1 wedding, 2 best men, one hell of a love story!
Declan Ramsay’s brother Oliver was marrying Annabelle Aiken at a fairytale 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, … 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?
more
If, like me, you grabbed this series by Isobel Starling because you enjoy romantic suspense – you might be a little disappointed with the first book, As You Wish. Because this is fairly short (4 hours), firmly in the “establishing the relationship” category, and only remotely hints at any suspense or danger to come in the epilogue.
That said, I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Grumpy Declan Ramsay is the polar opposite to relaxed and funny Sam Aiken in all ways – including being straight. Or so he thinks. While in some respects this feels a little like “insta love” due to the fact that the bulk of the story occurs over a few days at their siblings’ wedding – Declan & Sam have been emailing for a year. They have cultivated a fairly solid friendship leading up to a wild week in Edinburgh.
It was a lot of fun to experience Sam bring Declan out of his shell and his funk. Declan’s wonder, yet quick acceptance that he was not only attracted to but falling in love with a man. This man. Also, it must be mentioned that one of the hottest scenes in the book is when they are getting dressed in kilts for the wedding. I have no idea how Starling could make putting on clothes steamier than removing them – but she did. I digress. There’s a delightful banter between the men quoting lines from The Princess Bride that is also weaved into the story a few times. Fans will enjoy the references.
The epilogue brings more questions than answers (in the best of ways) and I’m diving right into Illuminate the Shadows.
Narration by Gary Furlong was terrific. I love the voices, accents, and personalities he gave to Starling’s characters. I think he really helped to differentiate the perspectives in a way that I wouldn’t have if I’d merely read the story. I’m not only looking forward to him in the rest of the series, but will be seeking out more narrations by him.
I can’t quite decide if the good in this read outweighs the bad. Almost the entire book I thought it was the former but then it just… ended. It wasn’t a cliff-hanger, that wasn’t it at all. It was more like the story never took off in the first place.
I’ve heard lots of praise for the Shatterproof Bond series, so when the box set was on offer I bought it. And I did like As You Wish. The characters, their chemistry. It had great potential and I was just waiting for a direction to story, for the plot to be revealed. Only there wasn’t any.
There’s plenty to enjoy about the book though. Not least the Declan and Sam nakey-fest. And since most of the story takes place in Scotland, during a wedding, there are kilts involved. Kilts!
I’d say this story is worth reading for that reason alone. Almost.
I know this is a series, and the first installment needs to lay the groundwork for the following ones, but still. Even though I liked both Sam and Declan – a lot – that’s not enough in itself, not even with all the sizzling shenanigans those two got up two. So, I haven’t completely written off Shatterproof Bond yet. I’ll continue with Illuminate the Shadows, the next in the series, to see if there is a plot. And I really hope there is because I would love to see more of Sam and Declan. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with the aimless storytelling of As You Wish.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se/as-you-wish-shatterproof-bond-1-by-isobel-starling/
What I Think: When I first got these tales, my first fear was if each of the tales would be amazing enough by themselves that I wouldn’t have to struggle to write individual reviews. But, my fears were baseless. A warning though – do not start reading until you have the entire series. Trust me on this. Otherwise, Ladies and gentlemen, and those of us yet to make up our minds, welcome to the thrilling world of Madame Isobel!
This Authoress hit me hard from the beginning. Just threw Scottish brogue at me 2 pages into this tale and as my knees weakened, I got sucked in. The awkwardness between Sam and Declan is almost painful but so realistic. Their prior communication didn’t prepare them for meeting in person and it’s a most hilarious meet-cute. You already know I have a thing for broody and moody characters (if my sister tells you its because there are similarities in character, don’t you believe it) so of course, it was insta-love with Declan. He’s so growly and bear-like that I can’t help but love him, even as I am eager to see what lies under that exterior.
Sam is effervescent and bubbly, warm and intelligent and he’s going to need all those qualities and more to thaw out Declan. Dec is in a funk as he wonders why none of his relationships ever last and is even grumpier because he’s missed all his chances to apologize to Sam and have a do-over of their meeting. But he doesn’t even realize the real reason for his extra grump. He’s been missing Sam and doesn’t even know it (doesn’t make sense? Read it! Ha!) But poor Dec is about to have a come-to-Jesus moment and Sam would have had nothing to do with it but be his sparkling, impish self. Dec’s broody, bulky self can’t even stop the flame that ignites between them. The humor mixed in with the heat at their first intimate moment together made me feel all chuckly and heated up at the same time. Only for me to have nerves fluttering in my stomach about what the morning after would be. But again, I needn’t have worried and as relief coursed through me, I fell for them both.
I knew Scottish kilts were sexy but this Authoress took them to another level. I kept gulping cold water like I was in the desert, as lost in the haze of desire and need as these two are. It doesn’t help that they were more or less slowly falling in love with each other in their former interactions but didn’t even know it. But then I got worried because I couldn’t see I don’t see how this was going to work once the wedding was over. They both need each other a whole lot more than they realize but I can’t help having this fear that Dec will balk at some point. He’s taken to this so readily that part of me wants to protect Sam from the pain when Dec runs at the first sight of trouble. Only for the bear to show his teddy bear side which is so full of surprises. I didn’t expect him to be so warm and loving and tender and attentive. It’s a good thing the air conditioners are working in the office or else I might have self-combusted.
I’m not sure my ego wouldn’t be in constant competition with Sam which would make me love him but still run in the opposite direction (I promise I’m chipping off that massive ego rock that’s spread across these slightly broad shoulders). But for Declan, the package just keeps getting better because with every stunning discovery he makes about Sam, he wants him even more. His easy acceptance of all of Sam and this enormous change he was making made it so easy to sink into this tale, letting my guard down as I got entranced with every act which is why the separation tore us both apart. It came too damn soon all because Sam has Mr Shadows pulling his strings. It hurt so bad and I prayed this Authoress would not leave us aching for long. And thankfully she did not. Thank you so much! But then shocking revelations came fast, one atop the other, showing that the price of having Sam is higher than I ever imagined and yet so thoroughly worth it that I threw in my heart with Declan’s. That phrase – as you wish – will never be seen by me in the same light again. The best part is, I’ve got the entire series so my heart shall be satiated! Only one little problem: can someone please tell me the name of the movie that clicked this connection?
Verdict? A keeper of a tale to remind us that keeping your love is a choice made as you wish it!
I picked this up from the author from a free audiobook site. I was expecting a good MM romance and I got that. What I wasn’t expecting was the added bonus of a twist leading into the next books. (I will let you see what that is on your own.) I was pleasantly surprised and was like OMG!
Sam and Declan are both best men at Sam’s sister and Declan’s brother’s wedding. They have been exchanging emails for a year. Declan also works for Sam’s dad. What Declan didn’t expect was his attraction to the younger man, since Declan is straight. (or at least thought so and no this is not the surprise twist.)
I loved all the characters, the setting, and the writing style. I was engaged from the beginning.
This is a new to me narrator and while not a favorite I did like the accents. I think that was the perfect touch to make this story even more intriguing.
If you like romantic settings, castles, age gap, gay for you, and shocking twists this is for you.
I listened to the audiobook of As You Wish back in July 2018 but never posted about it here. Now that the author is having a blog tour for the series I thought it would be the perfect time to rectify my oversight. So the following is a review that I wrote in 2018.
Overall 5
Performance 5
Story 5
I couldn’t stop listening…
As You Wish is the first book I’ve experienced by Isobel Starling; it’s also my first audiobook by Gary Furlong. I’ve got several of Isobel’s books in my library to read but my TBR list is sooo looong… I won an Audible copy of As You Wish from her in a Facebook contest so I decided it was time to move this one up on my list. It’s only taken me two months to get to it which isn’t bad for me.
If I had been reading As You Wish, instead of listening to it, I would say that it’s a book I couldn’t put down. I was engrossed in the story right from the beginning. The way Declan and Sam meet I just knew that there was going to be more to it. Isobel Starling did a great job of capturing my interest and feeding out the story in bits and pieces. In between times she gives us hot-as-fire sex between Declan and Sam.
Before I started listening to the book, I really didn’t know what this series was about so I was a bit surprised to learn that Declan and Sam’s story will continue on in a few more books. I don’t feel like As You Wish really has a cliffhanger. There is a satisfying HFN (happy for now) for Declan and Sam but I was definitely left wanting to read or listen to more in this series.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Two men fated to meet and burn up the pages!
June 9, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
4.5 stars
I loved the rural Scottish castle setting for the story and the sparks that fly between Declan and Sam are amazing! The story kept me glued to my Kindle from start to finish and, like Declan, I found the time the couple spent apart frustrating. I liked that the secondary characters were just that–minor and not that intrusive when what I really cared about was Sam and Declan’s building relationship. I am looking forward to the next book to see where Sam’s controlling daddy and his life of mystery lead them. As for the intimate scenes–hubba hubba, are they hot!
As You Wish is the first book in the Shatterproof Bond series by Isobel Starling. It is funny, sweet, sexy and fun. Declan and Sam have chemistry even if one of them takes a while to get the clue. The supporting characters were interesting too. Good start to a series and cant wait to read more.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Update 5/9/19: My initial review of this book was less than stellar at 3.5 stars. However, after completing the first four book of the series, I am glad I continued on. I LOVE the series and the characters overall. I have left my initial review below because it WAS my opinion at the time. However, in hindsight, this first book only laid the groundwork. The succeeding books flesh the story out. Make your own decision, but I encourage you not to judge the whole series based on this one book.
My original review:
I was enjoying this book until near the end when Sam was whisked away on an unknown errand for his father, then after three-months away with no contact, he suddenly returns to spill all his secrets to Declan. Those secrets weren’t really a surprise to me; there were enough hints and tips throughout the book that Sam was more than a simple translator…something darker. I didn’t like Declan’s near-violent sexual behavior when Sam returned. Being hurt and angry does not give one the right to abuse another person. My opinion of Declan soured at that point. Prior to that, I enjoyed Sam’s light-hearted, funny nature, and even Declan’s dour, domineering attitude. I loved the use of scenes and quotes from the Princess Bride. With a different ending, this book could have been a 5-star read for me, but the current ending was abrupt and seemed disconnected. It was almost like I was transferred into another book around page 200, and it was completely unromantic and not a comedy after that. The ending did not leave me with warm feelings. All this made it hard for me to give a rating. I would rate the first part 5 stars, but the ending a 2-3 stars, so I settled for 3.5. I hope when the series is done there is an HEA, but I’m not sure I will continue on that reading journey.
I received a copy of this book free from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.
** 3.75 stars **
I enjoyed this slightly insta-love, GFY, May/December romance set in Scotland Highlands. I liked both Sam and Declan. They were initially so dissimilar but by the time the book was over, it seemed they both wanted the same thing – someone to cherish and come home to. But the reasons why they didn’t have that yet were extremely different. The luxurious wedding in Scottish castle, the fairy tale like atmosphere and emotions flying high added to both men falling for each other so quickly.
Declan is presented as a perfectionist needing to control everything in his life. At first he comes off as arrogant but later on it seems that he is usually prickly when he is put on the spot and can’t be in charge of the situation. He questions everything about himself when the sudden and unwelcome attraction to his boss’ son will not go away. What starts as a tentative exploration, turns into passion that can quickly grow into something much more serious.
Sam is a bit of a mystery at the beginning. He is charming, smart, extremely good-looking, young and yet unattached. One would wonder why. But the uneasy relationship with his father and multiple secrets cause Declan to question things. Sam thinks he has a chance with Declan, so he jumps right into his bed, and it quickly turns into something more serious that just scratching an itch.
Both men enjoy their stay at the castle, they have fun but never forget that this is temporary. Both of them wonder how things will be when the excitement and the dream like quality of their affair dissipates, and the reality intrudes. I liked that even though it heated up between them fast, they still doubted, they hesitated and at times show their insecurities to one another. When the wedding is over and Sam is unexpectedly gone, time is proof enough for Declan that he needs Sam, that he fell hard for him, that he wants a life with him. When Sam appears and put all his cards on the table, Declan makes a leap of faith. It’s only the beginning. I am curious what comes next for Declan and Sam.
Audible Review:
Story 4*
Performance 5*
Overall 4*
Expect the unexpected!
What a terrific audiobook! Gary Furlong did a fantastic job with the narration, his take on Sam and Declan’s characters really gave life to this story. And speaking of the story- it was so much more than I expected! What started out as a slightly antagonistic bit of wedding fun soon turned into something deeper and more meaningful than either Sam or Declan could have expected. I enjoyed those fews days they spent together so much!
Their plans to continue exploring the feelings between them were put on hold when Sam was sent off by his father on yet another work trip right after the wedding. As Sam and Declan had been getting to know each other, it seemed liked there was more to Sam than what he was divulging- and as we come to learn, there is a lot about him that we didn’t know. He’s not just that fun, easy going guy we got to see at his sister’s wedding, and I for one can’t wait to see what his real story is.
As You Wish is just the beginning of what promises to be an entertaining and eventful series, and I’m looking forward to jumping into book 2!
Now, this is how you start a series. It has everything you look for without any of the full moments. I loved the way the author gave you both viewpoints while still retaining some of the mystery. Sam and Declan are a joy to discover.
Even though they had been exchanging emails for over a year, Declan and Sam had never physically met and had no clue what each other looked like. Their first meeting may have been a sour one, but that didn’t last long.
Declan’s straight. He’s had a long run of boring to downright horrible internet dates. He has finally come to the conclusion that he just isn’t meant for a happy relationship. In fact, he has pretty much been labeled a commitment-phobe.
Sam’s a gay man who works for his father. For the last two years, he has worked in places where he’s had to hide the fact that he is gay. Countries where gay men are beaten and killed with nothing done about it. It has left him not only lonely but extremely horny as well.
When these two really start to get to know each other the fun begins. They are funny and sexy. I really enjoyed the shenanigans they got up to. This is book one of a three book series.
Just by this story alone, I can tell that I am going to love the other two as well. With mystery, action, love, and some steamy sex scenes, this promises to be a favorite of mine.
?w=276&h=276
As you wish by Isobel Starling was a sexy & fun read. I knew Declan was a womanizer, but he would soon find his way to love. Little did he know that the hot chemistry he was going to find was with another man, Sam. These two have been emailing back and forth about their siblings wedding. I thought that these two had a great connection from the get go.
I would have thought that Declan would have had a harder time accepting that he was in lust with Sam. Not really a problem for him. He embraced it. Little did he know he may have to work for it if he wants to keep Sam in his life. I can really see Sam’s father being a problem for these two. But when these two are together, the sexy scenes will just melt your screens.
I really enjoyed all the characters and can not wait to see where this series will go from here.