Return to Zero

Shatterproof Bond, Book 3

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

Favorite of the series so far

It just gets better and better… at almost 7 hours this is the longest book so far and Starling packs it with an impossible to put down story. All these books build off events from previous books, so you’ll want to listen to them all and in order.

Declan gets more training but still struggles with feeling like he’s years behind Sam. They get a mission where Declan’s experience is invaluable and this seems to put the pair on equal footing. They’re working as a solid team until James and others make the couple hesitate to trust one another. Combine all this with uncovering a company that is quickly becoming not what it appears.

An old nemesis appears and the lovers are separated. The rescue is harrowing and heart wrenching. Gah! I loved it and while it’s a complete story – even more questions are uncovered and I’m looking forward to Counterblow.

Gary Furlong continues a fabulous narration of the series. He’s consistent with all the accents and personalities and switches between characters effortlessly. While I enjoy Starling’s writing immensely, I cannot imagine experiencing this without Furlong’s performance.

Great story, fantastic narration.

I was on pins and needles throughout most of this book. The twists and turns were amazing and the last couple of chapters? WOW is all I can say. I can't wait to listen to the next one. I've had this series in my play list for way too long. Now I wonder why I waited so long to listen to it.

This one was intense

This book is a continuation of book 2 as I’m guessing the whole series will continue to be so none of them will be standalones.

This is my favorite so far and more of a mystery, albeit a little harder to follow with all the characters who are introduced throughout the story. Some secrets revealed but as the story is woven and the couple digs deeper more secrets are discovered.

Sam and Declan finally get to work as a team, and they have a rough start as they find their rhythm. When they do finally figure things out, they work well together. And we finally find out what that blasted key unlocks…and I loved that so much.
I hate Sam’s dad and I know we need a recurring antagonist but he’s awful and I’d love to know what is going on with him.

My one complaint about the story is the same as previous books which is the mid-sentence, mid-paragraph POV switch without warning which is really hard to adjust to when listening to the book.

New in this audiobook is a perfectly delivered American accent among the others Mr. Furlong has brought us in his brilliant performance of this series.

Outstanding Narration

One of the best audio narrators I've ever heard. Excellent book and love the series.

Shatterproof

received a free copy of the audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong.

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.

SO MUCH FUN!

I absolutely adore this series! It is truly a fun encounter and always make you crave more. The narration is superb and gives the story that extra flair! The author does an excellent job with the character builds and plot. Can't wait to read the next book! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Thrilling continuation to the adventure

I enjoyed this installment in the adventures of Sam and Declan. Plot thickens and the twists and turns in the mystery and in Sam and Declan's relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. By the end of this book, I had to listen into the night, unable to stop, and conclusion makes me want to start the book 4 right away. Narrator did an amazing job, his narration made this a perfect listening experience. Can't wait to listen to Counterblow and find out what's next for these characters.

Keeps You on the Edge of Your Seat

Declan Ramey’s life has changed dramatically since falling in love with his boss’s son Samuel Aiken. Now the two are being sent on a mission. Two agents are missing, presumed dead. Sam and Declan are to ascertain what happened and complete the reconnaissance of G’wan Adventure centre in the Scottish Highlands. But Sir James makes it hard on them as he once again sows discord between the two and leaves a few interesting and vital facts out of his briefing. It does not take long before the two are in a fight for their lives. They soon realize they would do anything to for each other. But first they have to survive.

Return to Zero will have you on the edge of your seat. You will not be able to believe what is happening. Betrayal and danger become the name of the game as these two fight for their lives and their relationship. Sir James once again has left out a few facts and the are paying the price. Fortunately, Sam and Declan are resourceful and hope that fact will keep them alive. This series is excellent. Neither Sam nor Declan are perfect which is what makes the series even more perfect.

Gary Furlong once again does an excellent job of bringing these two to life. You feel as if you are there based on the realism of his reading. He is one narrator I shall be looking for as he is fast becoming one of my favorites.

I have no nails! so exciting and twisted

This is book three of the Shatterproof Bonds series and man, I didn’t believe this could get more twisted or even better.
As Declan is thrown deeper into his new life and thinks he is gonna like this change, James tosses more obstacles and plants more seeds of doubt causing him to wonder more and more about his relationship with Sam. They are sent on a mission to find some missing agents and find more than they bargained for.
OMG! I sat on the edge of my seat and screamed out loud at the near end. I just knew this was going to be a cliff hanger, but it was not (for those of you that truly dislike cliffhangers rest assured there is a conclusion for this adventure.)
This story just gets better and more twisted. When you think you have things figured out… nope. I just love these two guys and the father that makes you want to smack him around.
Again I do suggest the audiobook because the accents just add to the entire ambiance.

Thank you for the audio

Thank you for the audio, I voluntarily give this an honest review. Gary Furlong did a great job narrating this series. this book was packed with action, Declan is willing to do anything for the man he has fallen for, even go against the one man that stands in their way Sam's father. but when trickery and deceit is one man's plan what happens when the one you love is hurt. this was another great book.

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.”

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.

Is this going anywhere?

The third book in the series and there we are still missing a plot. The reader is good, otherwise I would have given up.

Awesome!

This series has it all--humour, suspense, intrigue, romance and sex scenes that are specific to the characters involved.

good book

This story is good Sam and Declan's connection deepens and solidifies through hardship- leading to some really inventive sex scenes.

as good as the ebook

The story is always 4 or 5 stars, because if I wouldn't like the story as ebook, I wouldn't listen to the audiobook.

The performance from the narrator is also very important for me. I can't listen to a lot, because my English as a non-native-speaker isn't so perfect to follow a whole story over hours, when the narrator speaks too fast or too sloppy. Normally I have to SEE the person, who is talking to me in English. It took me a little bit, to come into the narrator, but at the end, it worked. I only have to take a few breaks between. I'm just not yet finish with the book, but I listen enough to give a review.

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often re-listening
it's like an A

3* - it's more then a one-time-listening, but not more then twice a year.
it's like a B

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.