First Family Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path

If you want to experience the full, emotional journey of Lieutenant Sam Holland and Nick Cappuano, you cannot simply start with the first book of the First Family series. The First Family series is a direct continuation of Marie Force's bestselling 16-book Fatal Series. The story transitions seamlessly, starting the sequel series literally seconds after the events of the first series end.

Therefore, the absolute best way to read the First Family series is to read the entire Fatal series first, followed by the First Family books in order. Here is the recommended chronological reading order:

Phase 1: The Fatal Series (The Foundation)

This series introduces Sam Holland as a dedicated Washington, D.C. homicide detective and Nick Cappuano as a rising political figure. Over 16 books, readers watch their relationship grow from a one-night stand to marriage, all while navigating intense murder investigations and political escalations.

1. One Night with You (Prequel Novella - 2015)
2. Fatal Affair (2010)
3. Fatal Justice (2011)
4. Fatal Consequences (2011)
5. Fatal Destiny (Novella - 2012)
6. Fatal Flaw (2012)
7. Fatal Deception (2013)
8. Fatal Mistake (2014)
9. Fatal Jeopardy (2014)
10. Fatal Scandal (2015)
11. Fatal Frenzy (2016)
12. Fatal Identity (2016)
13. Fatal Threat (2017)
14. Fatal Chaos (2018)
15. Fatal Invasion (2018)
16. Fatal Reckoning (2019)
17. Fatal Accusation (2019)
18. Fatal Fraud (2020)

Phase 2: The First Family Series (The Presidency)

The First Family series begins immediately following the conclusion of Fatal Fraud. When a sudden national tragedy thrusts Nick into the presidency, Sam must balance her intense career as a homicide detective with her new public duties as the First Lady of the United States.

1. State of Affairs (2021)
2. State of Grace (2021)
3. State of the Union (2022)
4. State of Shock (2022)
5. State of Denial (2023)
6. State of Bliss (2023)
7. State of Suspense (2024)
8. State of Alert (2024)
9. State of Retribution (2025)
10. State of Preservation (2025)
11. State of Unrest (Scheduled for July 2026)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Fortunately for readers, Marie Force has written the Fatal and First Family books in a straightforward, chronological line. Aside from the prequel novella One Night with You, which details Sam and Nick's initial encounter six years before the events of the first novel, the publication order matches the chronological timeline perfectly. You do not need to worry about jumping back and forth through time; simply start at the beginning and follow the couple's evolution as the years pass.

The Heart of the Saga: Sam Holland and Nick Cappuano

At the center of both series is the powerful dynamic between Lieutenant Sam Holland and Nick Cappuano. Sam is a fierce, independent D.C. homicide detective who refuses to give up her badge, even when her husband becomes the most powerful man in the world. Her determination to seek justice for murder victims remains unchanged, leading to unique conflicts as she tries to balance active police work with the heavy security details and diplomatic expectations of being First Lady. Nick, on the other hand, is a dedicated, supportive partner who respects Sam's career while managing the immense weight of the presidency. Their unwavering love and mutual respect anchor the series through every high-stakes crisis and personal challenge.

Understanding the Transition: From "Fatal" to "First Family"

Readers often wonder why the series changed names after 16 books. In the final Fatal book, Fatal Fraud, the story reaches a major turning point when the President of the United States dies suddenly. Nick Cappuano, then the Vice President, is immediately elevated to the presidency. The transition is so tight that State of Affairs (the first book of First Family) picks up the narrative only seconds after the call comes in.

Marie Force chose to launch a new series title to reflect this dramatic shift in setting, responsibilities, and tone. While the Fatal series focuses heavily on local metropolitan police work and political campaigns, First Family expands the canvas to include the Secret Service, global diplomacy, White House press briefings, and the fishbowl nature of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Wild Widows Spin-off Series

For fans who want to dive deeper into the shared universe, Marie Force has also created a companion spin-off series called Wild Widows. This series focuses on Roni Connolly, a character first introduced in the Fatal series. After suffering a devastating loss, Roni connects with a support group of other young widows who help each other navigate grief, rediscover joy, and find a second chance at romance. While reading the Wild Widows series is not strictly necessary to understand the main plots of First Family, it features beloved recurring characters and provides extra depth to the community of friends surrounding Sam and Nick.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into this expansive romantic suspense saga, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Serialization: These books are highly serialized. Unlike standard crime procedurals where each mystery starts and ends in a single book with little character progression, Sam and Nick's relationship, family life, and political careers evolve continuously. Reading out of order will expose massive spoilers, including character deaths, marriages, and major political shifts.
• The Blend of Genres: Marie Force masterfully balances two distinct genres: gritty police procedural and high-heat contemporary romance. Expect detailed forensic investigations alongside deeply emotional, loving family scenes and high-stakes political thriller elements.
• Found Family: One of the highlights of both series is the massive, supportive cast of secondary characters, including Sam's police partners, family members, and White House staff. As the series progresses, these recurring characters develop their own arcs and subplots that span multiple books.
• Solo Authorship: Marie Force is the sole author of this entire universe. There are no co-authored books or ghostwritten entries, ensuring a consistent voice, tone, and character behavior across all 25+ books.