Shatterproof Bond Series Boxset

Shatterproof Bond #1-3

by Isobel Starling

Now available in a handy, cost effective box set, the Shatterproof Bond series will clutch at your heart and leave you aching for more. Come along on a thrlling, adventure with Scotsman Declan Ramsay and Englishman Sam Aiken featuring soaring M/M romance, love, laughter and sizzling lovemaking .
Sam and Declan meet at their siblings Scottish castle wedding during novel # 1 "As You Wish".
The couple's relationship deepens in novel #2 "Illuminate the Shadows"and as they get to know one another the true nature of the Aiken family business is revealed.
Novel #3 "Return to Zero" see's Sam and Declan up to their necks in trouble in the Scottish Highlands, and Declan has to dig deep to save the man he loves.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Action

461 pages, ebook

First published June 6, 2016

About the author

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF GAY ROMANCE.

Born in Germany, Isobel Starling spent most of her twenty-year professional career making art in Ireland. Now she writes full-time and runs her publishing company, Decent Fellows Press.

The Shatterproof Bond series is Gay Romance bestseller in the US, Germany and France. It is also a bestseller in audiobook format, narrated by Gary Furlong

Isobel is currently working on "The Dark Harvest", (The Quiet Work #2) The follow up to her successful Fantasy novel "Apple Boy"

When that book is done Isobel will be working on "Infernal Vices" book #3 of the Resurrectionist Historical MM series, and then "The Rebel Candidate " Book #6 in the Shatterproof Bond series.

Reviews

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As You Wish
I adored the Princess Bride references. I enjoyed Sam and Declan’s new romance. Gary Furlong’s narration is fab, handling the Scottish and English and other bits with aplomb. Best set of references to the book and movie The Princess Bride ever!

Illuminate the Shadows
Not sure I buy the super-secret spy stuff. Wish that Sam’s dad wasn’t an evil villain. The ‘interview’ was a bit over-the-top. But Garry Furlong’s narration is amazing, so I’ve decided to just go with it.

Return to Zero
A horrible start to Declan’s spy career. There is a lot of action, mostly set in the Scottish highlands, and lots of excitement. Declan saves Sam’s life multiple times, and it is heart-stopping to see their love and the lengths they go to for each other.

Bought from audible.

[Cindra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three book box-set. Have to go with an average of 3 stars. The story was good, liked the characters, a bit insta-love-y. But that was okay, as the characters had been in email contact for nearly a year before meeting face-to-face. One thing that detracted from the story was the lack of thorough editing. I always feel uneasy mentioning anything to do with punctuation and grammatical errors. But there were so many--lots of problems with apostrophes in the proper places, and several instances of incorrect words. For example--child protege' instead of child prodigy; there were many other "not-so-interchangeable" word errors. But overall I enjoyed the building suspense, and some of the elements of surprise that were gradually brought to light. The plot hooked me enough to want to read the upcoming installments in the series.

***I just want to say that I am always in awe of authors and their ability to put ideas into written words, even if there are editing errors. It takes guts to put yourself out there, knowing that there is no way to please everyone, and being aware of the fact that proof-readers and beta readers are not a guarantee that your "baby" will be perfect.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.5 rounded up**

[E.A.B. E.A.B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

The Shatterproof Bond series follows Declean and Sam, two men who met through emails and then formed a very sketchy hookup turned lovers. The whole premise is very much questionable, since we really didn't get to see any real development in their relationship. We're told they have developed these feelings, but we don't really see it, and so, we're left with a very loose, albeit entertaining, instalove.

The first book was the best out of the three in my opinion, but that didn't say much for me. Declean is a very confusing character. His switch to men was not only jarring, it was just plain unbelievable. I questioned his motivation for deciding to be with a man, simply because, "it never felt right with a woman." But he DOES find women attractive, and this isn't an OFY. This a pure GFY, which is always vexing. Anyway, they "fall in love" and all is well. Except it isn't, because Sam's daddy, Declean's boss, is the head of some super Intel spy galactic unit called A.L.L. This was a subplot that just didn't work for me at all. And I was left rolling my eyes at the absurdity of it in book two and three.

The biggest problem with this book for me was the writing. The POV switches. Every. Other. Sentence. I don't know who's talking and after a while I just stopped caring. It made it really hard to get into the characters heads. In addition to that, there was so much telling that whatever development there was, was told to us instead of shown.

I did like Declean's accent. I thought it was cute. I also liked the sex scenes, although I questioned some of the things both characters thought and said regarding gay relationships, sex, and women.

All in all, I didn't enjoy this one, almost to the point of DNF, but after reading other reviews perhaps it was my own peeves. I really don't like when there's so much head hopping and I can't stand GFY. So there it is.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this boxset free by the author in return for an unbiased review.
I had read book 2 as a previous DBML so it was good to be able to read the beginning of the story as I did feel whilst reading first time that I had missed something.
The story starts with Declan and Sam going to Edinburgh to be the best men at their borthwr and sister's wedding.
Sam is an out gay man but Declan believes he is straight hiwever he is attracted to Sam and they start a relationship.
Sam works for his father and book 1 ends with him going on an assignment.
Declan is then drawn into Sams world and sent for training. The last book focuses on the guys first mission together in Scotland.

I enjoyed this set of books. I really warmed to both Sam and Declan and their double lives.
The only negative for me was that the author has written Declans dialogue in the scottish way and that tended to take me out of the story.
The mystery in the final book was good if the ending was a little damp with the bad guy giving himself up. I guess it has been set up for further books which I will definitely be reading.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finished the first story but could not go on. poorly written and boring. just no.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a thrilling and tense series that the author pulled together for us readers. Sam is a young spy who has been involved with his dad's business since he was seventeen. a protege' with a gift for languages, he was already at university by the age of fourteen. Now a seasoned spy at the age of twenty-three, he is unable to live his own life because of his controlling father. He meets Declan at the wedding of his sister as they share the roles of best men as the groom is Declan's brother. Declan is straight and Sam is gay...much to his homophobic father's dislike. They accidentally meet at the airport when they trip over each other. They soon succumb to the magnetic pull for each other and a friendship and love affair starts up that is all consuming. There is tons of hot gay sex, first gay sex, love, light BDMS, danger, secrets, stalking, a dangerous jerk of a father, being controlled, spy stuff, life threatening events that drag you deep into the story. I am now going to my KU site to get the fourth book in this series. I just have to read the ending. Have a great read folks!

[Mary Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a simple, scorching hot love story. It wasn't the most realistic book and I had o problem with leaving it for days, but it is still easy, enjoyable read. It's perfect for long, lazy summer days.

MCs were likable and chemistry between them was good. I wish there was more character development and even more I wish there was some hanging out before "I love Yous". It is kind of a lust at first sight kind of a story that very fast turned into love story.

There was sex and sex and sex and then some more sex.
I have nothing against sexy times, I love well written m/m action but enough is enough. It was too much for me and after a while I started skipping it. The second book is like one long sex scene to be honest, the third one (and the last one in this box set) was my favorite - finally there was some plot apart from constant make out sessions.

I recommend this series for everyone who needs some fast, easy read with a hot love story connected with spies and crime.

[BeckieLouLou · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Audiobook. Finished series, 6 books, first three books end on a HFN and you could stop there and be pretty satisfied. Finishing the series completes all the loose ends with the drama and angst outside of the relationship. Couple is pretty solid once together and give us a great us-against-the-world story. Sweet and sexy, bedroom scenes are frequent as just about everything gets these guys going. Action, spy-games, under cover ops and machinations aplenty. Should be read close together as there are quite a few characters and some come back into the picture during the plot-twist moments. If too much time lapses between reads, you may not recall who is who and loose some of the shock and drama of the moment. Characters are like-able and there are tons of quotes and references to A Princess Bride.

HEA, m/m, spy, age gap.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit funky, but fun

It’s not obvious in book one but the 007-ish mercenaries storyline gets going in book two and the big suspense plot fills book 3. Goes from ordinary guys, one gay, one straight and experiencing a bisexual awakening, to secret agents having mildly kinky sex. Some interesting characters, not always consistent as they evolve and the dad is a homophobic cartoon villain at times. Events become OTT but avoid becoming too absurd. Needs some better editing, too many apostrophes, commas and incorrect choices of homophones; not terrible but annoyed me a bit. Mostly entertaining and engaging in spite of flaws.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatterproof Bonds series 1-5 and Top Hat, the prequel by Isobel Starling
Isobel Starling’s series forced me to read compulsively until I finished all the available books. I hope there will be more to come. I adored the author’s More Heat Than the Sun series so when I found this one, I snatched up all the books! Sam lives his life on the cutting edge of espionage where nothing is as it seems—not even family and other close relationships. He trusts no one. Declan lives an apparently staid existence and seems content with his grumpy businessman persona. But together they are more than a match for a dangerous world!

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This boxset is great. The first three books in the series. How Declan and Sam meet up to Declan joining the agency. Lots of drama with Sam's dad and of course someone from the past trying to get Sam. Great mystery along with a love story.

[Daniel Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read....

This series has everything! Love, intrigue, spy adventures,cans chats gets you love and characters you love to hate! A brilliant entertaining read.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reads. Best if read in series sequence

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started out as an exchange of emails for an upcoming family wedding, initially turned out be a nice guy meeting an ah0le , but soon became 2 guys building something special in unusual circumstances with very unusual consequences. Some hot and heavy horizontal action, soon led to a meeting of the minds and an introduction to the "family business". Declan got a serious wake up call when Sam was abducted by a psychopath and life hung in the balance. Good start to a promising series

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This boxset has been given to me free by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This three book set chronicles the growth and development of the personal and professional relationship of the two main characters Declan and Sam. These two men are initially thrown together as they serve as best men in the nuptials between Declan’s brother and Sam’s sister. They communicate extensively by email as they are geographically in separate areas of the country. Through their communications a relationship develops. Ironically, the first time they meet in person is disastrous. Their electronic history and their best men duties provide the fodder for the beginning development of a loving relationship. The second tie that binds is the fact they work for the same company. In a plot twist, Sam’s father, the owner of the company interferes. As time passes the involvement of Declan and Sam in a covert world puts their relationship to the ultimate life threatening test.

I enjoyed this series and in fact am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It is well written. The development of the characters as individuals and as a couple is well done without being overworked.

I personally found it fortuitous that this series was sent to me as a boxed set. The first two books in the series could have easily been one book as book two clearly continued and concluded the story introduced in book one. Book three is well written as a sequel to the first two books, and leaves enough of a built interest to make the reader look forward to the upcoming 4th book in the series. For this reason, I give the series as written an overall rating of 4 stars and recommend the book to anyone who likes a little action with their romance.

[Kim Smikle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars (rounded up) Average Rating

* A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. *

This boxset contains book 1 to 3 of the Shatterproof bond series.

I had read book 1 of the series months ago and was really excited to read the next ones in the series. For me the best book in the series was book 1 and I had just as much fun reading it the second time as I did the first time. Book 1 focuses solidly on Declan and Sam meeting and the interest they develop during their time as best men in the wedding of their siblings. The little glimpses into Sams relationship with his father was interesting and something I was looking forward to seeing as more was reveals. Then Book 2 picks up exactly where 1 left off and it's a really quick read on Declan's initiation into the life of secret agent. And then book 3 focuses on Sam's and Declan's first mission together.

I liked this story a lot because Declan and Sam where good together as a couple. I felt like the love story between them was real and with a lot of the stories i've read recently I haven't been getting that. Especially one where it's a first time gay story. Even tho Sam was Declan's first boyfriend I never at anytime felt like the relationship was forced, it just flowed so easily. I also liked Declan's progress as a character. I loved the way he was written and the way he talked and looks in a kilt. (lol - visualize)
Overall it's a great read and I would recommend to anyone who likes a little action and intrigue in their books.

[Ravin 104 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spy thriller m/m romance thumbs up!

I throughly enjoyed this box set! The chemistry between Sam and Declan is spectacular, and the story has enough going on that its easy to be drawn into what's happening. There's also a lot of twists I didn't see coming, which is unusual because I'm pretty good at figuring out what comes next. Shatterproof bond series was not just a tired shampoo rinse repeat type novel, so I'm very happy with what I read. I'll definitely be checking out the next books to come!

If I had to say something bad (and some people might find it a good thing because it adds tension), I absolutely despise Sam's dad. I want Sam to stand up for himself, or better yet, for Declan DECK HIM! I understand he's the boss, but he's supposed to be a father too. And he's not. He's a bully and a jerk and I hate hate hate duplicitous people! (To steal Declan's word for him) I'd love to see him put in his place or for him to show even the smallest modicum of love or respect for his awesome son. Something I hope happens in one of the next novels!

Oh, also, all three books together are about the length of a normal novel, so you need to read all three to get a conclusive plot line.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars for the 1st book in this series. The first book is about the 2 MC's, Declan and Sam, meaning as the two best men at their siblings wedding. The two had been corresponding by email for a while, and while they both liked each other by mail, their first meeting did not go well. After a rocky start and Straight Declan changing his ways, they fell in love. Sams job interferes big time and difficulties lead us into the 2nd book. This was a fun read and had a great flow. But really books one and two need to be read together.

3 stars for the second book. This is really about solving the difficulty at the end of book one. Not much else happens.

3 stars for book. Sam and Declan are on a mission to find out what has happened to a couple of missing agents. All I can say is it doesn't seem like Declan has learned anything in book two. The last quarter of this book moves at a good pace and delivers good story.

Each books blurbs are true to what is happening. Books two and three are slower at moving along the story. A nice read.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free copy of the boxset was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Overall this is a really nice journey, it has it all. It is light hearted and fun, it has action and suspense (and the ridiculous - do not read these books thinking they have any base in reality) and there are serious moments in there as well. We start off by meeting and getting to know Sam and Declan in the first book when they meet for the first time and subsequently fall in love. Their relationship continues to grow with the second book, with some twists and curve balls (read kidnapping) thrown in as well as some family drama. (I do feel like the first two books should only be just one, they are that intertwined and it makes sense to read them together). The relationship between Sam and Declan is then put to the test in book three when they are (finally according to Declan) going on their first mission together. But things aren’t always what they seem….. (read Sam’s dad conspiring - again).

Reading these books is a great and fun way to escape into the highlands and get away from reality for a while.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed these three books, Isobel crafts deliciously complex stories, complete with dark and manipulative undertones. Sam's father is so despicable, I wanted to throttle him. Strong writing, action packed with twists and turns that lead the reader on an amazing ride. I loved Sam and Declan the chemistry between them so sexy and kept me captivated with witty dialogue. I liked the way book three ended, not saying anything about it, you will have to buy this boxset to find out. I can honestly say I recommend these books.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Declan and Sam's story. The chemistry worked we'll between them with an interesting storyline. The only thing that I didn't like was Declans accent, it take the edge of my enjoyment. Declan and Sam have been communicating via email about their siblings wedding and hit of really well, their first actually meeting not so much. It`s funny, sweet and you just know that something is going on under the surface.
Sam`s father, Sir James Aiken, multi-millionaire property tycoon and former MI5 operative does not approve of his son being gay not to mention dating one of his employees. There`s always just one more job before Sam can leave throw Declan into the mix and Sir James isn`t going to make it easy. Secrets, lies and intrigue can Sam and Declan stay together or will a ghost from the past rip them apart. Grammar and punctuation could do with some work but the story is sound and likable characters.

[Martyn Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy times with two well-built men having lots of adventures and an HEA!

The first book in the SHATTERPROOF BOX SET was AS YOU WISH (SHATTERPROOF BOND # 1.) It was light-hearted, whimsical, and very hot! I adored it!

I was eager to read the next two books (ILLUMINATE THE SHADOWS # 2 and RETURN TO ZERO # 3.) Unfortunately, spy stories turn me off so I didn't enjoy them as much. The good thing is though, Isabel Starling is a fantastic author and I am very invested in her characters, Sam and Declan. I can't get enough of them so I will definitely be picking up the next books COUNTERBLOW # 3.5 and POWDER BURNS # 4.) I need to find out how their love story continues.

I also need to find out if Sir James gets his comeuppance. He is a piece of work! He's most likely a psychopath. He has no empathy for anyone even when his son is affected. What a great villain - the kind you love to hate!

Ms. Starling's descriptions of the scenery are very vivid and I could picture the beauty of the highlands, Declan's apartment and James' mansion in London, and the castle in Scotland. I appreciate the detail she depicts in her characters and their surroundings. She's a gifted wordsmith!

Throughout the three books, the love scenes are plentiful and detailed - just the way I like them! There was some cursing when it was warranted but it wasn't overwhelming. If you don't enjoy hearing about sexy times with two well-built men having lots of adventures and an HEA, pick another book.

[Paisleyrowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series ive read at least once before, and i keep coming back to it. It has heat and sweetness, danger and anger, and a bad guy you can really scowl at. Hard. And mean. And then simper with joy at the lovebirds he detests. Ha!
This is the type of series that has you backtalking the characters. Out loud. And only being embarassed that they ignored you. It fills you up until you're bubbly with the feels it pulls from within you.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazingly sweet... funny... annoying.. entertaining.. and lovely all at one time.. the characters made me mad.. they made me happy.. they loved.. they hated.. they were happy and mad.. it was wonderfully written and just so much fun to read. i am glad i got to review it