Book #2 in the thrilling, award-winning series Shatterproof Bond by Isobel StarlingA Scotsman and an Englishman fall in love… 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.”
Also available in paperback and as an audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong.
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After As You Wish, I was ready for the super-secret-spy action and Starling definitely delivers. This is one of those books where it’s really hard to share all the things that you love about it without spoiling it for others. Declan is initiated into Sam’s world in a way that neither of them expect, but James is in for some surprises as well. There’s a few scenes with Declan where Furlong’s performance combined with Starling’s pacing makes for an unnerving listen. It gave me chills. Amazing.
They also get their first assignment which is a lot of fun for Sam & Declan as well as the listener. And, of course, there are numerous steamy scenes as the guys are finally able to spend some uninterrupted time living together.
I’m immediately starting Return to Zero.
Narration:
Gary Furlong continues a fabulous narration of the series. He’s consistent with all the accents and personalities and switches between characters effortlessly.
What I Think: Thank the goddess this tale starts off where the last one stopped. Because now that Declan knows what Sam really does, fear grips my heart as it grips Sam’s. We already know Sam’s Da is a bastard. But the price Dec will have to pay to be Sam’s sidekick is going to be high and as I hope Mr. Shadows will be tame, I’m crossing all crossable limbs that Dec has what it takes to go the distance. No, don’t start singing the theme song from Disney’s Hercules because that’s what keeps going through my mind as I read this tale. Once again, the title of this tale is so apt, because Declan is finally walking into the shadows and shocking people left and right as I’m happily enjoying Sir Shadows befuddlement when Dec shows just what he’s made of. Yet, as events unfolded and Dec’s life is made into something it’s not, I found myself wavering on his identity because there are too many coincidences for it to be coincidental.
Then I realized I didn’t care about any of that. I just hoped that no matter what he may be and who’s agent he is, he better love Sam like no other. I didn’t get to punch Sir James myself but Declan did a very good job which soothed me to no end. As the tale continued to unfold, I wondered how Declan’s strong sense of honor will survive in Sam’s world. a world built on schemes and lies with grey areas strewn about. This was not a smooth ride and it has my tummy in little knots as I wonder what it would take to tear them apart. But Declan’s honor means his word is his bond and he doesn’t give in lightly.
It amazed me how much Sam and Declan had been through, in different ways but had always craved the same thing: The One. That one that is a blend of lust and love, desire, and need that goes beyond sexual. The one that makes it easier to breathe. Their unusual childhood circumstances seemed to bridge the age gap between them and for the rest, the heart knows what it knows. I’m in as much awe of Sam as Declan is. I think he’s simply magical and strong enough to stand side by side with Declan. But will Declan ever believe he’s enough for someone much more exposed and worldly-wise than him?
Even I would have a problem, especially knowing that when the shit hits the roof, I don’t have what it takes to protect the one I love. I would be losing my mind on a daily basis. Yet Dec just sees it as something he needs to work on, and he does just that when the opportunity comes, returning home to his love the only way our Scotsman knows how to – larger than life.
Please excuse me while I smack Dec’s brother Ollie. Then, one more smack with feeling. I hope Belle does smack him and I hope he comes to his senses pretty soon because his brother will always need him. But the thing that makes me love this Authoress is her perfect blending of beautiful erotica with such an intriguing tale and every time things get so tense that even I am vibrating with it, just when things get brittle, oh the distractions she gives just make me boneless enough to continue the tale even as she slams the breaks. This is truly a match made in heaven, that will be tested by hell. Only one problem – I have to create time to watch the movie at some point in all this reading.
Verdict? A new love that’s stretched to the boundaries and still stays intact is the perfect kind of fairytale keeper!
Audiobook review:
Overall 5
Performance 5
Story 5
More good times with Declan and Sam.
It’s been nearly two years since I listened to book one in this series. I don’t know why I waited so long to listen to book two, Illuminate the Shadows; I’ve had it in my Audible library since December 2018.
As You Wish was my first audiobook performed by Gary Furlong. In the last two years I’ve now listened to several he’s done and I love his voice. The accents he does are sexy and hot and I could listen to him for hours. He’s turned in another fine performance with Illuminate the Shadows.
I loved the twists and turns in this story and the sexy time between Declan and Sam is off the charts hot. There is trouble caused by Sam’s father and a lot of things happening that I didn’t see coming. The ending is hot and a little abrupt and definitely left me wanting more. I won’t be waiting another two years before I listen to book 3, Return to Zero.
The performance is top notch and makes me crave more! But seriously, I have so many questions. Now that Declan embraces his bisexuality and commits to Sam, I’m disappointed in Sam’s lack of planning. Uhm, you confess that you are a spy and can bring Declan into the spy world, but you don’t think he needs some protection? Until it is too late? Sam is such a crappy boyfriend. And my questions are about Declan. I won’t ask them here because Spoiler Alert! Just so you know, the ending is a cliff hanger of sorts and Declan has a suspicious history. I’m hooked and off to read the next in the series.
This is book two and you do need to read in order. This book picks up where book one left off. Sam and Declan are lovers in secret. Declan is still surprised by his attraction to Sam and finds out there is more to Sam than meets the eye. This is where the twist comes in and we are getting more than a romance. (I am still going to let you read/listen) to find out what I am talking about. Will what Declan uncover changes his feelings for Sam? It most definitely changes his life.
This story just gets better and better. I highly suggest getting all the books at once because you will want to binge read or listen. It’s like eating a potato chip one bite and you gotta have the rest!
I do suggest you get the audios if you can because the accent does make the book.
Separation and deep, dangerous secrets: will they break Declan and Sam’s bond?!
June 10, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
4-4.5 stars
This couple are totally sizzlin’ together! I preferred the Scottish castle wedding setting and steamy scenes in the first book in the Shatterproof Bond series, but my interest has now been piqued and I wanted to find out whether they could sustain a relationship after the sudden and sad twist that ended the first book. Declan has a lot of surprising info to deal with, not the least of which is Sam’s ability to ghost him after their magical times in the Highlands. I am not an avid reader of espionage thrillers, but the author does a good job of maintaining a degree of mystery and tension as Declan gets sucked into Sam’s world. And did I mention the MM hotness!. Plus, this book provided more insight into both of their lives before they met.
Oh, if you have not read William Goldman’s The Princess Bride or seen the movie you will be baffled by some of the word play. The book is, IMO, better than the movie (which is a fantasy romance/adventure/comedy cult classic) so bone up on The Princess Bride if you want to GET IT when Declan and Sam revert to their happy geekdom, like waving a Buttercup sign in the Arrivals Hall at Heathrow!
This is a totally sequential, connected series, not a set of standalones.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Illuminate the Shadows is the second book in the Shatterproof Bond series by Isobel Starling. This book continues the journey of Sam and Declan. Kidnapping, interrogation, drug infused hallucinations, proving your worth…. there is a lot going on here. Plus there is humor, heat and some parts sweet. I 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.
I love this series! This book is incredibly exciting and sexy. In this book, we see Sam and Declan’s relationship deepen. Their love and loyalty to each other is incredible…and so is the sex. I especially loved the way Isobel portrayed Declan’s A.L.L. “interview.” Declan may have felt a little insecure and inadequate to take care of Sam, but I thought he came through with flying colors, and I loved the way he threw James Aiken off his game. The interaction with the younger Declan added a humorous element that I adored.
I also listened to the audiobook version. Gary Furlong’s narration makes the audiobook! His voice is wonderful, and he voices the characters consistently and distinctly. His genuine accent and ease with the vernacular are so natural and smooth it’s like caramel for the ears.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and audiobook from the author. (Thank you!) This is my honest, voluntary review.
This was a fun steamy read. It picks up right where the first book ended, so it can’t be read as a standalone. Both Sam and Declan are over the moon to finally be together but Sam has to tell Declan the truth about his life and exactly what his father, James Aiken, is capable of. But in the unexpected plot twist both Sam and Declan face challenges alone – Declan has to survive the encounter with Sam’s father while Sam has to overcome his insecurities and figure out how both men continue after hell that Declan is being put through.
I loved the many humorous moments where Sam and Declan teased each other, the moments when both men opened up about their pasts and fears. It was time for them to get to know each other, and with every passing day their feelings intensified. Declan finally met the man who made him feel alive, and Sam finally found a man who made him want to create a life with and defy his father.
There are suspenseful moments where both men have to guard their backs, family gatherings and awkward conversations but also tender and steamy moments when both Sam and Declan can’t keep hands off each other. This was fast-paced diverting story about a Scotsman and Englishman getting to know each other and puzzling out how to be together after so many years only relying on themselves. I was suitably entertained.