I really enjoyed this entire series. Easy to read with just the right amount of tension and heat. Recommend!

4 1/2 STARS

Cask Strength continues Aidan and Jamie's story. Since the end of book 1, their relationship has become complicated, both because of their jobs (FBI partners cannot be together) and because of Aidan's personal hangups around relationships and love. Because of that, a good portion of this book was a bit rocky as far as their relationship. But I was never worried that they wouldn't end up together (thank god for romance).

The book was also a bit rocky at times because I sometimes felt like the gambling ring plot got a bit bogged down and made for a bit of a slower read. Of course, Reyne threw some curve balls in the last 1/4 of the book or so, which upped the tension and speed quite a bit, putting me back on the edge of my seat again waiting to see how things would turn out and what would happen next.

I do so love these two men together, they have amazing chemistry together (goddamn but it is hot!) and I also really love the cast of supporting characters, such as Cam, Danny, and Mel . . . even though, as this book ends, we're not sure exactly who Mel might be working for. All the more reason for me to dive right into book 3 and find out!

It’s been about five months since FBI agents Aidan Talley and Jamie Walker became partners. In that time, they have become one of the top teams for closing cases. The men have also continued their secret affair, though on Aidan’s insistence they are keeping it casual. Jamie knows he has fallen for Aidan, but Aidan still bears scars from the loss of his husband, Gabe, and is wary about giving up his heart again. But knowing that Aidan is seeing other people and keeping him at a distance is a struggle for Jamie.

The men are also continuing their hunt for the terrorist Renaud following their case in Galveston. They are also still looking into the hit and run that killed Gabe, along with Aidan’s FBI partner. What Aidan still doesn’t know, however, is that these two cases are connected. Jamie wants to come clean with Aidan, but their boss has made it clear that she wants to hold off until they have more information. And Jamie understands, feeling like he wants to have the complete picture of what is happening before he shatters Aidan with the news that Gabe seemed to be involved with something shady. But Jamie also knows that learning the truth is going to throw a wrench in the already fragile relationship between him and Aidan.

Things get a bit of a respite when Aidan and Jamie are put on a new case. There is sports gambling and identity theft scheme going on that involves a college basketball team. With Jamie’s background as a star player, he is the perfect person to go undercover to try to learn who is behind the crime ring and to stop it. Jamie is going to pose as the college’s new assistant coach with Aidan as his agent as they attempt to infiltrate the ring. The case brings up a lot of old wounds for Jamie as his break from basketball was a difficult one, between fears of being outed and the ending of his relationship with Derrick. At the same time, basketball is his first love, and immersing himself in the sport again brings out lots of positive memories.

With the investigation underway, things continue to be stressful. Aidan and Jamie have to figure out if they can really keep things casual, or if Aidan can be brave enough to take a chance on love with Jamie. Jamie has to face hard choices about his future and whether returning to the sport he loves is something to consider. The gambling and identity theft investigation heats up and threatens their lives and their safety. The investigation into Renaud brings shocking revelations. And Jamie still hasn’t told Aidan the full story about the connections with Gabe. Even as Jamie and Aidan are growing closer, their relationship and their lives hang in the balance.

Cask Strength is the second book in Layla Reyne’s excellent Agents Irish and Whiskey series. It is once again a full throttle story that combines a suspense and investigation plot with a great romance. As you can see from my lengthy summary above, this isn’t a book that suffers from the often problematic “middle of a trilogy” syndrome. Instead, this story continues the excitement, the romance, and the thrills from the first book and really moves the overall series arc forward in interesting ways.

There are a few different conflicts going on here. The first one we encounter is the relationship end. We can see right away the passion and intensity between the men as they have a super hot hookup. And we know how strongly Jamie feels for Aidan. But Aidan is also forcing himself to hold back. He has gotten over the idea that he is betraying Gabe and that he is no good for Jamie. But he still fears the heartbreak that can come from losing someone else he loves, so he is determined to keep it casual, including dating other people. So right away we see the tension as Jamie wants Aidan however he can get him, but it also hurts him to have Aidan keep him at a distance, especially after how close the guys got in Galveston. Part of me found Aidan’s reticence here frustrating, especially coming on the heels of his previous back and forth about whether to get involved with Jamie for different reasons. But I think Reyne manages to keep it from dragging on too long, and it is really rewarding seeing these guys ultimately give in to their strong connection.

The other relationship conflict is that Jamie is hiding the breadth of this investigation into the car accident and the connection with Renaud. I am not always a fan of the “big secret” plot, especially when it is the ticking time bomb that carries the conflict. But I think it works here for a couple of reasons. First off, Jamie’s reasoning makes sense. He doesn’t want to come to Aidan with partial information, knowing the truth is going to crush him. Second, their boss Mel is clear that she doesn’t want Jamie disclosing all this to Aidan just yet and several times stops Jamie from telling. So we can understand his reasoning and although the issue lingers in the background of the book, it is far from the only conflict carrying the story.

Aside from the relationship end, we have multiple suspense storylines happening here. Again, Reyne manages to keep things twisty and exciting. There are some surprising reveals and interesting paths things take, both with the basketball case and with the Renaud investigation. I also liked how this case serves to give us a lot more backstory on Jamie, something I felt was missing from the first book. We are on his home turf here and we learn a lot more about his past and get to see him get some closure on a variety of issues.

So I am super excited about this second book and the series overall. If you like romantic suspense, you really need to be reading these books. Jamie and Aidan are great characters, the mysteries are interesting, and the overarching series plot is being well developed over the books. Once again we get resolution to the story within this book, but the series arc continues to develop. We are left with some really exciting revelations and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the next story. So I am loving this series and highly recommend it.

*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*

- Review to come

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

I love this series and this author - but this book was...meh. I wasn't thrilled by the chemistry or the plot.

I opened this one thinking it was the first and it went right into a red-hot scene with Jamie and Aidan. I... was at the airport. At 6:30 in the morning. There was a child next to me. Needless to say, I closed my e-reader but only after making sure I was able to get the first one (Single Malt)

The first one, I almost quit. The idioms, the mixed messages, the cliches - there were so many of them. But because I had already had a glimpse of what was to come, I stuck with it.

And I'm glad I did.

What worked is the fact they were surrounded by smart, competent people, ones who had just as much of a role in saving the day as our two superheroes. I liked that. Truly, I did.

Rayne also did a much better job of establishing the slow burn between the characters than many of her peers who have written many books.

I liked the jealousy angle with the assistant DA, though not the reason jealousy was invoked. As a character the Asst DA was interesting. Wouldn't mind seeing him again with a better pairing.

The crime section of the story was more cozy-mystery than hard grime but it was fast-paced and didn't seem to have obvious gaps.

All in all, a well balanced, light, sexy read.

So, everything I said in my review for book one of this series? Double that.

Holy Heck! Talk about an intense ride. Layla Reyne intensifies the drama, the UST, the angst, the excitement. All of it. Everything is double what it was in Single Malt. This book is so fantastic. I thought I loved Irish and Whiskey the first time around, but in Cask Strength I fell even harder. The emotions run high in this one folks.

I love this so much. I seriously could not have asked for more, even during the times I was frustrated. Every single moment is amazing and Tristan James is even better in this one because he's able to really showcase his talent for and Irish accent. *shivers*

Again. Get it. Click it. Do it.

4.5 Stars

This is a true serial and must be read in order, as the storyline is ongoing. This book can not be read as a standalone.

This book picks up about 5 months after Single Malt ends. Sent to work undercover on a new case, Aidan and Jamie head back to Jamie's home state, but Jamie still hasn't confessed to Aidan that one of the cases he's been assigned to surrounds Aidan's late husband and partner's death. Will Jamie finally confess or will all the secrets finally catch up with him.

I am absolutely loving this series. As in the first book, it's packed with excitement, mystery, suspense and romance. Even if I want to strangle Aidan at times, I absolutely love both he and Jamie and together they fit perfectly.

The story is well-written, fast paced and exciting. I'm really looking forward to Barrel Proof to see what the future holds for Jamie and Aidan. Highly recommended!

**copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Things get messier on a personal level for Aidan and Jamie as Aidan struggles to resist a relationship that puts his heart in danger. Professionally, they are still a winning team and head back to Jamie’s home town to work undercover on theft ring involving Jamie’s old college basketball team.

Cask Strength is the twistiest, plot wise, of the series. There are a lot of old memories drudged up, secrets and betrayals revealed that have the potential to bring the agents closer or tear them apart for good.

I love this book a lot just for how much is spotlighted Jamie. He’s such a stand up guy – loyal and true. While this series is mostly about all the emotional baggage Aidan has to overcome, and catching the terrorist Renaud, Jamie really gets a lot of character growth in this installment. His choices – both personal and professional – are put to the test and the overarching plot of the cause of that accident and it’s repercussions hit a fever pitch. (you’re really going to want book #3 ready to go after you finish Cask Strength!).

*Copy provided to me by NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Cask Strength is Book 2 in Layla Reyne's Agents Irish and Whiskey and absolutely cannot be read as a standalone. This book starts where the first one left off, so plan on reading this series in the appropriate order.

We met Aidan (Irish) and Jamie (Whiskey) in Book 1 as they became new partners in the FBI. The hardest part of doing this review is that storylines flow from Book 1 to Book 3 and I don't want to give any of that away. There are cases being worked from Aidan and Jamie, a case being worked from just Aidan and a secret case Jamie is working. Aidan is really struggling and refusing to acknowledge how he feels for Jamie. He feels guilty for being alive when his husband is dead and he feels guilty for what he feels for Jamie. Jamie is in love with Aidan. He has no interest in anyone else. He's willing to take whatever Aidan gives him, just so he can be with him. But Jamie isn't escaping the feelings of guilt as he works his secret case that now involves Aiden's husband and partner.

Aidan and Jamie are taking on new cases in this book and though their personal relationship is still developing, their work relationship is strong. They're successful in their cases and making a name for their partnership within the FBI. The case they work in this book involves an identity theft ring within betting on college basketball games. I thought I had all the players figured out, but I did not! The author has done a fantastic job on all the storylines and mysteries in this series! And though the relationship doesn't happen overnight, the reality is, everyone has their hang-ups and sometimes those hang-ups aren't magically fixed overnight.

Before you go into this, be aware that each of the first two books ends in a cliffhanger type of ending. If you hate cliffhangers like I do, this is important for you to know. My recommendation is this: Buy all three books and plan on reading all three books in succession. This is an absolutely fantastic series and there would have been no way that I could have stopped reading after just one of these books. I had to be prodded a little to try this book and I really questioned if I should or not. This author was new to me, I hadn't read the first book so I was unsure if the writing was something I would enjoy. I finally gave in and listened and am so glad I did! When someone recommends you read a book and tell you that you'll love it, listen. I really recommend you read this book, you'll love it ;)

Rating: 5++++ stars!

5 Stars!!!

Cask Strenght is book 2 in the AIW series and it needs to be read in order and actually, if you're anything like me, I suggest starting the series next weekend so you'll be able to pick up Barrel Proof next Monday when it releases. Otherwise, the wait is going to be kind of hellish. Also, please note that if you haven't read Single Malt (and really, why on Earth not, you're so missing out!) this review may contain spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

Aidan continues to date other men, trying to avoid falling even more for Jamie and since Jamie doesn't want to share, they have a falling out just before going out undercover in a new case. What neither of them expects is that Jamie's past will catch up with them and show him that what could've been is still on the table... if he wants it.

Jamie, Jamie, Jamie, what am I going to do with you? On one hand, I loved him just as much as I did in Single Malt, but on the other, I just want to shake him and make him tell Aidan all he knows regarding Project Angel before it blows up in his face, which I know it's probably coming and I physically dread, my stomach is in knots already and I'm thankful I don't have as many books to review in the coming days, so I can hopefully get to Barrel Proof in the next couple of days. I adored that he simply couldn't stop himself from putting all his cards on the table with Aidan, even if it didn't work like he wanted, at least at first. I loved Aidan more in this book, at least once we got past the whole him dating everyone who looked remotely like Jamie, while keeping Walker at arm's length. The chemistry between Jamie and Aidan just blows me away, they're just so amazing together, complementing each other both in the field and in their personal lives. I love the progression, it's very natural and even if at the same time it can be a tad frustrating, it's understandable considering all Aidan has lost in the last year.

I loved Danny and Cam, although now I'm not too sure how to feel about Mel, especially after she prevented Jamie from sharing what he knows about Gabe to Aidan. I just don't want to even imagine how Aidan will feel about this when he finds out.

It was amazing to see Jamie in his element coaching basketball, even if it was just an undercover job. And while I wasn't overly fond of Derrick, well, he did serve a purpose in this book. I have to say, I so didn't see some of what happened coming and I was as surprised as Jamie and everyone else when one of the major players in the gambling ring was revealed.

Overall, I just can't stress enough how fantastic this series is. It's witty, intelligent, well-paced and interesting, it's kept me at the edge of my seat throughout both books both anticipating and dreading what might be coming, but finding myself unable to put it down. Jamie and Aidan just keep surprising me at every turn and I just can't wait to see what Barrel Proof will bring for them.

Highly recommendable!!!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer by Carina Press via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

The second installment bring me back to Aidan and Jamie. We delved more into both their working and personal relationship. On personal front, Aidan is a total idiot. I can understand if he still feels guilty about moving on. But here we have Aidan distancing himself emotionally because he don't want to get attached to Jamie because Jamie might just get shot at and die. Seriously? And Aidan insisting they are casual and having dates with other men is just show what a huge asshole he is. It was mentioned it had been five months since the ending of Book 1, I don't know how did Jamie coped with it, but thank God I didn't know the details of those five months. I'm only too happy to see Jamie finally had enough and make his stance and stop being a total doormat letting Aidan dictate what they have and can't have.

Despite what a huge asshole and idiot Aidan is, I can't be mad at him for long and in my eyes he is easily forgivable because he didn't cross a line to be a total cheater. If he did, I'm not sure I will finish this. Anyway, moving on.... Jamie and Aidan got themselves an undercover assignment. Oh, I just love undercover work, getting to see their alter ego or just a different persona. Jamie had to go back to his past life and undercover as an assistant coach. How the public actually believes his story is a tad far fetch, but whatever, I just go a long with it.

There are some drama involving illegal betting, identity thieve and the resurfacing of a certain ex. Of course, during all the suspense unfolding, Aidan's late husband investigation is still ongoing. Jamie is torn between wanting to fessed up and protect Aidan. Love is definitely in the air, but it can't be easy being on his shoe and I'm scared to actually witness Aidan's reaction.

Note:  Because this is the second book in a series with an overarching storyline, there will be spoilers for the previous book, <a href="https://bookish29.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/single-malt-agents-irish-and-whiskey-1-by-layla-reyne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Single Malt</strong></a> in this review.

<strong>Cask Strength</strong>, the second book in Layla Reyne’s <strong><em>Agents Irish and Whiskey</em></strong> series picks up a few months after the events of <strong>Single Malt.  </strong>At the end of that book, Aidan Talley and Jameson Walker were instrumental in foiling a terrorist plot - and Jamie’s investigations into the car crash that killed both Aidan’s husband and his FBI partner have revealed that both the deceased were somehow connected to the very same terrorist, Pierre Renaud.  He is sworn to secrecy by their boss – who is also Aidan’s sister-in-law – and even though he hates deceiving the man he loves, Jamie agrees to keep what he knows under wraps until he can find out more.

As <strong>Cask Strength</strong> opens, Aidan and Jamie are in a good place professionally and are celebrating their position at top of the FBI’s clearance board.  Personally, however, things are far from perfect.  They’re lovers;  they enjoy each other’s company and the sex is great, but Jamie wonders how much longer he can keep what he knows from Aidan, and Aidan continues to be reluctant to commit to Jamie for fear of once again losing someone he cares for.  At the end of the previous book they agreed to keep things casual between them – or rather, Aidan decided he didn’t want to embark on a serious relationship and Jamie went along with it, willing to do whatever it took to keep Aidan in his life and in his bed.

But it’s getting harder and harder for Jamie to pretend he doesn’t want more, especially as part of “keeping it casual” for Aidan means he dates other men.  Aidan’s desperation to keep himself emotionally closed off is – perhaps - understandable, but it’s still frustrating to watch as he continually pushes Jamie away, even though deep down, it’s clear that he’s in denial about his true feelings for Jamie – and yet he persists in hurting him anyway.

Jamie’s investigations into Renaud lead him and Aidan to question the two detectives who worked the case of the crash that killed Gabe (Aidan’s late husband) and his FBI partner Tom Crane – and not long after that, those detectives are gunned down in the street.  Judging it best to get Aidan and Jamie out of the spotlight for a while, their boss sends them to North Carolina – Jamie’s home state -  to look into accusations of match fixing, illegal betting and identity theft involving a college basketball team.  Jamie goes undercover as himself – Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, former star college and NBA player who is joining the team as assistant coach, while Aidan poses as his agent, Ian Daley.  Jamie is thus best placed to work out who – if anyone – among the players could be suspect, and Aidan can do the same among the department and administrative staff.

Once again, Ms. Reyne has crafted an intriguing and exciting suspense plot which kept me eagerly turning the pages, and which at the same time throws more light on the personalities of our two protagonists and further develops their relationship.  Jamie is practically floored by lust the first time he sees Aidan in all his red-headed Irish glory as Ian – and green-eyed with jealousy at the flirtatious – albeit fake - relationship Aidan embarks upon with the college’s athletic director in order to get closer to the criminal operation.  But the jealousy isn’t all one-sided; Jamie’s former lover, Derrick Pope, is back on the scene, and makes clear – in no uncertain terms - his interest in picking up where they left off.

Given Aidan’s insistence that there’s no long-term future for them, Jamie starts to question his past decisions and wonder if he did the right thing eight years ago, getting out of professional sports.  His brief stint as assistant coach at CU shows him that he’s got a real aptitude for working with players off the court, and I enjoyed seeing that side of him, briefly unencumbered by terrorist threats or FBI cases, and just wanting to do the best by his team members; it’s a glimpse of what “Whiskey” Walker might have been had he not left the game.

There’s a lot going on in this story, what with the identity theft case, the search for Renaud and the development of the romance, but I never felt as though things were moving too fast for me to take everything in.  The balance between the different plot elements is just about right; there’s plenty of nail-biting action mixed in with moments of tenderness, humour and scorching sex scenes (*cough* pool table *cough*) and Ms. Reyne skilfully drives everything along to a highly suspenseful conclusion that ultimately forces both protagonists – Aidan especially – to confront the truth of their feelings for each other.

The sexual chemistry between the two men is intense, but the author does a great job of creating emotional closeness and intensity between them, too, so there’s never any doubt in the reader’s mind that these two need and care very deeply for each other.  There’s a well-drawn secondary cast (I hope we’ll see more of Nic and Cam, Jamie’s best friend) and I once again enjoyed the glimpses of the strong familial ties between Aidan and his younger brother Danny, who, it seems, is now dating Mel Cruz, Aidan’s boss and sister-in-law.   The book ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, as Jamie and Aidan wrap things up at CU and are set to head home when Aidan’s brother Danny appears with potentially devastating news, setting the stage for what I imagine are going to be some pretty explosive developments in the final book, <strong>Barrel Proof</strong>.

<b>Cask Strength</b> is a riveting read, and one I’d strongly recommend to fans of romantic suspense. One word of caution; it doesn’t really work as a standalone, so I’d advise reading <b>Single Malt</b> first.

4.5 stars / B+

Cask Strength is Book 2 in Layla Reyne’s Irish and Whiskey series, and, if it’s possible, this book is even stronger than Book 1. Book 1 ended with, not exactly a cliff hanger, but at least hanging threads.
Aiden has discovered and accepted that the accident that killed his husband Gabe and Aiden’s FBI partner Tom, was no accident. He is now partnered with Jamie, a cyber genius who needed street experience. Things heat up with Renault, the man who apparently engineered the death of Gabe and Tom and has targeted Aiden and Jamie. Their boss Mel, Gabe’s sister, tries to turn down the direct heat on Aiden and Jamie by giving them a seemingly unrelated case to work on while actually continuing to try to solve their primary case against Renault.
This case is at a college where Jamie, in his real life identity of Whiskey Walker, returns to his college as a basketball coach. The story is, Jamie should never have left basketball and having second thoughts, returns to coaching basketball. Aiden keeps close by as Aiden’s sports agent.
There is an identity theft ring operating via sports betting and illegal gambling. There are so many possible suspects in this case it kept twisting and turning and I had a difficult time keeping up. There are secrets, about the case and personal secrets that involve both Aiden and Jamie. Then comes the ending which is closer to a cliff hanger than Book 1’s ending! I don’t mind cliff hangers but this one was a bit of a surprise. Bring it, Book 3! Keep in mind this is a series that has to be read in order.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Cask Strength is the second book in the Irish and Whiskey series by Layla Reyne and should not be read as a stand alone.

This book picks up around 5 months after the first ended, with Aidan and Jamie still trying to hunt down international terrorist Renaud, who is suspected to be involved in the death of Aidan's husband Gabe. When things take a dramatic turn in the investigation, the agents are assigned to a case in Jamie's hometown involving illegal gambling among those on a college basketball team. As a result they are forced to go undercover as 'Whiskey' Walker the great ex basketball player and newest assistant coach of the CU team and Ian Daley his sports agent. However while this case should have been an easy and welcome distraction, it quickly becomes just as dangerous as the last one and threatens to break down the budding relationship between the two agents.

After downloading 3 books in a row which I DNF, it was refreshing to come across a book series which was well written and actually was able to hold my attention throughout. As much as I loved the Irish and Whiskey couple in the first book, I actually preferred them in this one as I thought their relationship was explored much deeper and I was able to connect with them more emotionally as individuals. As frustrating as both Aidan and Jamie were at times, I thought that they had amazing chemistry and was a constant cheerleader for their getting together as a couple. Also the 'will they won't they get together' element kept me gripped to the end as I was constantly afraid that something would happen and they would be torn apart again.

I have to say that I thought the storyline this time around was much more complex and I really had to pay attention at times to keep up with what was going on. This book literally gave me trust issues as there were so many twists and turns that I didn't know who or what to believe at times. Much like the last book this one was left on a sort of cliffhanger which I didn't see coming and makes me annoyed that I have to wait to August to see how it pans out! I am a really big fan of crime novels anyway but I usually don't like reading anything that is as fast paced as this one is. That being said I feel that Cask Strength does it just right without being too much and at the same time kept me wanting more.

All in All I was really glad I discovered this author and I am excited to read the next instalment in the series Barrel Proof (which will hopefully have a HEA!). I would however love this series to continue on after the next story as I think it has a lot more to give.

Recently I was approached by a PR agency and asked to review an upcoming book from an author of theirs – Cask Strength by Layla Reyne. The second book in the Agents Irish and Walker series, I was drawn in by the description and the fact that the book had some elements that I don’t normally choose when picking books to read, namely romance, and I was excited to kind of step out of my comfort zone to give this book a read – I’m glad I did.

(Note: I did receive this book free electronically for review in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Cask Strength, which releases TODAY, is the second book in a three-book series about FBI Agents Aidan “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, some of the most successful detectives in the Bureau. There’s more to them than on the surface – they’ve recently been through a harrowing case involving a terrorist, and Aidan’s husband was caught in the crosshairs and killed. I’m hearing that the first novel really started to plant the seeds of Aidan and Jamie’s romantic relationship but in Cask Strength, things get a bit more complicated. Aidan has just experienced unfathomable loss, and Jamie is craving Aidan’s love. Aidan seems content to keep Jamie at arm’s length, making it known that he’s seeing other guys as well as Aidan. This type of romance novel is not one I usually read, but the tension between Aidan and Jamie was so palpable that it truly helped make this book into even more of a page-turner. I’ve historically read some classically heterosexual romances, so the fact that this was a gay romance was refreshing to me – and Aidan and Jamie’s romance is pretty hot to boot.

When it becomes clear that Renaud, a terrorist they’ve been tracking, is hot on their heels, Aidan and Jamie head to North Carolina on an undercover case. Jamie is going to play the part of assistant coach at a local college, which is exciting and daunting for him as he had left the court years earlier before becoming an FBI agent for fear of being “outed” in an environment where being gay did not feel okay. During his first day as the new assistant coach, “Whiskey” Walker encounters homophobia from the players (directed at each other, not him), and it makes him feel like he’s right back in the thick of it. Not to mention, other parts of his past come crawling out of the woodwork – in the form of Derrick, his ex-boyfriend. The mission of going undercover is to find out who is running an illegal gambling operation against NCAA rules.

Balancing Derrick’s reappearance (and his begging them to get back together), as well as Aidan’s flirtation with the Athletic Director (is it REALLY just part of the cover?), while the both of them seem to avoid the elephant in the room: their feelings for each other had me turning pages pretty quickly. It’s quickly discovered that the illegal gambling site is also tied to identity theft and the drug cartels – but who is behind it? Clearly there are some insiders running the show.

I don’t want to give away the story, but it’s clear that you don’t know who you can trust, and I actually was a bit surprised by the twist at the ending. The ending has me reading the first book to get the rest of the backstory and EAGERLY awaiting the third and final book in the series.

Post goes live 4 JUL

I do want to start this review by saying this -- I did NOT read book 1 in the series, but I was still able to follow along and totally get this story without any issues.

With that being said - onto the review!

I really enjoyed this book, quite a bit more than I thought that I would to be honest. Jamie's character is the one that drew me in completely, and once I was into the story, I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The pain that Aidan was feeling, and then finding out his secret in regard to Jamie was just.. powerful. Jamie and Aidan are one of my top favorite book couples for the year for sure.

This story did strike on a few of my favorites - I'm a sucker for books about cops/FBI agents. That was one of my favorite aspects. Another thing that I loved was even though Jamie was into the cyber/hacking part of it, Aidan was able to balance it out because he didn't understand it so he would have Jamie explain it in a way that anyone not in that world could understand.

The twists and turns that were in this book kept me on my toes and wanting to know more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be another book in this series because I'm not ready to let go of these men!

Review:

I enjoyed the suspense of Cask Strength--definitely had me on the edge of my seat, especially for the last 20% or so--couldn't put it down! Though Irish and Whiskey are mainly dealing with their new undercover case here, a major plot thread from book one ( Single Malt ) is also still a pretty big deal (and continues to be into the next book) so if you haven't read the first book, you're definitely going to be behind. I liked both Jamie (Whiskey) and Aidan (Irish) a lot and loved them together, though Aidan's behavior for much of the book was pretty frustrating. It was more understandable when we saw things from his POV, but still...hopefully they'll manage to stay in the place they are at the end of this book and not make a backward slide relationship-wise like they did between 1 and 2.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / C+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

The plot thickens... Single Malt ended with quite a revelation - that Jamie promised not to share with Aidan. It also left Jamie in a very precarious position. He was getting closer to Aidan and secrets between lovers never ends well.

I gotta say, I'm loving this series and Cask Strength cemented that feeling. Even though these two characters broke my heart - more than once. Jamie was all in when it came to his feelings about Aidan. The only thing was that Aidan was only all in when he was physically with Jamie. Nothing's ever exactly what it seems and things started getting really interesting when the agents went under cover.

I don't want to give too much away, but both Jamie and Aidan thought they had reason to be jealous. Jamie seemed to be in his element when he got back on the court. Then lines started blurring when Aidan worked under cover way too well.

As things in the identity theft case started to wrap up, the case they left behind took another strange turn. The cliff hanger in Cask Strength wasn't quite as crazy... well, not in the same way, anyway... as Single Malt. That doesn't mean that I can't wait to pick up Barrel Proof. Even though I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be ready to say goodbye to Jamie or Aidan, Cask Strength ended in a twist that I never saw coming and I'm kinda hoping that there's a perfectly reasonable explanation, but...

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Holy crap! I was hesitant with this book because the previous book was really wordy in my opinion, but I wanted to know what was on that jump drive and what really happened to Gabe. Let me tell you, I didn't want to put this book down! I was ticked when I had to stop reading and go to work! This book was awesome. I liked the storyline and loved how much Aiden and Jamie we got. Of course, the hot sex was good too! The story ends on a high note but with a bit of a cliffhanger. I seriously need the next book now!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Five months on since we left our FBI pair and the story begins with a very hot scene between Aiden and Jamie. We quickly learn things have a changed a little between them and Aiden has pulled away emotionally. I was shocked. I was also pissed at Aiden and my desire smack him in the back of the head until he came to he senses was strong.

Terrorist Renaud is continuing to cause problems for our pair, and to keep them out of the line of fire, Aiden and Jamie are sent undercover to bust a sports betting/identity fraud ring. Jamie goes undercover as an assistant coach for a college basketball team, which puts his old life on a collision course with this new one. This, in turn, causes more issues between him and Aiden.

Cask Strength is a fantastic blend of crime fighting, heart pumping action, and heart squeezing emotion. I love crime solving mixed with relationship drama and this book has done it perfectly. An unexpected twist in the story has left me hanging for the next instalment of this series. I can't wait for more.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The second book in the series, the plot grows increasingly complicated as they prod the secrets surrounding Aiden’s husband’s and partner’s deaths. While that investigation runs through the whole series, this book focuses on an undercover assignment where Irish and Whiskey investigate an illegal sports betting ring.

The plot construction in these books is fantastic. This is a fast paced read with threads of several layered storylines running through it. I love the secrets, the tiny clues, and the way the author makes us suspicious of everyone.

The relationship between Aiden and Jamie is even more complicated in the second book. As work partners, they complement each other perfectly. I love the banter, the instinctive trust, and the generation gap. Their personal relationship is more complicated. Aiden insists on no-strings attached sex. Jamie wants to stay closeted. Neither man has much emotional intelligence. And in this book, Aiden isn’t the only one with an ex.

Jamie’s history as a famous ball player is at the heart of this book. The sports action adds a whole new layer of excitement to the series about gunrunners and FBI corruption. I enjoyed the college setting for this book and I loved the undercover element of the investigation.

I am completely hooked on this series and I can’t wait for the next book. These are such great stories!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book two in the series, and thankfully, book three is not too far off publication, as there is a bit of a cliffhanger here. I really think you should read book one before you read this, as the story is ongoing.

Aiden and Jamie had succumbed to their attraction – but it is not appropriate given they are partnered FBI agents. This leads to an uncomfortable situation for both of them, which is incredibly frustrating to watch, but plays into the FBI plot. As in the first book, there is a top layer plot, which is interesting, with the Renaud terrorism angle flowing through it too.

As things start to become clearer in their private lives, the mystery surrounding Gabe may finally be resolved – but you will have to read to find out!