Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The third instalment in the Agents Irish and Whisky series sees Aidan learning the truth about his dead husband and the extent of terrorist Renaud’s involvement in those around him. Furious that Jamie kept this information from him, Jamie takes a step back from their relationship and goes undercover alone. The seeming routine undercover mission turns out to be anything but.

Barrel Proof is absolutely action packed. Action, crime solving, danger, and a love story are all perfectly woven together. Full throttle from start to finish and over way too soon, Barrel Proof is a fantastic finish to a series that is my favourite discovery of 2017.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love this series and I sure the heck hope there will be more books. In this book, we get all the answers to everything and, WOW, I didn't see some of that coming. I just love the relationship between Aidan and Jamie aka Irish and Whiskey, they are just so good together. The story moved well and it kept me engaged and I didn't want it to end. When things go belly up I was so upset; I knew it wasn't the end, but I still cried. Great book, great storyline, great characters. LOVED IT.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am so sad this series is over but this last book is the best one yet. The story starts with Jamie and Aidan barely surviving an explosive, movie worthy fire in Cuba and the action just keeps getting better through the story.

We know all the characters by now and this is definitely Jamie’s book. Aidan spends a little too much time sulking over the secrets Jamie and Mel have kept from him, which adds unnecessary relationship angst into the already dramatic hunt for Renaud. Jamie shines here – both his computer skills and his secret agent skills prove essential and I enjoyed seeing him as more than the junior partner.

Once again, it is difficult to trust anyone in this third book and I loved the suspense as I tried to guess how the story would unfold. The non-stop action leaves our men battered and a little worse for wear, but I loved the way they work as partners in this book.

I’m not sure how much more I can write without giving anything away. I fell in love with this series from the first book and it just kept getting better. Anyone who started this series needs to read this last book and readers who have loved action-packed series by writers like Abigail Roux and Charlie Cochet will love this series just as much. Aidan and Jamie are great characters and I loved the way the self-contained storylines in each book were wrapped into the more complex whole series story arc. This is such a great series and I can’t wait to read more from this author.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of action, adventure, and passion

This is the third book in the series, and I am hoping that it is not the last. I highly recommend that you read them in order, as it would be a much truncated story otherwise.

Aidan and Jamie are battling the terrorist, Renaud, and then sadly, each other. But just as we can be certain that the baddie will be caught, we must surely also hold firm that these two men will resolve their issues and give us the ending we want.

I thought that the mystery was well executed and had a fascinating resolution. And, I think gave us hope for more from the FBI team and the inner circle of colleagues.

And for sure the heat between Irish and Whiskey developed into something stronger and more special. And the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" seems to fit very nicely!

This series owns me and it owns me hard. It’s been awhile since I have felt this much emotion for two characters on the page and I cannot recommend the Agents Irish and Whiskey series enough.

Barrel Proof starts with a bang and it was a rush of a first chapter. It picks up right where Cask Strength left off and delivers heartbreaking feels and intense emotions right along with the amazing cinematic action that I have come to expect from the series but never to the level has it actually delivered. As I read the first chapter, I swear I didn't’ breathe. Between Danny’s angst of finding Mel, Jamie knowing what Aidan would find out the truth of his lies, Aidan knowing those he loves have betrayed him and Jamie almost following in his father’s footsteps... How could I take a breath?

I honestly don’t know what to say without saying too much so Rambling Red is gonna go vague with y’all but I will try to be somewhat comprehensible... Kay?

Wow! Where to begin?

Through the first two books there is so much we already know about Renaud and his ties to Aidan’s late husband Gabe and his partner Tom. But what he thought we know, isn’t all of it. This book digs way freaking deeper and takes Jamie and Aidan further into the twisted world of a man whose end game is hell bent on destroying everything and everyone Aidan loves. But the love Aidan has, the love he is learning to trust not only in Jamie but with Mel, Danny, the Talley family unit, and others who come to his aid, is a love far stronger than any game Renaud could have planned.

If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Aidan finding out that Jamie lied to him is huge. You know the angst that lies there and how much it hurts. But what I love about this book and these two men is how much they are growing in their relationship and partnership that though it’s hard to watch Aidan and Jamie be hurt by the lies, it’s how they deal with it that makes me fall hard for their romance. The intimacy between the men is obvious when they are simply sitting in a meeting after a separation while a new member is added to the unconventional team to bring Renaud down. Though it’s only been months the men have been together, their connection is deep, palpable and so very swoony that they make slow dances sans music sexy as all get out.

Now, I am an emotional reader (shocker, I know) but it’s a rare author who can make me feel so much during a sex scene that I am reduced to tears. Honestly, only Josh Lanyon has the honor of making me sob while dudes are getting it on but now Layla Reyne joins the ranks of Lanyon because there is a beautiful and intimate scene in this book that had me a sobbing mess. Good lord, it hurt like hell but I am a masochist for the feels and it was worth it.

I have to say how freaking much I love Mel and Danny throughout the series. Seeing Mel, who is not only Aidan’s boss but his sister-in-law from his first marriage to Gabe and his best friend, fall for Aidan’s baby brother Danny was gorgeous. I wouldn’t mind a short with the two of them even in vignettes of their time together during this series. They are a fantastic couple and really, Danny saying “Melissa” turns me into goo even if the circumstances are intense AF!

But back to Jamie and Aidan. As the lies come out, more details of why Renaud went after Gabe and Tom and how he uses leverage to gain more accomplices to do his dirty work things gets way crazy. This book, once again is full of cinematic scenes that could rival that of Bourne films or the like. It’s detailed but not overly so you get bored or frustrated, the book is the purest blend of action, mystery, romance and literature that keeps on you the edge of your seat while trying not to melt off it into a puddle of goo. Reyne is a talented author in this genre that delivers time and time again. This book is breathtaking in the sense that you literally can’t breathe because everything is turned up to 11, and I mean everything.

Phew. Just writing this makes me hold my breath and I know how it all turns out. And let me tell you that it turns out perfectly! I was worried toward the end how things would go with a certain character and I am more than happy with the outcome. BUT that end, literally that end? I stayed up to finish last night and was rewarded with the most perfect ending that brought happy tears to my eyes. Just. So. Freaking. Good.

Barrel Proof… again the title is amazing in how it blends and lends to the story. When bourbon says “barrel proof” on the label it means it was bottled at the actual proof an aged bourbon was barreled at. As whiskey ages through the years, you lose part of it through evaporation and when that happens, your proof in the barrel goes up, making it stronger. It’s like the partnership and romance between Jamie and Aidan. At its originality, it’s decent and based on a mutual respect for agency skills but as the men turn into “partners always” and lovers; they learn to love, to trust each other and as all the lies are evaporated out of their life, they only become stronger for it.

So yeah.
Yup.
This was an amazing series.
Gorgeous romance.
Fantastically action packed and full of the best emotions.

Wow.
I’ll shut up now.
Just read the books. Kay?
Thanks.

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.

I absolutely adored this series. I love Jamie and Aidan and have loved following their love story throughout these three books. The road has been bumpy, but the ending was worth it and oh so swoon worthy.

This book picks up right where Cask Strength leaves off with Jamie, Aidan and Danny chasing Mel to Cuba. The secrets that Jamie has been keeping from Aidan finally blow up in his face as my heart broke for Jamie. He has definitely been my favorite throughout the story and I think Aidan is too hard on him at times. I kinda wanted to punch Aidan and cuddle poor Jamie.

This story like the first two is filled with mystery, excitement and suspense. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails throughout.

Not only was the mystery portion well done, but the romance between Jamie and Aidan is outstanding. They fit together perfectly and their chemistry is undeniable. They are passionate and loving both in and out of the bed.

The series also had some great secondary characters, that I'm really looking forward to getting to know better and I'm, of course, hoping to get glimpses of Jamie and Aidan's future! This was a phenomenal series and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next! Highly recommended!!

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

I've had this ARC for a few months but I finally got around to reading it during the week of its release. 

On one hand, I'm really glad I waited, because Barrel Proof was a vivid reminder of just how much I love this series. The writing is sharp and fast-paced, the plot is smart and compelling, and the heroes are complex and memorable. Easily the best romantic suspense series I've read in a while and will likely remain one of my favorites ever.

On the other hand, I regret not reading my ARC right away, because as it turns out, the author kept spoiling some of the suspenseful parts (two possible suspects and the fate of one character) while she was promoting other WIPs prior to Barrel Proof's publication. It definitely took away the impact of this book's otherwise gripping story, but hey, it's still a really solid 4 stars for me.

Barrel Proof is probably the most intense of the three books in this series. A lot of secrets and betrayals have finally come to a head. The truth about Jamie’s investigation, the accident, their quest to capture the terrorist Renaud as he continues to put everyone Aidan loves in danger spirals out of control.

I adored this conclusion. It rang so true for the characters. Both Jamie and Aidan had to do some real soul searching and make tough decisions. I loved how they worked it out individually and on their own terms. It felt right for them. 

There is also the epic showdown conclusion to who caused that accident that killed Aidan’s husband and best friend. As I mentioned a bit earlier – I’m not a huge hacking, crime solving fan. I tend to get bored easily but the tension for this case has ratcheted up with each book and the emotional fallout is so great in scope that I have been absolutely riveted the whole time.

Once again, the supporting cast of characters was very well rounded and they leverage quite a bit of emotional impact, considering the aren’t the focus. 

If I have one quibble with the series, it’s that it relies on jealousy and blackmail a lot to add tension to Aiden/Jamie’s relationship. Everyone wants to sleep with these two and it got a tad tiresome and unprofessional, in some instances. It’s seriously a small thing in the grand scheme of things and no reason to avoid the books at all because the author handles it well in the end. Jamie and Aidan have left a lot of collateral damage to the people around them in their quest to solve the case and avoid intimacy and I love how the author addressed that instead of giving them a free pass.

And to top it all off Barrel Proof gives you a well earned solid HEA!

3.5 stars

Barrel Proof is the final book in the Irish & Whiskey series (this is definitely one that must be read in order). The main focus of the story is the wrap-up of the ongoing investigation that we’ve been following since book 1. There’s a lot of (A LOT OF) explanations and tying up loose ends. I thought it was a little extra and over-the-top at times, to be honest. It was, however, very well plotted and obvious the author put a lot of work into creating this crime/mystery that spans three books.

The romance between Aidan and Jamie was like driving a fast car that keeps stalling out. It went super fast, then slow, then super fast, then slow… It’s been an ongoing frustration I’ve had in this series, Aidan’s reluctance in his relationship with Jamie. And we have it still at the beginning of this book. But then, from one second to the next, everything changes and Aidan jumps all in. At first, I was ecstatic about that because, hey, it’s what I’ve been waiting three books for. However, by the time I got to the epilogue, their relationship felt super rushed. I was actually wanting to yell out to Aidan to slow down and hold his horses. But ultimately I’m glad the guys got their HEA in the end because they definitely earned it.

My best piece of advice? Binge this series. Each book is a cliffhanger for the next, and there is a lot of continuation from book one to book three. There isn’t a lot of summarization as I’ve become used to in other book series. I read Cask Strength three months and about 80 books ago, so a lot of the details were a little fuzzy. Don’t be like me. Binge these so you can fully appreciate them.

If you’re a fan of detective/suspense novels, especially ones with some romance and steam, pick this series up.

Barrel Proof is book 3 in the Agents Irish and Whisky trilogy by Layla Reyne and you MUST read them in order.  This series is one complete story, broken into three books with a slightly different focus in each book.  They definitely will not make sense out of order.  Read my review of Single Malt and pick up that one first. The very first page picks up right where Cask Strength (book 2) ended.

So, in Barrel Proof, Aiden and Jamie are on the hunt for the terrorist Renaud and the mission is fraught with danger.  I will not give away plot tidbits but the story will have some undercover work and they won't always be together (on the job or at home) to have each other's backs.  It is a well-developed plot with a few twists here and there that I wasn't expecting.  It is action packed from page one all the way to the end.  Definitely a page turner and one that will keep you on your toes!

The action packed plot is only one part of the story.  Jamie has been keeping a secret from Aiden through the entire series and it comes out.  It doesn't go well....Aiden is hurt by his betrayal and it will take a LOT for these two to get their happily ever after.  Their love is intense....both of them recognize how deeply that runs.  But it is going to take some time for these two to get their happily ever after.... don't worry, though.  They DO get there by the end of the story!  I totally understood Aiden's feelings....he was betrayed and it hurts.  But the situation was well written and totally believable, without over inflated drama.

These characters both grow and change quite a bit in this story.  Yes, you have a crazed terrorist (who you learn more about as you read the story).  But you also have two men who grow individually as well as together as the story goes on.  I think the author did a really good job in the character development aspect of this story.

You get to know the secondary characters a bit more in this story as well.  In fact, I am REALLY hoping that a couple of them get their own story soon!

The Renaud story line is a bit complicated and there is definitely a lot of computer hacking lingo throughout.  It is fairly well explained, but you definitely can't just fly through this story.  You need to pay attention to the 'who, what, where, when and how' of the plot development.  This is definitely not light, mindless reading!

Overall, I absolutely loved this story and was sad to see the end of the series.  I hope the author will do a follow-up series with more of the characters that lets us see how Aiden and Jamie are making a life together!

Barrel Proof brings this gay romance/spy thriller series to a solid ending. While the previous two books had enough to stand alone, this jumps right in where the previous one left off, though it offers reminders pretty quickly to ground the reader. It does feel like this is a better binge read than stretched out too long. Because of where the last book left Jaime and Aiden, even though I remembered the events, the emotional connection to the characters had dimmed. However, even there, it took very little to restart that connection.

The book uses a large time-jump/summary to make Aiden’s attempts to deal with Jaime’s betrayal reasonable, but the story is in a bit of a holding pattern during this section. Jaime, who has the narration, wasn’t doing much that’s critical, or so it seemed. I’ll say only his concerns and ruminations become very relevant by the end, and things smoothed out on all sides once Aidan comes back into the picture. He doesn’t stay long for work reasons, but the mood changes from depression to anticipation.

It’s the last that drew me into the series and is strong in Barrel Proof as much as any of the others. Not the anticipation, exactly, but the sense this is much more than the explicit gay sex. The connections both made them vulnerable and stronger, while the love is clear whether requited as with Aiden and Jaime, and Mel and Danny, or not as with Nic (the DA). This makes the story powerful, gives the characters clear motivations, and doesn’t interfere with the story because it’s integral to the tale unfolding.

I enjoyed seeing Nic become a full character, and Katie (Aiden’s niece) stole the show as usual. Whether fighting bad guys or risking their lives to rescue those they love, the sense of family, both born into and chosen, forms the foundation of their lives and work.

The villain of the piece is much more than an amorphous bad guy despite how he appeared in the earlier books when they didn’t have much to go on. The story comes together with plausible and complex clues to figure out. To avoid spoilers, I will say only there was one twist that disappointed me (not in the writing, but in the character involved) and one that was beautifully done and gave me something I’d thought lost. Other themes touched on things like consequences when breaking the rules even if it means results, and I liked how all that comes out and is resolved as well.

Overall, I read the series for the connections between the characters and the active caring they showed even when they were sometimes being idiotic about it (because of very human reactions). The third book does not disappoint and brings together a ton of pieces to make this all work. While I had some quibbles with the beginning of the book mostly because of the time jump that I agree is necessary, I am glad I stuck it out through the whole series because I “met” many deep characters who felt and acted like real people in all their strengths and frailties. Plus, the addition of realistic consequences for all involved was a pleasant surprise when all too often the maverick behavior is excused or ignored in fictional worlds.

P.S. I received this arc from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars -  Irish and Whiskey are back in this exciting conclusion that picks up right where the previous book left off. The guys are still on the trail of Renaud which lead them on an intense journey as they pick up clues along the way. Jamie is somewhat sidelined by an injury (and almost death), and even when Aidan learns of all the secrets everyone has been keeping from him is enough to keep him from caring about his partner. He doesn’t make it easy on Jamie though, nor is he too quick to forgive.

In the meantime, Renaud is still on the loose and causing havoc. Aidan goes undercover solo in order to ferret him out and get to the bottom of things. While the previous books each had their own case going on, this one is the grand finale with which they have been working on from the start. It all comes together here, and it is worth the ride to see what Aidan and Jamie have to go through to get to their happy ending, with them coming out stronger than ever on the other side.

This was very fast-paced and exciting, just as the first two installments were. There is a lot going on with finding out what is currently going on and how it all ties back to Gabe. Relationships are tested (Jamie/Aidan; Mel/Danny, etc.), but everyone realizes what’s important in the end. This has some great side characters in it as well. From the fabulousness that is Irish and Whiskey in action, both on the job and off (they have some amazing chemistry), to the family dynamic and the friends and colleagues involved in one way or another, there is definitely a lot to love here.

I would not recommend reading this on its own, as the story really builds up in each segment as clues are unveiled. If you are just picking up this series now, be ready to have them lined up. Once you start, you won’t want to stop until you get to the end. Definitely recommend.

Oh My God! I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Barrel Proof ARC arrive. Soo excited to read this as I’d already read the other two and was in awe over them. Book two left the reader with a bit of a WTF moment. So, if you haven’t read it (Cask Strength) or book one (Single Malt), GO DO IT NOW.

The story kicks off with Jamie, Aiden and Danny on their way to Cuba to get Mel. They end up running into a burning building where all sorts of other stuff happens. It’s a corker of a start – Wow!

I sooooo, want to give you spoilers, but I daren’t. The story is full of drama, action, angst, sexy, HOT and oh so sweet moments. By halfway, I’d already cried and had my heart in my mouth. Everything about Aiden’s dead husband, Gabe, comes to a head, which sends Aiden reeling and disappearing off on an undercover mission so that he can get some space and perspective – no spoilers there, it’s in the blurb. Jamie and Aiden love each other, but love and trust don’t always go together, and that can tear people apart.

Aiden and Jamie are adorable, especially during their intimate moments – not all of which are sex based.

The investigation is meaty, but not so intricate that it can’t be followed. The supporting cast has some good roles to play, too. There was a welcome back to some scene-stealing characters that have made their presence known in all the books thus far. Gotta love Cam and Danny.

And unless you’ve read the other two books, most of this probably won’t make sense.

Barrel Proof is an emotional, drama and angst filled roller coaster of a read, with some unexpected allies, and foes. There are phrases in here that firmly belong in my personal room 101, but the book is so damned good, I choose to chalk it up to the gods of – no book is perfect. Barrel Proof is the third, and I believe the final story in the Irish and Whisky series - one I’ll happily read again and again. But, I hope it’s not the last I see of this utterly delightful crew.

A perfect addition (I'm not going to say ending because I'm in denial that their story is over!) to the lives of Irish and Whiskey. The story wastes no time picking up where it left off in Cask Strength, so I strongly encourage you to read both books 1 & 2 before diving into this one.

Jaimie and Aiden navigate through a real struggle in their relationship as a couple when secrets from work cross over into their personal lives. Not only is there a lot going on with the FBI side of this story, the emotions for them as a couple are in a sort of rollercoaster turmoil. But love always prevails and for this I am so grateful.

I love how the author intertwines the characters' professional side with the relationship side, keeping it very balanced, not giving it too much sex or to much investigation time. It works very well. And the ending...so much love!!

Review by Gillian
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


"I can't, Whiskey." I can't do this."

Say it ain't so, Irish!

After a superbly exciting, action-packed opening chapter - that starts almost immediately after the events of Cask Strength - our favourite agents in love, Aidan "Irish" Talley and Jameson "Whiskey" Walker, are on the outs. Aidan has discovered that not only has his best friend, Mel, been keeping secrets from him, so has his lover and partner, Jamie - the man he trust above everyone else.

After finally getting his act together and declaring his love for Jamie, this revelation understandably rocks Aidan on his heels. Even after almost losing Jamie while pursuing the mysterious Renaud, Aidan is desperate to put some much needed time and space between him and the man he loves, looking to get a hold of his feelings of anger and betrayal before he reaches the point of no return.

Cradling his face, Jamie swiped a thumb over the corner of his grim smile. "I love you too, I know your kiss, and I know what goodbye tastes like."

Aidan framed his face in both hands. "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. I want to be able to come home to you," he said. "If I stay, my anger will ruin this."

Temporarily separated, Jamie stays back to continue his investigation of Renaud and recover from a broken leg, while Aidan is offered the chance to go undercover as a Legal Compliance Officer for an investment firm, looking into possible investor fraud. But six weeks into his stint, both Jamie and Aidan are shocked to learn that Renaud may be a lot to closer to them than they think - and he's headed straight for Aidan.

Barrel Proof was probably the most emotional book in the series, with both men coming to terms not only with the secrets that have been hidden and withheld, but what it means to truly be partners. Along with this comes the realization that the dangerous Renaud will stop at nothing to ensure his end-game is successful, even if it means that no one is truly safe until he can be stopped.

I loved everything about this book. Not only was it fast-paced and action-packed, it finally gets to the bottom of Aidan's late husband's involvement with Renaud and how it spun out of control to include both Aidan's former partner, and Aidan himself. In addition, the emotional element I mentioned above provides a truly lovely and fitting HEA for Jamie and Aidan, something we've all been looking forward to since their first dance at the Tavern.

All in all, this was a very satisfying conclusion to the Irish & Whiskey series. Maybe, if we're lucky, we'll see a little more of these guys when the author writes that Cam and Nic book I desperately want (yes, I'm looking at you Layla Reyne!).

My Review:

This is the final book in this series. And this is a series that you need to read all the books. They are not stand-alones. My recommendation is that you find the time, and read all three of the books back to back. This was an amazing series, but if you've been reading my reviews over time, you know I have a problem remembering details. Honestly, I think that was my flaw in fully enjoying this final book in the series as much as the other two. There are a lot of characters and details to keep straight, but it had been too long since I read the first two, so I kept getting lost. (Again...that is a ME flaw, not an issue with this book, and I can almost guarantee if I'd read all three books back to back I would have loved this one just as much, if not more than the first two.)

But even with not being able to follow the suspense line's nitty gritty details, I loved Aidan and Jamie. Gah, in this book they don't start out in a good place. Aidan finds out that Jamie's been hiding a secret from him, and although Jamie was just trying to protect Aidan, he's finding it hard to forgive and forget. As a result, throughout a lot of this book they weren't working as partners. But they still have that deep connection of love tying them together. Even when I wasn't sure their relationship would survive, I had no doubt about the depths of their love for one another. The author did an amazing job balancing that. 

The entire series is really well written. The romance is fast paced and hot. There is a ton of angst, especially for Aidan, because he's still dealing with his husband's death which ties into the suspense story line. So, even if he wanted to move on and just focus on his relationship with Jamie, he couldn't because the ghost of his husband Gabe is there throughout the entire series. 

I loved these books and am so thrilled to find a new auto-buy author. Now, if she'd tell us that there's a spin off series coming for Cam, I would be even more happy. I loved his character and would love to see him get his HEA, too. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

4.5 Stars. What a breathtaking conclusion to this series! If you thought Aiden and Jamie had it rough in the first two books, be ready to double down. Picking up immediately after book two, the action starts in Cuba and as they escape that, Aiden learns what Jamie, and Mel, have been keeping from him. He’s feeling heartbroken,  betrayed and angry, but does have a pretty mature response, eventually, and does visit Jamie to discuss why he’s taking a solo undercover op. He wants distance to process his feelings and not let his anger ruin things between them. (I was aggravated with him anyway. Like he wouldn’t have done the same thing!)

Anyhoo, Aiden has no idea what he’s walked into and Jamie has no clue what’s occurring behind his computer screens. It get a little too complex at times, to my mind, but threads from their other cases get woven into the plot. There are a couple of returning characters, like Cam, Jamie’s friend, and Nic, the US attorney Aiden had “dated”, reappears. The action never really stops and the story just rockets along. I yelled a lot of “oh em gee” and “no, no, no”, and also thought there was one event too many. It’s also remarkable just how much physical abuse a man can take and it still never prevents the exercise of their libido. Just sayin’!

You must read the entire series to understand everything going on. Definitely not stand-alone books. They’re absorbing and interesting all the way through the series and I loved Aiden and Jamie as a couple, although Aiden was kind of a jerk at times and Jamie put up with a bit too much. There’s a lovely epilogue and a very satisfying HEA. Now I’d like to see a book or books for poor Nic and for Cam.

*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley, for the purpose of an impartial review, on Jessie G Books Reviews*

Layla Reyne brings this action packed, romantic-suspense, swoon-worthy, Agents Irish and Whiskey to a stupefying and extremely intoxicating close with Barrel Proof. From secrets and explosions, high-speed boat rides to dirty and debilitating shoot-outs—time is of the essence—you never know what may be coming next so prepare to hold on for this all-consuming, throat-clenched, helluva finale. 

Barrel Proof starts off immediately where Cask Strength finished—Jamie's secret looming over his head like a fifty-ton whiskey barrel—and his time for coming clean leaves him no time to prepare as it's out in the open for all to hear...including Aidan. Even knowing it was coming, knowing Aidan would be devastated, I was just as gut-punched as he was and witnessing his reaction left me in a heap of tears and sorrow. 

Needing time for himself, Aidan goes undercover—separately, but unbeknownst to him and the team, he may be walking into more danger and right into the hands of the one man they've been hunting...Renaud. 

Jamie understands Aidan's decision but the ache he feels is palpable across every page you read and Layla Reyne pulls out every stop working her magic to bring these two together because regardless of a bad decision or thinking you were making the right one, these two belong together. Partners, always. 

Together or apart, Jamie and Aidan feed off each other, know each other inside and out, and because of their close-knit relationship, both—personally and professionally—they work closely digging for clues to bring Renaud to a stop, once and for all.

However, it's not just these two hell-bent agents working against the clock to find this mad man behind the murders and mayhem, it takes the entire team and even family jump in to bring closure to years of suffering at the evil hands of this mastermind. 

Barrel Proof also shows a much closer side to Nic, the sexy and suspenseful prosecutor who I wanted to hate but absolutely love and I hope we see more of him in the future. Maybe matched up with an, even more, enigma, Cam. Hot and Hotter!! 

Agents Irish and Whiskey are and will always be one of my top reads as the author brings everything I absolutely love to the forefront in every book. Action, suspense, a slow-burn romance filled with tantalizing sexual chemistry that will melt the hair off your arms and sizzle your spine, and a plot filled with non-stop captivating and heady dialogue that pulls the reader in from page one and keeps you hooked until the very end craving more.

The ending will leave you exhilarated but a little mournful that it's finally at an end. A must read for any romantic suspense lover. I can't wait to see what else Layla Reyne brings with her smooth and effortless writing prose that hits every one of my buttons.

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

Barrel Proof is Book 3 in Layla Reyne's Agents Irish and Whiskey and absolutely cannot be read as a standalone. This book starts where the second 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. There was attraction between the two men, with Jamie having crushed on Aiden from the first time they met but Aiden's had love and lost it, he's not interested in taking a chance in love. Don't think that because Jamie and Aiden are on Book 3 of their story that this book is them being all happy and sappy in love. This author is not letting these men find happily ever after easily!

As we know from the previous stories (seriously, you really have to read those two books first!!), Jamie has been working on a secret case behind Aiden's back and in this book, all secrets are revealed and not easily. This book takes all the small clues we've been given and puts them all together to reveal the truth. This story is action packed, fast paced, and you'll question if you're trusting and believing the right people as this mystery unfolds. 

As with the first two books, I absolutely love Jamie. Though he's had to keep secrets from Aiden, it isn't what he wants but he'll protect his partner from suffering anymore. Jamie is who he shows himself to be. He's supportive, strong, smart, loyal, and he loves with all of his heart. As with the previous two books, I understood Aiden but I didn't always like his actions. Because of my love of Jamie, I wanted Aiden to accept the truth and to finally move on and accept the love Jamie so freely gave him. And I wanted Jamie to get that love. Like I said at the beginning, their HEA doesn't come easily, but it does happen!

Something I didn't realize until this book is that Single Malt, Book 1 of the series, was the debut book for this author. She's done a fantastic job of creating a complex story, leaving a trail of clues and then providing a fantastic conclusion! This is a must read series!!

Rating: 5++++ stars!

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.