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

So much better than book 1 or 2

Have to admit I was shocked in the difference in the writing of this book and book 1 and 2. There was no time gaps and from the beginning to the end you was on a trip of your life and you was able to see the feelings Declan and Sam grow thru good times and bad.
The storyline seem more at ease and not rushed as if you was part of the story not a person just listening to the story. Again the narrator was splendid and his ability to carry and bring each ever character alive and never miss the right type or expression of these characters. By the end you felt you knew the characters so much better and you was part of their lives.

Another amazing listen!!

This story just gets better and better! I just love all the suspense. It just made keep on listening. Gary Furlong does another amazing job with this series. I just could listen to his voice all day. Love it!

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

Be Careful What You Wish For

Was so anxious to start this book after finishing book 2. Again I want to note the superiority of the author an the narrator. This book was action packed and the pace of the story seemed to be at full throttle. There were more accents in this story for Gary to do and he was masterful with them all. As mentioned by other reviewers this book was a lot darker. Declan has been highly successful in his MI6 training and he is itching to get to work. If he knew what was coming he would not have been so anxious. There was a lot more angst in this story between Sam and Declan. They love each other and are committed but they are fighting with each other for the first time. They are struggling to keep on solid ground in their relationship because of all the secrets that surround them. Oh and then there is the Big Bad just around the corner that is threatening to kill Sam. This book had nail biting moments but with a highly satisfying end that sets up the next story. On to book 4.... Highly recommend this series!

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!

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.

interesting

i enjoyed this.. this series is action filled and intriguing.. keeps me curious and on my toes.. the narrator does a good job keeping that suspense up. and keeping me into the story. very good

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.*

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.

I Will Always Come For You

Return to Zero is book 3 in the highly addictive and entertaining Shatterproof Bond Series by Isobel Starling.

"This is true love. Think this happens every day?"

In this book, Sam and Declan friendship , relationship, trust and love endures some very serious tests and folks, it was heartbreaking and very emotional.

Yet, we are talking about Wesley and Buttercup and with them love always comes first.

“There is no room in my body for anything, but you”

Gary Furlong narration deserves an standing ovation for his magnificent performance.

"Buttercup: We'll never survive! Westley: Nonsense, you're only saying that because no one ever has."

I am undeniable and utterly obsessed with this book series and from it's main characters.

I received an 🎧audio code🎧from the author for my listening pleasure and am leaving my unbiased and voluntary review.