Mike & Jonah

Arrested Hearts #3

by Jayda Marx

Mike - I trust my police partner Sam Miller with my life. Not only have we been friends for fifteen years, he’s a great cop and I know I can trust him to watch my back. So I’m less than thrilled when I hear that he’ll be on sick leave for six weeks due to a minor surgery. What’s worse? I’m being paired up with a man who is not only relatively new to the job, but according to his old precinct, can’t be trusted. Jonah is transferring from the Springfield Police Department, and they’ve warned me that he is a shrimpy troublemaker who is trying to disgrace and entrap a well respected senior officer. I’ve decided to keep my guard up and Jonah at arm’s length for my own good, even if he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever met. Not that it matters; being gay is only one of the many secrets I hold.

Jonah - I’m transferring to Princeton Police Department after being attacked by another officer. I caught the incident on tape and am pressing charges, which only made my old precinct hate me more than they already did due to the fact that I play by the rules and expect others to do the same. Luckily, I have friends in Princeton and the force welcomes me with open arms; well, everyone except my temporary partner Mike. The gorgeous man gives me the cold shoulder and zero respect. Though we start off on the wrong foot, I see secrets in his eyes that I yearn to unlock. Maybe it will be the beginning of a beautiful partnership that extends beyond the badge.
*This M/M romance is for readers 18 and up! It contains sexy cops and their hilariously feisty best friends. It has no cheating or cliffhangers, an age gap and a very happy HEA.
**Author’s note: This is the third installment of the Arrested Hearts series, featuring Mike and Jonah’s story. This low-angst, enemies to lovers book features sexy cops, major insta-love vibes and lots of heat! Be on the lookout for light BDSM elements, humor and heart. On a side note, I would never claim to be an expert on police regulations, protocols or legal procedures. Though I’ve researched all of those things to make this series feel more true to life, these books are strictly for romantic entertainment. I hope you enjoy!

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Romance

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike siempre ha sabido que es gay, pero lo ha ocultado toda su vida, porque cree que ninguno de sus amigos sería capaz de entender sus preferencias en la cama. Pero cuando lo emparejan con un joven oficial trasladado de otro precinto mientras su compañero esta de reposo, no puede evitar sentir la atracción entre ellos. Sin embargo, confiar en su nuevo compañero puede difícil, sobre todo por las referencias que le dieron de su antiguo precinto. Será capaz de no dejarse influenciar por los comentarios de los demás y conocer al hombre? Será capaz de darle a conocer su atracción y deseos? Podrán tener algún tipo de relación entre ellos?

Casi no recuerdo los primeros libros de esta serie, por que los leí hace bastante tiempo. Sin embargo, esta serie es de ese tipo de libros que puedes leer separados porque son parejas diferentes y siempre (y digo siempre) te vuelven a contar la historia de las parejas anteriores con lujo de detalle.
Así que agarre este libro esperando una bonita historia romántica entre policías, y lo que encontré fue una gran cantidad de clichés, extensos diálogos con descripciones sacadas de proporción y una cantidad de escenas eróticas BDSM totalmente low-key. Ni siquiera sentí la química entre la pareja, o la amistad dentro del grupo hasta el final, y el minúsculo drama fue tan intrascendente que casi paso por debajo de la mesa. No creo que lea el último libro de esta serie, lo dejare para mas adelante, quizás cuando quiera leer algo para lo que no tenga que pensar mucho.

[magic_of_darkness_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite book in the series! 🤤😍

I had so much fun, I swooned, I was like "oh my, this is interesting...", "ohhh I love it" then I was "whyyy, holy shit I knew it" and then I was "awww" again.

Yep, definitely a five star read for me. Mike and Jonah were actually a bit different than the previous couples and I loved that. The insta-love didn't felt rushed at all for me. And Mike was AMAZING!!! And these two together!? No words. 🤌

I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, how they TALKED and basically just everything!

I won't say more because I don't want to give spoilers... just go read this book if you're a fan of insta-love, sweet, sweet, sweet books, found family, characters talking with each other and swoon worthy moments.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Expect to go into a sugar coma with this series. I've come to expect this from Jayda Marx, but boy, this one was reaaaaaaaally sugary.

We met one of Gage's friends and fellow police officers in the last few books. Mike is a fellow cop and just as big and burly as Gage and Chris. Except he's not quite as dominant as those two. He would actually really like for someone to dominate him in the bedroom. But where can he find a smaller man who's into domination?

Then Mike meets Jonah, a cop who just transferred to their station and who will be Mike's new partner for the next 6 weeks...

I thought the enemies-to-lovers thing was handled quite poorly. Mike dislikes Jonah only because he heard rumors from his old police station. The truth comes out quickly and then everything is hunky dory between them.

So good that they immediately open up about their desires and start a relationship.

Now that felt very unrealistic tbh. I'm all for the lovey-dovey stuff, but I couldn't keep up with how fast these guys went from antagonism to being in love in just a few hours.

I did like seeing all the guys again, even though their interactions border on ridiculous.

[Emeli Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from one of my favourite authors i loved this it was so sweet and sexy and i loved jonah and mikes friends they are just hilarious altough the romance is a little bit fast paced i really enjoyed this book

[rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.75/5) There could still be hope. At least I think so.

This was more to my taste than the previous books. It had some kinky elements, reversed roles (stereotypically speaking, of course) and a believable connection between the MCs.

The plot was also more well thought out than the last few, but still not quite as exciting as I'd hoped.

But I found the book more enjoyable than the last two.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the banter between all of the main characters. I laughed so much reading this book. Great MCs - Jonah was sweet, supportive and commanding at the same time. I cheered when Mike opened up and lived the life he always wanted. The two were perfect together and very sexy. I'm so ready for the next book but I'm sad it will be the last. This is a great series all around - funny, hot and touching.

[Katy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I really loved this book. I love how Mike finally accepted what he wanted and finally told everyone including his dad that he was Gay. I loved how Jo treated Mike and how they manged to work together even when Jo got injured. I am looking forward to read the final book

[andrea moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrested hearts 3

Although Mike appears to be surrounded by gay friends and fellow cops he still lives in the closet until Jonah becomes his temporary work partner and they fall in love

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite of the series! Jonah and Mike are super cute together. A fun little read.

[Kelly Nippard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Fantastic series. Looking forward to more. The characters are lovable and I love seeing them all grow through the series

[Ntokozo M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars!

I think this may be my favourite in the series?! I loved it and thought it was both sweet and sexy!

[Not that · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Cute short story with a kink that swing my way ;)

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jonah was introduced in Chris and Lyle's story, book #2 of the series. I believe Mike was introduced in Gage and Tyson's, book #1. Mike is one of Gage and Chris' coworkers at the police department. Jonah was the cop who went against the Springfield Police Department to help Lyle fight against his abusive ex, a fellow cop named Paul.

Now Jonah has been transferred to Princeton Police Department and will be Mike's temporary partner as his regular one (Sam) takes medical leave. Mike has a bad opinion of Jonah before he ever even meets the guy. This opinion is made worse after Mike calls the Springfield Police Department to ask about him and is told a bunch of lies about Jonah being a bad cop who only made it on the force because of family connections or something like that.

Paul (Lyle's ex) was angry that Jonah hadn't immediately taken his side with the department during the 'Lyle' investigation. So angry that he assaulted Jonah after one of their shifts. This was caught on Jonah's body cam but Paul spun it as Jonah trying to take down a good cop or whatever. Paul was not a good cop. He was an abusive bully who used his position of power to hurt those smaller than him, meaning Lyle and (later) Jonah.

Mike and Jonah meet the first time at the bar where Mike and his cop friends (Chris, Gage, Becky, Sam, and significant others if they have them) meet up every weekend. Mike thinks Jonah's hot but he's horribly rude to him, surprising everybody at the table. They all, with the exception of Sam and Becky (I'm guessing?), know the real story behind what happened with Jonah in Springfield and consider him their friend.

Mike's rudeness carries over to the following Monday when he and Jonah are forced to share a squad car together. Jonah puts up with a lot of crap until Mike makes a serious error with someone they pull over on a traffic stop. Jonah grows a backbone and puts Mike in his place - as he should. By the time Jonah's able to do that, Mike has also been put in his place by Gage and Chris, who tell him the real story of why Jonah was transferred. There are apologies and the next day they're back at work together and things are 100% different from just the day before. They start talking (without any animosity this time) and get to know each other. Strike that. They don't just get to know each other - like where are you from? or what are your hobbies? - they discuss their wants, needs as far as sexual partners. This is after Mike is forced to come out to a knowing Jonah, who picked up on Mike being gay almost instantly.

Mike is in the closet, which made no sense to me at all. Okay, maybe it made a little sense because his dad was a homophobe, but at work? With his friends? Most of the police force is gay, with three of them (including Sam, his usual work partner) being his best friends. He's thirty-eight and watching these guys (except Sam.. that happens in book #4) find the love of their lives and he can't even tell them? I get his dad but his closest friends? I didn't get it.

No biggie. Now that Jonah knows it's all good because they can have something together but privately. Jonah's always been out but he's willing to keep their relationship quiet for Mike.

The power exchange between these two guys was interesting. Mike, thirty-eight, is a big bear of a guy who likes being controlled, submissive in bed. Jonah, twenty-four (I think?), is a small man who likes to be in control, dominating in bed. This is perfect for both men, who fall into the major insta-love the other couples in the series have fallen into almost instantly. Everything is going perfectly for Jonah and Mike. They're working well as work partners and are practically living together. The sex is amazing and they've declared their love the second day they were together, I think? I did say insta-love. Everything is good until it's not. There's the 'great misunderstanding' that always seems to happen in books these days. This one involved Sam's psycho sister Meg and a date Mike promised before he and Jonah got together. Thankfully, the big misunderstanding lasted only a couple of pages before it was resolved. There's also Mike's homophobic bastard of a father who shows up unannounced and decides to make some horrible homophobic comments about gay people without knowing that his own son is gay. This is done in front of Jonah, who thankfully puts the old guy in his place. I was also happy with how Mike handled that. He didn't take what his dad said lying down and he damn sure wasn't going to allow Jonah to be hurt because of the sperm donor who helped create him.

Mike's dad came around. That was too convenient and too easy, in my opinion, but it is what it is. I understand the author doesn't like to write a lot of angst or drama so I was able to let the 'they forgave the bastard too easy' go. For the most part anyway.

Something happens later where one of the men gets injured in the line of duty. Mike hasn't come out to his coworkers yet but this forces him too. Of course, they're good with it and why wouldn't they be? They're all gay too. I think the thing that bugged me a little about him not coming out to his friends before then was that once he did, he overshared. There's something about these guys with TMI. Telling Gage and Chris that he's gay and in love with Jonah is one thing, but did he have to tell them that Jonah is his Dom too? Isn't that personal between the two of them? It only applies to how they are in the bedroom. Outside of it, they're equal in every way. When they discussed their relationship early on, this is how they both wanted it. It would be Jonah in control in the bedroom and during all sexual situations but equal partners away from it. If that's the case, why share something that would usually be special and private between him and his partner with everybody else?

There's a bit of spanking, Jonah taking control in bed, and even some handcuffs. Maybe I read too much BDSM. Maybe I know too much about BDSM. I just wasn't really feeling it with these guys. Not that there was anything bad about what was written or how it was written. There wasn't. Maybe it's just me but something seemed off.

One thing I did love about this book was Ty, Gage's man. Ty is so cute, so precious. He's the kind of character you can't help but love. I also love Gage. Chris and Lyle are okay too. The next book is Sam and Jordan's. I believe that will be the final one in the series and that the Paul thing will be resolved once and for all. I already have an opinion about something specific that was mentioned in Mike & Jonah but I'll hold off on sharing it until I read that particular book.

Overall, a nice book. I feel bad when I don't love a book as much as others seem to. This has been me for this book and Chris and Lyle's. Even so, I'm committed to the series and do want to see how it plays out.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I read this book/series a couple of years ago but I never got around to posting a review on any of the series, so here goes. Jayda’s books are always filled with sunshine, sweetness and little to no angst. They just make me smile. I enjoyed this book but I do wish that the book was longer, as their relationship moved at warp speed even for a Jayda Marx book. I thought that Jonah and Mike were a perfect match. They found in each other what they thought that they would never be able to find. Mike is in the closet, both with liking men and also wanting a smaller man to take charge in the bedroom. He believes that his needs are never going to be met. Well that changes when he meets Jonah for the first time. Mike decided to ring Springfield Precinct to enquire about his new temporary partner Jonah who’s transferring from Springfield.

Mike was told a bunch of lies so he judged Jonah before he even met him. Mike was a bit of an a*se towards Jonah. As soon as Chris told Mike what actually happened with Jonah, Mike felt like sh*t. Mike apologised to Jonah about judging him on the lies he was told, before actually even meeting him and seeing how he’s to work with so he could then make up his own mind. I liked that Jonah accepted Mike’s apology. I also loved that Jonah never judged Mike for being in the closet or finding out that he wants to submit. Jonah was just happy to be with Mike, even if they had to keep things on the down low. It was beautiful seeing Mike being able to trust Jonah enough to submit to him, especially after Mike being treated badly by a d*m in the past.

Yes, Mike should’ve used his safe words with the d*m but he felt like he couldn’t so he put up with the pain until the scene finished and never went back to the club. I loved seeing Mike’s dad, who didn’t take to Mike coming out well at all, come to the hospital after he heard Mike over the police scanner about Jonah being sh*t. Mike’s dad could hear how terrified Mike was and it was obvious that he loves Jonah. His dad just wanted to be there for his son, and check if Jonah was okay. Even if he doesn’t really understand Mike’s choices but he loves him and just wants him to be happy. He also wanted to get to know Jonah which is a huge step considering he was an a*sehole toward Mike and Jonah. I’m looking forward to reading the final story next. It’s Sam and Jordan (public defender) for Jonah’s case against Lyle’s ab*sive ex Paul. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had a cute premise and was an insta love, low angst story. Unfortunately, the writing was just not good.

Jonah ❤️ Mike

Both are police officers and meet when Jonah becomes Mike’s temporary partner when his long time partner, Sam, needs surgery.

The tension from…. Yeah, there’s not a lot of tension.

- No third act breakup
- Insta attraction and love
- Jonah is out/gay but Mike is in the closet to all of his friends. He likes smaller guys who like to dominate and he doesn’t think he’ll ever find it. Jonah fits his type perfectly and enjoys being a gentle dom.
- Spice - so much spice ; starts early and continues throughout. Mike wears a collar when they’re together; full consent. No degradation.
- Good communication/Low angst. - These two are beautifully upfront and honest about everything.
- No OM. OW - Sam (Mike’s partner) asks Mike to take his sister on a date bc she’s driving him nuts. He doesn’t want to, but does anyway and the sister kisses him on his porch and Jonah sees it and makes the wrong assumption. It is resolved that same night.
- Third act - there is a shooting in the third act where Jonah is injured. He’s fine and the friends are supportive as they realize that they’re together.
- Homophobia. - Mike’s dad says some terrible things but later comes around.
- Dual POV; HEA; marriage in epilogue.

It bothered me that the author used the last 10% to introduce the next book, but honestly, I was skimming by then anyway, so 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[vrstal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.

This is the third installment in the Arrested Hearts series by Jayda Marx, featuring Jonah and Mike. Jonah is the new police officer in Princeton who is a Dominant and confident younger gay man, and Mike is a closeted older gay man and a secret submissive.

While this does not have my favorite dynamic (I prefer big doms/small submissives), I actually enjoyed this story for a different reason. Marx surprised me with how she handles topics like being closeted while being in a relationship. I love how well it was handled here, and even when there was a hiccup and tense moment, Jonah never ever pushed Mike out of the closet. That was never an expectation. While I can understand why people might think Mike was ridiculous for ignoring the support around him, internalized homophobia and fear of his parent’s reaction was totally justified. While I would’ve been fine if he hadn’t reconciled with his father, I also understand why he told that story.

Along with the event around 70% which talks about how our life changes from such shifts but it’s not the end, I liked how sweet this was and it is honestly one of the slowest paced Marx books I’ve ever read. The “I love yous” came early as usual, as did exclusivity, but moving in and proposals came much later in the book.

All in all, I enjoyed this. I plan to finish this series!

[Nanadeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better.

I had a few problems with Book 2, but this was so much better. Again with the almost insta-love, but this time it started with big, growly Mike jumping to a few untruths about his new, temporary, partner Jonah. I didn't understand why the whole group wasn't told all Lyle's problems from the start but that was the author's choice. Anyway, Jonah was young but very mature, driven, fair, and forgiving so he handled Mike with grace after Mike's apology. Even though older Mike has the typical huge alpha physique, I could totally see him as a sub in the bedroom, and younger Jonah as a stern but loving dom, so these two came across a believable couple despite the 14 year age difference. It's great that we're along for the ride and seeing the guys finding their soulmates but I feel bad for loyal, cop buddy, Becky. The only single person and the only woman in their cop buddies' group once Sam gets his story. I hope she gets a book too eventually, or even a novella would satisfy me I think. Can't wait for Book 4- Sam and Jordan. Jordan sounds very young, and new to the bar and law so I'm curious to learn his story and see how he handles the huge law suit.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming out and finding his Dom

I think that one of the things I love most about these books is that they feel real. The characters go through trials and hardship and yet retain a sense of hopefulness and optimism. It's easy to understand and empathize with them because it's relatable. I felt so much for Mike, having been raised in such a toxic masculinity environment. It's hard to break free from parental expectations and to realize that you deserve to be happy. Jonah was the perfect compliment to Mike. He, too, came from a rough background, but whereas Mike let it stifle and suffocate who he was, Jonah used his pain to shape himself into a stronger person and eventually a Dom. I loved the size and age difference in a reverse way - in that, Jonah was the Dom and generally more dominant personality, while Mike, as the older and physically larger man, was the sub. I loved seeing all the gang from previous books and how their stories continued in the background. Can't wait for the next book and I'll be rather sad to say goodbye to this eclectic group of friends and found family! Very good read!

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike trusts his police partner Sam Miller with his life so he is not thrilled when he has to take six weeks off sick. He canned the original precinct for his new partner Jonah in Springfield and they seems to be a troublemaker and untrustworthy even though when he sees him he is the most gorgeous man he has ever seen. Jonah transferred to Princeton after a fellow officer attacked him. He has friends in Princeton so he feels welcome and safe but his temporary partner Mike is gorgeous but gives him the cold shoulder and no respect. Jonah sees secrets in Mike's eyes that he wants to unlock. Maybe it will be the beginning of a beautiful partnership that extends beyond the badge.

I enjoyed this story with the initial caution from Mike based on lies and how Jonah was able to bring him around. I loved the way that the secret was revealed and their love developed. The attack was very dramatic and I liked the way that Mike refused point blank to leave Jonah's side even though that revealed his secret to the others. I loved the ending. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM book with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic,

[Blake Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too confrontational.

This book had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the other did not take it where they could have in this book. I am familiar with this author, so I knew going in that it would be low angst and more fluffy than a traditional romance. However, the author wrote the characters so anti confrontational that it pulled you out of the story (to roll your eyes), completely unbelievable, and honestly way too easy to guess each scene. I mean, for crying out loud, the main characters are freaking cops yet have no backbone?! And the big misinterpreting scene in the middle was honestly dumb. I get that Mike is in the closet and in the DL, but in what world would your boyfriend push you on a date with a woman just to help a friend?! That was so unbelievable and uncharacteristic for that type of man that I just quit reading around 50%..... honestly, I was shocked at how poorly the characters were thought out.

[Romance Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series! I loved Mike and Jonah's relationship. They found in each other what they thought they'd never have. Jonah was patient and understanding with Mike's concerns about coming out. Even though many of his friends were gay (and cops), everyone has their own fears and need to tell their truth in their own time. Mike's upbringing and his interests gave him pause about coming out and I think the book did a great job showing the emotions he went through. Mike and Jonah were perfectly matched and HOT together. Also, I loved reading about their friends and the great things going on in their lives. This book was funny, sexy, touching and exciting. I can't wait for the next one!

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I think is my favourite so far..Mike is in the closet..not just for being gay but being submissive too..The big burly cop loves to be dominated...Jonah is new at the station and we met him in book 2 and I knew I was going to like him...They both fit together so well...Mike loves his guys smaller than him but dominating and Jonah fits the bill..They are both great together and I can't wait for Sam's book x

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn t get over the fact that one of the MC although surrounded by amazingly supportive friends, all gay, half of them cops was afraid to come out of the closet😂 I ve never read a more ridiculous situation. He had nothing but support around him and yet he was ashamed to come out. I haven t read the rest of the books but after this I won t be going back to those😀

[Jennag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike an Jonah are a hoot, just like the first 2 books in this series. The attractions and love between the two are racer fast, their family stories endearing, and believable. With the support of characters from the first two books, this makes for a heartfelt read and fun.
It's refreshing to read a story were the angst is short and the misunderstandings resolved fast.

[SophiaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3.5 **

Very sweet story. As per usual and as expected one has to take police procesures etc. with a grain of salt but as the main focus is on the couple it really doesn't matter IMHO. I am usually not a fan of BDSM, it's just not my kink and doesn't really do anything for me but it was really light and didn't play a massiv role so I could enjoy the story all in all.

[Rachel Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Cops One Love

Officer Mike was in the closet, but when Officer Jonah showed up to be his partner for the six weeks that Sam was out, things started to change. Mike was bigger, but he was looking for a man smaller than him, and someone who was a Dom and Jonah fit both of those requirements.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these 4 stories of the Arrested Hearts series. The characters are all great, well written characters and entertaining.
Yes they are Fluffy and mostly insta love, feels good, fluffy feels, fluffy love, But sometimes you just need that.
Enjoyable and Entertaining. Recommend.

[Fangirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and just as good as the first two. I just love this group of friends and how each of them find love. I also appreciate, that the dynamic is so different between each couple.

[Meghan_Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

I absolutely love this series! I love that this has a little bit of BDSM in it, makes it that much more fun to read!

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and sweet.