This book and the series it finishes have put paid to a couple of my preconceived notions about what I like to read and what I am not comfortable reading.
First of all, heavy, life-threatening angst. Firmly in the not comfortable column? Not any more! In fact, there are other books by other authors I turned down before that I need to revisit. Or, maybe it’s the hand of a master writer this time?
Secondly, a series of books in which none of them can be read as stand-alone books – hmm. I get bored with a series about the same characters, never mind the same plot thread running through them without a resolution. Nope! This one is gone, too, after the Agents Irish and Whiskey series. Each book ended at the exact right moment, with a kind of resolution and building on the MCs relationship, but leaving a loose thread or three to pull the reader into the next book.
So, without further ado, let’s look into Barrel Proof and see what this book and the series had that gave me such a wonderful reading experience.
The main characters through the series includes FBI agent Aiden, nicknamed Irish. Aiden is 42, a widower whose husband was killed in a horrific car accident. Also killed in that accident (was it an accident?) was Aiden’s FBI partner of many years, Tom. We don’t hear much about Tom in this series, but his death is significant. Aiden is part of a large, wealthy family that immigrated from Ireland. His late husband’s sister, a badass woman if there ever was one, is Aiden’s boss as the SAC in San Francisco.
The other main character is FBI cyber expert Jamie, nicknamed Whiskey. To give him experience outside of the office he has been paired with Irish, as both mentor and partner. And pretty quickly, as Irish’s lover. Their relationship is as rocky as you would expect when one of the men was recently widowed and both men are in highly dangerous jobs.
Irish and Whiskey are still chasing the terrorist Renaud. Renaud is not the kind of terrorist we are accustomed to seeing on the news, and his target is nothing less than…um, I have to leave it there to avoid a significant spoiler. (Sorry, not sorry). Suffice to say, no one who knows or is related to Irish and Whiskey is safe. No one.
As the book and series progresses Renaud’s target(s) widen, then narrow, then widen again, just as who Irish and Whiskey are chasing expands and focuses/refocuses, often surprising the reader. The epilogue is pitch perfect, wrapping up the book, the series, and futures of our wonderful characters very satisfactorily. If I had to write a review in one sentence (thank goodness that is not a requirement!) I would have to say, Barrel Proof is thrilling, full of twists and turns, and sometimes right and wrong is subject to interpretation.

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***

this was a stunning conclusion to the series, a great read!

This has got to be my favorite series this year!

I enjoyed the ever-loving shit out of Irish and Whiskey :)

Honestly, I can not remember having had this much fun with a book, much less a series, in forever. I thought the writing and plotting was amazeballs from start to beginning. And the cast was simply brilliant!!

Welp - I'm still so in love with Jamie. Sigh.

With the previous installment focusing on Jamie and Aiden's relationship, Barrel Proof was filled with action scenes und secrets being unveiled while never losing the romantic spark. Yep, it also had a dash of drama and a very happy ending!!! Purrrfect wrap.

#alltimefavorites.

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

What an amazing ending to this fantastic series. A series that will sit proudly on my favorites shelf for eternity. I can't say enough good things about this book, along with the first two. So, I won't say too much. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone and I just want to keep my thoughts and love for Aidan and Jamie to myself. Selfish, I know. When you read this book/series you'll understand. Thank you, Layla Reyne, for giving me so much joy by reading your series which was pretty much perfection. Everyone.......READ THIS NOW.

*This honest review is given in exchange for an ARC of this title from Carina Press via NetGalley.*

I’m going to have the worst book hangover ever from this series. It’s been so long since I’ve enjoyed a book much less an entire series as much as I have this one. I honestly can’t wait to see what Layla Reyne has in store for us book lovers next! I am also seriously hoping my hunch on that is correct.
Anyone who has read my review for Cask Strength will remember me mentioning an endless supply of shoes and them dropping at the craziest moments. Barrel Proof picks up just a few hours after Cask Strength ends. Readers are dropped into an intense moment in a high speed situation and the book never slows or loses any momentum. The stakes are high. Jamie and Aidan have to shut Renuad’s operation down once and for all. Renuad has caused enough problems for Aidan. The havoc he intends to wreck upon the world as a whole is even more troublesome.
Excellent ending wrap up! So many answers to so many questions that have pop up in this series. Irish and Whiskey needed more than the happy for now that they have with Single Malt and Cask Strength. They deserve it. As a reader I found myself wanting then to have everything. Especially Aidan, he’s already lost so much and then to be given a second chance at love with Jamie so many hearts and flowers with the bullets and near death experiences. Perfect ending to an amazing series.
Do not try to read any of the books in Reyne’s Agent’s Irish and Whiskey series as stand-alones. This is one of those series where you need to have comfort food and a box of tissues near as you lock yourself in a room alone for a couple of days. You’re going to want to devour this series in one sitting.

4* Great end to the series, with everything working out for everyone. Details from previous tales matter, beware.

This is the third and final book in the series, it seems, as it ends in the start of a HEA for the leads and their relationship, professional and personal, has changed hugely. I'd love to read more about them, even if they're only side characters in connected tales...and perhaps there might be scope for a connected one...I hope so.

It picks up pretty much immediately where book 2 ends, and it's all immediate action and we find out immediately who can be trusted, though who can't takes a little longer. I liked that there was more than one love story going on in this, and that though the truth came out and Jamie and Aiden weren't in a good place when it did, their love came through and Jamie gave Aiden the time to process, deal and realise what he'd lost, and then come to value what he had found in them.

This is a book that's pretty heavy on the emotions - the leads', a side couple's, family love, friendship, but due to the pace of the tale, it's not heavy on the sex of book 2. That's not a criticism of the tale, but hey, book 2 was hot, lol! and I'd have liked a bit more.

There's quite a lot going on in the background in terms of the police-side of things, and it's done well, with plausibility and with stuff tying in from the previous tales, so it is important to have read those before embarking on this one.

It ends with the leads in a good place, and with suggestions of them ending up in an even better place to come, so yes, it ended in my kind of HEA. I'd love to read more of these guys and hope that the author will make that happen at some point.

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

Irish & Whiskey . . . . Jayyyyyyyyyyyysus! I would happily read about these two until the end of time. I loved this book. This was a perfect end to their journey and this story. I need to feel the books I read and I could absolutely feel everything that these two go through. This author has now become an auto buy for me, and wow. I am blown away by this series. Loved it.

Barrel Proof is the third book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series by Layla Reyne. I would not recommend trying to read these books as standalone. There is a continuing plot line throughout all three books, so you need to read them in order to fully understand what is going on. In this last book, everything is wrapped up tight, which I love. I don't like any open ends.
With that said if you love FBI suspense with romance this series is for you.

The characters are great, and it was good to see them again. Overall, however, it just wasn't as good as the first book.