Wow, talk about going out with a bang! Layla managed to keep the tension high and yet wrap things up in a completely satisfying way while staying true to the characters and their relationships. I admit, I wasn't quite sure how everything was going to pan out in the end -- not that I thought any of the main characters would actually die, I trust Reyne as a romance writer, but rather unsure how jobs and possible jail time and stuff like that would work out. But she made it work (even if it was mostly done off page -- a small quibble I had only because I wanted to know the how! lol) 

Anyway, Aidan and Jamie were perfect together, so sweet and hot, yes, but also just perfect partners for one another.

And I loved the little tidbits we got hinting at other characters, who will be in future books (well -- books that are already out, since I am so terribly behind on my TBR!). I cannot wait to dive into all of Reyne's other books and I will be eagerly awaiting new releases from her as well.

FBI Agents Aidan Talley and Jamie Walker seem to finally be closing in on the terrorist Renaud. They have tracked him to his latest hideout, but just as it seems like they finally have him cornered, a fire allows Renaud to escape and threatens their lives. Even as they make their escape however, time runs out for Jamie as Aidan finally learns the truth Jamie has been hiding about Gabe’s involvement with Renaud.

Jamie knew Aidan would be furious that he was keeping secrets, even though Jamie was ordered to do so by his boss (and Aiden’s sister-in-law) Mel. Jamie hopes that Aidan can eventually forgive him, but Aidan needs time to come to terms with the fact that the man he trusted has been lying to him for months.

Even as Aidan and Jamie begin to work through their relationship challenges, they still are continuing to follow Renaud and try to figure out his latest plan. It seems something big is in the works, the culmination of many of Renaud’s plans. Now Aidan and Jamie, along with Mel and the rest of their team, must once again risk their lives to try to track down the terrorist who always seems one step ahead of them.

Barrel Proof is the final book in Layla Reyne’s fabulous Agents Irish and Whiskey series. This has been a fantastic trilogy and Reyne does a wonderful job pulling all the pieces together in this last installment. We get a new aspect of the case to follow, and at the same time, this story wraps up various elements from the previous two books, bringing things all together here quite nicely.

I’ll admit I was a bit worried about this one as I knew we were facing the inevitable conflict between Aidan and Jamie. We knew the secret would be finally coming out, and I was concerned about how much would be destroyed between the men and if their relationship struggles would overshadow the larger suspense elements. But I have to say, I think Reyne handles this all quite well. We get a realistic and understandable response from Aidan, and some clear fall out. But the men are not separated for too long and it is clear that when it is over, their relationship is in a stronger place. I had no doubt that these guys were meant for each other, and they don’t doubt it either. So we get a really nice advancement of the relationship between Aidan and Jamie and the strength they draw from one another helps them as they work through the case.

As I said, the suspense end of the story takes us to a new investigation, but one that also pulls together from elements leading up to this book. It is engaging and exciting and the final resolution felt very satisfying to me. There were a few times where I felt a little lost in the intricacies of things, particularly when they got into some financial angles that were a bit over my head. And I do think the way Aidan’s undercover assignment ends up playing into the bigger picture seems a little too convenient. But overall I think Reyne does a great job wrapping things up here, giving us a twisty story, an exciting climax (or two), and a nice resolution for our heroes and their wider team.

So if you have been following this series, I think you will be really happy with this final book. And if you haven’t started this trilogy, I can highly recommend it. This is an exciting series with really likable characters and some great suspense.

P.S. While the trilogy is over, Reyne does have some spinoff stories coming and I am so excited!

So yeah, it took me a while to read this book... 3 weeks more exactly! I was looking forward to the ARC and was antsy about starting it already, because I NEEDED to know what happens with these two sexy and tormented men! But after receiving the ARC I got scared! Coward alert (that's me)!!! I just knew how angsty this book had the potential of being, and that Aidan and Jamie were not going to be a happy couple for a good part of it, so I got cold feet. I sat there glaring at this damn book because how dare it fuck with my head that way? So a few days ago I finally pulled my big girl panties on, opened a bottle of wine and dove into this book because it needed done, that's why!

Jamie and Aidan, it's been an honor to be along for your beautiful journey, be it as adventurous and angsty as it was. Kudos to Layla Reyne for managing to write a trilogy that kept me on my toes and got me coming back for more; I (almost)NEVER read a series based on the same couple because after the first book it seems to become boring to me, but not this time! I made it through! I can't believe this is a new author, and if her debut is this good, I can't wait to see what's coming next!

So Barrel Proof is just as full as adventure and explosions as the previous two books, and yet again everything is believable, and I never felt the urge to roll my eyes in disbelief. The hunt for Renauld continues, the betrayal Aidan feels towards the secrets Jamie has been keeping from him takes a toll of their relationship, and their work partnership follows through and no longer exists.

When Aiden is kidnapped and his life in danger, Jamie proves that he would never leave his partner and lover behind, no matter what the future holds.

I can't go into much detail because I'd be giving too much of the book away, just be prepared to fell the feelz. It'll all be worth it though, because that ending was everything I could've hoped for and more! Great ending to an amazing series!

Loved this, and Ive found a new favorite author! I want more books about Aidan and Jamie!

What to Expect: A sporty, boozy, crime-solving partnership complete with Italian suit wearing older man who needs to stop dying his hair blond and resisting the basketball playing hacker who is sweet enough to make bees drown in their own honey.

Review: When I started reading this series, one of my first thoughts was reminiscing about another FBI tough as nails duo, one of whom was six-foot-five Texan, one of whom was a Southern Boy who joined the Marines, and I could only think to myself… please don’t be a repeat of another series. Not because Ty and Zane weren’t fantastic. No. I loved them, flaws and all. It was just that series was already written.

So, I’m happy to tell you that Jamie and Aidan are, indeed, a very different duo, with very different motives, with a very different chemistry than that other m/m romance featuring FBI agents having illicit affairs with one’s partner. And, yes, I am aware that technically there are others but this is only the 2nd series I’d recommend.

This was relatively low angst, some juicy bits, easy to read — a perfect book for “checking out” to.
What you may not like: The series, and first book more than the others was idiom heavy, mixing metaphors with too-easy phrasing. 

Not sure I really “got” why the basketball star needed to stay publicly closeted. I also got genuinely annoyed at the hot older man (not THAT much older) resisted the younger (to the point of being cruel) and then for berating himself. This is a trope I could never read again and be happy about it.

What you will love: In terms of stringing along the tension, this was one of the better ones in terms of achieving slow burn. They tended to be sweet and affectionate with each other (when Aidan decided to allow himself, that is). Liked how there was more than just the two of them who were gay, how the ex wasn’t evil (another trope I will never need to read again), how important family was to the both of them and Mel—who  could kick the ass of everyone in the room, regardless of how populated it was.

This was a good third book in the Barrel Proof series and while I did enjoy it, I did have a few issues. I think the constant drama of will the stay together or is Aidan going to ditch Jamie, was a little much for me. I thought that using this as a plot device to drive up the tension, rather than how they coped with events as a team just didn’t do it for me. I really wanted to enjoy it more, but found it tough going at times.

I fell in love with this series from the beginning. Aidan and Jamie are perfect for each other, despite the secrets that Jamie has been forced to keep. 
When disaster strikes again, and they lose Renaud, again, truths come to light. 

When Adian finds out Jamie's secrets he's pissed, rightfully so. 
I admit I shed tears more than once as I was reading this book. Even when I knew the scene (The one shown above) was coming, I still cried. I cried because I'm so invested in these characters. I fell in love not only with Jamie and Aidan, but with Mel, Danny, Cam, and all of the Talley clan. 
I was scared for what Aidan and Jamie would become, not only their relationship but for them as people. 
The book is non-stop action from beginning to end. The danger is at an all time high and Layla Reyne is a master of weaving a tale. 
I stayed up all night not wanting to put it down. Every time I tried to stop I picked it right back up to continue reading. I've never had to tear myself away from a book before. I've pulled all-nighters before with a book, but I have never felt like I couldn't put it down otherwise I would miss something. That shows the brilliance in Layla Reyne's writing. 
By the end of the book I was in tears because through all the angst and heart break, through all the hardships these characters managed to make the best of their situation. 
Aidan and Jamie were two people who were just skating by, they never expected to find a chance in each other. 
Agents Irish and Whiskey is a series that is action packed, sexy, and angsty. 
Lovers of Romantic Suspense will love this series. Lovers or M/M will love this series. 

It is important that you start at the beginning with Single Malt, however I believe you will be so invested in these characters that you will be like me and race to buy the second and then the third book. Layla Reyne has created a series that I will remember for a long long time

My review will be forthcoming and found over at Library Journal.

This series is fantastic! I could not put it down. The suspense of the ongoing Renaud case is exciting and interesting, and kept me guessing. The relationship between Aidan and Jamie is hot and sexy. The secondary characters were also intriguing.

I love this series! <3 I heard a bunch of talk about Irish and Whiskey when the 2nd book came out. I wasn't even half way through the first book when I one clicked the second book. Since I was a little late getting to the first two books I didn't have long to wait for the third. While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I would recommend this series to everyone.

A more than satisfying conclusion to a great and captivating series that in my eyes did everything right. 

I had hesitated to read these books because of the goofy titles, but especially now that I've read the conclusion I am so glad I got passed that, because it was a hell of a ride. It's really not easy to combine a suspenseful crime/thriller plot with a good love story, but Layla Reyne certainly pulled it off. The supporting cast was fantastic, but what impressed me most was how she dealt with - and I'm going to try to avoid spoilers here - that thing Jamie and Mel did. I found that very well handled and aptly so because this is a story about grown ups - the kind of grown ups leading terribly exhausting lives, but grown ups nonetheless. I am always so pleasantly surprised when authors don't go for unrealistic drama and was especially so here because it made a good series of books even better. 

I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a suspenseful, action-packed m/m romance.

Also, as aside I wouldn't say no to spin-offs involving, say, Nic. Or Cam. Or Lauren. The whole gang really. Just sayin'.

A fitting end to this series. Even with the emotional roller coaster, I needed this book. And it did not disappoint. Layla Reyne really knows how to hook you and then encourage you along for the ride. I am so happy that we got the HEA that we did. I think this was the best of the series. And it opens us up a bit for more books in the same universe. If there are more books, sign me up! Can't wait for the next Reyne story.

Barrel Proof was exactly what I needed and I'm glad it was a stunning conclusion to the trilogy.

What do you do when you read and listen to three books in two days? What do you when those books knock you on your ass because of how great they are? 

I normally pick them right back up and read them again. Or I message my friends and talk and talk about how much I loved it/them. In this case, that's what I did... I kept gushing. I think I'm still gushing to some people. I wish that everyone could read this series because I found it truly amazing. 

Barrel Proof ends the main series and the story of Irish and Whiskey. It does so in a way that had me on the edge of my seat. It had me stressed out. It had me yelling at my book, ripping out my ear buds, and pounding the keyboard when I got mad. It had me swooning with love. 

In this conclusion, we find out who's behind all the terror. We find out the why. And all of that is super important. But nothing was more important to me than Aidan and Jameson finding their way to each other and happiness... and I got that. I got that and more. Plus, I got three solid performances by Tristan James, who will forever be my favorite narrator. His voice you guys... ugh. But also his pacing, his accents, the little things he puts into his performance. All of it together make for a very great listen. 

I really can't recommend this series enough. It has all the things I want in a contemporary romance, but also all the things I want in a mystery/suspense. It kept me interested the whole way through and I really can't wait to see what else comes from this author. 

Highly Recommended.

Barrel Proof, the third and final instalment in Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish and Whiskey trilogy of romantic suspense novels, picks up pretty much where Cask Strength left off and plunges us straight into the action.  Like its predecessors, Barrel Proof is a fast-moving, action-packed story with plenty of thrills and spills, an engaging cast of secondary characters, steamy romantic moments and a well thought-out and executed suspense storyline.  I enjoyed it a lot, although I have a couple of niggles over the ending which brought my final grade down a notch.

In the previous book, Jamie Walker and Aidan Talley were at an awkward place in their relationship when they were assigned to an investigation into fraud and match-fixing which took them to Jamie’s home state and to the sport he left behind some eight years earlier. Jamie is ready to commit, but Aidan is skittish, the loss of his beloved husband of ten years making him – perhaps understandably – shy of making the same sort of commitment to someone else and thereby opening himself up to the possibility of another devastating loss.  By the end of the novel, however, Aidan has finally come to his senses and has stopped trying to deny the depth of the feelings for his partner and lover, and is ready to move forward – but everything is blown apart when he discovers that Jamie has been keeping a secret from him for months, a secret concerning his late husband’s association with an international terrorist.  Jamie was sworn to secrecy by their boss (and Aidan’s sister-in-law), Melissa Cruz while he worked behind the scenes to put together the pieces of the puzzle, and has always felt uneasy about keeping his investigations from Aidan.  He wanted to present Aidan with more than a set of theories and ‘what ifs’; now, however, the cat is about to jump out of the bag as Jamie, Aidan and Danny (one of Aidan’s younger brothers, who is involved with Mel) are racing to Cuba after she took off on the trail of her Uncle Roberto whom, she has discovered, has been working with/for Pierre Renaud, the terrorist responsible for the murders of Aiden’s husband and his partner.  During the perilous confrontation that follows when they find Mel facing off with Roberto, Aidan finally learns the truth; that his husband, Gabe, had been working with Renaud (and so had Tom, his partner) and that Jamie has known about it for months.

Aidan is thrown completely by this news.  Having just admitted the truth of his feelings for Jamie, he’s angry and hurt at the fact that his partner has kept something so important from him for so long, and he asks for a solo assignment while he comes to terms with it all.  Jamie isn’t surprised and tries to understand when Aidan tells him that he needs time and space… all he can do now is hope that Aidan will come back to him when he’s ready.

Whereas the two previous instalments featured self-contained suspense plots running alongside the set up for the Renaud storyline, Barrel Proof concentrates on pulling together all the threads the author has carefully laid out and bringing the Renaud plot to a dramatic close.  Ms. Reyne has brought together rather a dizzying array of blackmail, market manipulation and economic destabilisation, fraud, kidnapping, computer hacking… it’s quite possible I didn’t understand all of it, but the whole thing rattles along at such a frenetic pace that it’s impossible not to get caught up in it and just go along for the ride!  The focus here is more on the suspense than the romance, but given this particular storyline has been bubbling under for two books already, that feels right; it’s a story of fairly large scope and needs time to unravel.  Because of that, there is probably less focus on the romantic element of the story, but I didn’t really mind that; Ms. Reyne wisely opts not to allow Aidan and Jamie’s separation to drag on, so that while all the shit is hitting the fan and they are working to bring down Renaud, we are secure in the knowledge that they’re committed to each other and can concentrate on the drama and the action of the denouement.

About those niggles I mentioned at the beginning. I won’t give spoilers, but one incident felt rather needlessly tacked on, and the resolution to the other felt like a bit of a cop-out; both of them seemed like last minute attempts to wring every possible bit of drama out of the story.  But with that said, I enjoyed Barrel Proof and it’s a terrific finale to what has been an excellent series.  I am really looking forward to reading more from Layla Reyne… fingers crossed there are stories for Cam Byrne and Nic Price waiting in the wings.

Grade: B / 4 stars

Special Agent Mel Cruz is on her way to find terrorist Pierre Renaud. She’s headed to Santiago de Cuba, and the home of her uncle Robert Gabriel Marcelo. Aiden, Jaime, and Danny (Aiden’s brother) are hot on her trail, with questions and doubts—is this vengeance fueled by her brother Gabe’s murder, or…is she a terrorist herself?

During the standoff with Mel and her uncle, the truth comes out. Aiden is taken aback, but he still stays with the mission. Jaime’s fears come true when he decides to be honest with Aiden. But Aiden can’t accept that Jaime was under orders from Mel. With Aiden feeling betrayed on all sides, he faces Jaime and tells him he needs a break from their relationship. Regardless of all the mixed feelings, though, Jamie, Aiden, Mel, and plenty of reinforcements, still go up against Renaud and his followers.

And that’s where I’m going to leave this short synopsis. There are just so many reveals in this final novel in the Agents Irish and Whiskey trilogy that I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who’s following the series. But, I will say this—be sure to take a couple deep breaths before you start Barrel Proof. The action is nonstop and there’s a double-punch ending that will leave you on the edge of your seat with your head spinning. Layla Reyne not only provides an intriguing, exciting and complex plot, but the cast of characters is amazing. You can’t help but be invested in all these characters, and apart from Jamie and Aiden, a few of them will really stand out in this finale. There are secrets, surprises, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, and when all is said and done, it’s about who’s willing to give up what for their friends and lovers.

The books in this action-packed series cannot be read as standalones since each installment picks up where the others leave off. This is definitely another series that I know I will read again!

This series just keeps getting better and better. It's so hard to believe this was the first series written by Layla. I fell, and I fell hard for her writing. This has definitely been one of my favorite MM series. You do need to read the first two books before reading this as it is a continuation through each book.

Now on to the story. I'm not writing any details from the story because everyone deserves to experience the ups and downs that Irish and Whiskey go through.

This book is action packed throughout. We get to see more of Mel and Danny. Overall, this series is a must read.

Everything comes crashing down around Agents Walker and Talley in an explosive and fiery mess. Then the building they’re in falls down in flames! Aiden knows everything Jamie has been hiding and can’t handle it. Aiden takes an undercover assignment while Jamie is stuck on desk duty with an injured leg. Neither one of them is particularly happy with the situation. Jamie is still hunting down Renaud and finally nails down a location. The greater San Francisco area. The man who wants to kill both Aiden and Jamie is close to both of them and they’re unable to protect each other. How do you protect anyone from someone who appears to have no agenda and no motive?
	This book has major technical problems. Many things simply do not work as they’re described. I don’t really care. This book was fun and engaging. It was sort of like an Indiana Jones movie in that it was completely implausible but entertaining and you want all your friends to be entertained, too. So I heartily recommend this whole series with the caveat you may roll your eyes a couple of times.
	Over the course of these books I’ve had mixed feelings toward Aiden. In some ways I still do. Intellectually I know I can’t conceive of where he’s coming from in terms of what he’s been through in a relatively short time. Losing his husband and learning of the who, what, and why of that loss. But at the same time I can’t get over my gut response at him hurting Jamie. I try to avoid having a favorite character, but I have apparently failed big time and I’m totally Team Jamie. I also don’t necessarily agree with some of Aiden’s arguments as to why Jamie hiding particular pieces of information were dangerous. How is knowing the details of various betrayals going to enhance safety? Jamie was between a rock and hard place on this and was thrown under the bus. Like I said, though, I’m Team Jamie.   
	I sort of suspect Renaud may be the most realistic bad guy I’ve read in a long time. Which is a funny bit of irony that I’ve said I feel this book isn’t plausible. Renaud seems so all powerful and he’s everywhere all the time. Then when the full picture of him starts to emerge and his motivations are learned he’s kind of… crazy. The dude’s just plain crazy in a, “I’m hurt and the world will pay for it,” kind of way. To want to kill so many people without regard to anything, a baddie has to be unhinged at a basic level. 
	This series is literary crack. I am telling the absolute truth when I say I checked Netgalley every day to see if these books were available for review. I loved the story of Agents Irish and Whiskey. Technical shmecnical. Give me a fun story to read with some problems instead of boring technical mastery any day of the week. These books made me choose one character over the other. I cared that much! That is so rare.

Warning: the blurb contain spoiler and reveal former events from the story, and even the review, as vague as it tries to be can contain a few. The book is not to be read as a stand-alone.

You say a good whiskey is getting better with the age, same goes for guys and it seems also for a good story, one which is getting riper and riper.
Barrel Proof is the third book in the series of the two hot FBI agents who are partner, not only in business.

The relationship is growing  – from partner in business to friendship to a relationship – and you can’t read this book as a stand-alone.
With every book you want more, you get more and this book – the last in the series – ends with a blow. Events which are unexpected are happening, revealings, saddening and exciting alltogether.

You really feel with Agent Irish and Whiskey. :3

But not only those are tempting and charming, it’s the cast of the other character, the balance. Sometimes you feel so hard with them, you have to take a break. The grief in the first book, all over the second book until the third.

When you think, Aidan and Jamie get’s their happy end they’ve to overcome another obstacle – and this time it means a lot.

What I really loved about the series is the constant grow. Not only the background plot from the first book is continued, no, it’s the character depth, the way how we get to know them. More and more things are shown, identities are built up, the characters feel real.

The fact that the author keeps the reader’s attention by including crime cases the two agents solve in a fast and pleasurable manner makes the books sheer brilliant. You really see the author did a great research, something which pleases me extraordenary.

Banter and witt, humorous scenes and sexy encounter are also the other parts of the book. Makes it full-bodied and smooth, gives it its spark and basis.

This series really should be in every selection of M/M romance lovers who adore FBI agents, opposite character, a solid story, from the first to the last novel in the series and with twist of turns, unexected and thrilling until the end.

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