Cask Strength is a continuation of Single Malt and the heat and excitement ratchets up! Like the previous book, the story was engages one from the start. Both Jamie and Aidan are still navigating their personal relationship – their working relationship is just fine, (except for the secret Jamie is keeping from Aidan).
There are situations that occur along the way- Aidan ‘dating’ other people in order to keep Jamie at arm’s length, Jamie trying to keep his cool in the face of this and both still trying to get a lead on the investigation involving the terrorist (Renaud). The latter taking another deadly turn.
Now both agents have a target on their back, so they’re sent undercover to work on a case that is close to Jamie’s heart – basketball.
The story is well written, interesting. Again, I had to suspend by belief at some of the things that happened, (but this is fiction, so anything goes). All in all it is a really good follow up and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
This book is not a standalone and it ends on a slight cliffhanger, but if you’ve come this far, you’re in it to the end ☺

Jamie and Aidan also known as Whiskey and Irish are quickly finding their way to the top of my favorite couple list. Now if you have not read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Single Malt you’ll want to do that before you purchase this book. This is a series that must be read in order. Also if you have not read Single Malt you may find some spoilerish things within this review.
Cask Strength begins five months after Galveston and Jamie is sure that Aidan is trying to kill him. Jamie is head over heels for Aidan and he’s at the point even if he could stop what they have between them he doesn’t want to. Aidan wants to keep things casual so much so that he is doing things that are completely wrecking Jamie emotionally. Aidan’s already lost his husband to a man that is still out there and clearly still after him and his new partner. Aidan has to protect what’s left of his heart and Jamie. Jamie is quickly working his way into the void that that has been in Aidan’s heart since Gabe was killed.
Yes, there is a lot going on here and the entire time you’re reading and loving the second installment in this series you’re waiting for the numerous other shoes to drop. Jamie has to tell Aidan about Project Angel. We also know from the first book that there is something there as to why Jamie left basketball that he has to come clean about. The case they are working in this book puts Jamie back in North Carolina and back on the court as a coach. All sorts of old feelings and desires bubble up. So many shoes waiting to drop, I couldn’t put this book down.
Layla Reyne has a way of hooking the reader. Just like the ending of Single Malt the case here is tidily wrapped up. Our men are at a good happy for now place. One of those shoes drops at the end though and it was loaded for bear. I don’t see this as a cliffhanger but I am dying to get my fingers on the next book, Barrel Proof.

Cask Strength is the second book in the "Agents Irish and Whiskey" series. I would not recommend reading it as a standalone, as a lot of the plot from the first book is continued into this one and you would probably be lost.
Jamie take a hard case that brings him back to his first love and Aidan is right beside him but at this point only as friends. It take Jamie being kidnap for Aidan it admit his feeling for Jamie. But the secret Jamie still carries still may destroy their future together.

RATING: 2.5 out of 5

** THIS REVIEW IS SLIGHTLY SPOILER-Y, PROCEED WITH CAUTION **

I wasn’t happy — strike that, I was frustrated with the relationship drama in this one. I thought both men were being idiot (Aidan’s case) and whiny (Jamie’s case). I am going to rant now — so excuse my language — because Cask Strength was totally NOT what I was expecting the sequel of the promising Single Malt to be, at least in terms of the relationship.

So five months later, Aidan is back to his old ways of being a horndog, refusing to commit to Jamie. He is dating other men, even if he still has sex with Jamie. His reasons? Because he doesn’t want to get close to his “Whiskey”, because people getting close to him tend to be in harm’s way, and he doesn’t want to risk it.

Well, BULLSH*T. They are FBI agents, for God’s sake. Their job can be dangerous in the first place. What kind of a reason is that?! So f*cking lame. Plus I truly disliked Aidan being written a player when just few months ago Aidan was worrying and feeling guilty of jumping into new relationship with Jamie too fast. You know, considering his husband has only recently DIED! What the f*cking wrong with you, Aidan?

Sorry, it was NOT how I pictured Aidan would behave, and it left bitter taste in my mouth. Does Aidan have a complete character surgery somewhere between the release of Single Malt and this one?

Then there was Jamie — smart and competent Jamie — who is sadly being reduced into someone who becomes jealous of Aidan’s other men, then getting extremely upset because he realizes he doesn’t want to share Aidan, and he is falling for the older man … that it sort of interrupting how Jamie do his job. But then Jamie is going undercover, and BAM, there is his ex-lover there, muddling this already complicated relationship with Aidan. It made me want to scream, “Get your head out of your a**, Jamie! For God’s sake!”

Oh, how I am NOT a fan when the relationship drama disturbs the working professionalism *grumbles*. Maybe this kind of supposed to offer angst for readers … but instead of being emotionally engaged, I found myself fuming and wanting to knock some senses to both men instead.

NOT a good reading experience, I tell you. Which is why I have to settle with my low rating.

On a better note — I was kind of intrigued with the gambling/identity theft case involving the basketball players. It was also fun seeing Jamie acting as the assistant coach, even if it was only for undercover and only for a little while.

Things were also moving forward with the other case surrounding the death of Aidan’s husband, Greg, as well as his work partner, Tom. Jamie was able to find more clues and answers — even if it still ended it a big twist! That twist is a great hook to ensure that I will NOT miss book #3 for sure. Let’s just hope that Aidan and Jamie clean up their mess and being a solid couple/partner next time I read them.

5* Loved this continuation of the guys' adventures and romance.

With this book, I've realised that there's been a master plan on this author's part, as there's an underlying arc that's panning out over the three tales in this series. This one ends on a cliffhanger in regards the latter, but not in regards the leads' romance - yay!

I loved how open and honest Jamie/Whiskey was about his attraction to Aidan and his jealousy when the latter insisted on keeping things casual and 'dated' other guys. I loved that Jamie didn't give him an ultimatum per se, but did declare his love, what that meant for him, and to him, and left Aidan to deal with however he interpreted that. I loved that Aidan then saw the light, came clean and admitted his feelings, openly and honestly. I am not quite so sure that he's dealt with his bereavement entirely, though, as that will no doubt come in the reveals in book 3. But, this book leaves the guys in a good place emotionally and trust-wise too, and the sex scenes there were in this were hot, sexy and varied.

There was also yet another storyline in the tale, i.e. it wasn't simply a vehicle to let the guys have time together away from the office and have sex, and it was a good one, too. I could definitely see why these guys would get sent on the mission and the way they dealt with it worked. There was still a few too many tech bits in it for me to fully understand, sorry, but that's my bad, and lots and lots of acronyms to keep up with - a glossary would have been helpful, but hey, it wasn't a deal-breaker.

I can't wait til book 3, but this one has certainly put this author on my 'Authors To Look Out For' radar.

ARC courtesy of Carina Press and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

This book picks up about 5 months down the road from the end of the last one. The guys are still working together and seeing each other personally. Their love life threw me off to be honest. I thought the last book ended with them in a good place. When this starts though Aidan is being a jerk. A huge jerk.....and I was not a happy reader.

Jaime is still working the case of the murder of Aidan's husband and work partner but Aidan doesn't know what he's found. Jaime continues to make huge discoveries and continues to hide what he's finding from Aidan. I was on pins and needles waiting for this to blow up in his face. The main case of this story though takes them back to where Jaime lived before and has him working undercover as a basketball coach. I liked this plot much better than the one in the first book. I thought this was less confusing and flowed much better. Their actions felt more realistic also.

There were both emotional and smexy scenes and I really felt the chemistry of these two together. Again, I felt this was stronger than in the first book. I've come to really like these two as a couple.

The book ends much as the first one did. Not necessarily a cliffhanger but definitely a big "oh my god, I didn't see that coming" moment. I'm quite curious as to how things will end. It looks like from the epilogue there will be one more book in the series. I'm kind of bummed about that cuz I think this had potential to be a longer series

I don't think this should be read as a standalone. It could be but you'd miss a lot of important things from book one. I like this series though and it's one I would recommend.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

First I have to say is book 3 out yet? Oh wait this one isn't even out yet, dang. I really like Whiskey & Irish. I didn't like the beginning where Aiden is dating/sleeping with other guys trying to prove to Jamie that they are not serious (I'm really glad that Aiden was not sleeping with anyone else, if he had been I probably would not have finished the book. Also, I didn't like the almost love triangle when Jamie went back home, w/his ex, as I don't like those in a story, some people this might not bother but it does me. This book is full of action and still full of emotional angst. OMG that ending? Never saw it coming. I'm just hoping that it's the one way and not the other. No I'm not telling you anything about it, you will need to pick up the book & read it for yourself.

Cask Strength,  Layla Reyne

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  romance, LGBTQIA

Well wow – I loved book one, and this second part was another fast moving, sensual read. There’s a couple of things that bothered me, I’ll get them out first, they didn’t affect how I feel about the book overall but need a mention.
Acronyms...Gah, I hate these and yet all books seem to be full of them. I'm not sure there's a way round them, can't write everything about each into a book or it'd get too unwiedly and dull, but mabye a glossary?
As a UK reader I’m not familiar with US legal systems and what the various alphabet agencies actually are, who does what, which takes precedence etc. and then dammit more acronyms crop up in the sports part of this book too.  Baseball/basketball/ice hockey all make up a huge part of US romance reads, and seemed to be filled with abbreviations that I’m unfamiliar with and don’t know what they mean.
Its bad enough trying to work out the plots, who’s who in the police dept, how the US college/uni system works, drafts, boosters and then for this read, betting systems. There are so many characters here its not easy to keep track. When everyone and every organisation ( or so it seems) are described with a mix of letters denoting who and what they are and do I tend to get just a wee bit confused ;-) Thankfully the paperwhite look up dictionary function can explain a lot!
Still, none of that stopped me loving this story, I could kind of guess many of them and got enough context to work most of it out. The storyline is strong enough to carry a few confusions without spoiling ;-)

Aiden, he made me so angry last time, I understood very well his grief, but dating others, determined to keep Jamie as casual when the tension between them just sizzles off the page, when he’s furious when anyone else looks Jamie’s way. C’mon man, just give in!
Then there’s Jamie and boy, he is one hot man. I love his intellect, his passion, both for his job, for IT and for sport, and we get a good dose of all here. He’s so good at what he does, yet manages to be sort of self effacing so he doesn’t come over as a braggart, except in times of humour.
Its clear he’s head over heels for Aiden, and very hurt by being kept at arms length. He’s been through a bad breakup before, and yet he’s willing to try again. Now he and Aiden are back in his old stomping ground, back in the sport he loves, and there’s a surprise for both of them when an old ex turns up.

There’s a lot of technical stuff here which went over my head for the most part... but which I understood enough to get the essence of what was going on and why.
The plot from book one that was running through as a secondary carries on here, and dammit – that ending! Just when I thought it was safe to stop reading Layla drops in a couple of lines which have me all upside down in my thinking once more.

Terrific storylines, great characters, serious heat (oops, typo spelt out head there at first, real Freudian slip that one!!)  – its a story to love!

Stars: Five, a great suspense, and sensual romance. roll on book three.  

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Let me start with: I completely adored this installment. Beginning to end.

The chemistry is strong and the plot was intense.*phew*

Totally adding it to my #FavoritesOf2017.

If you know me, you’ll be pointing at Jamie right now, saying: “That guy! He’s soooo your favorite!” — Yes, he definitely is!

I super love, love, love Jamie.

There’s something extremely sexy about someone who knows his computers in all the legal and illegal ways. He’s smart but not a show-off and has this sweet, playful and caring side! Swoon-worthy.

I've come to like Aidan more and more with this installment. He’s still got that somewhat interesting air about him, he also comes across as less broody and more self-accepting, or rather, the initial feeling that he’s betraying his late husband with this newfound affection for someone else has vanished. Thank Heavens! :)

Instead he's being too hard on himself, trying with no avail to keep the relationship he's started with Jamie casual, which is hurting the other man in the process.

With their relationship in the focus and dual point of view we get to see both guy's thoughts and feelings and honestly? I can relate to either side.
Falling in love is scary.

Keeping secrets from that person is a heavy load to carry.

➷

Cask Strength picks up five months after the final events of Single Malt.
The writing is smooth, detailed and events and characters are consistent. The imagery is vivid and I thought the guys's feelings were genuine and relatable.

There were tiny little twists and surprises but the most dramatic are yet to be revealed in book #3!
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and, once again, thought the plot was pretty intense and highly entertaining. As I said before, I really like what the author did here, the way she thinks, how everything’s somehow connected.

There’s suspense and emotion, wonderful dialogue and extremely sexy sexy-times *wink wink*

The romance felt as real and intense as previously (if not better!!) and the chemistry was palpable— one of the best.

Honestly though, I truly love how the Author works. I have read a lot of crime-y books, you know about FBI agents and police officers and so on, and I can truthfully say this has been one of the most interesting and engaging series / plots so far.

➷



Sadly the book ended yet with another cliffhanger!

Ohhh, the suspense...

I hope August comes quickly, bringing along the 3rd (and final?) installment.

SO VERY EXCITED TO FINALLY GET IT IN MY HANDS!
I can only highly recommend this series to everyone!

Will talk my friends into giving it a go as well, because it's worth it :)



▽


Many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review.

Whiskey and Irish are back, and the stakes are higher than ever. After an explosive end to Single Malt (both figuratively and a bit literally), Whiskey and Irish are at a standstill.

Their sex life is hot, but things are casual. Aidan is terrified of getting close to Jamie, the remnants of his past still keeping him from turning their heart eyes and feelings into a permanent relationship. And Jamie's okay with that, or so he tells himself. He knows that Aidan meets up with other guys when he's not with Jamie, but Jamie doesn't want to mess up what they have by telling Aidan he's falling for him. No, instead we have two very stubborn men who keep their feelings bottled up inside.

At the FBI, Aidan and Jamie are at the top of their game, but not much closer to finding out who, or why, Aidan, his husband, and his FBI partner were targeted months earlier. The case is moving slowly, and just when they start closing in on the truth, someone stops them from getting too close.

Jamie's been called to go undercover in the one position where no one would suspect him to be undercover, by returning back home to a D2 college to help coach their men's basketball team. The case revolves around betting on the basketball players and both Aidan and Jamie have only days to find out who at the college might be behind it.

I thought this case was easier to follow than the one in Single Malt. Each of the characters are fleshed out a bit more in this story, so when a name comes up as a possible suspect, I didn't have to go hunt down who that person was. I loved the undercover aspect of this story, because we got to see glimpses of a very charming Jamie in front of the camera and the person he might have been in those early days where he wasn't Agent Walker, and was just Whiskey Walker, basketball star. One thing I would love, is if there's an audiobook planned for this, is for there to be a narrator who can pull off Jamie's Southern drawl and Aidan's heavy Irish accent he uses for his undercover role as a sports agent for Jamie.

There are a few characters from Single Malt who make some appearances in this book, those who actually had significant roles in the first book, or those who were just simply mentioned in passing. I think the romance storyline is weaved into the story more than in Single Malt, and I enjoyed reading every bit of Aidan and Jamie's story.

Cask Strength does end with a very shocking cliffhanger that will leave you questioning everything you ever read in this series so far. I'm just beside myself that book three, Barrel Proof, isn't out yet for me to snatch up and read immediately. Cask Strength is out May 1, 2017 and is an exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat read!

***Thanks to Carina Press for providing me an ARC through NetGalley***

I can not wait for the next book in the series. This book sucked me right in and I finished it in record time.