Fatal Flaw - Marie Force

Book Blurb:
Back from their honeymoon, Senator Nick Cappuano and D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland are ready for some normalcy after the whirlwind of their wedding, but someone has other plans for them. When Sam discovers wedding cards containing thinly veiled death threats, she's not sure if she or Nick is the target.

Already on edge, Sam and her team start investigating a series of baffling murders. The victims are well-liked with no known enemies, and the murders are carried out in a clean and efficient manner. Unable to find a clear motive for the deaths, she feels like she's chasing her tail.

With no obvious connection between the victims, Sam soon suspects that she may be the ultimate prize in the killer's clever game. When the danger starts to hit a little too close to home, she has two goals: find the elusive murderer and manage to live long enough to enjoy her happily-ever-after.

In My Own Words:
Who wants to go back to work after 2 weeks in Bora Bora?  In the past, Sam would have called about 300 times, sent 1000 emails and come home early.  The new married Sam, is wildly in love with her Senator husband (Nick) and doesn't want to miss a minute of time with him.  When the murders start to add up, and someone is also targeting Sam (sending nasty cards, shredding her clothes, etc...) the one person she usually bounces a case off of, Skip, can't help.  He is rushed to the hospital with pneumonia.  When nothing becomes clear, and there isn't any real connection between the suspects, an unlikely and powerful source comes to Sam's rescue and helps break the case wide open.

When the murderer is finally identified, Sam is more determined than ever to shut them down and get back to her "normal" life.  For this to happen, she needs the help of everyone in her life.

Notable Quote:
"Very fitting that you should turn the picture upside down since you've already turned my life upside down.  Revenge is sweet, my love."  (Sam and Nick in his office after she messed with his desk...again)

Review:
What an awesome addition to the Fatal series.  All of our old friends were back, Freddie, Gonzo and all of the PD crew.  Plus, Elin and Freddie's mom come in to play.  Not to mention Jeannie McBride.  And of course, Scotty.  The true here, in my opinion, in this book, was Michael, Jeannie's boyfriend.  Anyone that has gone through Jeannie's ordeal knows that patience is what is needed and the patience and love and support that he showed her made her feel safe, and that was exactly what she needed.  I was moved to tears several times during his scenes.  It was written PERFECTLY.  I find myself always wanting more and wanting the story longer, and I felt this one could have used an epilogue.  I understand that this is an ongoing series and there has to be some intrigue, I just didn't want the story to end.  Fatal Flaw is the perfect example of a book that the villain that you wouldn't exactly expect until you dig a little deeper, and luckily her "rock" was there for her when she really needed him and helped break the case wide open.  I love the dynamics of all of the characters, and when reading all of the Fatal books, I can picture myself there with them, I am totally ensconced in the story.  Can't wait for the next Fatal installment.

Falling For Love - Marie Force

Book Blurb:
Since he won the Academy Award for best original screenplay a few years ago, Grant McCarthy's personal and professional lives have fallen apart. Abby, the woman he was supposed to marry, is engaged to someone else, and Grant is back at home on Gansett Island helping to run the family marina business while his father recovers from a serious injury. While all Grant's focus should be on winning back the love of his life, pesky Stephanie, who runs the marina restaurant, is working her way under his skin and into his bed. As Tropical Storm Hailey cuts off Gansett Island from the mainland, Grant suspects Stephanie is hiding something big from her past. When he finds out what it is, what will be more important to him? Winning Abby back or helping Stephanie to right a terrible wrong?

In My Own Words:

Not having written a single meaningful word since he won his big award, Grant goes home to lick his wounds and help his family.  Since his father was injured, someone needs to keep the family business open and Grant is just the man to do it.  Grant thinks with the change in location, plus the fact his one true love is close by, he should be able to shake the cobwebs free and begin writing again.  One thing stands in his way...Stephanie.  After much to much to drink at his sister's wedding, and the need to try and make his ex jealous, he ends up taking the sassy, no nonsense Stephanie home, to his bed.  This is seriously going to hinder his plans at winning Abby back.  Can everyone convince him that Abby has moved on?  Will Stephanie be there to help soften the blow?

Notable Quote:

"How do you know it's a she?"

He forced a smile for her.  "Only a woman would create this kind of drama."

(Maddie and Mac discussing the impending delivery of their new baby during a tropical storm)

Review:

I am a huge fan of Marie Force, which is why it pains me to admit...I really didn't like this book.  There was a LOT going on in this book.  To me, it didn't seem like there was one focused couple.  Not only did Grant and Stephanie get a storyline, but in come Mac and Maddie....then Francine and Ned had quite a story to tell as well.  There was a little triangle with David, Joe and Janey...I admit it didn't last long, but I felt it was unnecessary.  The ending really annoyed me, it was so...abrupt.  I admit, I did like getting to visit with Mac, Maddie, Joe and Janey...but it just seemed to much to cram it all in one book.  My favorite part of the book, was the birth of the baby.  There was so much emotion packed in that delivery room it was very well written.  I am the first to say, I understand not everyone likes every book, this just happens to be one I didn't care for.

Fatal Consequences - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Lieutenant Sam Holland has no sooner accepted Senator Nick Cappuano's proposal than she's back on the job. A woman has been found brutally murdered and evidence points to Henry Lightfeather, a senator and close friend of Nick's. While Sam investigates, Nick stands by his friend—complicating his own bid for reelection, and causing tension between the couple.

As Sam's investigation reveals a scandal that rocks the capital, Nick and Sam discover that the biggest threat to their future might be someone from her past...

In My Own Words:
When we last left Sam and Nick, Sam had just accepted Nick's proposal for marriage, but if you think we are talking happily ever after, you are soooo mistaken.  While attending Sam's dad's wedding to his long time caregiver, Sam gets a call that she is needed on a murder investigation.  While investigating the murder, she uncovers a second murder, but when one of her own is attacked as a message to her, it becomes very personal.  Soon, the evidence begins to point to some that are higher up in the government and you can almost hear her dance in glee at the prospect of cleaning house.

Notable Quote:  (there were so many great quotes it was hard to pick just one)
"No. Fun and sweet and nice is not enough to build a relationship on."....."It's more than Nick started with. There's nothing nice or sweet about you"  (Sam and Freddie)

Review:
I am not so sure that the news is great for Mrs. Force.  I don't know how she is going to top this one.  Fatal Consequences was my favorite of the series so far, and really that is saying a lot since I have loved the first 2 immensely.  It was so great to see some of the other charters get more story in this one, cause I am totally smitten with Gonzo and Christina.  I really enjoyed getting to know Scotty and I have high hopes as to where that relationship heads.  The action is great, the characters are lovable and the relationships are hot.  I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

Fool For Love - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Joe Cantrell, owner of the Gansett Island Ferry Company, has been in love with Janey McCarthy for as long as he can remember. At the same time, Janey has been dating or engaged to doctor-in-training David Lawrence. When things go horribly wrong between David and Janey, she calls her “fifth brother” Joe, one of the few people in her close circle who lives on the mainland. Janey decides a few days with Joe is just what she needs before she goes home to the island to face her parents and family with the news of her broken engagement. It was bad enough for Joe loving Janey from afar, but having her in his house is pure torture.

Review:

This is the second book in the Gansett Island trilogy.  It is the most horrible way a woman can find out her significant other is or has been cheating, Janey walks in on her fiance while he is in the middle of having sex with another woman.  David is so busy he doesn't even realize she is in the room.  Quietly slipping out to head back to the island to lick her wounds, her car breaks down.  There is no one else to call (in her eyes) than Joe.  Joe rushes to her aid, having been in love with her for to many years, he is having some mixed feelings about what has just happened with David, the brother part of him wants to beat him to a pulp, the lover part of him wants to kill him and the man in him, wants to make her all better.  While staying at his house, she pushes him for the ultimate medicine, to help heal her broken heart.  Is his heart safe, even from this woman he has given his entire heart to?  How will she feel once she learns he has been in love with her for...years?  

Notable Quote:

"May the Force be with you"  (not that this was a hugely funny line, but it made me giggle while referring to Marie Force)

Rating:

This series just gets better and better.  I love this whole family, and the dynamics.  I am so happy that Joe gets his HEA and that Janey finally realizes what is right in front of her face.  I think one of my favorite parts was at the bachelor party, and the secrets that get spilled.  I am looking forward to the next in the line and sincerely hope that Marie finishes out the brothers too.

Love at First Flight - Marie Force

Synopsis:
What if the guy in the airplane seat next to you turned out to be the love of your life?

Juliana, happy in her career as a hair stylist, is on her way to visit her boyfriend of ten years who's working out of state. She's wondering why they're not engaged yet. Michael is going to his fiance's parents' home for an engagement party he doesn't want. A states' prosecutor, he's about to try the biggest case of his career, he hates the distraction, and he's having doubts about the relationship.

They sit together on the plane, and discover they're on the same flight coming back. When the weekend is a disaster for each of them, they bond on the plane ride home. But life is full of complications, including their exes, who don't want to let go, and when Michael's trial turns dangerous, the two must confront what they value most in life...

Review:

After both having disastrous weekends with their intended, Michael and Juliana decide to become roommates, since Juliana doesn't really want to go back to the house she shares with Jeremy, her love of the past 10 years, and Michael has a huge house all to himself after breaking his 4 year relationship with Paige.  Juliana and Jeremy are in a state of limbo as Jeremy isn't sure he wants to have slept with only one woman his entire life.  Juliana gives him the "time off" he needs to get it together.  In the mean time, Juliana and Michael become more than friends, but when Michael's job becomes more dangerous, and Juliana is affected, he realizes their relationship has come to mean more to him than he realized.  Can he convince Juliana that she should choose him over Jeremy, who has been her one and only love for 10 years?

Notable Quote:

"She wasn't thrilled to discover you have a roommate, especially a female roommate."  He laughed. "I don't imagine she was.  I'll be home in about fifteen minutes."  "should I make popcorn?"  (banter with Michael and Juliana, with Paige coming for a visit)

Rating:

This is one of those books that has it all.  There was something in it for everyone.  Love and romance, plus some intrigue and suspense, then toss in a court case, some angry mobsters and a crazy ex-fiance and you have another smash hit.  I do admit, there were a few times while reading that I was very angry at Marie Force, and was trying to figure out where she was going and how could she do such a thing, but in the end, it was perfect (and I forgive her lol).  I have said it before, on of the ways you can tell if your readers like your books is if you invoke emotions and this one definitely did.

Maid for Love - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Maddie Chester is determined to leave her hometown of Gansett Island, a place that has brought her only bad memories and ugly rumors. Then she’s knocked off her bike on the way to her housekeeping job at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. He’s back in town to help his father with preparations to sell the family resort and has no intention of staying long. When Mac accidentally sends Maddie flying over the handlebars, badly injuring her, he moves in to nurse her back to health and help care for her young son. He soon realizes his plans for a hit-and-run visit to the island are in serious jeopardy, and he just may be “maid” for love.

Review:

Mac isn't back to his hometown for more than 10 minutes before he literally runs in to Maddie knocking her off of her bike on her way to work, which coincidentally is for his family's business.  Maddie's injuries are bad enough that she will not be able to do much of anything for several days, so as a way to make it up to her, Mac decides to take on her shifts at work.  While spending so much time with Maddie and her son, Thomas, he becomes attached and the scary part is he isn't scared about it.  Maddie starts to soften towards Mac and confides some of her deepest secrets and hurts to him.  Some of those hurts Mac knows he can make better and sets himself on a path to restore Maddie's reputation and have her for his very own.  Before he can make everything right, he is sidetracked by a over bearing mother, an ex-girlfriend and Maddie's own insecurities.  

Notable Quote:

"You've got a lot of your mother in you, huh?"  He glowered at her. "Now you're just being mean."  (Mac still trying to convince Maddie to let him help)

Rating:

I really enjoyed this book.  So much emotion packed in to one story!!  Maddie is so strong and has a backbone made of titanium.  Mac is such a softy and only wants what is best for Maddie and Thomas and does his best knight-in-shinning-armor thing.  Maddie is so used to everything going wrong and people believing the worst in her, she isn't sure how to take Mac, but when they finally do come together, it is pure chemistry.  This is a quick read with great humor and lots of great banter.  A very lovely love story.  I honestly can't wait to meet the rest of the McCarthy clan.  Janey, the baby sister is up next, and I am anxiously awaiting June 1st.

Everyone Loves A Hero (and that's the problem) - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Hero pilot Cole Langston is learning to live with—and enjoy—his newfound fame and the rabid female attention that comes with it until a lucky punch knocks some sense into him and opens his eyes to true love.
When his copilot suffers a heart attack in flight, Cole lands the jetliner in a blizzard and revives the stricken captain. Catapulted to national hero status, Cole has more women vying for his attention than he knows what to do with. They all have one thing in common: they try without success to bring this happy-go-lucky pilot down to earth. Then comes an airport altercation, a punch to the face, and the lovely Olivia—a shy, timid artist who does what no other woman has ever managed to do: steal Cole's well-protected heart. With women coming on to him everywhere they go, Olivia struggles to believe that Cole is ready for a committed relationship. His biggest problem is getting rid of all his extra ladies before the only one he wants figures out that she's one of many.

Review:

Everyone Loves A Hero takes you through the ups and downs of new love...but with a twist.  Cole is a national hero, everywhere he goes he is recognized and fawned upon.  When he rescues Olivia from a rude customer, he knows he has found the one.  Now the trick, convincing Olivia she is the only one for him.  Cole is a reluctant hero, he just wishes the lime light would find someone else to shine on so he can get on with his life...and love.  I was able to relate to Olivia in so many ways, her insecurities for one.  I think every woman is insecure at one time or another.  Looking at her family life and what she dealt with with her mom, endears her to me and made me forgive her for some of her more "whiny" moments.  There wasn't a true villain in this story, per se, unless you include women who won't take no for an answer, but this book merely followed the couple as they traveled through life.

Notable Quote:

"WOW"  (one of Cole's favorite sayings...after a while, I would chuckle when he said it)

Rating:

I started reading this story as soon as my Nook said I could.  I have been anxiously awaiting the release day and it didn't disappoint.  I stayed up late to read and couldn't put it down the next day...in my eyes, that is what a good book should do, make you lose track of time.  The banter between Cole and Olivia was refreshing and witty.  Olivia's relationship with her cousin Jenny, is a wonderful addition to the story, not to mention Jenny's own little addition.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone as it has all the components of a great story, laughter, tears and anger all rolled up in one sexy cover.

Fatal Justice - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Standing over the body of a Supreme Court nominee, Lieutenant Sam Holland is hip-deep in another high-profile murder case. The fact that she was one of the last people to see Julian Sinclair alive just complicates things even more. On the plus side, her relationship with Senator Nick Cappuano is heating up—but it's also attracting a lot of unwanted media attention and blinding flash bulbs.

The pressure is on for Sam to find Sinclair's killer, but a new lead in her father's unsolved shooting puts her in unexpected danger. When long-buried secrets threaten to derail her relationship with Nick, Sam realizes that while justice can be blind, mixing romance with politics has the potential to be fatal...

Review:

Fatal Justice is the 2nd book in the "Fatal" series, and is another smash hit.  We got to know Sam and Nick and many other great characters in the first book and in Fatal Justice, their story continues.  Nick has taken his oath as Senator and Sam has taken her own oath as a new Lieutenant.  This time, Sam is investigating the murder of a Supreme Court nominee with a secret that would turn his nomination in to a circus, but he also happens to be a close friend of Nick, which again does pose a few problems for the new couple.  The press has a field day with the relationship between the Senator and new Lieutenant and tracks them everywhere they go.  

This book is a page turner, I had a difficult time putting it down.  The strength and vulnerability combination that IS Sam, makes her so relatable too.  She has such a dynamic relationship with her family, her dad in particular, that brought tears to my eyes.  A secret that Sam has carried for many years comes to light, thus giving her an unlikely ally.  There is great banter between Sam and Nick again, one minute she is planning to stab him with a rusty steak knife and the very next minute, he uses his charms to woo her back in to a docile state, well as docile as we can hope from Sam.  From the very beginning, this book offers a roller coaster of emotions, a tried and true plot line and several villains that you can't help but hate.

Notable Quote:

"While your driving clearly leaves something to be desired, they weren't just after you."  Smirking, he filled her in on what he'd heard about the gang initiation. "I was worth triple extra points.  You were just regular points." 

Rating:

5 out of 5.  A non stop adventure of love, heart ache and justice.  This is a must read in the "Fatal" series and one that is definite on the keeper shelf.  The nonstop action and suspense was well written and the love story wasn't over the top, but written so that you are rooting not only for the lead couple, but for some of the supporting cast, who also seem to have found love.  Mrs. Force keeps you guessing till the end, when the villain isn't who you expect but lives are changed forever.

Fatal Affair - Marie Force

Synopsis:
Washington, D.C., Metro Police Detective Sergeant Sam Holland needs a big win to salvage her career—and her confidence—after a disastrous investigation. The perfect opportunity arises when Senator John O'Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed, and Sam is assigned to the case. Matters get complicated when Sam has to team up with Nick Cappuano, O'Connor's friend and chief of staff...and the man Sam had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier. Their sexual chemistry still sizzles, and Sam has to fight to stay focused on the case. Sleeping with a material witness is another mistake she can't afford—especially when the bodies keep piling up.

Review:
A classic who-did-it book, that keeps you guessing till the very end.  I loved the chemistry between Sam and Nick.  Sam is a tough female cop trying to work hard to work in a mans world and to be more than Skip's daughter and the boss' niece.  After an investigation goes horribly wrong and a child dies, Sam has to put the pieces back together and get her career back on track.  When a US Senator is brutally murdered, she and her boss see a chance to set it all straight.  Enter stage left, Nick...the Senator's right hand man and a man she has been dreaming about for 6 years.  The banter between Sam and her partner is great, I love seeing him "grow-up" throughout the book.  This book will remain on my keeper shelf, and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Notable Quote:
"You owe me twenty-six minutes in handcuffs, and I fully intend to collect." (Nick angry with Sam for handcuffing him to a bed so she can do some investigative work)

Rating:
5 out of 5.  I loved this book from cover to cover.  The characters are believable and the banter is funny and entertaining but the amount of details that Marie Force put in to the investigative side of things is interesting and informative.  I look forward to January 3rd, when the next installment is available.