Return to Zero

By: Isobel Starling

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 center, 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.

©2016 Isobel Starling (P)2017 Isobel Starling

Snark and Dark!

Those two words come to mind when describing this third book in the fantastic Shatterproof Bond series!

Things are getting darker and serious for our lovers. Declan is now a full agent with ALL, but Sir James’ machinations and secrets drive a wedge between him and Sam. Declan and Sam are now partnered together, but Sam is having a difficult time being open with Declan after so many years of working alone. Sam keeps finding the mysterious red cords, not willing to accept what they may mean.

The spy action really spikes in this one and it’s fun to read, even when things turn quite dangerous. Declan and Sam struggle not only with the mission but with their relationship as well.

The banter and snark is still there—as is the love. These two are amazing and so hot together. I enjoy them when they play, love, and fight. Now we get to see them work together.

Again, no series conclusion here, just another mystery to uncover at the very end. And how do things stand for Declan and Sam? Well, let’s just say that Sam finally finds a place for that key he’s been carrying around his neck.

Like all the previous books in the series, Gary Furlong narrated the heck out of this!! His voice for Declan...swoon-worthy!!

I’m so looking forward to continuing this series and learning more about this great mystery. And of course, seeing the boys in action!

*I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Exciting and Suspenseful!!

This is the third book in the Shatterproof Bond series and I believe they just keep getting better!
In this volume Sam and Declan get sent on their first mission for A.L.L. to find out what happened to some missing agents but end up in danger themselves.
The romance is sweet, the sex is steamy and the mystery is intriguing. The last encounter with the bad guy is heartbreaking and I will admit I shed quite a few tears ( I shall not elaborate so as not to ruin the surprise).
Gary Furlong's performance is superb, he is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing this honest unbiased review.

5 Amazing Stars-Suspense & Incredible Narration!

Oh my goodness… *sigh* and *swoon*

Well, I was hoping for some more action and suspense and I definitely got it here in Return to Zero. This story sees Declan learning more about A.L.L.’s inner workings, and eventually he and Sam get to work together on a mission. Before that comes up, we get more background into the agency as well as more about Sam before he met Declan. Most of the first half of the book moves at a relatively sedate pace (or at least what I would consider sedate), and it’s from the midpoint on that things really grab your attention an have you hanging on for the ride.

Sam and Declan are becoming one of my favorite series couples, and up until now everything has been wonderful between them. There’s a bit of drama thanks to Sam’s father (no surprise there, right?) that does come up here, and we get to see how both men react and still come out strong together in the end. But the real suspense and action comes from an old nemesis from Sam’s past who’s back in the picture-against all odds it seems. And any character that causes Sam to scare…well you know what comes next is going to be good.

The tension and drama really ramps up in the second half of the story, and I found myself staying up into the wee hours of the morning to finish this as I just could not put it down without reading the end. There’s so much excitement, and the intensity of the emotions Sam and Declan go through are stunning. The way those final scenes between them are written totally envelop the reader and I found myself simply mesmerized by the exchange of words as they make the true depth of their feelings known. You can’t help but be moved by it, and I felt like my heart would just explode with the power of Sam and Declan’s love and devotion.

And after that ending to the epilogue…PLEASE tell me the next book is ready to go because I’m here absolutely frantic for more.

With a slower start than the prequel and first story but an utterly more powerful finish, Return to Zero was a 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend this story and series to M/M romantic suspense fans. This is for readers 18+ due to adult language and explicit M/M sexual content (which by the way is getting more interesting as the series goes on). I can’t wait for Sam and Declan’s next adventure, this series really has me hooked!

The narration: I swear, I could listen to Gary Furlong all day every day and never grow tired of hearing him narrate. He continues to be consistent in voicing the characters of this series, and as with the other books of the series he kept the pacing perfect and the voices—regardless of accent—easy to understand and unique to each character. The narration completely pulled me into the story, making me feel like I was right there with the characters. Another outstanding 5-star narration!

Book 3 and the story gets deeper

What did you love best about Return to Zero?

Wow! This one was a doozie! This one takes Declan and Sam on their first mission together. Secrets and lies cause some rifts and anger between the two, but they come together for their mission only to have Sam haunted by the past.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love both Declan and Sam equally. They are very different people, but they are like two halves of a whole.

Have you listened to any of Gary Furlong’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've only heard Gary Furlong on the first two books of this series before, but I think he's a wonderful narrator. The accents and voices he has given the characters are all different and very distinct. I thought he was great on the first two and the more I listen to him, it just cements this in my mind.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Well, honestly I had read the book prior to this audiobook being released, but I bought it as soon as it was released. I did almost cry reading the book, so I didn't upon listening since I knew how it turned out. It was still sad hearing it again, as I'm sure a re-read would be as well since I have come to love these characters and this series.

Any additional comments?

More!!! There is one more book available now that is not on audio yet, and at least one more book forthcoming. I cannot wait!!

Return to Zero

Another excellent story by Isobel Starling. This one has everything I've come to expect from this author, with more suspense than the first two. This only makes book 3 more exciting!

Gary Furlong's narration breathes life into story already full of life. That makes for an excellent audible

I LOVE this series!

I love this series, and this book/audiobook is the best one yet. Sam and Declan continue to grow together. Their sexual relationship continues to be hot and steamy, but there is so much more to these books. There is a real story as well. There is mystery, adventure, drama, and danger. It was great to see Sam and Declan work as a team, fitting together like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. I also loved seeing the vulnerable side of Sam, his fears and frailty, and seeing him rely and depend on Declan, who - as always - stepped up heroically. In spite of the drama, the book doesn't sink into some dark thriller. It retains its character as a true and honest love story. The ending was beautiful, and I can't wait for more of Sam and Declan's story.

Narrator Gary Furlong is a master, and I was so glad to have someone who could so effortlessly pronounce all the names of the places that provide the setting for the book. His deliver truly adds to the pleasure and enjoyment of this audiobook.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook by the author. This is my honest, voluntary review. This is definitely one audiobook I will listen to again and again.

Addictive Series!!!

In Return to Zero Sam and Declan are back and their relationship is better than ever, though now they have the added stress of their first joint mission.

With each book in this series I love Declan and Sam and their story even more. As usual this book has humour, suspense, action, intrigue, romance and HOT sex. ;)

Gary Furlong continues doing a great narrating this series and adding life to it.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I’m loving this series

Sam and Declan romance is full swing. They now start to work with each other on their first mission. But things start to change .
I like how Isobel Starling has put so much detail to series. Her characters are once again beautifully worked out, flaws and all.
Gary Furlong reads with all his heart into it. Characters voices he was outstanding.
Now off to listen to the next book in the series. Fantastic very entertaining listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An Emotional Rollercoaster. Hold On Tight

Sam and Declan are on their first mission, while also testing the boundaries of their relationship. This was a delicately balanced story and was the most thriller based of the series so far. I LOVE the way this is heading. Sam and Declan's chemisty is off the charts and Gary Furlong emotes them so well. There are some really kinky sex scenes in this audiobook and he really gets into reading them, which makes it way hotter.
This book had me laughing, aching and crying. It was such a great story.
I want more!

Rivetting! A Heart Bursting Listen.

Return to Zero has everything you want from an M/M Romance Thriller.

Sam and Declan are sent on their first real mission, but of course Sam's dastardly father Sir James Aiken (Whom I HATE) has not been honest about the nature of the mission.

God. This story had me on the edge of my seat. Sam and Declan's connection deepens and solidifies through hardship- leading to some really inventive sex scenes.
I LOVE these guys together.
And the ending, WOW, it nearly broke me. I am just so relieved there is another audiobook to go on to.

Gary Furlong's narration was smothered with feelings. He pitched it all so perfectly that I felt like I was there in the Highlands with Sam and Declan.

This series is a MUST HEAR for M/M Romance lovers.