Fatal Affair: An Anthology (The Fatal Series) Mass Market Paperback – June 28, 2016

The Fatal series starts off with a story of political intrigue, an unexpected romance and plenty of mysteries to solve amid the escalating danger. Marie Force points readers in the direction of numerous suspects, and the road to discovering the identity of the brutal killer is filled with countless barricades to make the investigative journey extremely difficult and definitely compelling. There will not be an instant of FATAL AFFAIR which you will want to skip, as clues are subtly given yet nothing is concrete until the final staggering revelation.After required to take a leave of absence because of an unfortunate incident during a search, Sergeant Samantha Holland is finally back at work. The Washington, D.C. detective is quickly given a case which could improve her public status, or it might destroy her career completely if she does not handle everything by the book. Senator John O'Connor has been murdered, and it is up to Sam to discover his killer as swiftly as possible. One major obstacle right from the beginning of the investigation is having to repeatedly talk with the senator's chief of staff, Nick Cappuano, a man with whom she spent just one night but has never forgotten.It has been six years since Nick was with Sam, but his memories of that extraordinary night are still crystal clear. As the investigation proceeds, she knows things must be kept strictly professional between them, yet he seems to be personally affecting her more profoundly with every subsequent meeting. When several startling facts are uncovered plus discrepancies turn up during interviews, Sam knows solving this murder is not going to be at all easy, especially when it takes all her self-discipline to concentrate only on the case and not on her feelings for Nick.Emotional realism makes a story by Marie Force totally believable. All the way through FATAL AFFAIR, feelings are depicted with complete genuineness as sincerity backs any responses. Whether a character is in a jovial mood or is frightened by a traumatic event, their candidly honest thoughts are communicated with outspokenly frank words. Several of the discussions between Nick and Sam are exceedingly amusing with quick-witted humor, and other times their conversations are overflowing with compassionate concern. I became emotionally involved in the lives of these two when they are first met, and every additional fact about them only made my connection more powerful. There are some issues they must both deal with before their relationship can become a lasting one, and any struggles are clearly portrayed with careful examination of generally undeclared beliefs. Being privy to their inner way of thinking let me come to understand the driving force behind many carried out actions, and these stirring descriptions frequently touched my own feelings. The sexual awareness between Nick and Sam is sky-high, and this causes some scenes to be packed with tension while any intimate encounters are blazing with steamy heat and heartfelt emotions. A number of other characters are particularly distinctive, and the moments when Sam's partner, Freddie Cruz, is featured show his sharp mind with innumerable witty comebacks. As each mystery unfolds, the suspense mounts concerning who is behind the killing, and my own imagination continuously took various paths as new details about the possible suspects came to light. Ms. Force has created an outstanding story where the truth is masterfully divulged after more than a few unforeseen twists. FATAL AFFAIR engages the mind with rivetingly suspenseful mysteries while your heart is grabbed by the intense emotions.Single Titles review

Interesting book. I did enjoy the book. I’m not sure what else to say about this book. I’m looking forward to next book.

I first read this book as part of an anthology of Linda Howard's Against the Rules and Marie Force's Fatal Affair. I didn't make reading this a priority until I won another book by Marie Force from Goodreads and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I had to read this one. I fell in love with this book, the lovers, Nick and Sam, the crime that brings them together and the supporting characters. This is the first book in the Fatal series, 16 books and 2 novellas. Two lovers who first met 6 years before the events of this book. It was a momentaneous night, they'd planned to meet again, but events conspired against them. Now, they meet again on perhaps the worst day of Nick's life and Sam is there as the detective in charge of the case. Now they need to address the elephant in the room and the body in the room.Then Marie decided to write a novella about that first night together and although it was available as an ebook, I wanted it in print as I had started the series in print. Locally I found this addition which includes the novella, One Night with You. The novella follows the book, so if I were you, I'd read the novella first.One Night with You - Police Detective, Sam Holland, has been coerced by her sister, Angela, to attend a party as her sister's wing-woman. While there, she has a glass of beer spilled on her and a man comes to her rescue. Their conversation leads to their departure and the best night of either's lives. Nick has to leave town for four weeks with a promise to call when he gets back. Neither realizes that a conspiracy will keep them apart for 6 years.P.S. If you're a fan of J.D. Robb's in Death series, you should love this series as well!

My MusingsThis is the first book of the Fatal series by Marie Force. When I read the pre-quel, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but due to commitments, I didn’t want to start this series, but after several weeks, I broke down and downloaded the audio version, and then purchased the book when it was on promotion. I could not stop reading/listening to Fatal Affair!Sam Holland, a detective with the D.C. Metro Police, was involved in a situation that led to the death of a child present at a drug bust on a crack house. She needs to redeem her image. When U.S. Senator John O’Conner is viciously murdered, she has her chance.Nick Cappuano, best friend and Chief of Staff, for John O’Conner discovers his friend with a knife through his jugular and dismembered. When Sam arrives to investigate, he is startled. He’d had an unforgettable night with her six years before. He’d never been able to forget, and his attraction for her flares to life, even hotter than before.In a race against time and murders occurring that are linked to John O’Connor, will Sam risk her career––her chance to redeem her reputation and solve these terrible murders––by giving into the overwhelming attraction to Nick, a man from her past?Wow! Just wow. Fatal Affair dropped me into a violent murder scene. That grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. I love when that happens. Although I’ve never been a huge fan of romantic suspense, especially ones involving police investigations, this book was so exciting, I could not stop reading/listening to it. I’m also not a fan of women involved in traditionally masculine roles, but again, that didn’t matter. I LOVED this book!While Sam Holland is a sergeant with the D.C. Metro Police and came across hardened at times, she still had a vulnerable side that clearly came through. Her character earned a master’s degree against all odds, since she has dyslexia. I admired her ability to do that a great deal. Her inner core of strength blew me away.Nick is a great hero. While he didn’t have a privileged upbringing at all, he took every opportunity that came his way and excelled. He’s an honorable man with a boatload of loyalty to those he loves and respects. He’s a quiet giant, bent on protecting Sam, even when she does not want to be. Oh, and he’s hot!If you love getting totally enmeshed with the characters of the story and like following them from one book to another, then you will love Marie Force’s writing style. I’ve read her entire Gansett Island series, and I’m totally hooked. Happy reading!