5+++ Stars!!!

Barrel Proof is the third book and conclusion of the Agents Irish & Whiskey series. It absolutely CAN'T be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read Single Malt and Cask Strength—and really, why the hell haven't you? You're definitely missing out. Go get them now!—continue at your own risk.

Jamie and Aidan can't seem to catch a break and the closer they get to Renaud, the closer they are to discovering the tangled web of lies that the terrorist has woven in the past few years and the closer Aidan is to finding out about Jamie and Mel's betrayal.

Wow, just wow! This book was so action-packed, I felt like I could barely catch my breath with all that was happening. And the angsty-as-all-hell-angst didn't help either. I was expecting it all to blow over when Aidan found out that both Jamie and Mel had known of Gabe's involvement with Renaud, even if we weren't privy to the details. It was still painful to see it unfold. I wanted to cuddle them both and make it better. *weary sigh* Although, I knew it was coming, it didn't make it any easier, even if it was totally understandable and true to both their characters. The love they felt for each other was palpable, the chemistry as always electric, I swear I melted into a puddle of Mari-goo everytime they said "Partners, always."

The secondary characters from Mel and Danny to Nic and Cam passing through Katie were awesome as always. It was really sweet to see Jamie with Katie. <3 The villains were hateful and I was glad to see them get their comeuppance.

Overall, this was an awe-inspiring read and damn, if Layla Reyne didn't do a fantastic job tying all the loose details and giving me a satisfying ending to Aidan and Jamie's story, even if I wouldn't mind more books in this universe. Nic and Cam deserve some love, too, you know? Just saying. ;)

Highly recommendable!

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

<i> 4.5 stars </i>


I've had so much fun with this whole series. One of my favorite romantic suspense series in a long time.

Barrel Proof picks up almost exactly where Cask Strength ended, and it hit the ground RUNNING. And the wait for the third installment in this book was so worth it. It's no secret that I'll always be #teamWhiskey, and I remained firmly in his corner in this book too. While the action and the culmination of the crime plot around Renaud (which I am absolutely not going to spoil here) was fun, intriguing and entertained me a lot, it was the emotional side of the story that made me love it.

Watching both men finally live with all their truths, struggling with what "partners always" really means for them and how they can actually have a functional relationship with each other was beautiful and I loved it. Even when I could absolutely see where some things might not have worked for other readers, it most definitely worked for me. Splendidly. I sniffled a lot, I made cooing and happy noises and most of all, I rooted for them so much. They need time, trust and well, work to make it work and overall it was just a super satisfying ending to a great series.

PS. The side characters were amazing too and I am rooting (praying) so, so hard for a couple of more books in this universe to see their stories.

We are finally coming to an end for Agent Irish and Whiskey series. First of all, I confessed that the story arc that was introduced since the first book didn't intrigued me that much. Although they called it terrorism, it feels like white collar crime to me. Is all about ultimate financial chaos and we knew all along who is the main villain, though along the way we are surprised by some other culprit who are involved as well.

The series relies heavily on their FBI investigative work to make the story move forward, so in this case, I have enough of Renaud's case already. We have the prerequisite villain's monologue and more drama right up to the last chapter, if we discount the epilogue. I'm so ready for all to be done and read about Aidan and Jamie's future together. The reason that I shoulder through this last book is to get the resolution and see how they will finally get their HEA.

Barrel Proof is the third and final book in the Irish and Whiskey series. The first is Single Malt, followed by Cask Strength. When I got Cask Strength for review, I didn’t realize there was a book before it, but it was easy to follow and I found myself falling for this FBI duo. Again, I might not have read Single Malt, but the last two in the series – including Barrel Proof- are fantastic. It’s full of mystery and suspense, as well as healthy does of betrayal. Obviously not wants to be betrayed, but Barrel Proof shows how some can be forgiven, while others are beyond that.
I like how each book has Aidan’s and Jamie’s relationship growing and becoming stronger. In Barrel Proof, they are faced with betrayal between the two of them and it tests their relationship. I love when authors have realistic relationships in books. It makes me fall for the characters – and their romance – that much more.
Of course, Barrel Proof (and the rest of the series) is more than just a romance. As I said earlier, there is a lot of mystery and suspense in this one. Lives are on the line. It’s action-packed and a quick read. I would definitely recommend these books!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now crossing a zone of turbulence. Please take your seat and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you.

Hmm, as a description for this book 'zone of turbulence' might be a slight understatement. One helluva ride that gives you barely time to catch your breath is more like it.

I knew it would not be easy what the author had in store for not only the reader, but also for Aidan and Jamie in this last installment of the Agents Irish and Whiskey Series. I would not have thought that she has some kind of mean streak when it comes to making everyone suffer, though. ;-)

Barrel Proof not only picks up right where Cask Strength ended, it throws us directly head over heels into action and from that point on it leaves us barely time to breathe.

No worries, I try to be as vague as possible about the plot, just let me say that every breathtaking minute and every heart-wrenching moment was more than worth it in the end.

Of course, this book is not all about the action, though. Jamie's 'secret' is still looming like a shadow above his and Aidan's relationship, but the cat is inadvertently let out of the bag pretty soon. Yes, it had the dreaded impact and I wanted to shake Aidan for his stubbornness on more than one occasion, but on the other hand, his sense of betrayal was completely understandable for me and him just accepting everything without showing signs of hurt would have been beyond belief. Aidan's reaction led to some bittersweet moments that made my heart clench, but I so did love the memories that it stirred up.

He wondered, though, if he could get one more thing. A few more minutes of Aidan in his arms to soothe his aching heart. He stood and held out a hand. "Can I at least have a dance?" Aidan's eyes shot to his, darkening, as Jamie imagined the wave of memory heating those pale cheeks.
Feet shuffling their bodies swayed and Aidan moved deeper into his arms.

Aidan needs some space to come to terms with himself and his feelings and goes undercover on a solo mission that proves to be not quite so innocuous as intended. When it turns out that Aidan's and Jamie's nemesis, Renaud, has a finger in the pie, things quickly go out of hand and when a crosshair is once again painted on Aidan's back, it is Jamie's turn to do everything in his power to stop Renaud once and for all and save Aidan's life.

The technobabble was once again strong with this one. Those who have read my reviews for Single Malt and Cask Strength already know that I'm not a computer person. Every single time our technician at work is trying to explain to me what I did wrong so my computer ended up refusing any cooperation and sees my wide-eyed stare, he probably thinks that he is dealing with someone from the dark age bursting through a time warp into the 21st century... So, nooo, I didn't understand everything Aidan did during his undercover job, but I got the gist of it and it was once again enough for me.

I just loved the relationship development, but also the progress Aidan and Jamie made individually during the whole series despite everything they had to go through. How the author dealt with all the hurt/comfort and made this second chance love believable was top notch and their HEA was more than well-deserved

Aidan captured one of Jamie's hands, tangled their fingers, and brought their woven knuckles to his lips. "Partners, Whiskey, always."

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the end of this journey. On behalf of Reyne Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future.

I know I would be so on board with that. Secretly I'm hoping - argh shucks, to hell with hoping - I'm begging for a book about the Bureau's best kidnap and rescue agent and a certain prosecutor who both grew on me during this series and of course I hope to see more of Jamie and Aidan as well in the future.

Highly recommended!

Barrel Proof by Layla Reyne is an amazing conclusion to a wonderful series. So much is packed into this story. We find Aidan and Jamie in the middle of a fight for their life and their love. The growth and acceptance both characters have shown makes for a great story. As a reader you are invested in the outcome for these characters. That speaks to the wonderful writing of Lalay Reyne. I don't want to give away any spoilers. This series is a must read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

If you have read the previous two books, you will definitely want to see the story through to its conclusion. Whiskey and Irish still have a lot to get through, and this time the separation is not enforced, but by choice (not both of them though).

Aidan's reaction to the secrets revealed is not unexpected, even though it's unwelcome. He reacts emotionally, but needs time to process. Jamie, heartbroken and crushed, continues to chase down leads, and confront suspects.

This is even more twisty that the first two, and while I enjoyed being surprised by some of its revelations, I found myself slightly disappointed in Renaud's motives and choices. But it's a small niggle.

The climax is exciting and intense. The resolution is satisfying and final. The three books work as a whole and if you haven't yet discovered them, reading them back to back would be worthwhile and thrilling.

Thanks to published and Netgalley for advanced copy. Book 3 is out on August 7. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed Barrel Proof quite a lot! It had SO many ups and downs that it made my heart hurt at times while reading. Angst overload! I just wanted Aidan and Jamie to be together and be happy. Is that too much to ask?

The story itself was quite fast paced. Aidan and Jamie's relationship took a bit of a backseat to the action, and believe me, there was a LOT of high stakes drama taking place. The guys were put into perilous situations on numerous occasions, and I couldn't help but worry about their ability to come out unscathed.

Overall, this was SUCH an enjoyable conclusion to a really great series. The plot line was wrapped up, and that ending is everything! Definitely put a smile on my face. I enjoyed the great writing and character development throughout the series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

WOW. What an adrenaline rush! This book was action packed and had so many unexpected things happening in it. Not only will this book get your heart rate up it will also break it. The emotional turmoil a reader will endure will wring tears from their eyes. The romance between Aidan and Jamie will mend the broken heart.

I started this book already emotionally invested in these guys after reading the first book. I was crazy about them and their romance. The twists and turns in this book along with the emotional pull and romance made this book my absolute favorite of this series, at least until they come out with a new one. I would very highly recommend this book to all who love a suspenseful, heartfelt MM romance.

What a ride.damn i enjoyed this!

I enjoyed Jamie and Aidan's relationship, solidifying, just growing stronger, partners always *cries tears of joy* I mean they've been through so muuuuch to get to their HEA :D

This had me riveted and Ms. Reyne sure knows how to keep me on my toes. I'll admit some things just went right over my head lol, like the financial market stuff, but it didn't stop me from enjoying and wanting to know what came next. As much as this is a story about them trying to bring down a terrorist, it's so much about the relationships as well. Jamie and Aidan's. Aidan's with his family. Jamie's with A's family. Mel and Danny (happy sighs) Jamie and Cam, the best besties.

I loved watching M & D's relationship unfold in the background. I want a million books with just them bickering and being in looove hehehe. I need soooo much more of these two because i adore Mel and she and Danny are so good together from the little bits we got of them in the same scene. Neeeeed more. Dying to get into Mel's head to be quite honest.

And i was totallyyy shipping Cam and Nic, not even sorry about it. I'm just gonna be waiting here to see if the vibe i was pretty sure i was getting will materialize into anything ever

This is my first romantic suspense read in a goooood while and it's renewed my need to read more in this genre!

Oh, and because i mentioned it's overuse in my review of book two there was minimal use of "autumn eyes" and "gasping" so I definitely appreciated that lol

Love how it all came together. Irish & Whiskey gave become one of my favorites couples. I wish there are novellas to give us a taste of the end.
Highly recommend this book to any FBI/Cop lover.

If I imagine Barrel Proof as a three-act drama, for me the story picked up starting from the second-act, when Aidan, Jamie, Mel, and the rest of the involved characters raise the stake when dealing with terrorist Pierre Renaud and his plan to create market chaos. I really liked the pace from that point on. It was quite thrilling and the actions were all worth it.

However, it turned out that I still carried grudges from the previous book, in which I was disappointed with Aidan. In the first act, Aidan finally discovers the secret that his lover slash partner Jamie and his boss slash sister-in-law has been keeping from him regarding the truth behind Aidan's ex-husband's death. I'm not going to end up ranting in this review so I'm going to make it short: I thought Aidan was acting immature, hypocritical, and GAH, such a drama king.

I really liked Jamie though -- in fact, I thought he carried the case way more than Aidan. I loved Jamie for his ability, loyalty, and all around bravery. Personally, Jamie deserves more than that drama king Aidan. But well, I guess his heart speaks differently *shrugs*.

Overall, it is a nice series and I think can satisfy most MM readers.

Barrel Proof hits the ground running from the very first page, with a mad race to Cuba via speedboat and an almost cinematic escape from a firestorm resulting in Jamie breaking his leg. (And that's just the first 30 pages ...). Throughout the series, Jamie has hesitated giving Aidan full intel until he can discover how the terrorist Renaud and Aidan's dead husband Gabe are linked, but now that moment is finally at hand:

"His husband and his partner. They’d both lied to him. And his current partner had too. For months. The man he’d risked his heart to love again had kept the truth from him, had lied to him for virtually all of their partnership.
All of the time they’d been sleeping together."

Aidan can't get past his anger and decides to go back undercover in a case involving low-level financial crimes and regulatory compliance while Jamie heals back at the Cyber Division cave. Aidan and Jamie's sexual chemistry is still hot and steamy, but their relationship needs a reset, a break:

“Because as much as I love you, I’m angry as hell. At you, at Mel, at Gabe. I need to get away from everything for a while.”
Including me.
Jamie realized he’d voiced the sentiment when Aidan framed his face in both hands. “Because I want to be able to come home to you,” he said. “If I stay, my anger will ruin this.”

As the story continues, the answers slowly unfold in a flurry of data encryption, market manipulation and destabilization, financial fraud and treason with a dash of betrayal and kidnapping and the author does a wonderful job of immersing us into the details while still making it all work together (and having it make sense!) And the ending ties everything together into a hard-won HEA for Jamie and Aidan.

I have avidly read and enjoyed the entire Agents Irish and Whiskey series, but Barrel Proof is not my favorite of the series and I give it 4 stars. The first two books involve other cases (bioterrorism and gambling) while Barrel Proof focuses almost exclusively on the larger Renaud case which is dramatic and kinda exhausting. I realize it's the nature of a series, but I missed the relationship dynamics between Aidan and Jamie that were more front-and-center in the first two books. But having said that, it could just be me! I would definitely recommend the entire series and hope Layla Reyne writes a fourth (or fifth) book.

4.5 stars rounded down to 4 stars

He closed the space between them and framed Aidan’s face in his hands. “I’ll be your partner, Irish, always, badge or not.”

Aidan nuzzled one of the big, warm palms. “Partner, always.”
“Damn straight.” Jamie lowered his hands, spreading them out over his shoulders, pressing gently down.”

Barrel Proof is the final installment in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, and it is a solid end to a wonderful series.

This one picks up almost immediately after the end of the last one, and shit happens basically right away.

Jamie and Aiden are going after Mel with Daniel, Aiden's brother, and when they get to where Mel is, they get the answer to whether or not Mel is a friend or foe.

And finally, FINALLY, Jamie tells Aiden what he's known for months. Be prepared for pain, but don't worry about it lasting for long. I was actually surprised with how fast it was resolved. I mean, it lingers even after it is resolved, but I wasn't expecting Aiden to forgive Jamie until the near the end of the novel, but it happens before that.

Not that there isn't time of them spent apart, but most of it is skipped over because Aiden goes undercover on his own. I kind of like that we skipped over the weeks of them being separated at the same time I wish we had gotten maybe a chapter of that separation because while I love we got the make up quickly, it also made it feel a tad rushed as well.

Also, the fact that by the end of this book its only been a year and a half since Gabe died didn't feel entirely realistic for someone to have found the "second love of their life." Although who knows, I've never been through that myself, so I could be wrong. Still wish it had been longer than 8 months since Aiden had lost Gabe for his and Jamie's romance to have started.

But aside from that, Aiden and Jamie's relationship was as amazing as ever, and I got excited whenever they were in a scene together, and I still ended up loving where they were by the end of the book, even with how fast they came together.

The plot was good too, and there are surprises (where there shouldn't have been. The bad guys that are revealed in this still surprised me even though I had a feeling since the first book.) as well as suspense. And while the climax was good, I also felt it was a tad anti-climatic at the same time. (Weird to say, with what happens to one of the characters, but what happens with Renaud was not what I was expecting, and I think I was expecting an even bigger fight between them than there was, even though what happened with Renaud did make sense at the same time.)

So I have a half a star off rounded down to 4 because this one didn't feel quite as strong as the first two, but it was still solid, it was still enjoyable and fun to read, and I love Aiden and Jamie together so so much, they make my heart melt, and I'm just so happy these two fools got their happy ending together, because they deserve it.

Now, i dunno if its just me, but I kinda felt there was something there between Cam & Nic (Cam being Jamie's best friend and Nic being the guy Aiden kinda "dated" but-not-really for a while) and would love a series about them. Like, it was super subtle, but I still felt some sparks between these two, mmmkay.

So, yeah, definitely worth finishing out the series, and I don't think anyone who has loved this series so far would hate it or be disappointed, but maybe some might not love it as much as the first two, like I did.

Really good ending, just not an amazing ending, I'll say.

This was a good ending to this series. The story starts with Aidan and Jamie continuing to have problems in their relationship. There is a lot going on and Aidan is really struggling to deal with it all. He ends up taking a solo undercover mission so he can have some space from all the other issues. Jaime understands but he's broken-hearted about it and worried for his partner.

Quickly though, Aidan's mission goes into a critical zone and his team needs to help him out. The story is fast-paced and action filled. While the case is a major part of the story there is still the romance between the two men. That portion was lovely and they finally get their hea by the end.

This is the third book in a trilogy and it really shouldn't be read as a standalone. There is an overall plot that needs to followed from book one till the end.

If you enjoy romantic suspense you should check this series out.

**ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley**

Wow. This book starts off right where 2 left off, and it starts with a bang. It doesn't even end until the last chapter, it just goes and goes.

I think Layla only gets better and better and those 2. MCs have climbed the top of my chart of favorites. I really can't say enough good about Layla's, her writing, and her characters. She checks off all my boxes for stories.

Explosions, kidnapping, hot AF MCs, bad ass chick characters, villianous villians (but not over the top cheesy), twists after turns, blazing hot chemistry and awesome HEA's!

I loved everything about this series and I hope we see more of his author in the future

This is such a great series, and I thought that this second book did a good job of keeping enough tension in the story to keep things interesting. Jamie and Aidan are a great couple, and the mystery element of this series is so strong. Highly recommended!

This is the 3rd and final book in the Agents Whiskey & Rye Series. We know that there are still secrets that Jamie is keeping from Aiden and in knowing that, it's not too much of a stretch to know that it isn't going to end well once Aiden finds out. Also, we don't know which side of the fence Mel is on as she took off at the end of the last book. When Aiden, and his brother Daniel, find out the truth, all hell breaks loose. Trust has been broken by both couples. Aiden can't stay with Jamie & needs some space to get his head clear & cool off so he asks for a solo mission, which was granted. Little do they know, he is walking right into the lions den. While on assignment, I did miss seeing them together. There was a lot more angst in this one, as it should be when everything comes to light. There is a lot of action, twists and turns as well as seeing their love grow even stronger. I am very happy that they got their HEA after all they have gone through. If you have read the first two books you need to read this one. If you haven't read them, you will need to before picking this one up.

I loved this book, I adored this series. It is one of the best series I have read in a while..and coming from a new author..amazing! I will be following Layla Reyne for her career! Full review will come... still in progress 😆

I am just filled with all the feels right now. This book was a wild, exhilarating ride from start-to-finish. There is romance in this series, and it’s so sweet and heartbreaking, but then there’s the INTRIGUE. I’m not usually one for mysteries. It’s weird, because I do watch an absurd amount of cop dramas and the like. But, somehow that never translated into books for me. Well, to prove me wrong, this Agents Irish and Whiskey series have just sold me on everything I’m not used to reading.

Way back when I read book one in this series, Single Malt, I said that characters seemed to be introduced left and right and I had no idea who was who. So, for anyone else who felt that way? Now would be a fantastic time to go back and re-read the first two books if you’re binging your way through this series right now. I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this in my previous reviews, but these books are not standalone novels. The stories are very connected. And while the romance itself is pretty HFN, book two, Cask Strength, ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger and I’ve been dying to read Barrel Proof ever since.

This book starts off shortly after the ending of Cask Strength. Melissa is suspected of working with the enemy and Aiden and Jamie are in a rush to find her. Everything that started before the events in book one have been building up to this book. Aiden’s FBI partner and his husband dying in a car crash is no accident and the man responsible has plans up his sleeve that takes this story down twist and turns that I never saw coming.

Jamie has kept secrets from Aidan and everything reaches a boiling point. Aidan needs a break and decides to go undercover, finally putting both his law and business degrees to work. However, nothing that happens is ever incidental when it comes to the terrorist Renaud, and he has plans that are much more conniving than I would have expected.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so apologies if this review is super vague. But I will say that a lot of characters are brought back, or mentioned at least, from previous books, while new characters are introduced in this one as well. What surprised me is how much I loved some of the new characters. I would not mind at all if we saw a spin-off with the FBI hacker Lauren, or with AUSA Nic.

As for this series, I love Aidan and Jamie. They absolutely broke my heart in this book, but they still manage to be sexy and almost nauseatingly cute together. I loved the ending. For a few seconds there, I thought I was going to be mad at the ending, but then it ended up being really lovely. So, five stars for this book and I can’t wait to read more of Layla Reyne’s books in the future!

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