Hi guys, we have Isobel Starling visiting today with her Shatterproof Bond series, we have a great except, Prime’s reviews and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
As You Wish
Isobel Starling
1 wedding, 2 best men, one hell of a love story!
Declan Ramsay was to be best man at his brother’s wedding in Scotland, sharing best man duties with the bride’s gay kid brother Sam. The best men wouldn’t meet for the first time until a few days before the wedding, so communicated by email for more than a year.
But on meeting Sam Aiken, Declan is surprised to see he isn’t a kid at all, but a striking, athletic blond man with a wicked sense of humor. Declan is 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 Sam Aiken all he appears to be?
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK ❣️**.•.•.
Illuminate the Shadows
The thrilling, funny sequel to ‘As You Wish’.
“A Scotsman and an Englishman fall in love… After the most amazing week of his life, at Dunloch Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, in Scotland. The charming, mysterious Samuel Aiken has turned Declan Ramsay’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.”
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK ❣️**.•.•.
Return to Zero
The thrilling sequel to “As You Wish” and “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.
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK ❣️**.•.•.
Counter Blow
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 dependent 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.
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK ❣️**.•.•.
Powder Burns
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 dependent 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.
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.
Excerpt!
from Powder Burns by Isobel Starling
Sam searched the decrepit kitchen and found a few items in a cupboard under the sink that would add a bit of pain to the pleasure of the evening.
Ten minutes later Declan strode naked from the bathroom into the main room of the dingy studio flat giving his cock a few anticipatory tugs. He met Sam’s mischievous gaze and then his eyes darted to see the implements lined up on the couch. He grinned appreciatively at his husband’s resourcefulness. They would do just fine.
“There’s a few travel packs o’ lube in the back pocket of mah jeans”, Declan informed.
“I like a man who comes prepared”, Sam smirked. All evidence of their earlier messy tryst had been cleaned from the front of the Declan’s hoodie and Sam left it hanging on a hook by the front door. He retrieved the foil lubricant packs from the pocket of Declan’s jeans and tossed them beside the other items on the couch.
Sam began to undress, drinking in every dart of eye contact and twitch his partner made as he removed his t-shirt and then bent over and slid out of his dark grey jeans. Sam wore red lace panties beneath, but they were not designed to handle fruit and veg! The lacy women’s knickers were a very snug fit for Sam’s filling cock and heavy balls. He enjoyed the thrill of pleasure coursing through his veins on seeing Declan’s eyes widen and his jaw drop. Declan’s cock leaped and slapped his abdomen with lustful approval.
“You like?” Sam asked flirtatiously as he did a twirl for his husband to show how the red lace caressed his pert buttocks.
“You are spawn o’ the devil!” The husky need in Declan’s voice was all too evident. Sam turned, stepped forward, and laid a finger to Declan’s lips.
“Shhh, lover. Not another word unless I command.” He instructed. Declan nodded, understanding the game they’d played many times before—but never with these particular props.
“Stand up straight, soldier!” Sam slapped Declan’s arse, and he stood in a military fashion, facing forward, his legs slightly parted, hands by his side. Declan’s hard-on followed Sam’s command too and stood proudly at full mast, ready for action.
“Hands behind your back, wrists together,” Sam instructed. Declan did as ordered, trusting his husband implicitly. Sam reached for the first item from the couch. He opened the wrapper on a thirty-meter length of blue washing line, then pulled out a long strand and cut it with scissors he’d found in a drawer. He stepped behind Declan and starting just below his elbows, Sam laced the blue washing line back and forth, blinding his lover’s forearms together. He knew that very soon Declan’s shoulder muscles would ache and burn. Sam smiled to himself as he worked, reminiscing about when they’d first become lovers at Dunloch Castle, and how Declan had tied his Ghillie Brogue laces up Sam’s calves using the same diamond pattern. Sam pulled the line and hitched it tight, recalling how Declan had done the same—and that it had elicited biting painful pleasure against his skin. Declan hissed in pain, but there was no complaint of ‘go easy’ as Sam had expected. The cord would leave its mark. Even though Declan was not permitted to wear his wedding band during the mission, he would be branded, all-be-it temporarily. It pleased Sam to know that in the morning when Declan woke alone and looked in the bathroom mirror, he would know who’d given him the criss-cross patterns up his arms. Sam hoped it would offer Declan a little comfort.
©Isobel Starling 2020
About Isobel!
Isobel Starling spent most of her twenty-year professional career as a visual artist in Ireland. She now writes full time and loves writing Thrillers, Comedy, Historical, and Fantasy. In nearly six years she has written twenty books, released fourteen audiobooks, and has translations of most titles in French, German, and Italian. The Shatterproof Bond series is a #1 bestseller in Germany.
“As You Wish” (Shatterproof Bond#1) narrated by Gary Furlong won the Audiobook Reviewer Award for Romance 2018. It is the first M/M Romance audiobook to win a mainstream audiobook award.
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Giveaway!
To celebrate the refresh of the Shatterproof Bond Series, Isobel Starling is giving away 2 complete e-sets of the series!
Open internationally, must be 18 years old to win.
Review
Title: As You Wish
Series: Shatterproof Bond 01
Author: Isobel Starling
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Length: Novel (255pgs)
ISBN: B012T8J92U
Publisher: Isobel Starling (28th August 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: 1 wedding, 2 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, Annabelle’s gay younger brother Sam Should 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 realise 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?
Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: As You Wish is the introductory novella that starts off Isobel mystery/suspense series, Shatterproof Bond. This novella was originally published as part of an MM Romance Group event Love is an Open Road, with the story based on a photograph. (Look, all the information about this book says novella but by other standards it is also a novel at 225 pages in length).
Sam and Declan are both set to the best men for their respective siblings when the couple gets married at an old Scottish castle near Loch Ness. The two have got to know each other via email but have yet to meet each other. For the most part, the wedding and the romance and the hot sex that happens in the wonderful setting of the Scottish Highlands is a really fun read. However, there is more and that is a twist that really does come out of nowhere, though not entirely surprising. I won’t take that thought any further because I don’t want to spoil the start of this series.
Sam and Declan are great together. They have fantastic chemistry and it’s really funny to read. For those that have trouble with Scots just be aware that Declan is a Scotsman through and through and that comes out in his dialogue. It’s a funny and sweet story. However, I will admit that towards the end of the book the pace dropped off a tad as we approached “the twist” and for me that really took away from the story in its entirety. I feel I would have far more enjoyed an ending where the twist comes out in one massive bomb and then we deal with the aftermath immediately, not pansy foot around it for a little. This is the only reason that I found myself unable to rate the book any higher than I have.
That being said though, I have to applaud something that made me love As You Wish so much: the movie reference. In itself, the book title is a quote from the movie The Princess Bride, but the fact there are so many references to the book/movie is nothing short of awesome. Pun intended, I find it inconceivable that any fan of The Princess Bride would not enjoy this. However, that being said, a couple of guys tramping about the Scottish Highlands near Loch Ness had me thinking more along the lines of Outlander TV/books.
If you love sweetness and romance that comes with weddings, give this book a go. If you like a bit of mystery and suspense, keep on reading and get ready for the rest of the series.
Title: Illuminate the Shadows
Series: Shatterproof Bond, 02
Author: Isobel Starling
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (260pgs)
ISBN: B01ELOXC1Y
Publisher: Isobel Starling (9 May 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
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.
Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: This is one of the first books I’ve read by Isobel Starling. I have to admit that one of the draws was the references to the movie The Princess Bride and that really did provide some funny moments in the book.
An Englishman, Declan, and a Scotsman, Sam, meet at their siblings wedding at a castle off the shores of Loch Ness. Sounds like the punch line to a joke – or the start of an Outlander book. Now we follow the story of the guys as they try to get their romance to work in the real world – which is a lot trickier when Declan finds out that his boss, Sam’s father, is not just a rich and titled businessman. He also finds out that Sam has his own role to play in his father’s real business.
It’s an interesting storyline with a couple of interesting twists. However, if you aren’t into anything to do thriller/espionage or anything similar to Bourne Identity, this probably is not the book for you. This also seems big on the insta-love, so again, I know a lot of people that aren’t keen on those types of books.
The guys have a lot of charisma and sexual tension, the biggest problem I had with this book is that the plot didn’t seem fully fleshed out. I suppose I will have to wait for the sequels, which I very much interested in reading.
I want to know where this crazy ride with Declan and Sam will go.
Title: Return to Zero
Series: Shatterproof Bond 03
Author: Isobel Starling
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Length: Novel (334pgs)
ISBN: B01FHYJWTS
Publisher: Isobel Starling (6 June 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: 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.
Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: Return to Zero is the third book in the Shatterproof Bond series by Isobel Starling, I have to say straight off the bat, this is definitely my favourite book in the series so far.
We follow couple Declan Ramsey and Sam Aiken, who work for Sam’s father’s super-spy agency A.L.L. Declan has now become an agent, although he is waiting for his first assignment, while Sam is trying his best to help Declan as well begins to feel a ghost from his past begin to catch up to him.
This one is high action and adrenaline as well as a good heaping of romance and love that makes you think “nawwww”. Both characters develop more than they have in the previous books put together as Declan and Sam need to find new strength so that they can survive the horrors and the drama that is about to catch them.
As ever, there are plenty of Princess Bride references, which I completely love. Although it doesn’t seem to completely match the characters, I love the fact that Sam calls Declan “Buttercup”.
This is for fans of spy and action type of romances. It is both hot and sweet while the danger increases around them. For those that have read the first 2 books, this is a must to read because we get to find out so much more about Declan, Sam and the world in which they live and it is so completely satisfying.
