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Shatterproof Bond #0.5
Top Hat
Now available as an audiobook, narrated by Gary Furlong
Child protégé Sam Aiken is the youngest student studying Linguistics at Oxford University. Frustratingly, being so young means Sam doesn’t get to enjoy student life in the same way the older students do.
He is obsessed with his studies and close to graduation, but when Sam’s elderly Master, Professor Alfred Moxley dies suddenly, Sam finds the replacement professor brought in to get him and his classmates through their last few months of study, to be more than a little distracting. Dr. Alexander Deveraux becomes Sam's new obsession, and he wants to learn more from the young, brilliant, queer professor than just Linguistics!
Child protégé Sam Aiken is the youngest student studying Linguistics at Oxford University. Frustratingly, being so young means Sam doesn’t get to enjoy student life in the same way the older students do.
He is obsessed with his studies and close to graduation, but when Sam’s elderly Master, Professor Alfred Moxley dies suddenly, Sam finds the replacement professor brought in to get him and his classmates through their last few months of study, to be more than a little distracting. Dr. Alexander Deveraux becomes Sam's new obsession, and he wants to learn more from the young, brilliant, queer professor than just Linguistics!
ebook
First published July 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Starling
67 books235 followersAWARD 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 5, 2019
SUMPTUOUS!! ❤️❤️❤️
Isobel Starling + Gary Furlong = Ecstasy!!!
This was a tasty short that started out with a bang! And a top hat! 🔥🔥
We meet young Sam in this third year at Oxford as he becomes infatuated with his new, young tutor, Alexander.
For those of you that have read the ready of the Shatterproof Bond series, this is a MUST! I loved getting to know Sam before he became the secretive man we meet later on.
Alexander also intrigued me because he’s been mentioned a few times in the other books and I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him!
So, get your voicegasm on listening to Gary Furlong narrate Isobel’s delicious writing!!
Isobel Starling + Gary Furlong = Ecstasy!!!
This was a tasty short that started out with a bang! And a top hat! 🔥🔥
We meet young Sam in this third year at Oxford as he becomes infatuated with his new, young tutor, Alexander.
For those of you that have read the ready of the Shatterproof Bond series, this is a MUST! I loved getting to know Sam before he became the secretive man we meet later on.
Alexander also intrigued me because he’s been mentioned a few times in the other books and I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him!
So, get your voicegasm on listening to Gary Furlong narrate Isobel’s delicious writing!!
December 17, 2024
This was a nice surprice! Have read most of this authors books but for some reason not this one. Involves a young Sam Aiken, Alexander Deveraux and a top hat. I love Sam and Declan but this was an excellent read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 14, 2018
Wow, excellent. Isobel Starling sure can set up a story!
Definitely don't do this one before you read at least the first book in the Shatterproof Bond series. While you could enjoy this as a standalone, you'll appreciate it much more after you get to know Sam *smirk*.
Also, audiobook fans - this series is a must because Gary Furlong brings it to life in the most gorgeous way possible. Hot damn, his voice is perfection !!!
Definitely don't do this one before you read at least the first book in the Shatterproof Bond series. While you could enjoy this as a standalone, you'll appreciate it much more after you get to know Sam *smirk*.
Also, audiobook fans - this series is a must because Gary Furlong brings it to life in the most gorgeous way possible. Hot damn, his voice is perfection !!!
April 22, 2020
3.5
Voto: 3.5 stelle
Non avendo ancora letto la serie principale, ho pensato di partire da questo prequel e poi farlo con ordine.
Devo dire che è stata una lettura carina, anche se molto breve. Ho un debole per le relazioni tormentare docente-discente ed è esattamente quello che capita qui: l’alunno prodigio che, appena diciassettenne, sta per laurearsi, e il giovane professore supplente, altrettanto prodigio, che ha un’affinità con lui e un’attrazione pericolosa che nessuno dei due riesce a soffocare.
Complice una lezione di Pole fitness, i due hanno modo di invertire i ruoli e abbattere le barriere che si sono imposti.
Non so se è solo una mia impressione, ma ammetto che all’inizio il registro linguistico mi aveva un po’ ingannato, perché sembrava quasi raccontare di un’epoca passata, ma ben presto ho capito che la vicenda scorre ai giorni nostri.
Il libro si legge in un soffio e Alex e Sam sono molto carini assieme. Non so se li rivedrò come coppia in futuro, ma intanto – se cercate una storia corta ma piacevole – vi consiglio di leggere questa.
Voto: 3.5 stelle
Non avendo ancora letto la serie principale, ho pensato di partire da questo prequel e poi farlo con ordine.
Devo dire che è stata una lettura carina, anche se molto breve. Ho un debole per le relazioni tormentare docente-discente ed è esattamente quello che capita qui: l’alunno prodigio che, appena diciassettenne, sta per laurearsi, e il giovane professore supplente, altrettanto prodigio, che ha un’affinità con lui e un’attrazione pericolosa che nessuno dei due riesce a soffocare.
Complice una lezione di Pole fitness, i due hanno modo di invertire i ruoli e abbattere le barriere che si sono imposti.
Non so se è solo una mia impressione, ma ammetto che all’inizio il registro linguistico mi aveva un po’ ingannato, perché sembrava quasi raccontare di un’epoca passata, ma ben presto ho capito che la vicenda scorre ai giorni nostri.
Il libro si legge in un soffio e Alex e Sam sono molto carini assieme. Non so se li rivedrò come coppia in futuro, ma intanto – se cercate una storia corta ma piacevole – vi consiglio di leggere questa.
May 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
I should have read the reviews that said to tackle this one once I've read/listened to at least the first installment...because now that I've also listened to the next one, I'm a little disappointed that Alex isn't the continued love interest.
Only, not really because I really liked Declan. So, yeah. A cute and sexy story of an entirely too precocious 16 year old Sam seducing his (age appropriate) professor...but I'm not sure how it ties into the rest of the series.
I should have read the reviews that said to tackle this one once I've read/listened to at least the first installment...because now that I've also listened to the next one, I'm a little disappointed that Alex isn't the continued love interest.
Only, not really because I really liked Declan. So, yeah. A cute and sexy story of an entirely too precocious 16 year old Sam seducing his (age appropriate) professor...but I'm not sure how it ties into the rest of the series.
May 4, 2024
I'm intrigued!
October 18, 2018
I came across this series after Ms. Starling offered codes to the first book, As You Wish, in an audiobook group I'm in on FB. I really enjoyed that book and wanted to read more in the series so off to Amazon I went. I was surprised to find this little "prequel" about Sam, pre-wedding and his meeting Declan.
It was a cute, quick, peek into Sam and his life in college. We get a glimpse into the sweet, easy-going, fun Sam, and an idea of what he has to deal with when it comes to his father. I would have liked a bit more when it came to that aspect of his life, but I think we'll see more of that the further along I get into the series.
***Borrowed through KU.
July 7, 2019
UPDATE : Audio and Ebook review
It was love at first listen.
I am head over heels , captivated by Alex and Sam and am looking forward listening their story in the following books of the series.
This is a novella that sets the mood and introduces what I imagine are the two heroes of the Shatterproof Bond.
I just read , that Isobel Starling suggested that this tale should be listen after book 3 , as it will make more sense. Guess, I will be coming back and re-listen Top Hat
Gary Furlong as the narrator was superb. So happy , he is the voice actor for the entire series.
🎧 AudioCodes😍 #LiveLove&ListenAudioBooks😜😊😁
.Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-24-19
It was love at first listen.
I am head over heels , captivated by Alex and Sam and am looking forward listening their story in the following books of the series.
This is a novella that sets the mood and introduces what I imagine are the two heroes of the Shatterproof Bond.
I just read , that Isobel Starling suggested that this tale should be listen after book 3 , as it will make more sense. Guess, I will be coming back and re-listen Top Hat
Gary Furlong as the narrator was superb. So happy , he is the voice actor for the entire series.
🎧 AudioCodes😍 #LiveLove&ListenAudioBooks😜😊😁
March 8, 2021
In all honestly, if I had read the content warning about this - I probably wouldn't have read it. For whatever reason, when you open a book via Kindle, it automatically plops you at the beginning of the story (skipping the cover, title page, any author notes, TOC, etc.). So, until I finished and went back to look at something, I didn't see the author's note that the story is about an affair between a Professor & a 16yo student. (16 is legal age of consent in the UK.) Generally, that type of power imbalance with a young person doesn't usually work for me.
That said, I'm glad I missed the warning. Because between Starling's writing, Sam's obvious maturity, Alex's own younger age and initial misgivings, and the fact that the sex wasn't overly explicit - this was a delightful novella. Sam is wonderfully cheery, adorkable, and I'm looking forward to following him in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Update: I've now had the benefit of listening to books 1-5 of the series. I would highly recommend reading this before experiencing certain other books in the series. It could be done without, but it's so much better with.
Also, I didn't have this in audio and I wish I had - because Gary Furlong's narration of the rest of the series is amazing.
That said, I'm glad I missed the warning. Because between Starling's writing, Sam's obvious maturity, Alex's own younger age and initial misgivings, and the fact that the sex wasn't overly explicit - this was a delightful novella. Sam is wonderfully cheery, adorkable, and I'm looking forward to following him in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Update: I've now had the benefit of listening to books 1-5 of the series. I would highly recommend reading this before experiencing certain other books in the series. It could be done without, but it's so much better with.
Also, I didn't have this in audio and I wish I had - because Gary Furlong's narration of the rest of the series is amazing.
November 26, 2019
Nayeli - per RFS
.
«Hai idea di quanto mi fai impazzire? È come se non avessi alcun autocontrollo quando sono con te. Ogni volta che ti vedo nei corridoi vado in mille pezzi. Non so se posso…» balbettò.
Sam lo prese come segnale per avvicinarsi.
«Mostramelo!» disse senza alcuna vergogna.
«Cosa ti devo mostrare?»
«Come perdi il controllo quando sei con me. Voglio sapere che cosa succede,» lo provocò, mordendosi il labbro con aria seducente.
«Come ci si sente…»
Il cappello a cilindro è un piccolo racconto che fa da prequel alla serie Shatterproof Bond e ci mostra un giovanissimo Sam, un ragazzo prodigio che affronta l’università a soli 16 anni, alle prese con la sua prima attrazione. Sam cercherà di avere la sua prima volta seducendo un affascinante professore 26enne, anch’esso ex ragazzo prodigio.
L’attrazione tra i due protagonisti si avverte a pelle, e si arricchisce dello strano rispecchiarsi l’uno nell’altro per la somiglianza della loro storia passata.
Il racconto è molto sensuale, purtroppo breve, e si interrompe appena prima di una connessione fisica tra i protagonisti. La scena erotica, comunque, era già stata anticipata nei primi capitoli, e in questo modo l’autrice ha creato uno strano gioco tra attesa di un epilogo passionale e ricerca di maggior coinvolgimento sul piano affettivo.
Quello della Starling rimane un bellissimo stile, una narrazione scorrevole ma anche accattivante, sensuale nei punti giusti. Viene mostrato il carattere sfaccettato di Sam, le sue giovani insicurezze ma anche la sua determinazione, curando in particolare le sue difficoltà di inserimento e di relazione nel vivere esperienze inadatte alla sua età, nonostante il suo Quoziente Intellettivo sopra la media. Stessa attenzione viene riservata ad Alexandre, un professore che, nonostante sia più maturo e ricopra un ruolo autorevole, si mostra ai lettori nelle sue insicurezze legate all’inesperienza e al timore dei limiti legali per il sesso.
Per quanto corto, è un racconto che si legge molto bene, e certamente invoglia a proseguire tutta la serie. Peccato per il finale, che lascia come col naso attaccato a una vetrina di dolciumi.
" Era come se il suo corpo vivesse per la prima volta, e lui non desiderava altro che esplorare ciò che avrebbe potuto fare, cosa poteva percepire e come avrebbe potuto far sentire l’altro uomo. Stava iniziando un glorioso esperimento scientifico e non vedeva l’ora di prepararsi e darci dentro."
.
«Hai idea di quanto mi fai impazzire? È come se non avessi alcun autocontrollo quando sono con te. Ogni volta che ti vedo nei corridoi vado in mille pezzi. Non so se posso…» balbettò.
Sam lo prese come segnale per avvicinarsi.
«Mostramelo!» disse senza alcuna vergogna.
«Cosa ti devo mostrare?»
«Come perdi il controllo quando sei con me. Voglio sapere che cosa succede,» lo provocò, mordendosi il labbro con aria seducente.
«Come ci si sente…»
Il cappello a cilindro è un piccolo racconto che fa da prequel alla serie Shatterproof Bond e ci mostra un giovanissimo Sam, un ragazzo prodigio che affronta l’università a soli 16 anni, alle prese con la sua prima attrazione. Sam cercherà di avere la sua prima volta seducendo un affascinante professore 26enne, anch’esso ex ragazzo prodigio.
L’attrazione tra i due protagonisti si avverte a pelle, e si arricchisce dello strano rispecchiarsi l’uno nell’altro per la somiglianza della loro storia passata.
Il racconto è molto sensuale, purtroppo breve, e si interrompe appena prima di una connessione fisica tra i protagonisti. La scena erotica, comunque, era già stata anticipata nei primi capitoli, e in questo modo l’autrice ha creato uno strano gioco tra attesa di un epilogo passionale e ricerca di maggior coinvolgimento sul piano affettivo.
Quello della Starling rimane un bellissimo stile, una narrazione scorrevole ma anche accattivante, sensuale nei punti giusti. Viene mostrato il carattere sfaccettato di Sam, le sue giovani insicurezze ma anche la sua determinazione, curando in particolare le sue difficoltà di inserimento e di relazione nel vivere esperienze inadatte alla sua età, nonostante il suo Quoziente Intellettivo sopra la media. Stessa attenzione viene riservata ad Alexandre, un professore che, nonostante sia più maturo e ricopra un ruolo autorevole, si mostra ai lettori nelle sue insicurezze legate all’inesperienza e al timore dei limiti legali per il sesso.
Per quanto corto, è un racconto che si legge molto bene, e certamente invoglia a proseguire tutta la serie. Peccato per il finale, che lascia come col naso attaccato a una vetrina di dolciumi.
" Era come se il suo corpo vivesse per la prima volta, e lui non desiderava altro che esplorare ciò che avrebbe potuto fare, cosa poteva percepire e come avrebbe potuto far sentire l’altro uomo. Stava iniziando un glorioso esperimento scientifico e non vedeva l’ora di prepararsi e darci dentro."
July 22, 2020
This was a great start to a new-to-me series and I'm looking forward to getting to know Sam better. Hopefully, Alex will also make an appearance in the future books.
Gary Furlong is a fantastic narrator and I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.
Gary Furlong is a fantastic narrator and I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.
July 14, 2019
It was wonderful to meet Sam Aiken while being the youngest in his linguistics class in university. In Top Hat, his adviser passes away and Sam's new adviser is very hot. Dr Alexander Deveraux is gay as well and Sam finds himself unable to resist getting to know him better. In fact he makes him his new project, making for a fun and delicious read.
June 27, 2018
I love this series and I knew this one was Sam's younger life when I read it. It was fun and Sam's still adorable - but I much prefer Sam with Declan :)
November 4, 2017
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D73AvXPKKM...
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; NOVEMBER 4, 2017
Narrator: Gary Furlong
I was expecting this to be a prologue or a "real" prequel to the Shatterbond series but it isn't that, at least not my definition of a prequel. I made the mistake of reading/listening to this without knowing anything about the series, apart from Top Hat being included as a bonus short story with the 4th Shatterproof Bond book, Counterblow. As a result, I assumed (my bad, I know) that Alexander Devereaux was one of the two protagonists, the other being Sam Aitken.
I was non-plussed when this prequel ended and I liked Starling's writing enough to start immediately on Book 1, As You Wish, because I was expecting Alexander but, instead, there's this Scot called Declan! That's when I gave up my idea of going into a series "blind" and skimmed through the 4 books' blurbs to ascertain Declan was one of the protags and not Alexander popping up in the middle or, worse, the series has Sam fucking a different man each book. You never know with an author you've never heard of...
Anyway, Top Hat is just a short story about 16 and a half year old Sam losing his cherry to his lecturer at Oxford. Alexander is young, btw, not some old dude, and I found myself resonating with Starling's writing. I think one should read the books in order of publication and if I had done that I wouldn't have been confused by the different man in the story - Alexander making his brief appearance then all about Declan and Sam after that.
That said, I could be wrong and Alexander may just pop up later. In any case, I'm 25% into Book 1 and it's fun
.
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; NOVEMBER 4, 2017
Narrator: Gary Furlong
I was expecting this to be a prologue or a "real" prequel to the Shatterbond series but it isn't that, at least not my definition of a prequel. I made the mistake of reading/listening to this without knowing anything about the series, apart from Top Hat being included as a bonus short story with the 4th Shatterproof Bond book, Counterblow. As a result, I assumed (my bad, I know) that Alexander Devereaux was one of the two protagonists, the other being Sam Aitken.
I was non-plussed when this prequel ended and I liked Starling's writing enough to start immediately on Book 1, As You Wish, because I was expecting Alexander but, instead, there's this Scot called Declan! That's when I gave up my idea of going into a series "blind" and skimmed through the 4 books' blurbs to ascertain Declan was one of the protags and not Alexander popping up in the middle or, worse, the series has Sam fucking a different man each book. You never know with an author you've never heard of...
Anyway, Top Hat is just a short story about 16 and a half year old Sam losing his cherry to his lecturer at Oxford. Alexander is young, btw, not some old dude, and I found myself resonating with Starling's writing. I think one should read the books in order of publication and if I had done that I wouldn't have been confused by the different man in the story - Alexander making his brief appearance then all about Declan and Sam after that.
That said, I could be wrong and Alexander may just pop up later. In any case, I'm 25% into Book 1 and it's fun
.
June 11, 2019
Short and precocious (an audio review)
Prequels often confound me. The assumption, of course, is that they’re necessary to set up the upcoming book or series. After listening to this audiobook, I searched out the synopses for the rest of the series. This exercise didn’t provide any clarification but another reviewer left a kind of explanation so I’ll leave it that apparently the encounter of these two men will play a role in a future book.
So back to this story. I liked it. Short and sweet, a palate cleanser from some of the longer angst-ridden books I’ve read recently. Samuel Aiken is a protégé and brilliant student at Oxford. He’s been blocked at every turn from sexual exploits because of his age. He just can’t get lucky. Then he meets his new tutor, Alexander Deveraux. The gorgeous man has an air of mystery and is a former protégé as well. Samuel is determined to get Alex in bed and Alex is determined to keep his hands off his favorite student. Throw in some late-night conversations, pole dancing lessons, and brutal honesty and this relationship has real potential – especially since Samuel is graduating in mere months.
I like Samuel’s precociousness and Alex’s determination. They are working at cross purposes but only for a moment. It’s pretty clear there will be a relationship in the future. Or so I’m hoping.
Gary Furlong is a brilliant narrator. I’ve enjoyed every performance and I was pleased to see he’s the narrator for the series. Guess I’ll have to cue up those books and find out just what kind of antics Sam gets up to.
Prequels often confound me. The assumption, of course, is that they’re necessary to set up the upcoming book or series. After listening to this audiobook, I searched out the synopses for the rest of the series. This exercise didn’t provide any clarification but another reviewer left a kind of explanation so I’ll leave it that apparently the encounter of these two men will play a role in a future book.
So back to this story. I liked it. Short and sweet, a palate cleanser from some of the longer angst-ridden books I’ve read recently. Samuel Aiken is a protégé and brilliant student at Oxford. He’s been blocked at every turn from sexual exploits because of his age. He just can’t get lucky. Then he meets his new tutor, Alexander Deveraux. The gorgeous man has an air of mystery and is a former protégé as well. Samuel is determined to get Alex in bed and Alex is determined to keep his hands off his favorite student. Throw in some late-night conversations, pole dancing lessons, and brutal honesty and this relationship has real potential – especially since Samuel is graduating in mere months.
I like Samuel’s precociousness and Alex’s determination. They are working at cross purposes but only for a moment. It’s pretty clear there will be a relationship in the future. Or so I’m hoping.
Gary Furlong is a brilliant narrator. I’ve enjoyed every performance and I was pleased to see he’s the narrator for the series. Guess I’ll have to cue up those books and find out just what kind of antics Sam gets up to.
June 21, 2019
This is my review of the audiobook:
Story: 3 stars
Narration and Overall: 4 stars
This story is the prequel for a series I have not yet read, but I am now interested in checking it out. Sam and Alexander had a lot in common, so it made sense that they would be attracted to each other. Some American readers might be offended by Sam's young age, but they will need to remember that 16 is the age of consent in his country.
My interest was held for the entire story, though I did think that Alexander let Sam play him a bit too easily. I still liked both characters and was entertained at them chasing after each other.
The narration was well done and made the story even better. This was a fun short story.
Story: 3 stars
Narration and Overall: 4 stars
This story is the prequel for a series I have not yet read, but I am now interested in checking it out. Sam and Alexander had a lot in common, so it made sense that they would be attracted to each other. Some American readers might be offended by Sam's young age, but they will need to remember that 16 is the age of consent in his country.
My interest was held for the entire story, though I did think that Alexander let Sam play him a bit too easily. I still liked both characters and was entertained at them chasing after each other.
The narration was well done and made the story even better. This was a fun short story.
August 24, 2019
This book is part of the Shatterproof Bonds Series and should be read after the first three (I asked the author after reading some reviews that it seemed out of place) It does begin with 8 years back so I guess that would be misleading.
This book is about Sam in college and his first crush on a college professor. It is sweet and sexy and very different from the other books. It is a fun peek into Sam’s past and youth.
I loved both him and Alex, but the book was just too short! I wanted more LOL. Maybe someday we will find out more about Alex.
The narration is Ok. I do like the accent.
This book is about Sam in college and his first crush on a college professor. It is sweet and sexy and very different from the other books. It is a fun peek into Sam’s past and youth.
I loved both him and Alex, but the book was just too short! I wanted more LOL. Maybe someday we will find out more about Alex.
The narration is Ok. I do like the accent.
July 24, 2019
How it all began…
I’ve read several of Ms. Starling’s books and even some of the Shatterproof series so this was fun finding out how Sam as a gifted and precocious young man found his identity. Short prequel but enough information to entertain and entice you to want to find out more. Let me tell you if you get the first in the Shatterproof series, AS YOU WISH, you will not be disappointed if you like M/M romance and first times when one character realizes his destiny. So good…
I’ve read several of Ms. Starling’s books and even some of the Shatterproof series so this was fun finding out how Sam as a gifted and precocious young man found his identity. Short prequel but enough information to entertain and entice you to want to find out more. Let me tell you if you get the first in the Shatterproof series, AS YOU WISH, you will not be disappointed if you like M/M romance and first times when one character realizes his destiny. So good…
June 2, 2019
Well, I'm SO happy I listen to this one after book 4! The final clue we got there makes a lot more of sense after listening to Top Hat.
And we get to know the famous Dr Alexander Deveraux, and the role he played in Sam's life. =D
A short, funny, sweet story of a young, smart boy falling for his smart, barely older professor during his time at Oxford. But, with added clue :P
And we get to know the famous Dr Alexander Deveraux, and the role he played in Sam's life. =D
A short, funny, sweet story of a young, smart boy falling for his smart, barely older professor during his time at Oxford. But, with added clue :P
June 27, 2019
received a free copy of the audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong.
Sam Aiken intrigues from the start.
This entire series pulled me in. I absolutely loved it. Samuel Aiken and Declan Ramsey are amazing characters. If you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobook version, take it. I highly recommend it. Mr. Furlong brings these characters to life perfectly. Amazing story and series.
Sam Aiken intrigues from the start.
This entire series pulled me in. I absolutely loved it. Samuel Aiken and Declan Ramsey are amazing characters. If you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobook version, take it. I highly recommend it. Mr. Furlong brings these characters to life perfectly. Amazing story and series.
February 7, 2019
Isobel Starling, you are a delectable tease. The innuendo's, The visual eye f**ks. The sultry gazes. My, um, heart is all a flutter.
Gary Furlong managed to inflect innuendo so sexcessfully that, well a lady just can't say. But, well done Mr. Furlong.
Gary Furlong managed to inflect innuendo so sexcessfully that, well a lady just can't say. But, well done Mr. Furlong.
August 1, 2019
TOP HAT is the prequel for Isobel Starling's Shatterproof Bond Series. It is a short story but is very entertaining- sexy, romantic, funny and amazing! Great characters that you can love. Perfect addition to the series, especially if read after books 1-3 and before book 4 as the author suggests.
April 13, 2020
The first thing I will say is I would have loved more from this story. I felt it was cut short and could have been longer and more involved. I understand this is a prequel to the start of a series but it still could have been more involved
July 24, 2022
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
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January 30, 2019
Too short! I want more! Seriously though, I could've had a full novel right here, right now, with Sam and Alex living happily ever after, with even more awkward moments & definitely some sex.
August 2, 2019
Great start to the series.
August 11, 2019
I loved reading back to Sam's teenage years and his sexual discovery. Gary Furlong is amazing as usual. only, it felt plain wrong to see Dam with someone who's not Declan...
December 15, 2020
3.5 stars
September 14, 2021
A bit of background for Sam’s first love when he was at Oxford. Good, nice to fill in some gaps.
Bought from audible.
Bought from audible.
October 14, 2024
This refers to the audio version.
Good back-story for the wider shatterproof bond series giving strong insight into Sam's early years.
As always Gary Furlong gives a great performance.
Good back-story for the wider shatterproof bond series giving strong insight into Sam's early years.
As always Gary Furlong gives a great performance.
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