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Fatal Affair
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Fatal Affair (Fatal #1) by Marie Force [Start Date: September 01, 2015]
15. Why did John’s parents lie about his son? They should know the police will figure this out sooner or later. I’m starting to suspect his father!They're worried about their social status and John's behavior is a reflection on them. They're not thinking about being found out, they think they're above that.
16. What do you think Destiny Johnson threatening Sam? Did she really mean it or is she just grieving?
Sam's the easiest person to blame. Both probably.
17. This is getting juicy! All the kinky sex he’s been having! Do you think the killer is among his ex’s? Tara the waitress, Elin the personal trainer or Natalie or her husband? I’m wondering why they were surprised that Natalie had never told her husband about her sex life with John. Would you talk to you husband about kinky stuff you did with your ex? I know I wouldn’t!
I think it's an angry ex or maybe they're in cahoots with each other! I definitely wouldn't talk to my hubby about intimate details of my past nor would I want to hear about his!
18. Have you read “In death” Series? Sam is just like Eve in so many ways and different in many others. Do you see the similarities between Eve and Sam and all the other characters and circumstances? Are you ok with it or is it bothering you?
Not familiar with that series.
19. Who are the triplets (Charity, Faith and Hope Miller) that were mentioned? One of them is assistant US attorney but why bring them up at all?!
Not sure either.
20. Her lieutenant, Stahl, is an ass and he’s going to cause problems now that he’s going to be in internal affairs! I just know it! What do you think?
We'll see probs down the road with that ass in future books!
21. The bomb! Was it the grieving mother, someone related to John’s case or as the think it was Peter??
Not sure, definitely not the Johnsons. Maybe her ex, not so sure it's related to the murder either?!
22. I know most of you would think Sam is being bitchy towards Nick. But the truth is I’d be very irritated too if someone did what Nick is doing to her, pushing her when all she needs is to concentrate on the job! Thoughts?
I think I'm in the minority. I love Nick. He's just what Sam needs, IMHO! He's a great support for her.
23.LOL Freddie is a virgin ! I didn’t see that coming!
I'm not surprised. He didn't like it when Sam took the Lord's name in vain.
24. Patricia was very weird and creepy saying “My John”, did you get the same vibe? Is she telling the truth about John only loving her and how his parents treated her? Is she the killer? Is she the reason for John’s sadness? What about his son?
that is creepy! Hmmm. Now I'm thinking she may be involved. maybe she used their son as a pawn....or Maybe hired someone to snuff the senator!
25. Peter is creepier than I thought .Plus the portrait I’m getting for his character is not consistence. He is supposed to be obsessed with Sam but earlier Sam though:” Unless it was leading to sex, Peter had never bothered with the random acts of affection that Nick doled out so effortlessly.” Did he plant the bombs?
Peter is a big jerk. I'm so happy she is with Nick, the complete opposite of Peter who is capable of planting a bomb. A control freak who's obsessed with Sam, prob doesn't want anyone to have her, especially Nick!.
26.Are they moving too fast in their relationship?
I don't think so. I think they realize what could have been and are going after it, although Sam is struggling a bit, she is pulled by her desire for Nick I think Nick was her one true love.and same with Sam being Nick's one true love..
@Silvia#17. Yes at some point I thought a couple of them had done together .
#18.you should get familiar;)It's a great series Naked in Death
#22. I liked him too , I just thought he was being pushy.
1. How do you like Nick Cappuano so far? Does he make an attractive leading man? What of his feelings toward Sam, how quickly he wants to pick up where they left off. Although, he did pull back when she told him told how sorry she was she didn’t get the messages; can’t blame him, with what he’s dealing with. I had a hard time reconciling the intensity of his feelings for her after a one night stand six years prior. If he had felt that strongly about it, It seems he would have contacted her and not just left a couple of messages.2. How do you like Sam Holland? We all know her resistance of Nick is futile, but I think it more realistic this way. You? I like her. She's pretty down-to-earth, and obviously tries to do the right thing. Her life doesn't seem to have much balance and it will be interesting to see if she softens.
3. What did you think of Nick & Sam’s first encounter? Were you surprised at how soon the reason they didn’t reconnect after their “one night stand” was cleared up? Or do you think it isn’t yet? BTW, that Peter is a scum bucket. I was surprised that they brought it up as quickly as they did. I would have expected a little more dancing around the subject.
4. What do you think of Sam’s relationship with Chief Farnsworth? His connection with her father? Should he have taken her off the case as soon as he found out she knew Nick? Will Sam’s Quentin Johnson history come back to bite her in the tush? What of her dyslexia? I like her relationship with the Chief, as well as with her father. This is a pretty high profile case, and I am a little surprised that she remains on it. It shows that the Chief does trust her. She must really hate writing reports with dyslexia.
5. Senator John O’Connor’s murder was pretty gruesome. Given the appendage that was cut off, do you suspect a male or a female murderer? Is it a given that it is a crime of passion? Does that gruesome detail rule out the possibility that it was about the vote?
6. What do you think of Christina Billings’ love of O’Connor? Does this make her more of a suspect or less of one? Do you think she ever acted on her feelings and we just don’t know it yet? Could O’Connor have taken advantage of them? Also, did you get a little more suspicious of her when Christine was the one to point out to Nick about John’s recent depression? What of Nick not telling Sam about Christina’s feelings? Of her confronting him about this? Does the dialogue ring true? Christina, sure seems like a viable suspect. There's something that doesn't ring true, but I'm not sure what it is.
7. How do you like Sam’s relationship with her dad? What of Nurse Celia’s comment on O’Connor, “But there was something sort of sad about him, too.” Nice use of foreshadowing? I like the relationship that they have. Celia's comment must have gone right over my head.
8. Anyone in O’Connor’s family you strongly suspect? By the way, will we ever read a romantic suspense book where the closest person to the deceased says calmly, “Yes, yes…I know logically and historically I’m a major suspect, and you would be a fool not to check out my alibi, so no offense taken; however, here’s all I know so that you can rule me out as soon as possible and find the real culprit.”? Anyway, let’s run through them:
- Graham, father. Did the second son somehow disappoint him more than the first? I don't suspect him, but I did think it strange how quickly he tried to implicate his former enemy.
- Laine, mother. Does she know something she’s not telling Sam? Probably, but I don't think she'd murder him in that way. The parents seem to be hiding something about their son's previous relationships.
- Terry, older brother. Jealous that John got the life he was supposed to have? Think he’ll find his alibi? He's on my radar, but not my prime suspect.
- Lizbeth, older sister; Royce Hamilton, Lizbeth’s husband. Did their money troubles overwhelm them? Possible. A million in debt is a lot of money by anyone's standards."
9. Are you enjoying Sam’s partner, Frederico Cruz, AKA “Freddie”? He sure picked up on the vibes between Nick and Sam quickly. Should she just have been honest with him from the start? Comments. BTW, enjoyed his pouting over never getting to be bad cop. Love his character - don't all men pout when they don't get their way?
10. Was it the murderer who broke into Nick’s home, or could there be another reason? Does Nick’s neatness/OCD make him a little more endearing? It seemed to be dismissed pretty quickly, but I thought it must have something to do with the crime. I like the OCD. My husband was an engineer, I get it.
11. Whoa. Sam went a little ballistic there after Nick’s comment about a woman he could have married. Comments. She obviously is attached to him.
12. Uh oh. Nick didn’t tell Sam about O’Connor’s second home. Seriously, this dude wouldn’t make a good detective, true?True, but that's not his job.
13. What of the picture of TJO. He’s got to be O’Connor’s son, right? Yet Nick doesn’t know about him. What do you think of the Spider-Man’s signature and “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”? I'm not believing the parents on this one. I think TJO must be his son - we still don't know why he's sending the old friend $3k/mo. Who does that unless they have a responsibility like a child.
14. Nick wakes Sam from her nightmare…and things get said that I would find hard to resist; still she turns him down. Well, I guess anyone who would go out to that cabin at midnight after working all day really is dedicated. Plus, she does have a lot to prove. Comments. I was shocked that she agreed to stay in the cabin - she might have messed up evidence.
Did you see that the novella
is free?
@Chris#1. I thought the same , if he felt this strongly why didn't he approach her another way?!
ShoSho wrote: "@Lara#24. I thought it could be the son when she said he doesn’t know that his father sleeps around."
I just figured that he had overheard something and his parents didn't know he knew.
ShoSho’s Questions for chapters 27-Epilogue 27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ?
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right?
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall?
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same?
I tried to keep my Qs neutral but I'll answer in a little bit .
27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?at the time,I thought she was trying to deflect the attention off of herself because she was possibly guilty!
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
I think it was a natural reaction to want to protect her! I approve! He's very endearing!
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
They both have the same goal, Sam is top priority and Skip sees that Nick loves Sam! I loved how he told Skip, and Skip's reply! LOL! Nick was so nervous about spending the night!!
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
Talk about Sam rubbing her "satisfaction" with Nick in Peter's face! I loved it!! Peter deserved everything and much more of Sam's venom!
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
I totally agree! But then when the sister tried to shoot Sam I think it was a natural reaction of Nick to protect the woman he loves. I think Skip would approve as well! Also I notice when Nick gets angry he lets go of it right away or only is angry for a short amount of time. Like he said, when he's wrong, he'll own it and admit it!
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ?
I like them, I had to chuckle when Nick walked out on the deck when the 3 sisters were sneaking a smoke...LMAO! love the families too! Isn't it Angie's husband that adopted her first child? Love that!
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
No, although he was in pain!LOL! Maybe in another book!
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
Totally took me by surprise!! WOW! What a tragedy that this would have probably been prevented if Graham and Laine would have accepted him as their own! So so sad.
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?
I still think she's good. It even takes the best, like Columbo, a while to figure things out!
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right?
I loved it! Perfect! Hot in the right places but it wasn't just sex to be sex! They really loved each other, they knew 6 years ago that they were "the one". And when you know, why beat around the bush, they already lost 6 years!
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall?
5 stars!! I'll read the series plus more from this author!
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same?
I can't think of a specific couple that is similar but I enjoyed the Experiment in Terror series by Kim Harrison and the chemistry between Dex and Perry. One of my all time fave series. The EiT series was paranormal but there was family involved and a lot of secondary characters. Loved the dynamics between the two main characters. It took quite a while for Dex and Perry to become a couple but the attraction was always there. And I love the chemistry between these two: Sam and Nick!
ShoSho’s Questions for chapters 27-Epliogue 27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?
I’m still not sure what she was thinking when she went there! She probably was just angry and frustrated with her marriage and made herself believe that her husband had killed John
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
He really didn’t have anything to offer other than create problems , he was lucky that they weren’t in a worst situation. It was macho-alpha males are a turn off for me too like Sam!
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
Loved it how he just came out and told Skip that he loved Sam. It was the right thing to do. That was scene was one of my favourites in the book
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
I’m trying really hard to be okay with that scene. Sam marrying Peter is really making me doubt her ability to see through people , which is something that a good detective needs
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
No I was really surprised that they tried to shoot her. I thought it was just a bluster! Sam was right but I liked how the talked and Nick apologised. He might be macho sometimes but he respects Sam abilities
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ?
I really liked them. I’m sure we’ll see more of them in the future books. They all some interesting backgrounds
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
I hope so :P and I wanted to read it if it happened LOL
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
I suspected him but the author didn’t make me believe that he was capable of the murders. He should have been interviewed before . I wanted to know more about him. how he felt about his father before and was it just that conversation about not getting tied down and variety that made him realize that his father wasn’t faithful to his mother ? how did he find out about the ex-girlfriends and their name and addresses ? What happened to him that made capable of torturing , raping and killing those people ?
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?
I’m guessing not very good!
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right?
I thought it happened too fast and it was too mushy and sweet at times. I wanted to still have doubts at the end of the book. But no , they were planning their life together and Nick bought the house next door and all that. I’d have loved to see more struggle there
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall?
I gave it 4 stars ,because it was fast read and if I don’t think about the details , I can say that I really liked it. I will continue with the series . I love buddy reads ;)
Overall I’d have loved to get answers for my so many questions about John and his life ,his feelings and the mystery wasn’t that satisfying .
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same?
I kept thinking if it was Eve she would have done this or Roark would never have done that . The characters and situations were a lot like “In death” and so different . Overall this book was much lighter and less gripping than “In death”, Even with the brutal murders . I think this was inspired by In death but it had enough differences to make it a complete different thing!
chapters 27-Epilogue27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?
I agree with Silvia that I immediately thought she was trying to shift attention for guilt onto her husband. But, I also wonder, similarly to ShoSho, if she did it as a way of blaming her husband for not being John.
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
I find his behavior annoying. I'm just still waiting for him to act like he knows she's an experienced cop. See something suspicious and there's a cop in the house? Call out and get the cop involved? The person only ran because he was so obvious in his pursuit. He completely screwed that up.
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
I thought it was a nice scene. Nick let Skip know that Skip was the one in a position of power, and Skip accepted that then invited him in.
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
Yeah, that was weird. It was like a fantasy or day dream scene instead of being serious.
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
I thought that she would be at risk, but by the sister threatening her is a crowded place. That was strange and ineffective.
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families?
Like everyone else, I thought they were great.
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
We could hope! In fact, it bothered me that the whole scene was dropped. After all, why spend time in the hotel room with them if you're not going to wrap up what happened? It felt unfinished.
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
So, I wasn't surprised, but thought it wasn't really fair to the reader to have someone show up as the killer the first time we meet him. And ShoSho makes an excellent point. He didn't just kill people, he did terrible things to them first. Was there really no sign he was capable of such violent and sick acts before this? I agree that he should have been interviewed. He's an adult, although they seemed to think of him as a child. And finally, I can't imagine a son cutting off his father's penis. That is a really bizarre and disturbing thing for him to have done. It really would have made more sense if it had been someone who'd been sexually intimate with him (or wanted to be but was rejected).
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?
Well, not so much in this case, as John's killing was so sexual in nature. And then the women were raped with objects, which could also make sense if it were a woman killer. However, I do wonder how and why she fell for Peter. That whole relationship didn't make sense to me. Was he charming until they were married, then started playing head games with her?
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right?
I thought it moved too quickly. The relationship, sure, based on chemistry. But love? They've known each other only a few days, including the time they met six years ago.
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall?
I gave it 4 stars, but it's probably a 3.5-3.75 for me. In fact, the more I think about it, I might downgrade it to 3 stars. It was readable, but the romance was kind of uneven for me as I felt that Sam's response was too needy for her personality. I do think that Nick seems like a good romantic partner for her, but she goes from being strong to gooey too easily and that didn't work for me. Also, I didn't care for the nasty ex sublot. I thought there was enough going on between the previous case, this one and the bill without bringing in a personal matter as well.
Also, I groaned in my head when Sam had thoughts like how Nick made her feel female. Seriously? Was that an issue? When? And I couldn't stand it when Sam wanted to give Nick a family because he didn't have one growing up. You can't fix people, and she should know that. Love him for who he is, not for what he needs.
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same?
Definitely Eve Dallas and Rourke. I think I explained why in an earlier post. There are a LOT of similarities. However, Sam lacks Eve's solitary and traumatic background. And Nick is not as self-assured, self-made, and super-capable as Rourke, nor does he have Rourke's criminal past. Nick is very ordinary, comes from a broken home (not an abusive one), and has become successful as much through is own skill as through having influential friends.
So, overall, I was surprised I liked the book less than I expected. I was disappointed--I liked it but didn't think it was that great. Hopefully future books will feel less like a daydream come to life than this one. And I hope Nick starts to trust Sam to do all of her job herself without barging in to take charge.
15. Why did John’s parents lie about his son? They should know the police will figure this out sooner or later. I’m starting to suspect his father! Politics16. What do you think Destiny Johnson threatening Sam? Did she really mean it or is she just grieving? She doesn't sound like a upstanding citizen
17. This is getting juicy! All the kinky sex he’s been having! Do you think the killer is among his ex’s? Tara the waitress, Elin the personal trainer or Natalie or her husband? I’m wondering why they were surprised that Natalie had never told her husband about her sex life with John. Would you talk to you husband about kinky stuff you did with your ex? I know I wouldn’t! I'm favoring Natalie.
18. Have you read “In death” Series? Sam is just like Eve in so many ways and different in many others. Do you see the similarities between Eve and Sam and all the other characters and circumstances? Are you ok with it or is it bothering you? I didn't even think of it until you mentioned it. Makes me want to go read some Roark!
19. Who are the triplets (Charity, Faith and Hope Miller) that were mentioned? One of them is assistant US attorney but why bring them up at all?! Maybe they'll show up in another book. Cruz needs a relationship.
20. Her lieutenant, Stahl, is an ass and he’s going to cause problems now that he’s going to be in internal affairs! I just know it! What do you think? Disaster waiting to happen.
21. The bomb! Was it the grieving mother, someone related to John’s case or as the think it was Peter?? I wouldn't have thought of Peter until it was brought up, but then it made sense.
22. I know most of you would think Sam is being bitchy towards Nick. But the truth is I’d be very irritated too if someone did what Nick is doing to her, pushing her when all she needs is to concentrate on the job! Thoughts?I can't really imagine the police allowing a civilian to tag along.
23.LOL Freddie is a virgin ! I didn’t see that coming! He's probably up next.
24. Patricia was very weird and creepy saying “My John”, did you get the same vibe? Is she telling the truth about John only loving her and how his parents treated her? Is she the killer? Is she the reason for John’s sadness? What about his son? We didn't get to meet the son, but I sort of felt sorry for her.
25. Peter is creepier than I thought .Plus the portrait I’m getting for his character is not consistence. He is supposed to be obsessed with Sam but earlier Sam though:” Unless it was leading to sex, Peter had never bothered with the random acts of affection that Nick doled out so effortlessly.” Did he plant the bombs? I didn't get the early vibes that he was that bad. I sort of figured him for a lousy husband, maybe abusive , but not a murderer.
26.Are they moving too fast in their relationship?
It could have been extended 10 or 15 pages, I suppose.
@Lara#28.Yes he did!
#33. This was not the only thing that felt unfinished.
#34.It was bizarre! I wish the author had spend more time on Thomas's character instead all the unsolved threads like Natalie's boyfriend, the domestics , ...
#35. Yes I wonder about her relationship with Peter too.
#37.I totally agree with the part about making her feel female and the family! Well and the rest :P Overall the whole book could have been much better with editing a few things here and there.
@Silvia#28.#29.#30.#31.LOl you love Nick :D
#32. It was the older sister's husband , Tracy.
#34. So true! All because political ambitions !
@Chris#18. Next one in 12 days ;) are you up to date on the series ?
#19.Wow never thought of that! Great thinking!
#23.The whole series is about Sam and Nick. I'm hoping Freddie would get his own story in between.
I forgot to say, up to 70% this book was 5 stars for me but then the conclusion and the ending wasn't as good.
27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying? I was guessing that it was to throw suspicion away from herself...(view spoiler) 28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?Still can't imagine why he would have been allowed on the scenes.
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam? I liked that part!
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said? It was certainly effective. Peter apparently has the IQ of a tomato.
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ? I would guess that anyone in a relationship with someone who is in a dangerous career, probably has some issues with it. Most men feel protective of the women they love, so it computed for me.
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ? Sort of a quick snapshot, and it was pretty high school.
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin? Nah. Freddie will need a better moment than that. I thought Elin was pretty harsh, but I guess opposites can attract.
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did? I sort of started thinking it might be him, or him with his mother, when the other women started dying.
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?She missed that one! But, we're told she's good, and she seems to have the respect of her peers. I'll withhold judgement.
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right? I thought they might have carried some grudges about the previous gap in the relationship that might have lasted a little longer, but that wouldn't have fit the story.
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall? I gave it 4 stars. There were parts I liked a lot, but some of it was too contrived. They fell for each other too quickly, and the police scenes weren't that realistic. I will continue.
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same? I don't remember any couples who had that kind of misunderstanding keeping them apart, but there are lots of couples with good friction between them. I'm terrible at remembering names.
Starting to run around getting all my ducks in a row for the closing of my new home. I hope to get to all of your posts, ladies. Maybe on the week-end, when the businesses aren't open. But, if you don't hear from me, don't worry.
Lisa Kay wrote: "Starting to run around getting all my ducks in a row for the closing of my new home. I hope to get to all of your posts, ladies. Maybe on the week-end, when the businesses aren't open. But, if y..."That's fun!!!(not) :D
Question for chapter 15-2615. Why did John’s parents lie about his son? They should know the police will figure this out sooner or later. I’m starting to suspect his father!
Politics, Legacy, you name it they lied to cover their “blank”
16. What do you think Destiny Johnson threatening Sam? Did she really mean it or is she just grieving?
Both
17. This is getting juicy! All the kinky sex he’s been having! Do you think the killer is among his ex’s? Tara the waitress, Elin the personal trainer or Natalie or her husband? I’m wondering why they were surprised that Natalie had never told her husband about her sex life with John. Would you talk to you husband about kinky stuff you did with your ex? I know I wouldn’t!
Last question first, Never would I tell a significant other what I did or didn’t do prior to begin with them. I’ve agreed with Sam, I pick Natalie she’s off. The other two either didn’t care enough or didn’t have enough time invested in the relationship
18. Have you read “In death” Series? Sam is just like Eve in so many ways and different in many others. Do you see the similarities between Eve and Sam and all the other characters and circumstances? Are you ok with it or is it bothering you?
Eve has way more emotional baggage than Sam. Sam has had a few bumps in the road i.e. an Ex from hell and some family/personal trauma. Eve, let’s just say I’m surprised she still standing at times. At times, I think her skin is the only reason she doesn’t fly apart. Sam has a sound family grounding that creates a balance for her Eve could only dream about.
As for the same, Eve and Sam are dedicated to the job, catching the killer and a complete chemical reaction to the “one”. Both fall hard and fast.
Eve = Fierce, loyal, emotional time-bomb, amazing, stubborn, kick-ass and hit the bachelor lottery.
Sam = Cool, loyal, fun, loving, smart and knows enough to snag the real thing.
19. Who are the triplets (Charity, Faith and Hope Miller) that were mentioned? One of them is assistant US attorney but why bring them up at all?!
All are US attorneys, now idea… I think MF just wanted something fun to poke fun at. Gorgeous smart Barbie’s .
20. Her lieutenant, Stahl, is an ass and he’s going to cause problems now that he’s going to be in internal affairs! I just know it! What do you think?
Totally agree, the guy hates her. I want to know why? Did Skip undermine him at some point?... bet he and Skip were at the academy together and Stahl only made it to LT.
21. The bomb! Was it the grieving mother, someone related to John’s case or as the think it was Peter??
I think, if you read .5, Peter comes to mind. Otherwise you think it’s the case, when I read it a few years ago I thought it was the case.
22. I know most of you would think Sam is being bitchy towards Nick. But the truth is I’d be very irritated too if someone did what Nick is doing to her, pushing her when all she needs is to concentrate on the job! Thoughts?
Have no problem with Sam getting bitchy, but at the same time. Though when Nick would leave out some data, I’d think shit she never asked? Bitchy is fine when it’s truly the other persons fault.
23.LOL Freddie is a virgin ! I didn’t see that coming! Definitely a surprise, good looking, smart, funny, loyal guy. Thought for sure he’s had a babe or two stashed.
24. Patricia was very weird and creepy saying “My John”, did you get the same vibe? Is she telling the truth about John only loving her and how his parents treated her? Is she the killer? Is she the reason for John’s sadness? What about his son? I think she’s a little off her rocker to have “stayed” with “My John” all those years. Makes you think okay what’s wrong with this picture? As for the sadness, yeah I do associate it with Patricia and their son.
25. Peter is creepier than I thought .Plus the portrait I’m getting for his character is not consistence. He is supposed to be obsessed with Sam but earlier Sam though:” Unless it was leading to sex, Peter had never bothered with the random acts of affection that Nick doled out so effortlessly.” Did he plant the bombs?
I think this is where reading .5 before reading this novel impacts the question (.5 had foreshadowing), so I’ll answer with my first reading.
26.Are they moving too fast in their relationship?
A week and a day, they declare. Timeline wise it’s a bit too fast, not enough struggle. They are falling a little too neatly into “love”. But that’s the nature of the genre. So fiction wise, it’s all good. Real life, I can’t see it. P.S. I prefer In-Death’s disclosure rate.
ShoSho’s Questions for chapters 27-Epilogue
27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?
Totally didn’t believe her, at that point we were already a little suspicious of her with her college boyfriends death. She was my main suspect at this point.
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
I got how he reacted, society says protect the females/weaker sex. So I saw it as conditioning, Sam will strengthen him out, he’s smart enough to deal. I saw no problem with Sam protecting the civilian even if that civilian was Nick.
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
I thought it was cute, Nick nervous of Skip and then they team up. It’s a fun/cute moment in the book.
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
Fictional cop land this is, so I “allowed it”. Actually I thought the interview was good and the play on words with tricking him to admitting the truth was great. I personally liked what she said about his ability in the sack versus Nick’s. Low but I loved it. Hell what am I saying he nearly killed them, she should have kicked him in the balls.
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
I thought it was a side threat didn’t take it seriously till the bomb went off. The whole Nick/Sam dynamic where she’s the cop and he isn’t, I think that’s going to take time and they will always fight about that. Can see him respecting her ability but if he’s there he expects to do something to protect them. Love will find a way, apologies worked except they really didn’t acknowledge that they’d probably fight about it often or at least be irritated… I get the impression neither wanted to rock the boat.
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ?
Fun, loud family… totally works for me.
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
I think Freddie is ready to lose his V card. Coin toss
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
Well-hidden killer, except MF did keep hammer the truth home about the strength needed. I didn’t pay enough attention to that detail. Nothing excuses cold blooded murder, but he certainly had reason to be ticked. I honestly thought he should have gone after Graham after John. He was brutal with his murders.
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective? She was going with probabilities, it’s in her training. What makes her a good detective is to question it as evidence is unveiled. She’s good but she’s not Eve Dallas.
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right? Romance was the big sell for me, I loved how much Nick was in this novel. I’m hoping he stays heavily involved in her life and cases as this moves forward. I actually like Nick more than Sam, I know say it isn’t so. But Nick is ideal.
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall? Loved it, not the best of the genre but definitely worth reading. My favorite parts are not the crimes and the processing, but the cast chemistry (all of them) and Sam/Nick. It’s the personal that you love. The crime is the fictional glue.
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same
Obviously I think of Eve/Rourke of the In-Death series. The setup from a Eve/Sam perspective is similar, both are cops in a large city, both good, both deal with internal departmental politics and the job is their lives. Nick and Rourke are definitely different, Rourke is no boy scout, could probably kill a man without regret. Nick, he could take care of himself but he’d have regrets if he killed a man.
Series wise In-Death is grittier, emotions are raw and just under the surface. Little to no wasted space, stories are constantly moving. If you like the romance without the procedural stuff, Fatal is actually a better series. I like the procedural stuff; I like stuff to make sense when a crime is solved. Also you always feel that In-Death one of the faithful will die, while in Fatal I never felt that way. Though the Bomb was an excellent jolt to that idea, but the final take down was nearly tame.
Others the only other “romance/suspense” couple I can think of is Lacey Sherlock, Dillon Savich of Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series. But they often have smaller roles in some of the books, both work for the FBI but you don’t get that chemical blast you get from Sam/Nick an Eve/Rourke. .
Can’t think of another series that has long running Cop/Other dynamic in every book with basically the same central cast (Fatal/In-Death). They are so rare; I’m hoping someone has some other series to suggest.
I've finished, I enjoyed this more than I thought. I thought I'd be comparing it to In Death a lot but luckily the charecters are so different.I'll be back in a bit to answer some questions
Sue, I've been crazy busy,I'll read your answers soon :)
ShoSho wrote: "Sue, I've been crazy busy,I'll read your answers soon :)"No worries, I plan to look through all the dialog as well this weekend, must be that crazy busy time of the year. (Sorry I had to answer 2 sets of questions at one time, worked late a lot this week.
Elishia wrote: "I've finished, I enjoyed this more than I thought. I thought I'd be comparing it to In Death a lot but luckily the characters are so different.I'll be back in a bit to answer some questions"
I'm a fan of In-Death, but couples with this kind of chemistry that lasts for as many books in both of these series are special.
The chemistry between Nick and Sam is excellent. The ensemble casts gets better as the series moves forward. Kudos to MF on that, another reason why I keep coming back.
The crimes are the plot vehicle that makes this series go but I think it's the relationships that keep us coming back.
Sue - my thoughts exactly! A series that have a special chemistry between the MCs keeps me coming back time and again. I want to see it played out to the end. ; )
Picked up my library copy! I'll start tomorrow.
@Chris #30.Tomato heeehee
#33. I agree. Loosing his virginity will be big deal in one the books.
#37.About the policy scenes the author says that she made her own department and it had nothing with reality. So I'm OK with that.
@Sue#18. Yes Sam doesn't have huge emotional baggage. It makes reading the books easier.
#19. Yes we'll probably see more of them and it'd be fun!
#20. Hmm good point.
#26. Me too
#37. I felt the same.
Logan wrote: "Picked up my library copy! I'll start tomorrow."Yay
Ok. So I'm behind. I started today and guess what? My audio includes the prequel novella at the end. Smh. I already bought it and read it
I finally finished yesterday. That's a good guess Ezi. I have to admit that I kept waiting for a big twist that Nick actually did it...but then where would our romance be? lol
Logan wrote: "I finally finished yesterday. That's a good guess Ezi. I have to admit that I kept waiting for a big twist that Nick actually did it...but then where would our romance be? lol"LOL
Logan wrote: "I finally finished yesterday. That's a good guess Ezi. I have to admit that I kept waiting for a big twist that Nick actually did it...but then where would our romance be? lol"I knew immediately that there was "history" between Sam and Nick. That part of RS books have become predictable.
Also the whole overachieving father wanting mini-mes and pushing too hard is cliche too.
I could tell immediately that John was reluctant and not really "gangsta" about his job
Logan wrote: "I finally finished yesterday. That's a good guess Ezi. I have to admit that I kept waiting for a big twist that Nick actually did it...but then where would our romance be? lol"LMAO!
Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "OK. I am changing my guess. So we are told it's a female, crime of passion...[spoilers removed]"I'm enjoying reading your guesses:)
Ok. There's a boy...looks between dad and mom. More pieces are added to this puzzle
I finished.1. Obviously I was wrong about the killer. I fell for all the red herring the author threw out.
2. I don't think the detective was that good. I love those questions like "did YOU kill The Senator?" Like the killer is supposed to say "why yes detective Sam, I murdered him. Thanks for asking."
Question: (view spoiler)
6. What do you think of Christina Billings’ love of O’Connor? Does this make her more of a suspect or less of one? Do you think she ever acted on her feelings?initially, I suspected it was her but then the strength required threw me off. But then we learned it was a woman and a crime of passion. So that's why I couldn't rule her out
12. Nick didn’t tell Sam about O’Connor’s second home. Seriously, this dude wouldn’t make a good detective, true?
that's not his responsibility. Property ownership is public information. If Det. Sam did her job, that's stuff her staff could find and should have.
In murders, police should look at property, money things, insurance policies etc.
ShoSho’s Question for chapter 15-2615. Why did John’s parents lie about his son? They should know the police will figure this out sooner or later. I’m starting to suspect his father!
I can't stand these pretentious self serving "public servants". This truth would have nipped this thing much early instead of sending the police in a wild goose chase. I don't respect his mother or father.
Basically, they told John that his kid and love wasn't worth the kind of time and attention the OConnors invested in John and his siblings.
And John, a grown ass man, just disregarded his son. He didn't love then at all. He's selfish and self centered.
16. What do you think Destiny Johnson threatening Sam? Did she really mean it or is she just grieving?
I don't really get the point of that bogus ass dub plot other than to throw the readers off. For that reason I disliked that head fake
17. This is getting juicy! All the kinky sex he’s been having! Do you think the killer is among his ex’s? Tara the waitress, Elin the personal trainer or Natalie or her husband? I’m wondering why they were surprised that Natalie had never told her husband about her sex life with John. Would you talk to you husband about kinky stuff you did with your ex? I know I wouldn’t!
what's the point of Natalie and her husband? I don't see what they added to this story either but add more pages to the story and 2 more suspects.
18. Have you read “In death” Series? Sam is just like Eve in so many ways and different in many others. Do you see the similarities between Eve and Sam and all the other characters and circumstances? Are you ok with it or is it bothering you?
Sam is weaker than Eve. This is a bad comparison. Sam didn't e en know does married to a stalker wierdo
19. Who are the triplets (Charity, Faith and Hope Miller) that were mentioned? One of them is assistant US attorney but why bring them up at all?!
20. Her lieutenant, Stahl, is an ass and he’s going to cause problems now that he’s going to be in internal affairs! I just know it! What do you think?
I think he has cause to be mad. I felt nepotism at work here too. Nothing here showed me this great detective either. Sleeping with a material witness can tank the DA's case. It's a HUGE conflict and shows really bad judgment. After all, Nick was a one night stand. He's in the news, she could have reached him if she wanted all this time. Even if she just asked "how come you didn't call?" You've waited 6 yrs, you can wait 6 months more or give the case to someone else.
21. The bomb! Was it the grieving mother, someone related to John’s case or as the think it was Peter??
22. I know most of you would think Sam is being bitchy towards Nick. But the truth is I’d be very irritated too if someone did what Nick is doing to her, pushing her when all she needs is to concentrate on the job! Thoughts?
23.LOL Freddie is a virgin ! I didn’t see that coming!
I thought he was going to lose the v-card at the hotel, LOL.
24. Patricia was very weird and creepy saying “My John”, did you get the same vibe? Is she telling the truth about John only loving her and how his parents treated her? Is she the killer? Is she the reason for John’s sadness? What about his son?
why did she stay when she knew he was cheating? I don't believe he told her they would be together in the end. The OConnors would have had him a 6x senator if they could. It was never going to end and how could she not know that.
How insular was she truly? No TV?
Her delusional was ridiculous.
25. Peter is creepier than I thought .Plus the portrait I’m getting for his character is not consistence. He is supposed to be obsessed with Sam but earlier Sam though:” Unless it was leading to sex, Peter had never bothered with the random acts of affection that Nick doled out so effortlessly.” Did he plant the bombs?
I don't feel for Sam. She married Peter while never loving him. She needs to take responsibility for that. Maybe that's why Peter was mad...in addition to his general craziness.
ShoSho’s Questions for chapters 27-Epilogue 27. What did you think when Natalie showed up at Nick’s house and accused her husband of the murder? What was her motive? Did she really believe what she was saying?
28. Sam’s a cop, she’s got a gun and the training. She kept telling Nick to stay out of it. What did Nick have to offer in a dangerous situation? Did you approve of his behaviour? Did it endear him to you or the opposite?
*i rolled my eyes at Nick's I am MAN hear me roar impersonation. Dude, she's a trained officer, you ain't nothing but a chief of staff aka professional babysitter. Step back:
29. What did you think of Nick and Skip relationship and how Nick told Skip that he loved Sam?
30.There’s no way that in the real world, Sam would interview her ex! But the author says “So I created my own version of the Metropolitan Police Department. I note in the acknowledgements that it is a department of my own making and is in no way intended to mirror the real thing.” So I’m trying not to take that seriously. What did think you of how the interview went and the things that were said?
31. I didn’t think that the Johnson family would really do something about their threat to Sam. Did you ? Was Nick right to get angry with Sam for pushing him out of the way? What did you think of their following fight and apologies ?
32.What did you think of Sam’s sisters and their families ?
33.Hmmm do you think anything happened between Freddie and Elin?
34.As it turned out Thomas was the killer. Were you surprised? Was the mystery and how it ended satisfying? What about how he killed those other 3 people? Was his motives enough for what he did?
35.Sam kept saying she knew in her gut that the killer was a woman! How good is her instinct as a detective?
36. How did you like the romance , the pace and the intensity of it? Did it move too quickly or just right?
37. What did you rate it ? Will you read the rest of the series? Overall?
38.(Sue’s Question) Sam and Nick, what other couple in literature would you compare them too? and why? What makes them different? What makes them the same?
Ezi, you crack me up! I so agree that Nick was over the top in his I'll protect you actions. And Sam was very weak-willed about a man she knew so little. I didn't get that. The next book is better on both fronts.
Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "In murders, police should look at property, money things, insurance policies etc."Very true, Ezi. That part bugged me, too. Sam & her crew should have known this.
Boy, I did those answers at the dentist's office this morning. Gotta love laughing gas because all I see are typos in my answers.I am too tired to fix now. I will tend to them in the morning but I couldn't rate this book higher than 3stars.
I will buy audio 2 but I hope there is a substantial improvement like you guys say or I am done
Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "Boy, I did those answers at the dentist's office this morning. Gotta love laughing gas because all I see are typos in my answers.I am too tired to fix now. I will tend to them in the morning but I couldn't rate this book higher than 3stars.
I will buy audio 2 but I hope there is a substantial improvement like you guys say or I am done"
Ezi, hon, I have a feeling you're going to wind up being done with the series after you read Fatal Justice. I rated this one 4 stars, rounded up, based on the plot twists alone. Justice only got 3 stars from me. You practically have to read it right after Affair, and there was a lot in Justice I had problems with. Not enough to make me quit yet, as they are fast reads for me, but definitely enough to annoy me.
Trea wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "Boy, I did those answers at the dentist's office this morning. Gotta love laughing gas because all I see are typos in my answers.I am too tired to fix now. I wi..."
Yea. I suspect her writing isn't for me. Too many fillers. And we never heard about the party brother again. Too many characters thrown out there for me. I will give book 2 a chance from the library as an ebook.
I'll just spend my credit on
. I know I enjoy this one. Plus I want to try
and
Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
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Fatal Affair (other topics)
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#1. He seems like a promising hero after he get over his shock!
#2. Exactly
#7. I loved her interactions with her dad.
#10.LOL
#13. I had the same thought
#14. I was really surprised that she slept there!
#18. Yes I had the same feeling that this must be inspired by “In death” but there are enough differences to be unique.
#24. I thought it could be the son when she said he doesn’t know that his father sleeps around.
#26. I was so annoyed with him when she had to go the crime scene and he followed her!