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.