Reviewed by PizzyGirl

TITLE: Counterblow

SERIES: Shatterproof Bond #4

AUTHOR: Isobel Starling

NARRATOR: Gary Furlong

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 4 hours, 54 minutes

RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2017

BLURB:

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.

STORY REVIEW:

I love this series. I personally think it gets better and better with each new release. However, there are some aspects of this particular installment that really annoyed me and took away from my overall enjoyment.

I think the emotions displayed in this one are FANTASTIC. I could feel the love these men have for one another leaping off the page. The sex is hot, but it is so much more because it is love making and I could feel the way these men’s deep connection heightened their desire. In addition to the love, the fear and the anger and the disappointment are all tangible. I could feel sweat dripping down my face right along with Sam. I was anxious for Declan when he fought Sir James. OMG I have to give the author mad props for the way she brought the emotions in this story to life.

I also LOVE the way the series ARC is moving forward. The author keeps giving just enough details to enhance the richness of the world and the characters while still keeping the action moving at a pretty good pace. Each story brings new information that makes me revisit all I think I know about the characters and start to question myself about my opinions and judgements. The slow and steady release of details is a great way to keep me interested and wanting more.

However, this story took things a bit too far in my opinion. This series is built more like a serial so I have come to expect the cliffhanger endings. But in this case, the ending felt abrupt and unfinished. Instead of concluding at a natural point in the relationship or plot, I felt like it just stopped. I was not ready for things to be over and kept turning the page looking for more. It was disappointing because things were just getting good and real information was just starting to flow.

And I am kind of annoyed at the way Sam and Declan’s relationship is progressing. I get it, they are spies. But you would think they would have learned based on the previous stories that secrets are not their friends. It’s a common theme in each of the books and never ends well. Why does it keep happening?

But you know what, while I am annoyed at the ending and at some of the stupid things Sam and Declan do, I am still absolutely in love with these men and NEED to know what happens next. I recommend this series, just maybe wait and read it all at once.

NARRATION REVIEW:

As always, I love Gary Furlong as narrator for this series. He really bring the characters and the action to life. But most of all, he nails the emotions and I can really feel what the characters are feeling. I think he was the perfect choice.

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Audible