Counterblow (Shatterproof Bond #4) by Isobel Starling

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Blurb

Set after "Return to Zero" (Shatterproof Bond book #3)

After the devastating events in the Scottish Highlands, Sam and Declan have moved on to a new, deeper level in their romance. Their commitment to each other is unquestionable; however, there are plenty of questions that need answering about other aspects of their lives, and those who sought to end them.

Sam is trying his best to deal with the day to day frustrations of his injuries. He’s completely dependant on Declan for everything, and hates the way the scales have tipped in their relationship. Although he’s officially on leave, Sam’s mind cannot stop replaying all that happened to him and questioning why, and who is behind it all.

Declan’s relief at having Sam home throws him into house-husband mode. He’s happy to take the reins and care for his partner, however, beneath the surface Declan cannot help but be drawn back to how he felt in the Highlands, and how they were betrayed by a man who was supposed to have their back. Declan had promised Sir James Aiken that he would pay if he hurt Sam, and now Declan has to decide how he can deliver his payback and put his and Sam’s world back on an even keel.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Declan and Sam continue to delight in Counterblow, the fourth book in Isobel Starling's Shatterproof Bond series. 

Now engaged, these two are hysterical as well as charming. I absolutely adore Sam and Declan as a couple. And of course, they continue to face their fair share of danger. Sam's father continues to be completely vile and my anger towards him continues to rise.

As for their vows, well, let's just say that is one of the best scenes ever! This alone makes this book a definite re-read. 

As for Isobel Starling, I am beyond impressed with her writing. This series is a definite winner, the perfect combo of action, snark, and romance. I need to check out the rest of her books. If they're anything like these books, I am all in. 

Return to Zero (Shatterproof Bond #3) by Isobel Starling

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Blurb

The thrilling sequel to "Illuminate the Shadows"

Pulled into a world of secrets and lies for the man he loves, Declan Ramsay’s life has changed immeasurably in the eight months since meeting, and falling for his boss’s son, Sam Aiken. Declan journey of personal discovery is about to take a darker turn, and for Sam, the world becomes more treacherous than he could ever have imagined.
Two agents are missing -- presumed dead, while on a reconnaissance mission at an outdoor adventure centre in the Scottish Highlands. Sir James Aiken sends his son and Declan to follow the trail, and discover the fate of the agents.
As the mission offers his first chance to use the skills he learned on the MI6 training course in Morocco, Declan is keen to get started. However, Sir James sees to it that the seeds of doubt and discord have been sewn between the couple, as they begin their mission.
The journey to their Highland location, and the discoveries they make when they reach the G’wan Adventures centre, prove that Sir James Aiken has been less than honest with his son. Events in the Highlands force Sam and Declan to face their greatest fears, and understand what they both really want from life -- and from each other.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Isobel Starling's Shatterproof Bond series continues with the third book, Return To Zero. Full of twists and turns, this action/romance is loaded with danger and a whole lot of suspense. 

The author once again impresses with the fast paced writing, fun characters, and hot sex. And, damn, again, there's a while lot of humor woven in among the angst. This series is awesome and I am thrilled to have finally discovered it. 

In Return to Zero, things are getting more serious, as Declan is now fully working for Sam's father. Along with the serious situations they find themselves in, they also have people working against them. But throughout it all, they remain a fantastic couple and keep me riveted throughout.

Illuminate the Shadows (Shatterproof Bond #2) by Isobel Starling

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Blurb

The thrilling, funny sequel to 'As You Wish'.

A Scotsman and an Englishman fall in love…

After the most amazing week of Declan Ramsay's life, at Dunloch Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, in Scotland. The charming, mysterious Samuel Aiken has turned Declan's life upside down. Declan has experienced a remarkable change. He has come to terms with the fact he is bisexual, and he has fallen head-over-heels in love with his boss’s son Sam.
However, falling for his boss’s son was never going to be an easy path to happiness, mainly because the boss in question is multi-millionaire property tycoon and former MI5 operative, Sir James Aiken.
Sir James is repulsed by his son’s homosexuality, and so discovering that his employee Declan Ramsay- the man he installed to run his luxury property rental empire- is in a relationship with Sam, does not go down well.
The lovers cannot hide from the looming presence of Sir James Aiken for long! Soon enough James makes his move, and Declan finds out what he will have to endure to stay with Sam, and what he will have to give to feel worthy of Sam's love.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Illuminate the Shadows is a great follow up to Isobel Starling's As You Wish.

Now together, Sam has dragged Declan into the life he himself never wanted. Cue the action and suspense. Sam's dad is ruthless, putting Sam and Declan's relationship in danger. 

Declan's interregation brings to light so new information. Declan's past accidents are actually hysterical, and further endear me to this Scottish man.

Their relationship involves homophobia, fear, danger, and attacks. They have to deal with insecurities and doubts. And they share plenty of dirty talk and steamy moments.

Illuminate the Shadows is a great combination of action, suspense, humor, sex, and family issues. Isobel Starling excels in combining this thriller with beautiful romance. So far, this series is an absolute delight.

As You Wish (Shatterproof Bond #1) by Isobel Starling

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Blurb

One wedding, two best men, one hell of a love story!

Declan Ramsay's brother Oliver was marrying Annabelle Aiken at a fairy tale castle on the banks of Loch Ness in Scotland. The bride and groom decided, so that he didn't feel left out, that Annabelle's gay younger brother could share the best man duties with Declan.

Declan had never met the kid who was to be his joint best man. Sam Aiken was abroad, working as an interpreter and finishing his studies. He wouldn't meet Declan until a few days before the wedding, so the best men communicated and planned their speech by email for more than a year. But on meeting Sam Aiken, Declan is surprised to realize the kid isn't a kid at all, but a tall, blond and athletic young man. Declan is sure he's straight, so he's alarmed by the ferocious attraction he feels for Sam. And as the attraction is reciprocated, the events at Dunloch Castle change everything Declan has ever believed about himself. But, is Samuel Aiken all that he appears to be?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Isobel Starling's As You Wish, is the first book in her Shatterproof Bond series. I love this GFY book.

Sam and Declan meet when they're in a wedding together. They definitely didn't start of as friends, but soon they're in bed together. They make a great couple, full of banter and sweet common interests. They're just perfect together, as friends and lovers. The first time gay sex moments are fantastic. 

The writing's phenomenal with a compelling storyline, wonderful characters, and so much humor. It's an absolute delight to read some of funny moments, as they're downright hysterical.

Their relationship is impeded by homophobia and a controlling father, making for some good angst.

Overall, As You Wish is a wonderful tale of meeting a man you just can't resist, 
who isn't free to be in a relationship. It's a story of falling so deeply in love that you'll keep faith and keep waiting. Isobel Starling excels in this beautiful story of choosing love.