject matter in this book was very hard to read about I had no idea of this type of subculture. I give her credit for learning all she could to write a storyline that was informative, as well as heartbreaking. There seems to be a lot of heartbreak lately in her books when it involves Sam s family. she turned Spenser into a drug addict for a storyline that broke my heart. But, now she can go to wild widows series too. Now we have the demise of Mike. After everything he went through with Brooke, he is getting thrown under the bus for this book and the next. This is the first time I have appreciated a baby cliffhanger. I now know I won't be reading the next book. It is sad this maybe my last first family book. For me, it is ok to have the dark in a book, but it needs to have light to balance it out. For me this one didn't
December 19, 2025
State of Preservation, book 10 of the First Family series, by Marie Force @MarieForceAuthor. You must read the Fatal Series, and then the First Family serial to fully enjoy this book. I highly recommend this series & love it immensely!
OMG! What an amazingly fantastic book about Sam & Nick! Loved it! Tropes: Contemporary, Male/Female, Suspense, Supporting/Rallying Around Friends & Co-Workers, Happy & Sad Parts of The Book & HFN with Marie’s Normal Baby Cliffhanger!
I purchased this book early from Marie’s website and it was available on 12/18/25. It is scheduled to be released on Amazon on 12/25/25.
OMG! What an amazingly fantastic book about Sam & Nick! Loved it! Tropes: Contemporary, Male/Female, Suspense, Supporting/Rallying Around Friends & Co-Workers, Happy & Sad Parts of The Book & HFN with Marie’s Normal Baby Cliffhanger!
I purchased this book early from Marie’s website and it was available on 12/18/25. It is scheduled to be released on Amazon on 12/25/25.
December 30, 2025
Wanted to love
I wanted to love this book so much as I was really looking forward to it, but I just couldn't. Normally I can't put the First Family books down and the last few I've had a hard time with. Yes, I am aware these are fiction. Yes, I am aware Marie consults with experts when she needs to in order to ensure accurate information. The more and more that Sam bucks the system as a law enforcement officer, especially as a ranking member of the brass, irks me as a member of the law enforcement family. When she did it in the first series, it was tolerable to a point. However now as not only the First Lady, but someone who has been spoken too many times about ignoring directives from her commanders and she continues to ignore what she is told is just too much. They say it's easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission, but she is taking it to the extreme. Any other person, any other police department, she would have been formally reprimanded if not dismissed from her job at this point.
We got a great insight into Tracey's family and the cliffhanger at the end makes me want to read the next book, but I wish there was a nice happily ever after in one of the books where Sam's family wasn't in the crosshairs of another scandal/crime for the next book. I truly ask how much more one family can take before Sam's great support system starts breaking down. On the upside, Scotty keeps getting better and better each book. He blew me away in this one. I do wish we saw more of Nick's work other than that one meeting, small mentions of his new initiative, and the press conference at the end. Will I read the next book in the series? Maybe just because of the cliffhanger and how invested I am in this family. Do I want to spend the money on it to feel disappointed in the end? Not really.
I wanted to love this book so much as I was really looking forward to it, but I just couldn't. Normally I can't put the First Family books down and the last few I've had a hard time with. Yes, I am aware these are fiction. Yes, I am aware Marie consults with experts when she needs to in order to ensure accurate information. The more and more that Sam bucks the system as a law enforcement officer, especially as a ranking member of the brass, irks me as a member of the law enforcement family. When she did it in the first series, it was tolerable to a point. However now as not only the First Lady, but someone who has been spoken too many times about ignoring directives from her commanders and she continues to ignore what she is told is just too much. They say it's easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission, but she is taking it to the extreme. Any other person, any other police department, she would have been formally reprimanded if not dismissed from her job at this point.
We got a great insight into Tracey's family and the cliffhanger at the end makes me want to read the next book, but I wish there was a nice happily ever after in one of the books where Sam's family wasn't in the crosshairs of another scandal/crime for the next book. I truly ask how much more one family can take before Sam's great support system starts breaking down. On the upside, Scotty keeps getting better and better each book. He blew me away in this one. I do wish we saw more of Nick's work other than that one meeting, small mentions of his new initiative, and the press conference at the end. Will I read the next book in the series? Maybe just because of the cliffhanger and how invested I am in this family. Do I want to spend the money on it to feel disappointed in the end? Not really.
January 9, 2026
dark and depressing
I didn’t like the book it was dark and I felt like I was watching a rerun over and over at times almost a summary of her previous books in the series I’m done with the series
I didn’t like the book it was dark and I felt like I was watching a rerun over and over at times almost a summary of her previous books in the series I’m done with the series
January 7, 2026
3.5 stars
December 30, 2025
Three children go missing and the MPD, FBI, and Marshall service try and find them. The story was just ok. The characters are great, but this book really could have used an editor.
December 29, 2025
An emotional story!
This latest story, in Sam and Nick's world, was extremely emotional. I think because it involved Sam's nephew and other children, it made it more intense. I love to read the way Sam and her department work cases and find the threads to pull to get justice. Both the kidnapping and murder cases were really intriguing. It is very scary to think that things like this really do happen. I absolutely love the way Sam and Nick's family is growing to include Eli and the twins. They continue to be my top favorite literary couple for so many reasons, but at the top of the list is their ultimate love and devotion to each other. It is beautiful and breathtaking.
This latest story, in Sam and Nick's world, was extremely emotional. I think because it involved Sam's nephew and other children, it made it more intense. I love to read the way Sam and her department work cases and find the threads to pull to get justice. Both the kidnapping and murder cases were really intriguing. It is very scary to think that things like this really do happen. I absolutely love the way Sam and Nick's family is growing to include Eli and the twins. They continue to be my top favorite literary couple for so many reasons, but at the top of the list is their ultimate love and devotion to each other. It is beautiful and breathtaking.
December 30, 2025
• 29/12/25 (read)
___________________________
Sam Holland
Nick Cappuano
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Sam Holland
Nick Cappuano
December 28, 2025
Always a series i look forward to but this one had to much of the family, friends, love of my life in it. Real Life is not like that.
January 3, 2026
⭐ 4/5 Stars
I really admire how Marie Force continues to write stories that challenge stereotypes and confront uncomfortable realities. While I absolutely hated what happened to Ethan, I also appreciated the painful truth behind it—it serves as a sobering reminder that the belief that boys are inherently safer roaming freely than girls is no longer valid. Sadly, we live in a world where no one is truly safe anymore.
I also completely agree that Sam’s entire family—including Nick and the kids—has been through an overwhelming amount in the short 2–3 year timeline of this series. As readers, we feel that exhaustion right alongside them. I understand that tragedy and crime are necessary elements in a mystery/political romance, but at this point, I genuinely feel a time jump would be welcome. My favorite couple deserves a breather—a chance to enjoy their hard-earned, wedded bliss without constant catastrophe.
On a lighter note (and this might sound silly), I found myself very invested in the budding romance between Jesse Best and Memphis—maybe even more than Nick and Sam at this stage. They’re the shiny new feelings, after all, while Nick and Sam are firmly in their “old married couple” era (said with love).
One of the things I continue to enjoy most about this series is getting glimpses into the relationship dynamics of all the couples through their own POVs—Archie and Harlow being a great example. It adds so much richness to the world and makes the series feel lived-in and layered.
The central plot of this book was incredibly relevant and timely. The exploration of online misogyny, male toxicity, and incel culture felt disturbingly realistic. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from portraying how organized and dangerous these communities can be—and how the face of evil is evolving in today’s world. I especially liked the choice to make the antagonist physically attractive, underscoring that it’s not looks that make someone undesirable, but attitude, entitlement, and hatred toward women.
That said, with two major open cases running simultaneously, the book did feel a bit heavy and emotionally exhausting at times. My heart also went out to Mike and Tracy. Yes, Mike made a devastating error in judgment—but it was a mistake, and he was grieving too. Ethan was his son as well. While Tracy’s anger was understandable, I struggled with how far it went toward the end, especially given the decisions she seemed poised to make.
And now… that cliffhanger. I am genuinely worried about what’s coming next for them.
Overall, another strong, thought-provoking entry in a series I continue to love—just one that left me emotionally wrung out and deeply anxious for what lies ahead.
I really admire how Marie Force continues to write stories that challenge stereotypes and confront uncomfortable realities. While I absolutely hated what happened to Ethan, I also appreciated the painful truth behind it—it serves as a sobering reminder that the belief that boys are inherently safer roaming freely than girls is no longer valid. Sadly, we live in a world where no one is truly safe anymore.
I also completely agree that Sam’s entire family—including Nick and the kids—has been through an overwhelming amount in the short 2–3 year timeline of this series. As readers, we feel that exhaustion right alongside them. I understand that tragedy and crime are necessary elements in a mystery/political romance, but at this point, I genuinely feel a time jump would be welcome. My favorite couple deserves a breather—a chance to enjoy their hard-earned, wedded bliss without constant catastrophe.
On a lighter note (and this might sound silly), I found myself very invested in the budding romance between Jesse Best and Memphis—maybe even more than Nick and Sam at this stage. They’re the shiny new feelings, after all, while Nick and Sam are firmly in their “old married couple” era (said with love).
One of the things I continue to enjoy most about this series is getting glimpses into the relationship dynamics of all the couples through their own POVs—Archie and Harlow being a great example. It adds so much richness to the world and makes the series feel lived-in and layered.
The central plot of this book was incredibly relevant and timely. The exploration of online misogyny, male toxicity, and incel culture felt disturbingly realistic. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from portraying how organized and dangerous these communities can be—and how the face of evil is evolving in today’s world. I especially liked the choice to make the antagonist physically attractive, underscoring that it’s not looks that make someone undesirable, but attitude, entitlement, and hatred toward women.
That said, with two major open cases running simultaneously, the book did feel a bit heavy and emotionally exhausting at times. My heart also went out to Mike and Tracy. Yes, Mike made a devastating error in judgment—but it was a mistake, and he was grieving too. Ethan was his son as well. While Tracy’s anger was understandable, I struggled with how far it went toward the end, especially given the decisions she seemed poised to make.
And now… that cliffhanger. I am genuinely worried about what’s coming next for them.
Overall, another strong, thought-provoking entry in a series I continue to love—just one that left me emotionally wrung out and deeply anxious for what lies ahead.
January 4, 2026
The story opens with the disappearance of Sam’s oldest sister Tracy’s 11 year old son Ethan whom in previous books behavior had become problematic enough that his parents had begun having him see a therapist. In this story much to Tracy’s objections, Mike, his father, had agreed to allow Ethan to take the Metro into the city with some friends to go to a popular arcade reassured by the fact that Ethan had promised to call home frequently during his outing and that the boy had a tracking app on his phone. But then the unthinkable happens. Ethan’s phone goes radio silent. Calls to him go immediately to voice mail and his tracking app is off line. The same goes for his friend Tomas who was with him. Tracy contacts Sam for help. A massive manhunt for the boys begins involving the Metro P.D. and Sam calling in professional favors the U.S. Marshalls and the FBI to assist. During the investigation it is discovered that Brecken an older boy whom neither Ethan’s nor Tomas’s parents knew, had befriended the boys. He and his father were members of the misogynistic Manosphere subculture. Then it is discovered that Luna a 13 year old girl / Ethan and Tomas knew casually and whom Brecken had been rejected by, had also disappeared. We learn a whole lot about the Manosphere, and incels. A big part of this story is that Tracy, furious at how Mike had overroad and belittled her concerns about allowing Ethan too much freedom without an adult accompanying him, considers ending their 20 plus year marriage.
While this is going on Sam’s team is tasked with solving the murder of an out of town visitor from Spokane WA. in D.C.. for a business trip found stabbed to death in a D.C. hotel. It turns out the murder is not the simple drug deal gone bad it appeared to be. Newly minted homicide detective and Sam protege Naeveh Charles is tasked with the job of going to Spokane to interview the man’s widow and sister-in-law. On her plane trip (her first ever) Naveah finds herself seated next to Jeremy an attractive man who helps her get through her first time flying experience. They share a mutual attraction and exchange phone numbers agreeing to get together when they are both back in D.C. So, along with catching up with many of the previous couplings in this series the author has given Detective Charles a potential love life.
While being slightly less focused upon solving murders and more focused upon the relationships of the couples in this series I still found this to be an extremely enjoyable read and worth addition to one of my favorite series.
While this is going on Sam’s team is tasked with solving the murder of an out of town visitor from Spokane WA. in D.C.. for a business trip found stabbed to death in a D.C. hotel. It turns out the murder is not the simple drug deal gone bad it appeared to be. Newly minted homicide detective and Sam protege Naeveh Charles is tasked with the job of going to Spokane to interview the man’s widow and sister-in-law. On her plane trip (her first ever) Naveah finds herself seated next to Jeremy an attractive man who helps her get through her first time flying experience. They share a mutual attraction and exchange phone numbers agreeing to get together when they are both back in D.C. So, along with catching up with many of the previous couplings in this series the author has given Detective Charles a potential love life.
While being slightly less focused upon solving murders and more focused upon the relationships of the couples in this series I still found this to be an extremely enjoyable read and worth addition to one of my favorite series.
January 2, 2026
Last summer, curiosity led me to Marie Force’s novels, a discovery that quickly turned into an all consuming reading habit that reshaped my expectations of romantic suspense. From Fatal Affair onward, Marie Force pulled me into Sam and Nick’s world. Little did I realize that these characters would refuse to loosen their grip, each chapter of their story urging me forward with urgency and emotional pull. Since that first encounter, anticipation now follows every announcement of a new release, a familiar spark that ignites pure readerly joy. Each new book arrival feels like an invitation back into a trusted yet thrilling space, where intensity and heart coexist without compromise. That sense of exhilaration sets the stage perfectly for State of Preservation, a novel that deepened my admiration for her craft.
State of Preservation delivers a tightly wound blend of suspense and emotionally grounded romance, unfolding like a pressure chamber where loyalty, fear, and desire collide without warning. Opening amid the volatile terrain of Washington power circles, the novel immediately establishes stakes that feel intimate rather than abstract, drawing the reader into a world where every decision carries consequence and every silence vibrates with threat. Marie Force propels the narrative with a confident hand, layering danger and tenderness in parallel lines that move forward together, never allowing one to eclipse the other. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the story thrives on psychological tension, the kind that creeps under the skin and refuses to loosen its grip.
Through complex characterization, Marie Force grants the protagonists agency, vulnerability, and emotional depth that resonate long after each chapter closes. The central characters confront personal histories and present dangers with equal intensity, their internal conflicts mirroring the external chaos surrounding them. Force crafts dialogue that snaps with authenticity and subtext, revealing power dynamics and emotional fractures without overt exposition. Scenes unfold with cinematic clarity, yet the emotional core remains firmly anchored in human connection, trust earned through action rather than promise, and courage tested in moments of reckoning. This balance elevates the novel beyond formula, allowing suspense and romance to reinforce one another rather than compete.
As the plot accelerates toward its conclusion, the narrative tightens like a drawn wire, rewarding patience with revelations that feel earned and thematically cohesive. Marie Force explores preservation not only as a political or physical act, but as an emotional imperative, the instinct to protect love, integrity, and selfhood against forces that seek to dismantle them. The resolution offers satisfaction without false simplicity, leaving echoes rather than neat closure, much like real power struggles and real relationships.
For readers who crave intelligent suspense grounded in emotional realism, State of Preservation stands as a compelling, immersive experience that confirms Marie Force’s command of both heart and high
As always, she leaves her readers wanting more with a cliffhanger that leads into the next novel. My mouth was on the floor and I can’t wait for July when Sam and Nick are needed once again!
January 23, 2026
Wow! I bet like me you will be googling while reading this book
I am exhausted after this three day read. Incel culture was not a term I was familiar with to the point that I googled it and read different articles while reading the book.
Ethan, Sam’s nephew has gone missing. The eleven year old has his tracking and phone off. The friend he is with the same thing. Tracy calls her sister Sam and a BOLO goes out. Tomas’ parents call the police about their son who is with Ethan.
A large portion of this book deals with at what age do you let your child walk about the city and ride the metro unattended. This does not have just one answer. I liked the example the therapist gave when she was younger. When kids move to a new school, a parent doesn’t know the ins and outs of new friends like the last school they spent six years at. Truthfully Tracy started to get on my nerves with her “I was right and I told you so” attitude. The reason for what would be four and a half stars instead of five stars) Mike is beside himself with guilt and Tracy asked him to leave the house. I appreciate Angela taking him in.
An older boy befriends Ethan and Tomas. They all know a girl name Luna. She is a beautiful young girl who has taken several hits because she is beautiful. Brecken the boy who befriends the boys wants Luna and she is not returning his affection. Instead he says horrible things about her using words no 11-13 year old should use.
It is impossible to explain “incel culture” in a review, I recommend you look it up. The book does a great job of early educating you, if like me you never heard the term. The whole team and department is brought into this along with another homicide as well.
The story has some dark turns but we end with the adoption being finalized which is a happy occasion. Archie has a great scene. He leaves with the last word. This book will sit with you longer than some of the others.
I am exhausted after this three day read. Incel culture was not a term I was familiar with to the point that I googled it and read different articles while reading the book.
Ethan, Sam’s nephew has gone missing. The eleven year old has his tracking and phone off. The friend he is with the same thing. Tracy calls her sister Sam and a BOLO goes out. Tomas’ parents call the police about their son who is with Ethan.
A large portion of this book deals with at what age do you let your child walk about the city and ride the metro unattended. This does not have just one answer. I liked the example the therapist gave when she was younger. When kids move to a new school, a parent doesn’t know the ins and outs of new friends like the last school they spent six years at. Truthfully Tracy started to get on my nerves with her “I was right and I told you so” attitude. The reason for what would be four and a half stars instead of five stars) Mike is beside himself with guilt and Tracy asked him to leave the house. I appreciate Angela taking him in.
An older boy befriends Ethan and Tomas. They all know a girl name Luna. She is a beautiful young girl who has taken several hits because she is beautiful. Brecken the boy who befriends the boys wants Luna and she is not returning his affection. Instead he says horrible things about her using words no 11-13 year old should use.
It is impossible to explain “incel culture” in a review, I recommend you look it up. The book does a great job of early educating you, if like me you never heard the term. The whole team and department is brought into this along with another homicide as well.
The story has some dark turns but we end with the adoption being finalized which is a happy occasion. Archie has a great scene. He leaves with the last word. This book will sit with you longer than some of the others.
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