Counterblow

Shatterproof Bond, Book 4

By: Isobel Starling

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

After the devastating events in the Scottish Highlands, Sam and Declan have moved on to a new, deeper level in their romance. Their commitment to each other is unquestionable; however, there are plenty of questions that need answering about other aspects of their lives, and those who sought to end them.

Sam is trying his best to deal with the day to day frustrations of his injuries. He's completely dependent on Declan for everything and hates the way the scales have tipped in their relationship. Although he's officially on leave, Sam's mind cannot stop replaying all that happened to him and questioning why, and who is behind it all.

Declan's relief at having Sam home throws him into house-husband mode. He's happy to take the reins and care for his partner, however, beneath the surface, Declan cannot help but be drawn back to how he felt in the Highlands, and how they were betrayed by a man who was supposed to have their back. Declan had promised Sir James Aiken that he would pay if he hurt Sam, and now Declan has to decide how he can deliver his payback and put his and Sam's world back on an even keel.

©2017 Isobel Starling (P)2017 Isobel Starling

I hope this isn't the end.

This is book four of the Shatterproof Bonds series and does need to be read in order. If you haven’t read Top hat now is a good time for that too.
This book takes off and kind of deals a lot with the last book so I won’t do a rundown so I don’t spoil things. This one does a lot of summing things up and sort of tying up some loose ends. But no, it does not conclude the series.
I will say there is a favorite scene in this book that is my favorite in the entire series and that is when Declan and James come to blows…literally. I loved seeing Declan stand up for Sam. (I would love to see a wedding story though perhaps another short? Hint-Hint) There is a new character introduced I would love seeing more of too. Oh, and I cannot wait for the next book!

Another Winner!

This is another winner with this series. Declan and Sam are just amazing together. I just love their story and I love how Gary Furlong brings this whole story to life. I just couldn't stop listening. Amazing!

Go Declan!! (Read The Book You Will Understand)

This is the fourth book in The Shatterproof Bond Series. What an captivating book the writing was great. The characters were well developed and thought out. The plot was riveting and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. Sam and Declan are the MC’s of this book and at this point a commit relationship. There was humor, intrigue, agents, secrets, husbands, mystery, lies and so much more in this book. I can highly recommend this book and the series. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

Fantastic Episode! Furlong is Amazing!

Picking up where Return to Zero left off, Sam is recovering from injuries sustained by his nemesis, and Declan, wonderful, supportive partner that he is, is also working to expand his skill set. Bonus: the interesting collection of side characters continues to grow as the plot thickens.

I’m a sucker for established couple romances, and the further we get into this series the sweeter and more compelling Sam and Declan’s relationship becomes. (That scene where they're repeating their vows is stunning). I’m also loving the way Isobel Starling is building the tension in the plot, the scene with Sam interviewing Madsson is spectacular.

While the Shatterproof Bond series itself is fantastic, I must give credit to narrator Gary Furlong. Every aspect of this story, between the increasing intimacy between Sam and Declan as well as the mounting intensity of the mystery, is enhanced by Mr. Furlong’s stunning performance. His talent for accents and voices continues to amaze me.

It’s been a little more than a year since the release of the audiobook edition Counterblow. Fingers crossed Ms. Starling plans to issue the rest of the series in audio as well… I’m just not sure I can wait to find out what happens in Powder Burns!


an audiobook copy of Counterblow was provided by the author for the purpose of my review

Action and countermoves for Sam and Declan.

Sam and Declan are now married and closer then ever, and in this action-filled fourth chapter of the series they are dealing their counterblow both towards Sam's father and their boss, Sir James, and towards the man who has tried to take Sam's life twice! Absolutely delightful and enthralling!

dont usually like cliffhangers BUT...

i usually dont like cliffhangers but i am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. the story has drawn me in in a way that not alot of books have recently.

Sam and Declan are Full of Surprises

Sam is slowly recovering from the events in the Highlands. His injuries require Declan to help him, something Declan is happy to do, but makes Sam unhappy. Both men find themselves dwelling on what happened. Sam wants to know why and who Is behind it while Declan wants to pay Sir James back for his betrayal and for hurting Sam. He sees this to take the chance to even the odds and bring their world back on an even keel.

Wow! Sam still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Declan does as well. Counterblow will leave you with an admiration for the two men and a few cheers for them as well. I cannot wait for the next book, which is coming soon.

It is incredibly easy to fall into the world of Declan and Sam. Gary Furlong’s narration makes the story so incredibly rich and realistic that you feel as if you are there and experiencing exactly what the characters are.

Fantastic Series!

Counterblow continues the story of Sam and Declan. This instalment has less intensity (relatively speaking)and mystery than the previous two books, and focuses more on psychological issues as Sam slowly heals from his near-death experience. Physical healing progresses faster and easier than mental healing, and Sam struggles to return to his previous life. Declan is solid and steady by his side. I loved the way he called out Sir James. The set-to between these two was spectacular...and a long time coming. Eventually Sam has to face his fears and confront his enemy to recover his peace of mind. That scene is intense and harrowing. While I liked the book, I felt cheated not seeing Sam and Declan's nuptials. At the start of the book, we see Sam in painful physical rehab and refusing to marry until he is recovered. Then the story jumps forward five months where Sam is greatly improved and he and Declan are wedded. I wanted to watch it happen. Still, overall, another very satisfying book. I am excited for the next book in the series.

The narration by Gary Furlong is superb as always. I especially like his depiction of Sir James. He sounds like a perfect arrogant a**.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author.

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.

Wow...Sam is something else!

And we’re off again. Sam’s recovering and Declan’s mothering. Surprisingly, James gave them time off to recover physically and emotionally.

The couple is awesome together privately and has a strong relationship, so they don’t dwell on miscommunication nor do their rows carry on for too long. Sam’s recovery is a bit trying but does make them closer. Declan’s idea to get Sam back in the fray unsettles Sam but it turns out to be exactly what he needed and was the perfect way for Sam to show his brilliance. (I do love hearing them refer to each other as husband.)

James needs to go…and I don’t care who gets rid of him.

Argh! This ends with another cliffhanger!

The vocal performance is perfection. His myriad of accents and voices are brilliant.

Powder Burns is not on audio yet which makes me a little sad because the vocal performance is spectacular. I can’t wait to see how it turns out though, so I’ll have to read it now and listen when it does get released on audio.