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Arrested Heart

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Mox

Life has a way of throwing curve balls at every turn. I'm Eli "Mox" Moxen and I've finally figured out what I want in life.

I’m fearless. In life, in my career, and in love. I'll face it all with strength and determination.

Amber

Just when I think I'm getting ahead, something comes along to knock me on my butt. I'm Amber Young, single mom, jaded in love, and in danger.

I refuse to fail. For my daughter and for myself, I refuse to fail at life, in my career, and in love.

For first responders like Mox, there is rarely a second chance for anything...except maybe love. This is Mox's chance to show Amber he's a man who also refuses to fail...especially when it comes to her heart.

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About the author

S.M. Donaldson

39 books246 followers
S.M. Donaldson is a born and raised Southern girl. She grew up in a small rural town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the kind of place where everyone knows your business before you do, especially when your Daddy is a cop and your Mom works for the school system. She married one of her best friends at the age of 20 and has two sons. She is a proud military wife, has always had a soft spot for a good story, and is known to have a potty mouth. At the age of 31, she decided there was no time like the present to attempt her first book. Sam’s Choice was born and she hasn’t stopped since. If you are looking for a good, steamy, Southern set romance with true Southern dialect, she’s your girl.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Shawna.
198 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2017
I received a copy of Arrested Heart in return for my honest review.

I am such a huge S.M. Donaldson fan. She is truly a very talented writer. I have enjoyed watching her work grow and progress over the last 2 years (since I discovered her). Every time she releases a book, or new series I think to myself "This is it! She has truly out done herself and no future books will be able to compare." Then she releases the next and I am blown away all over again. This book is no exception to the rule.

Arrested Heart is book #1 in a new series, that is a spin off of the Marco's MMA Boys series. You do see SEVEREAL familiar characters in this book, but can with out a doubt read and enjoy it with out previously reading the MMA series. I would however recommend that if you enjoy this book to go back and read the MMA series as it is exceptional! If you are a fan of the MMA series and have read them all, then don't miss out and this gem!

In this book you meet (or get a deeper insight if you read the MMA series) into a SWAT team cop's personal life. His past is rocky with no true foundation. Once becoming an adult and meeting family he never knew he starts to find himself. Unfortunately he can never find a woman worth settling down with like most of his friends and family. He is not sure if it's b/c of his past, if he has not met the one, or b/c he can't get a hot little red head from high school out of his head. The female character also has strong ties with the MMA series, but once again someone you never got to know. She it taken by this "guy" that seems to have all the same friends as her, looks familiar, but their paths never really cross paths. Although he is HOTT, she is a single mom and chasing strange but attractive men around is not in her schedule.

This is NOT just a simple sexy love story. This book has it all. Not only do you get to see a deeper insight into characters you already know and love (if you have read the MMA series) but you get a very suspenseful story about a crime wave. The crime wave seems pretty straight forward at first, but the twists and turns seem to pick up by the moment. Don't worry, she does not hand you the conclusion on a silver platter. Although I would not call this book a "cliff hanger" since the love story grows to a point that you feel satisfied, but I will say that she defiantly sets up the "crime" plot to boom in future books.

I am very excited about this series. I can't wait to learn more about these characters, learn more about characters I already know and love, meet new and interesting characters, and figure where in the heck the crime part is heading! I am VERY pleased with this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read, loves love, and is drawn to danger. I also highly recommend any and all book in the Marco's MMA Series by S.M. Donaldson.
Profile Image for Clare Hart.
121 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2017
We have all been waiting patiently for this book and Suzanne didn't disappoint.We know she has been though some rough times getting this book out and it was so amazing. I love these suspense filled action packed romance books this was such a pleasure to read. The only thing I wished the sex scenes lasted a bit longer 😂😂 but I'm just a dirty girl!!
Eli "Mox" Moxen is sexy and the fearless young SWAT member who is ready to fall in love all over again to his high school crush and he isn't taking no for an answer.
Amber Young is the firey young hard working single mom who is jaded in love but determined to not let anything stop her in life or work to support her daughter.
But when Amber finds herself in real danger will she accept Eli's help and strength or will she try to protect her daughter and her heart at all costs even her life.
Well done Suzanne can't wait for more xxxx
Profile Image for Jennifer Sons.
403 reviews18 followers
April 29, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! It kept me on my toes throughout the whole book.

Eli(Mox) is a first responder who is ready for another chance at love but not with just any girl, with Amber. Amber is a single mom who is determined to not fail her daughter but her love life is no existent.

Eli is strong, sweet, protective & the perfect alpha male. I adore everything about him. Amber is head-strong, determined, driven & I would love to be her BFF! I was rooting for these two throughout the book! There were so many twists & turns that it kept me on edge the whole time. I couldn't put it down! I read this book in a day, which is unheard of for me! Can't wait for the next one!
189 reviews
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April 27, 2017
I have been waiting on this book ever since last November when Suzanne told me she was writing it.

I love books with alpha males and Mox definitely fits that description!! Amber is an independent single mom with a daughter. While their reunion isn't on the terms that would be ideal, you could feel the chemistry between them! This book had everything in it that you would expect from a S.M. Donaldson book and more!!! The suspense had me turning pages and unable to put my kindle down. Not to mention the sex scenes! (You may need a fan!) Yes, they are that HOT!!!! As an added bonus, Sly, Jacob, and Huck all make appearances in Arrested Heart!!

Well done Suzanne!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
523 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2017
Amber and Eli (Mox)

I really like everything about this book. I also loved the way everyone is in this story. On pins and needles waitin for more. Maybe a story with the kids bein teens.
Profile Image for Debbe Swafford.
33 reviews
April 27, 2017
This book is excellent!! SM Donaldson really put the heat in this one. I couldn't put it down. A must read. You'll love all of the characters.
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
May 4, 2017
5 Stars!

S.M. Donaldson won me over with her MMA boys a while ago so it was a no brainer on this new spin off series, Dispatch 247. Sexy. Sweet. Suspenseful. Captivating. Donaldson took me on quite the unforgettable journey that was packed with heat and heart, cover to cover.

Arrested Heart is a brand new standalone full of second chances and one beautiful happy ending. Mox and Amber made me fall fast and hard, just like them, leaving me on the edge of my seat most of the book.

She's a single mom, working to provide a good life for herself and her young daughter. Dating's the last thing on her mind but Mox has a way of pulling her in, making her want more. And when her family is threatened, she'll do anything to keep them safe... including letting Mox in.

He doesn't do commitments and keeps it loose, never sticking around. SWAT by day, playboy by night... unobtainable is his game. But when Amber blasts back into his life after all those years ago, he knows it's his chance to get the girl. He's not the same guy from high school and this time he's playing for keeps.

But danger lurks at every corner and threatens to take it all away. No one is safe... not even Mox. Action packed and a real page turner, Mox and Amber will show you the power of family, friendships, and love.

Get ready for one journey that will have you asking for more after the pages quit turning.

I recommend this book.

Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2017...
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,588 reviews77 followers
May 4, 2017
5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, suspense, danger, twists & turns, and heartbreak.

This is Amber and Mox’s story. Amber is a single mother trying to provide for her and her daughter. She has no time for dating. But Mox makes her crave more. When her family is threatened she will do anything to protect and keep them safe. That means allowing Mox in to help her protect. Mox has never done commitment but this woman will make him rethink that. He is not the same man she knew years ago and he is going to prove it. But he must keep her safe first. With the threat hanging over them can they stay safe long enough to explore a future together? Or will the danger make staying safe not an option? Can these two protect each other from the danger?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
534 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2017
I received a copy of Arrested Heart in return for my honest review

Eli is a first responder ready for another chance at love, but not with just any girl, Amber. Amber is a single mom who is head strong ,driven at most cares for her child. While their reunion isn't on the terms that would be ideal, you can just feel the chemistry between them it makes you fell like you will have to put the fire out with in a matter of minutes. This is another great book by S.M. Donaldson and I feel that she just has more great ones on the way
Profile Image for Mags.
3,034 reviews36 followers
April 25, 2020
4.5⭐

This spin off from S.M. Donaldson's Marco MMA Boys Series was extremely enjoyable to read. It also had very little angst, plenty of hot moments and two really likable main characters in Amber and Eli (Mox) Who both shared a spark and worked well as a couple, and I really enjoyed the relationship that developed between them.

This story was also full of likable minor characters, including Amber's eleven-year-old daughter Carrie and many of the original series, including Sloan, Lox and Sage (Slick) And overall I thought it was a really great easy read. That had me completely hooked throughout and I'm looking forward to reading more from the series in the future. I would also happily recommend Arrested Heart to others, especially to anyone who has read and enjoyed previous books by this author.
189 reviews
April 26, 2017


I have been waiting on this book ever since last November when Suzanne told me she was writing it.

I love books with alpha males and Mox definitely fits that description!! Amber is an independent single mom with a daughter. While their reunion isn't on the terms that would be ideal, you could feel the chemistry between them! This book had everything in it that you would expect from a S.M. Donaldson book and more!!! The suspense had me turning pages and unable to put my kindle down. Not to mention the sex scenes! (You may need a fan!) Yes, they are that HOT!!!! As an added bonus, Sly, Jacob, and Huck all make appearances in Arrested Heart!!

Well done Suzanne!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Parrott.
8 reviews
August 25, 2023
I love this book! It's a short read but a great one. I love the story line and smut! And the fact that it has all the first responder stuff makes me happy being a fire & police wife!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,588 reviews77 followers
May 4, 2017
5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, suspense, danger, twists & turns, and heartbreak.

This is Amber and Mox’s story. Amber is a single mother trying to provide for her and her daughter. She has no time for dating. But Mox makes her crave more. When her family is threatened she will do anything to protect and keep them safe. That means allowing Mox in to help her protect. Mox has never done commitment but this woman will make him rethink that. He is not the same man she knew years ago and he is going to prove it. But he must keep her safe first. With the threat hanging over them can they stay safe long enough to explore a future together? Or will the danger make staying safe not an option? Can these two protect each other from the danger?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Debra Parmley.
Author 53 books1,147 followers
April 9, 2024
First book of this type that I've read. The mystery of who was robbing banks pulled me into the story. I used to work as a head teller and found that part interesting and relatable to a degree. As fiction, it worked. I like stories about cops. Took a ten week citizens police academy course last year, and a few years ago tried out for a dispatchers job. The cop hero in this book is a bad boy and if this were a movie it would not be G rated. I felt for the mother who just wanted to protect her child and had been through so much. Won't give away the ending but will just say I wasn't disappointed.
Not for under 18 as there's plenty of language and sex in this book.
Author 13 books69 followers
April 5, 2019
Great book. Took me a few short chapters to really get into it, but once i did i was caught up in the mystery surrounding the robberies and fires. The book left me wanting to read more about these characters and the problems they are facing.
Profile Image for I Dont Get Sundays.
1,018 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2017
Oh my, Mox is all man. I loved his big strong alpha you do it my way attitude. He was big, strong, confident, and also tender hearted. S.M. gives us background information to help those that haven't followed the series but really who wouldn't have read the previous books. S.M. is awesome.

Mox isn't the MMA guys we are used to, but an investigator for the police department. Some shady stuff starts going on with the local banks. He is on the case from the beginning.

Amber just wants to do right by her daughter. She got pregnant early with only her parents to help. She is trying to show her daughter that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Along with falling for Mox, she shows her daughter how a lady should be cared for by a man.

These two were sugary sweet with each other. They worked together along Amber had to let go of her independent strong willed attitude to allow Mox to help. She had to learn that it is okay to lean on someone for help. S.M. takes us through action packed events showing us that love always overcomes the trials given to us.
Profile Image for Chelly Peeler.
140 reviews31 followers
April 29, 2017
Eli Moxen, or Mox and he's been introduced to us before, is what some would call a "ladies' man." Not one to settle down, he's usually a one and done kinda guy. Being the youngest member of the SWAT team with a string of bank robberies going down doesn't leave a lot of free time anyway, but a gorgeous redhead from his past could be worth the time.

Amber is a fiery redhead and a single mom. Having been burned in high school by her "baby daddy", she hasn't trusted men since. But she's also never felt the feelings that Eli is stirring up in her. But with a new promotion and a daughter to focus on, she can't let a man distract her. When the past rears its ugly head, will Eli be there for her to run to?

When the robberies escalate and threaten those Mox has grown to love, he will stop at nothing to make sure they're protected. And we also see that a mother's love will make you do crazy things. Follow along Eli and Amber's journey, but hang on…it's not exactly smooth sailing.

How does S.M. keep doing this? Every single character I fall in love with. With every book, I have a new favorite. Arrested Heart is a new spin-off series but there are plenty of appearances from our beloved MMA boys, and that is just one of my favorite things about this book. I love seeing the rag-tag family grow and find out what they're doing now. Keep 'em coming, S.M., and I'll keep loving them.
708 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2017
Eli Moxen "Mox" is a deputy with the sheriffs department and a member of their swat team. He has a fierce need to protect those he loves and cares about. Amber Young is a single mom who got pregnant young and struggles in trusting people especially men. This book is a great spin off from Marco's boys and includes them too. There is suspense, twist and turns, hot sex, and hot men! All the things I love about thus author and her books! Keep up the good work!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
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May 1, 2017
4.5 Stars



Last week I came across the blurb for Arrested Heart, I was instantly intrigued so I requested an ARC.  This book went beyond my expectations!

I absolutely loved this story of a “hit it and quit it” bachelor and a fierce, dedicated single mom.   Mox is dedicated to his career as a police investigator and as a newly appointed member of the SWAT team.  He is also a sexy, bossy yet tenderhearted ALPHA man.  Amber is a single mom who has done everything to build a great life for her daughter.  Mox and Amber are both extremely likeable and relateable characters; they love all of the people in their lives and are not afraid to show it. Mox totally melted my heart with the way he handled Amber and Carrie, he's an awesome hero. Being a single mom myself, I totally related to Amber and the reasons she acted like she did.

Arrested Hearts has a hero and heroine that I 100% fell in love with, they are both great people with big hearts!   From the moment I started the book I could not put it down.  It was such a pleasure watching Mox, Amber and Carrie’s relationships evolve.  Arrested Heart has everything  I enjoy in a romance; strong heroine, alpha male, delightful secondary characters, out of control passion,  humor and keep you guessing suspense!

*Arrested Heart is the first book of a new series that is actually a spin-off of Ms. Donaldson’s Marcho’s MMA series but I had no problem reading it.  The characters from Marco’s MMA series do make an appearance in Arrested Heart and are intriguing, which makes me happy because I have a new series to binge read!

Review copy provided by the author for a voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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