I first found Layla Reyne through her Agents Irish and Whiskey series, which I thought started off strong and then dropped in quality towards the end. Still, when I heard that she was spinning that off into a new M/M series I was excited to read it.

I love how much action is included in these books and how that's blended with the promise of a steamy romance. It's exactly my type of book and the plots were well done and engaging.

Imperial Stout is the first book in a spin-off series, but is easily able to stand on its own. I really enjoy Miss Reyne’s approach to romantic action and suspense because she highlights the character development just as much as the suspense and cases, not to mention how quickly her twisted, long running plots pull me in. I can honestly say she once again hooked me with these characters. I enjoyed getting to know Nic and Cam better and see them together, and the little teasers for what’s to come certainly captured my attention.

Having met Nic and Cam in Agents Irish and Whiskey, I was already fairly invested in them as individuals and really happy just to see more from each of them. Admittedly, while I still enjoyed Imperial Stout, I didn’t feel as much a draw to either man as I expected at the start, but I have confidence that will change as the series continues and the characters develop more. As for the action and suspense, I loved that it was a completely different set of circumstances and background than the previous series, ensuring it felt fresh and exciting. The pacing and writing style kept the intensity and excitement ramped up, making it hard to put the book down for very long. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense and law enforcement series that have a longer-running plot as well as concurrent subplots and cases resolved in each book, I’d definitely recommend Imperial Stout.

Reviewed by Alpha Book Club

This was a great first book to a new series by Layla Reyne. It has everything I"m looking for in a book, sexual tension, great flushed out characters, and a storyline I actually want to follow.

Did not enjoy this book.

Very confusing story, with nothing really explained. Characters were not interesting, or particularly well drawn.

I will not be looking to read any further books by this author.

I started this book as is, I didn't realize it was a spin off until I was already hooked. It wasn't necessary to read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series first. It would just be a bonus. For me it will have to wait till after.

I had this on my kindle forever and I forgot about sadly. The too many books too little time problem. But now I'm kicking myself for not reading this series earlier. It was great. I loved the chemistry and banter between Cam and Nic. I also loved the bond and friendship between the other characters.

"I wasn't always Special Agent Cameron Byrne."
"I didn't expect you launched from your mother's womb as such."

Nic keeps people at arms reach for a reason but new transplant to the area Special Agent Cameron Byrne gets under is skin and takes root. I can't wait for more from Cam and Nic. I'm hooked with these two.

Imperial Stout lacked realism to the point that I was taken out of the story. Layla Reyne writes cinematic dialogue and action well, but I couldn't get over why one of the romantic heroes, a prosecutor, was also evidently some kind of secret agent. The weird discrepancies in his profession were never explained. Additionally, Imperial Stout seemed to hinge a lot on books that came before it, which I hadn't read. Ultimately not a fully satisfying read to me.

I’ve been waiting for this one, you guys. That cover, amirite?!? Guh. So, so gorgeous and eye-catching. I’ve been stoked to read this spinoff from Layla Reyne’s popular Agents Irish and Whiskey series since I heard it was in the works. If you read my review for Blended Whiskey, an Irish and Whiskey novella, then you saw my confession that I haven’t yet read Aidan and Jamie’s story arc. But, Imperial Stout, the first book in Reyne’s new Trouble Brewing series, was billed as a standalone, so I jumped in. Does the book stand alone? Largely, yes. But I do think I may have enjoyed it even more—mainly to be more familiar with the jobs and everyone’s roles—if I had read the Irish and Whiskey series. Not gonna lie, though…Nic and Cam quickly grabbed ahold of my heart!

Reyne drops us immediately into the action as Cam’s team, with assistant US attorney Dominic Price standing by in the surveillance van, tries to stop a heist and recover Nic’s witness. I must admit that I was a bit confused about the case in the beginning of the story. A heist case was briefly discussed in Blended Whiskey, so I wonder if it maybe began in the last Irish and Whiskey book, causing me to feel a little lost initially here. I did eventually get a good grasp on all the players and what was happening, but even so, the whole art heist plotline was pretty convoluted. Also, Nic’s involvement definitely seemed to go beyond what I would expect from an attorney, even an attorney in the DOJ. As an ex-SEAL, I totally get that he’d be used to being in on the action, so to speak—but, it felt at times like he did more agent-in-the-field type stuff than he did lawyer stuff.

When things go sideways in the case and members of the heist crew get away, taking the DOJ’s informant with them, Cam volunteers to go undercover to get Abby back, and find out who’s really behind the attempted theft. Cam’s past rears its head in the process, though, and while it benefits the undercover op, it brings up a lot of memories and concerns about crossing lines he promised to never cross again. Even though I felt like the case was sort of a mess, I loved getting bits and pieces of Cam, and learning more of his background. He is truly great at his job; such a quick thinker and deserving of every bit of respect he gets, I loved watching Cam in action.

And then we have Dominic Price. Sexy AF ex-SEAL and current assistant US attorney, Nic was my faaaavorite. I loved everything about him. I love that Gravity, the microbrewery he started with his buddy and former SEAL teammate, is his dream for the future, when he leaves the US Attorney’s office. And, I love that he wants to share that future with Cam. I don’t know what is so damn sexy about owning a brewery…but, it somehow did it for me! Ha! And the secondary storyline in the book, which revolves around Nic’s estranged father and the massive debt he’s in, bringing trouble and danger to Nic’s doorstep even though the two haven’t spoken in twenty-seven years, was quite compelling, and looks like it’s going to be one of the main plot points in the next book. We don’t know the whole story yet, but we do know that Curtis is a nasty piece of work. I actually might have whooped out loud and done a mini fist pump after this exchange between Nic and his dad:

His father’s gaze swung back to him. “Hardened up, huh? See, I did do something good for you after all.”

“You didn’t do shit,” Nic said, taking no small amount of satisfaction that Curtis shrank back a step. “I made me the man I am. And I won’t let your mistakes jeopardize everything I’ve worked for.”
So, yeah…Nic is sexy and awesome, and Nic and Cameron together were even better. And, we have so much more to learn about them! Reyne did an excellent job of whetting the readers’ appetite, giving us just enough to reel us in and leave us wanting more.

There were a few little things that I felt either didn’t get wrapped up or were wrapped up too quickly, but I had a ton of fun with this book, and I’m sure lots of loose ends will get tied up in Craft Brew, the next book in the series, which I already can’t wait for!

Reviewed by Jules

I LOVED THIS!!

"They might both get burned, but he was done watching the fire from a distance, holding himself back from the heat."

Before I get into my review, I want to address one important thing. This series is a spin-off from the Agents Irish and Whisky series which first introduced Nic and Cam as secondary characters. And while I really want to say that this can be read as a standalone, I'd be lying. I don't really think it can be.

Layla Reyne does a really good job of trying to bring you up to speed on who everyone is so new readers won't be confused, but unforunately, that also comes off as a bit of an information dump in the first few chapters. Also, you miss out on the nuances of all the relationship dynamics. The little things that make this story pop because you're already invested in this group of individuals who have become a family. Without having read the prior series, I just don't think a new reader will get the level of connection to these characters as is intended. And a lot of the small inside jokes and shared histories are missed out on.

BUT, good news is if you haven't read the Agents Irish and Whisky series then you have another AMAZING series to add to your eyeballs!! That series is one of my favorites. Period. Full stop. The romance between Aiden "Irish" and Jamie "Whiskey" will make you swoon. They quickly skyrocketed onto my favorite couples list by the end of the first book...and the second one (my favorite)....IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN! So my advice? Go read it all!!

Okay, let's jump into this book now.

Right from the beginning you're thrown into the suspense plot of this book. In the middle of an op, Cam and Nic are working together to take down a group of individiuals trying to steal some valuable artifacts. Balancing the outcome of the mission and the fear for each other's safety has the reader thrown right into all that tension. This sooooo worked for me. I was gripped from the opening pages!

The blurb does a perfect job of giving you a look at the plot, so I'll just focus on the feels.

TENSION!!! That's what you're going to get. Tension from the suspense element...obstacles were being thrown at them from every direction. Just when they'd find a leg up, something else would pop up. I was at the edge of my seat and glued to my kindle.

And the sexual tension OOOOHHHHH I. WAS. DYING...in the most delicious of ways. You sensed a sizzle between these two in the previous series, and then they shared a kiss at Jamie and Aidan's wedding in Blended Whisky...but here, all that yearning for another taste is bubbling underneath the surface. The secret touches. The interrupted moments. The whispered promises. The anticipation.

"Their second kiss was wild and desperate, as scorching, as the first, and Nic already wanted a third. Wanted them all."


And Layla Reyne makes you wait for it! But she also makes that wait worth it. Soooooo worth it.

"Cam trailed his open mouth along Nic's stubbled jaw and up to his ear.

"Boston..." A warning wrapped in so much desire it might as well have been a plea."

Nic and Cam had explosive chemistry. Layla Reyne is all about quality over quantity and the quality here had both me and my kindle melting.

These were two strong willed men. Highly trained and respected in both their fields. Their work is dangerous. And with feelings quickly escalating, that danger rattled the walls around their hearts. They shared things with each other that very few people, and in some cases no one, knew.

They opened themselves up to the possibility of more....to the promise of something truly special.

While one suspense element is resolved here, there's another dealing with Nic's past that's still in a delicate position. Nic and Cam are in a solid HFN and trying to figure out the best way to tackle the issues with Nic's father.

They're committed to giving their relationship a true chance. Parts of their past are still hidden behind locked doors, but each man has already begun pulling out the key.

I'm reading to dive into the next book and see where we go from here...

IMPERIAL STOUT is the first book in the Trouble Brewing series, which is a spin-off from Agents Irish and Whiskey. We jump straight into the action, both between the two main characters, Nic and Cam, and also with the job they are on. Things don't go smoothly, and Nic ends up being shot at. It seems like the fun is just starting.

I loved this story, although it does seem to focus a little bit more on the case, rather than Nic and Cam. Saying that, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they both reacted to situations that put the other under pressure. They are there for each other, even when they don't realise it.

This story was completed (in a fashion), but there is an overall story arc which is only just starting. Excellently written as I would expect, with a reunion of characters I already like. With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I can't wait to continue with the series.

Imperial Stout by author Layla Reyne is the first book in the Trouble Brewing series. I really hope to read more in this series. I love this start, it is funny, action-packed, and lots of heart and soul in this story. I really adored reading it.
Nic he is an assistant attorney. He co-owns a brewery. And his star witness has been kidnapped. He also is very buttoned down, persistent, kind, and above all loyal.
Cam is an FBI kidnap rescue specialist. He does things by the book. He is good at his job. His chemistry with Nic is off the charts hot. But they both do their jobs.
I loved Nic and his cute Boston nickname for Cam. He has a sweet smooth charm where Cam is rougher around the edges.
Watching Cam undercover and Nic worry about him was really intense. I really loved this story and cannot wait for more in the series

in the future.
Five Shooting Stars

This was such a great read. Lots of suspense, action and romance. The chemistry is so well written and is so witty I loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good action, funny and passionate story.

This is the first book in a spin-off series of Ms. Reyne’s Agents Irish & Whiskey. As such, I would not recommended reading this without reading the other series – it builds on the relationships and characters that were already introduced in the first series.

The beginnings of their relationship, and their underlying attraction, were already established in the Irish & Whiskey series, so we’re able to jump straight into angsty lust. And action! There’s no slow build to the plot, rather we’re thrown into the midst of the action.

“I wasn’t always Special Agent Cameron Byrne.”
“I didn’t expect you launched from your mother’s womb as such.”


Nic had been a Navy SEAL sniper before an injury sidelined him to JAG duty. Now he’s a US Attorney, and working closely with the newly transferred FBI agent Cam, a former kidnap and rescue expert who’s resettled in San Francisco (and dealing with just how dang expensive that city is!). A case gone sideways ends up with Cam having to relive his past by going undercover to solve the crime and protect a witness. Cam’s not the only one in danger, though – Nic’s estranged father has made some bad business deals and now goons are coming after him, too. With their current problems and their respective pasts crowding in on them, is there any room for something between them?

“Is this going to push you over the line? Break one rule, break them all?”[…]
“I broke the rules the minute I laid eyes on you, Dominic Price.”


I loved Cam from the previous series, and he lived up to my expectations in this one. Both main characters from the previous books had money, so it was nice to see the perspective of someone who’s got a decent job but still struggling to live in the SF Bay Area. Nic, I think, came off a lot more aloof in the other books, but seeing things from his perspective really made me warm up to him. While I think the chemistry between the two of them is excellent, it did feel like the book was more focused on the action and setting up the rest of the series than their romance, though what is there is pretty darn steamy. Like the previous series, there’s lots of sub-plots and secrets that are hinted at but not revealed in this book.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent start to the spin-off series, and I’m very much looking forward to the next one!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

OH NO. Unanswered questions. WHAT DO THEY ALL MEAN??? I feel like this is my general reaction to reading romantic suspense books because they all end in some kind of cliffhanger or another. I am a fan of this book and dare I say it? I can see myself loving this even more than the Agents of Irish and Walker books? I'm not saying the characters are better (because I love them all) but I think I like the overall pacing of this series more.

This new Trouble Brewing series can absolutely be read as the start to a new series, without having read the AIW series first. However, I would still recommend checking out the AIW books because we see quite a few cameos in this series and they have a fairly significant role in the love interests' lives. Besides, why wouldn't you want to see how Aiden and Jamie, and Mel and Danny got together? <3

For Imperial Stout, I adore Nic and Cam. ALSO. I can finally tell them apart now. *hides* I don't know why exactly, but I just had the most terrible time distinguishing who was who for the longest time before reading this book. Nic and Cam are super swoony together in this story and the sexual tension just builds foreverrrrr and a day (like it hasn’t been building since the AIW series).

Nic Price is no stranger to crime and the law. He's currently working as an AUSA and before that, he was in the military. Cam Byrne is a kidnap and rescue expert and Jamie's best friend from back on the east coast. He's taken up a job nearer his friends and that much closer to Nic. These two men have been dancing around their feelings for one another for awhile now and they don't quite know what to do about it.

This story starts us off right in the action and people are being shot at and nothing's going to plan. Nic and Cam are having to work together and these two men are STUBBORN ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS. The UST is real with this one. This is an age-gap romance and you can kind of see how Nic is a little more world weary and bottles up his feelings and some very important information from Cam. Cam is a little more brash and outspoken, but he's still lived a lot for someone his age so I think he matches Nic well.

We get to see a lot of action in this book and some undercover work where we find out a little more about both Nic and Cam's pasts and see how that might play into future books. Overall, I wasn't quite that interested in the case itself with this story, but I enjoyed reading about Nic and Cam, as well as seeing the return of my AIW sereis faves.

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

I’ve been wanting to read Layla Reyne for a while and I just couldn’t pass up reading IMPERIAL STOUT even though it’s a spin off series. While I was scared I would be a little lost or would feel there was something missing, I’m happy to report that the author did a good job at dropping the few tidbits of information that pertain to the connection to the previous series and I had no problem jumping into this one and enjoying it.

It’s no secret that I love my m/m packed full of alpha males and this book delivered! Nic and Cam are both take charge men. They’re badass and great at their job. I loved the dynamics between them in this book. There was a kiss before this book started but they were still staying away from each other and they are working an important case here. It’s always nice when the author gives enough importance to the suspense plot around the romance and not let the romance hinder that. I thought that balance was nicely done here.

Overall, I can’t wait to continue reading this series! And I definitely need to catch up with the first series because I have a feeling this can turn into one of my go-to m/m authors.

Favorite Quotes:

All sings pointed to danger.
So of course his fucking dick wanted to run right to it.

“I really want to kiss you again.”
Nic smirked. “Why do you think I brought the stout?”
“Cause it’s my favorite.”
Using his hand around Cam’s neck, Nic angled the other man’s face in and licked his lips. Tasting, teasing. “No, Boston. ‘Cause I like the taste of my beer on you.”

This just didn’t work for. It didn’t give me all the feels. Also, I didn’t get why Noah, a US ADA, would be involved and participate in an FBI operation/raid. I didn’t think prosecutors did that. Not to mention I didn’t feel that pulse-pounding suspense and urge to keep turning pages to find out what was going to happen next in both the plot and the romance. Since it’s a romance and the publisher promised in the book description an HEA/HFN, it’s a given that Cam and Noah would give in to their attraction and end up together; unfortunately, getting there wasn’t very interesting.

I was so glad when I saw this book is out. I read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series last year and I love those guys. I remember liking Dominic, even though he was dating Irish while Whiskey was and -- well, it was upsetting for both Whiskey and I. then when Whiskey’s bff Cameron showed up, I figured we’d see his story sometime soon. And here it is.

The attraction between Nic and Cameron begins before this book, when they kissed at a wedding. So, it’s already established that these two share an attraction and think about each other a lot. Once Nic’s witness goes missing, Cameron goes undercover to find her. Just a little angst and danger before we finally get to see these two take each other for a test drive, so to speak.

This is Book #1 in this series. So while Cam and Nic are in a good place at the end, Nic’s past has come back to haunt him and the ending promises more to come. I like these guys, and I like the other members of this world which come to visit here. If you enjoy the Whiskey and Irish cast, you’ll like this one too.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

https://wp.me/p6h30q-2R0

When I got approved for an ARC I was so excited especially after a friend had praised this author's books. I started it and was so lost, I had no idea what was going. I figured it was my fault since I had not read the Whisky series, so I went and read that hoping it will make a difference. It didn't. I see had no idea what was going on.

It felt rushed, we were immediately dumped into the crime scene, there was no romance between the characters. I was bored really. I like my mystery interspersed with romance.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a pure pleasure read. I’ve been waiting for Nic and Cam’s book and it doesn’t disappoint. The tension between the men was hinted at in the past few Agents Irish and Whiskey books and I loved finally getting to know them as leading men in their own right.

I loved Cameron’s murky past and the moral grey areas he is thrown into in the present. I loved the more unbuttoned side of Dominic and the microbrewery was a delight. Both of them have enough family drama to support a series and both of them have just the right balance between hero and antihero for me.

I do have to interrupt my fangirling to admit that I don’t think the plotting in this story is as strong as it has been in previous books. There are some exciting moments but there are also a few scenes that left me a little bit bewildered. The first few books in the series introduced a fresh approach to FBI work but this one rests on some tired and borrowed tropes. The action is still exciting but some of the magic I’ve come to expect from this author is missing.

While this book is marketed as the first in a spinoff series, it really won’t work as a standalone. Readers need to read the Agents Irish and Whiskey books and it would help to also read the shorts.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Imperial Stout is a spin off from the Agents Irish & Whiskey series, which was my favourite series of 2017. This new series sees Assistant DA Dominic teaming up with FBI kidnap specialist Cam.

The story presents us with two mysteries of sorts. The crime that Cam and Nic are trying to solve and a different set of bad guys threating Nic thanks to his father’s shady dealings. The action is well done and the story moves fast and it had me hooked. There is a fantastic scene outside Nic’s brewery that I’d love to see on screen because in my head it was brilliant and showed how kick A$%^ Nic is.

The sexual tension between the two men is totally hot. Working together, they should probably not get involved but it is clear that it is only a matter of time before the one kiss they shared becomes two or three or more. It isn’t rushed and their connection is more than physical.

I love stories that mix action, crime solving, and romance and it is a formula Layla Reyne has down pat. Imperial Stout is another five-star book from Ms. Reyne and she has quickly become a must-read author for me.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I have read all the books in the previous series and I was excited for this new series. I have a feeling that I will end up loving this series, but right now this book was too much for me. Too much going on, too much buildup, and not enough of Nic and Cam. I hate wordy books and this one is wordy, but I figured it would be because the first book in the last series was too. This was a good start to the entire plot and storyline but hopefully we will get more of Nic and Cam and them in the following books.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a fabulous start to a new series – and follows on from the wonderful Agents Irish and Whiskey series. In fact, they also appear as important parts of this book, so if you are having withdrawal symptoms this will help!

A full-on thriller, with two very much hot for each other leads, you will be whisked into the mayhem and chaos from the very beginning. It will help if you have some history on some of the team, but they are all introduced as necessary too. Nic is not only fighting his need to be actively involved, when his role as prosecutor is usually more sedentary, but also threats due to his father. This extra dimension makes him behave in ways which are not clear to those around him, as he tries to keep the problem away from Cam in particular.

There is definitely a lot going on and keeping it all straight is a challenge, but well worth it. As the immediate case comes to an end, it is clear that the series is going to have an ongoing and underlying threat running through it, which will ramp up the drama as it affects the people we are growing to care about the most. As the layers are peeled away and we get to see the full extent of the damage done to Nic in the past, I think that Cam will become even more protective, which is definitely a trait he does well. I think they are a great match, and now that they are breaking the rules of public engagement, they are infernally hot!

Imperial Stout is one heck of a ride! This book was loaded with suspense and some hardcore lust. We also get to keep up with Aidan and Jamie as well as Melissa and Danny. Thier rolls are secondary but still powerful.

The romance was off the charts. It is a slow build with extreme lust before they finally give in to it. When they let go of their worries and hangups about being together they are incredibly hot. Then the suspense keeps the reader on their toes. And a lot of suspicions arise.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The writing was descriptive, the characters were nicely complex, and the plot was engaging and so hard to put down. I love this book and these new characters. I look forward to the next book and I definitely recommend this one.

I fell in love with Layla Reyne and her Agents Irish and Whiskey series. When I found out we were getting another trilogy from her, this time for Cam and Nic I was so happy.

On the surface the two men don’t look like they’d work. Both men have their own rules and ways to doing things, but maybe that’s what makes them work. Cam doesn’t let Nic hide from him, despite his best efforts. Nic challenges Cam and the push/pull arguments between them are some of the best moments of their relationship.

Imperial Stout starts off with Nic and Cam in the thick of the action. They’re working together to take down a heist crew, but it seems that everything they try ends end disaster, putting their joint operation in jeopardy.

I love the range that Layla Reyne can write in. This series has a very different feel than the first one. Cam and Nic are very different people compared to Jamie and Aidan and I loved getting to know them more.

Nic is a surprise, as he is perceived as one person but underneath his perfect suits he’s someone else entirely. His past is something he wants to keep locked up tight and I can’t even begin to imagine how everything is going to play out, especially since Cam isn’t going to let him hide for long.

Cam, I was intrigued by Jamie’s best friend. He seemed both stiff, yet fun and easy going at the same time. He takes his job very seriously, loves hard and will do whatever it takes for those he cares about. He’s perfect for Nic as he can take everything thrown at him with the patience and determination needed to get past Nic’s tightly wound control.

All the punches are pulled in this book. Nic and Cam fall together again and again despite the initial resistance. Their jobs become life and death when nothing seems to go the way they want them to. And both their pasts seem to come back to haunt them in very different ways.
When they’re together, when they let everything go and just be together they realize that they might have something. The question I have is, what will Layla Reyne do to them before they’re able to fully explore what they’re brewing?